Kenzi waited anxiously on the edge of the exam table kicking her legs nervously.
Lauren was clicking away on her laptop.
Kenzi hated waiting and finally just interjected since the silence was killing her, "So I heard you talked to Hale last night. Soooooooo How'd it go?"
Lauren referenced a sheet from her clip board and then went back to typing droning out slightly, "Well, I told him that I didn't want to be his property anymore and that I wanted to be a free agent."
Kenzi knew the other shoe was going to drop and stared suspiciously at her, "Annnnnnnnd….."
Lauren clicked a couple more keys then turned her eyes to meet the small Russian, "He understood and told me that he would talk to the Morrigans Vex and Evony on my behalf to work something out. I hear you already informed your fiancé about my current situation and even suggested this type of solution."
Kenzi jumped onto the ground like a cat and nearly yelled feverishly, skittering over excitedly to Lauren thrusting her left hand forward to show case her ring in front of Lauren's face, "I know! Can you believe it?! Did you know he was going to pop the question! Do you think it looks good on me? Kenzi Santiago? Iiiiii can't believe it. How many kids will be have? Where will we settle down? I hear he has land in Spain. Will I have a throne as Hale's queen…. What… Who…. Where …. How…".
Kenzi put her hand on her chest and rested her other on Lauren desk hunched over trying to catch her breath.
Lauren just snickered, "Everything was perfect. Kenzi, it was really sweet for Hale to propose to you last night with everyone present. Tamsin I hear almost pulled a muscle from smiling so much and you 2 brought Bo into tears of joy. And Arin could not stop skipping around singing 'here comes the bride.' And as for all your other questions, I am sure the 2 of you can work them out."
"I knoooooow. But jeeeeez. I'm getting jitters and anxiety," Kenzi fanned herself. "I feel like this is a Cinderella story we are in."
"Well you are," Laruen reassured, "I'm happy for you."
"And Arin? Does she remember you?" Kenzi asked leaning against the table.
"Yes," Lauren stated leaning back in her chair and looking up deep in thought, "She remembers everything about us except for the fact that we were more than just friends, and that is probably a good thing."
Lauren's computer then beeped. She read it and then opened a drawer behind her and pulled out what looked like several epi-pens (Self-contained needles pre-loaded with a dose).
"Kenzi," Lauren formally stated, "these injections contain a drug which temporarily boosts your powers. The more you use them, the shorter the duration they will be effective. DO NOT take more than 2 in one day. OK? If you do, you could end up a vegetable."
"I never liked to eat my veggies," Kenzi replied flippantly. "So how long does it last doctor who?"
"Well, it depends. It can last up to a day all the way down to a couple minutes DEPENDING on how much of your powers you use," Lauren clarified.
Lauren slid 10 of them over to Kenzi who looked at it and nodded sticking them in her inner vest pocket.
"As for your powers and keeping them permanently," Lauren looked down disappointed that she could not give her better news, "I… I need to try to reverse engineer what Massimo gave you. I need more time."
"How much time exactly?" Kenzi asked warily.
"Come back in a month and we'll see. In the meantime, if you can get a hold of what Massimo gave you that will shorten the time line up a bit," Lauren formally stated but changed into a more caring tone as she put her hand on top the small Goth girl, "We'll fix this ok?"
Kenzi just nodded.
Talan then entered the room and stated formally, "Anjali is ready to see you and her test results are back."
Kenzi perked up slightly and skipped past Talan announcing to all, "Later Doc Hottie! Time to see my sweet talker siren!"
Lauren just puffed out a laugh and thanked Talan.
"Well Anjali, your liver function test show normal now so you are in the clear and the entry wound is healing extremely well. I guess you cut off the Aswang's tongue that impaled your liver right on time. You can get dressed now." Lauren admitted with a slight smirk.
"Great," Anjali mentioned with a broad smile pulled down her sports shirt. "Fit for duty I presume?"
"Yes," Lauren stated turn her back to her and putting away some medical items and asked in a professional manner to address the acid burns on the left side of her face, "Now that you are part of the Fae through Kendra, you now have access to alternative medical treatment plans and doctors such as myself that can address your burns."
Anjali didn't miss a beat and replied, "I tried it all doctor, but gave up totally 5 years ago when I met Ken, my now husband. The way he looks at me and the way he treats me demonstrated that he saw my inner beauty. He treats me with utmost reverence and love. I sometimes feel like my scars never existed when I am around him."
"That's wonderful Anjali," Lauren walked up to Anjali how was now leaning up against the exam table in her black tactical pants and still in the process of donning on and buttoning up her uniform shirt over her sports shirt. "The scar tissue that has formed as a result of the burns is indicative of the effects of hydrochloric acid and it looks like it occurred over 15 years ago. Was this from a …," Lauren stopped herself since it was probably too personal. "I…. I'm sorry …."
"An acid attack," Anjali noted factually but elaborated without hesitation, "I was 16 when it happened. I was just a happy go lucky young girl in my Indian province of Thane on the outskirts of Bombay. It was at that time I was approached by a boy in a higher cast. He was a womanizer and his family had money. As such, he had power and got what he wanted. He made a pass at me and I did my best to refuse his advances nicely but he persisted for weeks. I then bluntly told him no in front of all his friends. I was attacked a week later by masked men who did this to me." Anjali pointed to her burns on her face. "I turned away at the last possible moment and I ran to the nearby stream after they let me go, but it was already too late. I almost lost sight in one eye."
"I… I'm really sorry Anjali. I didn't mean to pry," Lauren confessed feeling embarrassed that she brought it up.
