Immortal Heart

by Happy Palm Tree

A chance meeting leads to true love for Jemma and Skye, until Skye is murdered and Jemma becomes a vampire to get revenge. Now Jemma wanders the world with Fitz, Bobbi and May as she searches for her reincarnated love. An AU Skimmons Vampire story.

3. Chapter 3

PART SIX: NO ONE ESCAPES FATE

Boston Colony, 1745 AD, 10th of March, midnight…

A ship with black sails enters Boston Harbor on a light breeze, no one is awake to see it enter port. A carriage with a hooded rider pulls up to the pier, a man in a dark blue coat and wide brim hat stepped out to greet the gangplank as it was lowered. The few deckhands present wore all black and kept their eyes to the deck as their single passenger walked by exiting the ship, his body and face covered by a thick cloak. The man in the blue coat bowed, "Greetings Master, welcome to the Colonies."

"Is everything ready? I won't accept any setbacks."

"Yes, I have look to every detail myself Master. All is prepared."

"Good, tomorrow night is too important to fuck up." The Master stated and his servant eagerly nodded his head in agreement.

The cloaked Master climbed into the carriage followed by his servant and they disappeared into the night.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"I'm off to bed father, goodnight."

Dr. Calvin Zabo looked up from his book and smiled at his daughter, Daisy. "You look more and more like your mother every day. I wish she was still with us."

"I do too father."

"Goodnight Daisy, sleep well."

"Goodnight father."

Dr. Zabo watched his daughter, a beautiful young woman of eighteen climb the stairs heading up to her bedroom. The house was two level, small and comfortable. Despite losing his wife three years before to the coughing disease while in London, the good doctor worked hard to rebuild his life with his daughter with a new start in Boston. His work, as one of the few doctors in town afforded him comfort and he used it to give his daughter the life he felt she deserved. She was good girl, with a good head on her shoulders, he had many high hopes for her future. As the most beautiful girl in the colony she had many suitors vying of her hand in marriage.

The good doctor went back to his book reading next to the fireplace. Unbeknownst to him a visitor knocked on his back door, an old servant woman, Mary answered it with a smile.

"You're late on your delivery John!" The woman said opening the door then stopped with a look of shock, the cloaked handsome man was not the one she was expecting. "Oh! You're not John. What are you doing here at the back door?"

"I came to see you lady Mary. I need your help." The handsome man replied, his eyes flashed red and Mary blinked and shook her head. "You work for Dr. Zabo yes?"

"Yes." Mary replied her eyes going flat and blank.

"You care for the one the young woman known as Daisy?"

"Yes."

"You will invite me in Mary and tell me which room she's in."

"Yes." Mary nodded then promptly invited the handsome stranger inside pointing him to the room upstairs at the end of the hall. The handsome stranger smile and walked past Mary whispering in her ear as he went. "You will have no memory of my presence nor will you will help anyone looking for the girl."

"Yes."

The handsome stranger boldly walked through the kitchen and up the servant's stairs heading to the second floor. His footsteps never touched the wood floor, he made no sound, when he reached the door he used his supernatural strength to break the lock and push the door in. The girl was still awake and brushing her hair in her sleeping dress, startled her eyes went wide and she moved to scream. He crossed the room before she could let sound out and clamped his hand over her mouth stifling her scream. Violently he grabbed her and held her tight, he pushed her head to the side and without mercy bit down upon her flesh draining her where she stood.

A moment before he drained her completely, the stranger stopped and toss the girl to the bed. With an arrogant sneer he followed the girl sitting down next to her, she was awake but weak. Pale and close to death she asked with a tremble in her voice. "Why?"

"You're important. Now shut up, all you need to know is my name is Ward and I am your Master." Ward declared with a smug smile, the girl recoiled in horror and he used his teeth to tear open his wrist. When the blood seeped from the wound he pressed his bleeding wrist to the girls mouth forcing her to drink and when she struggled against him he held the back of her head in place making her drink or suffocate. In her trashing she knocked a small nightstand table over.

Downstairs, Dr. Zabo heard the loud noise and immediately put his book down then went to investigate thinking it must be a raccoon or small animal that had gotten into the house. Taking a lit candle with him to light his way Dr. Zabo checked the upstairs, only when he noticed his daughters door had been forced open he rushed in and found a man with blazing red eyes hunched over his daughter.

"Father help." Daisy weakly called out and when Dr. Zabo moved to attack the strange man harming his daughter when the man struck faster than Dr. Zabo could comprehend, violently knocked him down. The stranger stole Daisy escaping by crashing through the closed window. Breaking glass shattered the quiet of the evening as did Dr. Zabo's frantic cries.

"Stop! Stop! Bring her back monster! Bring back my daughter!"

Dr. Zabo raised the alarms and woke everyone in town to search for his daughter but to no avail, Daisy and the monster were gone.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Newcastle, England, the Spring of 1748…

The secret meeting in the underground hall had left the space feeling hot and stuffy, the men crowded inside had been forced to press close to fit the space. And for the duration of the meeting everyone calmly and quietly listened to the speaker up front. It was the annual meeting of the SDHS, Secret Defenders of Humanity Society, where everyone turned in their reports, got updates and new assignments. The society was over three centuries old and operated in secret, its members were from all walks of society and all cultures, able to gather intelligence from anywhere and to hunt the monsters of the night when necessary.

This meeting had gone smoothly, everyone turned in their reports and received their new assignments when one man was held behind.

"Oh Philip, wait around will you. The other Council members would like to speak to you." A man in a tan suit said as he gathered the stack of reports in front of him.

"Do you need help with that Councilor Blake?"

"No Philip, I've got it." Councilor Blake smiled at Philip walking away with his arms full. Philip took a deep breath then took a seat to patiently wait, a few minutes later Councilor Triplett and Councilor Hartley approached motioning to Philip to follow them.

The trio did not speak as they walked down a maze of corridors leading to a massive workshop were dozens of men and women were meticulously putting together crossbows, arrows, silver bullets and special guns. Councilor Triplett motioned to Philip to enter the office all the Councilors shared.

"Make yourself comfortable Mr. Coulson." Councilor Hartley commanded and Coulson sat down on the offered chair silently waiting. Both Councilors took a seat then looked expectantly at Coulson.

"We will look over your report soon for now we would like an update on how your new partner is working out." Agent Triplett stated looking into Philips eyes, he sought out weakness or uncertainty and found none.

"There have been some bumps in the road but Dr. Zabo is proving to be an excellent partner. He's quick on his feet and proving to be invaluable in this fight. Unlike other partners I've been paired with, Calvin's determination to find his daughter has lit a fire within him unlike anything I've ever witnessed before. The man is tireless."

"That's a relief to hear. Having Dr. Zabo in our organization gives us much need edge in our field assignments. Is he still working on a new defensive chemical?" Councilor Hartley asked.

"Yes, he's even started the final testing phases. He assured me it will be ready soon." Coulson replied with a confident nod that pleased his superiors.

Each Councilor that sat on the Elders table were from different areas of the world. Councilor Hartley was a wealthy Englishmen who owned a good portion of New Castle and Scotland allowing them to locate one of their offices on his property. Councilor Triplett was a freeborn black man born and raised in New York who made his fortune in farming equipment and shipping. Councilor Blake was from Munich, Germany though most who met him mistook him for an Englishmen. Each man selected as a Councilor was highly educated, resourceful and cunning, each traveled extensively and worked with the other eight Councilors to run the SDHS as a world-wide organization.

"Upon review of your recent work, I'm to officially inform you that you will finally be granted permission for your own team." Councilor Triplett announced and Coulson's eyes lit up.

"Before you get excited, we have stipulations on this team." Councilor Hartley interjected and Coulson braced himself as Hartley went on. "You will be given four agents for your team and assigned a weapons master to provide you with everything you'll need."

Coulson nodded and Councilor Triplett handed him a single sheet of paper with a list of names on it. Coulson read the list then asked, "Are you sure about this sir?"

"William Koening is the best weapons master we have, he will handle all transportation arrangements and procure all necessary supplies. Michael Peterson is the one of the best field agents we have besides you as is Victoria Hand. If you're worried she'll slow you down…" Councilor Hartley said watching Coulson's reaction closely until Coulson interrupted him. "No, I know Victoria. The only problem we may have is my keeping up with her."

"Good." Councilor Hartley replied.

"Are you worried about the other two names?" Councilor Triplett asked and Coulson bluntly answered him. "Frankly sir yes. Other than their parentage I know nothing about them. Are they ready for the field? Is that why I'm speaking to the both of you? Because it's your children I'm taking into the field?"

"Antoine has recently graduated from University top of his class, and I can personally assure you he has been training with the French General Comte de Lowendal. And the general has assured me my son is ready for the field." Councilor Triplett stated.

"And Isabelle? Is she ready as well?" Coulson asked politely and Councilor Hartley grinned. "Oh yes, as you know my daughter graduated University at fourteen. Since then she's been training in secret with Major General James Wolfe. The Major General assures me Isabelle is ready but to be sure, I had Victoria test her. It was Victoria's recommendation that lead us to adding Isabelle to your team."

"Oh, if Victoria gave her approval I have no further objections." Coulson replied with a nod of his head.

"Good it's settled." Councilor Hartley exclaimed with a brisk clap of his hands.

Councilor Triplett pulled out a thick file folder and handed it over to Coulson, it was bound and sealed with wax and the seal of SDHS. Coulson took the file nodded to his superiors and bid his farewell.

"Goodnight gentlemen."

"Good luck Coulson." Councilor Hartley offered followed by Councilor Triplett's "Good luck."

Coulson made his way out of the secret headquarters where a carriage was waiting for him. As Coulson climbed in he gave the driver the name of his hotel, then sat back watching the city pass by until the carriage pulled up in front of small hotel next to the Tyne. Coulson passed the driver a few coins then went inside heading directly to his room on the third floor. The first thing he did was check the room to make sure everything was as he left it then he hid the files on his new team and locking the door to his room before knocking on Dr. Zabo's door.

"Feel like a pint at the pub?" Coulson asked when Dr. Zabo opened the door. The good doctor nodded then retrieved his coat slipping it on before locking the door after him.

"How did the meeting go?" Dr. Zabo asked as they headed down the stairs and out to the street. They immediately turned heading for Old George Inn, the hour was getting late and there were less people on the street giving both men the privacy they needed to discuss their work.

"It went very well. So well they've finally given me approval to create a team." Coulson offered and Dr. Zabo smiled, "That's wonderful Phil. Did you give the names of the men you want on our team?"

"No, I didn't get the opportunity. They had a list ready to present me with."

"Oh! Are they trying to sabotage us?"

"No Cal, I think they're trying to do something different." Coulson began then moved closer to tell his friend about everyone chosen to be on their team. Dr. Zabo was concerned about having women on his team until Coulson assured him. "Victoria Hand at 24 years of age is the best agent SDHS has ever had male or female. Frankly her record puts mine to shame, we're very lucky to have her and if she's vouching for Hartley's daughter then I have no choice but to accept them."

"How old is Hartley's daughter, Isabelle?"

"Eighteen."

"And Triplette's son?"

"He's twenty three."

"Hand is 24, and Peterson is what? 25. They're just children Phil." Dr. Zabo commented with a dejected expression that Coulson knew all too well, it meant his friend was thinking of his lost daughter.

"We all grow up early Cal. They can handle it."

"Did they have any new intel to give us?" Dr. Zabo asked taking a deep breath.

"No. But I wasn't expecting them to have anything new."

"Are we going to let the trail get cold?"

"No. I have another source I can turn to." Coulson replied cryptically. The conversation was put on pause as they entered the pub heading to the bar for a pint. With their drinks in hand they found a quiet corner and sat down to keep talking.

"You've spoken a few times about this "other source", so do I get to know who this special source is? Phil, I've been in this all the way since you found me in Boston three years ago. You saved me and opened my eyes to the monsters that hide in the shadows. You've given me the chance to find my daughter. I owe you Phil, and I'll have you back to the very end but maybe it's time you introduce me. We are partners after all."

"It's just an old family friend and I would but I don't want to put you in any unnecessary danger." Coulson replied sipping on his pint. Dr. Zabo set his pint down to look at his friend with obvious question. "Danger? You never said it was dangerous."

"They have their ear to the ground when it comes to vamps. They give us the edge we have every time we confront those monsters. It's not as if I could just pick up the daily paper to get the information we need, it's all dangerous. And I promised you that I'd keep you safe until we rescued your daughter, and I will."

"Phil, what if Daisy's been turned? The few vamps we've been able to keep alive were lost causes, there was no cure." Dr. Zabo asked with a worried expression and Coulson gave him a hopeful smile. "Don't think like that Cal. We'll find her and if she's been tainted by that monster then we will find a cure. Your daughter is not lost, I promise."

Dr. Zabo was quiet for a long moment as his thoughts turned inward asking old questions and brining up old guilt. Coulson watched him for a bit then got up to fetch them another round and when he returned he changed the subject to brighter things.

"Come on Cal, stop drowning in the downside of things. Let's count all the good things we've done."

Dr. Zabo looked up and nodded, he drained his pint and reach for the new one. Coulson began to list things out loud. "Now lets see where do we begin the list. Oh! I know, thirty two. No one else has eliminated thirty two threats in three years. Most get a couple a year, maybe half a dozen in the same time but us? Thirty two big wins. And I didn't do it by myself."

"No, that's true. I helped."

"You didn't just help Cal, you took many out all by yourself. And what about all the contributions you've made to the weapons shop. The boys at SDHS owe you a lot for helping them develop new weapons, help stay on top of the latest science to use every advantage we really have. And we have the best partnership in SDHS, yes I know we don't always agree or get along but we both show up when necessary and we never shirk our duties."

"That's all true. I guess we have made some strides." Dr. Zabo admitted making Coulson grin. "I'm glad you're finally seeing it. Now, tonight we enjoy ourselves. Tomorrow we take the train south, meet up with the rest of our team then it's off to take a boat across the channel."

"Where are we heading?"

"Paris."

"For what?"

"To meet my friend. Besides getting new leads on the one that stole Daisy, I need to confirm something I've been hearing on the streets for far too long now."

"And what's that?" Dr. Zabo asked quietly as he leaned forward.

"That a war among the vamps is coming and coming soon."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Whitby, England, that same evening…

"It's time to go, where is that damn girl!" Ward bellowed at Bakshi who cowered slightly, he was quick to answer. "I'm not sure Master, she may out walking again."

"Alone? I gave orders that she wasn't to be left alone. If she has run again I will hold you personally accountable Bakshi." Ward growled at his servant, both men were dressed to go out, they had dinner plans but this was throwing a wrench in their schedule.

"No, of course the girl didn't go out alone. We assigned Whitehall to guard her, he would be with her." Bakshi answered trying not to raise his master's anger any more.

"You are all so damn useless, why I've kept you around all these years I don't know. I should have thrown you in the sea. Or abandoned you on some forsaken island and let you burn." Ward growled more, he stood up stomping his feet. Glaring at his servant Ward grabbed his coat and slipped it on heading out. "I will the fetch the girl myself, you know where to meet us. If you're late I will have your head."

"Yes Master." Bakshi replied with his eyes on the floor, he didn't raise them until Ward vanished. Bakshi shook his head mumbling to himself, "I don't know why the master insists that troublesome girl is so important, she been nothing but a handful since he picked her up. That girl is going to get us all killed."

Ward pulled his coat tighter and his hat lower as he rushed into town, the late hour ensured empty streets he relaxed knowing no one would see him. He used his senses to seek the girl out and felt nothing; that pissed him off, the girl found new ways to block him again and again. Ward reached the center of town, he stopped to sniff the air then he changed his mind and started searching for his servant Whitehall. And found him almost instantly.

A few blocks east lay the shore and the North Sea, a beautiful sheet of dark blue glass under a clear sky and half-moon that bathed the beach in soft white. Ward spotted the lone figure on the sand and used his speed to reach them. Whitehall had been bound and gagged on the beach, he twisted around on his side struggling.

"Whitehall you pathetic excuse for a vampire, how did you end up like this?" Ward shook his head frowning at the tied up vampire. He leaned down and tried to pull off the cloth around Whitehall's mouth but it didn't give way. Ward lost the frown and smiled as he reached for his dagger cutting the cloth off then picking it up with the blade to look at it closer.

"Sneaky girl, silver weave inside the fabric. When did she come up with this? And, so much of it; how interesting." Ward chuckled silently as he cut off the ties that bound Whitehall and once he was free Whitehall bounced to his feet flustered, he apologized immediately. "I'm so sorry Master, she tricked me. She lured me down to the beach and sprayed something in my face that paralyzed me, that's when she tied me up."

"You're so pathetic Whitehall. Why did I pick you up out that gutter in Munich?"

"Because I'm useful Master." Whitehall answered with a dejected expression that Ward ignored then added. "You couldn't keep up with the girl. She's only been turned three years, you're sixty seven. What is your excuse?"

Whitehall looked down and away and Ward nodded with satisfaction. Ward turned away from the ocean to look back at the town with the ruins of Whitby Abbey looking down on them all. "Did the girl say anything about where she was going? Any comment to give a hint of her destination? Think hard Whitehall this maybe your only chance to redeem yourself."

"She made mention of wanting to go to church. I thought her silly, what would a vampire want with church?" Whitehall rambled until Ward raised a hand to quiet him. "I know where she went. You head back to the house make sure it's clean so we can leave on schedule."

"Yes Master."

Whitehall took off and Ward turned his eyes back to the ruins of the Abbey upon the cliff. He sped off using his speed to get back through town and over the bridge to get to the ruins on the other side. Just outside the ruins was the Church of St. Mary and as he suspected there was the girl, standing at the foot of the ruins staring at it in the bright moonlight.

"Sightseeing is over Daisy. Time to get to work."

"A little longer Ward; it's so beautiful here. I just want a little longer." The young woman dressed in all black stated and Ward hesitated. "Fine, we'll stay a few more minutes then it's off to work. We have a lot to do tonight."

"You could have asked Mack to do it, he's capable." Daisy offered and Ward scoffed at the idea. "Where do you get your ideas Daisy? Mack is good with some things but no one can find out information like you can. There is no door, no vault, no building that can stop you. Whether, it by written word or person you find out all there is to know. A very useful and unique skill, that makes you invaluable to me."

"Is that why you took me? You say you'll tell me why but you never do. Will tonight be the night you're finally honest with me?" Daisy bluntly asked him, her long wavy brown hair pulled back in a tight work like bun.

"No. If that helps, no I did not know you possessed these particular skills until long after I turned you."

"Why did you turn me? Steal me from my beloved father?"

"I have my reasons and tonight is not the night for you to know. We've dawdled enough, time to get to work."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Italy, the Campaina Region inside the Kingdom of Sicily, the next afternoon…

"The storm missed us and is heading south; I think it's the good omen we've been waiting for. It's time to send the men back to work."

"Yes sir. I will relay the command."

Still half dressed in his tent, Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre watch over the dig site and camp from his perch on the hill. With thirty men under him, he was confident he would complete his task in a timely manner. Alcubierre pulled his handkerchief out of his shirt to dab at the perspiration bubbling up on his forehead, no matter how much time he spent on Italian soil the tall thin, sandy haired Spaniard never got use to the heat. Silently he prayed that this job would be over soon, he longed to return to his home and see his wife.

"I'm sorry love, my return will have to wait until I honor my contract." Alcubierre stated out loud to himself. Officially he was in the region to "treasure hunt" but that was just his cover, his real mission was to locate a town not seen in many centuries. His task was simple and he was even given a map to lead him to this hidden place, the large sum of money paid up front ensured his silence and the completion of the task. He had followed the map here, to this place and wondered what could be found in an empty field. And as quickly as the question rose in his mind, he pushed it away, he was an engineer for the military, he had been taught not to ask questions so he focused on the task instead.

The workers scoured the area and began digging test holes in the area Alcubierre had directed them to, by that afternoon shouts rang out, they had found something. The Spaniard put on his coat and hat rushing over. The men had dug up part of a wall, the inscription Pompeii was clear the rest he could not read. Alcubierre let out a shout of excitement. He ordered them to keep digging to expose as much of the wall as possible and as his men worked he returned to his tent to write his employer a letter informing them of his success. As soon as the ink was dry on the paper, Alcubierre sent a rider off to deliver it.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Italy, the Kingdom of Sicily, Alcubierre's camp, One month later…

"Sir! Rider's and wagons approach!" A man from camp shouted as he reach Alcubierre's tent.

The Spaniard was already up and dressed, he had been expecting them. However when he stepped out of his tent he saw the massive procession of supplies and new workers, twenty wagons in all with at least two hundred men. Confused and flummoxed by this development, Alcubierre kept his tongue quiet until the head carriage pulled up and two well-dressed men stepped out. Alcubierre bowed as he greeted his employer. "Mr. Simmons, I did not expect you to personally appear. I was expecting your emissary." Alcubierre offered his hand and Mr. Simmons smiled, "Please call me Fitz. And I decided to accompany my emissary to oversee the next stage. You remember Lance?"

"Yes of course, good to see you again Mr. Hunter."

"It's good to see you again Mr. Alcubierre." Hunter replied with a nod.

Alcubierre gestured to them to follow him into his tent it had been set up to dine with wine already poured. Fitz smiled gesturing to Hunter who nodded and stepped out to retrieve something from the carriage. He returned a moment later with a bottle of wine. Fitz sat down as did Alcubierre who was confused. "I have a bottle already open."

"Ah yes and I'm terribly sorry I have to decline. I have an odd stomach ailment and only the wine from my own vineyards will do." Fitz explained as Hunter opened the bottle pouring Fitz a glass then took a seat at the table.

"I apologize. I should have inquired earlier and been prepared." Alcubierre tried to make amends and Fitz held up his hand silencing him. "I would prefer if we moved on to go over the details of the next stage of this operation."

"As you wish. As you must have notice on your ride in, my men have sectioned off a nine meter area and have begun excavating the site. More of the wall is being cleared as we speak."

"Good. I need you to stay on Mr. Alcubierre for the next two weeks as my day supervisor. I plan on running this dig day and night which is why I brought in so many more men to help."

"Are you planning on excavating the city?" Alcubierre inquired and Fitz smiled shaking his head no. "I only need the city to fix the point on the map, once that's done I will be able to locate what I'm really looking for. Not to worry Mr. Alcubierre, I'll only need you for the first half of this and once the location is pinpointed you'll be on your way home with a handsome reward for such diligent work."

Alcubierre relaxed, the liked the idea of it being short lucrative job, he was looking forward to time with his wife. With mirthful renewed energy Alcubierre went over the details of the next stage with his employer and when both bottles were finished Fitz sent Hunter to set up their section of camp and to move the additional workers into position. Torches were set up around the perimeter as night fell allowing the workers to remove earth all throughout the evening. The workers were divided into groups, allowing them to dig in shifts that kept the earth removal constantly moving. Fitz had Hunter oversee the night shift while Alcubierre ran the day shift. The days began to quickly pass but Fitz had assured with his ample supplies that everyone ate heartily, slept well and worked hard, those in need of additional motivation were privately offered more coin. A small pittance yet enough to get the men back out and digging at an unheard of pace.

Within days the wall was cleared as well as the gate it was attached to. And when a stone nameplate was discovered on the gate that evening work was halted and shouts of discovery moved like lightning through the workers catching Alcubierre's attention, he personally fetched Hunter and Fitz and the trio went to examine the new find together. All three climbed down into the pit that held the exposed wall and gate. Hunter held a torch so Fitz could look closely and a joy he forgot he was capable of welled up inside Fitz as he used a workman's brush to clear the long caked in dirt from inside the carved words revealing the message clearly.

"By the Goddess! It's the Stabia gate! We have our point of origin. We move to the next step." Fitz announced with red tears welling up. Fitz stood up stopping all work, he ordered the men to eat then rest. That work would begin anew in the morning. The men celebrated and casks of wine were opened. Fitz ordered them to enjoy themselves.

"Come Rocque, let us celebrate. Your part is done here, now all you have is one last task and you can head home." Hunter exclaimed giving the Spaniard a big smile.

"What's left Lance?" Alcubierre asked with a relieved smile.

"We need you to go the King of Sicily and share your discovery. Make no mention of us or what we are doing here." Hunter stated with a charming smile.

"And take the honor away from you both for this monumental discovery? You've found a lost Roman city." Alcubierre asked confused.

"Yes. We can't have the king knowing what we're up to; they might try to stop us before we're finished or just get in the way and we cannot have that. Can you complete this last task?"

"Yes I can. How much time do you need? I will stall the king from checking our my claims for as long as you need."

"Good! Then it is settled. Now let us celebrate!"

Hunter took Alcubierre into the mess tent to drink while Fitz rushed back to his own tent to work. He pulled out his hand-drawn maps he had created from memory and laid them out then turned on all his oil lamps to their highest setting flooding his tent with light. He had made measurements of the land and of the area and now that he had his starting point with the gate he could figure out where the estate was.

Fitz's memory of the estate and each villa that resided upon it was sharp; he could still see the white walls and smell the roses in the gardens. However every time he indulged in his memories of the past, they brought back that night of the eruption, the night he lost his best friend. It would bring tears and renew his resolve to keep going because locating the estate was just the next step; the real task was getting through the meters of rock and sediment covering it. Mother Nature had done everything in her power to bury that town, to bury the estate and it would take a herculean effort to undo it. Fitz had realized his first day in camp that Alcubierre had only found Pompeii through sheer luck, the gates were one of the tallest points of the city and they still had to dig very deep to reach it and even further to unearth it.

And while everyone else in the camp drank wine and ate their fill celebrating, Fitz remained at his desk doing calculations and measurements to get ready for the next stage. And that next morning when the sun came up Fitz was still hard at work on the calculations. Hunter and Alcubierre interrupted when Alcubierre's carriage arrived to take him into town. Fitz thanked the Spaniard for his work, wrote him a note to take to the bank then watched him leave the camp. Hunter had stuck by the Spaniards side monitoring him until he left.

"I guarantee you Fitz that man knows nothing other than what we told him." Hunter commented with a smirk.

"Good, send word the others its time they came in. Oh and have the last three wagons unloaded we're going to need the special tools I made to get through this damn rock and packed earth." Fitz said and Hunter asked, "How far down are you expecting?"

"My calculations with the mud, rock, sediment and other debris that added to the initial eruption. We're looking at thirty meters at least if not more."

"Fitz…I know I shouldn't ask but the thought keeps spinning in my mind."

"Go ahead Lance, ask."

"Do…do you think she's really down there?"

"I know she is. I have never doubted what Bobbi saw. I know Jemma is down there and I know she's still alive."

"It's been over sixteen hundred years Fitz?" Hunter pushed with a worried expression but Fitz was firm. "Jemma was chosen by the Goddess, the very same Goddess that eludes us, eludes all of us. Jemma did not starve or perish, Jemma is beyond death. She's still in there waiting for us to get her out. If I could only have come up with these tools sooner, came up the metal alloy that will allow us to break rock and earth to go so deep we could have done this centuries ago."

"Fitz! Stop being so hard on yourself. We've all struggled these many centuries with her loss and with how to get her back. We're so close now to finding out for certain if our hope has been in vain. I'm sorry for questioning it. I won't do it again."

"These many centuries have tested us all again and again Lance. Our dedication and faith will pay off. The goddess will return with Jemma, you wait and see." Fitz proclaimed with a firm expression in his eyes that told Hunter all he needed to know, Hunter nodded in agreement and quietly walked away.

Hunter didn't bring it up again.

The camp was moved North West and the old camp cleaned up to ensure when the Sicilian King came to investigate Alcubierre's claim of discovery everything they found would match up. Fitz measured out and marked off a five meter squared area and got the army of works to start digging. The special drilling and digging tools Fitz had created allowed the work to progress though at a slow rate, they kept finding thick patches of hard stone. Two days later a carriage approached, it was almost dark and to be safe Fitz sent Hunter out to greet the carriage before it got close. Hunter gave the all clear signal then jumped into the carriage to ride in to camp. Fitz met them first, Hunter stepped out first followed by Raina.

