Kara was exhausted limping through the portal. Blood dripped off her right arm from a cut and a bullet grazed her leg but it had stopped bleeding at least for now. Her long blond hair was disheveled and was barely in a bun anymore. This was her second mission in a day. The first was with 418 and this one was even worse since she was solo. This solo mission however needed 2 maybe 3 Valkyries on it.
No matter, she trudged through it and was able to collect the souls she was told to.
This being her last and final life she noted she took fewer risks and did things smarter.
For Kara, it was really hard to unlearn her ways of the past and revert back to the spirit of the old code but was doing her best. While 418 was just killing everyone that didn't matter to Freya or Odin that got in the way, Kara just disabled them or knocked them out.
She was in an odd place. 418 and even the remainder to Odin's orders sneered at her since they felt that she lost her edge not joining them in their usual slaughter since it went against the old code. As for Freya orders, Kara was cast at a traitor. She didn't belong their either since she tried to destabilize the Kingdom. Also she also attempted to kill Arin and Arin was widely revered amongst Freya's order now. Arin's claim to fame was not only her sudden rise to the 3rd order, but more so because she was the twin sister of the missing Valkyrie. Arin was the conduit in which all who believed in Tamsin got their guidance from.
Also, Hildr and others that guarded that Hall also black listed her. Sure they were all part of Odin's orders, but when Kara murdered her own in a place that was a sanctuary for ALL orders under any god, that brought back stabbing to a whole new level which obviously shocked all those in Valhalla and Odin's orders don't get surprised easily.
And how did Kara manage to get to the 3rd order before Tamsin? By forming makeshift alliances on the fly and breaking them just as easily. That and she was better at the double short staff over Tamsin.
Hence, it was easier to be Kara's enemy since you knew were you stood than to be her friend. Kara's friends always had to be vigilant and watch their back since Kara didn't tell you when she broke it off. The only way you knew was when Kara or one of her cronies betrayed or tried to kill you.
She was and equal opportunity back stabber and it was common in Odin's ranks. Tamsin? She just hated everyone but Kara knew that in order to get ahead, sometimes you need friends.
Now, Kara constantly questioned what she was doing. Bo had given her a second chance but to do what? Following the old creed was actually making her hesitate and give her grief. She wanted things to be back the way they were but Odin and Freya were adamant in their decree.
How she wished she could have her lives back.
Kara didn't know how to treat Tamsin anymore much less the goddess of the new order.
She hated Tamsin but she had to give credit where credit was due. Tamsin didn't kill her when she had the chance. The Tamsin she knew a time ago would have killed her without hesitation.
Was Bo weak? A lame duck? Was Tamsin? What of the claims and prophecies that Bo was the Goddess of the New Order and more so was Tamsin the Missing Valkyrie? Those were all good questions that swirled in Kara's head.
No matter, she had no time to think about it since she barely had time to sleep. Lucky for her Talan had some ancient remedies from his Native American background that helped her along. She found it amiss that potions and spells didn't do as well. Also they lost much of their effectiveness the more you used them.
She rode quickly to the hall on her armored horse and stopped right outside. Like clockwork, the Valkyrie at the top of the structure noted her arrival and was greeted by 2 armed Valkyries with swords drawn ready to fight. Oddly enough, one Valkyrie came from Freya's order. The Valkyrie at the top of the structure had an arrow loaded in her bow with her name on it.
This was a change ever since her team killed the guards last time.
Kara knew why there was a hostile response from them and just grinned and bore it. Kara just stood there calmly as Hildr came out and down the steps to see her and to collect her souls in order to bring it into the hall.
Normally, anyone in Odin's order can bring collected souls into the hall themselves, but Kara was spurned, never to be trusted again.
Kara just smiled in an aloof manner out stretching her right hand palm up with a glowing purple sphere hovering over it with her collected souls.
Hildr extended her right hand as well and put it right next to Kara's and the purple orb floated to Hildr's.
It was during this exchange Odin contacted her as his voice boomed, 'Kara, daughter of Bo Dennis, The guards at the gate told me you were back. See me in the throne room as soon as you can. Freya and I await you.'
Kara brought her hand back quickly mumbling as she turned, "Gods can't I get a break here. I serve Bo, now Odin and even Freya want to see me now. Sheez. Like I need to eat and rest."
"STOP!" One of the Valkyrie's flanking Hildr stated.
Kara looked at Hrist with confusion and it was Hildr who gave that nonverbal command to stop.
Hildr tried her best by motioned to the sky and put her index finger over her mouth and put her hands together pleading.
This was new as Kara just looked up and then at Hildr like she was crazy.
"You DON'T want me to talk to the gods? What the heck? They talked to me first and I can't help that and they expecting me now," Kara stated warily not knowing where this was going.
Hildr urgently made a signal for her hand and mouthed to wait 1 minute.
"I'm sorry Hildr," Kara stated, "how about I communicate back to Odin AND Freya that I am delayed by a game of charades. You hate me, treat me like a nobody, NOW you want me to be patient with you?"
"I've brought you my souls. Well FUCK all of you," Kara stated upset. "Go ahead TRY to kill me for being a royal pain. Not only will I take several of you with me, it will not stop me from telling Odin, Freya, and Tamsin via the link what went down."
Hildr pointed to her heart and shrugged and Kara had no idea what she meant until Hrist one of Freya's order spoke up, "To who or whom does your allegiance belong to?"
"ALL of you know already, so FUCK this, I would strike you all down NOW if it wasn't for the fact I vowed to obey the old code. I am pledged to Bo Dennis, blood daughter of Odin, deity and the freakin 'one true goddess' for Valhalla. I serve no others," Kara spat out angrily with her hand rested on her sword.
She was at a disadvantage. With the exception of Hildr, all the other Valkyries already had their swords and bow pointed at her. How she wanted to kill everyone. She just wanted to reach out to Odin and Freya and tell them, but she needed to know what was going on. Kara favored holding all the cards.
Finally from the top of the steps the hero General Fei appeared out of breath said on behalf of Hildr, "Kara, Odin and maybe Freya may test your allegiance. They may also try to undermine Bo from the inside and attempt to use you."