Anjali just continued calmly, "I was made an example of and everyone knew there who did it. Somehow by me saying 'no' dishonored him irrevocably. The shame and humiliation he caused me made me become a recluse, a freak of nature, but a US doctor found me and treated me the best he could. I was lucky I guess and was brought to the US for further treatments and never returned. I rebuilt a life here training hard and training other women so they didn't become a statistic too."
Lauren felt really bad for her but at least she was brave enough to rise above it and just hesitantly asked, "So… so how did you become part of the…. 71st?"
She just smiled and replied, "Kendra was on travel and came to my gym late one night. She was just there to work out and so was I. She saw my bag work and was so impressed, so we sparred."
Anjali laughed looking up remembering the scene, "I never fought any woman my equal and Kendra trained so hard that she quite literally beat me hands down. She didn't even have a rank on the force at that time but told me I was worth a whole heck of a lot more than this. I got a call years later from Sargent Shaw following the failed raid on Los Lobos. She needed me and asked me if I could do what it takes to join the force. It was not a question for me, it was my calling. So here I am."
"Wow, that's a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it," Lauren just smiled back and then changed topics. "Just take the rest of your antibiotics and you will be just fine. Let me know if you have any complications. Would you mind if I share treatment plans with you over email?"
"That's fine. I'll think about it doctor," Anjali murmured and packing up her bag.
"Leaving soon?" Lauren asked turning off the heart rate monitor.
Anjali picked up her duffle bag and just smirked, "Yea now. I am on duty in less than 4 hours at the 71st. Thank you Doctor Lewis."
Kendra walked the hall with Dyson trotting by her side. She was in her boots, tactical pants and a black sports shirt. She didn't have her normal uniform shirt on coupled with the fact that she had no weapons on her, not even a boot knife and she did this on purpose.
She and Dyson were on their way to see Grizzal and Mia in Lauren's small library and since this was supposed to be a peaceful gathering, she needed to show good faith.
That didn't mean that a fight wouldn't happen. It just lessened the chance of it and opened the dialogue a little better. As for what she thought to Mia, she didn't know what to expect of her but she knew she may be armed.
Kendra patted Dyson on the head and just murmured to him, "Now be nice Dyson. We aren't here to start a fight." This only elicited a small whine from him.
"Ready?" Kendra asked Dyson and reached for the handle but stopped abruptly at the steps of someone in boots running at maximum speed towards them around the bend.
Kendra felt naked all of a sudden without any weapons not knowing if it was friend of foe until Alex called out, "Captain Shaw!"
Alex skid to a halt in front of them out of breath but in her full gear and body armor.
Kendra just raised a brow and curiously, "Alex? What are you doing here?"
Alex took several breaths and finally replied, "My mom told me …. that you were going to be here to talk to Grizzal … and I didn't want you to be in there alone … without back up."
Kendra just lightly laughed, "Alex, calm down. This is supposed to be a peaceful discussion between Dyson, Grizzal, Mia, and myself. I am sure it will be just fine."
Alex wiped her brow of sweat and when asked, "Is Mia in full gear?"
"I don't know, but she had been assigned to keep the peace as arbitrator," Kendra offered rubbing her chin.
Alex then whispered leaning forward, "I overheard you and Mia talking in the lab. She is related to Grizzal and I don't trust her 100 percent."
Kendra thought about this, "Well I got Dyson and don't totally discount me BUT if it makes you feel better, come in and just stand in the back. If Mia turns out to be unarmed, I'll need you to wait outside. OK?"
Alex nodded and Kendra entered the library with Dyson onerously walking by her side. Alex was a couple steps behind.
Kendra noted that Mia was not in full gear but was in more formal black slacks and a blouse and blazer. She had no badge, but had what looked like a high end Tazer mounted low on her right thigh. It was the type that could fire multiple shots before needing to be reloaded.
Mia was already standing and shook Kendra's hand firmly, "Thanks for coming Kendra."
Grizzal was sitting down and just patted his leg and to get Dyson to come over, "Hey Dyson, come here."
Dyson wagged his tail and walked over to Grizzal happily to be pet.
Kendra observed that Grizzal and Dyson were probably friends at one point or another since neither showed signs of being anything else.
Mia turned her attention to Alex and before she could say anything, Alex stepped forward boldly and shook Mia's hand and stated, "Alex Flanders, Spec Ops, Burning Cypress Clan."
Kendra almost laughed since there was no special operation unit in the clan, but Alex was right in a way since they just completed said special operation.
Mia just smiled warmly and mentioned formally, "Ohhhhhhh… You're the Alex, Drake talks about. It's finally nice to put a face to the name."
Kendra took a seat in front of Grizzal and Kendra just sized each other up briefly not even bothering to exchange greetings of any kind.
Mia then followed up with Alex, "This is a closed meeting and all of us are supposed to be unarmed…."
Alex challenged and cut in abrasively, "You have a Tazer and body armor. You might even have a backup weapon."
Kendra was impressed that Alex was able to deduce that Mia had on body armor underneath her blouse and jacket but could sense the hostility between to two. She had to keep her gaze locked on Grizzal just in case who was still petting Dyson.
Mia paused at the harshness of Alex and then commented, "I only have nonlethal weapons and body armor. We are just here to talk with that parties directly involved. While I appreciate your support for Kendra, we need to avoid an armed confrontation. You can wait outside if you wish."
Kendra never removed her gaze from Grizzal but wanted to deescalate the current situation. It was apparent that Alex didn't appreciate Mia being around and it probably had to revolve around Drake.
Kendra never removed her gaze on Grizzal and just stated without looking at Alex, "Thank you Alex, I'll be fine."
Alex just backed off and just noted, "I'll be just outside Captain Shaw."
"Thanks Alex," Mia replied with a somewhat fake smile watching her leave.
Grizzal scratched a part of Dyson's neck which caused him to kick his rear foot rapidly out of reflex.
