All of a sudden, Lauren's mansion was alight with activity. Word of Dyson breaking the Armistice and Kendra literally slaughtering Awangs made headlines.
The Aswangs, Vampires and Shifters were set to meet in 2 days at the site of the grievance, which put them squarely in Lauren's back yard. For people that were involved, there was no other place to stay in the island, but Lauren's place. The wedding was to occur the day after, but that was up in the air.
It was still very early morning, the sun had yet to rise and Trick, Hale, Evony and Vex were now staying onsite.
A detachment of the Burning Cypress Clan security team was also onsite to augment security in the interim and all promptly stood at attention as Jessica walked to Kendra's room.
Jessica paused and knocked on the door lightly.
"Enter," was the sharp response.
Jessica opened the door and Kendra was getting ready brushing her hair to put in a ponytail. She already had most of her equipment but her vest was still lying by the door. A Dire Wolf was sitting down proudly a couple paces away from her looking at her curiously.
Kendra spoke fist still getting prepared, "It seems our Aswang we captured has woken up and has lots of things to say. I may need to wake up Bo so we can get the truth out from him." Kendra walked away and looked at her vest checking her magazines then stood up, checking herself to make sure she had her machete on her and combat knife. She didn't look Jessica but stayed on task. Alex managed to reload her magazines without her asking. It wasn't needed, but it was always nice to know she had a full stock pile at her disposal.
"Kendra, please stop for a moment," Jessica request putting her hand up to stop her.
Kendra just looked at her puzzled.
"First, Derrick and Erica send their thanks and applaud you for your bravery. You made a sacrifice for the clan that we will never forget," Jessica formally mentioned looking at the Dire Wolf.
"Thank you Major… Jessica," Kendra stated but knew she came for something different judging by her body language and the fact that she was here unannounced.
"Your scouting expedition more or less eradicated the Awsang threat. As a matter of fact, judging by the few numbers you accounted for at the end of your fire fight, and the fact that we are ready for them, will make it extremely unlikely they will disrupt the wedding. Also John's sweep of the forest with a team of 15 just hours ago yielded nothing," Jessica informed formally. "They are on the run all thanks to you and your team and let's not forget Dyson." Jessica petted Dyson.
Jessica paused and then said, "Captain. I need you to step back temporarily from your duties concerning the Burning Cypress Clan. You may want to do that for your precinct as well."
Kendra was in shock. Had she done something wrong?
Jessica saw her expression and smiled warmly, "We have lost no one in this fight Kendra. Even Alex from what I hear fully recovered. But it seems that you have." She kept petting Dyson, "You have a life mate that does love you. You need to spend time with family, the people that are important you."
Kendra barely had any rest and she already put Hump Day in charge of the 69th. She just had so much work to do for the Clan.
Kendra thought about this already even before Jessica brought it up but was really undecided.
Kendra just looked down for a moment composing what she needed to say, "After the wedding, I need to turn in my clan insignias. I bring nothing but trouble. Having me on your team will only cause more problems."
Jessica strolled over to her and held her at arm's length, "Keep the insignia's. Alex considers you family and would be heartbroken if you left us. Besides, you are looked up to by the entire team. Kendra, we can only give what we have and you are giving more than that. I reviewed your unabridged records and multiple performance reports. You are no good to anyone burnt out and nor do I want that as your friend. Listening to the comm logs from less than 24 hours ago, you are there already. Just take a break effective today ok?"
Kendra just nodded a little unsure. She didn't know what to do with her life since killing shifters was no longer her objective. She did need time with Dyson and a break from all her responsibilities sounded attractive but she was never the kind to run around without being a force that was to be feared.
Kendra's normally composed expression, transitioned briefly to pain and a frown. She darted her glance away, and asked rhetorically, "I spent my life making a difference in the communities I was a part of. I was raised to believe that that good always trumped evil. But what have I done?"
Her eye's welled up with unfallen tears distantly gazing at a wall behind Jessica. She paused but continued as she stuttered, "I don't think I made any difference. You were correct; I am a one trick pony. I… I swapped … JUSTICE with … with VENGENCE. And." Kendra paused wiping a tear away, "it took my sworn enemy and life mate to make me look in the mirror.. at what I became…. I blurred the lines of justice so badly that I became exactly what I was trying to eradicate."
Jessica just reassured her and brought Kendra to look at her eye to eye, "But you corrected yourself and all is not lost. Dyson's dire wolf form is temporary and you made one of the most beautiful, noble and powerful commitments to him. You told in him Tagalog, 'Even though I tried to hate you and your kind, I gradually fell for you. I want you to know that I love you very much. For you, I would turn my back on my desire for revenge.'"
More tears streaked down her face remembering what she told Dyson who was shifting into to his dire wolf form in the woods post Aswang attack. Dyson then strolled over and nudged Kendra's free hand to try to get her to pet him.