"Raina! Good to see you, where's Melinda and Bobbi?" Fitz asked giving Raina a hug and escorting her into his tent. Raina smiled brightly back as she replied, "Three days behind me. That pimple on the ass of the world poked his head up in Paris. They took a detour there to investigate."

"Will we never be rid of that warthog's ass?" Fitz huffed with irritation. Raina laughed, "I have heard some good news that I think you'll enjoy."

"Do tell Raina, do tell." Fitz said ushering Raina over to the table, they both sat down.

"I'm going to over the workers." Hunter stated leaving the tent.

"Our spy within Shmidt's army has confirmed a long held rumor. Johan Shmidt the Red, the monstrous immortal leader of those leeches that plague our existence is nothing more than a lump of flesh kept in a marble bath of blood. He's totally helpless. It's Ward that's actually running things, just like we always thought. The story from the leech that keeps the lump of flesh from drowning in his own bath has been doing so for over thirteen centuries. She says the wounds Shmidt sustained were caused in some Roman town, when she ask further Ward threatened to cut her head off."

"Some Roman town? That could only mean here, Bobbi was right. Shmidt was crippled in the fight but why does Ward keep him alive? Why not kill him and claim the throne for himself?"

"Maybe he did by keeping Shmidt alive."

"Why?"

"A power source. I bet that leech Ward kept his master alive to feed off of. But why didn't the Shmidt regenerate? If he's a true old one as we suspect since Jemma was hunting him behind our backs for years he should have been able to regenerate, like we do." Fitz wondered out loud and reached for his plans.

"How has the dig been going?" Raina asked removing her cloak and pulling off her gloves. Fitz unrolled the plans using small stones to keep the page in place then gestures to the detailed map he had created. "We're on schedule, the test drilling we've done prove we have dozens of layers to dig through before we reach the servants house."

"I can't believe we're back in Pompeii. Every time I've thought of it, I remember that night." Raina confessed with a sad faraway expression and Fitz nodded. "I know what you mean."

"I can't wait to see the master again, to tell her how much we've accomplished in her absence. I think she will be proud of us all."

"You know Raina, I think she will too."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Three days later around mid-morning Melinda and Bobbi arrived at camp along with a hundred vampires inside twenty covered wagons and carriages to transport everyone when the dig was over. Melinda and Bobbi noticed Fitz and Raina at the hole and immediately walked over demanding. "How far have you gotten? Have you reached the villa yet?"

"Not yet but by my calculations we should hit the roof of the villa any time now." Fitz answered his eyes on the works far below.

"Stop the work, send your workers home. As soon as we have the camp we will proceed." Melinda ordered and Fitz gave the order. The work stopped and the workers all climbed out confused. Fitz passed the word to Hunter and he took over so Fitz could show Melinda and Bobbi to the tent where they could wait for the camp to get cleared. Hunter thanked the workers and explained that their work was over, he had them pack up then line up to receive their pay then provided transport out. Though they were confused they did as they were told. They packed up their personal belongings then waited in line to receive their pay then their spot on the wagons out. When the humans were out of the camp and out of sight the vampires exited the covered wagons each wearing thick heavy cloaks that locked them from the sun's harmful rays. They took occupation of the empty tents to wait for the sun to go down.

Inside the largest tent, Fitz's tent the family gathered to drink blood and wait. Melinda paced the area while Bobbi removed the layers of clothes that hid the fact she was a woman, all the women had learned how much easier it was to travel as a man. Raina opened the special "wine" pouring them all a glass then shared what she had found out with Melinda and Bobbi who elated by the news.

"I knew it! I knew Jemma maimed that bastard but to know she permanently crippled him! That is the happiest news I've received in the last sixteen hundred years." Bobbi laughed and clapped her hands with joy.

"How have your tools held up? Has it been enough?" Melinda asked Fitz and he sighed yet nodded his head yes. "I'm glad I made so many. The ground was as hard as we expected, we made good progress but at the expense of running through the tools like cheap bottles of wine at a festival."

"As long as it works I don't care how many we use." Bobbi commented and they all nodded in agreement. Melinda looked around Fitz's tent, "So we're going to set Jemma up in here when we pull her out?"

"That's the plan. Once she's awake and able to travel we'll take her to the house to let her adjust." Fitz added and again they all nodded in agreement. No one wanted to discuss the possibility that Jemma was actually dead-dead or dust, they all held the strong belief that Jemma not only survived those bastards Ward and Shmidt but also the eruption that buried multiple towns and killed thousands.

"To be back…in this place; so many happy memories and yet being here fills me with dread." Melinda admitted finally sitting down.

"We've all said that, its hard not to being here…" Fitz commented and again they all nodded.

"So tell me, did you catch up with that leech Ward?" Raina asked and Bobbi cursed for a long loud moment before admitting. "No. The prick is slippery but we were able to confirm that the rumors are true he building his leeches up, calling it his army."

"Bobbi you looked worried, you never look worried. What's wrong?" Raina asked gently and Bobbi huffed, this time Melinda answered. "We didn't catch Ward but we catch one of his leeches, a pathetic weakling called Whitehall. He broke like a new egg on stone, a little sunlight and he told us everything. That slippery prick is gathering up powerful men to aid him and he's gathering up powerful weapons, icons to use against us."

"He wants to go to war with us? Did he not learn his lesson the last three times he tried this?" Raina asked disgusted and Bobbi shook her head no then added. "Whitehall said Ward had a trick up his sleeve, a way to get back at us where it will hurt. He's not looking to kill us he's looking to make us pay."

"He's gone mad."

"Maybe he has, not everyone can handle immortality. Living forever takes more than what most men are capable of, as we all know all too well." Fitz commented with a serious expression, one that everyone else mirrored.

They waited until sunset, as soon as the sun was down the vampires left their tents to get to work. They worked under torch light to dig the last two meters down finally reaching the roof. Their intimate knowledge of the villa allowed them to break through the roof. At that point Melinda and Bobbi ordered their vampires out and to guard the camp. They did and Fitz, Raina, Bobbi and Melinda climbed down all seven ladders to reach the roof, they jumped down and looked around. Everything was as it had been all those years before, it was covered in ash and burned but still in place.

No one spoke yet they all felt the weight of that night as they walked through the villa to the kitchen, Raina began silently crying yet they continued on down the stone steps. The heat from that last blast had burned the ash that had blown in had turned to stone with the passing centuries. They dared not touch any of it and stopped at the base of the steps to light four torches illuminating the cellar and bringing everything into clear view.

"Jemma!"" Bobbi exclaimed and ran over to where Jemma had sat down cradling Chloe. Tears sprang up in Bobbi's eyes, she was momentarily overwhelmed by how much Jemma looked like a statue.

"By the Goddess!" Fitz exclaimed walking over to Bobbi then around Jemma examining her without touching her. Covered in the same ash that had been burned into place Jemma was sitting with Chloe held tight in her arms. Up close the details of Jemma's face was obscured by the ash.

"It's just as you said." Raina commented amazed, she like them all tried to reach out with their senses to feel for Jemma and found nothing. Startled and more worried than they had ever been before they all silently looked to each other sharing their fear with only their eyes afraid if they spoke it out loud it would come true.

"Has the goddess abandoned us all?" Asked Melinda with her face twisted with sadness and shame.

"The Goddess would never abandon her favorite servant." Fitz declared then added with a sudden renewed courage. "Our courage will be rewarded. This is not the end! We didn't wait one thousand six hundred and sixty nine years to fail! Jemma is not dead!"

Fitz seemed on the verge of tears, almost hysterical which was something Raina had never seen before and that Melinda and Bobbi had not seen since the beginning. They didn't know what to say or do, they stood there staring while Fitz roughly wiped away his tears and stepped forward. He reached out with his hand and gently touched Jemma's ash covered forehead. No one knew what to expect and that Fitz was disturbing the fragile ash made them all hold their breath.

To their collective amazement the ash crumbled at the touch, it fell away revealing gray cracked skin. The single touch started a chain reaction, the ash cracked and crumbled from the forehead down, revealing Jemma underneath her skin gray and cracked but she was still there. And to prove it, when the ash fell away from Jemma's body, what was once Chloe crumbled away into dust disappearing forever.

"By the Goddess! Thank you! Thank you Lilith!" Bobbi wept falling to her knees in front of Jemma to peer closely at the gray skin. With hands shaking Bobbi reached out touching Jemma's face, her eyes were closed, her face serene.

Bobbi's fingertips disturbed the dust covering Jemma's cheek, the skin was still soft to the touch. Gently at first then with more vigor Bobbi touched Jemma's face, wiping the gray dust away revealing white skin soft underneath. "She's okay. By the Goddess, Jemma's okay. She's still here, she's still here!"

They all rushed Jemma at once reaching out to touch her, she was solid, she was real and she was alive! They laughed with joy, and tears of happiness ran freely on each of their faces. They brushed all the ash off Jemma's body, the heat that froze everything in time had claimed her clothes she was left nude except for Lilith's Armor which was still encircled around Jemma, and her hair was untouched.

"We can't take her out like this. Raina, can you go get a cloak to wrap her in please?" Fitz gently asked and Raina took off flying out then flying back to return quickly with the requested garment. Raina helped wrap Jemma in the cloak then stepped back.

"Melinda! Help me." Bobbi asked gesturing to her friend. Melinda nodded and moved so that they were on both sides of Jemma then said, "On three."

"One, two, three." And together they picked up Jemma, she was frozen in place, she retained her pose as Melinda helped Bobbi carry her out of the cellar and through the house.

When they reached the hole in the ceiling both Melinda and Bobbi transformed growing their wings and flying straight up. Raina and Fitz were right behind them. As soon as they were all top side Raina ordered them to advert their gaze which they all did, Jemma was taken to the tent in private. With Jemma safely out of sight Raina gave the order to fill the hole and their people immediately got to work.

No one was allowed in the large tent. Hunter kept watch at the door and kept watch over their people's progress refilling the hole. Raina and Bobbi rushed to fill a large brass tub with cool water, when it was filled Bobbi and Melinda removed the cloak from Jemma and submerged her in the bath. The thick layers of dirt and ash melted off into the water clouding it yet Jemma did not wake or move.

They filled the bath and drained it three times over to get all the grime off with Raina gently washing Jemma with a soft sea sponge. When the water remained clear they drained and refilled the tub once more, this time with hot water. Raina and Bobbi gently pulled Jemma's legs apart then carefully straight followed by doing so with her arms. They washed Jemma with lightly scented soap while softly talking to her hoping to lull their friend and master awake. Only Jemma did not wake or move no matter what they tried.

After the proper bath they carried her out and carefully dried her off before dressing her in a white and blue dress laying her in bed. The four of them stood at Jemma's bed silently praying for Jemma to awaken, only hours past and nothing.

"What are we going to do?" Raina asked turning to Melinda, Fitz and Bobbi.

"We find a way to wake her up." Melinda said logically and Fitz smiled, comforted by the familiar bravado and confidence. "If it were only so easy Melinda."

"Why don't we take her home. We'll have the privacy there and whatever else we'll need." Melinda stated her hands on her hips, a sign she was ready to take action.

"I agree. Let's get packed up and get out of here." Bobbi replied and Fitz quickly agreed, he sent Raina to pass the word on.

Outside their vampires worked at incredible speeds to fill the massive deep hole. At dawn they were still waiting and the hole was only three quarters filled. The vampires retired to their tents, those with Jemma kept watching and waiting. At sunset the vampires returned to work filling the hole completely and making it all look undisturbed. The camp was cleared, everyone was loaded into the carriages and covered wagons and they began the journey home. A handful of vampires under Bobbi remained behind on horseback to remove any sign of the camp before catching up at the train station.

They took a private train that took them all north to Zurich, where they had more of their people meet them to escort them back to their private estate just outside the city. A sprawling piece of land in the foothills that allowed them the full privacy they needed. As it always was, the estate was one of many safe havens they had in place with round the clock guards patrolling the estate.

Once settled, work was delegated to allow them time spend watching Jemma. Now that she was out of the ground, everything was put off, Jemma was all that mattered. However after three days home and no change, they grew frustrated, sitting around Jemma's bed they debated their next step. They each listed things that could possibly wake Jemma only to have another dismiss it just as easily by pointing out how it won't work. Finally Raina asked, "I think we might be overlooking the obvious here. What about submerging her in blood. I remember helping her relax in blood baths when she was hurt, it would speed up the healing process. Couldn't that help…I don't know jump start her system?"

As if a light went on inside Fitz, Melinda and Bobbi's mind at the same moment their faces lit up and they latched onto the idea. Fitz gushed growing animated with excitement. "You're completely right Raina. How did we forget such a simple basic need of our vampire nature?"

"How much blood do we have on hand and how old is it?" Bobbi asked and Raina smiled replying. "I'll check and if it's not suitable I will get us what we need."

"How long?" Melinda asked and Raina shrugged replying, "An hour if we have it on hand. If not three."

"Good, let's do this." Bobbi declared and Raina took off.

Fitz reached out taking hold of Jemma's hand talking to his friend in a soft voice. "Not long now Jemma. Not long at all."

Three hours later, they gathered in the master bath, a small yet deep pool set into the floor. A special addition added to the manor to give them a touch of home, usually it was filled with hot scented water. Now it was filled with the still warm blood of thirty men, gathered from the murders in their dungeon kept on hand for this very task. They all dressed in the fashion of the era Jemma last remembered, then Riana, Fitz and Melinda stood at the edge watching as Bobbi carried Jemma into the pool moving to the center then letting go. Bobbi backed away and Jemma sank to the bottom.

Staring at the surface of the pool they waited, unaware they were holding their breath as the moment stretched out. Seconds turned to minutes and when the ten minute mark hit they all looked up at each other terrified to voice their fears out loud. Raina couldn't hold back the welling emotion, red tears began to trickle down her face and her bottom lip began to tremble. She looked up to Bobbi but Bobbi's lips were pressed together in a face of "No!" and she shook her head at Raina making the other woman look back toward the pool. Bobbi looked angry, Melinda was unreadable while Fitz openly showed his fear on his face.

A ripple bubbled up disrupting the surface of blood, they all leaned in closer when suddenly Jemma erupted from the pool screaming in anguish. They were all splashed with thick blood but it they didn't retreat yet they were afraid to reach out to Jemma. The cry made them all physically cringe and braced themselves for the worst. Only the wail of pain slowly fell silent leaving Jemma blinking and heaving for breath with a very confused expression on her face.

"Jemma are you okay?" Bobbi asked since she was standing in front of Jemma and directly in her line of sight.

Jemma kept blinking and breathing hard, it was as if she couldn't see or hear Bobbi for a long moment and just as their fear began to overwhelm them Jemma closed her eyes and shook her head as if trying to clear it. Still breathing hard with her eyes closed Jemma spoke. "No."

"What was that Jemma?" Bobbi asked stepping closer but Jemma turned her eyes to the pool of blood she was standing in. "I was dead...why…no…no…no…"

Jemma's face twisted in anguish and she began to cry. Melinda turned to Fitz and they exchanged confused glances but Bobbi frowned stepping back into the blood pool and picked Jemma up without word. Jemma continued to sob while Bobbi walked her to the brass tub in the corner and set Jemma down inside.

"Raina, we need clean warm water. Right away." Bobbi politely asked and Raina ran off to get the water. Alone Melinda and Fitz flanked Jemma with Bobbi to her left, silently watching her. After a few minutes Jemma's sobbing calmed just as Raina and several of their people came rushing in with huge buckets of warm water. Jemma didn't speak as they filled the tub, she also didn't meet anyone's eyes. Alarmed, Fitz ordered everyone out including Raina leaving only Bobbi and Melinda both who refused to budge. When they were alone Fitz knelt down next to the tub and reached out to gently touch Jemma's chin to get her to raise her face. Her eyes were filled with tears and Fitz begged, "Please talk to us, please Jemma."

"I was dead and you brought me back. I can't live without Chloe. Why did you bring me back?" Jemma answered in a soft hollow voice, it didn't sound like her at all.

"We didn't bring you back Jemma, you never died. You were buried in the eruption but it took us a very long time to get the right tools to dig you out." Fitz quietly explained and Jemma's face twisted into confusion. "I thought…when everything went black, all that heat…I…I knew I was trapped and I thought it was my punishment for letting Chloe die for me, for me? Why did she do that?"

"She did that because she loves you and knew you would be around long enough to find her again." Bobbi supplied then added. "Jemma I saw everything, Chloe was a very brave courageous woman. I'm sorry I didn't get to know her better."

"I didn't die?" Jemma asked finally looking up to meet Bobbi's gaze.

"No. Frankly I'm not sure if you can die. You were buried by the eruption when it was over Pompeii was gone, everything was gone buried under mountains of ash and rock and earth."

"I thought I was being tortured for my failures, are you telling me I was just dreaming?" Jemma asked looking physically pained and they all grimaced as Bobbi replied. "You must have been."

"How long was I buried?" Jemma asked taking several deep breaths. When they hesitated to answer she looked up pressing, "How long was I in the ground?"

"A really long time Jemma." Fitz answered and Jemma frowned, "Tell me."

"Jemma, it's 1748, you were in the ground for one thousand six hundred and sixty nine years. We didn't have the tools to break through the rock or earth to go that deep. You were buried under meters of earth." Melinda bluntly stated and Fitz and Bobbi gringed.

"By the goddess…" Jemma was stunned, her mind reeled. "That's…that's…so…so fucking long. Why bother digging me out at all? Why not leave me there to rot!"

"We were never going to leave you there Jemma. I'm sorry it was so long. After the eruption we weren't sure if the town and our estate had been destroyed or even moved. The landscape had changed, we didn't even know where to start. And the tools chipped, bent and broke trying to get through those layers. I had to invent a new mental to combat it and even then it took us years and countless humans who we used to search for you to actually find you. The moment we did we dug you up." Fitz said then kept apologizing until Jemma closed her eyes and lifted her hand to silence him.

"Was…was there anything left of Chloe when you pulled me out?" Jemma asked her voice trembling.

"No, the…eruption and time…left no trace of her. I'm sorry Jemma." Melinda answered reaching out to place a comforting hand on Jemma's shoulder. Jemma nodded then asked fighting back her tears, "Where are we?"

"Turicum if you remember but it's called Zürich now." Fitz replied and Jemma nodded commenting. "I have a lot to catch up on."

"We'll go slow. We're just happy to finally have you back." Bobbi stated with a hopeful smile.

PART SEVEN: THIRD TIMES A CHARM

Zürich, One month later…

The adjustment of losing sixteen centuries was not easy for Jemma. She tried to take it all in as quickly as she could only to find it all so overwhelming, there was just so much. Thankfully Fitz had a solution, one he had been working on the entire time Jemma was underground. Fitz recorded their history as it had happened, writing everything down in massive book bound journals with illustrations to accompany them to show the change in clothing styles, armor and weapons. There were twenty seven in all and Jemma started reading at the beginning taking breaks to ask questions which Fitz and the others were happy to supply.

The also took turns talking to Jemma one on one, each one supplying needed information about what was currently going on. Melinda went into detail about their army, what weapons they currently used, what each person carried as well as who they turned & why along with what role they played and most importantly why an army was even necessary. Melinda was the unopposed leader of their "armed forces" and was very selective about who they allowed to join the "family" with Bobbi acting as her second in command.

Fitz was next, Jemma was already through most of the journals with only a handful left. Fitz filled in any other details, they discussed the rise and fall of different kingdoms and countries. Jemma was comforted that the nature of man had not changed in all those centuries, they still hungered for power and wealth as they always have. They moved on to discoveries and advances in science and engineering and how the medical professionals kept changing methodologies. Jemma was fascinated by it all and wanted to dissect each one to know its full inner workings. For last, Fitz showed Jemma his current work shop then the journal he kept on his inventions even commenting that he was still giving his work away to others like Leonardo Da Vinci. Jemma was relieved that Fitz had not changed in all those years, he was still the curious good person he had always been, with so much changed it was nice that something were the same.

When it was Bobbi's turn with Jemma, Bobbi apologized for Ward and for that night in Pompeii. Bobbi told Jemma everything about that night as well as her regret about not knowing Chloe better then she vowed to help Jemma search for her lost love to help Jemma fulfill Chloe's last request. It reduces Jemma to tears and sobbing, Bobbi moved over to hug her friend until the overwhelming emotion passed. To distract Jemma from her grief Bobbi told her about Ward and Shmidt. It delighted Jemma to know Shmidt never recovered from the wounds she inflicted upon him but was disappointed Ward escaped. Bobbi focused on what Ward was up to recently explaining the prick had been trying to amass an army for centuries to eliminate them only to never succeed. Bobbi giggled as she recounted how they would reduce Ward's numbers to zero again and again and again.

"So what's different now?" Jemma asked once the laughter subsided.

"He's found someone to help him, help him find objects of power that give him an advantage over us. Our spies tell us it's a new vampire in his group that has the special skill of being able to find any information needed. And because of this "new talent" he's been able to amass over a dozen items that when used properly give him an advantage over us."

"We didn't have those before, what sort of advantage are you referring to?" Jemma asked concerned and Bobbi frowned as she answered, "Some allow them to be day walkers despite not having the age to survive in the sun. Others act as armor, making our usual weapons useless against them. Some render the wearer as weak as a human."

"Where did these…weapons come from?"

"They're the creations of one of Shmidt's people, he's known as Dr. List but I'm not sure if he was ever trained to be a physician. He's more of an alchemist or a sorcerer. In any case, he started making these…things when you severely hobbled Shmidt."

"How did they get out into the world? Why would Ward be looking for them if it's his own people that created it?" Jemma asked confused and Bobbi grinned as she explained. "It's because of Ward. From what Melinda and I have pieced together Ward and List clashed both wanting control after Shmidt was out of commission. A fight happened and instead of working together Ward killed List but not before List spread his creations all over the world."

Jemma burst out laughing, "Good for that prick, he deserves every hardship and set back coming to him."

Bobbi laughed hard and nodded in agreement and confessed when the laughter died down. "You know I'm still ashamed I fell for his tricks."

"A hard lesson learned. One none of us will repeat." Jemma replied and Bobbi smiled nodding in agreement.

"So, Bobbi, have you given Hunter a second chance?"

"Jemma!"

"What? I've always liked Hunter, I think you two are good together. I always have, so I was curious."

"Well…we've been together…officially these last four centuries." Bobbi admitted and Jemma grinned clapping her hands with delight. "That's wonderful Bobbi, tell me everything."

And Bobbi did tell her everything, and in by doing so Bobbi showed Jemma that she no longer pinned for her, no longer held the hope that they would be together, she showed Jemma she had moved on. Next was Raina.

"So, the group has chosen me to acquaint you with the current fashion styles and social customs." Raina stated brightly, wearing a simple light blue and pink dress similar to the style Jemma was still wearing.

"I have noticed that you've all taken to wearing the old style around me. Though I'm not sure why. I know the styles have changed. Nothing remains the same for that long." Jemma commented with a weary look and Raina laughed out loud. With a big smile Raina commented, "I tried to tell them that but you know how they are, once they get their mind on something it's hard to persuade them otherwise."

"True, very true. So Raina, why wait to come see me now. I've wanted to talk to you since I awoke."

"Really Jemma?"

"Yes. I can feel the change in you. Who gave you the kiss? Was it Bobbi? Melinda?" Jemma asked with a sweet friendly smile.

"Actually it was Fitz."

"Fitz? But Fitz doesn't give the kiss to anyone anymore."

"Yes and that is still true. He made an exception for me, to grant me my one wish."

"And what was that?"

"To still be here when they pulled you up, I wanted to see you again."

Jemma pulled Raina into a tight hug bringing tears to Raina's eyes. When they pulled apart, Raina brightly told her, "I've arranged a little show for you to go over the different styles from the different regions. It's better to see them than to have me endlessly explain."

"Great idea Raina, bring it on." Jemma said with delight and Raina clapped bringing in a parade of their people each one dressed in a different outfit from different places and points in time. Jemma marveled at them all then insisted that each model undress so she could see the individual pieces that put together the outfit.

"So many pieces and layers; and those shoes! How does a regular person walk in those shoes?" Jemma asked and Raina laughed. "Oh they don't. These complex outfits are only worn by the very rich, the next set of models will illustrate how little regular people's clothing have changed."

Raina clapped and another group of models walked out. Jemma was delighted by the show and all the models, they went through each one in great detail and when it came time for Jemma to choose a modern dress for herself she had Raina assist her in putting all the pieces on. Jemma was immediately frustrated by the heavy fabrics and the corset and bussel. With a heavy frown Jemma shook her head commenting, "It's easier to wear armor then this dress."

Raina giggled and nodded in agreement. When Jemma finally had the dress on properly with all the accessories Jemma looked at herself in the mirror with a heavy frown as she commented. "I'll admit I do look beautiful in this cumbersome dress however I rather hate how it restricts my movements and the frabric. I really hate this heavy scratchy fabric. This will not do."

"Shall I bring out a different dress?" Raina offered confused on how to solve her mistress's problem. Jemma shook her head no while still examining her reflection, finally she announced. "This won't work. I need freedom to go sight-seeing and this is not freedom nor is it nondescript. Raina bring me a man's clothing."

"Are you sure Master?"

"Yes. I want to try that before I resolve myself to this tight contraption. Really, why do women allow this fashion to take hold, so cumbersome and ugly. Has the world entered an ice age while I was gone? Why do they need these heavy itchy fabrics? And worst of all it makes this" Jemma pointed to the Lilith's Armor she still wore around her body. "Unbearably tight and the dress bulky."

Raina stifled a laugh as she watched her Master, when the giggle fit passed she turned to her assistant and waved for the next set of clothing. This time Jemma was presented with a man's garb, not one of wealth or poverty but in between. Jemma laughed at the little pants and the high socks but found the men's garb to be much more comfortable and hid her special jewelry with ease.

"Now, this is what I'm talking about. Raina help me look enough like a man to pass. I want to go out and explore alone and I don't want to cause a spectacle."

"Of course." Raina replied with a happy smile, she was overjoyed at having Jemma back.

Raina helped finding the perfect outfit and the manners so Jemma could pass as a man in public. Once the outfit was complete Jemma left the house to explore herself away from the others constant gaze. Jemma loved being back with her family, however, the new ones, she could not help but think of them as cannon fodder, stared at her every chance they got. She understood what a novelty it must be for them yet she found it uncomfortable. With no personal connection to any of them, there were simply faces and possibly complications to her.

Jemma wandered the country side for a week alone after leaving strict instructions that no one was to follow her. She could feel Fitz, Bobbi and Melinda as she could feel Raina and all the cannon fodder coming and going and to test herself she stalked several of the cannon fodder estate guards, getting so close she could blow into their ears without being seen or felt leading Jemma to believe that they could not sense her. To confirm her suspicions Jemma stalked Melinda for three hours and Melinda didn't notice her once making Jemma giddy with excitement. "If the Goddess has granted me new powers I must find out what they are."

Testing herself over and over again Jemma figured out that the sun no longer posed any threat to herself, it didn't make her skin tingle like it did before nor did it force her to transform into her vampire self as it once had. She also found that she no longer needed to sleep and because of the Lilith's armor that was almost impossible to take off she could not be harmed by any weapon even the new ones that Fitz had developed to combat Ward's growing army. Then after some testing she discovered that even with Lilith's Armor removed most weapons didn't even penetrate her skin nor did fire or heat even when applied to her hair.

And though she should be happy about these new developments, it all made Jemma very sad. If anyone other than Fitz, Bobbi and Melinda had pulled her out of the ground she would have killed them, she was not grateful or even glad to be free of her tomb. She preferred it and looked upon it as her punishment for failing Skye, no, for failing Chloe. The agony of watching her love die yet again was excruciating and still not enough punishment for what she had done. Jemma felt worthless and helpless and did not want to live without her love and yet, here she was doing just that and now that she couldn't end it all without the others noticing gave her little hope for any future happiness. Jemma missed her love so much it physically hurt and drained away any happiness she may have gotten from discovering this "new world" leaving her to do nothing but sigh and whisper out loud when she was alone. "I miss you my love. This world is too dark without you."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Amsterdam, Late Summer of 1748…

A cool breeze under a clear sky as the sun set with dazzling colors of pinks, purples and orange stretched across the sky. Twilight slowly claimed the kaleidoscope of light in its turquoise embrace. The retreat of the sun would elicit excitement in most women, it was a time of danger, of adventure, of a pervasive feeling of excitement. Daisy was not most women, sunset only brought out weary resolve.