Kendra just smirked slightly. At least Grizzal didn't have a death wish on Dyson she mused.
The mood changed all of a sudden when he let Dyson go back to Kendra's side.
There was tense silence as Kendra's and Grizzal's eyes met. Both had eyes filled with distain and distrust for each other.
Mia then spoke up quickly and commanded their attention, "Kendra, father. Thank you for coming here to meet on such short notice. Kendra, several developments have happened especially since your encounter with the Aswangs. My father, as a member of the Dire Wolf council, can bring you up to speed."
Kendra didn't even look at Mia and just bluntly stated, "So Grizzal, you are here to just inform us of our fate?"
"Well, Jeez, would you rather like it be known via letter or email?" Grizzal challenged.
"Oh this is FUCKING great. I get my fate told to me by a tool of a messenger boy," Kendra spat back with hostility in her voice.
Grizzal just stood up and so did Kendra both in each other face as he yell, "You stupid human! The council and I deliberated all night about your stunt with killing Awsangs. While they aren't our friends per say, you've just gotta crap all over the Fae world in your short puny life. Think bigger and stop shooting from the fucking hip all the time."
"I'm sorry, 'cus that is how I dropped all your sorry asses back at Canal Street!" Kendra yelled inches from Grizzal's face.
Dyson growled at Grizzal.
"WHOA!" Mia yelled splitting them apart, but they just kept going at it.
"Would you rather I send you a DEATH squad for you and your team, because I can drop your measly humans with ease when you little pieces of shits are off duty!" Grizzal angrily barked dripping with hate.
"Bring it but you won't BECAUSE you're a COWARD and CHICKEN SHIT! You're just a drug peddler without a back bone!" Kendra pushed Grizzal but he didn't stand down.
"REALLY! The WHOLE FUCKING COUNSIL INITIALLY RULED TO HAVE YOU AND DYSON DEAD!" Grizzal roared jabbing an accusatory finger at her, "They wanted you buried with Jimmy Hoffa. *I* proposed a middle ground that didn't involve killing either of you, so shut the fuck up and sit down bitch!"
Dyson barked and showed his teeth to Grizzal and Mia just pushed them apart in a booming but commanding voice, "Sit down, both of you before I taze you! BOTH of you!"
Kendra backed up a little surprised. Why didn't Grizzal go along with the rest of the Dire Wolf council since he would have gotten his wish to kill her she mused? There was only one possible explanation.
Dyson. For some odd reason, Grizzal was protecting Dyson, Kendra surmised.
They both sat back down with Alex holding onto the handle of her still holstered Tazer. They just sat calmly for a minute looking away from each other loathing the fact they were in the same room with each other.
Kendra finally broke the silence, "So why did you assign Mia to safe guard Dyson at your compound."
Grizzal never looked back at Kendra and just mentioned, "Dyson saved my ass countless times thousands of years ago and I, him. We look out for one another even though I disagree with his idealistic stance on our rules and his choices of life mates. There was an underground faction of people that wanted Dyson dead and I just didn't want him to go out like that. I… I'd want him to go out a warrior and not be killed by his own kind."
Kendra still faced away from him but listened.
Grizzal sighed and slumped in his chair further, "I knew that my own security teams could not be trusted and that Mia, as my goddaughter, was the best choice."
Kendra just considered this. Grizzal owed Dyson a debt and that was new but that still left the glaring question, why didn't he put a hit out on her?
"So, did you getting a seat on the council prevent you from try to put out a contract on me?" Kendra asked evenly.
There was a pause and Mia just monitored the situation closely still ready to taze either of them.
"Partly, but it was the fact that Dyson pleaded with the council to recognize you as his life mate over a powerful succubus. That took some guts. He was the first shifter ever to do that. If… If I kill you, my friend I fought with those many years ago would be unhappy. But by the same token, the shifters you killed were my bothers. They were my family. I … I hate you Kendra. How can I look into eyes of those whose life mates were killed or mauled by you and your team," Grizzal confessed talking to the ground.
Kendra didn't know that Grizzal was caught in a catch 22. He sacrificed his family's happiness in terms of their right to kill Dyson and her in the name of justice, in order to give Dyson a chance to be with her.
Kendra found her voice and finally confessed as calmly as she could, "Grizzal, you kill my brother, my only sibling, indirectly by trafficking those drugs. Then when I seek justice, you kill my fiancé. You… your shifters were ruthless. They not only killed Eric, but they ate him alive… I… I don't know how to forgive you for that…."
Grizzal clarified, "Shifters aren't ghouls or flesh eaters, but…. That was not supposed to happen. A small part of the team had a warped and demented view on killing and they were not right in the head. They were dealt with afterwards by the council's actions. Also you made assumptions that I made these drugs but we were just the means of distribution. I know that doesn't make this situations any better but if you do manage to kill all of us, you accomplish nothing since they will find another means."
"So you were the mules and muscle. Then who is the manufacturer?" Kendra followed up craning her head to Grizzal asking questions in true interrogation fashion.
"Does it matter?" Grizzal finally looked into Kendra's eyes, "We are still here in this situation. You still want to kill us all save Dyson. And if I do reveal that information, there will be a war on 2 fronts for us. Yours and theirs."
"SPEAKING of the situation," Mia interjected, "can you tell us what was the council's decision."
Grizzal paused and looked down.
Kendra knew by his actions that he regretted giving this news to her.
"At my recommendation, the council barely passed a resolution which would save face with the Awangs and hopefully avert an all-out war due to the breach of the armistice. Dyson has been a lone wolf for several hundred years and we will put forth that his actions do not represent the actions of shifter kind. For this, he will be exiled from all shifter kind indefinitely. This also has a cascade effect where his motion to make you his life mate instead of Bo will dismissed and no longer deliberated," Grizzal relayed formally.
