Disclaimer: Lost Girl belongs to Showcase or SYFY and I am only playing in their universe.
The trip across the desert was surreal. The Colonel had taken the wheel with Kenzi riding shot gun. He had started asking questions and Kenzi was more than happy to tell what she knew. Talking had always been her coping mechanism. She used it now to process what she had witnessed. The Colonel listened and could only imagine what Lauren had been through when she was alone with the beast. He gave thanks that the other two had arrived in time to protect her.
The back seat of the truck had been claimed quickly. It was unclear who had pulled who into the back seat but Bo and Lauren were holding each other tight on the narrow bench as the truck traveled along. Both women were using each other's presence as a touch stone to bring their wild emotions under control. Dyson had pulled Tamsin into the truck bed with him and General. He had needed her help with the dog but more than anything he just wanted her close to him. The valkyrie had not argued. What they had all just been through was unsettling and things felt better with a loved one close.
Bo was shaking and Lauren knew that the new vampire bite she had suffered was taking its toll. The addition of more vampire toxin to her system was not a good thing, but the succubus had to be dealing with unwanted memories from her time with the Wanderer too. Lauren wasn't much better. Her encounter with the Malek had just added a whole set of new images for her nightmares to pull from. Once again she had been just that close to death. As if sensing the doctor's unease, Bo's hand gently brushed a strand of hair from Lauren's face and pulled the doctor over for a tender kiss. "I've got you Babe. It's going to be okay." she whispered and they both felt a bit better even though each knew they were driving back to face more problems.
The Colonel chose to approach from the side near the small rock formation. It was too risky for Lauren to be seen by the armed troops that the leader of the Light Fae had with him. That coupled with the unpredictable nature of the blood king and his wild story of betrayal had the gremlin erring on the side of caution. The Colonel said quickly, "Lauren you need to jump out but stay close this time. I think Bo should come with us as…" the growl that sounded from Bo was feral and the Colonel's eyes widened in response.
"She was bitten by the vampire during the battle. It would not be a good idea to separate us right now." Said Lauren and no one in the truck argued. "In fact it would not be a bad idea if Kenzi came with us."
"Love to Doc, but I think you two can move quicker without me. I have to check on Gunner anyway." Kenzi made it sound like a chore but Lauren knew better. "I will be watching for you, triple knock Bo?"
"Triple knock Kenz." Said the succubus with a laugh and then motioned for Lauren to jump out of the truck first. When they both had moved away and had ducked behind the rock formation, the Colonel drove away. Lauren looked at Bo for some explanation of what she and Kenzi had been talking about. Bo smiled, "It's stupid. It is just a quick three knocks signal to let each other know something is up, like if we needed to be rescued."
Lauren did not accept that as the entire story and did not let Bo off the hook. Growling a bit Bo continued, "In the shack if one of us needed an escape from a situation with a date, you know someone to interrupt …help get rid of a visitor." Bo was actually blushing a bit as Lauren seemed to consider if she had ever heard any knocking during a visit. The succubus added quickly, "You and I hadn't started up yet and …" Lauren had to laugh at this and Bo rolled her eyes. With an embarrassed chuckle Bo said, "Anyway we called it a rescue."
"Well your wingman seems to still have you covered." said Lauren. With all they had been through a little banter about their rocky love life was allowed to help with the stress.
"No need for a wingman anymore Doc." said Bo and she rolled so Lauren was pressed to the ground with the succubus on top of her. The blue eyes were settling and the more contact Bo had with Lauren the calmer she was becoming.
"Better not be," laughed Lauren as Bo did a fast series of light kisses all over her neck and mouth. Finally getting the succubus to pull back, Lauren said "So not the time Babe," with a push Bo moved off and they were soon both looking over the situation in the Fort from about half way up the rock formation, using a small ledge to the side to make their observations. "What I wouldn't give for my binoculars back." The girl genus had her mind racing trying to figure out some type of strategy to either go on the run or make it safely back into the shop.
"I can pick up on their auras." said Bo after a moment of concentration. "It takes a bit but…" Lauren moved in close and placed her hand on the succubus's lower back and began to slowly draw circles. Bo snorted a laugh, "Okay power boost appreciated." The chi that flowed from Lauren when she touched Bo was strong. The succubus continued, "There are about thirty troops on the outside. Seems there is an opening on this side of the shop but that's it. If we sneak in this will be our only unguarded pathway.
