Chapter 6

Lewis returned to his apartment in a daze. He had sat on his ratty couch and just stared at the dust bunny gathering in the corner, his mind blank and unable to process anything. He must've passed out sometime later because he woke up in the morning with the alarm blaring from the bedroom. He made his way to the bathroom and it was only when the warm water hit his skin that he finally tried to contemplate the events of last night.

He decided to take it one by one so he wouldn't get overwhelmed again. To start with, the fae had finally found him. Fortunately - it seemed - for him, the Dark had gotten to him first.

Second, they didn't want to kill him, at least not until he has decided on the body servant thing.

Third, the body servant thing.

At this point, Lewis brain stuttered and had to be restarted again.

He decided this time to start on something else. First, his feelings about the fae and of going back to them.

His brain struggled valiantly for a full 20 seconds to interpret his tumultuous feelings before it gave up and crashed again.

Okay then. Maybe later after work.

xxx

Third time, Lewis thought, ensconcing himself on the sofa with an emergency bottle of scotch. He had just gotten off from work and headed straight home despite various invites from Bill to hang out.

Maybe he should just stick to the facts for now. What did he know about the body servant bond?

He knew that it was important and a very big deal for the fae, sharing many similarities with the marriage bond: one, that it should be a consensual commitment and two, that those who go through with it have to stay together for a long time - five hundred years - before they could break it.

The particulars of the ritual itself eluded him for the moment but Lewis knew that getting a body servant required enormous trust from both parties. From what he'd gathered - odd trivia pieced together from bits of different research - a body servant was supposed to become almost an extension of the self. The "master" would gain total control of the "servant"; to direct and order as they pleased but - and here was where the consensus entered - the servant themselves would willingly give up the control because they trust their master utterly and give them their full loyalty. As a reward for their service, the servant was given the limited power to compel their master at certain occasions.

This was the part where it became confusing and Lewis (Lauren) hadn't spent much time back then to do additional research. (She had only been interested in the mention of energy transfer and thought that she could somehow do that to revive Nadia.)

So then why did the Morrigan offer it? Lewis wondered, the old distrust resurfacing. There must be a catch. She wouldn't be so reckless with this kind of decision.

And there was the fact that the fae had found him. Somehow, it kept slipping his mind as if that was no longer important. He had escaped them and spent all this time hiding from them but now that they had found him, why wasn't he more concerned? He should be thinking of ways to escape the city.

Lewis paused then, as if waiting for the moment he would lose his cool.

"I should be freaking out," he said out loud, to the empty room. "But I'm not."

It didn't take long to figure it out either. Some part of him had always expected that he would go back to the fae. It didn't matter if Lauren had gotten fed up of everything and had been so tired (so beaten) of that life. She just needed a bit of a break, some time for peace and clarity, to decide what she wanted out of life.

And she (Lewis) still wanted to be with the fae.

He was right last night, when he thought that he would never have a normal life. The fae was already a part of him and he couldn't change that without losing his identity. Which was funny, because he had created a different identity already and yet the fae was still there. He had tried having a normal life and it was okay, but in the end it was only okay.

Lewis sighed. Maybe he would enjoy a fae-filled life this time, now that there was no burden of doing it for a sick girlfriend too. Lewis immediately felt guilty at that thought.

No, he amended. He would always feel guilty. This life was bought with Nadia's blood. Everything he was now and everything he will be in the future, has been because of Nadia's coma and Nadia's death. (Everything about the fae would always equate with Nadia.) As long as the fae was a part of him, he would never be rid of that burden and he would never want to. It was a responsibility that he would gladly carry forever.

xxx

Lewis met with the Morrigan a week later, still troubled with his thoughts. She took one look at him and read it on his face.

"I take it you've made your decision?" the Morrigan asked sarcastically. She was wearing a red dress that clung to her like a second skin, and matching pumps that was high enough to make Lewis fear for her balance. But the Morrigan stalked to him like she was barefoot, all ease and danger and seduction rolled into one. Lewis had to blink a couple of times before he could concentrate. He knew the Morrigan liked to flaunt her appeal but in all the years the he knew her, he was never as affected as he was now. Maybe the Ash provided some kind of barrier?

"I don't have enough information to make the decision," Lewis finally answered. "If you could give me some more to..."

"Oh posh, I think you already know the basics," the Morrigan said, waving a negligent hand. "willing consent and a five hundred year binding contract. Which basically means your whole life." She paused as if to let that statement sink fully. But then a moment later, she continued. "So what'll it be?"

Lewis frowned at that but gave in. "And you're sure about this? You want to tie your life with mine."