"So that means that Dyson will no longer have the support from any of his brothers and sisters, but does that mean any shifter can kill him now?" Kendra requested.
"When shifters exile someone that means that they are not to be touched or interacted with. Killing someone who is exiled will produce harsh consequences from the council," Grizzal answered.
"From a shifter point of view, what does this action mean for me?" Kendra queried.
"Nothing. Shifters that want to kill you are still more than free to try by the letter of the law, but it is widely accepted that Dyson is your life mate due to his motion at the council, so the exile status indirectly protects you from harm too BUT I wouldn't push it Kendra. Killing any more shifters may cause you to lose this understood protection," Grizzal warned.
Kendra was still deep in thought when Grizzal added, "I will tell you what I told Dyson in the Dire Wolf Archives. You have your life mate and are more than free to ride off into the sunset with each other."
Kendra just nodded slowly and asked Grizzal and Mia, "Is that everything I need to know?"
Grizzal just nodded solemnly.
"So I assume that you will state at the Grievance Tribunal that Dyson and I were acting alone?" Kendra followed up.
"Yes. That's the best I can do for Dyson and I just hope it is good enough to avert a war," Grizzal formally stated.
Kendra nodded and heistatly stated, "Thanks for … for being up front with me. I'm sure Dyson would appreciated this."
Grizzal nodded, "Like wise."
Mia glanced at her watch and mentioned to Grizzal, "It looks like your business with the Morrigans and the Ash is about to start in the large library. Kendra, I hear it is important and has to deal with tribunal coming up. You might want to stick around."
Kendra had a lot to mull over and just left the room with Dyson by her side only to find Alex and Drake outside talking softly to one another in full gear.
Grizzal and Mia passed by no doubt in route to the large library.
"So how did it go?" Drake asked.
"I don't know really. I still have to sort all this crap out, but I guess it is as good as can be," Kendra replied with a slight smile. She knew she needed to do that to at least make herself feel better.
"Let us know if we can to anything to help ok?" Alex offered resting her had on Kendra's shoulder briefly.
"Thanks," Kendra replied but paused, "ACTUALLY there is. Alex, did your mom talk to you about Drake after both of you left here earlier?"
"No," Alex immediately replied.
"Ooooookkkkk," Drake sheepishly added, "Don't like being talked about in the third person when I am right here."
"Alex, you need to give your mother a little more credit. She was roaming the hall with me when you 2 were spilling out into the hallway early this morning. Even though she stumbled onto you while you two were making out, she stood silently around the corner with me and let you continue your escapades," Kendra informed.
"OH MY GOD," Alex covered her mouth which also dropped open and wacked Drake with her other hand and directed her next comment to Drake, "SHIT! Now she knows that I'm no longer a vig…. FUCK!"
"Ummm too late for that," Kendra added, "the hall's acoustics made your voices travel and as if 2 times was NOT enough Drake, you had to go for a third…. Well fourth. That is why I sent Dyson to break it up before your mom either died of embarrassment or went freaking postal on you 2."
"Sorry," Drake admitted. "No wonder she asked if I had Alex's best interest in mind when she left earlier today."
"BINGO," Kendra tersely replied.
Alex turned around with her face to the wall beat red, "How the heck can I face my mom now? She will be so pissed off …."
"She wants you to be HAPPY Alex," Kendra relayed stepping behind Alex to reassure her by patting her back.
"Crap, I'm sorry Captain," Drake exhaled.
"Just keep it in a more private setting next time Command…..," Kendra replied but then asked, "BY THE WAY, how did you get the title of Commander? Was that your old rank?"
"Oh," Drake replied and chuckled, "that was my nick name when I was a security contractor in Afghanistan. It had nothing to do with an official rank."
"So that's why Mia keeps calling you 'commander'. I got it," Kendra smirked. "Well apparently even the Jessica thinks that's your real rank due to the comm logs."
Alex scoffed at this comment finally turning to face them again.
Kendra knew she had to address this animosity towards Mia and just soothingly mentioned, "Alex, it is all too easy for us to get territorial and catty with one another. That won't get you anywhere especially if you are in a leadership position. The men you work with will think you are emotionally unstable and illogical and the women will have more reason to not trust you based on how you feel about them and not what you do. I hate to say this, but DON'T do that to Mia and give her a reason to not trust you. I did it to an extent already with her and burned that bridge but you never know when you need that bridge again. Build relationships, even with your enemy and bring them to your side."
Alex just nodded digesting the information.
Kendra turned to Drake, "And you. Keep it in your pants when you are with Mia. I know you admire her, but if you love Alex you will follow through where you only have eyes for her."
"Of course," Drake confidently answered snaking his hand around Alex's waist reeling her in to him. "Hey, I'll take down her pictures in my room and I would be really honored to have pictures of just us instead."
Alex looked up to him with love sparkling in her eyes and her face happy beyond belief as she just turned to him and pecked him on the lips and then hugged him tightly.
Love was in the air and Kendra just silently strolled away into the larger library to let them be. She had business with the Ash after all.
"Oh gods, could this can ANY MORE boring?" Tamsin huffed out sitting on a love seat with Bo in the back of the library.
"Awwww come on. The whole gang is together. What's not to like?" Bo mentioned leaning against Tamsin.
"We're missing Jack and Al," Tamsin said in all seriousness.
Bo craned her head to look at Tamsin and asked curiously, "Who are they?"
Tamsin just huffed out a laugh, "Jack. You know as in, Jack Daniel's and his friend Al. Al Cohol"
Bo just chuckled, "I think I can find them if you want."
'Hey Tamsin,' Kara's voice popped into Tamsin's head via the link, 'You look soooo excited to be here.'