"I see the Colonel's truck on approach but what about Lila and Gunner do you see them? asked Lauren.
"No, their auras both stand out and neither one are outside. They must be with Hale and Trick still." Bo said the disappointment that sounded around her grandfather's name was noticeable.
"He's an old fae, Bo. Give him some time to adjust to us." said Lauren.
Bo laughed, "Yeah we'll see." The doubt she felt sang through the statement. "Hale is our concern now. After the Colonel and Lila talk to him he will have to pardon you."
It was Lauren's turn to laugh, "Yeah we'll see." The doctor left it at that. After a few moments of silence and watching Lauren said, "Bo, I am tired of being on the run. You lived for a long time like that and you know it is not for us anymore." Bo stilled but did not disagree. "Do we still have a window to get to the shop?" Bo nodded they did. "Let's go." Lauren was up and climbing the rest of the formation to clear the top and a blue eyed Bo was right behind her.
xxxXXXxxx
The sound of the approaching engine spurred the troops on the grounds around the Fort into action. They all had their new orders. The rock wall surrounding the Fort had been lowered in case any humans stopped by and an illusion had been used that made the fae look like gas company workers. The Colonel pulled the truck in and found his vehicle immediately circled by armed men. "Everyone in the truck, your presence is requested immediately in the front building." It wasn't but a second before two of the men holding guns on the truck found themselves in very bad situations. Tamsin had one by the throat and Dyson had the other.
"I think you need to tell your men to back off." growled Dyson in his manwolf form. "The Ash would not be happy to find his troops holding guns on the leader of a friendly kingdom or his best friend.
"We are not answering to the Ash right now." squeaked the man in Tamsin's grip. He tensed as the metal blade of the valkyrie pressed harder into his neck.
"Who the hell is calling the shots then?" asked Tamsin.
There was a soft cough that drew everyone's attention. Off to the side Jinn smiled. "The council is in charge valkyrie. As the current Herald of the fae council, I ask you to release these men and do as requested. Go to Lila and Gunner in the bar. Any argument or refusal will make you guilty of treason in the eyes of the council." There was none of the Jinn's smart ass jokes here. She was all business and a shocked looking Colonel, Dyson, Tamsin and Kenzi started walking towards the bar.
"Hey human, that meeting is not a place for you." Jinn called and Kenzi stopped. The others were forced forward as they watched the two women approach each other. Jinn reached out and grabbed Kenzi by the arm roughly and said loudly, "You need to listen up." Some of the nearby troops were watching outright, others just walked by but kept an eye on the situation in stealth, but all were very aware of the motion of the two women. Jinn got right in Kenzi's face and whispered, "Slap me." She then threw her head back and laughed. Leaning up again she pulled Kenzi tighter, hissing through her teeth, "Come on girl, slap me." So Kenzi did as asked.
Upon the attack, Jinn threw Kenzi to the ground and dove on top of her. Kenzi was struggling with the physical as well as the "what the hell" factor, Jinn was shaking her and thrashing around violently making things look much worse than they really were. Using their body contact to hide her actions, Jinn pushed a folded paper into Kenzi's hand. "Sign this as fast as you can. Where ever Cappy and Cook are, even Lauren and Bo, get them to sign it too." Jinn said quickly before jumping up with a laugh. "Had enough human?" She yelled. "Lock her in the shop until this is over. Do not touch her in any way. I will deal with her later."
Kenzi nodded her head towards the bed of the truck. Jinn made a waving motion, "Make sure this fae beast is cared for immediately, and then bring him to the bar. Understood? " The Herald did not wait for an answer, she ran off to catch up with the others. "This way." A fae called out to Kenzi, while another one moved to the truck bed. As she walked away, Kenzi was left wondering what the hell just happened.
xxxXXXxxx
Upon entering the bar, The Colonel, Dyson and Tamsin knew things had changed for the worse. The tables were rearranged to resemble the chambers of the fae council. Hale, Trick, Lila and Gunner were seated in front of the tables as if on trial. Lila made to stand as the group walked in but a harsh, "Remain seated," cracked through the air. Swinging around the newcomers looked at the table forming the seats of the council. They had appeared empty on first glance but after a moment of study, shapes of fae could be seen in each location. It had to be a type of cloaking charm for the council's protection as they were blurred or distorted so badly one had to concentrate to detect their presence.
