Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe. I don't own any of the music mentioned in this chapter either.
A/N: So the clearing of the air so to speak…. Thanks to all readers, reviewers and followers.
Dyson was muttering to himself as he wiped down the old upholstery. The wolf shifter didn't even notice the very large intimidating ogre leaning on the hood watching him work. Dyson said in a high girly voice mimicking Kenzi, "Well, of course you would like Lauren to turn herself in." then adding a "hell, you could just step in…" with a growl the man rubbed at smear of blood on the head rest. Back to his own voice, "Thinks I'm a heartless animal… she never listens, just runs off like…." Dyson was lost for words.
Bruce spoke up to help, "a love sick teenager." At the sound of the ogre's voice Dyson jumped and hit his head on the door frame. "Of course," the ogre added paying no attention to the wolf's cussing and grabbing his head, "people in love tend to talk to themselves too." Dyson spun around and looked at the Bruce with narrowed eyes. Bruce didn't move, "Just saying."
"Bruce what in the hell are you talking about?" Dyson growled and went back to cleaning. Bruce shook his head.
"I spent two years with Kenzi and there is really nothing we don't know about each other's past. We passed the time telling stories to keep our memories intact. So let's review the facts shall we. Kenzi has been on your side since she met you, going so far as to be happy for you and Bo in a relationship. Besties do not give their stamp of approval lightly." Dyson winced at the ogre's use of Kenzi speak. "Kenzi was the one that you switched bodies with in the Dahl, she retrieved your half dead body when you attacked the Garuda, She attacked the Norn to get your love back, she is the one…." Seeing Dyson's eyes dancing with the memories, Bruce switched it up.
"Then there is you, finding her in the park when was dying, telling Kenzi how strong she was as a human living in the fae world, chasing after her when Massimo had her." Holding up a hand, Bruce said, "and don't say you were looking for her to help Bo." Bruce had seen Dyson starting to speak, "That was only half of it and all of us but Kenzi knows that. Do I really need to go on?"
"I have a mate bond with Bo…" said Dyson there was a tone to his voice that told Bruce he would live up to his obligation no matter his feelings.
"Do you feel it?" ask the ogre. Dyson shot him a fierce look. "Bah, you can't feel it, can you?" The ogre chuckled and then grabbed the wolf's shoulder. "There is no bond stronger than friendship between you and Bo now." Dyson looked confused and then disturbed as he searched within himself for what had been part of him for so long and only now realized was gone. Seeing the concern on the wolf's face Bruce said, "You didn't do anything wrong, Dyson. Mating bonds are for a life time. Your heart stopped for some time when you were shot. No heart beat means dead. Dead means end of life time. Clean slate. I had an Uncle Ted that got out of four mate bonds by stopping his heart." Dyson looked affronted at the idea of the cherished bond being treated with such disrespect. Bruce laughed, "I'm an ogre. My family tree has some pretty twisted limbs."
"Bruce, I am over three hundred years old and she is in her twenties and a human." said Dyson more than a bit shook up. Age was a feeble argument in the world of fae.
Seeing that all of this was hitting the wolf to hard Bruce said, "Okay, I'm just over one hundred years old and Hilde is over three thousand years old and Kenzi, she's a druid now not fully human so whole new ballgame. Look, I'm not saying that you and Kenzi have to be a couple, you may still have a thing for Bo for all I know. Anyway, just know that if you were so inclined to test the waters with our little druid, you might make a nice couple. But please talk to her, Hilde wants everyone focused on the problems we are going to be facing and not in the middle of a junior high love drama.
Dyson nodded, "I can't believe I just had this conversation with you." The wolf expression matched the sentiment of his words.
