A torrential rain fell down hard in an opening of the forest. Tall grass and weeds waist high dominated that small area. In the center of the opening, a tall single obelisk stood out almost completely swallowed by over growth and underbrush albeit weathered by the elements. The inscriptions and symbols in ancient Valkyrie could still be made out. The deafening sounds of the rain came down stopped by the canopy leaves of trees near by could only be heard, almost completely drowning out the sound of someone suffering and wailing in agony.
Lying down in a patch of tall grass writhing in apparent excruciating pain was a Valkyrie in full dull grey battle armor plates over the standard white attire. Aside from being totally drenched from the rain, she showed no outward signs of having been in a battle. The shield which was discarded to the side had a Valkyrie crest of Odin but also contained within it the number designation of 418.
The Valkyrie was crying which was hard to distinguish amongst the drops of rain. Her eyes were bloodshot, her face laden with anguish, and her body convulsed involuntarily through her hitched and labored breathing. Her voice was raspy through the wails apparently from crying for hours on end if not longer.
Time passed slowly showing no respite to the rain or the Valkyrie's tears.
A singular Valkyrie form then emerged from the dense forest. Their face and form obscured by a heavy water resistant cloak with a full hood. A cloth covered her nose and mouth with only her bright blue eyes showing. This Valkyrie scanned the area and slowly made their way to the sounds. Her movements were silent and refined that of a professional tracker. She also wore no designations with only a generic sword and dagger mounted securely on her belt.
Upon reaching the crying Valkyrie, she knelt down and assessed the downed Valkyrie's condition. She gently removed the downed Valkyrie's hands which was covering her heart which seemed to be the apparent source of the pain and replaced it with her own hand for a couple seconds but removed them quickly when the crying Valkyrie shrugged them off forcefully.
"You knew!" The crying Valkyrie spat out accusingly in the between her wails. She slowly got back on her feet still doubled over in pain. The other Valkyrie stood up as well and they faced each other, never making a sound.
"I … I'm fallen but.. but" the injured Valkyrie stuttered through her hitched breathing. "I'm freaking BONDED to that stupid succubus! BONDED!" She then pointed her index finger weakly the hooded Valkyrie.
The other Valkyrie just shook her head crisply to let her know her assertion was incorrect.
"BULLSHIT!" the injured Valkyrie screamed at the top of her lungs in agony stumbling forward a half step. She found it in her will so stand up somewhat straight albeit through the pain. "Don't give me that SHIT! It fucking HURTS so much." She winced in pain. "To not be near her, to feel her gentle touch on my cheeks, hear her soft soothing voice, her loving embrace, smell her intoxicating scent…." She wailed out with tears combining with the rain on her face.
The hooded Valkyrie tilted her head and her eyes had a questioning gaze as to why she couldn't do those things.
The injured Valkyrie crumbled to the ground onto her knees and yelled out in a raspy tone "Because, I just gave her away! FUUUCKK Meeeee!" She brought her hands immediately up to cover her face as she shook her head in disbelief. "To some under deserving human doctor!" She just knelt there and cried for a couple of minutes and when she looked up to the hooded Valkyrie, the Valkyrie made a hand gesture for slitting someone's throat.
The injured Valkyrie spoke more evenly now but her breathing was still hitching "Because WHO am I or WE to judge this human? We've done so much fucked up stuff in our lives that her misdeeds are meager compared even a small fraction of mine. And don't you dare hurt her! Shit! I also swore an oath to keep the human doctor safe too. Besides I have such little time left and Bo deserves better than to be concerned about the evils a Valkyrie brings from Odin's order, a fallen one at that. She's a fucking succubus. I want … I need her to be happy. The doctor preceded me and… SHIT… and she will also succeed me too." The Valkyrie doubled over in pain again yelping "GODS it hurts! Fucking bond!"
The hooded Valkyrie shook her head once more and then crossed her arms over her heart denoting the universal sign for love.
The kneeing Valkyrie then lashed out in anger over her pain. "IS THIS JUST LOVE WE ARE DEALING WITH! Fuck you! The same love that is giving, patient, gentle and kind? But …. "She winced in anguish and cried out "But it is also relentlessly unforgiving, abrasive, hurtful, and unjust! Uggg! It cuts me to the core like any sword and burns like the fires of hell! Make it stop!" She collapsed back to the ground holding her hand over her aching heart. "Gods, I just want to KILL Lauren for touching my succubus like that."
"So if this is love, does being bonded make these feelings stronger?!" the wounded Valkyrie said finally kneeing before the hooded Valkyrie looking up at her expectantly.
It was a simple and very slight nod that came from the hooded Valkyrie but the Valkyrie was taken off guarded when the downed Valkyrie latched onto the bottom of her rain hood still kneeling.
The injured Valkyrie immediately cried out begging in a bust of tears and sobs "IT'S TOO HIGH! THE PRICE OF LOVE IS ALREADY TOO HIGH! Make it stop! ….. PLEASE!... I can't take this anymore. This is fucking torture." She sobbed and yelled holding her heart "Please end this! Kill me! I want to die a warrior's death in Valhalla." She stated forcefully through her hoarse voice pleading for mercy from the hooded Valkyrie.
The hooded Valkyrie shook her head vehemently. She backed up in an apparent attempt to remove the begging Valkyrie from her to no avail.
The wounded Valkyrie's wails continued still in the rain. She finally let go and stood up to face the hooded one and spoke as calmly as she could.
"We are creatures of DUTY. Valkyries are useless if they don't serve a god. I can't go to Odin since I burned that bridge and I will not beg him for my powers back. I can't go to Freya since I've done too many unspeakable deeds. And … I can't even go back to my goddess Bo because I can't serve her without thinking about killing her girlfriend Lauren!" She said grabbing hold of the hooded Valkyrie's shoulders. She continued with tears still streaming down her face "I only have ONE.. And ONLY ONE duty left! EXPIRE! ….. And for you, you will strike down the growing rebellious sentiment in Valhalla with my death. RECLAIM you rightful place in 111. Odin will gladly accept you back into the fold after this."
The hooded Valkyrie still backed up more and shook her head.