"So?" Kara spat back. "I swore my duty and fealty to Bo."
Kara had no idea where this was going but tapped her foot impatiently.
"Like the same duty and fealty you demonstrated when you turned the most sacred Hall into a blood bath?" General Fei challenged speaking for Hildr.
Kara was fuming and her rage consumed her soul.
She immediately drew her sword and blocked Hrist's sword a millisecond later then sliced and side stepped the arrow from the archer. She then kicked the other Valkyrie back as she made her way to kill Hildr.
Hildr responded quickly, bursting in and blocking several attacks by hand, and while drawing her dagger.
Kara was now hell bent on killing everyone and then in her final breath reach out for Odin to finish them off since stopping her went against both of the gods commands. Kara would die a hero defending Odin and peripherally Freya after all she mused in the exchange.
But was that WHO she served?
Then mid fight she remembered, she was bound by the old code which prevented her from starting bloodshed and to keep and extend peace first above all else. That was in Kara's mind but not her heart and it was her heart that compelled her.
Also the Hall was sacred ground where fighting wasn't tolerated, but by the letter of the law, Kara was not IN the Hall at all, she was outside. However, by the spirit of the law or any law in Valhalla, being even NEAR the hall held some sort of reverent respect.
Kara hated everything that was happening to her and she was torn but WHO did she serve?
Which god?
WHICH CREED?
Which took precedence?
Mid battle Kara did several backflips to get out of range of all her attackers. The archer reloaded already with 2 arrows. 2 Valkyries were advancing on her on either side of Hildr.
This was it for Kara.
Who did she serve?
Not Freya. She was noble, but Kara didn't agree with her stringent rules.
Several Valkyries now exited the hall with swords and bows ready at the top of the steps, no doubt were already there worshiping the now shrine of the missing Valkyrie, Tamsin.
Not Odin. He sentenced her to death and never showed her mercy.
Hrist swung high but Kara knelt down and slammed the point of her sword down perpendicular into the ground and there she stayed and froze.
The ground shook at the sheer barbaric force of the move as her enchanted sword made orange sparks as the ground swallowed almost of third of her blade.
Not Bo yet. Sure she seemed like a nice person, but had yet to be proven a leader.
The second Valkyrie to the other side of Hildr was more experienced and swung her long sword from low to high which meant Kara was now a goner if she stayed in position.
Never the less, Kara held ground and quivered slightly. The old code would be her death and maybe it was fitting, for the old code existed from the beginnings of this place she called home.
The archer a top of structure released her arrows and they headed directly for Kara's heart now that Hrist bust back in retreat as a defensive and recovery move.
Hildr was ready to attack a couple steps behind and she was in 111 for a reason. She was deadly with any weapon and right now she wielded both a long sword and dagger.
In her final moments, Kara realized that she did serve a goddess after all but didn't acknowledge it until now.
Kara was born a Valkyrie and she greeted and loved her, welcomed her first into the world. She lived a Valkyrie's life and she was there for her always as a faithful companion. Kara made and broke alliances but she always was her constant. She made mistakes and she was her rock and did not abandon her. When she tired, wounded or hungry, she was there to care for her.
And for that, Kara finally loved her back.
Now Kara was ready to fall into her accepting outstretched arms, where her goddess would catch her and lead her to rest in a final peaceful slumber of sweet blissful death.
Kara smiled faintly and with conviction called out for her goddess bravely staring directly at her own impending death knowing full well her prayers would be answered.
They always were even though she never asked but her goddess always gave her what she needed not necessarily what she wanted. And now she needed to move forward.
"Valhallaaaaaaaa!"
Kara's voice echoed off the hall and deafened those close to her.
It was at that moment her goddess embraced her soul and took her into her merciful arms never to be seen or heard from again.
Kara of the third order was dead and no one there mourned her passing.
Gone now as was essence of the dark, evil, narcissistic and selfish Valkyrie with whom a large majority of the sisterhood despised. The unpredictable loose cannon was finally put to rest.
"Your Coachman vest doesn't seem to hang right. If I may" Maura stated to Bo as she reached out and unzipped Bo's jacket a little more, feeling the material between her index and thumb.
Bo just smiled at Maura and let he be. She knew Maura was just being herself and didn't really mean to be that nosey but it did surprise her that Maura knew that something was off about her vest just by casual observation.
Maura then queried, "Is this body armor? Its fabric thickness and weight is approximately double that of a leather vest of this same build and type especially on the Coachman line. Also there seems to be a rough under layer that has an uncanny resemblance like chainmail … made of high tensile, heavy duty, lightweight polymer resin rings. And a class 1 ballistic fabric woven in front of it. That means that light weight pistol projectiles and common edged weapons are impervious to penetration."
Bo could see Maura's mind running a million miles an hour and now Bo knew why Maura brought her along. It was her sharp analytical ability coupled with the fact that she said what she meant bluntly and honestly. Bo could sense this was Maura in her natural state and must be that way with Jane.
"Very observant of you. Yes it is. Tamsin made it custom for me," Bo responded with a warm smile.
"Awww," Muara frowned, "What a shame to ruin a high end vest from Coachman. But it's really nice of Tamsin to make this for you."
Maura then changed tact quickly noting a deficiency in the way Bo was wearing it.
"Well then you'd better keep it zipped up for maximum effectiveness in terms of its ballistic stopping properties. The flap over the zipper should mitigate the weakness of your vest," Maura stated factually taking the liberty to zip Bo's vest all the way up.
Bo liked it unzipped a tad to parade the more succubus side of her, but she knew that if she unzipped it, it may elicit a scolding from Maura.
"Is Tamsin your partner?" Maura asked boldly cocking head to the side. "I mean outside of work?" She clarified and then nervously stammered out knowing she was being too forward, "I… I'm sorry. If it's not too personal."
Bo finally found that Maura caught herself and was about to respond when Tamsin shouted her name to get her attention.
She spun around and saw her Valkyrie with a huge grin on face, but said seriously, "Yes, I will" proudly.