Jinn came bustling in slightly out of breath, and directed the newcomers to seats. She made it look nonchalant but she moved the Colonel to his wife's side and near Gunner. She kept Tamsin and Dyson together and near Hale. She was pleased to see the Colonel grab Lila's hand and the older woman relax just a bit. Walking quickly to the side she took her position and waited. This was bad. She had been placed on this assignment when the Lead Council approached her telling of his successful discovery of Lauren Lewis but wanted to bring her to justice on his own, outside the Council's control. He was foolish to think she would not report such a thing. But as she had learned his time as Herald was less than honorable.
She was correct in making her report to the main council. This was a protocol breach that the other council members could not ignore. However this had opened up into this major can of worms that she found herself caught in the middle of. Looking at the crew members who had been welcoming to her as a total stranger, she felt badly for having misled them and not doing more to help.
"Report! What news of our Lead Council, Herald." The same crackling voice broke the silence that had spoken before. Jinn straightened and did her job.
"He is dead." Jinn stated clearly and without feeling. There were mumbled accusations of how it must have happened; whispered mentions of the human doctor and the deranged succubus were audible. Jinn continued before the group of elder fae could get carried away. "As far as our investigation can tell he was killed then eaten by a Malek." There was stunned silence in the makeshift courtroom. "After I was forced to leave the Lead Council behind in Red Valley, I called you and then started my follow up to his whereabouts when it was safe enough to do so. My thanks to Trick and the Ash for their council on what to look for."
"You lie about the Lead Council's death. Maleks are creatures of myth," said a high pitched disbelieving voice. "Your time among the common fae has made you open to trickery and deception. The human doctor is behind this, aiming to kill us all." The Jinn's eyes flashed and there was the smell of hot chilies in the air as she called her power. A crashing noise sounded to draw everyone's attention and Cappy and Cook were dragged into the bar.
"What in the hell is going on?" demanded Cook and he had to be restrained by three fae. Cappy was walking to the side showing no emotion but radiating anger. There was a deafening banging sound and everyone grabbed for their ears to provide some type of protection against the noise.
A soft woman's voice spoke again, "Silence newcomers. Herald please direct them to their seats." Recognizing the Jinn and her new title both men grumbled but took the chairs she offered. The woman with the soft voice began speaking again. "As acting Lead Council may I remind the members of this governing body, unlike my predecessor, I will not tolerate speculation or personal opinion as admissible discussion in such matters. If your comments are unfounded do not share them."
"Bah, as a member of this council for eons, I don't care how many reports of so called evidence you put before me, Maleks are not …" there was a solid thud and then silence. There was no clear view of the beings behind the council table but it looked as if one of the fae was now face down on the table top and not moving.
"As I said no speculation or personal opinion allowed," a sound of satisfaction now accompanied the soft tones. "Herald, you were saying that our former Lead Council was killed by a Malek. There is evidence to support your claims."
"Yes, Lead Council. His skeletal remains bare the marks of such a fae, the smell of rot and prints in the area also provide support." She paused just for a moment, this was going to be trouble, "There was also a Malek caught and killed in the immediate area. It is believed that the attack was witnessed by a human." Jinn finished.
"What human?" shouted the crackling voice of one of the members, followed by a quick, "With your permission, Lead Council."
"Granted," the soft voice replied.
"Lauren Lewis, Council member, Dr. Lewis had been taken by the beast as well." Jinn swallowed hard. "It is believed that she survived the attack and is now somewhere in the area."
The soft voice asked, "So we get to the meat of our trip here. The former Lead Council's investigation into the human traitor bore fruit. Your report said that Dr. Lewis had been here under the care of these fae for some time and more recently joined by the unaligned succubus and the others seated before us."
"Yes, Lead Council, The Colonel and the others that live here," she motioned towards the crew, "only learned Dr. Lewis's true identity recently. They did not knowingly assist a fugitive for more than a few weeks at most." She was trying to put a good spin on it. "Bo and the other have been here only a matter of days."