"Anytime, my brother, anytime." Said the ogre missing Dyson's meaning. Bruce grabbed the wolf and forced him into manly chest shoulder hug then said, "You missed a spot." Dyson shook his head watching the ogre walk away. Feeling confused but strangely happy Dyson thought to himself he had missed a lot more than a spot. He turned to finish up on the truck but stopped himself. He tossed the rag on the hood and followed the big man inside.
xxxxxXXXXXXxxxxx
Lauren could feel Bo watching at her. "Bo, I need you to tone it down a bit. Please, I feel your eyes…"
"You feel my eyes." The succubus snapped in frustration, "Damn right you feel my eyes. They are burning so blue right now I doubt they will ever be normal again." Bo steeled herself. The shock of Lauren's plan to turn herself into the fae had come and gone. As much as Bo asked, then pleaded for Lauren to consider another way, the doctor just stonewalled her. Bo was not giving up so she began the argument again. "You are the love of my life and after all we have been through you are giving yourself up to a group of people who only want you dead. I can't live with that, Lauren. I won't. Damn it, I am on the verge of losing control, grabbing you and running…." Bo shuddered in frustration, "running away." She spit out finally.
Slamming the t-shirt she had refolded for the twenty-fifth time into her duffel, Lauren spun around. They had been at this all day and both women were at their breaking point. "See you can't think of a way out of this either. Run away, okay run away where? We will be on the run forever. Fae time means literally forever." Lauren yanked at the zipper of the bag and then hurled the bag towards the nearest wall.
"They will never stop hunting me, I have embarrassed the wrong people. I had this two year break from being hunted because they had you as bait. Hell, for two years they tortured you until I finally found out and came back to help free you." Lauren fist tightened and for the seven hundredth time tears started to fall. Fighting them back, she almost yelled, "You, Kenzi, Dyson, Hilde, Bruce…everyone I know. You all will never ever be safe as long they search for me. I will not be responsible for that. The rest selfishly maybe I could live with but Bo I will never put you in that position again." With a weary sigh Lauren leaned over and picked up the bag, "Just let me go okay."
That did it. Bo roared and had Lauren up and over her shoulder in the flash of an eye. She threw open the door and ran outside. Bo still did not know where she was going but she was on the run and taking the good doctor with her. Lauren was shocked at first and then furious. She pounded on Bo's back, when that didn't work Lauren shifted to her feline form. Using strong muscles she twisted out of the powerful grip to gracefully land on the ground in a kneeling position. She righted herself and turned to walk back towards the house.
Spinning on her heels, Bo growled with the succubus lacing her voice and said, "You think I am so weak I will be taken again?" It was a pain filled question. The succubus growled an answer to her own question to clear up any confusion. "I can take care of myself just fine. I can and will take care of you too. Anyone that dares come at us will be asking for a beat down of epic proportions." Not thinking it was possible Bo's blue eyes flashed brighter.
The next words she spoke were just above a whisper, "Just let you go," the succubus rumbled, "Lauren that is never going to happen." Before Lauren could react Bo was on the move taking hold of her arms. Lauren slapped away her grip. Bo dropped low and took out Lauren's legs knocking her to the ground. Diving at her lover, Bo only hit dirt as the feline shifter was too fast, rolling away and then snarling a laugh of sorts in Bo's direction. The cat's eyes went wide as Bo pushed up immediately in a power move and grabbing the doctor's leg in a stronger grip than before pulling Lauren down on top of her and into Bo's strong embrace. Rolling over she was moving in to pull chi. "What does a furry Lauren taste like?" Bo cooed leaning close to the cat's muzzle. Not touching but close enough too pull deep on Lauren's chi. Bo was going to knock the doctor out by lowering her energy level. If she could get the woman away from the city, maybe to this farm of hers, Bo could talk some sense into her.
