Chapter 7 - Lessons learned

AN - Slight change to formatting as this is another Nick chapter and it's long! Many thanks for the kind reviews – they motivate and inspire me!

DISCLAIMER: No change to report – Grimm belongs to others!

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Nick placed another weapon in his bag as he felt the stares of his friends who surrounded him. They had had multiple discussions over the last two weeks since Camilla had arranged a meeting between Nick and Mateo Crosley. The Captain had called upon his sources for intel as had Monroe and Rosalee but they had discovered little.

"You need to wear more protective gear." Rosalee stated again. It had been a frustrating search for information on Crosley and that had resulted in many sleepless nights for her and her husband. She turned to Monroe as she heard Nick give his usual response.

"It weighs me down and makes it harder to fight. We don't know what he is but we all assume he'll have strength and speed." Nick knew it was a plan that provided little chance for success but they hadn't been able to devise another one. If he didn't come alone, Camilla had promised that there would be repercussions - not just for him but his friends and possibly his city. The Schakal pack was still on the loose and they had linked two other crime sprees to Wesen as well.

It still felt wrong to Hank to let his partner go anywhere alone and his words were tense. "We won't be far behind-"

"Far enough though. He will know and we can't risk that." Nick repeated again. He appreciated his friends' support but all of his recent research had revealed that Grimms worked best alone, just as his Aunt Marie had advised, just as his Mom had done. The fact that both were dead still brought shafts of pain in his heart...as did the images of the scars both had gained because of their choices.

"Truble is still unavailable?" Wu asked with a frown.

"She got Josh out of trouble but she won't be back in time." Nick knew something was going on with Truble but he didn't know what. He hadn't shared his doubts with the others though - if his meeting with Crosley went down badly then they would need Truble as much as she needed them.

No one mentioned Adalind or the baby she carried but both were on Nick's mind. He knew the blonde had also been acting strangely lately and her mood swings had been extreme. She was staying with the Captain again though and as Nick still struggled with her pregnancy it was easier to let the other man see to her safety even now. Feeling a twinge of guilt, Nick realized that he needed to find a way to work with Adalind as soon they would have a child to raise.

Pushing aside thoughts of any possible future, Nick turned to face his friends and looked around at each of them. "We've been over this. This is the only play we have. Let's just get it done."

Hank and Wu exchanged a look before each nodded. Rosalee clung to Monroe's hand but neither looked away from Nick. Nick again met each of their eyes as he spoke once more.

"Remember the plan. The meet is at the warehouse - stay at least two blocks away. I'm wired so you'll hear the conversation but don't come unless I give the signal." He paused briefly but then continued. "If it goes down badly, get out."

A chorus of voices rose in protest but Nick spoke over them. "Get out, re-group and take him out together."

Without awaiting a response, Nick lifted the bag over his shoulder and turned to leave. He didn't look back, he couldn't. His focus had to remain on Crosley.

The meet location was the same warehouse where Nick had tried to save the FBI agents who had taken over the freighter case. His mom had been there and had helped him. Later his Captain and his partner had stood by him as he was questioned by the FBI. To his knowledge, the gun he had thrown into the water had never been found. Forcing his thoughts back to the present, he scanned the area as he approached.

Getting out of his car, Nick opened his senses and felt the familiar rush of energy and heat before a sense of cool calm stole over him. He refused to become distracted and simply tried to use his senses to prepare himself but nothing stood out. Walking slowly, he circled the building before he entered from the side. Little had changed and scenes from the previous fight again filled his mind.

He could smell the blood that clung to the clothing the Mauvais Dentes has borrowed from the slain FBI agent. He could hear the slide of his gun across the concrete floor. He could feel the pain as the Wesen had tried to kill him. He could see his mother's face as she saved him.

The sound of an approaching car pulled Nick from the memory and he moved quickly to the side. As he watched the vehicle stop, a man emerged from the driver side and opened the back door. Camilla stepped out first but Crosley was right behind her. The man looked exactly like his passport photo - he stood just over six feet tall but was slim, his skin was dark, his long brown hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and small wire rim glasses hid his bright blue eyes. Even though he had kept his senses open, Nick couldn't determine what type of Wesen any of the three were.

Camilla smiled as she walked to stand only a few feet from Nick. Crosley also wore a smile as he followed but the driver remained by the car.

"What do you want Crosley?" Nick wanted to take the offensive but he also wanted the man to speak.

"The Grimm has no sense of decorum." Camilla frowned slightly as she chastised. She then continued with a more pleasant tone and smile. "Please allow me to make the introductions. Nick Burkhardt, this is Dr. Mateo Crosley."

Nick barely blinked even though their research hadn't found the title. His words were calm as he replied. "I would say it was a pleasure but I doubt that will prove to be the case."

Again Camilla frowned but it was Crosley who spoke as he took her elbow. "I like your style Nick. You've completely upset the supposedly natural balance in the Wesen world. I've even learned from you in the last years."

"What have you learned from me?" Nick knew he needed to get as much intel as possible for the others.

"Do you know what's wrong with the Wesen Council and the Royals Nick?" Crosley smiled and continued without giving Nick a chance to response.

"They all emphasize blood lines. I am sure your Captain has explained what it means to be a Royal bastard. Your friends Monroe and Rosalee have been targetted for daring to marry outside of their own kind. It is all about the blood...and who's willing to spill the most of it."

Nick watched the man smile and gesture with one hand as he emphasized just what he knew about them. Crosley's other hand remained on Camilla and she gazed at him raptly. As he continued to speak, his tone became even more impassioned.

"You have taught us that there's another way. A way that doesn't depend upon blood lines or even traditions, customs. A way that allows each person to prove his or her worth by facing challenges, taking a stand, and even inspiring others to do the same. That is what I have learned from you and what I want to share with our world as I create a new world order."