The Morrigan rolled her eyes, "Yes and that is my problem. Not yours."

"It will be, once we're bound," he said, slightly confused. "Isn't that how it works? Everything that's mine becomes yours and vice versa?"

The Morrigan gave him a calculating look. "Let's be clear here. I will be the master and you will be the servant. If I say you don't have to worry about it, then you don't have to worry about it."

Lewis returned her look and held it for a few seconds, willing to see the Morrigan's deeper motives. He could only see interest and amusement. Whatever nefarious reasons the Morrigan had for this wasn't easily revealed.

"Okay."

"Okay?" the Morrigan said, beginning to grin.

Lewis nodded.

"Excellent. Let's begin."

xxx

Lewis made a token protest when the Morrigan just proceeded to frog march him straight to her home to "begin" but he knew it was useless. She was the leader of the Dark Fae and he imagined she was just like his old boss: domineering and impatient with the little things. When they said 'jump', one did not say 'maybe later'.

He thought of his job and his friends and how he'd left them all behind. That was actually what kept him busy the whole week - dismantling his 'new life' in preparation for this newer one. The selfish part of him hoped that his friends would remember him fondly, even though he had already abandoned them. He wasn't sure what the Morrigan's policy would be like regarding this life he was leaving behind, but he didn't want to take any chances that she would use anyone who knew him. Having the servant bond meant she didn't need anyone to control him anymore, but Lewis also knew how mercurial fae leaders were in their mood and temper. The Morrigan might hurt someone he knew just because she wanted to hurt him in return.

"You look nervous," the Morrigan commented once they were in the car. She had immediately took on a lounging position and looked decadently lazy.

"Of course I am. Why aren't you?" Lewis asked disbelievingly.

"Isn't it exciting?" she asked in return, her eyes twinkling with glee.

Lewis frowned at her. "Why are you really doing this?"

"Oh that again?" the Morrigan scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, this again. Until you answer me truthfully, I will ask you again and again, Morrigan," Lewis bit out.

The Morrigan gave him a look and held his gaze for a couple of seconds before she gave in. "Fine. I already told you that I wanted you."

"And you could have me, even without doing this. Let's not pretend you can't force me to do your bidding," Lewis rebutted.

"Why do you sound so eager, darling? Do you want me to just... force you?" she flashed him a mocking grin.

"No, of course not. But this way seems too... extreme."

The Morrigan sighed and sort of deflated. The vibes of blatant danger/sexuality she was emitting toned down and she took on a more serious air. "Well, let's just say that this idea would help in ... changing people's perspective on me."

"How?"

"Certain parties have started pressuring me to, hmm..." the Morrigan paused, tapping a finger on her chin. "settle down is the term they're using." She paused again and looked to Lewis. "These parties believe that I am a bit too loose and flighty. Not grounded enough... Which used to be a good thing," she scowled but continued. "But now in this post-Garuda world, bonds have become everything. Family and friends are the important keywords. Reaching out and being part of a cohesive whole. A bunch of shit, if you ask me."

The Morrigan looked really irritated now but Lewis' attention was caught.

A post-Garuda world.

He never really thought about it, beyond the fact that with the dust still settling, he would be a low priority while the new Ash established order again.

"What does that mean, family and bonds?" he blurted out.

The Morrigan looked surprised but answered him readily. "Oh, I forgot you were out of the loop for a while now." She gave an dismissive sigh. "The elders believe that the reason the Garuda was able to sow chaos so easily was because we have become too individualistic. We look to our own interests first and our clan's interest second. More bullshit. Everyone knows the Garuda's powers lie in fear and chaos!"

Lewis let the Morrigan go on with her rant but he privately thought that the elders had a point.

Although he hadn't been able to properly study and document it, back then Lewis (Lauren) had noticed a correlation between the victims of the Garuda's influence and their personal history. Based on the reports gathered, the victims were usually under stress at the time regarding their personal relationships and Lauren thought that it helped the Garuda gain a foothold in their psyche. Heck, just look at Bo and the others when they first faced the Garuda. Dyson had alienated himself from the group, Ciara, broken hearted and Hale, concerned and angry. From what Lauren had heard, Kenzi had been the least affected. She had no doubt that that was because of the girl's absolute trust in the succubus.

(Then what did that say about Nadia? Sure, she had just woken up from a five-year coma and the Garuda had easily exploited her feelings of helplessness but Lauren should have done more, should have been there for her better, should have

"Anyway, that's why I thought about this. The ultimate commitment, see?" the Morrigan said, interrupting his thought.