"Kara?" Tamsin propped herself up and looked around and sure enough Kara and Jason were making their way to them with bottles of Raging Bitch and Dark Belch.
Tamsin observed that Jason was in his uniform but it seemed pressed and neat but what really took her off guard was that Kara was wearing a slim shiny fitting royal blue dress with a plunging neck line. The skirt was no frills and went below the knee with a split that went almost all the way up to her thigh. Kara's hair was down for once and flowed effortlessly. Kara wasn't known for dressing up and hated dresses.
Tamsin also noted since Jason, AKA carrot top, wasn't wearing body armor for once, at least externally, noted his department patch which showed he was with the 69th but also had his last name prominently underneath it, Blackwood. Of course this information was also on his arm patch which showed a rank of Sargent, but it was also too small to read normally.
Tamsin then also she felt Bo's hunger spike a little gazing at Kara to which she just nudged Bo and growled slightly to which Bo just gave her the best angelic and innocent look ever.
"What?" Bo retorted like nothing was wrong.
"DOWN girl," Tamsin growled softly but then stated to Kara, "Wow, now let's get this party started. Oh by the way Kara, why are you here?"
Kara just cackled slightly, "Official business. I'd tell you but then I'd have to kill you."
Tamsin just challenged with a click, "I hope it wasn't just the latter part."
"Awwwwwww be nice ladies," Bo mentioned taking a beer from Jason. "Thanks Jason. A toast," Bo announced lifting up her bottle.
"To family," Bo smiled.
All repeated it and took a drink. It even got the attention of others in the room including Vex, Evony, Trick and Hale at a table at the far end going over some documents. Kendra had just walked away and just remained with Alex and Drake.
Jessica and Dimitri were not far off at another table.
Grizzal was talking with Mia in a corner leaning against some shelves along the wall.
Kenzi was playing hide and seek with Arin between the rows of library shelves.
Lauren sauntered in with a lab coat on and Hale clapped his hands standing up and spoke for everyone to hear, "OK, let's get all these formalities out of the way."
Evony just grumbled, "Yes, please do since all this collaboration with the light is making me break out into hives."
Vex just rebuffed her in his usual British accent, "Awwww Did someone 'ere nicked your wellies? (Did someone steal your boots)"
Evony just did an eye roll, "Let just get on with it so I can get to my spa session."
"Doctor Lauren Lewis" Hale called out to her and Lauren hesitantly approached the table, "We acknowledge that it was Taft that experimented on Fae kind and not you. You are free to return to our Fae territories. At your request, I have also released you from your contract with the light."
Evony stood up and walked over to Lauren, "Lauren, the dark can give you far more than what the light has to offer…"
Bo shot up and interjected in warning from across the room, "Evony, don't you DARE try to switch Lauren to the dark."
Kenzi and Arin stealthily jumped in and wedged into the love seat with Tamsin who did an eye roll as well when Bo made her position vacant for the briefest of moments.
And as if it was planned, Arin cupped her hands over her mouth and made sounds of heavy respirator breathing and Kenzi announcing to everyone on the room with her best Darth Vader voice, "Lauren, before the light side of the dark side was on the strong side. NOW come with me to the Dark side of the light side which is on the much STRONGER side. Embrace your destiny with me and together we can RULE the universe."
Bo just shot an annoyed glance at Kenzi who stopped and just mumbled, "Just saying ya' know." Bo then jabbed her finger lightly into Arin's side which caused her to jump and squeak since she was extremely ticklish.
Lauren looked behind her and smirked and replied, "Don't' worry Bo, I'll run to Degobah first before that happens."
"EVERYONE STOP," Evony said annoyed, "As I was saying. BOTH the LIGHT and DARK need your expertise Lauren, so we agree with you being a free agent but you must open your research up to both of us equally. As for funding you will get it from me, but leadership on priorities will come from the Ash. AND if you need for work on both light and dark directives, dark prevails."
Hale cleared his throat.
Evony shot him a mischievous glance and just said in an aloof manner, "Can't blame a girl for trying."
"Lauren, if you have pressing items from both sides, we trust your frail human Hippocratic judgment or whatever you call it as to which one is more urgent. Any questions?" Evony concluded itching her back annoyed.
Lauren thought about it, "What about this place and my team I look after?"
Trick stepped forward and just replied, "As a free agent, you can stay here Lauren with your team but there will be a minor adjustment concerning your team. Hale?"
Hale then announced, "Captain Kendra Shaw had chosen to take a temporary leave of absence starting today from all her duties at the 39th, 69th and the Burning Cypress Clan."
This caused most everyone to gasp in surprise and Alex reflexively grabbed and hugged Kendra tightly.
"As such, in order to police our regions, we need people that can service the interests of both light and dark equally. Commander Drake Cruz!"
Drake was confused and stepped forward cocking his head to the side slightly, "Yup."
"While no one can replace Kendra and Dyson, you command Lauren's entire security team. Lauren, in order to dispel the myth that you are out harm us, we need Drake to work at the 39th as a DHS agent to serve and protect not only you, but all of us. Will you both allow it?" Hale requested formally.
Drake waited for Lauren as she replied, "Yes, on the condition that he still reports to me ultimately."
Hale nodded and then added, "Yes, he will."
"I will do the best I can," Drake mentioned whole heatedly.
Vex slapped his knees and stood up, stepped forward and called out, "Forerunner, step forth!"
Alex looked unsure finally releasing Kendra and glancing at her mother. She stepped up next to Drake, "Yes?"
Vex stated formally in with his heavy accent, "Thee Burnin' Cypress Clan 'as never been recognized befor' but now due to the impendin' union of Derrick and Erica, in addition to the tad fact that they killed scores of Awsang, makes it 'ard to not do so, love. Therefor', both light and dark not only recognize this Clan officially, but there are dues you see to be part of this 'ere club. Alex, I 'ear you are Kendra's bett'er 'alf and we need you to work with Commander 'ere at the 39th. You will represent our new relationship with your clan since you reside in our region. You will also remain a DHS agent as your cover."