Kendra weakly laughed through her tears and uneven breathing, "He was a dire wolf … when I said it."
Jessica nodded in understanding that rebutted bringing her into a hug, "Dyson probably doesn't even understand Tagalog. But those affirmations weren't for him. It was for you."
Kendra held onto Jessica tightly with her tears now flowed freely, "… What will I do now? When.. when I gave up my vengeance… I… I gave up my ability to add the Aswangs, Shifters, and any other specie to my list to go extinct next. .. wh… what will do I now?"
Kendra cried not knowing her path because standing down was not like her and she was scared. She already felt weak without her thirst for hate, but justice required her to extend and keep the peace.
Jessica assured her, "Be STRONG. THAT is what you have been this whole time and you are only getting stronger in your journey. Cerberus is a 3 headed dog that is feared by all, but even Cerberus must SLEEP. 2 out of the 3 heads sleep while the remaining watches. Even in this form, Cerberus is still feared because it can still wake again and be at its full strength and more since the other heads rested. You also can't wage war against the entire world. You will fail, end of bitter, and burned out. Stay close to your family because they will care for you like you have cared for them. Let OTHERS take the watch for once. OTHERS like Alex will eagerly stand in your place."
Jessica stroked Kendra's back. "Come back to us any time, OK? Hump Day and even Tamsin can handle your team and I know Alex will continue to carry your torch. In the meantime, finish your business with Grizzal and I will attend the grievance tribunal in your place in a couple days. The Aswangs attacked you but they really attacked us as a Clan. Shall we question your prisoner?"
Kendra wiped the remnants of her tears away breaking the embrace. She was happy that Jessica helped her get more clarity on her direction and she was right. She just needed time with Dyson.
Dyson whined jumping up at the door. He was ready to go and Kendra picked up her body armor and put it over her head securing it.
Jessica stealthily opened the door and walked into the hall just ahead of Dyson and Kendra followed.
They just turned the corner and stopped dead at the sight that they came upon.
It was Alex in Drake's button down shirt in the hall kissing Drake who is mostly in his room clad in only boxers.
Alex was trying to button the shirt but Drake pulled it up to reveal her lower half and his other hand slipped into her sex.
Alex was trying her hardest to not scream but huffed out quietly as she could between kisses, "Oh... I need to get back.. to my room before my mom arrives… ohhhhh…. here."
Like cats Jessica and Kendra scampered quickly and quietly back around the corner out of sight of the lovers and Dyson did the same and sat down at heart beat later. Their backs were against the walls as if doing tactical maneuvers.
"Ahhhhhh. My god!... 2 times was already too much…. Noooo .. yea … SHIT.. " Alex grunted out in a high pitch but didn't yell.
Jessica just closed her eyes and couldn't believe what was happening. A part of her wanted to confront them and break it up. Alex was her daughter and no one gets to have her that easily. However, another part of her remembered that she didn't want to interfere with her daughter's life. She was an adult now.
Jessica gritted her teeth and finally turned to Kendra who was the closest to the corner, "Captain, Sitrep. Is it possible to reroute to the lab to avoid target and evade detection?"
Kendra slowly pulled a small mirror out of her vest and peeked around the corner with it.
Drake had managed to peel off Alex's shirt and he was taking stock her firm assets. She was held in place by Drake hooking her core with his fingers working her to peak. Alex was close biting her lips.
Kendra just whispered back, "Major, the target is fully exposed and will reach her objective soon and move away from our position towards her room. We can take the back stairs but we will most likely be seen and heard once on the lower level out in the open. Suggest we hold position or fall back to my room."
Jessica just closed her eyes even tighter like she was being tortured and finally just whispered giving up the formalities, "Jeez, just stay. So you mean Drake has stripped my daughter naked, popped her cheery, fingering her clit furiously to make her come which will happen any second no…"
"AHHHHHH!" Alex yelped in a muffled kiss and Drake grasped her to prevent her from collapsing to the ground.
Kendra suppressed a snicker at Jessica's comment since she gave up being so formal and told it like it was.
Drake laid her on the ground as she tried to catch her breath, but in that time, she huffed out, "Don't you dare fuck Mia or I'll KILL you. I love you."
Drake just smiled and caressed her warmly, "I love you too Alexis. Who cares about Mia? I'll take down her photos now and I'll put up hot photos of you instead because I only have eyes for you."
Kendra then realized that Drake was moving toward a secondary objective when he lay on top of her in the middle of the hall ready to unleash his member.
"Crap Jessica, Drake is going for a double hitter," Kendra whispered back.
Jessica just put her hand on her face and shook her head. That was all too much, "Fall back?"
"No," Kendra stated petting Dyson, "I have an idea."
Kendra patted Dyson and just asked, hoping he'd get the idea. "Aking Lobo. Can you go over and interrupt them?"