Daisy missed her human life, she missed her father and no matter how she tried, no matter how many new places she visited she could not hide from the truth. She hated her new life, she hated being a vampire and she hated Ward with a fiery passion that she barely kept restrained and hidden. He was a demon that murdered her and doomed her to never-ending hell on earth.

Over the last couple of years Ward's minions kept trying to befriend her and convince her that life as a vampire was some big adventure, a life of infinite possibilities only it was all a lie. Ward did not allow them to wander or explore. He did not allow them to think for themselves, he expected them all to follow his orders without question even when it was obvious Ward was wrong. Ward expected his "servants" as he called all his minions to constantly be at his side and to die if he commanded it which was something Daisy could never get behind. To have that level of mindless devotion to a monster who stole her life and condemned her to bring death to all that was living and beautiful was beyond her capabilities.

Ward kept her a prisoner more than the others, he did not trust her alone and had her constantly followed or "accompanied" wherever she went. At first Daisy thought that was just the way things were however during her time with her captor she realized she was the only one assigned a watchdog. Then when Ward figured out how Daisy could be useful Ward sent her on countless missions.

"Hey Daisy, I don't mean to disturb you I know you like your quiet time but what time did you want to head out tonight?" Mack asked poking his head in the room. Mack was Ward's right hand man, the one that enforced Ward's will when those subjected to it ran.

"In three hours. The office will be closed then and we'll have the place to ourselves." Daisy replied her eyes still on the world outside the window.

"What's this place again? Some trading company?" Mack asked, he was always one who preferred all the details instead of just what was necessary.

"It's the main office of the Dutch East India company or as the locals call it Oost-Indisch Huis." Daisy replied trying to keep the smile from her lips. Mack was terrible at new languages and struggled with anything other than English, even something as simple as using a local name would leave Mack flustered. Mack frowned and replied distastefully. "The office it is. I'll be ready when you are."

"Thank you Mack. This should be an easy one."

"I hope so, I almost lost my arm in the last one." Mack commented, unconsciously he used his right hand to massage the still healing left arm. Daisy kept her eyes to the window stating bluntly, "That's why you're waiting outside. I don't need the help just backup outside."

"Ward won't like that. He was very specific I was to stick to you at all times."

"We don't have to tell him. And besides, all he cares about is getting what he wants." Daisy argued and Mack frowned but did not speak when Daisy added. "If we get caught I'll tell Ward it was my idea."

"That's just it Daisy, it's always your idea. One day Ward won't be so forgiving." Mack said leaving and shutting the door behind him.

Daisy kept staring out the window watching the humans go about their evening, how she envied them. And the longer she watched the sadder she became. The melancholy shadow over her did not dissipate with the new mission as it normally did. This time it lingered and she looked in to attempt to figure out why only to find a hole. A big empty hole inside of her, she felt empty and it was draining any joy she had left which wasn't much to begin with.

A well-dressed man holding his small daughters hand as they walked the sidewalk caught Daisy's gaze. A red tear welled up at thoughts of her father, then more as memories of her childhood and young adulthood in Boston rose to the surface. She missed the simplicity of her life and friends. Daisy even missed dreaming. She didn't seem to dream any more, not like she used to and she missed her most common dream. It was one she never spoke of yet one she longed for every day when she lay down to rest. The dream was of a very beautiful young woman in a yellow dress and dark eyes. In Daisy's dreams she wore a light blue dress and spent her days kissing the woman in the yellow dress, in her dreams Daisy was in love with this woman though when she woke she could never remember the woman's name. And each time Daisy woke from these dreams she felt a welling of sadness from the realization that they were not real.

At the appointed time Daisy and Mack put on their cloaks and slipped out of the hotel into the night. Mack followed a few steps behind Daisy, this was their routine. He would follow, she would scout out the location and do all the heavy lifting which entailed talking to strangers to get information and breaking into places to get information. Daisy had spent a month casing the place after gaining entrance and breaking in to learn everything she could from the company's vast store of records and learning which men stayed late and what their routines were. All that hard work paid off when the last office clerk exited the building and Daisy slipped in before the one of four guards came by to lock the door on his rounds.

Daisy didn't bother to hide in the shadows, she knew she was alone and was keeping track of the guards as they went on their rounds having their timing locked down by the second. She went directly to the district manager's office missing the second guard on duty with ease. Daisy pulled the shade on the glass door down then moved to the window to do a spot check on Mack. He was standing in place silently keeping watch without raising suspicions. Satisfied he was staying put Daisy turned heading back to the desk. It was a mammoth piece made of iron wood and took up most of the office space. Daisy had recognized the craftsmanship of Dr. List right away.

Kneeling down next to the desk Daisy located a hidden lock hidden in the left back foot. She pulled out a small compact tool kit and pulled out two of the steel shafts with special tips and inserted both into the lock. With deft hands she picked the lock and opened the secret compartment hidden inside to find another key, this one of iron and gold. Daisy took the special key and closed the secret compartment. She left the office heading to the top floor heading down a long hall of locked doors. At the end of the hall was a red door, she used her special tools to pick that lock and entered the room quietly shutting the door.

The room was dark yet Daisy could see perfectly, it also smelled of stagnant air and dust. No one had entered this room in decades, even her light footsteps left marks in the gray layer covering everything. She looked around reaching out with her senses and felt the amulets calling out to her. With a triumphant smile she walked to the far wall the only one not covered in white plaster, the bare brick made it easy to locate the right brick. Marked with a small little L, Daisy grinned as she pried the brick from its hole and tucked it under her arm as she reached inside to pull out a long metal case that was locked. Using the gilded key Daisy unlocked the metal box and became giddy when she saw the box contained three amulets.

"Ward never said there was a second daywalker amulet, that tricky tricky man. I should have known better, he never tells the full truth ever and now it's mine. He can have the other two but this one is mine."

The amulets that Dr. List created were all similar aesthetically, each one was encased in a circular locket of gold with a filigree L on the cover. Inside they differed by what element Dr. List had captured allowing the amulet to work as it did. Of the three Daisy discovered each one was slightly different and yet because she was the one retrieving each one she knew instinctively which one was which. One amulet helped the wearer fly, wings were not common on newer vampires only the old ones could fly. The second was one she had only heard of, a concealer stone. It allowed the wearer to hide themselves from other vampires. The third was a duplicate of the first amulet she found: The daywalker amulet. This one she immediately slipped around her own neck hiding it well under her clothes then replaced the box back in the wall along with the brick. She opened the window and jumped. The open window allowed the wind in which disturbed the dust erasing proof of her presence.

Daisy landed in the alleyway next to the building with a delicate touch, she smiled as she slipped the two amulets into her pocket and casually walked back to the street. Mack spotted her immediately and met up with her as they headed back to their hotel.

"Any complications?" Mack asked his eyes searching for danger.

"No, none."

"Good, let's get back to Ward. The sooner we get back to the hive the better." Mack stated with a firm nod of his head and Daisy frowned following behind.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

St. Petersburge, Russia, September 14, 1748…

Standing at the bow of the mighty ship Jemma closed her eyes to the cold wind. She could smell the city and all its inhabitants in a cacophony of good scents and bad ones in the afternoon breeze, Jemma was excited. She had traveled all over Europe acquainting herself with this new modern world and each city held a new discovery, a new delight and new challenges. And of all the cities she visited none held the excitement that St. Petersburg held for her. Jemma even after all those centuries was at heart a student of knowledge in all forms, soaking up everything she could.

After visiting several modern cities that supposedly held every attraction possible within its limits Jemma began to notice a new trend that was just beginning to catch on. Personal collections of all types were all the rage as more and more educated men began pursuing science in all its forms. And while spending time in Paris she heard of a ruler, an emperor, that devoted much of his time and energy to science and history so much so he created a special museum to house these massive collections. This new idea of a museum, of one building holding so much knowledge intrigued her and drew her in until only a visit to the grand city would do. And now she stood on the bow of a ship taking her to the cities very doorstep.

"When I see you in the sun I forget what we are. You seem so comfortable in the sun. It still makes my skin itch terribly." Fitz complained pulling up his cloak and his hat down to block the late afternoon sun, he frowned at the sunlight sparking on top the sea then scratched the new stubble on his face.

"Maybe in another century or so it won't itch so bad. It feels nice to be in the sun again." Jemma commented with a happy smile.

"I will endure all the itching I must if it means seeing that smile on your lips again."

"This modern world intrigues me, challenges me, challenges my mind unlike anything has before. It seems as if the world is finally catching up to what we've always dwelled upon." Jemma commented and Fitz chucked with a big smile. "Very true."

"Has your arm gotten better or is it still stiff?" Jemma asked finally turning away from the sight of the approaching city to look at her friend closer in the light. Fitz slightly grimaced as he answered honestly, "Its healing slowly. A long soak in a fresh blood bath will do the rest and I'll be back to new."

"I'm sorry about the accident, we wouldn't have been caught in the middle of a battle if it wasn't for my poor choice." Jemma stated with a sympathetic frown and Fitz replied with a firm expression. "I told you then and I will tell you a hundred times more. It was not your fault, most of the rulers on this continent are at war, and it was inevitable that we would run into it. I am personally glad that we didn't lose anyone or arouse anyone's suspicions about our…true nature."

"I'm glad Bobbi knew that military commander that gave us safe passage off the battle field. And I did find it amusing how jealous Hunter was over it, as if a human could compare." Jemma commented with a small smile, her mind drifted back to Chloe and the smile disappeared.

"Am I not enough to keep the smile on your face Jemma? I thought I was more entertaining than that? Should we have stayed in the wagon train with the others?" Fitz wondered out loud and Jemma's smile returned as she laughed and shook her head no. "You are more than enough entertainment for me Fitz. You have the best sense of humor out of everyone in our family. I was thinking of Chloe again."

"Oh, yes, I'm sorry I should have realized."

"No, it's okay Fitz. And for the record there was no way I was going to stay on that train any longer with all those…fawning sycophants. I don't know how you or Melinda or Bobbi or even Raina put up with it. They're always staring at me with those wide excited eyes and they follow me everywhere. I couldn't make a move at the house in Zurich without tripping over three of them."

"I know it takes a little getting used to but they see us as…demigods and you, well, they see you on the same level as the Goddess. To them you are our god. We all came from you and none of us have ever seen the Goddess or interacted with her as you have. They see you as divine."

"I don't want to be worshiped I want to be left alone."

"I know, actually we all know that but trying to tell the young not to look up to their idols is like trying to change the way the wind blows. It's possible but it takes an act of god to do it."

Jemma laughed and shook her head, "Well I'm not staying at the hotel with all of you. I will not entertain them anymore but don't tell Bobbi or Raina, they'll be disappointed."

"Did you have another hotel in mind?"

"No, I'm not concerned. I'll find one at some point or maybe scandalize the social circles by staying up all night drinking." Jemma replied laughing more.

"Must be nice not to vomit from wine. I don't even remember what it taste like any more. Wow, sometimes I really hate being so old."

They both laughed.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Stockholm, Sweden, September 13th…

"I've got my orders, I'm not going to Helsinki you are." Daisy insisted with a barely concealed look of distaste.

"You weren't supposed to be there for that meeting with the Master." Ward replied his lips pressed together in anger but Daisy just turned her back to him rolling her eyes. "Well I did and I heard the Master tell you go to Helsinki to retrieve the blood bag he needs. And I heard the Master tell you to send me to St. Petersburg to retrieve another amulet. Are you saying the Master is wrong?"

Ward wanted to smack her, Daisy could feel it radiating off the tall man. Ward had been trying to control Daisy since turning her only it never worked; unlike the others he turned and could easily control Daisy always resisted it and her strong iron will severed any connection they had which allowed a seed of hate to grow and blossom into a big beautiful abhorrence of his very existence. He knew she went out of her way to rebel against him, to ignore his orders and make his life miserable in small ways.

Such as seeing the Master without Ward present; Daisy learned right away no one spoke to or saw the Master without Ward present. Ward controlled the others by keeping the Master to himself by filtering the Master's orders to the others ensuring Ward remained essential to the operation. To many in the hive the Master was a god, one to be worshiped and followed without question with Ward as the head priest in charge of keeping it all together. Daisy knew better, Ward was braggart, a weasel and a coward.

Daisy watched Ward closely since the night she was turned, she knew how to read people, how to see past the masks they wore for others to see the real individual underneath. And what she saw with Ward disgusted her, he used his people like a shield, ran from fights that might actually test him and hid behind the Master when manipulating those around him. Most did not see it, most only saw what the mask he wore one of a cunning charismatic leader that was determined to raise the Master back to his former glory. Daisy saw the lie and Ward knew it yet he kept her around, kept her close and the reason why kept eluding her which endlessly frustrated her.

For the last few months, Daisy made it a habit to be there in attendance when Ward met with the Master. The first time she laid eyes on the Master, Daisy was shocked, she expected some tall hulking monster, one that exuded power and terror. What she found instead was a lump of meat, unable to move or feed without help. The Master was useless and pathetic and harmless. Daisy was stunned and horrified the first time she watched Ward forcefully feed from the Master who struggled but could not stop it. Ward fed to build his strength but kept the Master hidden like someone hording supplies in a famine.

Ward worked so hard to keep up the illusion that the Master was in charge and he got his hive to believe it whole heartedly. If the hive found out that it was a lie they would revolt against Ward, that lie is what kept Ward from smacking Daisy, kept him from torturing her every time she challenged him. The entire hive knew Daisy was important because of her skills, because of all the amulets she was able to locate and retrieve. The hive believed in "the Master's" plan, the hive believed Daisy was the key to gaining the upper hand over that other clan of vampires and that belief is what kept Daisy unharmed and she knew it and used it to her full advantage. She was the only one in the hive to not only witness one of the Master's and Ward's private meetings but to attend many of them without consequence.

There was always someone from the hive watching, Ward was never alone.

"No. The Master is never wrong." Ward sneered staring Daisy in the eyes. He swallowed hard then added, "How long will you be in St. Petersburg?"

"I don't know. It depends on how long it takes me to learn what I need to retrieve the next amulet." Daisy answered with a flat expression on her face, she wasn't going to give him anything and Ward knew it. He frowned looking away, his anger apparent as he ordered, "Fine. You have a month then I'm coming to get you amulet or not. And you're taking Mack with you I'm not sending you alone. I don't want you entertain any thoughts of leaving the hive."

"I know I'll never be that lucky." Daisy replied openly sneering then turned and walked away and out of the room leaving the door open as she went back to her room to gather her few belongings. Before she was done packing her single bag Mack walked in ready to go.

It was an hour after sunset, the streets were filled with people getting to the dock to catch their ship took some maneuvering they made it just in time. Daisy remained on deck watching the shore disappear, while Mack went below to secure their room. Daisy was glad to be away from Ward the further away she got the better she felt. She didn't mind Mack; he was easy to get along with, he kept to himself outside the work leaving her some privacy, and he stayed back letting her do her thing as long as she came back each morning. Daisy reached into the hidden pocket in her dress pulling out a small journal. She flipped it open to a marked page and re-read what she had written about St. Petersburg.

The journal was all her notes about the places she had been to, heard about or read about. She had drawn a map in the center pages of Europe with all its different countries. Daisy was precise in her notes, she wanted to learn more about the world and how it worked; despite only traveling to Boston at a young age she considered it the place she grew up in, never traveling outside the city for the short duration of her human life. The pages were full of her observations and questions. No one knew about the journal, it was one of a few things she kept private.

Daisy was excited to go to a new city, a new country. She had heard many wonderful things about Russia, its people and the ruler that the city was named after. She always looked forward to trips without Ward, trips she could actually enjoy and that allowed her a brief moment of happiness in the misery that was her existence. Daisy hated being a vampire, she hated being tied to Ward, she hated that she had no freedom.

She stayed on deck until morning then retired to the room to sleep. The trip to St. Petersburg was uneventful with the weather clear all the way there. The only hiccup was not feeding before getting on the ship, Daisy and Mack tried not to attract attention so they refrained from feeding when it was tight quarters. However their hunger grew and it was getting harder to resist; thankfully the ship soon docked in St. Petersburg just after sunset. They disembarked quickly and went hunting immediately. They moved through the crowd too fast for human eyes to see. Mack grabbed a man off the street dragging him into an alleyway, Daisy followed and together they fed off the man before leaving him there close to death. Daisy hated this part she hated bringing death, it made her feel dirty and monstrous.

After they fed they cleaned up then went to find a couple of rooms to bunk down in during the day. Once that was taken care of they began the process of mapping the city which meant walking every street in it. Daisy liked to be thorough in her information and maps that could be bought in shops were not always accurate, Daisy made her own. Mack went with her to ensure no one bothered her and they worked until the sun began to rise.

That next evening they continued their work mapping the city, Daisy took note of every important building and street picking up the local language quickly. Daisy began to map out a trail of possible leads; she had gotten to know Dr. List well through her search of the amulets. Knowing him meant thinking like him which led Daisy on her search. Everything was going smoothly, work was getting done and Daisy was finding out about all the places within the city she wanted to see. She made a secret list tucking it away out of sight.

A little before sunrise they were heading back to their rooms for the day when suddenly they both stopped and looked around. They didn't say it out loud, they didn't need to, they could feel other vampires within the city. Neither Daisy nor Mack were all that old, Daisy was only a few years old, Mack fifty yet they could both sense other vampires, some young like them, others…old and powerful. Mack began to panic while Daisy kept her head insisting, "We finish the job. We don't know if they're here for the same thing we are. They might leave us alone if we keep to ourselves."

"That's a big if Daisy. I don't know about that. We're outnumbered and out powered. We don't have backup, we're alone out here. If they find us they'll kill us. Tri-Clan fangs don't leave our people alive, they decapitate us or stake us to burn in the sun. Do you want that to happen? Do you Daisy?"

"No! No, of course not but we can't leave without the amulet." Daisy argued then added when Mack wasn't swayed. "Are you willing to tell Ward and the Master we failed? I'm not."

Mack paused and looked worried, he frowned then reluctantly agreed. They went indoors and used special charms Dr. List created to mask their presence. The next day they stayed in, Daisy spent time planning their movements for the next night out to give them ways out if they were cornered. Daisy realized that her time in the new city might come to an end before she had a chance to explore, she would have to step up her plans and take a risk unlike anything she's done before.

"Tomorrow. If tonight goes smooth then I'll go out tomorrow. We have the small List charms to wear while we're out, we should be good as long as we keep away and don't confront them." Daisy commented out loud in her room while she studied her hand drawn map of the city. And she continued to study the map for two more hours before stepping out of her room to speak to the inn keeper about assistance in purchasing a new set of clothes. A good lie and a few coins and the inn keeper was happy to help Daisy acquire anything she needed.

Before sunset the inn keeper came through knocking on her door and delivering the new set of clothes wrapped in plane cloth tied with string. Daisy thanked the man giving him a tip, she hid the clothes and got ready for her evening out with Mack. They both wore Dr. Lists charms tied to their cloaks and kept their hoods up when they reached the street.

They could feel the presence of other vampires everywhere they went however they were able to avoid running into them on the street while still managing to get the information they needed for Daisy to move to the next step: Elimination. Dr. List was a smart vampire, he hide his belongings well, scattering them throughout the world yet was particular enough that Daisy had a good idea of which types of places he preferred to hide things at. Old established places that were likely to still be in use was the first clue, List enjoyed places of science, learning and gathering of the minds, he liked places that held secrets and that led them down the Neva river on a boat ride of wealthy couples to take in the sites of the growing city.

Daisy had planned this trip, she wore an expensive dress and hat and playing the widow, she got them on board with Mack acting as her servant and bodyguard. No one questioned them and chatted freely around her as they traveled down the famed river. Daisy made friends with a young woman on the ride with her parents and her brother for her birthday. The young son was a student at the local university told her about the first place she was going to check out on her own. A wondrous place called the Kunstkamera.

They passed by it on the boat, the Kunstkamera was a grand building that looked more like a palace. Torches lit up its surface and Daisy was struck by its beauty, she begged the boy for more stories about what was held inside the magnificent building. A place for learning it held three massive collections that Daisy was very eager to see it for herself. She had never been to a museum before, it sounded amazing.

After the boat ride they took a carriage back to have drinks at a tavern with the parents of their new friends. Daisy "drank" a bottle of wine with them and in turn received more introductions to wealthy influential men and woman of St. Petersburg. By the time Daisy and Mack took a coach back to their rooms the night was almost over. They retired for the day to their individual rooms.

Daisy waited for Mack to lay down to rest and for the sun to rise up over the city before she donned her new clothes and head out to explore the city for the day.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Jemma was excited.

Since emerging from her volcanic crypt Bobbi, Melinda and Fitz refused to let Jemma out of their sight and Raina was always watching her with a slightly worried expression as if she expected Jemma to suddenly disappear. The weeks spent with Jemma helping her get used to this new world calmed some of their immediate worries so that when Jemma made it clear she was going to travel to see this new world they reluctantly agreed. The three sat down with Jemma to make a plan, they would not allow their subordinates take command over their current operations so they decided to take turns. Bobbi and Melinda would focus on their operations while Fitz and Raina would accompany Jemma. And every few weeks they would switch jobs so that everyone got "fun time" with Jemma.

The plan worked until word of Ward's increased efforts came in, Raina was forced to return to work to deal with the new threat. Fitz remained by Jemma's side though he fought Jemma on her insistence that she didn't want any of the wide-eyed worshiping fanatics following her. The compromise was Hunter, he'd stay with the new fangs to keep them corralled and waiting until they were really needed while Fitz accompanied Jemma on her excursions.

Jemma would not be denied, she convinced Fitz to help her refine her "new look" before stepping out alone during the day. Melinda, Bobbi and Fitz all still felt the ravaging itch of the sun on their skin, they still grew red as if sunburned and still could not bear the discomfort so Jemma's ventures in the day were hers alone. And she basked in it, the joy and pleasure from being truly by herself allowed her to revel in the small wonders she came across without worry of how it looked or how it would seem to those who saw her as more than what she really was.

Jemma had spent time learning about the city, about what it held so that she could save the best places to visit for her daytime trips. After spending her first day to wander the city and her first evening to map out her next destinations she found the one place that was worth visiting and spending time in, a magnificent place called the Kunstkamera.

To prepare for her visit to this place called a museum, Jemma read up on the place learning who built it, why and what was held there. Jemma was so excited to visit this "museum" she was giddy like a small child. Fitz kept giggling under his breath as he helped her dress for the day.

Using an old trick to blend in, Jemma dressed not as a woman but as a man. Fitz personally dressed her, they selected a light yellow outfit, light gray pants, coat, hat with yellow trim and shoes with light yellow stockings and vest with a yellow trim white shirt. Fitz tied back her long hair with a yellow ribbon then smudged charcoal on her upper lip and chin to give the hint of newly growing facial hair. Once the whole thing was put on Fitz clapped his hands then stood there with hands on hips looking her up and down announcing, "My you do make a fine rather delicate young man."

"Am I handsome?" Jemma asked looking at herself in a mirror, she admired the change.

"Yes. Do you have enough pocket change for today?" Fitz asked taking a seat to admire his work. Jemma nodded yes still staring at herself, "I do make a handsome man don't I?"

"Handsome boy really, your bone structure is too feminine to pass for an older man." Fitz replied with a chuckle, Jemma raised one eyebrow at him and he burst out laughing.

"Have fun today Jemma." Fitz told her walking her to the door of the home they bought for their stay in the city. Jemma reached out hugging him, "That is my goal. Sleep well friend, I will be back soon."

Jemma left the house pulling her hat a little lower as she stepped onto the sidewalk heading west. It was a beautiful day the sky was clear with a few clouds a cool breeze was blowing by helping mellow out the stench of a large city. It was mid-morning with man woman and child alike were out enjoying the day, going about their business and Jemma soaked up their humanity by being around them.

She missed being human, she missed the simple things, the human things like eating food, drinking different things, creating families, not having to see mountains rise and fall; Jemma envied the humans around her. She lived in the moment but not like humans did, because she kept one foot in forever. Living thousands of years had permanently shifted how she perceived time; everything went by so fast, years were mere moments. Being in the ground for so long was the closest she got to real sleeping she shut down physically and mentally until she was pulled out. Now she wanted to slow down, take it all in as a human would, she wanted to savor the day as she had once promised Chloe she would.

Jemma enjoyed her walk through the streets of St. Petersburg, she only had one destination on her list for today as she intended to spend as much time as possible going through the all the things collected for this museum. She had read up on the Kunstkamera and wanted to see it with her own eyes, such a thing had never been done before not of that massive size all in one place. Jemma was excited.

She whistled a happy tune as she walked nodding to all the pretty women passing by and enjoying the flirty look she got back in response. Jemma took note of the shops, markets and social spots where men gathered and servant women shopped. Seeing life up close in all its stench and violent glory made Jemma smile and her step light. She kept whistling a happy tune all the way to her destination.

The Kunstkamera was the first real museum in the world, once it was only open to special guests but by decree of the man who built the place, Peter the Great, it was now open to the public. Those wanting to visit the esteemed building had to sign up no later than the day before to join in on guided tourers. Jemma was expecting a small intimate crowd and was delighted to find her estimation correct. Two dozen other well dressed men and women made their way through the paved courtyard to the grand entrance to the museum.

In the bright sunshine Jemma felt very good, filled with a jovial mood she trotted to catch up to the crowd when suddenly a tingle to her senses made her stop and pause. Jemma listened with her body and could feel a very young vampire, so young they almost felt human, walk up on her far left side. Jemma knew immediately that this new vampire was not from her clan which meant the vampire was Wards. Jemma forced herself to keep walking, her mind spinning on what this meant.

This new vampire should not be able to walk in the sun and yet there they were casually heading in the same direction she was. Was this baby vampire after Jemma? Sent to follow her? Or to harm her? Jemma wasn't sure but she didn't like the coincidence. If Ward had sent this baby vamp after Jemma she would find out soon enough. The last thing she wanted was for Ward to ruin anything else for her.

Jemma did nothing. She was completely confident the baby vampire could not sense her and would not recognize her in her disguise. She would however, keep an eye on the young man to see if he did anything to reveal the true nature of his presence that day.

Joining the group, Jemma signed in like the rest of the tour group and stood off to the side while casually watching the young man as he jogged to catch up. Once he reached the group he slowed and kept to the back. Jemma was subtle as she checked him out, he was dressed in the latest fashion with light blue and gray clothes. The pale colors made the young man's deep brown eyes sparkle. The closer the young man got the more Jemma was drawn to his face such a delicate feminine features that nagged at Jemma's mind. Something was so familiar about this young man yet all Jemma could see was the wispy thin mustache and chin hair.

The tour group was herded into a parlor to be given an introductory lecture about what the museum contained and how they were gathered and donated. Jemma stood on the opposite side of the group yet could not help but continue to watch the young man out of the corner of her eyes. He seemed impatient shifting from one foot to the next and back, he kept glancing at the group while staring at the heavily decorated building with wonder and awe.

The museum was massive, five levels with each one housing a different point of interest. The tour leader informed them they would start at the bottom and work their way up to the fourth level then apologized that the star attraction of the top floor, known as the Great Gottorp Globe had recently been damaged in a fire and was still being repaired. The lower levels were known as "Cabinet of naturalia" each floor was dedicated to a different focus. The ground floor housed the mineral exhibit, a collection of over 1200 samples of different minerals.

The tour guide rattled off the list of each mineral with a small side note of how the minerals were cultivated as Jemma wandered the room taking in all the different examples of "minerals", Jemma marveled at the knowledge and science involoved in the understanding of something so basic to their world.