"FUCKING DO IT!" the other Valkyrie pleaded in a yell pushing her back. "Because I can't live like this anymore. I'd do it for you. Please sister, do it for me and do it for the good of Valhalla! No one will miss my wretched soul."
The hooded Valkyrie slowly drew her sword and a smile of relief came on the other Valkyrie's face as she knelt down and leaned forward exposing her neck. She stated to herself "I love you Bo, my goddess of the new order. You are the one and I gladly forfeit my life for you. Death, I remand my soul voluntarily without reservation into the merciful comfort of your embrace."
The hooded Valkyrie took her position then brought her sword up high above her head taking aim and at its apex swung down swiftly.
Tamsin jolted up from her sleep in panic. She was sweating, and disoriented. Tears were still rolling off her cheeks. She was in her apartment alone. It was a bad dream she initially thought, but it felt so real. It was also not far from the truth which was disturbing. Then she felt a Valkyrie try to contact her via the link. There was no voice, but she could feel a presence and it felt urgent. It was Hildr.
'Hildr I'm ok. You had the dream too? Well let's not get ahead of ourselves. I'm stronger than that.' Tamsin thought back. It really sucked that Hildr took an oath of silence at Odin's request.
Tamsin still felt that Hildr still had some urgency.
'FINE. I will have Arin escort me to meet you later today in the hall. I hope to gods that we don't start any trouble. OK?' Tamsin thought back to Hildr.
With that, Hildr's presence faded.
She and Bo were working different fronts for the past couple weeks and Tamsin did that on purpose. She needed for Bo to have a life without her and for Tamsin, she needed to break her addiction to the succubus. The ironic part was that she ended up yearning for her more. A simple text messages that even said 'Hi' from Bo would make her heart flutter.
Tamsin kept herself busy training Kendra's team, and assisting in taking down smaller drug distributors and manufacturers. She no longer worked as she did before as a one person show, but took Kendra's advice and allowed and trusted the team to have her back. It was a big change for her, but it had to happen if she needed to stay alive long enough to fulfill her mission. Tamsin was actually getting a little disheartened about finding Lauren. It was not through lack of trying, but Laruen was hiding well she had to admit. All the logical places she would be, including the place her and Bo found on a satellite map were not it. They were just drug manufacturing facilities. Tamsin just kept plugging away at it expanding her search radius constantly.
In Tamsin's off time, when there was a such, she kept herself busy maintaining her weapons as well as other tactical gear she needed out in the field and then some. It took her mind off her problems concerning her fallen status, her fast approaching expiration, and even if for a moment break her constant thoughts concerning Bo. Bo however, had managed to touch every part of what Tamsin did, even though her hobbies had little bearing or interest for Bo.
Tamsin started to pull a few weapons form her 'armory' and customize very select items for Bo. For herself , Tamsin's weapons were all black, muted gray, brushed sliver and it just concentrated on the functionality piece of them. She was the definition of utilitatian after all. AKA how efficiently those items can kill in her hands. She seldomly had a weapons that were flashy or ornate in any way unless they came to her that way. The reason why Tamsin noticed her gun on Bo in the hospital was because the gun she wore 'clashed' with the rest of her. Well that and the ridiculous interview type attire Bo wore at the time. For Bo, if she planned to be part of law enforcement, Tamsin brooded, Bo needed something that was both functional, worked for Bo at her skill level, and reflected Bo's sense of style. 'Style'. The very last item on a Valkyrie's check list if on the list at all, but for once functionality AND style had equal precedence to be even in Bo's possession. The main problem was that nothing Tamsin had on hand as pieces or as a whole worked. This alone pushed Tamsin to be artistically creative. Something only Bo unbeknownst to her, awakened in the Valkyrie. Bo already had a dagger, so Tamsin worked on Bo's Glock 23C pistol and SVD Dragunov Sniper rifle almost every night. Tamsin ensured to engrave each with her chosen emblem for Bo, a dragon. Tamsin's emblem on some of her items she favored was a griffin which she chose for herself. Arin as a practical joke, since Valkyrie's don't have coat of arms or emblems, engraved a griffin with an arrow clasped in its jaws, on some of her gear as well.
While Tamsin was working the weeks in precinct 69, Bo was with Dyson working at precinct 39 and when she wasn't, she was with Kenzi's clients. Was Tamsin jealous with Bo was working very closely with one of her ex's? Not so much because Dyson had Kendra. Kendra was learning a lot from Trick, Dyson and even her. Every now and then, Kendra would express her feelings about Dyson in the form of short off handed comments. Tamsin tried not to care, but besides Arin, Kendra was the next closest thing to a sister since they worked together so closely. Kendra in a nut shell was confused about what was expected of her and what she needed to do relationship wise. They were torn between being good friends and a couple. Tamsin just listened. Who was she to give advice in the relationship field after all? Tamsin did however come to the conclusion that just by the erratic way they acted around each other, their body language, and caring about the other's feelings, yup they were a couple. This not letting go of their past loves to Tamsin was total BS she mused. Also Kendra spent almost half of each week with Dyson and at times Bo on cases in addition to her research. That left Tamsin in charge the days she was gone, but it was fine.
Everyone however was gearing up for the wedding. All of Kendra's team opted in since the pay was surprisingly good for a weekend job. Kenzi bought a very expensive dress at a severe discount since she was about the only size 0 girl out there. That and her vast array of connections. It was fortuitous and coincidental that Dimitri was able to hook her up. Kenzi also made sure to go to the police firing range with Kendra every time she was there. That was good. It not only relieved the burden of Tamsin from doing it, but Kendra and Kenzi were actually becoming better friends Tamsin observed. Not that Kenzi was going to carry Stalingrad to the wedding, but Kenzi was excited to learn how to handle the AK. Besides, Tamsin deduced, Stalingrad did not match Kenzi eccentric dressing style. She however feared the moment that Kenzi would accessorize Stalingrad to match her outfit. Well the only thing that Stalingrad had that matched Kenzi's clothing line was the fact it was already black.
It was 3AM and against her better judgment she got dressed and drove the 2 hour long drive to Bo's place. Tamsin wanted to make sure Bo was safe and the fact she was just inexplicably drawn to her. She left Kendra a message that she would not be in that day. During the drive she kept trying to convince herself to turn around, but found out pretty soon she was already parked in front of the crack shack.
