Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.
A/N: So the story continues as Lauren and Bo return to the city to talk to Trick….
When Lauren had told Hilde about Trick's call, the powerful fae restored the doorway to the shack with a well-placed recovery spell before the doctor could stop her. Lauren freaked out and gave the older fae a talking to about over taxing herself. The reprimand was met with a reply of a smile and the doctor having her cheeks patted by the older fae.
Knowing that she was not going to get anywhere with Hilde, Lauren moved herself and Bo to the shack, then it was just a matter of getting cleaned up. After a soggy but fun forty-five minutes of playtime in the shower, the women were dressed and on the move to the light fae compound. This time the car had been left for them well within a ward boundary. The way Lauren had been snatched before was still fresh in Bo's mind and she did not let her partner's hand go until the doctor was seated in the car with her seatbelt on. The drive to the light fae compound had been quick. There was a spell of some sort on the vehicle that turned all the traffic lights in their favor.
They entered the compound almost at a run, not pausing to give either woman a chance to think about it. The recent treatment of both women at the hands of the fae, Lauren's years of forced servitude and Bo's general disregard for authority, made the building the last place they wanted to be. Finding the Ash's hall, Lauren and Bo entered as two aides bustled past them, hands full of paperwork. They saw Trick at his desk talking to Vex. The two men were laughing and if you didn't know better they looked to be the best of friends.
Lauren thought about how well the fae leaders had played off each other at the trial and decided that after all this they at least had some type of better understanding of each other. Bo cleared her throat and the two fae leaders turned at the noise. "Well look what the cat dragged in." Vex snarled and then flashed a cheeky grin. Bo shook her head and Lauren rolled her eyes which made the goth laugh. "And hello to you to Doc." Trick ignored the Morrigan and moved to greet his granddaughter and the doctor.
"Thanks for coming so quickly." said Trick. "I take it that Hilde," the man still had trouble with the informal name. "Hilde has survived." The strong older fae had to have helped with the travel plans to get the two women here this quickly.
"Thanks to Lauren," said Bo. "It was touch and go for a long time, but she is on her way to a full recovery." She saw the relief cross her grandfather's face. "Trick why is Lauren here. What's up?" An aide rushed in with paper work for Trick to sign. Muttering under his breath Trick took the paper and gave it the once over and signed it and handed it off.
"Endless paperwork, my apologies." said Trick. He then continued fast, like ripping off a Band-Aid, "Lauren needs to complete an entry rite battle and then choose a side." Both men grimaced knowing what was coming.
"Excuse me?" exclaimed Lauren who then took a deep breath to continue voicing her displeasure. Bo stepped up in front of her and let the long blue chi weapons slide out of her hands. She said in a very serious tone, "I don't think that Lauren will be doing any more fighting." The foursome was exchanging looks of challenge when two more aides rushed in with more paperwork. The office assistants looked startled by the tense scene but nothing would keep them from their signature hunt. The powerful group of fae was forced to step aside and wait for Trick to finish the documents. Bo looked back at Lauren and shrugged as she extinguished her blades and waited on her grandfather. Vex threw his hands in the air in exasperation and then placed his hands on his hips in a pose that screamed his impatience.
"Ahhh… excuse me…the trial, the battle, repairs to the chamber...Where were we?" asked Trick then recalled his place. "This entry rite battle will make Lauren recognized as fae in all the books. Dots all the I's and crosses the T's."
Trying a different tactic, the doctor softened her tone and said, "I appreciate all you two did for me at the trial." Stepping forward she gave both men a hug. Vex was going to say something smart but Trick bumped him to keep him quiet. The doctor continued, "But guys I just worked with Bo to fight off seventeen council members and won, I think there is little doubt that I am fae. There is no need to battle anyone or anything to prove…" Lauren was interrupted as two different aides came running in with even more documents.
"That's it!" yelled Vex. The goth gave Bo a shove that knocked her into Trick and they both hit the ground. He threw his arm out and with his Mesmer's voice said to the two aides. "Fight this woman, Lauren Lewis, as her rite of passage." The two aides froze at his command then spun and ran at Lauren. The flash of yellow eyes indicated her shift to her feline shape. Fully changed to this powerful fae form, Lauren let out a dangerous growl and bared her teeth. The two aides skidded to a halt and screamed in terror. In a rather undignified burst of power, the two men went all furry with the exception of the formation of large fleshy pink ears and tails. Chattering in squeaky voices, begging for forgiveness they ran away in total surrender." With a smile Vex grabbed Trick and placed the man between himself the two angry shocked women. "There you go, the fight's over. Lauren won. Check it off. Now tell us you don't want to be aligned." Vex had a wonderful way of cutting through the bullshit.