Dyson had a sixth sense after all once Kendra nudged him forward. He just gracefully pranced over to the loving couple and licked Alex's face and nudged Drake.
"Awwww, Dyson?" Alex chuckled, "What are you doing here?"
Drake knew something was up and collected his shirt form the ground and pulled Alex up.
Kendra like clock worked called, "Dyson! Dyson! Where are you?"
Like a paratrooper, Drake pulled Alex into his room and closed the door quickly and silently.
Kendra and Jessica peer around the corner and it was all clear with Dyson striding back proudly.
"All clear," Kendra smirked.
Jessica patted Kendra on the back, "Thanks."
Bo's cell phone rang and her hand fumbled around the night stand without looking up to at least get it to stop. She finally found it and sleepily brought it to her ear and answered, "Hello?"
"Bo? It's Lauren. Can you see us in the lab? It seems our Aswang needs help talking. Kendra and Jessica are about ready to put a bullet in its head."
"Huh… Oh ok. Gimme 5," Bo said in the arms of multiple people.
She hung up and found that Arin was snuggling up to her tightly and Tamsin was on her other side. She was fully clothed and hungry.
Tamsin didn't even bother to wake up and Arin got up and stretched.
Bo just kissed Arin on the forehead with a big smile and mentioned, "You can sleep in Arin. I have to go to the lab for a moment and see Lauren."
Bo spent most of the yesterday evening with Lauren, Arin, Tamsin, Kenzi, and Hale. The time she valued the most is when she got to have some alone time with Arin. Arin, as s kid, had so much energy and innocence. Memories were still coming back to her and when they did, Arin was more than eager to share them. Sometimes the most hilarious memories were of her and Tamsin. It also was a double edged sword however, Arin would remember her most recent past life with all the emotions and at the time it was overwhelming. Bo felt comforted that Arin still shared them with her. Arin was dealing with her former life, not suppressing it or running away and that was good. Bravery wasn't just demonstrated on the battle fields. Tamsin was a great help too and would giude Bo about certain nuances as needed.
Arin just smiled and then scrunched her face, "Naaaa, don't need sleep mom. We sleep lightly." Arin just looked over Bo to Tamsin who was still fast asleep, "Except Tamsin. She probably needs her rest to keep you fed."
Bo flared her brows and asked curiously, "And what do you know about my feeding patterns?"
"I seem to remember Tamsin asking me at one point to top you off, but I can't seem to remember the details," Arin furrowed her brows trying to remember.
Bo just hugged her, "Take your time Arin. When you do remember, please share it with me and we can talk it through, ok?"
"Sure mom," Arin smirked.
Arin already knew what a succubus was and she could only assume that at one point or another, with Tamsin being somewhat human she was needed. Filling in the blanks, she had an idea what probably transpired.
"Hey, wanna come with me to see an Awsang?" Bo asked since Arin was wide awake. "Get dressed and brush your teeth in the bathroom while I get dressed out here ok?"
Arin just nodded and collected her items which left Bo alone with Tamsin.
She turned to her lover who was fast asleep but Tamsin quickly grabbed her with lightening reflexes and pulled her into a tight hug.
"I wonder what YOU could want this early in the morning?" Tamsin smirked with her eyes still closed.
Bo kissed Tamsin on the lip and just murmured angelically, "I have no idea."
"You 2 have some fun ok? I need to get more z's," Tamsin mentioned with a weak click. "Oh yea. Feed."
Tamsin kissed Bo again deeply as Tamsin's tongue gently snaked its way past her awaiting lips but was met with resistance from Bo tongue.
Tamsin broke the kiss and warned, "Any time now 'cus remember the rules you agreed to when you are with Arin. But that means I can strip you right now in a flash and leave you all frustrated since there won't be enough time to crest. K? So feed Bo."
Bo pouted and finally kissed Tamsin to pull some of her chi.
Arin and Bo made it to the lab and Kendra, Jessica and Lauren and Talan were there observing the Awsang.
It was really mad as it thrashed around, even with a broken arm but was heavily restrained in bed with a muzzle.
Lauren walked up to Bo and just informed, "I gave him an anti-morphing agent to keep him in this state so that we can talk to him, however, he has been very uncooperative."
Kendra then interjected, "Bo, we need to know who in the Fire Sprite and Tree Elder clans gave then assurances that this was their feeding ground."
Bo just smiled and approached the aswang.
It finally spat out growling through its muzzle, "Come closer succubus, so I can devour your organs!"
Bo just reached out gently and stroked its cheek and a red glow emitted from it onto the aswang.
"Hey," Bo said soothingly, "What's your name?"
The aswang smirked like he was drunk and lazily stated, "Trevor. You're so pretty and your organs must taste exquisite. But I…. I could never eat you."