Tamsin broke in as usual and found Bo sleeping blissfully at bed. She wore nothing on under the sheets Tamsin observed. That and the glaring fact that her skimpy silk pajama top and underwear were in a haphazard pile on the floor next to the bed. Bo also had her phone next to her.
Things stated to add up but Tamsin wanted to satisfy her curiosity. She picked up Bo's phone and unlocked it. She knew Bo's code, she was a detective after all. As plain as day, the last item Bo looked at before she went to sleep was a picture of her in the cargo container sans clothing. 'Wow Bo did miss me after all' Tamsin mused with an evil grin.
Before Tamsin could complete that thought Bo sat up suddenly grabbed Tamsin's thighs with an apparently practiced move flung Tamsin on the bed to land next to her. Tamsin was not only now trapped in a bone crushing hug but a deep kiss as well. 'How the fuck did she know I was here. I made no noise.' Tamsin thought to herself but caulked it all up to a some informal bond between the 2.
Bo finally fell asleep thinking about her Valkyrie post release but in the early morning she felt that Tamsin was just staring at her. She opened eye's just enough to find that Tamsin was looking at he her phone. 'Great she knows exactly how I got to sleep' Bo thought. But she just missed her so much that as soon as Tamsin put the phone back on the bed, she grabbed her. Bo didn't want to take the chance that Tamsin might leave. She kissed Tamsin urgently and through the kiss knew that it was her Valkyrie and not Arin.
"Tamsin, what a surprise. Do you know it is bad manners not to knock?" Bo asked cuddling next to Tamsin.
Tamsin just lay back in defeat and let out a flustered huff. "Well I wanted to make sure that any attackers in the area were taken by surprise."
"Well now that you're here, make yourself comfortable. We've gotta couple more hours to sun up." Bo purred as she released her Valkyrie.
"So you stopped resorting to just ripping my clothes off? For all you know I could be Arin." Tamsin teased.
Bo just smiled confidently and said "I *CAN* if you want. TAMSIN. I know it's you, but feel free to invite Arin."
"Ugggg… OK" Tamsin conceded sitting up. "I'll stay to SLEEP. I've gotta see my sis later."
"Who said anything about succusex? Of course. It's way too early for me anyway." Bo murmured on her side.
Tamsin peeled off her jacket, shirt, pants and shoes. She was about to lie back down when Bo kneeled next to Tamsin and also help her out of her remaining under garments in a very efficient manner. "Bo…." Tamsin warned.
"What? I just want you to be comfy" Bo said feigning the best angelic looks she could muster.
"Uggg… fine" Tamsin said as she lay down next to Bo.
"Night." Bo said hugging her Valkyrie and she spread the bed cover over her. She was hungry for Valkyrie Chi since she was starved from it for weeks, but she also respected Tamsin. She had been feeding off other Fae during the week, but nothing beat Tamsin's taste.
After a couple of seconds Tamsin spoke up. "It was a good thing you took care of business with my picture earlier" Tamsin said exhaling with an evil grin.
"Go to sleep please." Bo concluded closing her eyes.
"Oh good for a moment there I thought that having THAT picture of me would only make you more sexually frustrated. But I was wrong. Never happens by the way." Tamsin huffed out in a laugh but wanted to see how far she could tease the succubus.
"Tamsin, remind me to change my lock code. NOW get some REST" Bo commanded never opening her eyes.
Tamsin let out a small laugh looking at the ceiling. She then said in a seductive tone, "And all along I thought you wanted to caress my TIGHT TONED body all over since I have been working out a LOT more. Then explore my FIRM breasts with your lips using your tongue to sample the nectar of my flower. After all that, you'd continually sack, ravage and plunder your Valkyrie into mind blowing multiple orgasms while making me scream worshiping you as I peak, over and ov…. "
"TAMSIN! FUCKING STOP ALREADY!" Bo said jolting up in all seriousness staring Tamsin down with bright blue eyes ready to feed.
"Opppps sorry Mickey blue eyes" Tamsin said in faux shock but then tweaked one of Bo's tips which caused her to let out a high pitched moan, "I guess was right *ALL ALONG*. No surprise there." After a brief pause she shut her eye's quickly and said "Good night Bo." She felt so much better that she won. Leave it to a virtuous succubus to not feed even though her body was screaming for it.
"Evil, pure evil." Bo said when she closed her eyes and made them return to their normal coloration. She hugged her Valkyrie and went to sleep.
Bo wanted Tamsin for more than just feeding. Bo found out just how much she loved her when they were apart. Bo felt increasingly guilty however about Tamsin's mission. It wasn't so much that finding Lauren and bringing her back into the fold was the troublesome part, it was the fact that Tamsin and Bo both agreed to give Lauren one more shot. For Bo, in her heart, Tamsin already surpassed Lauren. In the weeks they were apart, Tamsin made sure to be available for her on cases via phone. It impressed Dyson that Bo was so keen on Fae related items, but it was Tamsin that guided her. Tamsin, although not the touchy feely type offered her moral support the best she could. Bo could sense that Tamsin did get slightly jealous when Bo did feed from others when they were apart. Bo knew that this would happen since they were so close. As such, Bo offered to only let Tamsin dominate her and no one else. Bo wanted to save something special only reserved for her Valkyrie. That actually helped since Bo felt comfortable enough to discuss her feeds with Tamsin. Something she never broached with Dyson or would even think of and a sensitive topic for Lauren. Tamsin did not pass judgment and was immensely patient with her. It felt a little odd when Tamsin suggested certain Fae that should have more Chi capacity. But to Bo, that was Tamsin. Bluntly honest if she didn't evade the answer. This was what made their relationship really blossom to a great extent when they were apart.
Before Tamsin fell asleep, she thought to Arin 'Hey, I need to visit Hildr in Valhalla since she is forbidden to come to our plane. Meet me at Bo's place later and escort me to her?'
'Hey sis, sure. So how was operation break addiction working out since you are probably in Bo's arms right now.' Arin thought back as she got up herself in her Spartan sleeping quarters in Valhalla.