Lauren stared in disbelief, and then mumbled "No, I don't want to be aligned." There was a pause as Lauren caught sight of four or five sets of eyes peeking around the corner, "Did you just command two rodent shifters to attack a feline shifter?" said the doctor. Bo who had been royally pissed only moments ago was dusting herself off and trying to hide her laughter at what she had just seen.
"Mice shifters to be precise," said Vex, "They are the perfect little office workers, but they bug the shit out of me when I come here. Ashy you have got to set some boundaries with these people. I mean really." The goth made a snapping noise with his teeth and all the unwanted observers vanished. "Beside I was tired of this little game of cat and mouse." He laughed and looked for the other's to react to his joke.
Trick was shaking his head, turning to Lauren, "With your successful rite of passage battle over." He rolled his eyes at Vex. The Morrigan had a unique way of solving problems. "And with your refusal to pick a side. The remaining power players in the Light and Dark camps are a bit nervous that with Bo, Hilde and now you Lauren, as exceptionally strong fae, have formed an alliance of sort. Frankly, many are worried that you are starting to establish a new power group amongst the fae… for lack of a better name, the unaligned. We," Trick motioned to Vex and himself, "As the leaders of the other two camps, we would like to offer a treaty between all our sides. The two of us have already signed it.
"What?" said Bo, "A treaty, like the accords between the Light and the Dark?" The two men nodded. Bo was about to argue but Lauren stepped up and took the paper.
Looking it over, she folded it and placed it in her pocket. "I will have Hilde look it over. How much time do we have?"
"Not enough," the voice was as smooth and unhurried as ever. Evony walked into the hall. "I believe I have arrived in time to prevent a travesty." The former Morrigan sauntered into the hall as if she owned the place. There were six body guards that lined the doorway. "Wait outside boys." Evony said and the men turned and left. There was a pattern to the click to her high heels as the woman moved forward. She wagged her finger back and forth, "You boys are running an interesting game here, secret meetings and everything. The council is down so you are playing fast and loose with the rules. I have been watching and waiting for you to call these two back." Evony walked past Bo and Lauren with a look of disgust.
"What do you want Evony?" growled Trick. He knew the woman had been busy building up support against Vex and himself. She was using the fears of those close to the slain elders to push a very traditionalist plan of government as the council was reformed. Vex was her main target, but if she could get a good shot in at Trick too, all the better. The company that Evony kept felt this Light and Dark fae cooperation had to stop and an unaligned faction was unthinkable. Evony was selling herself as the person who could take control of the situation. The bitch never missed an opportunity to grab some power.
The woman touched a hand to her chest with wide eyes, "How nice of you to ask. What do I want? I want part of the action." An evil smile touched her lips and she turned to Bo and Lauren, "You see ladies these gentlemen are rushing all of this fae ritual stuff because your position as heroes today will soon be turned to the role of villains." Confusion crossed Bo and Lauren's face.
Evony laughed, "Right now everyone is behind you. Power to the little guy and whatnot, but shortly the story will get twisted with help from me and others with my same gift. Soon most fae will just remember that you two were powerful enough to kill seventeen fae elders. Unaligned, with no one to answer to, which makes you very dangerous people."
Taking a seat on the edge of Trick's desk, Evony continued, "By placing that idea in the mind of the people and with just a little persuasion in the right direction." Flashing bright eyes, the woman continued, "Persuasion is something I am so good at, well those nagging thoughts can be nurtured into real fear. Fear strong enough for people to do things they normally wouldn't do. Something like overturning a court ruling." A cruel smile crossed her lips. "Things might get a little rough as there is no fae council and who will we get to blame for all the problems of the fae people? Humm I wonder."
"I have been cleared of all charges, Evony. What does this have to do with me or Bo?" said Lauren
"Well mutant," snarled the woman. Bo stepped up fast and held a long chi blade to the former Morrigan's neck.
"Bo," said Trick, "Please stand down. You can't harm her. According to our laws she is protected as she has an audience with the Ash. She has done nothing illegal." Evony smiled as Bo was forced to step back. "Mind your tongue Evony." warned the Ash.
"Doctor, what this means is that you are just a few days away from being fae enemy number one again, with a whole new set of bounty hunters on your trail." Evony laughed, "Now if I was the Morrigan of the Dark again. Vex here moved out of the picture, temporarily or permanently, all this speculation might just be a figment of my imagination. You and the succubi….succubus could just fade away and no one would care."
"Are you trying to blackmail us into hurting Vex?" said Bo, disbelief in her voice.