While Crosley had spoken Camilla had woged and she was the one who drew Nick's attention.

"Musai." She didn't appear as the Musai he had seen or read about though and another puzzle piece fell into place. "You aren't a full blooded Musai are you?"

A frown marred Camilla's beauty as her face returned to normal. However, it was again Crosley who spoke.

"Do you think any offspring of Rosalee's and Monroe's will be welcomed by the Wesen world? They won't be. Just as humans have hunted us because we are different, Wesen will also destroy what is unknown, what is different. The world has changed though and there are many of who do not fit into the old molds. You do not fit into the old molds Nick."

Crosley's voice was soft but his tone remained passionate, driven. Nick could almost feel the power of it and actually took a step back. While Musai could inspire men to greatness, he wondered if Camilla's powers acted differently and if Crosley was somehow using them. If that was the case, it would explain how the man had gained his following and why he continued to hold onto her.

"I can see that you do not trust me yet Nick and I can understand that as I have reservations about you too. I came prepared with an offering of sorts though." Crosley turned slightly and gestured. The driver again opened the car door as he reached inside for a folder. The man did not speak but simply walked forward and gave a flash drive to Crosley.

"I believe you have been looking for the bastard offspring of your Captain and Ms. Schade, yes? A powerful child that the Royals sought to use. A child whose sibling will be part Hexenbeist, part Grimm and will certainly be someone to warrant more Royal interference." Waiting only until Nick gave a stiff nod of agreement, Crosley continued.

"We have been able to gain some information. A friend of your Captain's was seen with the child near Portland. A man by the name of Meisner who formerly worked with the Resistance."

Nick stepped forward to take the flash drive but quickly stepped back again. If the intel proved reliable it would be valuable but at the least hopefully the others heard Crosley's words so later action could be taken. He knew that he needed to remain focused on the threat in front of him.

"And now I feel you owe me something." Crosley's smile was in place again and even grew wider. He exchanged a look with Camilla.

"What do you have in mind?" Nick wasn't inclined to make any offer but he wasn't sure if he would be given the option.

"I have learned your lessons well Nick. I do not discriminate against my followers - all Wesen are welcome as long as they prove to be loyal, dedicated, and willing to fight. Each Wesen does have particular skills though, don't you think? Some excel at healing, some at the hunt, and some in the fight."

Another gesture of Crosley's hand and Nick watched as several men and women stepped through the door. All had woged already and he quickly noted the presence of a Hundjager, Gelumcaedus, and Lowen. Nick was considering giving the signal to the others when Crosley continued.

"Do not bother to call your friends. They are facing obstacles of their own Nick. It is you that I wish to test - you and you alone."

Despite those words, Nick couldn't afford to worry about the others as a Dickfellig charged him – his horn low and aimed at Nick's chest.

Camilla stepped back with Crosley and moved toward the car but both turned back to watch the melee. She couldn't help but be impressed by the Grimm as his blunt nature was reflected in his fighting style too. He wasted little energy on grand gestures or classically trained moves but instead he fought more like a street brawler with fast, powerful movements.

"He is rather talented." Crosley spoke in a calm voice as two Schakals attacked from opposite sides. Nick turned at the last moment causing the two to veer to the side – swift strikes sent them to the ground. "A part of me thought the rumors had exaggerated his skills...some vestige of ancient fears of Grimms. However, I believe that if he survives he will prove quite useful to me."

The pair continued to watch as Nick held his own against the band of Wesen. Growls were punctuated by the crunch of bone hitting bone. Blood splattered and flowed as Nick fended off claws, teeth, and horns. The Grimm used his speed and strength well but he was outnumbered. After several long minutes, the Dickfellig's horn caught his side and knocked them both to the ground.

The scent of the Grimm's blood sent the other Wesen into a frenzied attack. A cacophony of new sounds filled the air as the predators sought to kill their prey.

"Hmm, perhaps the rumors did exaggerate then. Such a shame." With a nod to his driver, Crosley waited until the door was opened and then entered the car. Camilla followed him and soon the pair was driven away as both knew the Wesen would follow with the Grimm's head.

Nick felt more pain as the Dickfellig's horn lifted him up - instead of resisting though he pushed forward himself and knocked the Wesen off-balance. Feeling the horn slip from his body, Nick turned to dodge a swipe by the Lowen. Finally free of the pack, Nick took a breath and tried to edge closer to his bag so he could grab his weapons. Before he could move though, the Lowen directed the others to spread out. The fight wasn't over and Nick still wasn't sure he would survive.

"Nick!"

Turning toward the voice, Nick was momentarily shocked to find Juliette standing before him holding a shield and dagger. He met her eyes briefly before she looked beyond him. Pivoting quickly to face the threat, Nick was surprised to see both Schakals fly through the air. Turning back he saw Juliette's raised arm and he knew she was responsible even though her visage hadn't changed. She hadn't woged to use her powers.

"Take these - they will help protect you." Juliette handed off the shield and dagger to Nick but she had to push them into his hands as he still looked shocked. Unable to resist, she placed a hand on his pale cheek. The cold didn't scare her as it once had; she found it comforting sign of his gifts instead. Lost in his eyes, she was surprised and hurt when he abruptly turned away.

Nick heard the Dickfellig's approach and used the shield to block his horn. He then used it as a weapon as he struck back. His aim was true and shield sliced the neck of his attacker felling the creature. Turning back, Nick spoke quietly to Juliette.

"Thank you."

Smiling, Juliette understood that he wasn't turning away from her. He was however still in the middle of a fight and as she felt something grab her arm from behind she knew that it was a fight that they would have to win together.