Alex looked perplexed but then turned to her mother and just said one word, "Major?"
Jessica just announced for all to hear with little emotion, "Do what you must Alex for the good for the clan and for yourself."
Alex looked down in thought briefly and then stated confidently, "I accept. Thank you Vex."
For Alex this meant that she would be with her lover in the 39th. It also meant that she was now protecting the interests of her clan which just officially became recognized by Fae elders on both sides.
Jessica looked down and away shedding a single tear. Her daughter was growing up and for that she was happy, but this step also meant that she'd probably never return which saddened her. It was a hard lesson as a parent, but it was inevitable.
Evony then craned her head to Grizzal, "Grizzal, Vex took your seat away at the dark council and it has since been given to another elder. While I can't give you your seat on the council back, I believe it was hasty for Vex summarily eject you. You provided us with…. How do you say this…. a cohesive type of leadership which we need still. So I am prepared to give you indirect representation."
Evony spoke up loudly, "Harbinger! Step forward."
Everyone looked confused at who Evony was talking about, but Kendra and Grizzal looked over to Mia.
Mia didn't step forward, so Evony cleared her throat and announced once more rolling her eyes briefly annoyed, "Captain Mia 'Harbinger' Tate with the hundred and first. Come forward."
Mia finally came forward and stood next to Drake and nodded.
Evony then announced, "Mia, it has come to light that you are the goddaughter of Grizzal. Since you are already a Captain in another precinct, we are asking you to transfer to the 39th to lead that division as a detective once more. While neither light nor dark like all the others, you will give Grizzal a voice by protecting both human and Fae kind alike."
Mia hesitated and took a small step back.
Trick then clarified, "Mia, the Fae world needs you. Kendra taught us to more than coexist with humans, but to value their opinions and contributions. You may see this as a step down due to your fame in the hundred and first, a human district, but I know you will also excel in our world with Drake and Alex by your side."
Kendra told Hale she needed to step back, but didn't see this coming. If she was Mia even, she'd not accept as well. Mia would be giving up her notoriety to transfer to an obscure precinct no one really cared about. In addition she'd be treated by Fae like she was a lowly human and therefore property. Grizzal's property.
Grizzal stepped forward behind Mia and whispered into her ear, "If you accept, you will have unprecedented access to both human and Fae databases. You may just find what you have been searching for all these years."
There was some tense silence after Grizzal stepped back, but finally, Mia spoke, "I will only accept this as a temporary duty assignment." Mia then sharply turned to Kendra to address her. "Kendra, will you be returning to the 39th after your sabbatical and how long will it be?"
Kendra just replied for all to hear with Dyson loyally sitting by her side, "Yes I will return to the 39th, but I may be gone for upwards of 2 years. However long it takes for Dyson to heal and shift back."
Mia then turned back to Trick and replied, "I can't guarantee years, but I will do my best."
Hale clapped his hands together, and just smirked, pleased that everyone accepted to a degree and stated, "Thank you. All of you. Please report to the 39th next week. I will ensure your accommodations are in order before then."
Bo had made her way to the back of the love seat since her place was taken behind Tamsin and bent over so her face was next to Tamsin's. From there they secretly exchanged kisses and then Bo hugged her even with Arin and Kenzi on the other side of the love seat.
Tamsin just adored being showered by Bo's love and affection. She was overjoyed that she got to capture the heart of a succubus whose natural tendency was to shy away from commitment and she didn't mind that the whole world knew.
Bo valued that Tamsin didn't mind all the public displays of affection but most of all Tamsin, the cold hearted Valkyrie was about a caring as any other loving human could be, maybe more.
Bo just wanted to take Tamsin to a more private place but knew it was rare for the Ash and Morrigans to agree with anything so this occasion was important.
Before anyone could get settled down, Evony itched her arm and stood up and walked briskly to the center of the room on her end of the room with Vex taking a place behind to her left side.
Hale took a place to next to Evony on her right standing stoically and Trick stealthily took a place behind Hale to his right.
Evony then powerfully announced, "Final order of business. Lieutenant Tamsin Jennings, Dark Valkyrie of the Forth Order, First Division, Eight Unit and Daughter of Bo Dennis. Come Forth!"
Hale then Announced, "Ysabeau Dennis, Unaligned Succubus and Goddess of the New Order in Valhalla. Step forward.
Tamsin looked around annoyed to get up but Bo took her hand and they walked hand in hand to meet them.
As Bo was walking she noticed that everyone was clearing a path but more so, all eyes were on them and she noted that Kenzi, Arin, Kara, and Jason had huge smiles on their faces. They knew something that she didn't.
Tamsin got really uncomfortable while walking forward next to Bo. More and more people gathered around them and she hated being the center of attention unless she was on the battle field. She slowed down and almost came to a halt. The formation of the Fae leadership, the family that surrounded her, the coy smile on Kara, Arin and even Kenzi was unmistakable.
Tamsin had been to enough impromptu weddings as a guest, even ones that show cased an Elvis impersonator made her realized what she was getting into. Not that she didn't want to marry Bo, but she was never good with weddings and especially HER OWN wedding.
'KARA! ARIN! I will KILL you both if this is what I think it is! I HATE ambushes,' Tamsin thought out exasperated.
'Huh? What are you talking about?' was Kara's response, but a moment later she heard Kara relay to her, 'Just go with the flow ok?'
'I HATE this sentimental SHI….' Then Tamsin realized that she was also talking via the link to Arin at the same time, 'Sentimental SAILING SHIP.'