"Are your men looking of Dr. Lewis and Bo Dennis?" said the soft voice. "They are the only ones of consequence missing here. You have the human pet detained in the shop area."
"Yes, Lead Council." Jinn answered quickly. "It is only a matter of time before we find the other two."
"Lead Council with your permission," this time the voice was deep and rumbling. A blurred head nodded and the baritone sound continued, "What is the Ash of the Light Fae doing here and how much do these other light fae know?" Jinn started to speak on their behalf but Hale cut her off.
"Council member I am here in my capacity as Ash of the Light to right several miscarriages of justice done by our people. Some of these wrongs were done by former members of this council. I am here to pardon Lauren Lewis as she never willing hurt the fae. I am here to repay a debt by helping my mentor Trick. I am most importantly here to provide assistance to a friendly kingdom." said Hale clearly. Trick groaned and almost reached out to pull Hale back to his seat. The young leader had just at best ended his tenure as Ash and at worst branded himself and all the others with him as traitors.
"What miscarriage of justice? Free Lauren Lewis? Help a friendly kingdom?" boomed the deep voice. "Foolish Boy! This is utter nonsense! What are you talking about little siren?"
The words were harsh but the lack of the use of his proper title was a gigantic insult towards Hale, "I will answer you council member when you address me properly." snapped Hale immediately. Calling the man on his breach of etiquette was either really brave or incredibly stupid. The young Ash shot a look at Jinn who returned a look of half horror half admiration. It was a shock when Jinn realized Hale had recognized her at the table. He knew her presence meant the council was somehow involved much more than she had share with the others. Both of them were bound by fae law as to what they could tell. So they had worked together to try to help.
Jinn had told Trick everything as they sat in the safe room during the battle. With both Hale and Jinn having full knowledge of the situation, Trick could advise them both as he pieced together the extent of the council's knowledge. The sum total of their planning had been to stall until the treaty could be signed. With all the original crew members held in the bar and not wanting to show the original treaty to the council before it was signed, there was only a few people that Jinn could get to. She had done her best and now it was Hale's turn.
There was a great deal of mumbling and then a single slam of the gavel brought everything back to order. The acting Lead Council said, "Our apologies Ash of the Light, such disrespect will not happen again, but please explain yourself. I caution you to be as honest as possible and stick to the facts. You were assisting a friendly kingdom?"
"Yes, Lead Council. Let me start at the top, this might take a while." Said Hale praying their plan worked. He started, "Over five hundred years ago, the fae were expanding their territories in the New World…"
xxxXXXxxx
Kenzi was tossed into the shop and then the door was sealed by some type of fae magic. She tried all the windows and nothing. She could open the door to the shop safe room but there were no windows. Kenzi took the time to throw a tantrum on the bed as she screamed and slammed her fists into the bedding in anger. "What the hell is going on?" she yelled. Jinn, what the hell had the Jinn said? She sat up and then pulled out the paper had been shoved in her hand. "Sign this as soon as you can." drifted through her mind.
Unfolding the paper she let out a gasp as she read the first few lines. Well she tried to read the first few lines, it was written in Gallic by the looks of it. Kenzi had to smile, didn't matter what language it was in she would recognize Trick's handwriting anywhere. Kenzi's head spun as she realized she was holding the original treaty written by the Blood King to the people of Red Valley. Scrambling to her feet Kenzi went on a search for a pen.
She wasted a few moments searching by the phone and TV, and then remembered she was looking around in a place that Lauren lived in and walked to the spotless desk and opened the top drawer to find a neatly arranged assortment of pens. Pulling out a nice one with black ink, Kenzi signed the bottom of the page with a flourish. She let out a yell as the pen flared in her hand. A drop of her blood formed on her finger and then fell onto the drying ink.
"Creepy, but cool Trickster." said Kenzi and then she sat wondering if what she had done made any difference.
xxxXXXxxx
Lauren and Bo made the climb in record time. This was the place Bo had encountered the Lead Council before and had a good idea of the hand holds. Lauren moved up the rock face as if it was nothing. Bo smiled it must be part of one of her lovers many escape routes.