Maura looked confused since there was no question asked but Bo realized that Tamsin was answering a question she posed on the roof.
'Will you marry me?'
And there was Tamsin's answer. 'Yes, I will marry you.'
Bo read her aura and searched her Valkyrie's soul through the bond they shared and it was definitely not the thrall talking. It was just Tamsin. Her partner who a couple months ago shied away from any type of commitment, now not only was ready to give everything to her, but more to the point. STAY and work on a relationship with Bo until death do they part.
That was really brave of Tamsin to take a risk with a succubus and now Bo knew that in time, Tamsin would find a way to forgive her infidelity and forgive Lauren without being a thrall. Things were finally coming together.
Bo was floating on cloud 9 but managed to dreamily answer Maura's question, "Yes. She is my partner. She is also my best friend, my adversary, my sanity, and dream. She is all and she is none but I love her for just being and I know I won't find anyone else I'd wish to spend my life with than to have her by my side. She embodies perfection."
"Wow," Maura replied observing Bo, "I envy what you have then and I hope one day to say the same."
"You will. I know it," Bo just replied not really paying attention to her surroundings still caught in a dream and just glibly stating what she observed when Maura was with Jane in the ready room at the 69th. The question Bo did have though was, did Jane feel the same way about Maura?
Bo was pulled back to reality when a woman in a red sports car pulled next to them and directed her attention to Maura.
The brunette just asked, "Hey, aren't you Doctor Maura Isles who works for the Boston PD?"
Bo thought nothing of it but she had seen that face somewhere before and she had a feeling it was not good.
Maura smiled and just corrected, "Yes, but I don't work for the Boston PD exclusively, I work for the Common Wealth of Massachusetts. I'm sorry and you are?"
The brunette smiled and just mention, "Marissa. I'm a big fan of your work. You're Detective Jane Rizzoli's friend right?"
Bo observed that Marissa's aura was off. She was friendly outwardly but seemed angered on the inside. Bo knew she saw her somewhere recently. Then it came to her as she repeated the name to herself. 'Marissa? … Marissa Davenport… No… Marissa Donner … No… Marissa … Marissa Doe?'
Maura just replied back simply, "Yes, we are colleagues and good friends."
'Janie Marissa Doe, accomplice to the gang of bank robbers!' Bo thought finally putting the puzzle pieces together.
Marissa's face lost all expression and stated seriously, "You mean 'WAS'." Hidden from view, Marissa pulled out a short double barrel sawed off shot gun and extended it out the window towards Maura.
Maura froze in shock.
Bo heard Tamsin yell for her but she knew what she had to do. Safeguard Maura and the pedestrians walking around them.
With a burst of speed she shoved Maura on her right forcefully into oncoming pedestrian traffic and at the same time in doing so she was now in front of the shotgun. From the left others were still approaching into the line of fire.
Bo new a shotgun blast from a short barrel had a wide spread and she needed her powers to calm her down but was in a human only region so she needed close contact. Seconds seemed like minutes as she surged forward keeping her body in between the end of the barrel and the people near her. She was just in reach of the shotgun when Marissa panicked and yanked the trigger.
Bo heard the boom and in that brief span of time Bo thought about what would happen if she left her Valkyrie here alone but she already knew that answer from the proclamations she made at the hospital.
Scared.
Scared of being alone.
Scared of moving on.
Scared of being without her.
Scared of not being loved.
It was so human of her and Bo kept forgetting that she was a Valkyrie. Bo read that a bond Valkyrie without their bonded partner was torture like Hildr wrote and Bo didn't want that fate to befall her Valkyrie now that she just bonded with her less than 24 hours ago.
Unendurable pain was next as both sets of buckshot impacted on her chest and slammed into her with the force of a wrecking ball in full swing sending her flying through a store display window.
Bo hoped that her vest held as she fell onto the tile store floor along with the glass convulsing and going to cardiac arrest.
'My gods what have I done!' Tamsin thought to herself exasperated looking through the scope.
Her heart felt Bo's pain and she could feel her life slipping away. She hoped that Bo at the very least had her vest zipped up.
The red sports car screeched it tires and was zipping away as people panicked running everywhere.
She locked onto Jane Doe who was swerving her car to avoid people in front of her. A bullet from her 50 caliber rifle was ready to go as a father picked up his daughter who had fallen in the street in the line of fire.
The shot still would have been good and maybe given her a chance to get of 2 off. She was mad and upset, but those raw emotions had to wait but in addition, the thrall was preventing her from feeling deep negative emotions.
Tamsin couldn't squeeze the trigger. It was not a thrall effect and it wasn't like her when she was with 418. In 418 only the ends justified the means, but now, Tamsin was a different PERSON. She adopted Bo's ethics without even knowing it.
She felt the bond with Bo fade more and barely a second passed. Tamsin wanted to scream since she had no clear shot.
The car was posed to turn sharp left and Tamsin led it a little before it could turn and disappear into a side street.
Concentrate.
The plotted path of her bullet would go through a mother and teenage daughter to get to its intended target.
Viable shot.
Yes.
Fire?
No.
Tamsin cursed internally, 'My gods don't abandon me in my greatest time of need!'
Then Tamsin saw police car lights in the direction of the car's turn which meant she would probably, reaching the end of the road, BREAK RIGHT HARD.
Tamsin immediately jerked the rifle to the street on the right and found a clearing which would give her a straight shot without collateral damage.
She needed to time it and she had no idea how far to lead it by since the car would probably be radically changing direction for which she couldn't nor could any other sniper, compensate for.
Kendra probably would have been a better shot due to her experience level of being a full time sniper.
Tamsin heard a rifle shot ring out over her head. It was Long Shot but he missed since the car screeched and turned at that moment he pulled the trigger.
That red car was now hurdling toward her cross hairs at blinding uncontrolled speeds.
Too fast as it accelerated out of the harsh turn.
It was her best guess and it had to be.
No one ever fucks with Bo Dennis, her now bonded partner.
Take the shot?
For Bo. YES.
BANG!
Tamsin's ear rung as the sound of the single bullet reverberated off the buildings.