Bo yanked Tamsin and brought her in next to her not knowing what was wrong and why she was resisting, but right as she did, it clicked for her as well. This was HER wedding and upon that realization Bo felt misty eyed but remained composed with her Valkyrie by her side.
Tamsin remained poker faced but Kara walked ahead of them and set a small silver metal box with ornate gold engraving and opened the lid and stepped back.
A white mist filled the room above Hale and Evony and began to glow and take form.
Tamsin knew with was a projection box but what or who was it to project?
That was answered then 2 smoky forms took shape and it was Odin and Freya. As the mist cleared a little more, a formation of Valkyries were standing at attention behind them.
Tamsin felt misty eyed as well when she recognized that the Valkyries in full ceremonial garb were from ALL UNITS in the Forth Order, First Division.
It took forever to get to Evony as Tamsin cheeks turned red. Her Valkyrie family was here too and that was beyond touching.
Bo realized that this was probably really hard on Tamsin since she wasn't the sentimental type and kissed her on her cheek turned her to face her holding both of her hand. She just looked into her Valkyrie's green watery eyes and just reassured, "Tamsin, tune everything else out, just look at ME ok? TRUST ME."
Tamsin just nodded wiping her eyes quickly. So many joyous emotions where hitting her that she didn't know why she was crying.
Bo then looked to the Evony and just nodded to proceed.
Evony smirked and announced, "Tamsin, since you are DARK, I am granted the powers in accordance to our traditions and laws as the Morrigan to wed you both."
Hale then spoke, "Bo you are Unaligned, but I hope you accept the Light's blessings but more so as your family."
Bo just nodded quickly as a tear escaped taking in at her beautiful Valkyrie.
Evony continued and addressed Tamsin, "Tamsin, is it your wish to be bonded to Bo Dennis of your own free will and accord?"
Tamsin just nodded quickly as another tear escaped but found her shaky voice, "Y… Yes, it is of my … free will… I chose this succubus, Bo Dennis, in front of me at my bonded partner."
Bo felt the love Tamsin exuded and melted.
Evony then address Bo, "Bo Dennis, Bane in my side, and trouble maker .. oh… Ehem!... Bo Dennis, is it of your own free will and accord you chose to bond to Tamsin of the dark?"
Bo got closer to Tamsin's face and lovingly exalted, "Yes, it is of my own free will that I wish to wed Tamsin with all my heart and fiber of my being."
Tamsin looked down and a couple more tears of joy hit the ground. She never heard Bo say that to her face.
"Is it also your intension Bo to unite with Tamsin under one banner to the alignment of the dark?" Evony asked in all seriousness.
Trick spoke up and interject, "Evony, that was NOT part of the deal."
Hale was about to interject but Kenzi beat him to the punch sliding up next to Hale and said pointing at her, "You keep you back room tricker…."
Bo sharply extended her hand out to all of them and they all stopped as Bo leaned forward and peck an overwhelmed Tamsin on the lips but asked, "Tamsin? Remember when I told you that I would go dark for you? That offer still stands. Do you want me to become dark as a sign of my everlasting commitment and love for you?"
Tamsin just shook her head vehemently and through her hitched breathing said softly, "I… I love your compromising stubbornness, …. Your ….your …. Harsh unrelenting fo.. forgivness….. your warm emotional logic, your … your, messed up ethical whims…. I… I LOVE your curves… and your edges. I love your perfect imperfections. No Bo. It… it is I that would yearn to be unaligned as well if it… it meant I got to spend eternity with you… Grow old with me Bo."
This proclamation alone from Tamsin brought tears to most of the people in the room.
Bo could barely talk because of Tamsin's decree and her voice cracked as she told Evony, "No… My Valkyrie … lo… loves me… for… who and what I… I am. She loves me unconditionally and… and I aspire to do the same for her."
Kara found herself holding and hugging onto Jason tightly and had no idea why.
Kenzi held Arin who was all smiles but it was Arin comforting Kenzi and giving her tissues for her tears.
Freya looked down to the ground to compose herself. Odin nodded to Tamsin ever so slightly.
Kendra was searching her pockets for tissue but Lauren handed a one to Kendra and took out one for herself.
Alex held onto Drake with watery eyes.
Evony just looked up in annoyance at this scene and lazily recited, "It is by the power invested in me … and Vex as Morrigans of the Dark they bless and recognize this union between Bo and Tamsin."
Hale took his turn, "As the Ash of the light, it is an honor to witness this union all in the making. The light extends their good tidings to both of you."
Trick then stepped forward, "Bo, I am so overjoyed that you found love and there is no one else I could think of better than Tamsin to be by your side."
Bo was a mess and couldn't look at anyone since she could barely see with all the tears in her eyes.
Odin's voice finally boomed in the room as he decreed without emotion, "My Ysabeau. As your father, it was always my intent to protect you and as such, I originally sent our best tracker Tamsin to find and bring you to Valhalla to keep you safe from earthly harm which turned out to be a miserable failure…. It was also my intent to then assign you one of the most powerful, valiant, noble and wisest of Valkyries in the entire kingdom to not only serve and protect you, but if fate was kind, be your friend and guide in addition."
Odin paused again and looked down as if trying to compose what to say next. "In this regard, fate was …. Extremely kind indeed. I could think of no one better than the legendary Missing Valkyrie to be by my daughter's side."
Tamsin hated crying but looking into Bo's brown eyes and hearing this proclamation from her former god and enemy, melted her. She was doing everything including looking away and down to stop crying.
Tamsin also didn't want to appear weak in front of her sisters, but at this point, it was just water under the bridge.
Odin then straightened up and proclaimed, "So let it be known in the Valhalla, and across all the 9 kingdoms of Asgard. Let me be written into all the stars and heavens in the universe, of this union of two into one. Ysabeau and Tamsin, I wish you utmost happiness and prosperity and may fate favor you as you move forward as one."