Lauren snarled and twisted away from the chi pull. She shifted flashing her own blue eyes and blocking Bo's attempt to subdue her. Lauren gasped, Bo's attack had lowered her energy levels more than expected. Lauren stilled and Bo's head dropped to her shoulder. The doctor said, "I know that you can protect me but placing yourself in danger over and over. I will not stand for that. I love you too much." Throwing a hand to the side, the blue eye's faded and green eyes surfaced as Lauren pulled extra power from the ground. Lauren twisted and rolled, Bo was forced to loosen her grip giving Lauren the chance to flex then slide out of reach. Lauren was up and walking away, Bo started to scramble but she felt her leg grabbed by some viney plant and she was pulled back roughly then held in place. Kicking out hard, Bo snapped the plant. Lauren shot her a hard look.
"Damn, sorry," said Bo who bent down and patted the plant. "A friend?" That was the wrong thing to say.
Lauren's eyes flashed green, she yelled, "Do you care so little for my emotions? I need you to hear me. This is killing me." Lauren threw her arms in the air in frustration. "I want more than anything to be with you. But my friends matter," Lauren pushed by Bo slamming her shoulder into the blue eyed woman as she passed. The doctor pulsed the plant and it repaired itself. Lauren pulsed it again with extra force. The little plant grew to monstrous proportions in a matter of seconds. Bo stepped back as the once small delicate vines were the size of garden hoses. Lauren's eyes flashed green and the vines slithered at her command. Lauren shook her head and her human eyes returned.
The doctor made to move towards Bo but her steps were unsteady, a reflection of the amount of energy she had just expended. Once she was stable Lauren moved forward and said, "My friends matter. God Bo," Lauren said with a cry, "You matter so much. But this is me, it is who I am. As a shifter I care for my territory, as a nature fae I tend to the earth, as succubus I look out for those I love." A shaky hand pushed a strand of hair back from Bo's face. "I need you to respect my decision Bo. Please, I am terrified." Lauren paused to catch her breath, "I am so very scared, but this is my decision." Weak from exertion and emotional strain she started to fall to the ground but she never made it. Bo had her in her arms, safe and protected. There were no more harsh words or rash actions. Lauren felt Bo push chi into her and her strength returned. Lauren struggled but was calmed by Bo's lips which were gently touching the top of her head and the endless streams of murmured, "I love you, Lauren."
xxxxXXXXXxxxx
The kitchen of the shack looked like the cabinets had exploded sending a fragrant mix of herbs, spice seeds and flower pedal debris everywhere. The pestle and mortar, that had been purchased in Bo and Kenzi's pursuit of creating the perfect guacamole, was in the hand of the druid and she was grinding something called a Trinidad Moruga Scorpion Pepper into a fine powered. This variety of pepper, Kenzi had learned, was the current record holder for the hottest damn thing on earth. It was the perfect thing to match her mood. Kenzi, being Kenzi, had talked the organic foods guy into giving her a sample in dehydrated form. She only had one which was a good thing because about half way through her attack on the chili the fumes from the vile little seed pod had Kenzi's eyes watering and the back of her throat burning. It was a good thing the shack was poorly insulated or no one could have stayed inside long.
Hilde entered the shack and raised her eyebrows at the chili laced atmosphere. Bruce was chatting with Dyson at the truck and she considered moving back out onto the small porch. Deciding against it, the old fae shook her head and walked to the couch in silence. She thought to herself that perhaps she was getting too old for this type of thing, love and all its angsty bits. After three thousand years you learned to skip the red tape so to speak and get to the heart of the matter quickly.
Kenzi sniffed loudly then apologized. Hilde wondered if it was hurt feelings or scorpion pepper revenge? Who was she kidding, Hilde smiled to herself, this stuff never got old especially if you had feelings for the people involved. The group of people Lauren had brought into Hilde's life had become important to her now. The hag stood and shuffled to a stool for a better view of the druid's creative process. Kenzi looked up as if expecting to be hit with questions or a reprimand but Hilde just smiled and watched. The little druid gave the hag a half smile in relief and went back to work.
Hands out and concentration etched on her face, Kenzi was slowly moving over her ingredients with care. Hilde watched as little druid paid little attention to what she was grabbing. The focus was on the feel of the item and how it fit into the final goal. The skills of this young one were high considering the strange ways she had gained her knowledge. Hilde was about to comment but the hands stopped and fennel seed was selected. Kenzi poured a fair amount into the mortar and the grinding commenced, the older fae stayed quiet just watching the druid work.