"We have come so far, even the rock beneath our feet has worth." Jemma whispered while staring at a particularly beautiful rock.

Jemma had a difficult time fully enjoying the mineral collection, she kept waiting for the young man, the baby vampire to make a move toward her only the young man seemed totally preoccupied with the collection. The more the young man ignored those around him to stare mouth open with awe at the vast collection the more Jemma couldn't take her eyes off of him. When the young man did pay attention to those around him it was to flirt with the young wives being ignored by their husbands. When the husbands noticed the flirting the young man seemingly always had an appropriate comment about what they were looking at to disarm the husband's suspicions. Jemma found it all very amusing.

And by the time they got through the floor to the stairs leading up to the next level, Jemma had come to the conclusion the young man was not there for her and began to grow curious to who he was really there for and she was curious to how he was able to walk in the sun without smoldering or bursting into flame.

This bit of curiosity spinning around Jemma's mind led her to slow her step and fall behind the group. The new position within the crowd allowed Jemma unrestricted access to observe the young man and what she saw expanded the mystery tenfold. The young man had a feminine gait and a mischievous smile that was mysterious and so alluring along with a light musical laugh. Inexplicably Jemma found herself attracted this young man, she needed to get closer, to see him up close and speak to him.

Confused by these new feelings of attraction to this young man, Jemma found herself watching him as much as she was checking out all the museum had to offer which was a host of natural oddities. Huge varieties of insects were carefully pinned down and flowers carefully pressed in glass boxes, as well as small animals stuffed by taxidermist that lined the walls. There was so many different species, Jemma took her time to mentally recollect what each one was originally called and chuckled by the new names given to each one.

The small animals presented to look lifelike brought up memories of long ago places, long ago times in Jemma's mind making her a little sad. Drawn into her own mind Jemma missed the tour guide giving a short lecture on the purpose of the collections as well as missing the look of concern coming from the young man dressed in blue. Jemma was so lost in her own mind, her thoughts so far into the past she did not notice the group move on to the next floor, nor did she notice that the young man in blue had stayed behind and was watching her with a gentle look of worry.

"Do you think it true?" The young man asked softly standing five paces away from Jemma. She did not answer so the young man stepped closer and asked the question a second time. "Do you think it's true?"

Jemma suddenly realized he was asking her a question and that they were alone in the same startling moment. She blinked back tears she did not realize had been forming and licked her lips to gather herself before turning toward the young man to apologize and ask, "I'm sorry, I was lost in my thoughts. Can you repeat the whole question?"

"The emperor Peter the Great meant for this collection to bring to an end the superstitious fears of monsters that lurk in the dark. That he brought this collection to show there are no monsters just mistakes of nature. Do you believe that it's true? That this will quell people's fears about what lurks in the dark? Do you believe monsters are real?"

The young man's voice made that nagging in the back of her mind worse, there was something so familiar about the young man it was becoming maddening because she could not place where she knew his voice from. However Jemma could not seem to get past the wispy facial hair, her eyes kept focusing on the patchy hair instead of looking at the whole face or even the eyes. To force herself to stop looking at the thin mustache and odd goatee Jemma looked down and around as she answered his question. "Nothing will ever quell what people fear of the dark, it's a natural instinct to fear what can kill you."

"And monsters good sir?" The young man asked a smile tugging at his lips as he tried to catch Jemma's gaze.

"Well, monster are…" Jemma began finally looking up meeting the young man's gaze and her mouth fell open her eyes went wide. "Real."

Jemma's mind went momentarily blank, it was her! It was Skye, it was Chloe underneath that disgusting lip and chin hair, it was her love! She was a boy! A boy! A boy! What new hell was this! Jemma could not speak all she could do was blink and try to keep her mouth shut. The young man with her love's face suddenly became self-conscious, he bite his lip asking with a charming smile. "Did I do something?"

The voice! I was her voice! Jemma snapped back to the moment, remembering she was dressed as a man and needed to present "himself" as such. Jemma smirked shaking her head no, "No, I was looking at something else."

"So…monsters are real? How do you know?" Asked the young man stepping closer and Jemma sniffed the air. She could smell her, the baby vampire had her loves face, Jemma was confused and intrigued. This…boy, this baby vampire didn't smell male yet Jemma could not be certain it was just a disguise as her own choice of clothing was.

"I've seen them." Jemma answered simply smiling reflexively and he smiled in response commenting, "I can't imagine a young innocent lad such as yourself has seen monsters. Or do you have a story to tell?"

"I have many stories to tell."

"What is your name kind sir?"

Jemma smiled and purposely looked around before asking, "I'll the you my real name if you tell me yours…kind sir."

"How did you know? I've worn this disguise many times and no one has ever questioned me before. You are amazing. My name is Daisy."

Jemma was so relieved she had to suppress the happy laughter that bubbled up, she did allow a wide grin as she replied, "I know your secret because my name is Jemma. It's lovely to meet you Daisy."

Daisy's eyes went wide, her smile grew from ear to ear then she burst out in hearty laughter. "And here I thought I was the only one brave enough to go through with such an audacious endeavor."

Daisy's mirth was infectious, Jemma could not help but feel elated around the young woman, unfortunately the elephant in the room was the fact Jemma knew Daisy was a vampire. Her love had been turned…by Ward. Jemma did not need to ask to know it was the truth. Jemma's heart hurt because of it, she did not find her love in time and now her love had been doomed to suffer the same fate as she.

And despite the large happy smile on Jemma's lips Daisy paused and her smile fell as she asked, "Is something wrong? Though you are smiling you're eyes are so sad. Why would such a beautiful young woman be so sad on such a wonderfully adventures day as today?"

"A lingering melancholy nothing more. I'm sure with your exciting company it will be dispelled henceforth." Jemma replied forcing the sadness down deep away from Daisy's perceptive gaze.

"So you won't reveal my deception?" Daisy asked her smile widening every time her gaze caught Jemma's.

"No, not if you don't reveal mine. Do we have a deal?" Jemma asked unable to stop a flirty smile from welling up.

"We have a deal." Daisy declared with her hands on her hips. "Can I ask you a personal question Jemma?"

"Yes….you can ask me anything." Jemma quietly declared and she heard Daisy's heartbeat speed up as she asked. "Really? It's not asking too much?"

"No. I find you to be a kindred spirit. How many other young women are out on their own dressed as men?"

Daisy burst out laughing and nodding in agreement she replied, "You speak the truth. I must know more about you. Where are you from? Why are you out alone? I know it is forward of me to say this but I must know everything about you."

"I'm from many places."

"That's why you don't have an accent? Interesting."

"I am out alone because I really wanted to see everything in this museum without interruption of my friends." Jemma admitted with a look of distaste that got Daisy laughing as she admitted with utter delight. "That's why I came out today too!"

"Really?" Jemma was surprised and Daisy happily admitted. "Yes, well no, actually I'm not here in town with friends. It's for work and I rarely get any time to myself. Sneaking out was my only option."

"Forgive me but not only do you seem much too young for employment that necessitated travel, you are also a beautiful woman. Why would you need employment at all? I'm sure you could find yourself a wealthy handsome man to marry?" Jemma asked watching Daisy carefully. The young vampire thought hard about the question and answered with surprising honesty. "I was…recruited for my talents. I possesses skills that few men have. And I've always known…a conventional life is not for me. My proclivities dictate a different path to happiness."

Jemma couldn't help but smile wider, this was her love!

"I think we have more in common than our choice of disguise Daisy. Would you like to join me for the rest of the museum tour?"

"I would love that!" Daisy declared then moved straight into a huge burst of overflowing information. "Did you know that the museum was first housed in a disgraced Russian nobleman's home until Peter the Great decided to build a special building to house his special collections in the center of his new city. He was the first truly modern ruler of Russia taking his people leaps and bounds ahead of his contemporaries. In fact…"

Daisy rambled on about the museum, where the collections came from and the people that were responsible for it all. Jemma was surprised by the wealth of Daisy's knowledge and quietly listened to every tidbit as they slowly walked the floors of the museum. Jemma was very impressed by Daisy, her intelligence, passion and fearlessness shone brightly as did her eagerness to share it with Jemma.

Jemma was disarmed by how comfortable she was with this new vampire, she should have been on alert, ready for anything and yet she found herself getting lost in Daisy's semi lectures on what she knew which was more than a little about everything. The only thing that kept pulling Jemma back to reality was that disgusting wispy mustache and goatee on Daisy's face. Suddenly the annoyance it caused forced Jemma to abruptly stop, reach over and rip the fake hair off the other woman's face.

Daisy yelped covering her mouth, "Owe! That was glued on Jemma!"

"It was the most distracting thing I've ever seen in my life. It had to go!" Jemma declared then reached over pulling Daisy's hand away from her face to rip off the goatee. "Owe! Jemma! Owe!"

"Now, that's better. Please continue what you were saying." Jemma declared with a happy smile. Daisy frowned holding her face then moving her mouth to stretch the stinging skin. "You're not as delicate as I thought you were Jemma, what sort of woman are you?"

"One that takes charge. Now tell me about what all this is?" Jemma asked gesturing to the roomful of what appeared to be medical instruments. Jemma knew what ninety-nine percent of the instruments were and what they were used for, she was curious if Daisy knew as well.

Daisy grinned and playing along she put her hands behind her back and slowly led Jemma into the room explaining what everything was and why it was donated to the collection. Jemma expected Daisy to know a lot but was simply shocked when Daisy was able to recall the full history of each item and it forced her to stop Daisy to ask, "How do you know all this? Do you work for the museum? Is that why you're in disguise?"

"No I don't work for the museum but I did get a chance to look at the files regarding the collection. They're housed in a different building." Daisy commented with a humble shrug her eyes moving to the items instead of on her companion and Jemma could hear Daisy's heart beat pick up the pace again.

"You are a remarkable woman Daisy. Where are you from?"

"Boston."

"Oh the American colonies! How interesting, how did you end up in Boston Daisy?"

"My father is a doctor and he moved us to Boston so my mother could be near my aunt. It was fun while it lasted." Daisy said with an odd tone of finality, Jemma wanted to ask more yet knew those questions would not be welcome at this time.

"Did you receive a formal education?" Jemma asked with a warm smile that relaxed Daisy who shrugged shyly as she replied. "No. My only teacher was my father until…I left Boston."

"Its so rare Daisy to meet someone of your intellect. It's also rare to meet someone as adventurous and daring as you too."

"What about you? Where you formally educated?" Daisy asked obviously glad for the change of subject.

"No. I had to leave my family at a young age. The education I received over the years has been on my own."

"Is that you spoke of friends instead of family?" Daisy asked softly as she moved to stand next to Jemma, she wanted to reach out and offer her hand but hesitated and pulled it back to her side.

"Yes."

"You know we've been here for almost four hours. Would you like to join me outside to get some fresh air? Maybe a walk by the river? It's quite beautiful at this time of day?" Daisy asked with a nervous smile and Jemma was helpless against it easily agreeing. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."

Both women reach out for the other without thinking and both realized in the same instant what they were doing and stopped themselves smiling and laughing at the sudden awkwardness. Keeping their hands to themselves they silently left the museum, once outside a brisk cool wind blew by almost blowing their hats off their heads. They quick reaction saved their hats and sufficiently broke the tension.

"Jemma may I ask you a question?"

"Of course."

"One of my talents is to be able to read people, you know to be able to figure them out by looking at them and talking to them. But I find I am powerless around you. You are a mystery to me and the more I learn the bigger the mystery becomes. And to be absolutely honest there is something about your face that is so familiar. I would have sworn we've met before yet I know without a doubt that I would not forget meeting you. Why would your husband let you go out alone? I would be fearful that men would line up to sweep you off your feet as I'm sure they have."

"Because I'm not married. And men can line up if they want but they'll be waiting forever for me for I have no interest in them at all." Jemma confessed with a shy smile.

"At all? Then who does interest you?"

"You do."

Daisy stopped mid step her face showed her shock and Jemma worried she had said too much. "I'm sorry Daisy if I offended you."

Daisy was still silent for a long moment as she opened and closed her mouth multiple times as well blinking rapidly. Jemma physically flinched and began to step away to give the other woman space only to have Daisy snap her mouth shut and reach out and grab Jemma's arm. "NO! Don't go. Please, I'm sorry I froze for a moment. I thought if you liked me you'd spend all day hinting at it not outright stating it. I'm a little shocked but then again when I think about it I can see how a bold brave woman such as yourself would have no need for games."

"I have no need for games with you." Jemma stated moving closer and leaning in to boldly kiss Daisy on the lips. The brief kiss was sweet and ignited a fire within Jemma she had forgotten all about since being pulled from the ground. When Jemma pulled back Daisy's eyes were still closed though she was licking her lips unconsciously moaning with desire. Without opening her eyes Daisy pulled Jemma back in kissing her hard, their tongues danced the world spun around until it disappeared leaving only the two of them.

Jemma was dizzy from the kiss, she drank in her love and wanted more. Then suddenly Daisy's eyes popped open and she took a step backward. She stammered trying to get words out with a panicked expression. "I…I…I…can't do this. I need to go."

And Daisy ran off leaving Jemma staring and calling after her. "Please Daisy! Wait. I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

But Daisy did not turn around, she disappeared around the corner and was gone. Jemma growled and stomped her feet in anger, she was so close! So close and she ruined it by moving too fast. Growling through clenched teeth Jemma reached out with her senses and she found Daisy literally running away. Jemma was not going to lose her again and rushed after her.

Memories of Skye and Chloe arose up in her mind, the differences between each incarnation of Skye was significant yet she was deep down the same woman. Jemma knew she had made a mistake yet she did not regret what she did. So she focused on confronting Daisy to apologize.

Jemma followed Daisy all the way back to her room in the poor section of the city. Jemma could feel Daisy inside her room and she could feel Daisy's companion whoever he was. Jemma went across the street knocking on the door of the home that faced the inn. A kindly older woman answered the door and Jemma immediately hypnotized her getting the old woman to let her in and ignore her as she sat by the window watching.

Once she was seated Jemma finally calmed down and her mind cleared Jemma was able to process what had happened. Yet, all her worries, all her fears and impulses to leave Daisy alone was halted by a single fact: "I found her!" Jemma would never forget Chloe's last words to her, she couldn't, they repeated again and again in Jemma's mind. "Find me!" And she has, inexplicably Jemma did find her just not in the way she had hoped.

Sitting at the window watching and waiting for Daisy to emerge for the evening, Jemma quietly contemplated everything that had happened to get her to this point. All the trials and tribulations she faced, her resolve and sadness at being pulled from the ground, as well as her private struggle to come to grips with so much time having passed went around and around in her mind. Jemma didn't expect to see Skye's reincarnation so soon, she expected to have wait a few centuries first only to see her right away. Maybe this was what the Goddess planned all along.

"But why Lilith? Why allow Daisy to be turned…by Ward?" Jemma growled her anger rising the more she thought of Ward touching Daisy at all. The hatred Jemma felt toward Ward blossomed into a full on vendetta of revenge. Ward betrayed Bobbi, destroyed her family of vampires then plagued them for over a millennia and now has corrupted Daisy dooming her to a life of never ending death.

A loud crash inside the home finally pulled Jemma out of her extreme focus on Daisy bringing her back to the moment. The old woman whose home she was loitering in had accidently dropped a number of plates. Jemma stood up walking over to see what the commotion was and realized the old woman had accidently broke her only plates. Feeling sympathy well up in her chest Jemma pulled a few coins out of her pockets and tapped the woman on the shoulder. Jemma pushed the coins into the old woman's weathered hands ordering her to "Buy food, buy plates and anything else you need."

The old woman was shocked to see the gold coins in her hand, she immediately rushed off to buy what she needed. Satisfied the old woman was taken care of Jemma turned her attention back to Daisy.

Night fell and Daisy emerged from the inn wearing a beautiful pale pink dress with the other vampire, a massive black man with a serious expression dressed in much more humble clothing, it gave the impression he was her servant. Jemma stared straight at Daisy but Daisy could not sense Jemma and Jemma saw how Daisy's face fell when her companion was not looking. Jemma could only assume it was because of what happened that day. And when the pair moved down the street, Jemma left her perch to follow. Using her unnatural speed Jemma went to the alleyway then used her wings to take her up. She followed Daisy from the rooftops, still able to see and hear everything Daisy did.

Daisy went out to "dine" at the best restaurant in St. Petersburg with a few Russian nobility and their wives. Jemma was not surprised Daisy had already made influential friends, Daisy was magnetic, it was impossible to resist her. And for a long moment Jemma began to wonder if that's all Daisy was up to, trying to get in good with the rich humans only halfway through the evening Daisy disappeared to break into one of her rich new friends office that was in the building behind the restaurant. It then became apparent that Daisy was actually searching for something, what that something was, Jemma did not know and in that moment she decided not to let it rest until she uncovered whatever it was Daisy was hiding.

Jemma remained hidden as she watched, following Daisy back to the restaurant. After a long night and as dawn approached Daisy and her companion walked back to their rooms. She had overheard them a dozen times talking quietly. The big man was worried about the other vampires he felt within the city, (Jemma knew it was her own people he was worried about and for good reason) and he wanted Daisy to hurry up while Daisy argued she was trying to go as fast as possible. This new information gave Jemma the idea that maybe Daisy wasn't willingly working for Ward after all.

Jemma sat on the rooftop until dawn, then she returned to the old woman's house to sit at the window and watch to see if Daisy ventured out in her other clothes again. Thoughts of the others that waited for her did not enter her mind, she was solely focused on Daisy. However Daisy stayed in her room that day, she paced in the tiny space, wrote copious notes on paper that she quickly discarded and she kept checking the window and sighing leaving Jemma to wonder why.

When evening fell that night Jemma felt her own people get closer, Jemma could feel Fitz, Bobbi and Melinda on the other side of the city where they had bought a home. The one's who were getting closer were most likely Bobbi's clan, each one very young and very reckless. Jemma was curious to see what Daisy and her companion would do so she sat back and kept watching.

And much to Jemma's surprise, Daisy's companion lured the other vampires away from Daisy while Daisy stayed on task. Watching Daisy work for a second night opened Jemma's eyes up to how talented Daisy really was. Daisy was a speed reader and possessed an eidetic memory, she also had amazing deductive skills which was a big part of her ability to read people. Daisy also had an ear for different languages picking them up quickly allowing her to blend in easily. All those skills combined with her natural beauty and easy charm made Daisy one of the most affective trackers Jemma had ever seen in her long life.

At the end of the evening Daisy returned to her room soon followed by her companion who had managed to elude the gang of young vampires for hours. Jemma was impressed he was able to do so without bloodshed.

Jemma stayed long enough to watch Daisy lay down to rest as the sun rose. Once the cock crowed Jemma left her perch, she wanted to return to the house to change her clothes and bathe. Wanting to take the slow route, Jemma bought a horse and rode it across the city. The long ride gave her a chance to clear her head of the fog that had enveloped her since Daisy ran. With the fog gone Jemma gained perspective on the situation, from what everyone had told her and from what she had witnessed herself Jemma understood that Ward was using Daisy to make a play for those amulets to gain the upper hand over her family. Jemma would not let that happen.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"I don't know where she's gone." Fitz stated with an annoyed tone to his voice, his face twisted in frustration and still Bobbi pushed. "She's been gone too long. We should go look for her. What if she needs our help?"

"She's stronger than all of us put together, Jemma does not need our help with anything." Melinda interjected but Bobbi wasn't willing to listen to logic. They had all gathered in the main hall of the manor, the fire place roared yet none of them could feel the heat.

"She probably just went sigh-seeing." Raina added trying to be helpful but Bobbi couldn't let it go. "I'm still worried. What if she ran into Ward's people?"

"She can handle herself Bobbi." Melinda stated looking the other woman in the eyes and Bobbi sighed admitting. "I'm afraid we're going to lose her again. We just got her back."

"You're not going to lose me Bobbi, I promise I'm not going anywhere this time." Jemma stated startling every one of them even Melinda who immediately demanded. "Where the hell did you come from? I didn't sense you. Wait…why I can't sense you?"

"I'm not sure but no one can sense me. I think my time in the ground allowed my powers to…mature." Jemma stated with a sly smile.

"Where did you go?" Fitz asked trying to calm himself from the fright.

"I went into the city, I wanted to see that museum. It proved to be…very enlightening." Jemma replied taking a seat next to Raina on the couch.

"A museum? What's that?" Bobbi asked with a furrowed expression.

"It's a building that holds things from the past. It's to help educate people now of what happened before. A novel concept that I quite enjoyed." Jemma replied with a pleased smile. Melinda and Bobbi shared a look then Melinda asked, "Was that all Jemma?"

"No. I ran into to Ward's people. They're harmless but I think Ward has lived long enough. I think it's time to put the coward down." Jemma stated with a sour expression yet they all smiled like they were given a gift, only Fitz asked. "Why the change of heart Jemma?"

"Running across his people reminded me how much trouble Ward has given all of us. And I'm done being nice." Jemma stated with a light sneer that caught everyone's attention. Jemma turned to her family looking them each in the eyes as she continued on, "You told me the goal of growing our family again was to give people a chance to do real good. I think we can go beyond our family, we can get rid of some of the evil that plagues this world. No more letting the scum of humanity enjoy immortality, no more giving them a platform to terrorize for centuries. No more other clans, our clan, our rules and those who don't agree don't get the gift the Goddess has bestowed upon all of us."

"Are you serious Jemma? What about those in the other clan that are not evil?" Melinda asked and Jemma replied with hard look. "They join us and follow our rules or they get staked in the sun."

"Are you sure Jemma? You've never been one to rush into battle or eager to bring more death." Fitz asked his mind slowly wrapping around the idea presented to him. And Jemma was blunt as she replied, "I don't want Ward to survive the year. We end this now."

PART EIGHT: IN THE END THERE WAS LOVE AND REVENGE

St. Petersburg, Three days later…

Daisy was afraid to return to the museum, she was afraid of seeing Jemma even though she desperately needed to see the mysterious woman again. The kiss had enflamed Daisy's mind, it was all she could think of and it had filled her head with so many confusing images she didn't know what to do. She tried to go about her normal business yet she was completely distracted. Fortunately Mack didn't know anything had happened while he was "asleep" and she managed to keep her distraction down to a manageable level that was relatively easy to hide from the unassuming vampire.

Daisy pushed herself hard to focus on her job but she kept seeing Jemma's face whenever her mind wandered, and every time Daisy closed her eyes. It was as if she knew Jemma, more than just their meeting that day, Daisy could feel it all the way down into her bones. She knew Jemma yet had no idea how she knew her or why it felt SO important. Every moment of every day Daisy had to physically stop herself from searching for Jemma. For three days Daisy fought herself.

For three days Daisy struggled to stay on track and the toll resistance took on her left her a husk of who she was to the point that even Mack was noticing. His suggestions of "You need to eat more, you look sick" didn't help. On that third day as the sun rose that morning Daisy gave up fighting. She slipped on the day-walker amulet and the men's clothes she kept and raced to the museum. Daisy had no idea if Jemma would be there or not, all she knew was that she had to try.

And as Daisy raced to the Kunstkamera, Daisy's fear that she would never see that beautiful strange woman again brought red tears to her eyes. All Daisy's fears, all her dreams and failures rushed through her mind, so many wasted opportunities, so many wasted moments. Everything that Daisy had spent years suppressing: her anger over being turned against her will, the loss of her human life, the overwhelming helplessness at being forced to work for an evil man, the idea that she was not meant to be happy, that she was less than what she was because of what she became. Daisy hated being a vampire and that nothing could release her from that fate. She was no longer human, so she pretended to embrace the monstrosity she had become and it worked until she met Jemma, the kiss had undone her.

It was still early in the morning, the museum wasn't open yet and the only people there were workers of the museum. Daisy pounded on the doors in frustration then she stumbled over to the river where she had stood with Jemma that day and crumbled to her knees sobbing into her hands. Flashes of the images that had been plaguing her for days grew stronger, so strong they could have been her own memories only what she was in them wasn't possible. The longer Daisy sobbed the more the memories came, there were so many of them it hurt and when she opened her eyes they were still there pushing their way to the surface.

Daisy screamed clutching her head and collapsed.

Helsinki, Finland…That same day…

"Is everything ready Izzy?" Coulson asked Hand and she nodded giving him a firm look making him smile. "Good, if that's done go get some rest. We leave an hour after sunset."

"Yes sir." Isabelle "Izzy" Hartley replied with brisk nod of her head. She turned on her heel grabbing her coat as she headed out. In the field only a few months Hartley had become a formidable agent and important part of the team. Any concerns Coulson had about her abilities had been put to rest by her consistent show of courage, intelligence and determination.

Coulson walked over to the window to watch Hartley cross the courtyard to the house they were renting. Coulson knew the young woman would head up to the room she shared with Victoria "Vic" Hand. Thinking of the newly in love couple made him smile, he remembered what it was like, to be in love, it only happened once but it left its mark on his heart. He was the only one on the team that knew for certain that Hartley and Hand were together and he wanted to keep it that way. It wasn't that they couldn't trust the others on their team, Mike Peterson, Dr. Calvin Zabo, Antoine Triplett and William Koening were all good men who could be trusted with anything. It was the rest of their organization that Coulson worried about, not everyone was as broad minded as he and he didn't want Izzy or Vic to have to deal with the harsh realities that their special relationship would bring.

"Not yet. I'm going to give them time to be happy with each other. Love is so rare, they deserve to be happy." Coulson said softly out loud, as he had many times when the new couple came to mind.

The soft muffled sound of metal being shaped caught Coulson's attention and he moved to another part of the warehouse, their makeshift workshop, to find Dr. Zabo and Peterson finishing up the last of the new rounds meant for use that evening. When he walked in they paused and looked up both gestured to the worktable to indicate they were almost finished.

Couslon nodded back with a tight smile, no one said it but they were all nervous about what they were set out to do that evening. It would be the most daring attempt to subdue their enemies and finally learn what happened to Dr. Zabo's daughter. Coulson walked over to the long worktable to examine all the different weapons and ammunitions laid out on the surface. It was enough to take out a lot men but they were not up against normal men and Coulson silently worried it would not be enough.

"I know that look Phil. Not to worry, Billy is bringing in the rest of our weapons supplies and he should be here any time. We will have enough to face that damned vampire Ward and his minions." Dr. Zabo said with a gleeful smile, he was open about his desire to tear the vampire known as Ward apart with his bare hands.

"I hope so but as an extra measure I've contacted my friend and gave them the intel we have on Ward. If they can get here in time, we may receive the backup we need to win the night." Coulson stated with a heavy sigh, they had been tirelessly hunting Ward and his brood down for months.

Coulson and the team all knew Ward and his brood were not the only vampires in the world but they were, the only vampires causing problems in public. One of the main goals of the SDHS was to protect humanity from the evils that hid in the dark. Vampires were not the only creatures that hid in the dark, in truth there were over two dozen identified "monsters" that lurked out in the world and the SDHS wanted to catalog and keep tags on each and every one of them…for the protection of humanity.

Coulson understood what they faced and he also understood that it wasn't as black and white as that. He knew "monsters" that acted more human than humans he knew. Monsters that fought for humanity instead of trying to destroy it. So far he had been unsuccessful in convincing his leaders of this yet he knew he could not rest until they understood the difference or all the hard work he has put in over the years would be for nothing.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

"How much longer until the ship reaches port?" Bobbi asked impatiently, she kept checking the window to see the sun still up and frowning heavily because of it.

"We're still getting into Helsinki after sunset. Constantly checking the window will not help the time pass by any faster Bobbi. You need to relax and focus. Going into battle distracted will do us no good." Melinda replied giving her friend a knowing look that made Bobbi pause.

"How do we know Ward hasn't fled the city? I feel as if we don't move quickly we will lose our chance to pin the bastard down." Bobbi complained and Melinda nodded in agreement adding. "I know but I have a friend in the city who's also been tracking Ward. His information is good and if we stay on course he'll be there with his own team to help us take Ward down."