They hit the flat surface of the Fort's grounds when they had reached the top. Bo searched for any type of aura flare. "We are clear. This is weird though, why would this side be left so open?" Bo questioned.
Lauren grabbed a handful of rocks and started to toss them out in all directions. "What is it with you and rocks?" said an amused succubus. Lauren was going to answer but there was a loud popping noise and the two women dropped quickly to the ground. They watched as the rocks rolled across a partially buried metal grid. As the stone rolled to touch a cable pops of electricity cracked through the system like a huge bug zapper. Bo started to cuss but Lauren slapped a hand over her mouth as fae troops rounded the building and focused on the grid.
"We get anything?" said a hopeful voice.
"No, probably just a bird or lizard or something, get back around to your posts. Leave this place looking undefended." said another voice. "Like anyone would be dumb enough to fall for this anyway."
"Oh hell no," growled Bo, she was tired and grumpy. Listening to some fae call her stupid was not going to happen. Before Lauren could stop her, Bo was up and running. Most of the fae troops had rounded the building to return to their posts. Only six of the guards remained on watch, but they were focused on each other. Guard duty was never this exciting and with the Fae Council's arrival they were taking a moment to discuss what might be going on.
"Is that…" was all the sound that came from the men as Bo got close enough to released a massive chi attack and began pulling the life energy from all six men at once. The power was amazing and Bo's succubus moved to take total control. With the vampire toxin in her system, Bo had found if her succubus nature took over at these times her body could handle the power and blood pressure surges better. Unfortunate draw back was that in full succubus mode Bo never really wanted to pull back before her prey was dead.
Lauren had not waited, when Bo moved so did she. Not a fae, she fell behind but Lauren was no slouch and arrived not long after Bo. "Bo you need to stop," but the succubus nature was in charge and it was only moments before she drained all six men. Not knowing how this worked, Lauren grabbed Bo and felt her body begin to tingle. Energy was transferring into Lauren. The doctor squeezed tighter, Bo faltered as Lauren whimpered at the sensation of more and more energy being shared with her. It was a burning sensation, not like a flame but like with fever. The men fell to the ground in a heap, unconscious but still alive as Bo turned her attention to the doctor. Lauren sagged a little, but Bo held her upright. Feeling the heat radiating off Lauren's body, Bo gently pulled and the chi left Lauren and moved into the succubus. Bo's protective nature now entirely focused as she searched for signs of Lauren's recovery.
"Wow," said Lauren after a moment, the doctor snuggling into Bo's embrace.
"Wow? You say wow." Bo sighed and let her body enjoy the contact with Lauren, "Boundaries my good doctor. We must talk boundaries."
A little giddy from the power boost and definitely refreshed, Lauren started to move and pulled Bo with her. "Let get inside," then she let out a small laugh and leaned against a metal box nestled among the electrical utilities boxes that housed power hook ups for all the buildings and the solar converter. The middle box was smaller and more beat up, but did not look out of place. With her right foot, Lauren pressed down on a hinge, it slid and then the device clicked. Repeating the motion with her left foot, Lauren turned and lifted the box to reveal a circular opening with a ladder. With a smile she motioned Bo to go first then followed close behind. Lauren pulled the box cover down disguising the passage entrance as she worked her way down.
It was pitch black, when Bo stepped onto the ground. Knowing Lauren was right above her Bo moved to the side but kept her hand up and was able to touch Lauren's body when she got near the bottom. "Nifty little secret passage way Doc." said Bo as she felt Lauren reach the floor. In the total darkness, the succubus became hyperaware of Lauren's breathing and touch. Lauren moved away and Bo became anxious, she wanted Lauren to be near her again. She flexed her powers and located Lauren's aura but that was not nearly as much fun so she shut them down. This had possibilities, "Maybe when we are not so busy we can come here and fool around." She said only half kidding.
"Maybe," whispered Lauren in Bo's ear and shivers moved down the succubus's spine. There was a cracking sound and an eerie yellow glow filled the space. Lauren smiled at Bo through the light of the snapped glow stick. "Follow me." she said in a voice to mimic an old horror movie character. Only traveling about fifty feet, they found themselves at the bottom of another ladder. Lauren climbed to the top and then used the glow stick to illuminate a key pad. With a quick press of seven buttons there was a click, with a single shove to the right, the light of the shop's safe room kitchen shone through the circular pathway.