Car zoomed out of view but Tamsin heard it glance off a couple parked cars.
"SHIT!" Tamsin yelled running into the store.
"Drake to BASE! SHOTS FIRED."
"Long Shot to base, Jane Doe spotted and getting away in red Toyota MR2. Heading north on 23rd street."
"Carrot Top to base, officer and medic DOWN. I repeat officer and medic down. Request ambulance ASAP … Terminator enroute to assess. Requesting air support to aid in chase!"
"Long Shot to base, local PD units 332 and 122 in pursuit."
Kenzi paged wildly through a manual at her table all pissed off saying to herself, "Oh no bitch. You did NOT just shoot my BFF."
Kendra strode over to the table with Alex and reached for her extra head set and before she could put it on, Kenzi surprised her.
"Argus Oh Six One at Precinct 71 helepad, Twitchy at FOB, how do you read?"
"FOB, Argus Oh Six One, Read you 5 by 5 (loud and clear)."
"Argus Oh Six One, FOB, Is Anjali …(Kenzi looked down at a paper roster) Hollow Point on board?"
"FOB, roger that. Confirm. Hollow Point is on board standing by."
"Argus Oh Six One, Go for take off then immediately take heading south south east. Chirp three eight niner. Assist units 332 and 122 in pursuit of suspect in red Toyota MR2 headed north on 23rd toward highway 55."
"FBO, Roger that. Argus Oh Six one, chirp set three eight niner. Departing in 2 minutes."
Alex gawked on at Kenzi amazed that she knew how to talk air traffic lingo.
Kendra was impressed too but needed to focus on other things at site bravo and she said into her mic.
"Kendra to 71 Central, Need multiple ambulances at General and 25th. Officer down. What is ETA?"
"Captain Shaw, this is 71 central. Ambulance ETA 5 minutes."
"DAMMIT they have 4 mikes. Isn't there a hospital like 3 minutes away? TIGHTEN THE ETA. We have an officer and medic down!"
"Captain Shaw, working on tightening ETA."
Kenzi will still busy spitting out orders like a trained radio operator.
"Hollow Point, Twitchy, Sitrep!"
"(Loud helicopter engine roaring) Twitchy, On board Argus, Locked and loaded. Ma'am (engine noise)."
"Carrot top to Forerunner, Correction, Medic is a little scratched up but OK. REPEAT Medic is ok enroute to stabilize Lover Girl"
"Copy Carrot Top," Alex transmitted back succinctly.
Kenzi just ignored everyone and noted that Kendra was sending orders to the Bravo team and PD units in the area but kept going.
"Hollow Point, Twitchy, You are to engage target as soon as you have a clear FUCKING shot. Copy?" Kenzi sternly stated but Kendra rubbed her back and while stating other orders then shook her head showing disapproval of Kenzi's course of action.
"Hollow Point to Captain Shaw, do you concur?"
Kenzi just slapped her hand on her forehead knowing that she went over the line, but Bo was hurt bad and she wanted to get back at Jane Doe. Kendra just reality checked her ethics.
Kenzi just finally transmitted in defeat, "Hollow Point, Twitchy, Belay that. Only engage target IF fired upon. Disable target vehicle if you have a clear shot to do so."
"Twitchy, Hollow Point, Copy. Out."
Alex took to her mic and stated as Kendra pointed to the map giving other orders to her team, "Precinct 71 and 70 units, form blockade at 23rd and on ramp highway 55"
"Precinct 71 Copy. Units enroute."
"Precinct 70 Copy, Units enroute"
Tamsin jumped through the windows on the store and the sound a broken glass cracked as her feet.
"Bo!" Tamsin yelled out of her but there was no response.
Tamsin searched frantically and found Bo whose body was contorting in pain between racks of cloths.
She quickly assessed Bo and then pulled her into her arms. She was unconscious and was convulsing in cardiac arrest. Lucky for Bo she cleared most of the glass so she only had minor cuts on her face and the vest which was actually zipped up fully was shot to hell and had pellet holes all over the concentrated in a circular area just below her breasts but she didn't have time to see the damage underneath of to see if it held. She just guessed it did.
"Come on my love, please take my chi," Tamsin stated to the unconscious Bo tapping on her face lightly but hoped somewhere in there Bo could still hear her. Tamsin brought Bo into a kiss and Bo started to pull at her blue chi.
Tamsin didn't even realize how she addressed Bo. She used 'my love' which were words that weren't in a Valkyrie's vocabulary nor where there any equivalents in the Valkyrie native tongue either.
Bo convulsing subsided slowly and Tamsin knew that at least her heart was coming back to normal from the trauma. Bo's vest didn't have a steel trauma plate and Tamsin kick herself internally for not putting one in, but that would make the vest 'unfashionable'.
Bo felt the kiss of her Valkyrie and reflexively pull her delicious blue chi. She felt herself being pulled back into consciousness and was in insufferable pain.
The events came back to her where Jane Doe pulled a shotgun on her and fired directly into her vest at point blank range. She pushed Maura out of the way which meant Maura was probably going to be there to check her condition.
Bo stopped the flow of chi even though Tamsin had more to offer and even when she was still in tons of pain.
"FUCK that hurts Tamsin! Ahhhhh!" Bo growled pushing her back.
"Gods Bo then take more of my chi damit! Come on my love, I have more. Take more," Tamsin urged kissing her once more but Bo didn't respond to it.
Bo coughed a little and put her hand on Tamsin's cheek.
"Fuck Bo come on! Don't do something stupid on me," Tamsin was about to kiss her again when Bo stopped her.
"Will you marry me?" Bo asked looking into her mesmerizing green eyes.
Tamsin was just taken back by this and didn't know what got into Bo and exclaimed, "I course! I do! I will marry you even though you are the biggest trouble maker in the world and maybe the entire UNIVERSE!"
"Will you promise to go shopping with me EVERY week?" Bo asked weakly.
"YES! I will go shopping with you every week and yes you can give me a makeover every time OK! Somebody's gotta protect you!" Tamsin said forcefully out of sheer frustration. "Now come on already FEED."