'Miserable failure. Don't ask. Bo is even more committed to me now and I on the other hand can't stop thinking about her. Uggg. Just get here in a couple hours. Knowing this succubus, she'd try to keep me in bed all day and run through all the karma sutra positions in one setting.' Tamsin thought back as sleep started to make her lids heavy.
'Got it. I'll make sure to ID myself first BEFORE I enter the room. She's my succubus after all. She told me so.' Arin thought back as she smirked and got dressed in civilian clothes to meet Tamsin.
'Fuck you. Don't make me continue the you're such a prude fight, 'cus I'd win.' Tamsin grinned closing her eyes.
Bo and Tamsin slept in total bliss.
Kendra woke up in her bed and she smiled as she knew she was in Dyson's company. Dyson was supposed to go back home after he dropped her off, but she easily changed his mind once all her cloths quickly hit the ground in the foyer. 'Men, so easily convinced. No Ancient Chinese secret needed.' She mused.
She and Dyson were kind of, well most of the time arguing in the field. They both had differing points of view on how to do things. Dyson was more by the Fae books and Kendra applied human logic, morals and laws. Dyson noticed she had a reckless streak too. As such, Kendra was also a little more aggressive since she knew she was taking down Fae at a distinct disadvantage being human. That and most of the Fae she captured insulted her human qualities, so she even had more to prove. Big mistake for the captured Fae.
Despite of all the arguing in the field, they still managed to get the job done. Bo sometimes got between both of them to smooth things over. At the end of the day however, Dyson and Kendra still managed to set aside all their differences and find solace in each other's company. It was the hot cold dynamic between the two of them but it worked.
On a physical level, Kendra still could not go all the way with Dyson, though she trusted him. She was still haunted by Eric and her quest for retribution. She felt that if she moved on to another, it would do a disservice to Eric's memory since his killers were not yet brought to justice. She did however, do her best to help Dyson keep focused better on both physical and mental fronts while working with Bo. Kendra knew that Dyson was facing his own set of demons. Only problem was that Bo was no ghost. She was very real and her wiles, although unintentional, were calling out to Dyson in her every movement.
Kendra had been training with Tamsin and working with Jessica's team on weekends. Jessica's core team was fine, but they pulled in 5 more new recruits. They needed work. Some more than others. Speaking of Jessica, her brash statements to her when they first met still got to her. She tried not to think about it, but they just kept coming back. Dyson was stoking her tummy again which meant he was up and probably was coping a feel. Maybe 2 Kendra surmised.
Dyson had to admit, he had deep feelings for Kendra. Her being human really didn't matter to him anymore. She may not have Fae powers, but like Kenzi was, Kendra had a lot more going for her that more than made up for it. Sure they argued a lot, but they still found a way to respect one another. When they were not at each other throats, they worked really well together and yes, at the end of the day, if Kendra was with Dyson, she always bedded with him. This added to the closeness and bond each of them felt he brooded. Dyson was thankful that Kendra understood him and accepted him the way he was and in many ways Kendra and Dyson acted exactly a couple when they were together. He stroked her ripped stomach as he thought almost in an unconscious gesture to caring.
"Hey Dyson. Do you think I've lost myself in this quest of being total hell bent on revenge?" Kendra said softly to Dyson who was spooning behind her.
This broke Dyson out of his trace and focused on what she just said. 'Yes' was a blunt answer but it was not really 100% true. Kendra every now and then showed qualities of her past self. One that was joyful, forgiving, gentle and fair. All those slowly faded after Eric's passing. It was so gradual, few people around her noticed, but for Dyson who saw her seldomly, it was pretty much night and day.
"Not really. If that were so, you would've pulled the trigger on Grizzal and would not have accepted the position to be part of Derrick and Erica's wedding security." Dyson said reassuringly.
"Dyson, I love how you sugar coat things for me." Kendra smiled. She did after all like that Dyson was honest, but not brutally so. She needed that because when they argued, she shut down and became stubborn and obstinate. "Well, the reason for Grizzal is obvious, you talked me out of it. As for the wedding…." Kendra stated and hesitated for a moment "Jessica went off on me. It's been bothering me for weeks now."
"She did?" Dyson asked surprised. "I met her last weekend when you were training, and she seemed very calm, collected, and smart."
"Yup. I never told you I said no to her initially. Then she just blew up on me. She called me a 'one trick pony' hell bent solely on revenge. So much so that I was a disgrace to the shield and the oath I took when I joined the force. She also told me to I was a self-centered pompous ass." Kendra said in all seriousness but she felt Dyson holding back a snicker on the last sentence since they were laying down flush with one another but she just ignored it. "She would have gone further except her second in command Dimitri stopped her. Ohhhh shut up Dyson." Kendra let out slightly annoyed as she turned around and to face him and push him away gently but smiled playfully "I'm being serious here."
Dyson took a moment to calm down. It was ironic that Dyson was guiding her gently, but it seemed that Jessica was abrasively blunt but still got her to sign on. Rather than point that out quite humorously, he just murmured "Those statements shouldn't bother you if they were unfounded." He said with calmly.
"Yea, that's what I thought." Kendra said all deflated. Jessica was right and Dyson confirmed in nicely. The truth was the truth.
After some silence Dyson finally spoke up.
"Kendra, you have a rich and vibrant personality. Don't let one singular event take it all away." Dyson said looking into Kendra's deeply expressive chocolate brown eyes.
Dyson sat up to look at her. The form of her body covered by a thin sheet.
Kendra gazed up toward nothingness and then spoke. "I guess, Jessica may be right. I'm just a vigilante with a badge. I can't seem to move on when I keep dreaming about the moment Eric was killed. I'm stuck in time and so fucked up. It's only a matter of time before I get removed from the force." Kendra looked away from Dyson depressed. She prided herself on her accomplishments, but what were they without Eric?
"Don't say that. The Kendra I first met is still here with me." Dyson grinned looking at her.
"What's left of her anyway." She exhaled still not looking Dyson in the eyes. "I am so scared to lose his memory, but the more nightmares I have, it gets harder and harder to remember." Kendra finally sat up and looked at Dyson in her thin almost sheer sleep wear.
"Sometimes we are so scared to let go because of fear of the unknown, sometimes letting go is the correct thing to do to move forward." Dyson expressed calmly. "I am not saying to forget what happened, I am saying to accept it instead of resisting it. Trying to correct the past is an exercise in futility." He could tell Kendra was processing what he just said.