Bo returned the smile, "Why thank you Trevor," Bo had no idea it that was a compliment of not, but assumed it was and continued, "We would like to patch you up and set you free but could you help us answer a couple of questions? Please? I'm Bo by the way?"
Jessica spoke up and asked, "WHO gave you assurances that this was your feeding ground from the Fire Sprite and Tree Elder clans?"
Bo just murmured, "You'd help me out so much if you could answer that one simple question."
Trevor was in awe of Bo and never took his eyes off of her brown eyes. He just lazily mentioned, "Sam Green and Melissa Simms."
Jessica registered shock and just asked sternly, "ARE YOU SURE?"
Bo put more of her charms into him and he tried his best to lean forward and kiss Bo even in his grotesque form and in restraints.
Trevor just slurred, "I would never lie to you succubus. Come with me and I'll lick you until you die of pleasure. Sam and Melissa are who you want."
Kendra looked at Jessica confused since she had no idea who they were. It was then she also noticed that Alex and Drake walked in. Drake was in his full gear with body armor. Alex was in her black tactical pants and loose black shirt that was a little too big for her. Her body armor was new. No doubt she needed a change of clothing since she burned through hers earlier.
"You are talking about the council heads for BOTH clans. IMPOSSIBLE. They accept their instructions without question from their leaders. Do you have proof of this?" Jessica rebutted.
Bo put on a puppy dog face and kissed him on his muzzle which drove him mad.
"EMAIL from both dated less than 2 weeks ago. Validated and encrypted via PKI certificate. They wanted us to feed in full force this weekend and promised no repercussions," Trevor stated trying in vain to kiss Bo back.
Jessica looked down and held her chin and then snapped her gaze to Alex.
"Alex, I assume you're fully recovered and thank you Bo and Doctor Lewis for healing her but we have work to do. Alex pack you gear and meet me outside in 10. I need to call Derrick and Erica now," Jessica sternly ordered.
Alex clicked her heals together and sharply stated, "Yes ma'am." She nodded and slightly smiled at Drake and left.
Jessica was about to leave the room when she turned around quickly and to address Drake, "Oh and Commander Cruz?"
'Oh shit,' Kendra thought. This was bad.
Lauren just repeated softly to herself wondering, "Commander?"
Jessica paused like she was about to say something more, but just relayed, "Thank you for protecting my daughter. I assume you have only her best interests in mind."
Drake knew something was up and reading between the lines the Major knew that they were in a close relationship. He responded tersely, "Always."
Jessica then stated for all to hear, "Make sure you remember that even when there is a dearth of hope and happiness."
And that was all as Jessica took her leave quickly. Kendra was impressed that Jessica handled that relatively well.
Lauren still looked confused but knew that Jessica was warning Drake that if he were to engage in a relationship with Alex, he's better not falter on his commitments to her.
"Thank Trevor," Bo reassure him stroking his face and then asked, "If we set you free and let you morph now, will you cause us harm?"
Trevor just smirked, "No. I'm not a fighter, I am a seer and strategist for my people."
Bo just nodded to Lauren and Kendra put her hand on her Glock just in case. Talan was ready to taze him.
Lauren quickly delivered an injection to reverse the effects to allow him to shift and undid his restraints.
No sooner was he freed, he morphed into a chiseled, bare chested handsome human. He smiled at his form and then asked turning to Bo while putting a shirt on, "Are you Bo Dennis, also known as the Unaligned Succubus, Goddess of the New Order and soon to be the one ruler of Valhalla?"
Bo was curious and asked, "Correct and how to you know about me?"
Trevor chuckled, "As a seer I have visions of the future. Your deeds amongst the Fae along with your bonded partner Tamsin have made much talk since you will be the ruler of Valhalla, bonded to a common but powerful Valkyrie, Tamsin. It could be our salvation or destruction."
Bo followed up tilting her head, "Why would this concern you since you are a Fae outside of my domain assuming if what you said is true?"
"Because, Valhalla is an army that is divided and is bound by archaic rules and traditions. You challenge those and you can move the hearts of beings that normally don't have one. Also since Tamsin bonded to you, they can relate to her and will follow you unquestionably until the ending of this world or any other world," Trevor warned. "When Odin passes like it is foretold, you will inherit his powers in addition to your own. There will be One Kingdom, One Code, One God. You will then possess the most dangerous army known to all and no one will be able stop you."
Trevor chuckled, "Your reign will either be the beginning of a new renaissance and awakening or the end of this world and the next when you enslave us all to your will. I hope you will have mercy of us all. We feed now to celebrate your coming and accept our future whatever it may hold."
Bo was in shock but bravely held her front, "I will never enslave anyone, it's morally wrong."
"You say that now succubus, but when you get Odin's powers, along with it will come his essence and darkness. It will overcome and you, as you fall into it and bring us all into the darkness," Trevor stood relaxed leaning on the edge of the bed.