"A friend? You always called him your contact, you never mentioned it was a man or that he's your friend. Is he one of ours?" Bobbi asked intrigued that Melinda had a human—friend. Melinda gave Bobbi a weary look with a raised eye brow that got the tall woman to burst out laughing. "Just tell me I get to meet him and I'll shut up."

"Fine, you can meet him but I don't want you to scare him Bobbi. He's a good man, and a good friend."

"You never cease to surprise me Melinda, even after all these centuries you still surprise me." Bobbi gushed with an amused smile.

"I'd feel better about tonight if we go over the plan again."

"Really Melinda? We've gone over it a dozen times already." Bobbi asked and Melinda shrugged admitting. "I know but I don't want to leave anything to chance."

"Okay, if you insist lets go over it one more time." Bobbi said moving back to the table with the map and several handwritten pages were laid out.

"What we know is that Ward's has been operating between three different locations in Europe; each one a fortified hive full of his lackeys. With our attention on Ward we unfortunately lost sight of the vampire Master Johann Shmidt, which to be honest could severely complicate things later. We've sent Lance and Raina to lead our people to hit the other locations the same time, we hit their hive in Helsinki. We don't know what Ward is really up to but we know he possesses amulets of magic that help him repel us making this endeavor fraught with difficulty and danger. So when we dock, it should be just after sunset. We disembark along with all three squads of our people, we head directly for the building Ward is holed up in. The updated maps of the area show we can surround the building effectively cutting them off if they get past your friends. You and I alone go in with your friends people while ours stays out to catch any that get past us. We take out his hive and keep him for Jemma to execute."

"Let's also try to keep my human's other humans alive through this." Melinda interjected and Bobbi frowned asking, "Who is this human?"

"Honestly Bobbi, he's a friend. I've known him since he was a boy and it just so happens he's a member of that pesky human group the SDHS. He's my inside man letting me know when we come up on the map and he's protected us and our secrets more than a few times." Melinda answered and Bobbi's mouth fell open. "Those pesky bastards made me lose a dozen of my people! And your friends with one of them?"

"I know that Bobbi but it wasn't Philip that was involved in that. We can trust Philip." Melinda assured Bobbi who still looked skeptical.

"I trust you Melinda but I don't trust humans easily. What makes you think your Philip can control his team, keep them from trying to kill us? You know as well as I do they'll be armed to the teeth."

"Philip is a good man, he only works with people he can trust. Philip won't allow his people to harm us, he'd step in way of the bullet or arrow if need be."

"I don't know about this Melinda but if you truly trust him, I will too."

"Thank you Bobbi."

Helsinki, seven hours later…

Several blocks from their target, Hand started slowing down. "I know we all agreed on this plan but I have to ask. What advantage do we have going into the monsters layer when their at their full strength? Why not go in the daylight when their weak? I feel like we're walking into a trap."

Hartley, Triplett and Peterson exchanged worried glances that pushed Coulson to remind them, "We have back up. We're not going in alone or unarmed. Trust me, with our backup we have the advantage. Just remember, don't shoot the help."

"What does that mean Phil?" Dr. Zabo asked and Coulson firmly replied, "You'll see. You all trust me right? (They all nod yes) Good now let's go."

No more questions were asked as they silently moved toward their target. The night was unusually quiet, a rumbling in the distance warned of a storm approaching. One block away from the target several shadows suddenly fell upon them stopping them mid step. In alarm every member of Coulson's team pulled out a weapon, some carried pistols, others crossbows, while Coulson and Zabo carried swords with silver blades. The shadows did not move, then one stepped forward pulling back the cloak revealing an incredibly beautiful and incredibly exotic woman.

"May! You made it. It's good to see you." Coulson brightly greeted with a big happy smile as he slipped his sword back in its scabbard. Melinda openly smiled offering her hand to Coulson, he took it giving her the warriors handshake of hands clasped to each other's forearms. "It's great to see you Philip. You look healthy."

"Really? I've been taking better care of myself."

"It shows." Melinda replied and Coulson smiled from ear to ear. "May allow me to introduce the members of my team. This is Dr. Calvin Zabo, Isabelle Hartley, Victoria Hand, Antoine Triplett and Mike Peterson. Everyone this is my old mentor, the finest warrior in the world Melinda May."

Melinda kept the friendly smile as she looked each member of Coulson's team in the eyes, and each of them saw the flash of red in Melinda's eyes. Izzy couldn't keep quiet, she stammered fearfully, "Oh my…You're a vampire."

Melinda's smile widened as she nodded amused, "I am a vampire. And I am your ally as long as you're loyal to Philip."

"Why would a vampire help us kill other vampires?" Hand asked glaring at Melinda meeting her hard gaze with one of her own. A second shadow pulled back their hood to reveal another beautiful woman, this one slightly taller with long chestnut locks and strawberry lips and eyes of ice. In a cool hard voice she stated, "Those vampires…are worthless creatures bent on nothing but destruction, they will stop at nothing short of destroying the world. Our kind have lived in peace with humanity longer than you can imagine girl, it's our duty to stop them."

"Live in peace? Really?" Triplett asked amazed.

"Yes. We feed but do not kill. We only take life when it is necessary." Melinda stated then added with a smirk. "The warrior beside me is Bobbi. We will be heading inside with you. The rest of our team will prevent anyone from escaping if they get past us."

"There is something you should know." Dr. Zabo rushed when he had everyone's attention. "My daughter…Ward took her and turned her. I've been searching for her since she was stolen from me. If you find her please don't kill her."

"You do realize she's not human any longer. If Ward turned her she's a vampire, his minion. She may not give you a choice." Bobbi stated with sympathy that everyone saw surprising them. Dr. Zabo fought the tears that were welling up as he nodded, "I know but I have to try. Philip said being turned wasn't the end of it, I didn't understand what he meant then but now I do. If you're not so bad, if you have honor and mercy maybe my baby girl isn't totally lost to me."

"What does the girl look like?" Melinda asked and Dr. Zabo was quick to pull out a small portrait he kept in his inside breast pocket of his coat. He showed Melinda and Bobbi the picture and their mouths fell open as their eyes widened.

"This is your daughter? What is the girl's name?" Bobbi asked with shock, Melinda took a step back and raised her eyes to the sky quietly whispering as she shook her head in disbelief and awe. "The Goddess is always with us."

"Her name is Daisy. Why? What? You act as if you know her? Do you know her?" Dr. Zabo asked a little desperately.

"The Goddess…This is the Goddesses doing. I know it is." Melinda stated confusing everyone but Bobbi who nodded her head in vehement agreement.

"I will explain after this deed is done, when we have more time. It is a long story, one you'll not believe." Melinda stated to everyone and they all silently agreed.

"Okay, let's get this over with." Coulson declared then fell into step beside Melinda as they made their way to the target. The dozen cloaked figures around them flew straight up disappearing which startled the human team, they turned to Bobbi who acted as if it were nothing so they quickly hid their reactions to copy Bobbi's cool façade which amused Bobbi to no end.

Silently the group moved to the main entrance of the building, they quickly nailed the doors shut limiting the exits then moved to the back of the building while nailing shut the west side door as well. They broke into two teams, Melinda with Coulson, Dr. Zabo and Triplett while Bobbi went with Hartley, Hand and Peterson. One team took the south entrance while the other took the east entrance. They picked the locks open then entered at the same time with their weapons out and ready for action.

Melinda and Bobbi took the lead of their respective teams, they both could smell the stench of Ward's minions. They both paused, they expected real resistance yet they smelled and sensed only a handful of vampires. For a hive it was mostly empty. Realizing this they both backed off letting the human team lead. Both teams were met with a half dozen crazed half-starved vampires that blindly attacked them.

Hartley pulled out her silver sword and her pistol taking out three with expert precision while Peterson and Hand took down the other three. Bobbi was impressed, "What is your name again girl?"

"You can call me Izzy."

"Good job Izzy, you're good." Bobbi replied with a flirtatious smile which made Hand jealous, she moved to stand protectively in front of Hartley and Bobbi burst out laughing. With a friendly amused smile Bobbi leaned in telling Hand quietly. "I have no desire for your woman, I was impressed by her skill. Skill that she learned from you."

Hand's mouth fell open, her eyes grew wide. "How did you…how did you know?"

"I can smell you both on each other and I can see the real love you have for each other in your eyes. You are both blessed, keep each safe. Life can take it all away at any moment." Bobbi said reaching out putting a friendly hand on Hand's shoulder, causing the other woman to tear up and nod in agreement.

"That's all you have to say?" Hand asked swallowing her emotions to keep them down. Bobbi looked Hand in the eyes smiling warmly at her, "Yes. Now let's finish the job we came here to do."

On the other side of the building Dr. Zabo and Triplett were cutting down attacking vampires while Coulson and Melinda chatted as they watched.

"Nice form, no hesitation. Both are good fighters." Melinda commented with an approving nod that made Coulson beam with pride.

A dozen more vampires charged from down the hall overwhelming Triplett and Dr. Zabo, Coulson stepped forward his sword drawn and decapitated three vampires, one right after another. Melinda clapped with appreciation then smoothly leaped over the entire group to get behind the rest of the attacking vampires rushing them and snapping each vampires neck almost twisting the heads off and quickly ending the fight.

"May, we had them. You didn't have to rush in." Coulson complained making Melinda smile. "I promise Phil, I'll let you have the next dozen. Okay?"

"Okay, that sounds fair." Coulson replied wiping his sword clean.

Melinda and Coulson continued to joke as they moved further into the building. A couple dozen vampires tried to slow down both teams but the silver bullets, swords with silver blades and silver tipped crossbow arrows did their work cutting each crazed monster down. The two teams met at the main stairwell leading down into the basement, Bobbi and Melinda sniffed the air and looked perplexed. Enough so that Coulson made them stop.

"What's wrong May?"

"It smells and feels like there's another three dozen of Wards people down there but something…I'm not sure what…but something feels wrong."

They shared a look of hesitation then Bobbi took a deep breath announcing, "I'll go in and check it out, the rest of you stay here."

"I'm coming with you Bobbi." Hand stated defiantly, and Bobbi didn't argue, she solemnly smiled and nodded gesturing for them to head in carefully.

Coulson, Melinda and the others stayed behind while Bobbi and Hand descended the stairs. The pair took each step carefully their weapons at a ready, and as they went further into the basement the stench of death grew overwhelming Hand and even giving Bobbi pause. Then as Bobbi reached the last step of the stairs with Hand one step behind she put her full weight on the step and it gave way releasing a lever that put into motion something neither woman could see they could only hear the whirl of metal cogs moving and the creak of weights. Behind them the door sudden slammed shut locking them in and locking the others out.

"No! No! NO!" Hartley shouted as she began pounding on the steel door.

Hartley, Triplett, Peterson, Dr. Zabo and Coulson pounded on the door while Melinda tried to force it open. However even with her supernatural strength she was not able to make it budge.

"Damn it! It was trap. How do we get them out?" Coulson asked turning to Melinda who was still examining the door. They could hear soft pounding from the other side of the door, Melinda motioned to Coulson for silence and he shut up letting Melinda listen.

On the other side Hartley was pounding on the door hard until Bobbi laid a gentle hand on her arm. "Izzy, that's not helping. Calm yourself and think. We obviously fell into a trap of some kind. Now we need to get this door open or find another way out. For now—breathe."

Hartley did what she was told and Bobbi began searching for a way to open the door. When she saw that the mechanism that opened it had been severed on purpose she knew getting the door open was hopeless.

"Melinda! Can you hear me?" Bobbi called out in a low voice and to Hartley's surprise Bobbi's face lit up. "Good! I'm glad you can hear me. The door's been modified, it won't open again. I'm going to find another way out. Get the house cleared and I'll meet you at the boat."

Bobbi quietly listened her ear almost pressed to the metal door. Hartley patiently waited and when Bobbi turned to her she asked, "What now?"

"We explore the basement and look for a way out."

"You're not worried?" Hartley asked amazed.

"No, this is a setback yes but it's not the end. Now, let's go find out why we're trapped down here. Ward is a slippery bastard so be careful, don't touch anything okay."

"Okay."

Bobbi led the way down into the dark basement, she smelled vampires and she smelled death yet her senses told her what was alive…was slowly dying. Confused despite how well she could see with her eyes in the pitch black, she turned seeking out a lamp or a torch. When she found an oil lamp missing it's glass she lit it and turned it up passing it to Hartley.

The soft yellow light illuminated what Bobbi had seen yet did not believe. The room was filled with staked vampires, all Wards, each one in various stages of death. Sixty impaled vampires in all, each one tortured in different ways.

"What in the Goddesses world is going on?" Bobbi asked herself as she felt her stomach twist in a way it had not in many centuries.

"Bobbi what is this?" Hartley asked afraid to step too far into the macabre scene. Bobbi carefully walked through the impaled mass, while examining the dying close by. Then in the back, loud moaning of pain drew Bobbi's attention, she walked over to discover a vampire unlike the others.

"Master I await you, I await you Master, I await you. Master…." Came the desperate sobs of a vampire strapped to a table hidden by an exposed brick pillar. Walking past it Bobbi saw the area had been used as a makeshift doctors table, tools of all sorts were hung up on the wall. Bobbi lit the single lamp above the table and vampire turned to her, she recognized him.

"Ion Quinn? What are you doing here? What has Ward done to you?" Bobbi asked in total shock. Quinn was Ward's right hand man, his loyal lap dog that did whatever Ward wanted him too. To see the once proud warrior like this was…disturbing. Quinn's legs and arms had been severed from his body and his fangs torn out.

Behind her Hartley went around lighting all the lamps she could find, she discovered a door leading to a tunnel that was closed with an iron gate that was locked.

"Quinn! Quinn! Look at me, do you recognize me? Who did this to you? What happened? Where's Ward?" Bobbi demanded grabbing Quinn's head and forcing him to look at her. The glassiness of Quinn's eyes and the far off look in them told Bobbi something in him had broken. Quinn began laughing, giggling manically until he heard the wind through the iron gate.

"The beast! The beast will come and I'll be done. I'll be free. The beast will come."

"What beast? What beast? Quinn talk to me! Talk to me!" Bobbi shook was left of Quinn finally getting his attention. "Bobbi? What are you doing here?"

"I came looking for Ward. What happened to you?" Bobbi demanded and in that moment a buzzer went off, the lock on the gate clicked open and the gate swung open.

"You should not have come Bobbi, you should have sent one of your people instead." Quinn said sincerely confusing Hartley completely. Bobbi strained her ears listening for whatever was in that tunnel and heard nothing, she demanded. "Quinn, what happened here? What happened to you? And what is the beast?"

"Ward is a loyal servant. Ward found a way to help our Master and now the Master will return to cleanse this wretched land of the poisoned and the weak. I was chosen, the Master chose me and now I am to feed the incarnation of his wrath. I am blessed to serve him. I am sorry to see you now Bobbi. You were always straight with me, I appreciated that, I exploited that. I hoped to see your end in some grand fight as it should be, not like this, not as some creature's meal. You deserve better than that."

"That's…rather sweet of you Quinn. How do I get out of the room?" Bobbi asked bluntly. Hartley was wide eyed, mouth agape and on edge.

"The tunnel leads to the canal. I hope you can swim. I hope you survive this night so the Master can kill you. It's the death you deserve Bobbi." Quinn said with a crazy earnest smile.

"Thank you Quinn. I hope it's all you've been waiting for." Bobbi replied with a nod of her head and Quinn smiled, "Thanks Bobbi."

"He's so fucking crazy." Hartley whispered to herself and both vampires heard it and both chose to ignored it.

"Come on Izzy lets go." Bobbi stated grabbing Hartley by the arm pulling her along and into the tunnel. Bobbi could hear a beast approaching now, and she could smell it too, some sort of bull. She moved faster dragging Hartley along.

"What? Do hear the beast? See the beast?" Hartley asked with fear and Bobbi kept her moving fast. "Just keep moving Izzy and we'll be fine. Keep moving."

Hartley heard the snarl and ran faster. Bobbi glanced over her shoulder to see a three headed minotaur running at them, without thinking Bobbi pulled two daggers and sent them both off at the same time blinding one eye on two of the heads. A few minutes later with the minotaur hot on their heels they reached the canal. Bobbi picked up Hartley by the clothes on her back and shoved her out of the opening and into the canal with a big splash only then when the girl was safe did Bobbi turn around to face the beast.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

Coulson lead the way back out only to find the door locked from the outside. No one said a word as Coulson and Melinda exchanged glances then gestured with her head for them to check the other door. That too was locked so Melinda gestured to the front door.

"May we nailed it shut. It's not going to open for us." Coulson pointed out and Melinda chuckled lightly. "It's going to open for me." And to prove her point she lifted her left foot and kicked the door hard shattering the wood that had been nailed to the door as well as snapping the metal lock freeing the doors flinging them open with a deafening bang of metal on stone.

Fresh air rolled over them relieving the heat and stagnant air, up above they heard a loud commotion of swords and angry words. Melinda looked up then turned to Coulson ordering him, "Stay here." Then she flew up out of sight, from the ground Coulson, Hand, Dr. Zabo and Peterson looked up trying to see what was going on. The lack of moon made it impossible to see anything.

"Can you see anything?" Hand asked peering hard into the darkness with great frustration. The fighting up above grew louder when sudden a vampire clothed in stinky rags and no head dropped down from the sky startling them and making them momentarily scatter.

"What the hell!" Peterson exclaimed with disgust. Before he could shake his head several severed body parts fell from the sky and he ran backward to take shelter against the building, his companions quickly followed as more body parts rained down.

"I hope May is alright." Coulson commented cringing from the gore yet concerned for his friend. Hand laughed as she told him, "I bet you a gold coin that May is fine, that she's the one dealing out swift punishment."

"You're on." Coulson replied as a foot came down almost bouncing into them.

The fighting went on until the storm broke with a heavy crack of thunder and heavy rain began washing the gore away. With the rain the fighting stilled, Coulson and the others waited with held breath. And just as the worry was becoming too much Melinda stepped out of the darkness and rain wiping her blade clean.

"It's over. The vampires Ward left behind are dead. I spotted Izzy and Bobbi, they'll be with us in a moment." Melinda said with a non chalant expression that made Coulson laugh under his breath, he pulled out a gold coin and passed it over to Hand who smile giving him a nod as she accepted the coin.

And sure enough a few minutes later a soaked through Hartley and blood covered Bobbi made their way around the building.

"What happened?" Hand asked rushing over to her girlfriend to visibly make sure she was okay. Hartley was quick to tell them, "We walked into a trap."

"What else?" Melinda asked Bobbi and she gave Melinda a loaded look in return. Then jumping in to the conversation Hartley announced, "I think I found something useful."

All eyes turned to Hartley as she pulled out a wax coated piece of cloth that had been carefully folded then stuffed into her pocket, they all watched a she revealed a dry piece of paper. Handing it over to Melinda Hartley commented, "It looked important."

Melinda held the piece of paper closer and her eyes went wide. "Thank you Izzy, you did a great job. This…scrap of paper is very important." Then Melinda turned to Coulson asking him, "How packed are you and your team?"

"We're ready to go. Why?"

"I want you and your team to come with us. I think we could use your help."

"Really? You've never asked for my help before. Of course! Where are we off to?"

"England."

St. Petersburg…that same evening…

Daisy startled awake shocked and stunned to find herself back in her room, instinctively she could feel the moon rising, she knew hours had passed since she was by the river. '

"How did I get here?" Daisy whispered sitting up and looking around. The room was empty; she got out of bed frantically searching around for any clues to how she got back and found nothing, at first. Moving stuff around in her frantic search revealed a single small piece of paper trapped between the leg of the table and the wall. Daisy's heart calmed as she knelt down to retrieve it, holding it up Daisy's heart sped back up when she realized it was a note, from Mack.

You are lucky I had men follow you. You were taken to safety before anyone discovered what we are. I'm disappointed Daisy. You should have told me you kept a day walking amulet. The master will be angry with you and I can't protect you this time.. Rest while you can, we leave tonight. I've left you a snack in my room. Be ready when I return. –Mack

Daisy felt the heavy weight of dread fall over her; she took a deep breath and crumpled the note up with one hand. If Mack had told Ward of the amulet, she would be punished. She might end up in a dungeon, chained up for who knows how long or even worse—defanged. She had been so careful, so precise and exact in her movements. To lose her wits and blacking out over the mental stress caused by one human woman angered Daisy.

"What is wrong with me?" Daisy shouted out loud, than caught herself lowering her voice. "I must be losing my mind. That's the only explanation for this. The only one."

Daisy began to argue with herself as she left her room going next door into Mack's room. After locking the door, she looked for the "snack" Mack left her she found a large sack in the corner hidden behind the bed. Daisy could sense it was a human…female inside and she smiled picking up the bag and setting it on the bed. Daisy opened the bag to see a woman with brown hair huddled with her face buried in her arms, Daisy pulled the bag down and the woman looked up stunning Daisy.

"Jemma!"

"Hi Daisy." Jemma replied looking Daisy in the eyes, she tried to keep things serious but Daisy's wide eyed, mouth open stare was too funny not to at least smile.

"How? What? How did you get here?"

"Your friend stuffed me in a bag and put me here. I'm happy to see you."

" I'm happy to see you too…Wait, you are?" Daisy asked her brain hurt trying to figure this all out while Jemma looked calm and collected, and beautiful in her pale blue dress.

"Yes." Jemma answered and Daisy smiled in reflex then it hit her. "Wait a moment. How did you know Mack was my friend? What's going on Jemma? You know a lot for a human, don't you?"

"I was lost on how I should go about this." Jemma said completely ignoring Daisy's questions. Daisy frowned as Jemma went on. "This time was so different. I thought I failed before I even had the chance…so I prayed. To the Goddess, for insight, for instructions on what to do next, and she answered my prayers. She showed me the way."

"Goddess? What are you talking about Jemma?" Daisy asked unconsciously reaching out and offering her hand to Jemma which she took and stepped off the bed. Jemma held Daisy's hand firmly as she went on. "We could sit here all night talking or I could show you."

"Show me?"

"Yes." Jemma replied pulling back her hair and offering her bare neck to Daisy. "Feed on me Daisy, than you'll know everything you'll need to understand."

"Why are you doing this?" Daisy asked frozen in place unable to move, she was very confused and it literally hurt trying to wrap her mind around it. Jemma smiled sweetly, "Because I love you and you need to know the whole truth."

"I don't want you be like me Jemma." Daisy said helplessly and stumbled forward as Jemma gently pulled her close. "I already am Daisy."

Jemma's eyes changed and Daisy gasped. This changed everything!

Jemma pulled harder and Daisy fell into her arms, Jemma kissed Daisy hard, almost desperately and all of Daisy's hesitations melted away. Daisy kissed Jemma deeply then kissed her way down Jemma's face to her neck before biting Jemma until blood burst into her mouth. The thick heady nectar drowned Daisy's senses overwhelmed her mind and her body. Euphoric sensations rippled through Daisy as she consumed Jemma's blood, the intense pleasure hid the pain caused by her mind expanding. Memories that only poked through in her dreams came rushing back, memories of all her past lives; memories of Jemma—it all came back.

Daisy was lost in the blood, lost in her memories; Jemma set her down carefully on the bed. Heavy footsteps down the hall caught Jemma's attention, she moved to behind the door in a flash, the door was kicked open and Mack came rushing through demanding in a booming voice. "What is going on in my room!"

Jemma moved to kill him for interrupting only the moment Mack took one step into the room he was pulled out by someone shorter than Mack which forced the tall man to bend backward as he arms were pinned to his sides. Mack struggled, "What is going on! Have you come to kill us?"

"Oh calm down big boy. You and your impressive muscular arms are not needed here. I think you should come with me." Fitz said with great mirth as he held Mack in place; Mack kept struggling but it only made Fitz giggle. "You are not interrupting their reunion, understand handsome?"

"Who are you?" Mack asked when he gave up struggling, he turned to look over his shoulder at Fitz. "My name is Fitz and tonight, you're coming with me."

"Are you going to kill me?" Mack bluntly asked and both Fitz and Jemma laughed. Fitz answered, "No. I don't like to kill but if you ruin their reuninon I will kill you slowly and painfully. Understand?"

"Yes." Mack replied giving up. Fitz smiled then nodded to his friend as he dragged Mack off. Jemma grinned, "I'll be right behind you Fitz, see you at the house in a little. Thank you."

"You've both waited long enough. I have a good feeling about this time Jemma. See you at the house." Fitz said giving Jemma one more twinkling smirk before taking off.

Jemma closed the door and pulled up a chair to sit next to the bed. Daisy convulsed a little, her whole body twitched yet Jemma didn't try to stop it, she let Daisy ride through it silently hoping Daisy was strong enough to not snap under the strain of so many past life memories.

Jemma reached out and took Daisy's hand holding it gently she spoke softly. "I should have had more faith in you my love, in us. You asked me to find you and instead you found me. You knew, you had faith in us and I welcomed the darkness again because despite all my power all my strength all my violence, I couldn't stop it. I still lost you, I failed and you still had faith. You are amazing then again you've always been amazing and brave. You know you're still, in all these years, the bravest and strongest person I have ever known. Stronger than me, that I am sure of. I welcomed the darkness, I welcomed death, I welcomed bringing death anything to avenge you and yet none of the lives I've taken made me feel better. Nothing helped but having you back. I confess when they found me and brought me up, I considered it being punished instead of being saved. It felt it I had just lost you, all that time I was buried I wasn't anything. And I wanted to be nothing again then you…"

Jemma felt the tears well up then spill down her face, "You find me. You save me. I always thought it would be your choice to receive the kiss. I know Ward didn't ask you, he's a pushy asshole, he would have just forced it on you probably to get back at me, at Bobbi at you. I'm sorry that it wasn't your choice as it should have been, we will make that asshole pay for taking it away from you."

Daisy's body stilled, she finally seemed peaceful and she squeezed Jemma's hand though she did not open her eyes. Jemma took it as a good sign and kept talking. "You know this room, it reminds me of the room at Fitz's house, where we spent our night together. The room smelled clean, we smelled of musk and Rose petals. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes upon, in truth you were the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes upon, I was yours the first time I our gazes met. I've always been yours."

Jemma raised Daisy's hand kissing the back of Daisy's hand a few times. "I followed you to the museum. I saw you collapse, I rushed to you but those human men…I was so sloppy, you should be mad at how sloppy I was. Those human men reached you before I did, I didn't notice them until they were in front of me. I didn't want to cause a scene and they were smart, they put you in a bag then an open cart, I was forced to follow. I overheard your friend talk about how he was going to get you a snack and I couldn't help myself. I followed him and hypnotized him, Mack was more than happy to tell me everything he was so easy, rather eager to turn against Ward. I gave him new instructions and let him bundle me up so I could wait for you. And here we are."

Daisy was still under, how deep Jemma didn't know. Taking a chance Jemma leaned over kissing Daisy upon the lips, Daisy squeezed Jemma's hand in return then began kissing Jemma back. Jemma pulled back eyes open and on Daisy, she opened her eyes with a smile on her lips. "Thank you Jemma. I remember who I am—all of them."

Jemma squealed with happiness and pulled Daisy up into a tight hug then pulled apart enough to kiss Daisy hard on the lips. Daisy grinned into the kiss pulling Jemma down with her upon the bed. They entwined their bodies kissing longer and deeper. Daisy kissed nibbled and licked on Jemma's neck while whispering, "I knew you would find me my love. I'm sorry I ran away."

"It's okay, I knew I pushed you too fast. I was impatient, I'm sorry for that." Jemma replied with a serious expression. Daisy smiled sweetly and with total love as she replied, "I heard what you said when you thought I was out of it. Thank you for not killing Mack. He may be Ward's man but he still has a good heart and good soul."

"I know, I saw it too when I made him confess everything. Did you hear everything I said?" Jemma asked with a hesitant expression and Daisy's smile grew as she nodded her head then she grew serious as she asked. "Jemma, what happened after I died."

As her memories rose up so did the tears and yet Jemma didn't hesitate or faulter as she told Daisy the truth, the whole truth and when she was finished it was Daisy who was crying.