"It still doesn't explain why this particular 'commitment'."

The Morrigan finally seemed to relax. "And why not? No one has done it in years, centuries maybe. It's antiquated and no one wants to bother. I'll be the only one." She gave him a sly grin. "You'll see. It'll be the next 'cool' thing and everyone will do it again."

"That's it?" Lewis asked disbelievingly. "You're binding yourself to some... stranger, just so you'd look cool?"

The Morrigan shrugged. "You are human, and you're already in your mid-thirties. You only have fifty more years or so left and that's nothing. I could prove my willingness to commit, make a splash while I'm at it and then get to dump you in a couple of years. Well, not dump you dump you, you'll just die," the Morrigan clarified. "Do you see now?"

"Ah. Yes. I see." Unfortunately, Lewis did see it. He was still going to be a pawn, but he'll be a better dressed one. He found himself actually impressed with the strategy.

The Morrigan gave him a satisfied smile.

xxx

It turns out that they weren't actually headed to the Morrigan's home. Lewis emerged from the car and looked around confusedly. They were standing outside of what looked like a factory outlet.

"Where…?"

However, the Morrigan was already walking ahead, leaving Lewis to scramble behind her. She stopped by a door manned by a big guy (Lewis had a second to think that he looked like a bouncer and whether they were going to an underground bar.) who promptly entered a code into the door panel behind him. The Morrigan didn't even miss a beat and continued walking through a couple of hallways before Lewis tried to ask again.

"What is…this?" he faltered.

There in front of him was a full laboratory about the size of a basketball court. There were glass wall partitions but he could see different equipment and furnishings.

The Morrigan gave him a smirk. "I wanted you to see this, in case you changed your mind. I thought we could do the ritual here because it seemed appropriate. After all, this will be your new home."

Lewis was barely listening. He inhaled deeply and closed his eyes for a second as he indulged his senses. It smelled of cleanliness and a hint of chemical; there was a light buzzing, probably from the refrigerator storage he could see nearby; the lighting was neither too harsh nor too soft.

Everything about it screamed a brand new lab.

And this was where he belonged. Not the hospital. (Which was always full of people, noisy and chaotic; where all the cleaning materials in the world could never hide the stink of desperation and fear that lingered everywhere.)

"Finally! You're here," the Morrigan said, interrupting Lewis' not-so-subtle drooling. He turned to see that she was talking to a newcomer, an old man with a white goatee.

"Lady Morrigan, I am honored," the unknown man said. He turned to Lewis and said, "And you must be Dr. Aidan, the Morrigan's servant. I am also pleased to meet you."

"Let's get on with it then," the Morrigan ordered.

"As you wish, my lady."

Again, Lewis felt slightly bewildered, fighting to catch up. The old man led them further into the lab and to a metal table. He began to take out various things from his satchel - two candles and a bowl and some ingredients - and arranged them in an order. Lewis finally recognized the man's role.

He watched him silently then, trying to identify the things that he was pulling out of his bag.

"By the way, I want you to stay this way," the Morrigan said, breaking his concentration.

He looked at her and then at the hand she was using to gesture to him. "I'm sorry?"

"You'll keep this disguise for now," the Morrigan said, smiling at him. "I like it."

"Oh, uhm, okay." Lewis had forgotten about that. He had only thought of going back to the fae and hadn't realized that he could give up his disguise now. But now that the Morrigan had mentioned it, he felt slightly relieved that he could keep being Lewis. (He wasn't sure he was ready to face Lauren yet.)

"We'll keep you secret from the others. I don't want the new Ash to try claiming you," the Morrigan explained. "Even with the bond, this could raise a complication. I don't want to add to recent tensions."

"Someone could still recognize me," Lewis interjected. "Unless you order me to hide forever."

"Yes, well, it'll only be temporary," the Morrigan said, shrugging carelessly. She fell silent for a while before she turned back to him. "Or were you talking about someone specific?" Her tone was teasing but hid a hint of malice.

Lewis faced her head-on. "I was talking about the Light Fae... and Bo if she hadn't joined them yet."

The Morrigan's eyes twinkled, plainly amused at his candor. "No, the succubus is still being difficult, maintaining her neutrality." She gave him a questioning look. "What about you? What were your plans if Bo had found you like this?"

Lewis hesitated. He didn't have any plan because even though he stayed in the city for Bo, he hadn't really wanted to see her. She had both yearned and dreaded the possibility of catching a glimpse of her, but the thought of a full confrontation was too painful to imagine. He didn't know how he could face Bo after everything.