"Blackmail is such a harsh word. Your life would be just that much easier if I was Morrigan is all I am saying. We are standing in the Light compound and no one would know if something unfortunate would happen to the Morrigan here." Evony smiled. "You killed all those elders, neither one of you are above taking a life for a good cause."
"So let me get this straight you will slander me… us." Said Lauren pointing to Bo and herself. "Put our lives in danger by lying to the people and creating a panic amongst the fae population if we don't hurt or kill Vex so you can have your old job back?
"My, my, you are as bright as they say you are." smiled Evony in triumph. "So come on now Bo, let's see those new weapons of yours in action shall we. Or would you rather have the doctor here go on the run again."
"Heard enough?" yelled Vex. There was the sound of heavy objects hitting the floor. Everyone spun to see six bodies laid out cold on the floor of the entry way. Tamsin and Dyson were standing over Evony's body guards with smiles on their faces. The Valkyrie's face was bruised but she was definitely in better shape than when Bo and Lauren had seen her outside the chamber. Dyson was his normal handsome self as he nodded a hello to his friends. "Pumpkin, you have what you need?" yelled Vex again.
"Babycakes, I have heard more than enough." The valkyrie started walking forward. Lauren looked at Bo and mouthed "Babycakes?"
Evony was unconcerned, "I am under the protection of the Ash's hall. Nothing I have said can be held against me. I have protections under fae law and…"
Holding up a hand to interrupt, the Ash cleared his throat, "That's all true but there are just a few new thing that might have affected your plan." The Ash moved to stand in front of the former Morrigan. "You see we heard about your little campaign of evil against Vex and our girls here. You do remember that we are Lauren's representatives and still feel responsible for her fair treatment amongst the fae. Oh yeah and Bo is my granddaughter, I might be a little sensitive about people trying to harm her." The Ash yelled then smiled as Evony narrowed her eyes. General emotions and thoughts that were beyond power plays never crossed this woman's mind. It was the one thing that made her so dangerous and predictable.
"Well we figured you would never let this go, dog with a bone you know. You helped hand Bo over to the Wanderer and waited two years to grab Lauren last time. We didn't want to wait that long for you to make your move." said Vex with a giggle to his voice. "So we called them back here."
Trick followed quickly, "You just threatened your Morrigan in the presence of witnesses and with our new peace treaty between the Light and the Dark Fae." Trick motioned to Lauren who pulled the document out of her pocket. "I am in my rights to turn you over to your people for questioning as a show of good faith between our sides." Trick smiled. "It's a new extradition clause we put in."
"I will have a field day with this new treaty in court." spat out Evony, "I mean you worked the trial together. Most will just think it is a plan to discredit me." snarled Evony
Lauren laughed, "I guess that is where two unaligned fae who have nothing to gain by helping one side over the other might make excellent witnesses to the offence." Trick and Vex looked guilty but very satisfied at the same time.
"If you would just sign here," Trick held out two witness forms and pens. Dyson walked up and took the papers after Bo and Lauren had signed them. "These will be on file with the police if you need them." smiled the wolf shifter.
Standing and rolling his neck on his shoulders, Vex said, "Pumpkin, think you might want to help Evony back to the Dark Fae Compound so we can have a chat." Evony started to protest about being handed off to a vengeful girlfriend. Vex made tutting sounds, "Tamsin is more than the cream in my coffee darling, she is the dark fae chief of security. I believe she might have some questions about her attack the day of the trial and how seventeen council members made it back into the chamber after I dismissed them too. Loose ends and all that…just doing my job as Morrigan." Vex looked very pleased.
Evony was now pale, her mouth kept opening and closing but no words were coming out. Tamsin raised one eyebrow and smiled as she took the woman by the arm. There was sound of a solid smack of fist to flesh just as the two women moved out of sight. "I hope there is something left of Evony to question after Tamsin gets done with her." grinned Bo. Looking to the older man in front of her, "So Gramps, you could have let us in on this little plan and what Evony was up to."
Trick just smiled, "I didn't want to be in court defending my granddaughter against murder charges." Bo smiled back because she couldn't argue with his logic. Clearing his throat Trick said, "How about a drink at the Dahl?"
"You're buying and we are making it a party." Snapped Vex who laughed and grabbed Lauren's arm and led her out of the hall, "So tell me what a great lawyer I am?" Trick held out an arm to his granddaughter and they followed close behind.
xxxxxXXXXXxxxxx
Vex was not lying when he said it would be a party. The call went out far and wide and the Dahl was hopping. Trick financed the first hour but after that so many people were buying rounds that Hale just stop charging for drinks. There was more than enough money to fund several days' worth of celebration. He set aside so many cases and just let the customers drink until it was gone. Besides he wanted to have some fun too. The siren was holding court at the side of the bar with a lovely group of ladies. The man never looked happier.