"I'm sorry Daisy, I didn't mean to make you cry." Jemma said in a gentle voice her arms wrapped around Daisy who had her face pressed to the crook of Jemma' neck. "It's not you Jemma that has brought tears to my eyes, it's finally feeling like I was always meant to be a vampire. I was always meant to be at your side—forever. And now because of that terrible, horrible man I can be. For the first time since I was turned, I'm happy that I'm a vampire. The choice may not have been mine but it would have been once I found you again."

"And if you allow me, I can give the strength to survive any retaliation he might bring." Jemma stated pulling away so she could see Daisy's eyes. "What do you mean Jemma?"

"For a few days I want you to feed solely off of me. I am…too old to be harmed by the sun, too old to feel the effects of silver or garlic or wolfsbane. I am too old to be harmed by fire or even a sharp blade."

"How do you know that Jemma?" Daisy asked with a dark look in her eyes, Jemma couldn't hold her gaze and turned away as she confessed. "When I was alone after being brought up I tried for three days to end my life. The Goddess had other plans."

Daisy burst into tears, she clutched Jemma sobbing hard drenching Jemma's dress in tears of blood. Jemma held Daisy tight rubbing soothing circles on her back while whispering "I'm sorry" over and over and over again. Eventually Daisy calmed and when she did she asked one question. "Are you going to leave me Jemma?"

Without hesitation or second guessing Jemma answered quickly and vehemently, "NO!"

Daisy let go of Jemma to look her in the eyes as Jemma told her with conviction. "I thought I'd never see you again. I was wrong. I've been wrong many times over all these years. In Pompeii when I lost you…again…I was hallow on the inside. I was nothing, felt nothing, I was a shell ready to crumble and blow away on the wind. Which is why I thought I was already gone, I thought my purgatory was punishment for my failures. I don't think that anymore. I think I was put on hold to await for you to come back. I am only on this earth for you. And as long as you'll have me I will fight to be at your side, to be with you—forever."

"Do you really mean that?"

"Yes I do Daisy."

"Then let's go." Daisy declared standing up and offering her hand to Jemma who took it and allowed herself to be pulled up to her feet. "Where are we going Daisy?"

"Outside where we can be alone."

"I know a place."

"Take me."

Jemma picked Daisy up bridal style and used her powers to open the window. She spread her wings and took off carrying Daisy back to the house, the flight over St. Petersburg was quick and the city looked magical in the moonlight. They made it the house, Jemma could feel only a handful of vampires on hand besides Fitz and his guest. They would be left alone and they were safe, Jemma couldn't ask for more.

"This is the house I told you about, we will be alone here. Will you give me a moment to retrieve a blanket for us, I won't have you lay on the gravel of the roof." Jemma asked and Daisy nodded yes, she had the biggest smile on her face and it seemed to be immovable. Jemma pulled Daisy into a quick kiss then used her speed to race downstairs to retrieve three thick blankets and return just as quick.

Jemma couldn't stop smiling as she laid out the blankets creating a soft makeshift bed for them. Once it was ready Jemma reached out taking Daisy's hand and led her to the bed.

"I love you so much Jemma. You are my heart and my soul." Daisy declared pulling Jemma in for a long deep kiss that left Jemma breathless. "I love you too Daisy, I will always love you no matter what form we take. Our love will always bind us together."

Daisy kissed Jemma softly, exploring with her tongue as she slowly undressed Jemma kissing each section of exposed skin making Jemma giggle softly as goosebumps rose up all over. When Jemma was nude Daisy took a step back to admire her love in the low moonlight.

"You are so beautiful. I thought it was just my dreams of you but no…you are a goddess."

Jemma smiled shyly then silently gestured for Daisy to undress and Daisy did with a big happy smile on her lips. Until she was mostly undressed when suddenly Daisy grew shy and a look of hestation played across her face.

"What's wrong Daisy?" Jemma asked moving closer only to have Daisy take a step back. With a look of shame Daisy admitted, "I'm not the same as I used to be Jemma."

"What do you mean?"

"My body…it's not the same. I have…scars from when I was turned. Scars I can't get rid of." Daisy admitted with two red tears streaking down her face. Jemma smiled warmly and pulled Daisy into a light embrace as she assured her. "The scars don't matter, you are still beautiful, you are still the most beautiful woman I have ever seen and you always will be. May I see?"

Still uncertain Daisy removed the last of her clothing and let Jemma see all of her in the moonlight. Jemma saw the scars right away, they marred both of Daisy's wrists and ankles, they were all over Daisy's stomach and hips and Jemma knew without asking exactly what Ward had done to Daisy. He tied her up and tortured her while she went through the change, and he did it to make her ugly, he did it to take away her beauty.

"He failed."

"What?" Daisy asked trembling in fear of rejection. Jemma looked up her eyes locked with Daisy's as she stated firmly. "Ward did that to you to take away your beauty; he saw it as your power and he wanted to take it away from you. He failed because you are perfect."

Daisy broke down crying and Jemma closed the distance wrapping her up in a tight embrace as she whispered to Daisy, "You are perfect in every way."

No more words were spoken, Daisy kissed Jemma and they slowly fell to their makeshift bed and made love under the moonlight.

Hours later the sun began to rise with both women in a blissful half slumber wrapped around each other. When the new morning sun peaked over the mountains Daisy sat up in a rushed panic. "The sun! The sun! Jemma we have to get inside."

"Calm down Daisy; it's okay." Jemma assured her with an easy smile as she leaned over reaching for their discarded clothes picking through it. She retrieved the daywalker amulet then presented it to Daisy. "I think this is yours."

Daisy took it with a big grin and slipped it on her wrist. "Did you know?"

"I could feel how young you were, I knew you were using something just not what. Mack told me what you two are in town for and I figured it out myself, smart to take one for yourself."

"Thank you Jemma."

"I was impressed by what Mack told me about you. How you've made a name for yourself. How you've cultivated this reputation." Jemma said with a smile and Daisy blushing a little as she interrupted, "I wouldn't go that far."

"No, it's impressive. You must tell me more." Jemma insisted with an eager grin.

"Really?" Daisy asked hesitant and a little shy, Jemma's smile grew bigger as she insisted. "Yes, you must tell me everything. Leave nothing out."

"Can I ask you questions too?"

"Of course, you can ask me anything."

"I love you Jemma."

"I love you too Daisy."

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

That afternoon a rider in a mask approached the estate at full speed. The guards moved into position to intercept the rider only to for the rider to reveal his face, one they recognized and the rider was let in. The messenger rode up to the front doors where the head servant met them, a sealed message was passed on and the servant rushed it upstairs to Lord Fitz.

Fitz was lounging naked in bed with his new plaything, a vampire introduced only as Mack. After knocking politely to announce himself the servant rushed the message in presenting it to Fitz on a brass platter. "Sir a sealed message arrived by rider a moment ago."

"Thank you Royce." Fitz replied taking the message and sitting up. Reading it quickly Fitz grew alarmed and got up from the bed to pace naked. Mack was immediately worried. "What's wrong? Do I have to go back? I don't want to go back Fitz. I like it here with you."

"It's not that Mack. It's something else. Stay here but get dressed. I have a feeling we'll traveling very soon." Fitz stated quickly grabbing a robe wrapping it around his body as he rushed out of the room.

When Jemma was brought up from the ground Fitz was alarmed and dismayed to find he could not feel or sense his friend any longer. He had used his ability to sense Jemma to locate her which had saved him and her too many times to count. However, when Jemma returned to the house with Daisy Fitz was shocked to be able to feel it. Or to be more precise he felt Jemma's supreme happiness. At first Fitz didn't know what it was, it felt different, strange and almost surreal. It felt like when he was human and he stood in the sun, Jemma's joy felt like warm sunshine on the skin.

Fitz could feel Jemma's joy like happy music filling a large hall, all he had to do was follow it to its source. He found Jemma and Daisy lounging in the large bath, one of the few touches Fitz always insisted on when buying a new home. Modern tubs were simply too small for his taste. The bath was located in a small hall with large fire places on the north and south end to keep the hall comfortably warm no matter the season. Fitz stood at the doorway and cleared his throat loudly earning a light giggle from Daisy.

"Please come in Fitz." Jemma called out with a light jovial tone. Fitz looked up walking in to see both women in the bath looking very happy. Fitz hated that he had to break the good mood with his news. A frown settled on his face as he bluntly told them. "I hate to dampen the joyful mood but I received word from Melinda. We're all needed in England."

"We'll be ready in three hours." Jemma replied with a firm nod. Daisy smiled at Fitz, "It's good to see you again Fitz."

"You have your memories?" Fitz asked very surprised and Daisy nodded yes with a big smile. It was infectious Fitz smiled back, "It's good to see you too Daisy. More than you'll ever know. Welcome home."

Daisy smile was from ear to ear, "Thank you Fitz. It's really good to be home."

"I am sorry Daisy, this is not the homecoming we have planned. I wish I could put the other business on hold but you know Ward, he's always been impatient." Fitz commented walking over to kneel at the edge. Jemma let Daisy go to swim over to where Fitz was kneeling. "Let me see the letter."

Fitz hand it over and Jemma read it quickly growing angry as she did. Daisy watched this and asked Fitz, "Where's Mack?"

"My room."

"Did you?" Daisy asked with a smirk and one eye brow raised and seeing that expression delighted Fitz to no end. "Have sex with him yes. And I made sure to take the hypnotism off him first. Mack will be joining our family of his own free will."

"I always knew you were smooth Fitz but seducing Mack in one night—I'm impressed. I've had a feeling about Mack for a while, seen his eyes wander a few too many times. I'm happy you found each other. And who knew you had such a particular type."

"What? Big strong and handsome?" Fitz asked and Daisy nodded yes with big happy smile. They both laughed.

"Fucking Ward, he's always messing up my plans." Jemma commented with a frustrated sigh. Daisy swam over to her wrapping her arms around Jemma and pressing the side of her face to the bare skin of Jemma's back. Fitz watched in amazement as all the anger in Jemma slipped away at Daisy's touch. Jemma closed her eyes leaning into Daisy's touch, she took a deep breath and announced. "Fine. We sail to London."

They were packed and in the carriage within a few hours. They bought a ship in St. Petersburg's and sailed it with their own crew through the Baltic and up through Denmark passing by Copenhagen and Helsingborg before reaching the North Sea. Jemma made sure the weather was to their favor the whole way, yet she remained below deck with Daisy for the duration of the trip to enjoy what little alone time they had before they had to get their hands dirty again. Fitz oversaw the crew at night while Mack kept him entertained during the day.

They made great time until they reach England, the weather turned into constant raging storms that was not Jemma's doing and yet it didn't feel natural at all.

"That bastard is behind this nasty weather, I'm sure of it No matter! We'll get past whatever he throws at us. A little wind and rain isn't going to slow us down." Jemma declared after glowering at the dark storm over their head pounding away on their ship. However by the early morning hours their ship was run aground off Whitley Bay just outside of Newcastle. Jemma and Fitz with the help of Daisy saved the crew from drowning and managed to get everyone on shore safely. Mack remained cloaked to shield himself from the sun and into shelter while Fitz went off to procure the proper carriages they needed. And by that afternoon they were on the road heading south for London.

Six days later….

"I can't believe we've only a third of the way. This is going to take forever and I thought the roads in France were bad." Daisy huffed frustrated she turned to Jemma asking. "Can't we just fly?"

"You wouldn't be able to keep up love. I'm sorry but this pace is best for all of us." Jemma replied sweetly then added with a sympathetic smile. "We're actually making great time and the carriage is very comfortable compared to the saddle. Don't you think?"

"I'm sorry if I'm being impatient." Daisy said with a defeated sigh. Mack gave her a sympathetic smile offering, "At least this time as go through the countryside we can actually enjoy it."

"That is true." Daisy replied with faraway disgusted look. Fitz and Jemma both gave her an odd look and Mack explained. "To meet Ward's deadlines we had to push the horses hard and then run if they couldn't keep up. It was rare when we traveled at a normal pace. It never gave us any time to enjoy the places we were in."

"Ugh, the more I hear about him the more it proves he's just a huge asshole. Is there anything nice or pleasant about him at all?" Fitz asked and Mack shook his head no which made Daisy burst out laughing. Jemma shook her head with a frown as she mumbled under her breath, "Figures."

"Jemma, we're getting close to Leeds. I think we can make the city by morning. We need to get fresh horses and feed. It's been too long for the young ones. They're not looking too human anymore." Fitz commented with a knowing look and Jemma nodded understanding. She tried to keep in mind it was more than just those in the carriage with her, they had a dozen young vampires with them as their protection. Not that Jemma thought they needed it, however Melinda insisted. And Jemma knew they'd be no good in a fight if they were hungry.

"Okay we stop in the city for the day. Get everyone fed and rested then we'll get back on the road." Jemma stated and Fitz relayed the orders to everyone else.

The weather remained stormy, wet and muddy making their progress very slow. Still they made Leeds by morning reaching the outskirts just before dawn. Forced to take whatever lodging they could find, Fitz threw money at a local inn keeper for rooms and fresh horses. And when the inn keeper informed him that he only had two rooms available because his other two rooms were occupied. Fitz threw even more money at him giving the inn keeper the incentive to kick the other occupants out which he did immediately. Two merchants carrying their clothes and bags still in their sleep clothes were angry as they were escorted out however when they spotted the large party of armed soldiers they shut up and quickly made their exit.

Fitz took care of getting the party settled in for the day while Jemma and Daisy took a room for a moment of privacy.

"It's okay Daisy. Really it's okay."

"Jemma, you haven't fed since I joined you. How are you not starving? It's been weeks."

"Daisy, I'm….really old. I don't need to feed like I used to. In fact I'm not sure if I ever need to feed again. I didn't the entire time I was underground and I've only fed twice since then. You can't judge yourself by what I do." Jemma stated giving Daisy a longing look and pulled the younger woman into her arms to lay sweet kisses along the side of Daisy's face.

"Okay?"

"Okay."

"Here." Jemma offered pulling back her hair and offering her neck to Daisy. However the young woman was hesitant. "Are you sure? I don't want to drain you and leave you weak Jemma."

"You won't I promise and the more you drink the stronger you'll be. And if I need to eat later I'll find a suitable piece of meat to feed on."

"You promise?"

"Yes I promise."

Daisy relented and leaned in letting her teeth emerge, she felt her hunger rise up. Feeding from Jemma was unlike anything she had experienced before, rather like the most expensive wine in world only better. It was as if she was drinking heaven itself, the euphoria was transcendent and it made her feel so much closer to Jemma. It was the one thing that made Daisy think that this last life, her current life, despite all that happened to get her to this moment, that maybe this was her best one yet. She was closer than ever with Jemma and now that they had eternity to be together. Drinking from Jemma until she felt drunk, Daisy let go and fell back. Jemma's blood was sweeter and more intoxicating than any drug and Daisy was still getting used to it effects. After a few minutes the overwhelming waves of ecstasy calmed and she felt in total control again.

"Can we go out today?" Daisy asked sitting up and looking at Jemma who had been watching her with a sweet happy content smile. "Yes. Want to explore the city? I've never been to Leeds before."

"I passed through with Mack. Didn't get the chance to see any of it."

"We'll fix that today. Grab you cloak, we'll go now." Jemma replied standing up grabbing her coat.

They had decided back at the Estate that dressing as men would simply make traveling easier and did not bother to pack any dresses for this trip. Jemma helped Daisy to her feet and get her coat on before helping her "put on" her facial hair and Daisy did the same for Jemma. Once their disguise was in place they went out finding Fitz and Mack talking quietly over a map in the corner of the inn. They nodded to the couple as they left.

Out in the new morning, Daisy and Jemma got to watch the city wake up. As they walked the streets they passed by homes and businesses that spoke of a growing city. Jemma took them to a high vantage point so they could take in the whole city and Daisy reached out for Jemma's hand as she commented. "The more I travel, the more I see. This will be a grand city one day. I can feel the change in the air even if they cannot."

Jemma smiled widely she was impressed by Daisy's perception. "Not many would noticed that Daisy. Most would look too closely and miss that air you spoke of. I have seen many places rise and fall. I marvel at how much the world has changed, so many innovations, so many discoveries and yet underneath people are still people so the cycles that dictated human existence remains."

Daisy nodded in agreement then as her eyes drifted over the city to the land beyond her face fell growing serious. "Jemma, can I ask you a question?"

"You can ask me anything you know that."

"I do but this is…somewhat different."

"Okay, ask."

"What do you want to do after we've taken our revenge on Ward?"

"I don't know. I honestly haven't thought that far." Jemma replied with a contemplative shrug.

Daisy took a deep breath before confessing. "This life…as Daisy. It hasn't been that long, I mean it doesn't feel like I've lived that long. Technically I was older when I was Chloe. Younger when I was Skye and I can literally feel both of them inside of me, like different aspects of me, different sides to my personality. Yet this life already feels so long, as if I've lived centuries instead of years. It wasn't like that before. I mean before Ward turned me. Before Ward I thought Boston was the center of the world and after…the world seemed so small. Ward and his minions had put their tainted touch on everything, nothing was pure anymore. Nothing was free of their shadow."

Daisy paused as red tears welled up, she looked up to blink them back. After another deep breath she continued. "I began to believe everything was tainted, everything was dirty and foul. That there was no hope, not for me and not for the world. I began to weaken, I began to wonder what it would be like to let go, become the monster that I saw in everyone else. Ward and the others seemed to enjoy it, why not me too? I tried, I picked an innocent and tried to be ruthless. I bit a child and then I realized what I was doing and let him go. I couldn't do it, I couldn't be the monster. I changed. I only ate when I had to and never to kill. I thought if I was to be condemned to live eternally in purgatory I might as well get used to it. And I did, until you. Jemma you changed everything. And now…I've finally found you, I remember everything and yet I feel more lost now than I ever have before. "

When Daisy fell silent, her eyes off in the distance Jemma let go of Daisy's hand to wrap an arm around Daisy's shoulders. "May I make a confession?"

Daisy nodded yes and Jemma stated with a heavy sigh, "I am a vampire Daisy. One of the first in this world. I chose this fate. I did it for revenge, I did it because without you I was totally lost, already dead inside, there was nothing left but a great void of darkness. And when the Goddess promised me that I could get you back my choice was clear. I embraced the darkness completely. You never asked about Qattara, and I never told offered. Would you like to know now?"

Daisy looked frightened yet nodded yes.

"I killed anyone who got in my way. I turned Melinda to make sure of the process before turning Fitz than Bobbi. I wanted to save them from the destruction I was going to reign down upon the city. Everyone involved was killed, our fathers, our family members, our king. I left the city in ruin. Not completely destroyed, I left the poor and the children alive to pick up the pieces. Qattara could have been like one the grand cities, like Rome, eternal but I destroyed it and the city and its people never fully recovered. And after…I had a taste for death. I liked it. I never shied away from what we are, what we became that night and for long time I thought my only salvation was to wallow in it."

"What do you mean by wallow in it?"

"I mean for more centuries than I care to admit, I reveled in death and destruction. I killed without remorse and without mercy. The only ones I would not touch were children and pregnant women; however once they were of age or the baby was born…Everywhere I went I brought death, leaving a path of grief and pain behind me."

Daisy had forgotten the view, her focus was solely on Jemma and the anguish she saw in Jemma's eyes. So much pain and regret she had to ask, "You weren't like that when you found me in Pompeii. What happened?"

Jemma released Daisy and stepped away, red tears filled her eyes and emotion swelled inside her as memories rushed to the surface overwhelming her.

"This was the time I began to grow the "family" Bobbi, Fitz and Melinda didn't agree at first. We didn't have luck keeping those we created in line and I decided I wanted an army. I wanted an unstoppable force to control, to help me ravish the world and keep it underfoot. Those I turned were horrible people, brutal, savage and full of lust for death and destruction. Together we destroyed town's villages, even whole families. I wanted to build an empire of death and I came close. I had amassed a huge cache of gold, wealthier than anyone could fathom in that time. I tried to grow the family too fast, spread myself too thin. I pushed us north and got caught in a bad winter halfway to our destination. I forced them to push on, I lost more than half the army, not enough food or heat, many froze in place then when the sun came up they burned. Those who were left were starving. We attacked the closest town, only they had suffered worse than us. The region was at war all the men of the town were gone, left to fight leaving only women, children and the old. I couldn't control my people, against my orders they drank everyone dry. It was when I walked among the bodies that…" Heavy tears spilled down Jemma's cheeks.

"That's when I saw a young woman in the snow, she was still clutching a small child to her chest both were dead with savage wounds covering their bodies. The young woman had your face. I was so shocked, so startled to see your face again. I stopped and picked the girl up and held her in my arms for a whole night. I had not allowed myself to think of you after Qattara, I was afraid of the emotions and thoughts that would come with thoughts of you. Only then in that moment I was helpless against them, they washed over me drowning me in what I had done, what I had become. I thought of nothing but you the whole night and I was deeply ashamed. I had let the darkness devour me and you reminded me I could be more than a monster. I wanted to die and be punished for all that I had done. And when the sun came up, I stayed out in the open to let the sun wash over me and end my torment."

"What happened?"

"My body fled the sun's harmful light, I dug down into the earth and buried myself. Where I stayed until summer. When I dug myself out I was myself again. I had regained the perspective I had lost in my transformation. I returned to my family and killed all those who I made except for Fitz, Bobbi and Melinda. I began again, this time building a family who would honor the ideal we both had when we were human. I set out new rules and personally enforced them until Pompeii."

"What rules?"

"Rules like no innocents, no children and no pregnant women, I called it my "Ethical eating plan"."

"Why is that ethical?"

"I never liked feeding off the weak. Those who prey on their brothers and sisters have always proved to be much more entertaining when fed upon. Makes the hunt interesting. Another rule was no more turning humanities worst. Only those worthy to stand beside me would be turned. Immortality should remain the gift it was always meant to be. That's why Ward's betrayal was able to do so much damage in Pompeii. The rules were only part of it. I no longer wanted to destroy the world, instead I wanted to help it thrive. And we did, we have. Fitz and Bobbi and Melinda kept my dream alive so much so I'm not needed anymore."

"How can you say that Jemma? You're their leader, technically you're their master. How can the Master not be needed anymore?"

"Because it's true. They don't need me, they haven't needed me since Pompeii. In my absence they found their own way. So I am left to my own devices and I'm not sure what I want my future to be anymore. You were always my goal and now that we've found each other? Well you'll have to tell me what the next step is."

"You want me to decide?"

"Yes."

"I don't know if I can."

"Why not?"

"Because I'm confused about what I want beyond you."

"Then take your time while you think about it. There's no rush, we're immortal, we have all the time in the world."

"But first we take care of Ward?" Daisy asked to be certain and Jemma smiled reassuringly. "Yes, first we take care of Ward."

Daisy smirked at the thought of finally getting proper revenge on the man who tortured her and her love for so long. A bird flew by momentarily blocking out the sun, it caught her attention and she raised her eyes only to squint in the bright sunlight Memories of being Skye floated up and she smiled then giggled softly.

"What?" Jemma asked curious to what caused that sweet smile on her loves lips.

"Being in the sun, makes me feel rather human. I didn't think that was possible after Ward."

"You want to do something humans love to do?" Jemma asked with a growing happy grin, one that Daisy could not help but mirror as she answered. "Sure. What do you have in mind?"

Jemma took off her cloak and in a flourish of cloth laid it down on the wood of the platform they were standing on. "Sex in the sun. You up for it?"

Daisy grinned as she burst out laughing. The happiness in Jemma's eyes told Daisy her love was not jesting, and Daisy asked. "What if someone comes up and discovers us?"

"They won't. I had to break the lock to get through that gate. I'm certain we'll left alone to our own devices at least for a few hours."

"Okay." Daisy replied with a big happy grin as she quickly shed her clothes leaving just the day walking amulet on. Jemma was quick to follow Daisy's lead.

OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo

At sunset Daisy and Jemma finally made their way back to the inn. They had explored the city and surrounding area which included finding all the great hidden spots to have impromptu sex. Which was why they were in the southern section of the city heading north when a great ruckus outside of town caught their attention. Jemma heard it first, a great crash of wood animals and men. At first Jemma didn't know what to make of it yet was very curious. She used her speed to climb a building to give herself better view of the road south of the city.

"Daisy! Up here now!" Jemma ordered and Daisy was at her side in a moment, Jemma pointed to the road and Daisy's eyes went wide. "By god is that a battle?"

Jemma squinted in the dimming light and caught sight of a familiar face, she straighten up and took a deep breath through her nose confirming what her eyes had told her. "That's our people down there fighting what I can only assume to be Ward's men."

Daisy turned to Jemma with a pleading expression, "Can we go join in?"

"Yes, I think we should." Jemma said with a smile and a nod. They took off at an inhuman speed out of the city and down the road heading south. The closer they got the louder the battle became. Smoke from burning carriages and spent gun powder filled their sensitive nostrils and clouded the air in a human made fog. Jemma could sense human and vampire alike tangled in a fight to the death. Impatient Jemma transformed flying up above the fog to see everything clearly.

In one long moment Jemma did a quick count then flew back to Daisy's side. "Ward's got thirty humans working for him, fifteen vampires and one two headed Minotaur."

"And our side?"

"Bobbi and Melinda along with a half dozen of our people seem to working with six humans."

"Do they need our help?"

"I don't think they would mind if we lent a hand." Jemma said with a myschevious grin. Jemma rushed in with Daisy right behind her.

Of all the time they had spent together, they had not discussed fighting skills. Jemma suddenly realized this and stopped to ask Daisy a question only to catch Daisy pulling one of Ward's vampire's off one of the humans' working with Melinda and Bobbi and snapping the vampires neck with such smooth efficiency it made Jemma pause and admire it. The human, a young woman dressed in men's riding pants looked very surprised and shocked to have been rescued by Daisy.

"Thank you." The human woman said and Daisy smiled. "You're welcome but we're not done yet."

Daisy offered her hand to the young woman helping her up and they rushed back into the fray. Knowing Daisy would be just fine Jemma focused on the battle and quickly realized the newly released double headed Minotaur was slaughtering their vampires. Bobbi, Melinda and the humans with them pushed back Ward's human and vampire force but monstrous Minotaur was tearing through their people like paper dolls.

Jemma transformed flying over to the beast approaching him from behind then reaching around tearing out each massive throat coating Melinda with the beast's blood.

"Jemma!" Melinda exclaimed with excitement. "You're here! Thank you."

"Any time Melinda." Jemma replied with a sweet smile.

With the beast dead they were able to deal with the remaining humans and vampires on Ward's side slowly taking them out one by one. Soon there were a handful of clusters of bare knuckles brawling. Ward's vampires didn't want to give up and the humans with Melinda and Bobbi assistance were holding their own against the superior strength.

Daisy saw a black man and a white man struggling with a half transformed vampire of Wards, Daisy recognized the ugly vampire. His name was Curtis, he was once a rapist and thief until he met Ward and stepped up his vicious tendencies. Daisy grimaced and launched herself at Curtis stopping the vampire from harming the two men and pulling him away.

"It's the master's whore. What are you doing? You're fighting on the wrong side!" Curtis sneered at Daisy who answered with a hard expression. "No I'm finally on the right side. And I was never Ward's whore, you lowlife scum!"

Curtis hissed at Daisy attacking her with his claws out, she met him full force with her own and they struggled with each other. The two human men she saved blinked and caught their breath as the realization they were still alive pumped through them. They both turned still kneeling to see the two vampires fight.

"I'm much older than you whore. You cannot best me, and I'm going to punish you for betraying our master!" Curtis hissed trying to choke Daisy out and Daisy let out a harsh bitter laugh. "You may be older than me dog! But only because of your asshole master. I am stronger than you and I'll prove it."

And to make her point Daisy hissed and lunged closer using her sharp fangs to tear out Curtis's throat. Black blood coated her face and neck as she held him firm as the last bit of life twitched out of him. Once he was dead she let his body drop to the ground and spit out the blood and flesh that had gotten in her mouth.

"Daisy?"