"I can't accept what happened. How can I?" Kendra said trying to not let her anger get a hold of her. "Eric's last words to me were to fall back and leave him behind. I had his flank and also had an over watch position with a small fire squad. I saw what happened. All of it. "Kendra stated as controlled as she could. "I never got a chance to say goodbye. No I love yous. I just always assumed that we always came out unscathed. I was so naïve and it hurts Dyson." Kendra looked away as a tear came to her eyes but did not fall.
Dyson then thought of something. "Kendra, you still have a chance to say your goodbyes."
"What? By talking to a tombstone" Kendra shot back somewhat angrily. She still did her best to control it. It was not a good side of her.
"Kendra, just for one minute, pretend I am Eric" Dyson suggested. "Say what you need to say. I'm sure Eric will hear you."
"Dyson, I can't." Kendra said looking away again. "I don't know what to say and I don't know if you will be able to handle me." She knew what she had to say if Eric could hear her would be heart breaking. She tried her best not to think about it.
"Just try it." Dyson said putting his arm around her. "You have nothing to lose and everything to gain."
After a long silence, Kendra felt that Dyson was right. She decided to do her best although Dyson in no way looked like Eric. She turned to him and slowly said "Eric. I'm sorry I failed you. I miss you so much." Once Kendra admitted those statements, her feelings she tried too hard to numb came back. She began crying as a slow cascade of tears fell off her face. Her breathing was still controlled.
Dyson wiped her tears and said in a caring manner "Kendra, I love you and there was nothing you could have done. Stop blaming yourself for something that was inevitable. It was a bad situation for all of us."
Kendra then yelled out to 'Eric' in a wail. "It's my fucking fault you couldn't fall back! I had your back and as you were retreating I… I…" Kendra stopped. She couldn't admit this secret to anyone ever. Not even Eric.
Dyson rubbed her back gently to reassure her and softly whispered, "Kendra, It's ok. Whatever it is, it isn't you fault."
Kendra covered her eyes with face with her hands, and through her hitched breathing brought them down suddenly grasped 'Eric' by the upper arms as if trying to make him get something "I'M THE ONE THAT FUCKING SHOT YOU ERIC! That's why you couldn't fight or retreat! FORGIVE ME! PLEASE because I CAN'T!" Kendra let out crying desperately as she reached out and hugged Dyson tightly.
Dyson remembered reviewing Eric's op several times for 'editing purposes' and it occurred to him, that Eric COD was not a bullet wound but bites and deeps cuts from shape shifters. Eric was alive for all of it unfortunately. Dyson thought on his feet though. There was mention of a bullet passing through his bicep of his left arm essentially grazing him. He attributed it to a ricochet from friendly fire. Also the report mentioned that Kendra and fire squad were under heavy attack as they fell back, Kendra stayed in a forward position to cover Eric who was the only person left in his squad. To make matters worse, a shifter had battered Kendra up so baldy she was already bleeding out and had several concussions. Even through all that she made a valiant effort to hold on. Kendra's injuries were so bad, it took over a week in the hospital for her to recuperate. Dyson knew, he actually dropped in for a visit.
Dyson then held onto her and said soothingly. "Kendra, you were severely mauled by a shifter, bleeding out and probably had issues staying conscious. In addition your team was dealing with shifters within meters of your over watch position. You did your absolute best and then some for the terrible situation we were in. Besides, you only grazed my left arm. Please stop blaming yourself. There is nothing to forgive."
Kendra just kept sobbing in Dyson's arms. She actually truly believed it was Eric since he knew everything about the incident. Kendra then said something that surprised Dyson since it was not listed in any of the reports or evals.
"I swore to myself that … that I'd follow you to whatever end a.. a… and I can't even get that right." Kendra let out in anguish crying some more. "When I saw what they were doing to your lifeless body, I was in so much pain… I drew my backup weapon... Pointed it at myself… and... FUCKING SQUEEZED the trigger! The round had bad primer Eric….. A FUCKING BAD PRIMER!" Kendra yelled at the top of her lungs as she sobbed uncontrollably. "I would have cycled to the next round to try again except my remaining squad grabbed me and pulled me out kicking and screaming."
Dyson had no idea that Eric meant that much to Kendra. She wasn't kidding about Eric being Cerberus' heart. Dyson knew Kendra was broken and set to self destruct but he had no idea she was also suicidal. Either that or she was extremely loyal. Bad primers in newly manufactured rounds have an extremely low rate of occurrence. The well-made ones anyway. The odds of it occurring were akin to getting hit by lightning. Dyson had to think about how to respond to that. Through all this pain, Kendra still managed to excel in her career. Now he also understood how she achieved so many sharp shooter awards after Eric's death. She just couldn't forgive herself for missing. He felt sorry her, this string of bad luck didn't happen to many people in his life time which was thousands of years, but to happen all within a human life span? Unheard of. Every time she had a setback, she adjusted to compensate, but humans were no match for Fae when she joined the force. Life had a twisted sense of humor at times and the joke was getting old. As tough as Kendra was, she was on the verge of a mental collapse but she hid her weaknesses extremely well.
"Kendra, the odds of getting a dud bullet are almost nonexistent. I know that there has to be a higher power at work. You have a destiny to fulfill. Something bigger than yourself." Dyson murmured.
"Will someone please tell me what the heck it is other than avenging your death? Eric, I can't leave this world now. When you left…. " Kendra paused trying to collect herself though still crying, "I was ALONEEEEE! That was hell on earth. There was no one left to look out for me. But I was the highest ranking person on the team after that op. So I fail miserably then got promoted. Ironic. It's the only thing that held me together and the only thing I have left."
Kendra broke down in another fit of crying as she squeaked out quickly, "God I want to be with you again Eric, but now heaven seems so far away."
Dyson didn't respond. There was no need to. He just had to be there for her as he caressed her back gently.
Kendra sobbed enfolded in Dyson's arms through the morning. Kendra realized later in error though that it was no longer just her team that was keeping her going. It was now Dyson too. She hoped and prayed her new given moniker wouldn't come into play here.