"You don't know that for a fact and DON'T pretend to know me," Bo rebutted calmly.
"I base mine on research and of the future I have seen thus far," he smirked.
"Bull shit," Kendra interjected, "You're not a seer. Maybe well read, but nothing of the sorts. If you are that good, why didn't you know we were looking for you less than a day ago?"
Trevor laughed, "Sometimes when we see visions, it's not like a movie, HOWEVER, Kendra, we were expecting you but you were manifested in my dream as Cerberus with a Dire Wolf next to you and a great white owl hovering above. I didn't recognize the prophecy until Dyson showed up. The owl must be an animal spirit since you were able to outwit us. As for Cerberus, only you know the meaning Kendra."
"So what visions have you seen?" Bo asked since he was still bound to tell her the truth.
"Do you really want to know?" Trevor asked Bo back.
Bo nodded.
"Bo, you will be tested and fight an immensely bloody battle soon. The weakest will be your strength as they rally by your side. Bonds will be stressed and will be broken. Blood will spill like water in a stream, as you take the steps to ascend to take your father's throne," Trevor stated but was interrupted by Bo.
"STOP with the riddles and don't jerk me around. Now what did you see concerning me and my future," Bo pushed him in warning.
"There will be a sea of Fae who want to stop your assentation to your father's throne. They come in full force and even with all your great powers, will lose but a band of humans will come to your aid. In desperation, it is the blood of innocent and just you spilled for your glory. Their lifeless bodies will pave your path as you step on their backs to rise to the throne my queen," Trevor relayed and smirked manically.
"You LIE!" Bo grabbed him by the collar and juiced him up more but he just continued.
"You will test and break the bonds of friendship, sisterhood and love," Trevor kept going.
"LIAR!" Bo yelled slapping him hard and taking him by the neck as she turned red.
Trevor under the temporary thrall forged ahead, "You KILLED your only love in that battle ALONG with your Kitsune pet. Tamsin succumbed to her injures. Your Kitsune had more arrows in her than a target at the archery range!"
Bo tightened her grip as Trevor coughed in the strong choke.
A couple octaves lower, Bo warned, "I am GOD here and you or ANYONE ELSE will NEVER dictate my future. I am life and I am death. The Alpha and Omega. You have no POWER over me!"
Lauren pulled out a syringe filling it with a dose as fast as possible saying to herself. "Oh shit. Not good."
Arin backed up as Talan scooted her back and put her behind him.
Drake reached over to a table for a Trazer.
Trevor laughed and gloated even in a strong choke and croaked, "FATE yields to NO ONE my queen. Your providence is useless against it. Face it you killed Tamsin all by yourself AND…"
"Nooooooooooooo!" Bo screamed. It couldn't be. Even in her ultra-enraged state she felt the loss and from the way she juiced him up, he was telling the truth.
Trevor looked over to Kendra who had her hand on her holstered Glock then gloated and laughed, "YOU BURNED Kendra! BUUUUURNED! I saw it. They set your charred body down in the morgue next to Tamsin and Kenzi. You and your weak humans followed you into a FAE battle ground and DIED for the queen. She used you! Yours SINS against us and the shifters will come due in FULL. I don't have to kill you, your QUEEN will do it for me. Ha ha ha!"
"LIES! I will not tolerate LIES!" Bo picked him up with on hand by the neck and it was when Lauren slammed an injection into Bo's back side.
Bo didn't flinch as she ignored the whole world. She put her other hand on his heart and Trevor began to convulse in yell in pain. "You will DIE for such blasphemy!" Bo's low voice reverberated in the room addressing the Aswang.
She wanted to kill him but something inside her was stopping her. She knew it was WRONG. He was telling her truthfully what she asked, but she simply just didn't want to face the music.
Trevor yelled back, "You sacrificed … ALL… your relationships that day you held dear ….. LOVE, SISTERHOOD, FRIENDSHIP… all for a cold throne in Valhalla and a Valkyrie army. You're not a monster… you're the DEVIL SPAWN! You will unleash hell onto our planes, just like your FATHER tried. NOW show me your true colors!"
Tears began to roll down Bo's eyes. This seer filled in blanks that she didn't have. The truth hurt that she lost Kenzi, Kendra and her team members. They were her sisters. But Tamsin, her lover too? How could this be? Her hands trembled and her strength weakened.
Bo felt like a total failure as grief overtook her shaking her head in disbelief. She let Trevor go and he fell onto the ground.
Tamsin ran into the lab just in time to see Bo stumble away towards her with her red disappearing.
Tamsin had no idea what was going on, but because of the bond they shared she knew it was something bad. Bo fell into her arms and in a fit of crying relayed weakly in her now normal voice to Tamsin, "I… I am the goddess of the new order. Queen of all that I see. I… DECIDE who lives and dies… D… Do I my Valkyrie?"