The familiar male voice called out to her and her head snapped toward him. She recognized that voice. Forgetting all about the battle Daisy turned toward the man with a hopeful expression. "Father?"

"Daisy…is it really you?" Daisy could hear the fear in her father's voice. She smiled weakly and nodded. "Yes Father its really me."

"Oh god Daisy! I never thought I'd see you again!"

"Father!" Daisy called out to her father and he opened his arm with tears of happiness in his eyes. She didn't hesitate as she rushed into his arms hugging him fiercely.

The other human with him stared with wide eyes. "Cal that's your daughter?"

"Yes, I have my baby back! I prayed and fought for so long I had to think this day would never come." Dr. Zabo exclaimed tears of happiness falling down his face. Daisy hugged her father tightly, "I've missed you so much Father. I 'm so sorry you had to go so far to find me. And I'm sorry our reunion is like this. You should not have to see me like this. This was not the reunion I was hoping for."

Daisy tried to wipe away the blood as she gently pulled away but her father stopped her. "It's okay Daisy. I know you were turned. Tell me, how did you get here? How did you free yourself from that bastard? Are you with these good vampires?"

"I am and I am free of that bastard. There is so much to tell you Father. So much has happened. " Daisy said with joy as she kept one arm around her father. He nodded adding, "I would so say so. We both have a lot to share."

"This is your father?" Jemma asked politely interrupting as she walked over, her hands and mouth coated in drying blood. Daisy's smiled widened even more as she joyfully made introductions. "Father this is Jemma, the most important person in my life, Jemma this is my father Dr. Calvin Zabo."

Jemma smiled and offered her blood caked hand, "It's wonderful to finally meet you Dr. Zabo your daughter has told me all about you."

"You're a vampire too?" Dr. Zabo asked and Jemma smiled as her father took Jemma's hand shaking it firmly. Melinda walked over emerging from the smoke fog. "Oh good. I was hoping you two would find each other. It is beyond wonderful to see your face again Chloe."

"It's really great to see you too Melinda. In this life it's Daisy."

Melinda smiled and nodded offering a warriors handshake, "How about I call you friend."

"I'd like that Melinda." Daisy replied beaming with happiness.

"You two know each other?" Dr. Zabo asked and Triplet who had been slow to rise to his feet asked with wide eyed disbelief. "You all know each other don't you?"

Melinda laughed with amusement, her eyes twinkled with joy and mirth that made everyone else smile. And with a flirtatious smirk Melinda replied, "Oh yes, and not only do we know each other our history is long."

"Wow." Triplett replied with a heavy breath making all three vampires laugh. Daisy grinned adding, "Not to worry, all will come to light when the fighting is done this night."

The answer seemed to satisfy both human men, they nodded and turned their sights to the fighting going on around them when the clamor of battle faded. The fog of smoke thinned then cleared revealing a road and surrounding field filled with burning carriages and dead bodies. Only the screams of one vampire broke the silence drawing everyone's attention.

"Oh don't act that hurts that much. For someone as old as you I would expect more." Bobbi sneered at Bakshi who she had pinned to the ground with two swords. He was struggling and whimpering at the pain through threats of revenge; suddenly he noticed he was the only one left and his tune changed. "I don't want to die. I'll talk if you give me your word I can walk away."

"You think you can ask for anything Bakshi? Have you finally lost your mind? You knew we were coming, you had all the time the Goddess has allowed. Now it's time play your last role." Bobbi stated with a dangerous smirk that made Bakshi cower despite his wounds. Everyone gathered around, Bobbi noticed Jemma out of the corner of her eye and glanced up. Shock and joy washed over Bobbi as she immediately bounced up and over Bakshi to give a leaping hug to Daisy. "Chloe!"

Daisy caught Bobbi in her arms hugging her back while laughing with happiness. "Hi Bobbi, it's great to see you. This time around my name is Daisy."

"Anything you want beautiful. I'm just so happy to see you!" Bobbi declared looking over to Jemma and add, "Let me correct that, I'm so happy for you both. It's about damn time. Though I was shocked to learn you'd already crossed over. Ugh, Ward is such an asshole."

Daisy laughed and nodded in agreement. "I'm glad I found Jemma, we've waited long enough. And I'm so happy to be back with my family."

Bobbi let Daisy go and wrapped her left arm around Daisy leading her over to Bakshi. "Now that you're here, I'll going to allow you the pleasure of working Bakshi for information."

"Really? Bobbi that's so sweet. Thank you." Daisy replied locking eyes with Bakshi, he turned away mumbling. "I knew this was going to bite us in the ass. Doomed right from the start."

Daisy walked over to Bakshi and kicked him lightly in the side making his body push on the swords. Bakshi screamed. Daisy smiled as she admitted, "I have all my memories now. Not only do I remember who I am, I remember who you are too. You're not walking away from this but I'll make it faster than you deserve if you tell us what we want to know."

Bakshi fell quiet, his eyes on the ground as he thought it all over for a long moment. Finally he looked up to Daisy and nodded yes. "Ward went back to the Master, back to Carfax Abbey."

"Carfax Abbey? I don't know that place and I know all of Ward's places. Where is Carfax Abbey?" Daisy demanded and Bakshi fell silent. Daisy reached out gripping the right side sword by the hilt and twisted the blade in a wide circle until Bakshi broke. "Alright! Alright! Just stop! Please. Carfax Abbey is in Kilnsea south of Easington. You can't miss it. Ward put the Master there when we travel, I was the only one allowed to know."

"Why?" Daisy demanded with a kick to one of the swords making him grimace and whimper.

"Ward was building a second army to protect the Master." Bakshi replied with a painful breath. Daisy looked up sharing silent meaningful looks with Jemma who took over announcing. "Good to know, at least it'll make fun. Any last words rat?"

"I hope the Master kills you slowly."

Jemma sneered at Bakshi then walked over raised her foot up then slammed it down upon Bakshi's head crushing it. Bakshi twitched for a long moment then stilled. Daisy pulled one of the swords free then used the blade to sever what was left of Bakshi's head from his body then tossed the blade back to Bobbi. No one spoke, everyone stared at the couple with a distrubled expression on their face. When Jemma noticed it she laughed heartily making Daisy smile and chuckle.

"Dare I ask what that one did?" Coulson asked Melinda and she smirked as she answered. "Oh I'm sure if you sit next to your friend Dr. Zabo you'll hear the whole story."

"Did he deserve it?" Coulson asked and Melinda chuckled as she nodded yes adding, "He got off easy."

"Let's clean up and get back to the inn. I want to catch up properly with everyone before we push on." Jemma announced and everyone moved into action.

Their dead was gathered first and put on to their own funeral pyre before lighting it ablaze. Bobbi and Melinda both said words about the fallen to pay their respects then they all moved on to gather up and destroy the other bodies. Once the area was clear the mood lightened as they gathered and got into the last remaining horse and wagon and introductions were made all around. The humans clustered around Coulson who kept close to Melinda out of habit, they seemed hesitant to be so friendly with the other vampires however Coulson's ease and unwavering loyalty to Melinda gave them incentive to try harder to be friendly and to accept that these vampires would not harm them. The ride back to Leeds was quiet at first then slowly dissolved into constant conversation between humans and vampires. Bobbi sat up front with Jemma and Daisy who had offered to drive so that everyone else could talk.

They took their time returning to the inn, it was past the witching hour when they finally arrived. Fitz came out to greet them at the stables behind the inn, when he saw Bobbi sitting with Jemma and Daisy he announced. "I had a feeling tonight would turn into a celebration, it's a good thing I prepared."

"We have humans with us, did you prepare for that too?" Jemma asked with a knowing smirk and Fitz laughed. "Actually, yes I did."

"How did you know Fitz?" Daisy asked her happiness shone bright through her eyes and wide smile.

"I never give up my secrets Daisy, you should know that." Fitz answered with a dismissive shrug of his shoulders. Jemma burst out laughing and leaned over to her girlfriend telling her. "That means he's totally making shit up. Sssush don't let on that we know."

"I heard you Jemma. And it's not bullshit." Fitz interrupted defensively and Jemma only laughed more. They lead the wagon into the barn, and Triplett offered to tend to the horse while everyone went inside. Fitz introduced himself with amusement, and when he was introduced to Coulson he added. "I know you don't remember, you just a small child then but we have met before. I was with Melinda when she found you."

"You're the one that wrote me all those encouraging letters while I was in school. You're F." Coulson replied with shock and happy awe. Fitz offered his hand and Coulson took it eagerly shaking it hard. "It is very nice to finally meet you. Your letters and Melinda's occasional visits were the only thing that kept me going. Thank you."

"You're welcome Philip. I'm happy to see the fine man you've grown into." Fitz replied then led the way inside the inn.

"Where's the inn keeper?" Jemma asked suspiciously as they entered the main room. The inn's main room had been rearranged as if for a gathering yet the human owner was nowhere in sight.

"I gave him the night off and sent him to stay at his brothers across town. We have the inn to ourselves. And in anticipation of our human guests not only have I procured fresh food for us, but fresh food for them as well." Fitz announced with a pleased smile and Jemma grinned slapping him on the back. "Now you've surprised me. Good job Fitz."

"You are welcome Jemma." Fitz replied then took over as host, first showing the vampires the kitchen where he had three men, each deadly criminals, had been strung up with spigots in their necks for easy refiling. Then Fitz showed Coulson and his team the table next the small bar that had been laid out with a bounty of food, fresh bread, good cheese, smoked meats and even fresh fruit. "And don't forget I've managed to scrounge up several bottles of what I'm told is good red wine. Enjoy."

The vampires took turns in the back filling their warmed cups with fresh blood while the humans filled their plates and uncorked three bottles of wine. Jemma, Daisy, Melinda and Bobbi all took a moment to properly clean up while a bucket of clean water and a few clean rags were passed over to Coulson and his team. Mack stuck to Fitz's side helping where he could, he was relieved no one called him out on his sudden switch of loyalties.

Once everyone was appropriately cleaned up and settled in with some sort of refreshment Daisy and Jemma sat down with Dr. Zabo so they could explain what was going on. Jemma and Daisy sat on one side of the table with Bobbi on Daisy's right and Fitz on Jemma's left. Melinda never sat down, she watched everyone while constantly moving around as did Mack who remained somewhat close to Fitz standing just behind quietly watching. Dr. Zabo sat directly across from the couple with Coulson to his left and Triplett to his right. Peterson sat on Triplett's right while Hand and Hartley sat on Coulson's left. They all patiently waited for Jemma or Daisy to begin. The couple turned to each other sharing a moment of silent communication before Jemma nodded. "I'll start first. Dr. Zabo…"

"Please call me Cal." Dr. Zabo politely interrupted and Jemma smiled as she replied, "Alright but only if you afford me the same courtesy and call me Jemma."

Dr. Zabo nodded and Jemma continued. "Cal you know I am a vampire. What only four people in this room are aware of is that I'm actually one of the first vampires. I was born three thousand two hundred and sixty five years ago in the tiny city of Qattara in what you would know as ancient Mesopotamia. I was the daughter of a nobleman who worked for the king."

The room quickly fell silent when it was realized who was speaking and what they were speaking about. Whispers of "The Master's origins!" were spread and everyone wanted to know. Jemma kept her attention to Dr. Zabo and spoke frankly about her human life and the event that changed everything. There were whispers all around at every new revelation, that Bobbi was once Jemma's body servant and that Fitz was once a simple poor gardener. Everyone hung on Jemma's words as her story unfolded, how life was back then, what role her family played in the cities politics. How the attack from the kings enemies led to her meeting Skye and how Fitz saved them both.

"I fell in love with her the moment I laid eyes upon her. My fate was sealed." Jemma said with a sweet smile and Daisy reached out to take her hand and nod in agreement.

"I'm sorry Jemma. I don't understand, you knew Daisy back when you were human?" Dr. Zabo asked with a confused expression and Daisy answered. "Actually Father, I was known as Skye back then. And yes, I was the daughter of a nobleman who also served the King. Our families fought and when we were found together we were taken to the king, disowned by both our parents then sentenced to death all because we love each other and I wouldn't lie about it."

Every human in the room's mouth fell open in shock. Even the vampires around them showed shock with their wide surprised eyes.

"Skye was so brave." Jemma stated as red tears welled up. Daisy handed her a clean rag to dab the tears with and Jemma continued leaving nothing out as she recounted what happened that day, that night and everything else that followed. It brought tears to most who were listening.

As Jemma continued, she didn't hide that she had embraced her darkness but she didn't go into details either only mentioning her development and adherence to "ethical eating". Instead she skipped over going straight to Pompeii. By this point Jemma only made mention of what it was called and what it was.

"I didn't know it was possible but the Goddess promised. I should have had more faith. Skye was reborn, probably many times over until our paths crossed again. That's what reincarnation is, the same soul being born again and again."

"But how does she remember all that she does?" Dr. Zabo asked leaning in as was Coulson and Hand.

"That is the gift of the Goddess, she made sure I could remember." Daisy replied then smiled adding. "She came to me in dreams and gave me what I had lost."

Jemma picked up the narration starting with her return to the estate and giving a brief summary of what everyone else was doing and what they were all getting ready for. Jemma delicately explained how she felt about slavery and what her reputation was in Pompeii before going into how she "ran into" Chloe. Daisy picked up where she could with Jemma filling in the other details. Then when it came to the eruption, Melinda, Fitz and Bobbi all helped filling in the details of what happened. Bobbi was the last one to see Jemma alive and when she went into what happened, Dr. Zabo was silently sobbing. Everyone had tears in their eyes, sniffles and quiet sobs gently echoed around the room, everyone was emotional, everyone but Jemma and Daisy.

Jemma turned to Daisy admitting, "I wanted to die that day, I couldn't go on without you but as we know, the Goddess had other plans."

Fitz picked up the narration. "Jemma was buried in the eruption and she remained in the ground until this year when we finally were able to dig her up. Losing her for so long, was more than we could bare. Frankly we almost didn't survive, only our determination to find a way to bring her back kept us going."

This time they all took turns talking, Dr. Zabo shared Daisy's beginning all the way up to her abduction then Daisy took over telling her father and the others in brutal detail what it was like to be sired by Ward and how she fought against him in the only way she could, by disobeying vague orders and forcing Ward to be very specific with her.

"I never knew why Ward or his Master tolerated my insubordination so much only that for whatever reason they wouldn't kill me." Daisy commented only for Mack to add. "I always wondered why too, now I know. He was keeping you around to use against her. I'm glad his plan failed, most of what he did, made me do never sat well with me. Never."

"That's why you're with me now, in our family we eat ethically." Fitz stated getting up to give Mack a hug and everyone chuckled at the "eat ethically" comment. Then Mack looked down at Fitz asking softly, "What would have happened if I hadn't fallen so fast for you?"

"I would have hypnotized you and kept you out of the way until we were done. I would have let Daisy chose your fate since she presumably knew you best." Fitz answered honestly and surprise from those listening rippled through the room.

"Ward would have killed me immediately. Why save me?"

"You have a good soul." Fitz answered simply. Mack frowned, "But, how did you know I have a good soul. The first time we met was when you stopped me from interrupting Jemma and Daisy."

"No, actually I met you when Jemma picked you up and questioned you. Jemma always had a good sense of character and I followed her lead."

"Really?" Mack was shocked. And Fitz smiled lovingly at Mack, "You resisted the hypnotism and headed back and got a hell of a head start on me. You gave me gave me the excuse to hold on to you a little longer. You're so much more fun when it's really you."

"You could have done anything to me."

"I only harm those who try to harm me first. I was never one for bloodlust. And willing and eager has always been a thousand times better than forced and mindless." Fitz answered with a casual shrug and Mack smiled wide and leaned down kissing Fitz on the lips. "That's why I fell for you right away. You're so honorable, and so handsome."

Fitz smiled wide and hugged Mack tight.

They all kept talking until the tale was told and everyone knew the full truth. Dr. Zabo was in tears, he had a hard time coming to grips with all the torment and pain his daughter had lived through in her various reincarnations. Coulson was shocked to learn so much and to have what he considered, "All the proof he needed" that not all vampires, (not all monsters) were inherently evil some were just stuck with what life threw at them.

The serious mood dissipated dissolving into joyful party. The humans in the room grew comfortable with their vampire companions and eventually spread out breaking into smaller groups of humans and vampires as dice and cards were brought out and fun games were begun. Laughter and lively conversation filled the air and Jemma stepped out through the back to get some fresh air. And for one moment Jemma was alone with her thoughts, it had been a long day and an even longer night and oddly she felt rather emotionally spent. Then it dawned on Jemma, besides Chloe, she had never fully shared her life story with anyone until this night. It was freeing.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Coulson politely asked standing at the back door yet still inside. Jemma didn't answer, she nodded yes and Coulson stepped out to stand next to her.

"I know it was for Cal's benefit but you allowed me and my team to listen in and frankly it opened my eyes to so much. And I was always curious about Melinda's origin, she never spoke of it."

"Melinda's not one to talk about herself, she had never has." Jemma commented with a knowing smile.

"May I ask a question?"

"Go ahead."

"Is Daisy really that good at getting information?"

"You should ask Mack but I would say yes, from what I've seen she's better at gathering information than anyone I've ever known."

"Wow. Just from your age alone I know that must mean quiet a lot." Coulson replied with an impressed look and a nod of his head.

"My turn to ask a question."

"Okay."

"What are you thinking about? I can see the little cogs of your mind spinning behind your eyes." Jemma asked him bluntly and he smiled chuckling. "Am I that obvious?"

Jemma nodded yes and he sighed asking. "To be honest I was only going to ask Melinda but now that, well, all has been revealed I'd be a fool not to ask all of you. What are plans for after you destroy Ward and his hive? Because I don't have a doubt in my mind Ward will not last the fight when you find him."

"Actually I'm not sure Philip, I was going to let Daisy decide. Why? What were you thinking?" Jemma asked curious.

"I belong to an organization, called SDHS, Secret Defenders of Humanity Society which has been around for a little over three centuries." Coulson began and Jemma smirked. "Yes I know that sounds like nothing compared to someone who has lived for over thirty two centuries but the work they do actually makes a difference. If I wasn't sure of that, I never would have pledged myself to their service."

"So what are you asking, be blunt Philip."

"The SDHS have become too narrow minded in their approach. They have become frightened of what we know, and in their fear they've adopted an all or nothing mindset; and it causes them to make bad decisions regarding those who live in the dark. Mistakes have been made and I carry them with me every day. I was hoping to convince you, Daisy and the others to not join the SDHS but to assist me in a more hands on approach. I think your contribution to our work would ensure our success. I don't want any more innocents to die."

"So, you're more than a monster hunter?"

"Yes. I protect the weak, the innocent; those who cannot protect themselves. I can tell the difference unfortunately not many in the organization see eye to eye with me on this topic. I'm not afraid of the dark of what lives in it as I'm not afraid of asking for help. I need your help. Please, think it over. To have someone of Daisy's abilities combined with the knowledge and skill you and Fitz, Melinda and Bobbi have…my head spins at the possibility of all the good we could do together."

The idea intrigued Jemma, she nodded as she said. "I'll think about it and I'll bring it up to the others once Ward is out of the way. Are you sure you still want to come with us? You don't have to. Now, I'd be lying if I said I couldn't use your help; but I don't want you to do it unless your hearts in it."

"My hearts in it." Coulson replied with a smile and a nod of his head. They went back inside rejoining the party. Jemma was amazed by what she saw, human and vampire enjoying each other's company without fear, it went a long way to convincing her that an arrangement between herself and Coulson could actually work. The revelry went on until mid-morning when Jemma ordered everyone to get some sleep letting them know that they would travel at nightfall. Everyone piled in the rooms to sleep, Coulson and his team was put into one room together. Jemma sent Fitz and Mack (who Daisy had lent her day-walker amulet to) to acquire covered wagons and horses before laying down with Daisy for a few hours. Jemma didn't need to sleep, she just wanted some alone time with her love.

That afternoon as the sun began to set, everyone woke and gathered in the main room. Fresh warm blood was provided to the vampires while a feast of food was laid out for Coulson's team. Dr. Zabo ate while chatting happily with his daughter, he was convincing her to lend her skills to their cause and Daisy was warming up to the idea quickly. Peterson and Triplett sat with Fitz grilling him with questions about his inventions, both men were science minded and what Fitz knew set their imaginations on fire. Hand and Hartley sat with Melinda and Bobbi and discussed hand to hand fighting techniques. Jemma took a seat next to Coulson and went over a map he had procured of Carfax Abbey and the nearby town of Kilsea to plan out their attack. Coulson was shocked and very honored Jemma wanted his input on the plan.

After sunset as it grew dark everyone gathered by the stables and together they left Leeds heading east to Kilsea. The roads were dry and they made good time pushing the horses at a fast steady pace all night long. They stopped at dawn to eat and rest the horses; when they pushed on Coulson's team took over driving the wagons so the younger vampires could hide from the sun. They stopped again at midday to eat and rest the horses, their hard push made a difference, they reached Kilsea an hour after sunset.

As they passed through the small town Coulson got directions to Carfax Abbey and he was warned to stay away, told that the devil lived at Carfax Abbey. Coulson thanked them for the warning and kept their group moving forward. They caught sight of the Abbey an hour later.

Up above the sky was inky black, the moon was hidden by a thick bank of clouds and thunder rumbled in the distance. Carfax Abbey was located at the tip of land far out into the North Sea, built upon sand and rock the abbey was surrounded by the sea on three sides constantly battered by heavy wind and rain. There was only one approach to the abbey from the North where there were no shrubs no trees or large rocks. They would be seen immediately.

Jemma ordered them to stop and got off her horse. They all could smell the salt water all they could hear the crash of waves upon the shore. A storm was coming it was only a matter of time before it hit. Jemma turned to the others telling them. "Get your weapons ready, he'll know we're coming as soon as he sees us. It's going to get ugly fast. Be prepared."

Everyone pulled their weapons out and got ready for the fight. Coulson and Dr. Zabo spoke quietly off to the side for a long moment then both men approached Jemma. Coulson was blunt. "I'm not sure how much we can really help but we'll try. Tell us where you want us."

"Philip, Cal let's be clear. What you're going to see this night no other normal human person has ever witnessed…a battle to the death between old powerful vampires. It's going to get ugly and you're going to see all of us at our worst. If you can handle this, if you don't run screaming or turn mad we'll join you in your quest to save innocents. Come on lets join the others, I don't want to have to repeat myself."

Coulson and Dr. Zabo both nodded and they all joined the group behind the covered wagons. Jemma made brief eye contact with everyone as they fell silent, she was to the point. "Ward and his master Shmidt know we're coming. They are expecting us and will do everything within their power to stop us. We'll go in under Daisy and Mack's lead they'll be presenting us as gifts to get us past the initial guards. Hopefully it'll be enough to get us inside. The first wave in will be Bobbi, Melinda, Fitz, Daisy and myself. Second wave in will be Coulson and your team. Mack I need you to stay with the rest to catch anyone who gets past us. If they fight you kill them and show no mercy."

"You want us to kill everyone?" Mack asked looking sick. Jemma was not sympathetic, "If they give up and join us they can live. Otherwise cut them down, I don't want anyone stabbed in the back for being merciful."

Mack nodded sadly in understanding.

They left the other wagons and climbed into the lead wagon with Mack driving. Bobbi, Melinda, Fitz, Daisy and Jemma were on horseback, when they began moving they pulled their riding cloaks down over their faces and rode in at a normal pace with an unmasked Daisy leading the way. They couldn't hide their smell but the fact that they had Coulson and his team with them Jemma hoped it would be enough to convince the guards that Daisy and Mack were bringing something special for the master.

The ride in was nerve wracking and Daisy had to concentrate to keep her face neutral. They traveled down the road toward the abbey as the weather took a turn for the worse, the wind picked up and the rain began to fall in a stinging blanket. Flashes of lightning illuminated the crumbling abbey and the raging North Sea behind it. Memories of her childhood rose up, the first real storm she ever witnessed was on the boat to Boston, Daisy had never seen so much lightning, so much thunder and such heavy rain yet it was the massive walls of water that rose up and fell that frightened her the most. Daisy remembered that fear, and that fear made her apprehension in that moment rise up so much it choked her. She tried to swallow it down, she tried to ignore it but the intense fear only gripped her tighter. A loud clash of thunder overhead startled her she jumped in the saddle and had to clamp down harder on the reins to keep the horse from bolting. Then her memories from her life as Skye rose up, her life as Chloe rose up and Daisy remembered her strength. It was enough for Daisy to push down the fear and focus on the task at hand.

With a hard rather bored expression on her face Daisy approached the iron gate that was the official entrance to Carfax Abbey. The rusted broken gate was attached to a low stone wall, it spoke of grandeur of the abbey that had long past. Two hooded sentries stepped out of the shadows to challenge Daisy. "Identify yourself."

"It's Daisy you fool. Don't your eyes work?"

"Daisy? Sorry Daisy I didn't recognize you, this weather is horrible, I hope it passes quickly. Who else do you have with you Daisy?"

"I've got Mack with me and a few stragglers we picked up on the way. Did you know those Tri-Clan fangs rats have ramped up their attacks on us? They've been hitting our watcher groups left and right. We've picked up those managed to escape alive. Unfortunately there weren't many. We've been dogging them since St. Petersburg. We did however manage to find a special gift for the Master that might make up for how tardy I am. Anything I should know going in?"

The sentinel shook his head no then stopped to add, "Ward is on edge, step careful with him."

"When is Ward not on edge? He's the definition of being on edge." Daisy joked and the sentinel laughed as he opened the gate for Daisy and waved her through. Daisy nodded to him as she kicked her horse into motion leading the procession through the open yard and into the abbey, where a makeshift stable had been set up.

Daisy lead them all inside and out of the worst of the weather, though the abbey's roof was missing in many places and entire walls were missing it did shield them from the rain for the most part. Which unfortunately required them to pull back their hoods as had the dozen other vampires milling about the interior had done. Daisy knew she couldn't take her group in further without raising suspicion so she climbed off her horse and tried to buy time. Everyone followed suit, they got off their horses and tied them to the wall. Mack pulled the wagon inside but no one stepped out of the wagon and Mack took his time getting off the wagon and taking care of the horse.

Their ruse only lasted a few moments, Arnim Zola a slimly little man who never left the Master's side came out ordering everyone to be on alert. When Zola spotted Daisy he grimaced and stomped over. "Where have you been? The Master has needed you and you were nowhere to be found. Where were you? Why did you not send word Daisy? When Ward sees you, you'll have hell to pay."

Daisy didn't take the bait from the little angry man she sighed and walked over to him. "I didn't know about this place and Mack ate from a dying woman, he was sick for days. I had to wait until he was better to get the location from him, by that point I thought it best to just travel myself instead of sending word."

Zola glowered at her, suddenly he noticed the large group with her and he frowned as he demanded. "Who did you bring with you?"

"Some friends I picked up on the way." Daisy replied trying to distract Zola. It didn't work.

"Identify yourselves or I'm calling the dogs." Zola demanded. Daisy stared him in the eyes and bit down on the first three things that rose up in her mind, she finally settled for. "You're so petty Arnim. What's your problem with me?"

"You don't follow orders. You're dangerous Daisy. I don't know why the Master tolerated you at all. Now tell them to take their hoods off and identify themselves."

Daisy glowered at him and over her shoulder they pulled their hoods back revealing themselves. Zola's eyes went wide he began backing up step by step and he shouted in a panic. "Release the dogs! We're under attack! Release the dogs we're under attack!"

"Shit!" Daisy mumbled lunging for Zola only to have the little slimy man slip away deeper inside the abbey. Daisy rushed after him only to have three dozen armed hissing vampires rush at her, she had never met these vampires before so knew she couldn't talk her way out of this one. Behind the throng of attacking vampires were a dozen rabid two headed Minotaur's along with two dozen naked bald rabid half turned vampires which were nothing more than mindless killing machines . Daisy cursed again backing up when she felt Jemma at her back; her love kissed her on the cheek then stepped in front of her as Ward's army pushed forward.