Nutmeg, Pomegranate seeds, Cayenne, were the next victims, Kenzi worked the materials to a pulp as the pomegranate gummed things up a bit. Hilde bit her lip to hide an amused smile and then asked quietly, as the girl focus had led her to Cinnamon and Coriander, "What is on your mind with this creation druid?" Kenzi used a microplane grater to rip the cinnamon stick and then worked everything into contents of the mortar.
Kenzi stopped for a moment looking to see if Hilde was making fun but found she was looking into a truly interested face. "Creating something powerful!" snarled the Druid. Seeing Hilde's need for more explanation, "Dyson alright. My focus is on how mad I am at that..." Kenzi struggled for words. "The man just doesn't get it. He is alright with Lauren giving herself to the fae for trial." Kenzi stopped and looked at Hilde as if she had just dropped a bomb shell on the hag. "God Hilde we didn't tell you."
Hilde held up a hand. "No worries child I heard you yelling at your phone. Bruce and I got the idea of what was going on."
Kenzi started speaking fast, "Good so you know that we have to help Lauren escape and Dyson is like Lauren can't leave, she can't take Bo away and…" the druid's hand flew out and she grabbed poppy seeds, edible rose, jasmine and pansy pedals." The small woman was grinding the flowers so hard that Hilde was afraid that the pestle might slam through the bottom of the mortar bowl. "He wants to step right back into Bo's life. Renew the mate bond thing which would be fine…," the word fine was hissed out like it hurt to say it aloud.
"He said that?" Hilde asked as she watched Kenzi hold her hands up again to look for any last additions. Kenzi opened her eyes and looked at the hag, Hilde repeated herself, "He said he wanted to renew his mate bond with Bo?"
Kenzi faltered, "No not in so many words but he said that Lauren should go to trial…." Hilde raised an eyebrow. Kenzi said more sure of herself, "he said Lauren had to turn herself in and she can't take Bo away." The druid spun and held her hands out again. Within seconds she was stomping through the kitchen bowl in hand. Kenzi grabbed the bottle of special occasion tequila from the top of the refrigerator and added a splash to the mix.
"Did you wait to find out what he meant by that? Or bother to answer the question he had asked you right before that about why Lauren might do such a thing?" The strong deep male voice made Kenzi's head snap up. Dyson was sitting next to Hilde. The old hag held up her hands to say this was not her fault. The over three thousand year old woman truly looked ill at ease to be caught in the middle.
"Right," growled Kenzi narrowing her eyes at the man, "I have just channeled my intense feelings of rage into this powerful creation. Beware wolf." she added a second shot of tequila for good measure. Replacing the cap with gusto she mixed in the final ingredient while she stared straight at the wolf shifter. Finishing she held the bowl in front of him as a threat.
Dyson looked at the strange mixture with concern. Kenzi had done some remarkable things since receiving her new knowledge set. He remembered the snap of the doorknob on his hand. Kenzi saw his expression and was about to make a statement she would regret. Hilde cleared her throat, "Kenzi, child you want to be careful with that." Kenzi and Dyson both looked at the bowl's contents and then back to Hilde. The hag shifted, "How the hell did I end up in the middle of this?" she thought to herself.
"As a rule of thumb you should direct your skills to a specific task and not let feelings lead you. If you choose to go, how should I say it, free form, keep track of what you are using so you have some idea of what you have created. That liquid there is quite well made and truly powerful as was your purpose. If it is used incorrectly could cause great harm." Hilde spoke to the girl as a teacher and making no judgments.
"Were you going to poison me?" said Dyson in shock. Kenzi looked horrified at the thought.
"No, I would never hurt you…badly." She snapped, "I was just so angry with you not wanting to help Lauren and …."