Bo fell limp in her arms and Tamsin carried her over to an exam table while Lauren checked her vitals. Talan and Arin stood close by.
Trevor got up and dusted himself off but Kendra had a close eye on him and Drake had a close eye on the situation too.
"Well time to go," Trevor smiled but Kendra blocked him follow by Dyson flanking him and growling.
Kendra didn't like how he essentially prophesized her and her team's end. Her end, she didn't mind so much, but her team? She lost a big section of her team before, and it wasn't going to happen again. She was angered at fate as well.
Kendra then spoke to Trevor in a serious tone, "Trevor, Cerberus is my call sign. My animal spirit is the great white owl and Dyson is my life mate which your kind has so nicely have made him a dire wolf maybe for the rest of my life."
"Yea, like he didn't know that. He broke the armistice. His choice. Too bad. So sad," Trevor smiled in a challenge.
"My owl animal spirit allows me to see things that are hidden as well, and it allows me to predict the near future. Bo and I will change this ending even with your vision," Kendra confidently proclaimed.
"My visions are NEVER wrong," Trevor confidently rebutted.
"But you initially said Bo would bring a renaissance or hell. They are mutually exclusive, so therefore FATE is indecisive and like you, a sham," Kendra took a step to stand in his personal space. Dyson kept a watchful eye.
"I said hell since what else could it be with the vision of Bo sacrificing everyone she loves even though she professes to hold love above all else. What else can it mean when I saw the hospital morgue filled you bodies of Fae, but most importantly Kenzi, Tamsin, someone named Blackwood, and you. Those were the ones I saw but there were more. What else could it mean when I achieved a glimpse of the battle where Bo is holding onto dear life unconscious and you and that kid over there," he tilted his head to Arin, "were the only ones left against hundreds about to overrun you."
Dyson growled at him and started to show his teeth.
Trevor huffed out a laugh looking over to him, "And you Dyson, stayed by Kendra's side to your very end howling for your kind for help until you were hit by a volley of arrows and fire spells."
That hurt Kendra. Dyson was there ready to set his life down for her again and it was probably her fault. She needed to back down from this fight to save Dyson and her team.
RETREAT.
But HOW?
If Bo was in danger, there was really no choice at least for her and Dyson. Bo was her family to them. As for her team, they would join her just because she was part of their family. She would need for them to prepare by training harder however.
She realized again, she was in the same bucket as Tamsin. It was time to tie up loose ends. First and foremost, she needed time with her love even if he was a Dire Wolf right now.
Fate it seems didn't allow Dyson to shift back to his normal self before the attack and that was cruel, but the all the blood on her hands now, maybe it was warranted.
Kendra was able to compose herself a moment later.
"You got it all wrong," Kendra smirked, "We follow Bo because she would never give up her Utopian ideals she strives for. We follow and are ready to set down our life for her because this world needs more people like her. You will see, even in death, there will be life. Where you see a situation devoid of hope and light, I see the end of evil and the darkness which consumes this world. When the sun sets, it will rise again."
Did Kendra really believe all of that? She had to. SHE MUST. It wasn't her owl powers of insight, but just a belief. She had faith that the world would be just fine even with her death and knew that she had to pay her dues at some point in time but why her team? Her family. Was the sacrifice of so many worth it for one person, Bo?
Although Kendra and her got along just ok, the answer was still a yes.
Trevor laughed stoutly then bowed toward Bo, "Then BOW to the queen of the underworld! BOW to the goddess of unrelenting death and devastation which she will thrust upon you all! BOW to her as you are consumed into the bowels of torturous DARKNESS!"
Kendra just kept up her poker face finally backing up and stated an order, "Drake, please see Trevor out before I make a prophecy where put a bullet in his head from my gun comes to fruition."
Drake came up next to him and grabbed his arm shoved him forward with Talan taking the rear as they left the room. Trevor just kept laughing manically the whole way.
"Lauren," Tamsin mentioned in desperation, "She took my chi, but why isn't she waking up!"
"I gave her a tranquilizer in her red alter ego state, but it didn't work, but now that she is human again, she will be out for a couple of hours. I dare not try to reverse it unless absolutely necessary since it will cause her harm," Lauren communicated.
"SHIT!" Tamsin just huffed out. "Is she ok for now?"
"I'm still checking her vitals now," Lauren relayed as Talan put the leads onto Bo.
Tamsin was apprehensive and waited but it was hard to stay quiet when the Aswang was making fun of Bo bowing to her. Mocking her bonded mate.
She saw Kendra glance at her and then ordered Talan and Drake to take him away. It was a good thing for the Aswang, because she was about to kill him.
"Can someone tell me what the FUCK happened here!" Tamsin roared and demanded answers from all.
It was then she felt Arin tug her arm, "Please don't be mad sister. No one is hurt and if you want, I can tell you everything."