"Hey short stack." Arin said walking into the crack shack.
Kenzi was eating cereal freezing mid chew and stared at the blonde in disbelief. She just calmly put her bowl down, swallowed and said, "Really Detective Wonder Snatch? Ya ever hear of this new courtesy called knocking? Just because you are in good with my Bo bear, doesn't …."
Arin just looked at her weird.
Kenzi looked at the Blonde and then realized that she was not wearing the rune necklace. "Arin?"
"Wow. Lucky guess. Not bad for a human… er…. Ummm baby Fae." Arin said with a click.
"Hopefully you're not coming for sloppy succu-seconds, 'cus Tamsin's not here." Kenzi said factually.
"You sure about that?" Arin said in the classic Tamsin type sarcastic come back.
Kenzi got up and crossed her arms in an 'x' and said "Survey says! 'NAAA!' Tamsin doesn't wake up as early as I do. And it takes a ninja to get past the Ken-zi-nator. So don't …"
From the top of the steps Tamsin could be heard "Gods succubus! Have you *EVER* heard of the word abstinence?! DOWN succubus DOWN!"
Bo could be heard a moment later, "YES, I *ABSTAINED* AND starved for 2 weeks of no Valkyrie Chi and that slutty picture of you only made me hungrier!"
Kenzi's mouth dropped opened but she quickly recovered. Kenzi then rested her head on her hand as she leant over on the counter and said calmly as if nothing happened "Sooooo what's new with you?" Kenzi calmly queried to Arin as Tamsin's voice boom from the top of the steps again. "4th order Valkyries are IMMUNE to your succubus wiles. You just can't … OHHHH… AHHH! …. FUCK!... Yea! Yea right there! OHHHH Fuck Bo! I HATE YOU!... gods yes! YES! YES!"
"And you were saying Tam Tam?!" Bo could be heard purring loudly.
"Nothing much Kenzi, just meeting up with Tamsin. Got things to do, place to see." Arin said doing her best to act normal although she thought it quite hilarious that Tamsin was so easily taken down by a succubus that doesn't even use her powers.
Tamsin growled loudly from the top of the steps, "GODS! I'm…. I'm… DON'T STOP SUCCUBUS!"
"You will address you goddess NICELY. NOW BEG!" Bo ordered as her voice filled the whole house.
"Oh yea." Kenzi said eating her cereal again as she found it hard to concentrate. "Any place in particular?"
"Just here and there." Arin shot back with devilish smirk.
"Can you be any more vague?" Kenzi responded to Arin.
"PLEASE BO LET ME COME! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!" Tamsin yelled from the steps.
"Nope" was Arin's terse response and it was the truth. She couldn't be any more vague short of not responding at all. Bo must have whispered something into Tamsin's ear but Tamsin could be heard yelling out in response "Yes! Of course I fucking missed you too bitch! ….. I touched myself almost every night looking at your naked picture!"
This way too intimate for Kenzi. She just finally dropped her head onto the counter and knocked it gently on the surface a couple of times.
Arin just huffed out a laugh, but yes, this was TMI for her too. She quickly reached over the bar and pulled out 2 shot glasses, and then fished out the special reserve vodka. Arin adeptly poured for both of them.
Kenzi saw this and both Arin and Kenzi down the shot quickly without a word.
Kenzi then refilled the shot glasses rapidly and they nodded to each other and downed the 2nd shot.
Kenzi knew that it would not be long now before she was covered in dust, so she calmly pulled out a saucer and covered her cereal.
Arin could 'hear' Tamsin leaking her thoughts so via the link and the tsunami was coming sooner than expected. Arin grabbed onto Kenzi and yanked her to the other side of the house toward the door just in case the house collapsed. Right in the nick to time too as the house violently shook.
Tamsin yelled and cursed in both English and her native Valkyrie tongue as she crested hard. She hated that Bo had so much control over both her body and mind. At the same time, she thought of no one better she could entrust her body and soul to. Bo just knew her way too intimately. Tamsin tried to wean herself off of Bo by not submitting to her own lustful desires, by answering only text messages, and if necessary by keeping phone conversations short and to the facts while they were apart, but who was she kidding? Bo could see her aura burning for her like a super nova from a mile away when they were together. Tamsin noted that Bo didn't feed. It was probably due to some 'true love' thing Bo was trying to attain. 'Uggggg this succubus is impossible.' Tamsin thought to herself.
"So my Valkyrie, ready for round 2?" Bo questioned on her side tracing her hand barely glazing Tamsin's taunt stomach muscles. 'Wow she HAS been working out' Bo brooded as a huge smile crept into her expression.
Tamsin was still recovering from her heights of pleasure, but noted that Bo was tracing her now more defined abs. She was flattered that Bo noticed, but it was not for Bo though. Tamsin had human attributes now and found that in all her engagements, she no longer had her Valkyrie strength to rely on. Plain and simple, she had to step up her game. Kendra, even with a smaller frame had more core strength Tamsin noted sparring with her. It was not the strength though that made Tamsin a better warrior then Kendra, it was her time tested form and battlefield experience. She had yet to admit to Bo that fielded injures were taking much longer to heal as compared to other humans and some she recently got still bothered her. She didn't want Bo to worry and who knows, Bo may go all alter ego on her again and it was so not worth it to Tamsin.
'What is it with this succubus always wanting to go multiple rounds?' She thought in disbelief. She guessed it was to make up for lost time.
A voice popped in her head 'It is safe?' Arin asked.
'HELL NO. Bo is not going to get away with dominating a 4th order Valkyrie that easily. MARK MY WORDS, floor boards will come showering down by the time I am done with her. Made sure her Goth pet is out of the way.' Tamsin thought back maniacally.
Tamsin immediately straddled Bo and trapped her with blazing speed. Before Bo would react further she brought both of Bo's hands above her head then cuffed them to a post. She loved the expression of surprise that came on Bo's face.
"How DARE you dominate a Valkyrie like that. You are so going to pay." Tamsin sternly said. "By the way succub-boobs, had anyone else WITH A DEATH WISH dominated you while I was away?" Tamsin demanded tapping Bo's pearl playfully to goad the truth from her.
"No. Only you. BECAUSE I allow it." Bo returned wittily writhing in pleasure.