Ted and Ed were happy too. They were running around everywhere picking up glasses and cleaning up bottles and cans. They had never felt so useful or appreciated. The twosome was becoming quite well known by the regulars and their tips were growing as the night activities got wilder. It was fun challenge for them to keep the place nice and neat as the chaos of the party grew.
Darts and pool games were going strong. As some point, music started playing and a dance floor was formed. Kenzi brought Bruce and Hilde with her to the party but the couple only stayed long enough to say hello to everyone and have one quick dance. When Lauren saw Hilde and Bruce on the dance floor her doctor side flipped and she insisted that she go with them back to the farm but Hilde stood her ground. "This is a party for you child, stay and have fun. We are going to the cabin for a few days anyway." Lauren moved to object. "I am healed daughter. Don't worry." A flash of red eyes told Lauren the discussion was done. Bruce held up his cell phone behind the hag's head to let Lauren know she could still get in touch with them.
"Come on Doc. We dance." Kenzi grabbed Lauren's hand and moved her to the dance floor were Vex's club music was pumping from the speakers. Soon the doctor and the druid were the hit of the party and the dance floor was their domain. Bo was watching the women from the pool room where she and Tamsin were kicking all types of butt. Tamsin's hands were in terrible shape but her pool game was top notch. Dyson was talking to Vex and Trick at a near-by side booth. He was also watching the dance floor. The former lovers caught each other's eye and then smiled, friends.
The alcohol flowed and the party surged, Lauren made her way to a safe corner for a breather. "You come here often?" said a voice in her ear. Lauren had to grin. Bo had watched Lauren escape the crowd and followed. Bo continued, "Did you sit in a pile of sugar? Cause you have a pretty sweet ..." Lauren turned and placed her finger on Bo's lips to shut her up. The succubus just started to laugh. "Believe it or not I have actually heard that one used." The doctor giggled turned and Bo pulled her into a nice long kiss.
"Get a room!" Kenzi yelled and ran over pulling both friends into an alcohol fueled hug. "I love you guys. Dancing, we should be dancing." Kenzi grabbed hands and pulled.
Lauren laughed and said, "I'm done. You two have fun. I have to take care of something any way." Bo looked concerned but Lauren waved her off. "It's okay, a nature fae thing. I will be okay." The druid pulled harder on Bo. Lauren insisted, "Go have fun."
Bo motioned to her cell, "I really don't like this but okay. I will see you at home." The succubus leaned forward and kissed Lauren again. Kenzi yelled and Bo was pulled into the mob on the dance floor.
Lauren ducked out the back. After making sure she was covered by shadow she shifted and started running. The noise and the crowd were almost too much for her any more. When Vex had mentioned tying up loose ends Lauren remembered a promise she made. The run took her along the railroad tracks and then to the city limits. The small vacant lot she had stopped at when she first arrived back in town still looked to be in disrepair.
The nature fae placed her hand and the ground felt that the little section of earth was still not happy but like most land had patiently waited for her return. After checking for anyone who might be watching, Lauren raised an eyebrow as she reached deep inside herself. She thought of all the things that had happened since her first visit. Swimming in the memories of the recent and long past, Lauren breath caught. At any moment everything could have could have gone so wrong. It didn't. Knowing better than to question it, the powerful fae focused on how lucky she was and then tapped into that energy. Lauren smile and then slammed a massive amount of energy into the earth.
Watching, the damaged patch of land just sat for a moment, and then the soil began jumping like someone was setting off tiny explosions everywhere. Grasses and weeds started growing in fast forward. They grew to maturity in minutes then died and were pulled under the ground only to cycle again and again. Each time the soil was fortified and became richer. Finally the land started to calm, Lauren reached into her pocket, she open a small pouch. Kenzi had made her put an emergency pack of seeds in her pocket before she left the farm. Who was Lauren to argue with the idea?
Tossing the seeds out to various areas Lauren had to laugh as the ground literally exploded with patches of roses, sunflowers, and wildflowers. The pricklier plants Lauren weeded out by moving them through their life cycle having the Earth reclaim them to add even more enrichment to the soil. In the end the little lot was a lovely lush spot of greenery, flowers and soft grasses. Placing her hand on the soil now a delighted feel shot up her arm and made her fingers tingle, "Promise kept." she said.