Tamsin looked down at Arin. She totally forgot she was there. Arin's face showed signs of fear but she controlled it well. The last person that deserved her wrath was Arin. Tamsin's feelings were getting the best of her and as such she smiled the best she could taking a deep breath.
"Sure thing sis," Tamsin confidently said with a click. "Let's go to the next room and you can tell me ALL about it ok?"
Arin's face lit up and took Tamsin's hand to go to the next room. She had a lot to relay but would try her very best to do so.
"We've got everything under control here Tamsin and I'll let you know if anything changes," Lauren reassured still analyzing the results from the machine.
Lauren quickly assessed that Bo was stable and just needed to sleep it off but heard someone sobbing softly from the other side of the room.
She craned her head over to see Kendra sitting on a chair hunched over with her arms around Dyson with her face buried into his neck.
She just wailed in Tagalog and mentioned softly between her uneven breathing, "Aking lobo. Pasensya na Dyson. Sana mapatawad mo ako. (My wolf. I'm so sorry Dyson. Please forgive me.)"
For Kendra, this was a blanket statement. She was sorry for so many of her missteps in their relationship and what hurt her most is that it was her cross to carry all along, not Dyson's like Tamsin noted.
Her stubborn brash attitude toward all shifter kind, her inability to love Dyson back, and now her inability to save their relationship before an almost certain death.
It seemed what she was doing to fix it was too little, too late.
She was faced with the glaring fact that she alone killed their relationship.
She also killed him according to the seer. Another low life shifter would die at her hands, but this time, it was to be her life mate and true love.
Arin burst open the double doors to Lauren's room and for some odd reason she knew exactly where it was.
She was in her PJs and ran then belly flopped into Lauren's bed. Lauren was hesitant but just observed Arin from the door as she began to jump up and down on the bed playfully. It was 5:30AM and even she could use a little more sleep.
"Awwww come on Laur… sister! Live a little," Arin motioned her over.
With that Lauren took a couple deep breaths and belly flopped into the bed as well but a little less gracefully.
Arin lost her balance and fell on top of top of Lauren and both just laughed.
After their fit of laughing, Arin just lay there on the bed looking up at the ceiling with Lauren next to her.
"Wow, I haven't done that in a long time Arin," Lauren puffed out still chuckling a little.
"It feels really weird to call you sister like Tamsin told me to," Arin scrunched her face.
"Well you can always call me Lauren," she reminded but didn't know how much Arin remembered.
Arin smiled and sat up and push playfully at Lauren, "I THOUGHT so! I remember you!"
"Ummm ummm you do?" Lauren stammered out curiously. How much did she remember?
"Yea Lauren! Of course I do," Arin asserted, "You are my very very best bestest friend! We hold no secrets from one another and *I* am the only one that can call you by your REAL name. Karen!"
Lauren was amazed. Even though Arin didn't remember that they were lovers, she seemed to remember the fact that it was only after they became an item, only THEN did Arin call her Karen every now and then.
"Which one do you prefer because I know how much you tie a name to your current persona," Arin factually asked.
"Well everyone calls me Lauren, Arin. Just say what comes natural. You will know when to use my other name," Lauren murmured looking over to Arin.
Arin thought about it and just said, "Sure. Lauren it is then."
There was a silence and Lauren didn't want to be the first to speak since because she still needed to figure out the new Arin.
Arin was deep in thought and finally spoke looking at her knees dejected, "I wish there was something we can do for Tamsin and Bo."
Lauren patted her back, "Arin, what do you mean?"
"Well the seer told Bo that my sister would die in a great battle. And… and well she is bonded to Bo and I …"
"It's ok Arin. YOU are allowed to feel. That is why Bo is your mom," Lauren comforted.
Arin looked away and then looked at her knees again dejected, "I'm sad about Tamsin. We are the legendary Valkyrie sisters of light and dark. I…. I am sad about FATE but I will do what it takes to change it. I want Tamsin to be reborn ….. but … but I remember that she told me that in order for our lives to have any meaning, it has to be finite. She is wise and right you know."
Lauren just smirked at the true statement and nodded, "Yes, she is."
Arin took a deep breath, "My former mom Kara, she is now awesome after Odin took away her ability to be reborn. Same with Tamsin. I wish I were brave enough to elect to do the same."
Lauren was amazed at how deep Arin thought. By virtue she was reborn so quickly, she was getting her memories back a lot faster. She also seemed to have her life lessons as well.
"Bravery is demonstrated is all we do Arin, I may not kick butt with a weapon, but I… I find other ways," Lauren mentioned, but didn't know if Arin could think that deeply.
"You kick ass Lauren, where it matters the most, you saves the lives of people we care about," Arin locked onto her brown eyes for the first time.
Lauren glowed at the compliment.