Bo through all the pain just stopped her once more and grinned as she heard Maura calling out for Tasmin, "I'm OK for now. I can't be miraculously healed or else Maura will suspect. You had a Fae doctor sub in when you were discharged from the hospital. Maura will have enough questions as is."
Tamsin just diverted her attention of Maura and waved, "Over here."
Maura immediately set her medical case down and opened it and assessed Bo.
"Bo, are you ok?" Maura asked seriously.
"I feel like I got hit and tackled by someone playing for the RedBay Packers. I can't breathe too deeply 'cus it hurts like a bitch," Bo told Maura.
"Good you had that vest on Bo. Well it looks like you have some fractured ribs and probably a serious internal bleeding, but I need to take off you vest to get a better look. I am glad you didn't go into cardiac arrest Bo," Maura said reaching for Bo's vest zipper.
"The zipper is jammed. Awww, would be such a shame to cut a Coachman leather vest but here we go. Tamsin hold Bo, this is going to hurt a little," Maura warned as she pulled out her sheers out of her kit.
It was then Tamsin knew that Bo just played her and made her promise things she would have not promised otherwise so she leaned down holding Bo's hand and just murmured, "Hang in there Bo. We'll get through this."
Then Tamsin whispered within a couple inches of Bo's ear, "You will PAY for this Bo. Mark my words. Never ever EVER fuck with a Valkyrie. EVER."
Drake then hurriedly strode through the store window and each step he took everyone heard cracking glass but he stated to the people outside, "Come on, the officer is in here."
He then directed his attention to Maura and stated, "Ambulance is here, ready to move her?"
Maura nodded as the gurney arrived with 2 EMTs.
Bo just grinned back manically and cooed to Tamsin, "Whatever you say MY LOVE."
The voices of Odin and Freya arguing echoed from the throne room into the hall where 2 Valkyries from 1, 1, 1, Odin's highest order and 2 from 6, 1, 1, Freya's highest order stood at attention.
A single Valkyrie entered into the hall let in by another set of guards at the far end of the hall. This Valkyrie was unkempt and limped slightly. Dried blood from a deep gash was on her right arm and a bullet grazed her left leg which had also stopped bleeding a while ago. This Valkyrie's hair was short unlike any other Valkyrie in all of Valhalla.
She wore no sword and only had a dagger which was another atypical feature of this Valkyrie.
She stopped in the hall outside the throne room waiting to be let in by the guards and finally looked up.
The shield that was mounted on her back and had the numbers 3, 4, 8 embossed on it.
It was Kara, daughter of Bo Dennis, the goddess of the new order.
** 15 minutes earlier **
Kara stayed in her kneeling position not sure of what awaited her after death. Maybe hell and rightfully so, however, the impacts of both arrows and the sword never came.
Hildr bust in and with the shield mounted on her back blocked the 2 arrows and with her sword blocked the sword of the Valkyrie formerly flanking her.
Hildr signed for all to stop their assault and they all complied.
Kara did not move but held her aloof smile.
It was Hildr that looked at Kara with curiosity as if trying to read her mind and soul. It was as if something about Kara was very wrong.
Kara thought about her next move, but knew Odin and Freya awaited her. She also knew looking at her sword which penetrated deeply into the rocky ground, she would not be able to retrieve it.
That was fine for her however. She could always get another, besides, she felt at peace for once in her life and it had nothing to do with her slaughtering or hurting others. If the old code which preached peace saved her, then maybe the old code will fill that empty void in her soul.
Kara just slowly stood up and hung her hilt in the sword and just mentioned, "If ya gotta go. Go with a smile."
She turned away and just strode to her horse with all the Valkyries looking on at her more confused than ever.
What happened to the Kara that everyone despised? This was the first time she stood down on purpose and called out for not a god or goddess but for Valhalla which was a thing.
General Fie shouted out, "Kara, beware of the test! Make sure you fall on the side of your goddess. You don't want to be on the wrong side when this is all through."
Hildr pulled her white uniform aside slightly and it revealed an undergarment which had a picture of a Griffin and Dragon at the bottom but an eagle had its wings spread across both of them on top.
Kara stopped in her tacks but slowly turned around so as not to rile up everyone and stated for all to hear as she proclaimed, "No. ALL OF YOU, make sure YOU know which god or goddess you serve in the end and I will tell you it is WRONG. Bo? Odin? Freya? All wrong. I will BOW to the god or goddess that serves the old code and hence serves my god."
Hrist questioned loudly, "Valhalla? That's not a god."
"Yes it is as all our codes say to be a good steward to her and I just gave her my soul (Kara gestured to her sword). Now I give her THIS as my offering," Kara stated pulling out her dagger slowly and reached behind her and began to sheer off her pony tail.
The Valkyries including Hildr even gasped in bewilderment. Valkyries prided themselves on their long hair which represented their wisdom and long life.
Kara finally sheered it all the way through and smiled and threw it to the ground.
She smiled in her usual aloof manner mounted her horse then rode off to the throne room.
Kara was no longer the Kara everyone once knew. Her old self died the moment her blade slammed into the ground. She kneeled before Valhalla and offered her wretched soul and in returned her goddess killed the old Kara and gave her a second chance. As such she was no longer bound to 3 gods or goddesses but to 1 only and it gave her the peace she needed to finally move on confidently.
She will protect her land and her goddess and she had Bo to thank for it. Bo made her follow the old code and the goddess she was looking for was staring at her the whole time.
What of her existing fealty to Bo? Kara would follow her as well since Bo gave her the gift of CHOICE. It was something that no other god or goddess gave her until now. Bo also happened to be in line with the preservation of Valhalla.
How would serving 2 goddesses work out for her? Only time would tell but right now there was no conflict.
** Present time **
From above the room throne, Tamsin's thoughts to her gods can be heard echoing off the walls, 'My gods what have I done!'
"Tamsin worships a god that hears but doesn't listen! Even then you listen but do nothing! " Freya shouted in a heated argument with Odin.
The guard was just about to let Odin know of Kara's presence but Kara put her hand gently on her shoulder, for once ASKING silently that her presence not be known yet.