"You made this creation thinking of me and it could cause great harm. I came in here after Bruce told me I should..., " Hilde rolled her eyes these two were really something. The lack of balance made her teeth hurt.
"Enough." The hag said silencing the room. "I said if used incorrectly the liquid could cause great harm. I am very sure that Kenzi had no want to hurt you with this creation Dyson. Just like you had no want to cause Lauren harm and have very good reasons for supporting her want to go to trial and not run." Hilde grabbed the bowl and held it up and sniffed it. "Be done with your arguing it is not what either of you really want now is it." The two look uncomfortable.
Hilde handed the bowl of liquid to Kenzi. The hag considered the two in front of her, they looked like pouting children. Time to grow up. Turning to the wolf first, "You, wolf, just came running in here because you learned you don't have a mate bond with Bo anymore and are free to find of someone else to care for." Dyson pulled in his breath as his eye flashed to Kenzi then looked away.
Spinning quickly Hilde flashed quick red eyes at Kenzi, "Druid you just used Dyson as an inspiration to make an incredibly powerful love potion. A highly effective aphrodisiac, hell I'm not sure I could do better myself." Kenzi looked from the bowl to Hilde and then to Dyson. If she could have died she would have. Hilde continued, "I think you two have some things to talk about." With a second look at the bowl Hilde took it from Kenzi. "You two try this we might not see you for a week." The hag moved off trying not to laugh.
Kenzi didn't know what to do, "Okay I'm going to go find a rock and crawl under it for all eternity. Bye bye." The girl made to run for it. The wolf was ready for it. Dyson had her in his arms after three steps.
"No you don't." growled Dyson. He held Kenzi until she stopped fighting. He could feel her heart beat and knew she was scared, embarrassed, and so much more so he did the talking. "Before you yelled at me, I asked you why you thought Lauren would turn herself in." Kenzi tensed and struggled as if to argue a new, Dyson spoke again, "I should have told why I thought Lauren would turn herself in because it is the same reason I would." Pulling back Kenzi looked at him. "Lauren is turning herself in so Bo will never again be in danger because of her. If she turns herself in they can't use the people she loves against her. They will be safe."
"But that's just stupid…" said Kenzi
"No it's not." Dyson's grip on Kenzi strengthened. "I would do anything to keep the people I love safe too." He looked at her with such intensity that Kenzi felt her knees begin to shake. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, "Kenzi, I have been so…"
"Bo!" said Kenzi sharply.
Dyson sighed, "I will have to talk to Bo, but Kenzi I have to say that….
"No Bo!" Kenzi was tilting her head to the side, looking around the wolf. Dyson turned and saw Lauren and Bo were standing in the doorway. He let out a small growl, but then smiled and reluctantly released his hold on the woman in his arms. Kenzi held his eyes for a few second but it was enough to let him know that they were going to finish this conversation. She turned and ran for her friend who pulled her into a huge hug.
Lauren got caught up in the hug but managed to free herself and walked to Dyson, "Don't really think our timing could have been worse. I'm sorry." She placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Welcome back Doctor, were you followed?" the wolf's eyes were on Kenzi and Bo.
"No, I used my shifter form and met up with Bo just outside. Hilde left instructions for a back way out of the cabin. I didn't detect anything. Thought there would be guards posted here but it would seem that someone took out two carloads of Evony's men about five blocks down the way. I did some cleaning up for you." Dyson flashed teeth and growled as Lauren's eyes yellowed, their shifter natures recognized one another. The doctor continued, "It won't matter if we were followed anyway, I have a call into Trick. He will be here soon. I will be turning myself over to him. I heard what you said to Kenzi, thanks for understanding." Lauren placed a hand on his arm. She smiled at him and said, "Is there something you want to tell me about what we just walked in on?"
There was a hoot of laughter giving Dyson an escape from the question. He just smiled as they turned to see Kenzi showing her back tattoo to Bo. As the druid readjusted her top, Bo looked at Lauren and Dyson. There was no mistaking the concern in her eyes. Dyson said, "Bo is not in agreement with your plan." It wasn't a question.