"I wish I remembered everything and was all grown up, so I can fight by Tamsin's side as a full Valkyrie," Arin admitted. "It's like there is something about you that I can't seem to put my finger on. I feel like I can tell you everything, more so than even Tamsin. You are a sister but you're not."
"Take your time Arin," Lauren stroked her back, "Everyone needs a childhood to be a well-adjusted adult. It will all come back to you. Don't rush it. Being grown up only complicates things TRUST me."
"I do Karen," Arin nodded solemnly.
Lauren was amazed. Arin KNEW when to use her real name even without her memories as back up and looking at her expressions, it wasn't forced. Lauren also surmised that Arin didn't even know she did that.
"Hey, I feel my sister and she is depressed. She just doesn't show it. I wish I could do something for them both to cheer them up today."
Lauren thought at this and had an idea, "Tamsin and Bo are bonded, but have not gone through any official ceremony or wedding. With the Ash and Morrigan, Trick her grandfather here, we could make it happen. Kenzi and Bo's entire family are here as well to witness it."
Arin jumped up to her knees full of energy, "LIKE … LIKE in fairy tales!"
Lauren just nodded, and added, "I am sure everyone would be ok with it since it would be a good respite from this grievance tribunal business."
"COOL!... you are the awesome-est doctor EVER Lauren!" Arin bolted out of the bed and ran to her duffle bag pulling out clothes. "Come on! We only have a little time to prepare!"
Lauren got up and looked confused, "You know we can get it started in a couple of hours."
"No," Arin hurriedly scampered into the bathroom closing the door. Arin yelled through the door, "Tamsin's side is missing! I need to get in contact with Kara NOW and the only way is to get another Valkyrie to call her that isn't Tamsin. I will be the best surprise EVER!"
"Oh… oh really?" Lauren was a little unsure.
"Come with me Lauren," Arin requested through the door, "you got my back right?!"
"Of course," Lauren raised a brow walking into her closet to find what to wear for Valhalla. Lauren yelled to Arin, "Bo will kill me if anything happens to you."
"Oh don't be a party pooper!" Arin replied, "I may be a kid, but I am a full Valkyrie that can go through portals and you are my most esteemed guest. OK?"
"oooooooookkkkk" Lauren smirked and chuckled.
Bo jolted up in her bed at Lauren's place and Tamsin was quick to hug her and let her settle back down.
Arin told her everything and it was a doozy. She was killed defending Bo like she thought. She only had a couple months left. Fate was inexplicably unyielding and she knew Bo would try to stop it. But like Trevor, Tamsin knew it too. There was a difference between FATE and DESTINY.
You SHAPED what you would become by your choices in life, you therefore CHOSE your destiny.
There was NOTHING one could do about FATE. No matter how much you try to change it, the world would realign automatically to ensure that an event did happen.
Tamsin brooded about fate and knew that the only way to deal with fate was HEAD ON. You accepted it but HOW you got there, and how you dealt with it is what really mattered. In this instance, Tamsin knew what she had to do. She will die, but not before telling fate that she would fight tooth and nail before she died. She would go out a great Valkyrie …. NO… the GREATEST.
A Valkyrie is what defined her.
She will become a LEGEND in Valhalla and live FOREVER, all this she knew.
For Tamsin, there was no better way to go as a warrior than to die for not only a hero, but someone who she was madly in love with. Hell may be waiting for her, but it was well worth it. It still did bother her that Kendra and team also paid the ultimate price for someone that they barely knew. Bo. They would all die trying to save an idealistic succubus, a fallen dark Valkyrie, a spunky kitsune, an old dire wolf, in addition to their messed up crazy human leader. But even then, most of their numbers were up too. Bo would lose a large chunk of her family and knew she was reassessing what to do.
Bo just lay there silently in deep thought but soon sobbed turning to hold Tamsin tightly.
Tamsin did her best to sooth her but no words could convey the gravity of their situation. All she could do was hold her and be there for her broken succubus and true love.
Bo mused, would she stay true to her morals and ethics or give it all up by bending and breaking all the rules in order to have those she loved by her side? Bo knew however, that if she compromised her morals, then it led down to a slippery slope to darkness. If she lost her lover and family, it would lead to her being alone surrounded by the darkness.
She was faced with untenable circumstances, a catch 22.
After an hour of crying, Bo made an internal decision. It was seared painfully and quietly into her soul and being.
Bo would do everything morally possible to STOP fate, but if fate were to take everyone she loved from her, she would accept it but she would ensure she had the same destination and fate as Tamsin.
It would mean she'd break her word she gave Tamsin to continue on, but continue on without her Valkyrie and loved ones by her side? That was worse.
A/N: And the plot thickens ... a LOT.
So if you ever see the chapter title of "Sea Of Fae" in this story. Sit down, buckle up and HOLD the Efff on! We'll be in for a ride!
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