The Valkyrie looked at her questioningly but paused and chose to stand at attention. Kara never asked after all before. She demanded. This was a change.
Odin just grumbled out in pain, "My daughter is in danger. I knew I should have kept Kara at her side."
"You have got to be the most stubborn creature I know. You consistently ignore what is in front of your face. You play dumb, either that or you are just stupid!" Freya spat out.
"FREYA….." Odin growled.
"Go ahead, kill me, but it won't solve the fact that you are powerless against FATE. Arin warned you of a storm coming, and YOU control the weather and elements. This STORM will be the Valkyrie uprising which you can't stop. HOW IRONIC!" Freya retorted.
Freya then added, "We saved Valhalla from that hell spawn Gordread and in response we built up our ranks to thousands of Valkyries to make sure we didn't repeat it but history is replete with irony. Now hel will no longer have to send another Gordread our way because when this storm comes, it will be our OWN Valkyries which will collapse this kingdom and you and I together won't be able to kill enough Valkyries to stop it and even if we do, we will be weak and vulnerable again like we were with Gordread. We set ourselves up for our own destruction."
"The Valkyries will not move against us for we both rule over them," Odin offered.
"Hump! No we don't," Freya asserted, "You know as well as I do that as we speak most of your Valkyries and mine are only ours as a formality. Most worship the missing Valkyrie. Tamsin is a hero to them all and they are awaiting her command. If you touch her they will revolt as she will be a martyr. If you give her powers back YOU just showed that you are fallible. May the god of Asgard not laugh at us, the Valkyrie you chose to make an example of is NOW an example to them all and they will execute on her command only. You know I still have yet to figure out why Tamsin hasn't executed yet, but I think she too knows the lives that are at stake here. She is nobler that I ever gave her credit for."
"No matter, Ysabeau will bring this Kingdom under one GOD and there WILL be peace." Odin stated with finality in response.
From the ceiling Tamsin voice echoed loudly, 'My gods don't abandon me in my greatest time of need!'
Freya slammed her fist on a hard surface and proclaimed, "NOT if Bo is DEAD! There will be no one to succeed us and hel will have its way!"
"I will send the best Valkyries to watch over my daughter. Kara and then later Arin when she is of age," Odin said calmly.
"GODS, Am I talking to a brick wall here?" Freya stammered out incredulously, "Kara will sell her own mother for a good meal and Arin of the light? You jest Odin. Arin will kill you the first chance she gets to avenge the death of her twin sister which is an eventuality, even with you granting her the power to heal like a human. You HAVE the best protector of Bo in front of you yet you refuse to act. Tamsin is her bonded partner need I remind you. You have it in your will to give back her full powers."
"It's NOT that simple. Bo brought Tamsin into her order and I can only give her so much. It is up to Bo to give her the remainder, also you know as well as I do that Tamsin has powers beyond that of first order Valkyries," Odin said raising his voice once more.
"But her chi is still that of a HUMAN. You can't possibly think that Tamsin can solely sustain your daughter alone," Freya rebutted. "She is in danger now and….wait … I feel that Bo is healed for the most part now….BUT what happens when she faces that horde of Fae down the line. You told me Tamsin wasn't there."
"I said she wasn't there from what I saw and it was only the start of my premonition," Odin replied calmly. "I didn't see how it ended."
"And what of MY premonition?" Freya questioned.
"You had a vision of my daughter?" Odin asked curiously.
"Yes," Freya replied immediately, "Bo was crying and sleeping alone with the dagger destiny in hand. And from multiple visions, did so every night. Tamsin was nowhere to be found in any and I can only assume she was dead, left or was severely incapacitated. Since they are now bonded, I assume she didn't leave."
"So," Odin said without feeling. "I'll send another Valkyrie to watch over her and she will get over it."
"GOD of Asgard you are denser than Thor's hammer! The dagger was not for her enemies but for herself to put her out of her own misery! The dagger blade was always pointed at her heart when she cried so when the pain became unbearable, she could end it!" Freya yelled back.
There was a long pause Kara noted and could only guess that Odin was trying to size up the new piece of information.
"So since my attempts have been unsuccessful to keep my Ysabeau safe, what do YOU suggest," Odin said calmly.
Kara thought this odd, Odin was never this animated and it seemed that these events weighed heavy on him.
"Odin, I need you to reject tradition and resurrect Arin NOW. Kara will bring her back to Bo and Arin may be the only hope to keep Bo sane," Freya offered.
"But Arin would be but a child. She of is no good to defend Bo and will be suffering from full memory relapses of her former lives complete with feelings which Valkyries are supposed to suppress. We wait at least a year, so that the memories of the previous lives will come back slowly and without the emotional attachments," Odin stated.
"Odin TRUST ME. Arin will be a child and normally she will get assigned a Valkyrie to look after her and train her until she is of age, BUT if Bo takes her in voluntarily and becomes her mother, THEN her maternal instinct will hold her and keep her strong even in the event that we lose Tamsin. Bo will have something to fight for and the bond of a mother is almost equally as strong as the bond she shares with Tamsin. All will not be lost since Bo will continue. Who knows, Arin may be next in line to look after your daughter," Freya clarified.
"So assigning Kara permanent body guard duty was not why we are calling her here I assume," Odin questioned.
"Well you said it yourself, you need Kara to keep collecting souls for the hall or else Valhalla may collapse. By the way, WHERE is Kara? She was summoned by you some time ago." Freya asked.
Kara was about to let the Valkyrie at the door announce her, but Odin stated, "She is already here, I feel her close, probably standing just outside."
"Kara, come forth," Freya announced.
'Busted' Kara though as she appeared before them and walked up the first set of steps to the thrones.
"How long have you been listening to us?" Freya asked sternly.
Kara thought about lying but found no reason to since the Valkyries outside heard the argument too. It was just that Kara could use that information better.
"Long enough," Kara stated with a slight grin.
Odin then growled, "NOW is not the time to play coy with us Kara. As your gods before you, answer truthfully."
Kara just gave it up and clarified, "I heard Tamsin call out to both you and Freya. They fell on deaf ears. Oh and way, respectfully, you are not my gods."