"No, but after a battle or two she has agreed to respect my wishes." Lauren said and turned at a soft sound she detected behind her. "I missed you Hilde. Do you want to tell me why you are in the big bad city?" The hag cackled and waited for the doctor to reach her and pull her into a tight hug.
Breaking away from Bo, Kenzi made her move to talk to Hilde and Lauren. Bo walked over to Dyson with raised eyebrows, "So looks like you have decided to move on and with my best friend no less." Dyson was at a loss for words. Bo smiled and then kissed him on the cheek, "She is a very lucky girl to have you. Don't hurt her." They both grinned knowing just how serious the succubus was about that last comment. Bo kept a watch on Lauren and the strange being she was talking too. This had to be Hilde the hag. Bo felt that she had met the woman, she had heard so much about her. Giving them their space, Bo walk around and looked at the mess in the kitchen, "Hey, anything to eat in this mess? Looks like someone made some salsa or something . Smells spicy. It's got tequila in it. Does it taste good?"
The chorus of, "Don't taste that!" shook the shack. Dyson was at Bo's side so quickly she jumped. He smiled and removed the mortar bowl from Bo's hands. "That's… you don't want to…" he was stammering. He walked to the sink and then turned to Kenzi. "Just to let you know, this will never be needed. You are potent enough all on your own." He growled low again and then dumped it down the sink. Everyone turned to look a Kenzi who had gone beet red.
Bo looked at Kenzi, "Do I want to know?" Kenzi, who was still looking at Dyson, just smiled. A noise at the door drew everyone's attention and Bruce entered with a big smile and warm welcomes. Lauren moved off to greet the ogre.
A hand landed on Bo's shoulder, it was a friendly gesture. Something you would expect from a person you were long acquainted with. Bo knew that hand belonged to someone she had never met. Watching Lauren and Bruce get reacquainted, the succubus said to the hag. "I can never thank you enough for caring for Lauren." Turning to look at Hilde, Bo continued, "It is a debt I can never repay, and yes I know that is unwise to mention debt to a powerful fae."
"Child," the voice from her dream said, "It's your turn to step up. The silly child still insists on running towards the beast. She will need your help for real this time." Bo felt the weight of the hag's words. A smile crossed the old fae's expression and kindness and power matched the concern that oozed from the old fae. It was almost overwhelming for the succubus to be near that much energy. Bo felt an instant bond with the woman. Hilde asked, "Are you ready to be the weapon she needs?" red eyes flashed.
The blue of Bo's eyes responded. "I'm not sure I know how, but yes I am ready." The grip on her shoulder tightened. "I felt my blood sing in the dream." Hilde let out a "humph" and Bo laughed. "My hands, can I truly do..." Lauren left Bruce and started walking towards the women. She had noticed their exchange and the flash of power between them.
Hilde said quickly, "Yes child, that and so much more. You will just need to trust yourself to let it happen." The hand on Bo's shoulder reached out and patted Lauren's cheek as the doctor had moved close. The hag shuffled away to Bruce's side.
"Everything okay?" asked Lauren then added quickly, "between you and Hilde." Bo went to answer when there was a loud sizzling sound. A flaming spear like object shot through the house. It slammed into the far wall.
"We have incoming," yelled Kenzi and the house was suddenly shaking as something or someone outside was making their presence known. As soon as the attack started it stopped, Kenzi's wards holding the intruder outside. The startled group looked outside but nothing was there. Dyson let out a muttered curse that caught everyone's attention. The back wall was scorched with writing. "The high council of fae charges Lauren Lewis with crimes against the fae people at the most grievous level. Trial begins with the reading of the charges on the rise of first quarter moon in the council chambers.
Hilde growled and placed her hand on Lauren's arm, the doctor replied, "Yeah, I know. That's tomorrow night."