It was not lost on Lauren that with just the right amount of fae influence something quite ordinary was transformed into the extraordinary. It made her wonder just for a moment if she had really done a good thing by interfering? Her own situation mirrored before her in the little area of earth. The wind picked up and the leaves swayed. One or two fell to the ground. Some of the bare dirt was picked up and moved away exposing the next layer. Lauren smiled to herself and thanked the Earth for the reminder that change was inevitable, no matter how it happened. Her strength came from how she had learned to adapt, a trait she had always had in any form. Lauren shifted and ran towards the shack. Time to go home, now where home would be…well, Lauren decided she would figure it out in the morning.
Lauren approached the shack and out of habit checked the area for trouble. There was nothing amiss so she entered the shack with her key. The place was dark except for the LED lights that peppered the electronics. Lauren tried to be careful but slammed a shin into the coffee table. "Crap," she growled as she moved towards the stairs to the bedroom. "Lauren, where are you going?" came a deep voice from the kitchen. Lauren jumped around and flashed gold eyes which triggered her night vision. Dyson was standing in the kitchen holding a container of ice cream and two spoons.
"What the hell Dyson? You scared me to death." Hissed Lauren then she noticed he was naked. Being a wolf shifter he had no problem with this but Lauren was caught off guard. "God, Dyson what are you doing?" Lauren spun around, then spun back. "What are you doing here?" A horrible thought hit her. "Where is Bo?" The growl that touched Lauren's lips was anger and jealously and hurt all rolled up in one nasty package. Dyson started to laugh; it was the wrong thing to do. The flash of yellow, green and blue eyes made him hold out his dessert fill hands in defense.
"Hey wolf, get your beautiful bod up here before the water gets cold." Kenzi's voice drifted from the bedroom. "Bo was right this tub is to die for." Lauren looked from the bedroom door to Dyson and back again. The wolf smirked and started walking as he reached Lauren he stopped, kissed her on the cheek and pointed at the door to the farm. "Good night Lauren." said the wolf shifter as he took the stairs two at a time. Lauren watched him go and then did a dance of happiness all around the living room.
After all Bo and Lauren had been through could things really be as easy as this? She ran to the farm door and with a quick motion threw it open and crossed the threshold. Holding the doorknob Lauren pulled the door closing it firmly behind her. She took a hint from Dyson and was up the stairs two at a time. Making her way to the bedroom she opened the door to find Bo stretched out asleep with the T.V. on.
Gently removing the remote from the succubus's grasp, she turned off the device. Shutting off the lights she sat on the edge of the bed pulling off clothing then pulling on her night shirt. Moving to take her spot next to Bo, Lauren tried not to disturb her partner who looked so peaceful. So different from when Lauren had found her crying in her dreams. There would still be memories to deal with but things were good now and they would deal with what every came their way. Lauren reached over and pushed some hair away from Bo's face and caught the soft expression that touched her features. Her partner was awake.
Lauren laid back as Bo reached out pulling the doctor into an easy embrace. A soft set of kisses drifted down Lauren's neck as she snuggled in. Bo opened one eye and smiled a sleepy smile, "You okay?" Lauren felt her body relax and she melted into her lover's warm arms and nodded. Bo shifted. "I'm glad you're home."
Lauren said quietly, "Are you good with the farm as home. You haven't spent much…" Bo tighten her hold on the doctor as she felt the woman tense up.
"If we are together, then anywhere is home." Bo interrupted into Lauren's shoulder. "The farm just happens to be extra special to you and that makes me very happy. So yes Lauren I am all good with the farm as home. Now relax, make love to me and let's just enjoy our time until the next interesting …"
Lauren kissed Bo hard, "Don't even say that." The doctor poked the succubus hard in the ribs, "We are done with our adventures. Right?"
Bo giggled at Lauren's tone. "Whatever you say my lady, I am just your champion waiting to serve."
"Well Champion let's just see how far you are willing to go to serve me?" said Lauren as she bit down gently on an earlobe. There was a burst of laughter as Bo gave a mock roar and threw the covers over them both and all the cares of the world drifted away.
A/N: There it is – Our girls are left in a safe and happy place —I can't thank you all enough for making this such a great experience. I truly enjoyed the comments and they encouraged me to try and keep the storyline strong and creative. The support of the story through all the readers and followers was terrific. I was touched but how many people stopped by to take a look.
I did leave the end open. Some of you have asked about a sequel and I just don't know. To tell the truth the idea of writing a sequel scares the heck out of me. LOL. I do have a different story in mind, but after that I could get my gumption up and give the sequel a go.
Hopefully you won't mind if I spend some more time in the Lost Girl universe. As with this story, I want to get most of it fleshed out so posting will be consistent. I look forward to reading all your stories and then with some luck hearing from you again when my new story is ready. Again thanks so much for your support. – gt2012