In the back Mack pulled back the flaps on the wagon and everyone poured out ready to fight. Mack sighed heavily as he watched the battle unfold, he moved to the main doors closing and locking them before picking up a crossbow along with extra bolts. Up in front Bobbi Melinda and Fitz flanked Jemma and Daisy armed with swords, crossbows and packs of liquid silver. They met Ward's army head on slaughtering any foolish enough to attack them by transforming into their fearsome bat forms. They carried a sword in one hand a loaded crossbow in the other and used their massive wings to beat back there enemies along with using the massive talons on their feet to tear apart those who got too close.

Together the five cut a swatch through Ward's army of waves and waves of attacking heavily armed vampires to the Minotaur's coming up behind. And just when they thought they were through they were almost overwhelmed by the rabid crazed vampires rushing them from all directions, there seemed to be no end to them. The situation was dire. The Minotaur's were hard to take down, it took brute strength to snap there massive necks to kill them while the crazed vampires were weak in flesh and unable to transform yet still managed to be a nuisance and slowed their progress to almost a standstill. Eventually Jemma pushed through creating a small path that Daisy, Bobbi and Fitz used to follow as new sound drew their attention, a single ringing bell of alarm began ringing again and again off deep inside the abbey. Jemma pushed past them to reach the hall with Daisy, Fitz and Bobbi a step behind her.

Right behind them were Coulson and his team, they were heavily armed crack shots taking down vampire after attacking vampire. They all used heavy duty crossbows with silver tips bolts, and each person carried six or seven belts of extra bolts around their shoulders keeping the waves of heavily armed vampires back. And when they got too close they used their swords with blades dipped in silver to cut them down. They tried to follow Jemma only three dozen more armed vampires poured in from the hall Jemma and the others had just escaped down. Coulson and his team stayed behind with Melinda. She was the only one who could face the Minotaur's, she stayed in her bat form tearing slashing and stabbing each beast until they were dead. Melinda was busy taking the Minotaur's down one by one while Coulson and his team took out everything else. Soon their swords were coated and dripping in blood, so much it made the hilts slick and bodies piled up until they were tripping over them. And every time they thought the flow of new vampires to kill had stopped more poured out of that hall. It was a fight to the death and they knew it.

Through every door, past every turn through the ruined abbey Jemma and the others encountered a different double headed minotaur, each one more frenzied and armored than the one before making it harder and harder to kill them. They took turns taking it one two at a time and when they reached back of the abbey where the altar was located they found themselves in an empty room. Outside they could hear the storm furiously battering the stone walls and what was left of the roof.

"Where did all those vampires and minotaur's come from? They had to have come from somewhere?" Bobbi asked through gritted teeth, she transformed back into her human appearance and ran around the room looking for a hidden door. Fitz and Daisy soon followed transforming back and running in all directions.

Jemma stood there breathing and silently thinking as she transformed back into her human appearance. Jemma saw the altar and walked over to it, all the holy icons had long been removed; she walked around it and noticed a flat piece of wood on the floor partially covering up something black. Then a wind blew and the scent of wet earth, dust and something old tickled her nose. Jemma leaned down and picked up the board pushing it back revealing a hidden staircase in the floor.

"Over here!" Jemma called out and in an instant everyone was at her side. "They came from down below. I knew it couldn't be this easy."

"Do we need a torch?" Fitz asked Jemma and she shook her head no. "Let's see if there eyes work as well as ours."

Bobbi snorted through her nose in amusement then motioned to Jemma to lead the way. Jemma went down first followed by Daisy then Fitz with Bobbi bringing up the rear after pausing to pull the board back into place and rigging it with a small bell to let them know if anyone followed.

The crudely carved stairs lead down a steep incline deep into the earth eventually leading into a natural cavern. The air was stagnant and hot, they could smell smoke, tar, burning human flesh and feces. Daisy was appalled by the smell and Fitz and Bobbi shared a loaded look that Jemma caught she frowned nodding in agreement. Daisy didn't understand and stopped Jemma to ask. "What?"

"That smell," Jemma began in a low whisper. "Is the smell of a lair. The smell of a real monster one so horrible that it would frighten even the most hardened vampires. It's death."

Daisy gulped and nodded looking appropriately frightened. Jemma leaned in gently grabbing Daisy's hand, looking her love in the eyes she said. "It's nothing to worry about. We got this, none of us are going to get hurt, I promise. You trust me?"

"With my soul." Daisy replied tightening her grip on Jemma's hand. Jemma gave her a warm confident smile. "Then focus on what we'll finally be getting."

"What's that?"

"Payback."

Daisy's smile returned as did her confidence, she nodded to Jemma giving Jemma's hand one more squeeze then let go to take a better grip on her weapons a sword and a dagger each already coated in blood. They continued down the stairs at a slow steady pace, Jemma was five steps ahead of the rest listening with her whole body as they made their way down.

The winding steep staircase pulled them further into the earth. The stench of rot over powered all the other smells and rolled over them like a hot wet blanket, there was no escaping it. They could feel the heat in the air increase; they could see in the pitch black that the stairs were coming to an end and that there was light coming from somewhere. Shattering the silence were muffled shouting, the rattle of chains and screaming. They approached slowly to silence their steps, they reached the bottom and Jemma peeked around the corner.

"Holy fuck!" Jemma whispered her eyes wide which alarmed Bobbi and Fitz. Daisy demanded, "What is it Jemma?"

"Shmidt looks…different, very different. I'm not sure what' going on in there." Jemma answered with a distraught face and Daisy frowned she pushed past Jemma and took a peek herself. Daisy shot backward with a very disturbed confused face and exclaimed in a hard whisper, "Holy shit!"

Bobbi frowned and moved to take a peek and shot back to her spot in the back with wide eyes. Fitz frowned and commented under his breath. "For crying out loud, it can't be that bad."

Fitz moved peeking around the corner and shot back just as the others had now speechless. Bobbi turned to Jemma, "I've never seen anything like it before."

"Neither have I." Jemma replied then added after a big breath. "The plan remains the same. Are you ready?"

Everyone nodded their head and gripped their weapons tight. Jemma lead the charge, she held her head up high and walked in like she owned the place.

The cavern was large with high ceilings, the walls tapered in toward the back drawing all of their eyes to a massive quivering flesh glob the size of three elephants put together. Dotting the room were three massive iron pots filled with what appeared to be pieces of human beings; each pot boiled over three massive fires that filled the space with oppressive heat. Around each pot was a chained group of five people stripped naked and forced to tear pieces of the dead into smaller pieces before adding it to the pot. Other chained naked people were off on the sides using small hatchets to cut apart the recently dead. In the back past the pots was a swarming nest of new vampires each one nude slimly and fighting to suckle off the fleshy blobs teats. Once the teats came into focus they all noticed the thick fleshy tentacles that crept out from under rolls of greasy glistening flesh that reached out licking and sucking on the moving mass of suckling naked vampires.

Jemma walked further in and when the captives in chains noticed suddenly stopping to stare at her in confusion drawing everyone's attention. Daisy, Bobbi and Fitz were a step behind her as the room exploded in hissing shrieks and the naked vampires feeding off the massive fleshly blob attacked. The room prevented Shmidt's vampires from attacking in a solid wall of fury, the pots and captives forced them to break into groups of three to attack. The groups were not large enough to overwhelm Jemma and the others, they simply used their weapons cutting each vampire down pushing their way deeper into the cavern. Nothing seemed to slow their progress.

"Trespassers! You will pay with your life for violating my sanctuary!" A familiar voice hissed at them from behind the massive blob of flesh that quivered with each word.

Jemma decapitated two vampires in front of her and turned toward the voice with a smug look on her face as she taunted. "Is that you Shmidt? Wow you've changed, the years have not been kind to you. The Goddess said you were an abomination and I didn't know what she really meant until now. Seriously Shmidt what happened? You look…mutated. Not a good look on you at all. I say this as a vampire, I'm disgusted."

Shmidt screamed in rage filling the cavern with an ear piercing shriek that made his own vampires cower, Bobbi and Fitz took advantage cutting them down. Shmidt screamed more and the quivering blob of flesh rolled in place revealing even more suckling slimy naked vampires that immediately unlatched and attacked. And Bobbi and Fitz met them head on using the packs of liquid sivler on them to cull the herd before cutting a path through them. Fitz wasn't as talented with a sword as Bobbi was but he was determined and strong, his blade did not waver, his courage remained steadfast.

Jemma ignored the hissing and looked to the mass she assumed was Shmidt. "Enough of your games Shmidt! Come out and face me and Daisy or I will cut you apart bit by flabby bit."

Hysterical laughing from just behind the blob rose above the clamor of the fight. Daisy stepped to stand side by side with Jemma, she shook her head and said with a grimace. "That's Ward's laugh. What the hell is going on?"

The slimly blob of flesh rolled again this time Shmidt's body, what was left of his body rolled into view. The armless and legless stump that was left of Shimdt was being cradled by the mound of quivering flesh. Then Jemma and Daisy saw it, thick fleshy tentacles that protruded from his stumps that connected him to the blob of flesh. Shmidt was hissing at them with such anger, the fleshy blob moved again and the largest tentacle that had seen yet, this one as large as elephants trunk came into view carrying Ward. The massive leech like protrusion was attached to Ward back as laughed hysterically.

"What the fuck." Daisy and Jemma whispered in tandem and both women had to fight the urge to step back.

Ward looked as if he was in having some sort of physical fit, his body twitched on its own, his eyes were rolled to the back of his head and long drips of red drool hung off his lip. The tentacle carried him over to the pair an set him on the floor, revealing the tentacle attached to Wards back through suction and teeth.

With wide shocked eyes Jemma grabbed Daisy and took a step backward. Shmidt hissed at them, "You saved me time by coming to me Jemma. You will never leave this lair alive. You were always a fool Jemma. The Goddess was wrong to choose you over me. I am stronger, I am more powerful and it'll my children who ravage the world. But I should thank you for returning my property to me. Daisy, come here."

Jemma frowned and glanced at her love to see Daisy grimacing and struggling against some unseen force. Jemma tightened her grip on Daisy's hand and Daisy somehow managed to stay put. Feeling triumphant Jemma turned back toward Shmidt and was slammed brutally in the face by a heavy silver coated bat knocking Jemma off her feet and backward.

"Daisy stay put! You will not disobey me again." Shmidt screamed at Daisy and she froze in place. Behind her Jemma had landed on her side, there was a deep cut where Ward at hit her, she was heavily dazed and forgot where she was for a moment. Ward keep the modified bat in his left hand and grabbed Jemma's arm with his right and dragged her over to the massive blob of flesh that was Shmidt.

"Here she is Master." Ward said in a dazed voice, his eyes were still cloudy and he seemed to sway in place. Daisy was frightened, Jemma wasn't supposed to go down like that.

"What wrong with you Ward?" Daisy whispered trying to get his attention, just then a loud flatulence sound erupted from Shmidt's mass of quivering flesh and a visible yellow gas was emitted spreading quickly around the room. Ward let Jemma drop at the edge of the wood tank that held Shmidt's mass then slumped slightly as the yellow gas hit him.

In moments the yellow gas had reached every section of the room and the fighting stopped. Daisy fought the invisible grip over her to twist her neck to see behind her, and gasped. Bobbi and Fitz had succumbed to the gas and were being dragged over to Shmidt. When she turned back Ward was tying Jemma to a thick pole that had been recently put into the ground. In moments Bobbi and Fitz joined her each tied to their own stake by Ward who then turned to her.

"Ward? Ward?"

"Don't bother to try to sway him Daisy, he's completely under my control. He's always been under my sole control." Shmidt said with a sneer, the fleshy mass moved lifting the stump of his body up so that it was level with Daisy's.

"What do you want from me?" Daisy boldly asked looking Smidt in the eyes.

"I want you to kill Jemma. I want you kill her and those two as well. You've defied me enough Daisy. You are my creation, you will do my bidding."

Inside Daisy wouldn't accept that, it was Ward that turned her, Ward that gave her orders, she only seen the Master a few times but from afar. Ward hadn't been able to physically control her so how in the world was Shmidt pulling it off now? Daisy searched her mind and grew frustrated and angry, this wasn't supposed to happen like this! She huffed through her nose and looked down, that's when she noticed something sticking to her leg. And though it took great effort she twisted around to see what it was. "What the fuck!" A tentacle from that disgusting blob of flesh that was Shmidt had snuck it's way under the gore around them to latch onto her calf, it was drinking from her.

Jemma was coming back to life but the yellow gas lingered and she struggled to shake it off while Bobbi and Fitz both looked heavily drugged and were barely conscious. Desperately Daisy looked and around, the naked slimy vampires that had escaped Bobbi and Fitz's wrath were crawling on hands and knees toward Shmidt. Ward was the only one on his feet he stood next to the wood tank that held Shmidt his eyes lost in the distance. Daisy looked down as tears of frustration rose up, she blinked them back shaking her head in disgust at her own weakness, than an idea hit her. Her head snapped back up as she looked at Shmidt calling out, "Master! Master!"

Shmidt looked up and Daisy forced herself to smile. "I have always been your creation and I have always done your bidding and your bidding alone. Please allow me to keep doing your bidding, it is an honor to carry out your orders."

Shmidt stopped, and he looked her up and down. "Why did you resist before? Why did you bring my greatest enemy to my lair? Why did you betray me?"

"Master I did not betray you. I brought your greatest enemy to you to vanquish them once and for all. I resisted Ward, not you. You were the only one I would take orders from because I am devoted to you." Daisy pleaded trying to convince him she spoke truthfully.

"You disappeared with Mack for weeks. What else am I to think?" Shmidt asked in a conversational tone, it gave Daisy glimpses of the man he used to be all those centuries ago. Daisy saw her way in and took it.

"Mack drank from a dying woman, he didn't realize until it was too late. He was sick for days, we had to hide. We lost track of the others and once we found out where everyone was going we took a boat immediately. We ran into your enemies in Leeds, Ward had left a trail a mile wide, he lead them here. I joined to make sure they were not successful. I wanted to help in the only way I could Master." Daisy pleaded and when it seemed as if Shmidt was wavering she added. "May I show you Master? May I show you how devoted I am to you and only you?"

"How?"

"I want to kill your greatest enemy. It will hurt her worse if I do it myself."

"That's a good point." Shmidt replied with a smug smile. "Ward, fetch my arms and legs."

"Yes Master." Ward automatically replied stumbling over to the side where a large wood chest sat. Ward pulled it open and pulled out a set of decaying arms and a set of decaying legs along with a bundled mess of leather straps.

Daisy watched in morbid fascination as Shmidt pulled himself free of the fleshy blob he was attached to, he retracted his tentacles to allow Ward to attach each dead rotting limb to the stumps that were left of his body. When Shmidt was totally free of the fleshy quivering mass, Daisy felt a physical bite into her calf muscle. She quickly glanced down and notice it was weakly hanging on, a moment later it fell off and began slinking back under the earth.

Now free to walk on his own, Shmidt approached Daisy slowly she couldn't help but look the monster up and down. The tentacles that had protruded from the stumps of his limbs had multiplied and attached themselves to the rotting attachments making them move. Behind him Ward was finally snapping out of his haze and when his eyes cleared they locked to Daisy's, she saw fear and worry in his eyes.

"Step forward girl." Shmidt commanded. Daisy did and was relieved when her legs moved on their own again. Shmidt motioned for her to step close and she did trying desperately not to show how disgusted and revolted she was by him.

"Prove to me you are loyal and I'll let you kill her." Shmidt challenged and Daisy thought for a moment. "She's still wearing Lilith's armor, she protected. It's why I couldn't kill her before. But now that she's weakened, I can get close and make her so weak she won't be able to resist when I take it off of her. Then you can kill her any way you like, take your time, make her pay for what she did."

Shmidt nodded and Daisy walked calmly over to Jemma, mentally willing herself not to show any signs of hesitation. The slimy naked vampires on their knees crowded around Shmidt to kiss and lick his feet and legs. Ward stepped forward it was obvious he wanted to say something but one glance at Shmidt kept his mouth shut. Daisy reached Jemma, she could see Jemma's head wound was healing fast and she was fighting the gas. She leaned in toward Jemma and kissed her on the cheek before stepping around to stand to the side and behind Jemma. Daisy leaned in as she reached up pulling back Jemma's long hair revealing her neck. Daisy's teeth came out as she subtly began transforming, she bit into Jemma's neck drinking deep of the thick blood that gushed out filling her mouth.

Jemma's eyes flew open growing wide as she gasped out loud, Daisy held on to Jemma drinking even more. Daisy felt the surge coming and tried not to smile. Over the weeks she had been solely with Jemma Daisy had learned something brand new that when she drank from her love two things would happen. First Daisy would be filled with a surge of energy that lasted a long time. The second thing was that with each drop of Jemma's blood, Daisy became more and more like Jemma growing wings and having the ability to fly. And with this feeding Daisy could feel no lingering remnants of Wards influence over her, she could only feel Jemma inside her.

Daisy let go of Jemma and held on to her love as she transformed all the way growing wings, and flapping them as hard as she could clearing out the yellow gas. Fitz and Bobbi began coughing clearing themselves of the gas. Jemma pulled her hands free of the silver bindings and charged Shmidt transforming into her true form in that split second tackling him to the ground claws out.

Jemma pinned Shmidt to the ground they hissed at screamed at each other, he fought back trying to push her off only his face transforming, his skin turned bright red his eyes sunk in and his teeth elongated just a bit. Jemma made hers grow even lager as she said. "This is the end Shmidt. When I'm done there will no pieces left of you."

"You can try girl but you will never beat me." Shmidt screamed forcing them to roll over and they struggled for dominance.

Bobbi and Fitz broke free of their restraints as the naked slimy vampires rose up to attack Jemma. Bobbi and Fitz leaped off their stakes to jump on clusters of attacking vampires keeping them off and away from Jemma. Once on their feet Bobbi and Fitz used their claws to rip the new vampires apart and tossing the pieces aside, the slimy naked vampires were unable to stop them and began scattering to get away. In the same moment Daisy attacked Ward pushing him away with all her might, he fell toward the quivering mass now twitching fast making its many rolls bounce and jump. Ward didn't see her coming until it was too late and was knocked off balance landing in to the wood vat with the quivering slimy blob of flesh. The fleshy mass reacted violently by swallowing Ward up in is folds.

Daisy watched with revoltion until her focus was pulled away by Jemma and Shmidt rolling around on the floor fighting for dominance. Daisy rushed over to help, she grabbed Shmidt's left hand pinning it down while Jemma pinned down his right. Once he was trapped Jemma yelled for Bobbi and Fitz, they retrieved their weapons from the floor where they had been discarded then rushed over to Jemma. Bobbi quickly dismantled her sword while Fitz did the same to his sword, taking apart the hilt and guard revealing a hiddien vile in the handle. Bobbi handed her vile over first and Jemma used one hand to lift the vile up to her mouth to pull the cork out with her teeth. Then with great glee she grinned as she slowly poured the contents of the vile onto Shmidt's body specifically targeting the connecting tissue to his decaying limbs.

"Do you know what this is Shmidt? Liquid silver, I hope this hurts."

The silver dissolved Shmidts skin like hot water on ice, he struggled not to scream instead he chanted with rage. "This is not the end. I will get my revenge. This is not over!"

Jemma growled pouring all of the first vile's contents onto Shmidt then motioned to Fitz for the other vile. After pouring both viles onto Shmidt Jemma looked to Daisy asking. "Are you ready?"

Daisy nodded yes and they took better hold of the arms they were holding and yanked them free in one fast move. Tossing the limbs aside they moved to the legs and in a silent count of three they tore Shmidt's legs off. Only then did Jemma stand up and look down at Shmidt, now helpless. Daisy wiped her hands on the ground then stood to take her place next to Jemma who told Shmidt. "You took centuries away from Daisy and I. This ends now, you will never rise again Shmidt. You will die in the sesspool you created."

"You can not kill me, I am immortal. Not even the Goddess could kill me." Shmidt taunted but it came off as a weak desperate last ditch attempt. Daisy frowned snapping back. "All your servants are dead, you have no friends, no one who will come to your aid. You will die in this pit and no one will remember you. No one will speak your name. No one will fear you anymore. The Goddess was always on our side, you always meant to fail."

"Fitz, pass Daisy the ax. I'm going to give her the honor." Jemma said her eyes glued to Shmidt's angry face.

"I've been waiting for this moment for so long." Bobbi commented with an excited happy expression. Fitz beamed with joy as he passed Daisy the silver headed ax. Daisy took the tool in both hands, she felt a rush of anticipation as she lifted the ax and readied herself for the swing.

"You will be cursed forever if you strike Daisy. Killing your master will doom you forever!" Shmidt snarled at her and Daisy smiled. "Killing you will set us all free."

And without another word Daisy raised the ax high as Shmidt screamed in rage, Daisy swung hard severing Shmidt's head from his body in one stroke. Bobbi, Fitz and Jemma began clapping. "Bravo! Bravo! Bravo!"

Shmidt's head kept screaming and Jemma reached down picking up the loud head and tossed it into the closest boiling pot immediately silencing the screaming. Bobbi and Fitz picked up the headless torso and tossed it into a different boiling pot. They all took a deep breath as they watched the pot continue to boil then in unision they turned to the vat of quivering flesh.

"What are we going to do with that?" Daisy asked unwilling to get close to it. Jemma shrugged, "Burn it?"

"We burn it. I don't know what Shmidt was doing with, what he was trying to create but there is no way on earth I'm going to let it loose upon the world." Fitz stated as he began looking for something flammable. He found a large spoon used as a paddle for the pots and skimmed some of the fat off the surface. "This will work. Bobbi get a light."

Bobbi picked up a burning log from underneath the closest pot and followed Fitz to the blob of flesh. Fitz poured the human fat on the flesh blob and Bobbi set it ablaze. The quivering mass caught fire almost instantly, the flame spread over it like oil on water. An inhuman shriek emitted from the beast soon followed by one they recognized. Ward climbed out of the burning flesh his whole body on fire.

"Damn it! I thought that thing ate him!" Daisy grumbled as she began searching the ground for the bat Ward had used on Jemma. She found it and rushed back to where Ward was trying to climb out of the vat and clubbed him over the head forcing him back.

"You are never going to bother us again Ward! Never! Never! Never!" Daisy shouted in anger as she beat him back forcing him back into the burning mass of flesh. Heaving in breath Daisy watched Ward sink into the burning flesh. Jemma came up from behind taking the club and tossing it away. "It's time to go love."

Daisy snapped out of her rage induced haze and nodded in agreement. Together the four of them rushed toward the exit and Bobbi stumbled across a wood chest. On a whim Bobbi picked it up and carried it with her out of the cavern. Jemma was the last to leave, she transformed into her bat self and used all her might to knock over one of the pots, the fat immediately caught fire spreading quickly all across the cavern. Jemma rushed out catching up with the others as they reached the top of the staircase.

Up top Melinda was waiting for them with Coulson and his team, they had taken care of all of Shmidt's vampires and bred beasts. Once Jemma was out she ordered, "Fill the hole then burn this place. I want no trace of those bastards left for anyone to find."

"We've got just the thing." Melinda said with a rare smile. She gestured with her ehad to Coulson and his team and they followed her out only to return a few minutes later with barrels of black powder. Melinda asked Jemma, "Will this do?"

"That's perfect. Let's get to work, the sun will be up soon."

Ward had been building a stock pile of weapons, he had over fifty barrels of black powder and boxes of weapons and ammunition. They moved the black powder all around the abbey them used the wicks to create one long one. Coulson and his team rescued all the horses taking them a safe distance away with everyone else soon following. Once it was all in place they stood together as Jemma lit the fuse. They watched it burn all the back to the abbey, a few moments later the first explosion hit then another and another and another. The blasts broke down Carfax Abbeys walls and the fire that followed burned everything, stone included until the flames could be seen from Leeds miles away.

They returned to the wagons then watched Carfax Abbey burn to the ground. At sunrise Coulson and his team added the extra horses to the wagons, had everyone pile in then they began the journey to Kingston upon Hull the closest port they could purchase a ship. Most of Coulson's team had suffered injury though none were life threatening. Coulson, Triplett and Jemma drove reaching the port at sunset. Fitz cleaned himself up then promptly purchased a ship with a crew and by the witching hour they had set sail on the evening tide heading to Amsterdam.

Jemma and Fitz patched up Coulson's team then helped everyone get comfortable for the trip, which depending on the weather would take a few days. Everyone used it as an excuse to rest and relax. Jemma sat down with Daisy, Bobbi, Melinda and Fitz to discuss the next step. Bobbi pulled out the chest she had taken from Shmidt's lair, they opened it to discover his stash of retrieved amulets. They knew it would be helpful in the fight ahead. Once it was agreed upon they invited Mack and Coulson to their meeting.

"So it's unanimous." Jemma announced.

"What is?" Coulson asked confused. Jemma grinned, "I'm keeping my word Philip. We're in, all of us but you must keep us a secret from your organization."

"That's wonderful! And I will, we will. This is amazing." Coulson gushed suddenly very excited. Melinda commented, "We have a lot of details to figure out. And this might not work."

"Are you kidding? With your guys help there's nothing we can't do!" Coulson insisted looking as if he had just been given the best gift ever. Jemma, Daisy and Bobbi laughed. Fitz noticed how quiet Mack was and pulled him aside asking him bluntly. "If you don't' want to be with me you can go your own way. No one will stop you."

"No, I love you Fitz. I want to be with you."

"Then what's wrong Mack?"

"I feel lost. I don't know where I belong." Mack confessed and Fitz pulled the taller muscular man into a tight hug. "You belong with me."

"Are you sure they'll be okay with that?" Mack asked and Melinda turned to him answering for everyone. "Yes, if you can move past your beginning to a new start so can we. What do you say Mack?"

"That'd be great." Mack replied with a wide smile. Bobbi clapped her hands together excited, "Good! Now let's get to the fun stuff. We have a lot of details to figure out. Finally! We're going to have some real fun."

"Let me gather the rest of the team and then we can work all the details." Coulson replied.

Fitz, Mack and Melinda began discussing weapons and secure communication while Bobbi searched for paper and ink to make notes. Jemma and Daisy silently looked around then at each other and Jemma gestured for them to head up to the deck. Daisy nodded and they quietly vacated the small space.

Up topside the sun was beginning to lighten the sky, Jemma wrapped her arm around Daisy and together they walked to the rail to look out at the ocean and all the colors of morning that danced over the water. They stood in silence for a long moment both listening to the lapping of the North Sea against the bow of the ship, it was a rhythmic soothing sound.

"Are we really free Jemma? Is the nightmare really over?" Daisy asked tears welling up in her eyes. With a determined serious look on her face Jemma nodded yes then added, "Nothing is ever going to separate us again. Shmidt and his lackey Ward are gone for good. And even if they managed to survive that, they're trapped forever. And we'll make sure no one ever goes looking."

"I feel like I'm floating. Like the dream isn't real." Daisy said twisting around to throw her arms around Jemma pulling her close. Jemma finally smiled as she wrapped her arms around her love. "Its strange to be so happy. So free after all these years but we did it. We beat all the odds, overcame all those fucking obsicals to finally make our dream come true. I love you Daisy."

"I love you too Jemma."

They fell silent again quietly enjoying each other's embrace. As the silence stretched out Jemma became completely overwhelmed by emotion and began silently weeping.

"What's wrong Jemma? Why are you crying? We won! We finally won." Daisy said gently lifting Jemma's face and wiping the red tears away. Jemma took a deep breath and admitted. "I don't know what to do now. My whole existence has been waiting for you, fighting for you for us. And now it's over. What do we do now?"

"Anything we want. That's the exciting part, we get to do anything we want and this time we get to enjoy it. We've earned it." Daisy said with a smile and a gentle kiss to Jemma's lips.

And as they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes, memories of their first meeting, their first kiss flashed before their eyes, the horror that followed didn't over power the happy memory as it used now their minds skipped ahead to their second meeting and those fleeting moments of happiness. The happy memories gave them hope for the present and for the future. If they could overcome so much alone, together they would be unstoppable.

The End