"Oh no. It's because I've got mad skills babe. Speaking of skills. I think it's time to trim the hedges succu-slut." Tamsin purred as she reached for Bo's knife again.
Arin kept Kenzi safe since it didn't take Tamsin long to make Bo peak aggressively. The floor boards did groan, creek and crack but none fell thank the gods. It was more dust than anything else.
'Arin, can to top up Bo when she comes down? She is not quite full….. ummm PLEASE.' Tamsin's voice popped in her head.
'Oh crap. Really? She kind of has an overwhelming appetite for sex and Chi. I don't know' Arin thought back.
'NO, I just meant a Chi transfer only. When she passes you, just dominate her nicely and let her feed from a distance. She doesn't need to be kissing you to do it.' Tamsin thought back to Arin as Bo and she got dressed.
Arin huffed out loudly in a laugh and Kenzi was wondering what she was laughing at it. 'Ummm yea like she'll feed without foreplay.'
'Trust me, she will. She's not just ALWAYS like that.' Tamsin thought back and huffed out a quiet laugh since Arin thought that all Bo did all day was have massive orgies to feed. Could she blame her?
'So most of the time then.' Arin responded back to Tamsin via the link.
Bo approached Tamsin before they headed downstairs. Bo gazed into Tamsin's expressive green eyes. She missed that longing look. The warm, alluring yet deadly glance that was so signature of her Valkyrie. Bo couldn't get enough of Tamsin so to the surprised Valkyrie, Bo just hugged her tightly and kept her there. Bo wanted to spew out just how much she missed her, but she just wanted to enjoy this moment of now.
Tamsin saw the tail end of Bo peddling into her signature black leather pants, donning on a black vest and of course, the dagger she gave her. If Tamsin was a succubus, she'd definitely tap that right now she thought when her mind wandered. Bo then nonchalantly and casually strolled to her and it looked like they were ready to go downstairs when Bo just reached out carefully, with purpose and brought her into a tight longing embrace. Tamsin was ready to move on after the latest escapade and had the dream on her mind but she hesitantly brought her arms around to comfort Bo. Initially she brought her hands around Bo and hugged her loosely and tapped her back to say, 'ok. Let's move on'. But it transitioned to a hug of reassurance that 'they' were just fine. It was contrary to what she was thinking, but here was a succubus that wanted true love and the love of a Valkyrie at that. Tamsin felt her heart beat for Bo inside her chest and found her body to be on auto pilot as the embrace continued. Tamsin let her right hand pull Bo in closer at the small of her back while her left moved up Bo's back to her head pulling her head and cheek closer to her strongly beating heart. A simple gesture that meant several things, one of which was that that everything was going to be all right, although it wasn't. Also it showed the succubus in her arms how she single handly managed to capture and warm the heart of a hardened warrior. As they broke, a tear rolled down one of Tamsin's eyes which was quickly wiped away before Bo noticed.
Bo looked at Tamsin and while wearing a smile said "So where you off to with Arin?"
They both walked down the stairs.
"Oh nothing much", as Tamsin reached the bottom of the steps. "We just gotta run some errands here and there." Tamsin realized toward that end of that sentence that she'd better elaborate before Bo got suspicious and used her wiles on her. A moment later she confessed tiling her head "I have to see another Valkyrie for some info I need." She stated with a click.
Bo did have a follow up question when Arin just approached her and pushed her against a wall gingerly and said with a scrunched up face, "Hey succulette, missed me?" Bo had admit that Arin looked all sorts of tasty but she was not going to just be a mindless feeding animal. "Arin. Are you sure you're with the light? Looks like your sister rubbed off on you." Bo asked sarcastically.
"Yep, I'm still light, but there's nothing wrong with a 'little spice' in life." Arin tiled her head and grinned but then she whispered as she came into Bo's very personal space "Tamsin told me you didn't top off the tank just now, and to make sure I helped with that. So feed Bo."
"No Arin, I'm fine." Bo proclaimed but when she tried to move Arin just held her there.
"Look we can either do this the easy way," Arin murmured as she unbutton the top of Bo's leather pants and unzipped it slowly as she continued "or the even easier way, for *me* that is. I can have you feeding at the push of a button…. It's gotta be around here SOMEWHERE" she said coyly tracing her hand dangerously toward the V she just created. 'No underwear, how convenient' she thought. Arin had no idea how Tamsin could keep up with Bo but for her, she had her fill for a long time so this was essentially an idle threat, but Bo didn't know that.
Bo just gave up and immediately pulled the remaining Chi from Arin grabbing the back of her neck and pulling her towards here without their lips physically touching. Her chi did taste different form Tamsin's now. Of course it was stronger, but it just occurred to Bo that when she pulled from Tamsin a short time ago, Tamsin felt sad and disturbed while Arin's felt neutral. Bo let it go because she could still sense that Tamsin loved her.
Bo stopped the feed but Arin's hand dipped lower into the V almost hitting home when she heard in a whisper next to her ear, "Tamsin swore fealty to you a couple weeks back in her native tongue immediately following your tickle fest. Valkyries can't swear fealty to anyone besides Freya or Odin but she did for you. FEED, because Tamsin loves you enough to make sure you are taken care of and my sister needs you NOW more than ever to watch her back."
Arin got bits and pieces of the disturbing dream Tamsin had due to the 'bleed' in the link and it did not look good.
Bo knew Tamsin loved her unconditionally, but Tamsin just essentially gave up her mind, body and soul to an imperfect succubus in absolute terms, VERBALLY. Now Tamsin's actions matched up with her words.
Bo then grabbed Arin again and pulled even more Chi. This time the pull was no longer reserved and slow, it was harsh and with purpose. Bo, still mindful of Arin's capacity, took what she needed to be full and then some. Arin was right, if Tamsin needed her, she needed to be at 100% if not more.
Bo broke the connection with Tamsin and Kenzi looking on taking a couple shots at the bar. She smiled and gazed into Arin's eyes. "Thanks Arin." Bo cooed. "Oh one more thing" Bo said she pulled Arin closer to her, "didn't anyone tell you to put things back AFTER you're finished playing with them?" Bo teased as a little bit when a red glow appeared on her index finger. Bo then tapped Arin on her nose playfully and gave her a little jolt of pleasure. Much like a static discharge. It had the desired effect where Arin's eye's dilated slightly as good feelings washed all over her expressions briefly.