"So Bo is your goddess, but she is a demi god," Freya challenged.
"I don't serve her either but she is the closest things to one." Kara stated looking aloof into the air but knew this would illicit more questions so she just stated, "I serve the goddess which predates any of you. She is the goddess of this land and creator of the old code. That is the code I follow and Valhalla is therefore my queen."
Odin in a detached manner questioned, "So what happened to your hair and sword?"
"WELL," Kara stated twirling her bangs, "In order to extend piece to Hildr and all of the guards at the Hall, I drove my sword into the ground as a peace offering to them and my commitment to my queen to be patient and slow to anger. As for my hair, it was an offering to my queen since she showed me what little I knew and to not flaunt my misconceptions of this universe."
There was a silence and she could tell Odin and Freya were using the link to talk to one another.
Odin after a long pause asked, "Kara, as you heard, we will resurrect Arin and you need to bring her to Bo. If Bo takes her in as her mother you will come back to me and you will be restored into the 3rd order anew. Your missions will continue with me as your god. Fail and Arin will be yours to raise and my ruling will still stand where your future lives will be forfeit. Do you agree?"
Kara knew this was the test Hildr talked about, but was it? She would get everything back and be like it was before. However, Kara had been there and done all that and she was still stuck hurdling from here to there but really go nowhere in the end. NOW however, free from Freya and Odin, even Bo to an extent, she felt invigorated. Life had meaning for once.
"Odin, I serve the old code and the code does not say to serve you, Freya or anyone. I am here for the good of our home Valhalla. I don't want my lives back if it means I break from the old code. I do not serve you, but yes, I will unite Arin with Bo and Tamsin since it is the right thing to do for the stability of our plane," Kara said seriously.
Kara was normally not serious about anything, but now she was. She actually had something of meaning to fight for.
There was more silence as Odin and Freya talked over the link most likely and finally Freya spoke up, "Kara, I no longer know how to address you, but you are the only person other than Tamsin that has given Bo their fealty and I assume it still holds true."
"For now yes," Kara smiled twirling her bangs once more.
"Good, then will you keep Arin safe and treat her like your own until such time as Bo becomes her mother?"
"Yes," Kara said genuflecting before them, "I swear it."
"Excellent," Odin announced with a clap, "then join us now in the rebirthing chamber."
"FOB, Hollow Point, suspect car spotted, units 332, 122, and 573 attempting to end chase but the driver seems to have experience. Permission to take out tires."
Kendra heard the request and just responded, "Kendra to Hollow Point granted."
"Humpday to base, local PD had taken over. Clear. Permission to move out to precinct 69."
Alex just looked at Kendra and she quickly nodded, "Forerunner, copy. Proceed to precinct 69. Out"
"Copy, Humpday out."
Kendra then remembered that Maura was with Bo and Talan was the only real Fae doctor that could treat her, but more importantly, he was not a doctor either. There was only one Fae doctor she could think of right now.
"Twitchy, get Doctor Lewis and see if she can report of the ER where they are treating Bo," Kendra stated formally.
"I'm on it," Kenzi stated pulling out her cell.
Kendra was glad that Tamsin radioed back that Bo was ok. If it was any other, Kenzi might have ordered her whole Russian mafia out on a hit for Jane Doe. It still did impress her that Kenzi, when it mattered the most, she did pull through. It was a rare trait since she assumed that Kenzi would crack under pressure.
"Twitchy, Hollow Point, suspect car disabled and suspect has already been shot though her shoulder. Area secure. Ground units requesting for ambulance."
"Way to go TAMMERS!" Kenzi shot her hands up in the air but then leaned back in her chair crossing her arms and mumbled, "Time to let her fucking die." However, after a scathing stare from Kendra and even Alex, she transmitted, "Copy Hollow Point. Dispatching ambulance to your location."
Kendra heard Alex call it in and it was time to wind down as local PD also secured location Bravo.
Dyson had sent her several texts already since the news was buzzing about this car chase and she just texted him back. She did miss him but she had obligations to her team which Dyson understood. She missed being nestled in his powerful arms. She oddly felt safe there.
A bright blinding oval orb took shape in the center of the small circular room. The room was all marble with walls that had complex engravings and pictures on them having to represent the rebirth ritual.
Odin stood to the side slightly behind Freya and Kara stood all the way in the back of the room.
Kara had never seen this done ever since she only got to see the reborn Valkyries after they left the room. The only time she herself got to see the room was when she herself was reborn but those memories always faded away.
The light subsided and in the center of the room was left a young 7 year old girl in a fetal position sitting up.
Freya approached the little girl and wrapped a robe around her. The girl blinked and fed her arms though and tied it in the front and stood up.
She looked confused unsure of what to do, but Kara knew this was normal since it had happened to her from that little she did remember but more to the point, Freya AND Odin where both present and even herself. Normally only the god the Valkyrie served was there.
Freya held out her hand to which the little blonde Valkyrie took it and asked, "Do you know who you are Valkyrie?"
The Valkyrie stammered trying to get her voice and finally replied, "Arin, daughter of … of… of … I belong to the 15th ord … no 3rd ….… ummmm"
Arin mind was in total disarray. She knew she was reborn but all her memories of her most recent past life was still there confusing her further. She needed time to sort it out and the emotions she experienced where hitting her hard like they just happened.
"Take your time Arin. You are special, so you have been reborn early. You are experiencing your past life in seconds to please sit with me and speak when you are ready," Freya led her to a marble bench on the side of the room.
Odin stood stoically and just observed.
Kara just sat down in the back on another marble bench. She was going to put her feet up but decided not to. It was already nice enough that she got to be able to witness this. But something did bother Kara. If Arin remembers everything from her former life with emotional attachments, HOW will Arin trust her as her mom? Kara, albeit the old one, tried to murder her last time. That was a good question and she knew she was in for a ride.
Freya hugged her and Arin felt safe as she rode out of waves of events and emotions. She had a lot to deal with and knew more events would come later but at least she had her general bearings.