But before he could attempt to answer her, the old man cleared his throat and said, "I'm ready, my Lady."

"About time," the Morrigan said. Her words were dismissive but she couldn't quite hide her excitement too.

The candles were lit and a few herbs were burnt, sending out a cloud of mixed aroma. The old man had closed his eyes, chanting quietly under his breath, and time seemed to still, in deference to the ritual.

When he opened his eyes, he looked to the Morrigan and spoke louder. "Morrigan of the Dark Fae, you are here to swear an oath to take this one as your bond servant?"

"I do," the Morrigan answered.

"Do you swear to cherish your servant, protect them from all harm and give them your guidance?"

"I swear." And then the old man picked up his knife and the Morrigan gave her right hand readily. She didn't even hiss in pain when he cut her palm and only stayed silent as he caught the dripping blood into his bowl.

Lewis was ready when the old man turned to him.

"And you, Lewis Aidan, you are here to swear the same oath to take the Lady as your bond master?"

Suddenly, Lewis found himself in a full panic. His heart was hammering in his chest and his legs had tensed, ready to bolt at any second.

This was it; there was no turning back now.

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He could smell the lab again and it comforted him; even the fumes from the ritual felt familiar.

This was where he belonged; where he wanted to belong.

"I do," he said, opening his eyes to catch the Morrigan's calculating gaze on him.

"And do you swear to obey your master, be loyal to them always and entrust your life to their cause?"

The words fell heavily on his shoulder and Lewis felt the weight of them keenly. But he didn't let himself turn away from the Morrigan and spoke the words firmly.

"I swear."

He gave the man his hand and winced when he gave him a shallow cut. He watched silently as the man combined their blood on the bowl and mix it, before he set it aflame.

"Then I declare you so, master and servant..." he stirred the paste he created and Lewis followed the Morrigan's suit when she gave the old man back her cut hand.

The man smeared the goopy paste on their wounds and brought their hands together.

"...for now and ever more."

"Forevermore," the Morrigan murmured, looking at their clasped hands. Lewis thought that their hands sparked for a second but before he could mention it, a burning sensation emanated from his wound. It startled him enough to drop the Morrigan's hand.

The Morrigan also looked surprised and he figured she was feeling the same burn. The sensation intensified and he couldn't suppress the pained moaned that escaped, clutching at his hand.

Beside him, the Morrigan also hissed in pain and turned murderous eyes towards the old man, "What is happening... ah!"

The painful sensation was now traveling, from his palm to his wrist, burning like acid in his veins.

And then he watched incredulously as a tattoo bloomed on his skin, just inside his wrist. He was still trying to identify the marking when the Morrigan spoke again.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

She had stuck her own wrist out to the old man and Lewis saw that she bore the same mark.

The old man looked apprehensive but answered readily enough. "It is the mark of the bond. You know as well as I, my Lady, that the bonding is different each time. No mark is the same, just as no couple are the same. You are now truly bound to each other."

The Morrigan didn't have a retort for that. Instead, she looked at her wrist in disgust, prompting Lewis to start studying his own mark more carefully.

First he noticed that his wound was healed, although it left a faint scar behind. There was no sign either of that goop, and he thought that was probably where the tattoo came from. As for the mark itself, it didn't look too special. It was faint, like it had faded, and made up of a squiggly sort of pattern that didn't mean anything to him. He knew most of the clan symbols, from either Dark and Light Fae, but this was a new one.

"Let's go." Lewis suddenly heard and he looked up to see the Morrigan striding away, and the old man gone. How long had he been staring at his wrist?

He caught up to her by the hallway and dared to ask, "What happens now?"

The Morrigan barely paused when she reached the door, pushing it forcefully. Outside, the car was waiting for them. She waited until they were both seated before she turned to him.

"Tomorrow, you will report to my office and I will give you a proper tour of the facilities. We'll have to introduce you as well." She paused at that and looked thoughtful. "For now, we'll say that you're from the Old World; from a loyal family of servants, maybe." Lewis furrowed his brow but didn't interrupt.

The Morrigan continued, "I'll probably need to do an official announcement, and present you to the elders too... Ah, well," she waved a hand distractedly, as if shooing an irritating fly and then looked him in the eye. "Come early tomorrow," she said, already turning away as she dismissed him.

And that was that, Lewis realized. He took another quick glance at his wrist. It was done.

A/N: Okay, you're probably a bit confused here as to why Lewis/Lauren decided to join the Dark Fae, but as you can see, he is different from Lauren. So a bit OOC-ness is to be expected. Anyway, more explanations later. Hope you enjoyed the back to back update!