Arin was glad Bo was at full charge. Especially with the 'show of power' she just witnessed. She knew that Bo would probably be dumb enough to go with them to Valhalla. She was not a dumb girl and Tamsin need not spell it out she concluded. Arin made Bo presentable again and true enough Bo was right on target.
"So my Valkyrie's, ready to go to Valhalla?" Bo announced to everyone checking her dagger as she approached the bar.
"Ummmm Who said anything about that?" Tamsin questioned.
'YOU FUCKING TOLD BO!' Tamsin thought to Arin.
'No. She's Bo. Watch, she'll explain' Arin thought back.
"Where else are you going. You need Arin because she can open the portal. You are also going to see Hildr since from what I have been told, Odin required her to take a vow of silence and she won't leave the Hall of Warriors. Third, Tamsin you are my Valkyrie, and I'm not letting you put yourself in danger without me there to back you up." Bo said factually with a smile that said that she knew it all and was right.
"No Bo. Hello. Odin, you dad is there. You could cause at more trouble and I'm TRYING to keep you out of trouble." Tamsin argued with a dead serious expression on her face.
Bo just snaked her arm around Tamsin's and leaned her head of her shoulder as if they were on a date, "So it's a date. Care to show a succubus a good time?"
"I thought we just did that upstairs." Tamsin huffed out a laugh looking up at the ceiling. "Bo, this isn't a joke. You could get killed and it would go contrary to what I am trying to accomplish. Reality check, I need to keep you safe, and that means keeping YOU from entering Valhalla. I seem to remember you agreeing to that when Hale was talking to us at the Dal."
Bo pouted "But that was BEFORE, you charmed me into bed ravaged my land, clear cut my field and annexed me as your territory. GIRLFRIEND."
"Ewwwwww. Bo-Bear! TMI. TMI. TMI!" Kenzi said clapping her hands over her ears.
Tamsin thought about not seeing her, but Hildr wanting to see Tamsin was important since she was not only from 1,1,1, but she knew the road that lie ahead for her and Tamsin needed clarity from a Valkyrie point of view.
Arin thought out to Tamsin, 'Just let her come along. Bo may actually prevent you from getting killed since she's Odin's daughter after all.'
"FINE!" Tamsin huffed out in defeat. Bo and Arin against her. Wow, this was new she thought.
"Hey, what am I chopped liver?" Kenzi chimed in. "I can bring Stalingrad and kick some ass to."
Arin and Tamsin laughed at the same time.
Arin then finally spoke up. "Why do you think we only carry spears, swords and bows in Valhalla?"
Kenzi thought about it for a second but guessed, "Because old people tend not to do well with new technology?"
Tamsin was a little insulted "Who are you calling old?" She was about to go farther until Bo stroked Tamsin's forearm. That made her lose her train of thought.
"It's because Valhalla is an enchanted land where things like gun power and ipads, iphones or 'I' anything doesn't work." Arin clarified as she lightly laughed.
"So it's like Disneyland without the Disney. So not fun Arin Schwarzenegger. OK I guess I am outie then." Kenzi said in disappointment.
"OK shall we go then." Bo asked as she led Tamsin to the door with Arin following.
'Arin this shizzle is all your fault.' Tamsin lashed out via the link.
'And YOU don't give your GIRLFRIEND enough credit.' Arin retorted.
'BITE ME!' Tamsin thought back to Arin.
'WITH RELISH!' Arin smiled.
"Ugggggggg BOTH OF YOU ARE IMPOSSIBLE!" Tamsin announced to everyone as they got in her truck.
It didn't take long to get to the warp station. Arin confidently approached a brick wall and a gate appeared out of nowhere with Valkyrie text appearing over it.
Bo still held onto Tamsin's arm and then asked. "No need to dial the stargate's destination first?"
Tamsin just looked up and huffed out a laugh. "Bo, I can't believe you just did a Stargate reference. Sooner or later, you will be saying stuff like 'the truth is out there'. Gimme a break mega-boobs. They are the idiots that thought dialing a futuristic destination using outdated telephone pulse dial technology was a good idea. Yea" Tamsin laughed lightly. She needed that though, some serious stuff could happen at the other side. "I got a 300 baud modem too that can help with that 4th Chevron not locking. So you ready to go Daniel Jackson?"
"Yup" Bo smiled as everyone walked through the gate.
Once on the other side, there were 4 Valkyries guarding the gate facing them. They stood at attention in full battle gear. They had plate armor with spears in hand with shields already mounted on their other arm. They also had swords and daggers on their belts.
They looked at Arin but their eyes widened with they say Tamsin and it even grew wider when they spotted Bo. For a moment, they looked like they were going to make a move and Arin and Tamsin rested their hands on their swords but Bo played it cool smiling at them.
Tamsin whispered "Stay in front Bo, and we will flank a step behind you. Pretend you command them."
Bo confidently strode to them since they blocked the path and right as she was within a couple paces of them, they stood aside crisply and let everyone pass.
"OH SHIT, When did they DOUBLE security at these gates?" Tamsin asked Arin after they passed.
"Ever since this new order rhetoric started to grab hold." Arin stated looking behind her to ensure they were not followed.
They were passing a wooded area.
"Fuck, they probably just told Odin and Freya we were here with Bo. Great, this is all I freaking need." Tamsin huffed out.
"Don't worry, Odin won't do anything with me present, trust me." Bo said looking back at them.
Not a moment sooner, a group of 12 heavily armed Valkyries ran towards them in formation from the other end of the trail. They were in full battle gear closing fast and they were coming for them.
"Trouble magnet." Tamsin growled but she kept her composure as did Arin.
Coming up the rear of the formation, they all saw 2 Valkyries each mounted on muscular white horses in a fast gallop. The horses too had some armor on them as it glinted in the sunlight. They over passed the other approaching formation and stopped short of running over Bo, Tamsin and Arin.
Bo's eyes glowed blue, Tamsin and Arin had their hands on their swords.
They were outnumbered, but it didn't mean they weren't going to go down without a fight.