Arin finally looked up at Freya and got off the bench and saluted her sharply before genuflecting and stated, "I am Arin. Daughter of Freya. Formerly of the 15th order. Apprentice to Odin in the 3rd order, 4th division, 8th unit. I serve both codes but yours supersedes until the trials where I will find my rightful place in the first order….. If… If…"
Arin with a strained expression, stuttered knowing what she was saying didn't seem right and finally corrected herself, "if I so chose Odin as my god. Otherwise I will find a place in the 6th order under you. COMMAND ME my goddess of the new…"
Arin paused still trying to put events together. 'Goddess of the new order' was someone else she just couldn't remember right now.
Finally Arin stated, "I am yours to command."
Freya stood up and then requested, "Good Arin, please rise and come with me."
Arin did so and Freya let her to meet Odin.
Odin just asked, "Arin, of 3, 4, 8, you have been reborn early since you are pivotal in keeping our empire together. I need you to work with Kara also of 3, 4, 8 and train with her to grow up strong and one day lead whole units and maybe divisions."
Arin knew Odin and felt something was off. She didn't quite trust him but Freya was with her with whom she did trust so she just genuflected before him saying, "It is an honor to be in your order Odin."
Kara almost laughed knowing that Arin still hadn't gotten all her memories back.
Odin stood aside and motioned to Kara to which Kara stood up to greet Arin.
Odin then said, "Kara will be your guardian until you choose a permanent mother. She will guide and train you in the interim."
Arin looked on at Kara and horror filled her soul as she remembered that she was in a fight with her and killed her or so she thought.
Arin immediately ran back to Freya, grabber her leg and buried her face into it and didn't let go as she whimper out, "Nooooo she's evil! She wants to torture and kill me."
Freya tried to nudge her off and Arin was scared for her life, "Now now Arin, she has taken an oath to defend Valhalla and she lives by the old code now. You are safer with her and anyone else."
"Noooo," Arin whimpered out glancing at Kara briefly and hiding her face again going around the back of Freya's other leg to hide from the evil Valkyrie.
Freya just patted Arin's back and did a head jerk to have Kara step forward.
Kara knew that Arin was at least somewhat right. If roles were reversed, she would do the same except maybe grab a weapon and kill.
Kara knelt down in front of Freya and really didn't know what to say. But knew that by the virtue of Arin remembering things with the emotional baggage, she had to be extra nice.
Nice was not in her makeup.
Kara finally soften her voice and pretended to act like a kid too and almost wanted to barf.
"Hey Arin, I was just a spoiled brat and I didn't mean that things I said and did to you," Kara then paused and put on her best adorable smile, "I'm sorry. Can you forgive me?"
Arin was not convined but at least now she could look Kara in the eyes and knew she was telling somewhat the truth, but asked, "So you don't want to kill me… or or.. my sister Tamsin anymore?"
"Nope. Cross my heart and hope to die," Kara stated doing all the kid gestures she could remember. "When we fought it was a TEST and you beat me fair and square. You were so awesome that Odin promoted you on the spot."
"REALLY! Yea I was super duper, UPER spectacular," Arin stated with exuberance finally moving out from behind Freya and letting go of her tight grip around her leg. She still didn't want to go to Kara, but at least Kara seemed pretty cool.
"Yes you where. Remember when you almost stated 'goddess of the new order'?" Kara asked to help Arin move forward.
"Uh huh," the little Valkyrie nodded expectantly.
"I swore my fealty to her and I know her PERSONALLY. You wanna come with and we can meet her. She's super spectacular," Kara offered hoping that Arin knew about Bo and would come with her and take the bait.
Arin thought about it and knew that this goddess she mentioned WAS cool so she asked, "Why isn't she here?"
"Well she is on another plane right now…" Kara mentioned but was interrupted by Arin.
"And what is your order with her?"
"She had none 'cus anyone that joins her group, we are ALL number one," Kara cooed but now wanted to barf. This was way too much kid stuff to deal with.
"So who was first?"
"Your twin sister Tamsin which I can take you to meet too. Also awwwwesome," Kara sang out but really felt sick.
"So where are you?"
"Second I guess but I'll tell you want, I'll take third and you can be second ok? IF you want to be part of the super friends club," Kara smiled.
"Does she have parties!" Arin stepped forward to see Kara eye to eye.
"OH The BESTEST! Better than the gooder ones here. And her Fae pet, Kenzi, is always a RIOT. Like totally," Kara grinned waving her hand. She hated baby kid talk, but Arin at least stepped forward.
"Does the goddess of the new order assign tough homework or workouts?" Arin asked skeptically.
"Nope. There is none and if there is, it's a piece of cake."
"COOL! Do I get ice cream ever night?!"
"Yup, Kenzi stocks up on that stuff like it is going out of style and by the way, you can just call the goddess of the new order 'Bo'. She's hip that way with no titles. We're just a bunch of girl hanging out having a grand time. Care to see her? I can take you there now."
"YES!" Arin exclaimed clapping and bouncing up and down excited with eyes big a saucers.
Arin then turned her attention to Freya and Odin marching her legs and feet quickly with impatience, "Can I go now PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!"
Odin and Freya just nodded and no sooner, Arin grabbed Kara's hand and pulled her along demanding to go to the nearest portal to see Bo.
'Good job Kara. You may show promise just yet,' Freya thought out to Kara.
Kara didn't even respond since she was being yanked like a dog on a leash by a 4 foot tall girl.
A/N: You know, it's been a year now since I started this story. Now 44 chaps later, thanks for bearing with me. Percentage wise, story is 2/3 to ¾ done. Yes grammatical errors abound, fixing them now.
On this anniversary however, I do have a present for all of you. Yes, it is more than this chapter which you just read. Did you ever wonder what I would have written if I were not restricted by the ff guidelines?
Hmmm well wonder no more. I happen to also have an account on archive of our own with the same alias. Click on my profile here and follow link to go directly to it. Changes are in chap 5 but reading from the start is also good too in order to set the scene.
Let me know your options on this chap and if you do have comments on that 'director's cut' edition let me know too and I MAY write more. MAY.
So what is in chap 5 at the other site? Hint Valkubanging.