Evony twitched and scratched her back once more, and proclaimed to all, "It is my honor to now pronounce you, SUCCUBUS and VALKYRIE!"
A cacophony of applause came forth as Tamsin and Bo kissed.
"Ugggg," Evony complained and threw her hands up and walked away. "Way to much direct light exposure is BAD for my skin," she grumbled as Kenzi and Arin ran around throwing popcorn on the couple and whoever else was standing around.
Vex then stepped up to take her place but had a coy grin as he announced, "Tamsin, you may now dom'in'ate the bride!"
With this he pulled out a small whip from behind him and flicked his wrist for it to make a sound.
Bo and Tamsin paid no heed still locked in a long kiss but everyone including Freya groaned out in disapproval. Odin and the Valkyries behind stood there emotionless but slightly flabbergasted.
It was only made more apparent when Vex also fluidly pulled out some hand cuffs with his other hand and jeered more, "Ehhh? You getting' my drift?"
The applause only got louder with everyone just ignoring Vex to his dismay.
For Tamsin, this was the happiest day in all her life times, and for Bo was also joyous beyond belief that she was able to earn true love from a Valkyrie.
Tamsin found it odd that Bo never fed from through all the kissing but surmised that Bo wanted this moment to be special in her own way.
Kara then stepped forward and genuflected before Odin and Freya and closed the box and the images from Valhalla faded away.
For the next couple of hours, everyone mingled and Lauren made sure light refreshments and snacks were available.
Kendra grabbed Kara's arm right when Jason walked away to get more beer, "Kara, I need to talk to you."
Kara cocked her head to the side. She knew that it was unlike Kendra to do this so she just smirked and replied, "I'm all ears."
"Are you and Carrot Top, serious?" Kendra asked.
Kara just huffed out a small laugh, "For me, Emmmm…. I guess so because I don't believe in being attached to anyone."
"Then treat him like a hero worthy of the Hall in Valhalla, ok?" Kendra requested.
Kara looked puzzled, "I don't know if Jason feels the same for me. We have an open relationship."
"A seer foretold an event in which Jason may not make it in the near future," Kendra stated morosely getting to the point.
Kara had a momentary look of shock at this revelation but knew where Kendra was headed. She wasn't that attached to Jason, but he was kind of growing on her since he was about as wild and crazy as she was and he kept up with her well for a human.
"He has a thing for Mia," Kara admitted darting her glace to her.
Kendra just scoffed, "And so does every guy with a penis. Mia does conservative plays and also doesn't put out. TRUST ME. Just….. just be good to him."
Dyson sneezed loudly as if to further validate Kendra's comment she just made.
Kara and Kendra were interrupted when Jason got back with more beer and before anyone could say anything, Kara kissed Jason in the cheek and seductively purred, "Hey Carrot Top, ya never showed me the back seat of your SUV."
Kara yanked Jason out of the room and they skittered away together.
Kendra smirked and bent down to pet Dyson and murmured to him, "And I don't put out either D-Man BUT I'll will if you shift back for me. Just image how much you're missing out right now?"
Dyson just whined licking her face.
Alex hugged her mom tightly and didn't let go. She was leaving and she also wanted to say without words that she appreciated her not interfering with her relationship with Drake.
"It'll be just fine Alex," Jessica comforted patting her back. "I see Drake taught you well and I am sure he'll have your back at the 39th."
Alex held her mom tighter and finally trying to confess, "Drake. He's… he's my….."
"Suitor?" Jessica filled in for her.
Alex just nodded in the hug.
"I am happy for you then," Jessica comforted. "Make sure he treats you well."
Alex finally parted from the hug and just nodded with a huge grin.
Lauren approached them and inquired, "Ummm Alex, Jessica? Is this a good time?"
Alex just said, "Sure."
"Yes Doctor?" Jessica asked curiously.
"Alex gave me her serum she takes daily to analyze and I think I may have found a way to allow her to use her powers and not suffer from as much side effects," Lauren noted.
"REALLY?" Alex said excitedly.
"Well," Lauren interjected proud of her accomplishment, "your serum suppresses all your powers and you suffer from side effects because your body and powers are growing. I just formulated a new serum which only suppresses your fire sprite powers, but allows your tree elder powers to grow. It is the combination of both powers utilized at the same time that I believe are detrimental to your health."
"Are there any adverse effects I should know of?" Alex asked on the edge of her seat.
"No, but we need to try it out. These injections are administered weekly instead of daily and I can supply them to you in addition to the ones you have now before you leave for the 39th," Lauren concluded.
Jessica then asked, "Will this prolong her time here?"
"Yes," Lauren stated as a fact. "By allowing her body and powers to grow and develop, Alex will need less drugs and it will benefit her in the long term."
Tamsin hug all over Bo and was giddy as a school kid on a snow day and finally got some time alone with Bo in a corner of the library.
Bo quickly pulled her arms inside her shirt and undid her bra taking it off and then grabbing a marker on the desk next to her, she addressed Tamsin, "Care to help me hang this on the rear view mirror for your truck?"
Tamsin laughed reading what Bo scrawled on it. It read, 'Bo and Tamsin. Just Married'
"You bet," Tamsin clicked with a broad smile pasted on her face as they snuck out of the library side exit.
A/N: THERE! Something the LG show will never touch (Bo and Tamsin getting hitched). Thanks for all your wonderful feedback. I really appreciate it.
Comment, Fav, follow please.
Note: There is be a 'director's cut' version on archive of our own if you want to know what happens after they snuck out of the library. ;-)
Oh yea for this story. This is the end.
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of the beginning
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of the end.
Hang tight more chaps coming!