"If you are not Lauren or Bo, I highly suggest you return to where you came from. I have a sword and I am not afraid to use it." The frightened voice of Kenzi drifted down the tunnel.
"Kenzi it's us. Help Lauren out of there so I can come up." yelled Bo.
"Crap Bo, could you be any louder." said Kenzi almost at the same volume. Lauren rolled her eyes and made her way out of the tunnel.
"Damn Doc," said Kenzi when the doctor turned to look at her. "Did you two take time out to go to the spa?" Lauren looked at her puzzled and then turned to look in the mirror. She looked fantastic. She should have looked tired and beat up but she looked great. Bo moved out of the tunnel and then with a touch watched a set of cabinets moved back to its original position.
Lauren turned to look at Bo with concern. Bo said, "What?" Lauren motioned to her face. Bo said, "Still What?"
"I look… nice." Lauren was not fishing for complements but was a bit worried.
"You look like you always look, Beautiful." Bo smiled and stepped up to kiss Lauren gently. "The tiny extra glow you have is a by-product of chi. World's best facial. No lasting changes."
"Oh," said Lauren and checked herself out in the mirror again and Bo laughed. Pulling away from her image Lauren said, "Why are you in here Kenzi? Where are the others?" There was a pounding on the door before Kenzi could answer fully. Muffled requests for Kenzi to open up could be heard.
"Kenzi, short version now." Said Bo
"First," said Kenzi grabbing both Bo and Lauren, "You have to sign this."
The parchment was placed in front of them, "Kenzi," said Lauren as she began to read. "We the people of Red Valley agree to …What is this? Where did you get it?" The pounding on the door got louder.
"No time, just sign it." yelled Kenzi. Without another word Bo grabbed the pen and signed the paper. She winced as her blood dropped on the ink. Handing the pen to Lauren, the doctor took a breath and signed as well, sucking in as she felt the pinch and watched her blood fall. There was a crashing noise and they spun ready to fight. Silence followed and the three women waited for the attack to round the corner.
"So are they coming in or what?" said Kenzi her sword out and at the ready. Bo frowned and finally walked forward to peek around the corner. The succubus stood up straight and rounded the corner. When she did not readily return Lauren and Kenzi rushed after her. They found Bo in the shop standing over a pile of sleeping fae troopers. "Now what the hell is happening?" said Kenzi. She was tired of being confused and she walked out of the shop with Bo and Lauren on her heels.
xxxXXXxxx
"Just to restate for your understanding, the facts tell us Lauren Lewis is innocent, Trick's information proves how the Lead Council misled an entire population of fae as the Herald, like Jinn, the Herald of the council …" Hale was stalling with all his might.
"We know what a Herald is Ash. Would you please get on with it." The crackling voice of one of the Council members cried. It was a sentiment carried by all in attendance. Hale's story had been as detailed filled as he could make it. He defined words and pointed out locations using maps he pulled up on his phone. He had done everything in his power to buy time for something good to happen. Things were now looking desperate.
Cook had fallen asleep twice and Tamsin had taken to poking him to keep him awake. Lila and the Colonel were gazing into each other's eyes in a mad attempt to get lost in each other. General had padded in after being patched up and Dyson was scratching behind his ears. Cappy had recited a charm to dampen his sense of hearing and was daydreaming most of the time. Trick was beside himself with worry. He had taken to grabbing at Hale whenever the man got close enough in an effort to shut him up. The barkeep did not worry about his role in all of this but felt that the siren had revealed so much that the young Ash was now in danger. Listening to Hale describe his role in all this, Trick also ashamed of his actions but found no way out this situation so he could make up for what he had done or how he had behaved.
Hale continued talking for another couple of minutes when the sound of the gavel smashed down and everyone in the place jumped. "Ash of the Light," said the soft voice of the acting Lead Council, "As appreciative as I am of your efforts to be absolutely truthful. I can't take this anymore." There was the muttered approval of the council. "Here is how things stand." There was a finality to the voice that was terrifying.
"Lauren Lewis, while having been of assistance to our people many times in the past, broke fae law. Even if her intentions were pure and she ended up helping destroy the master mind behind the fae murders, her discovery and successful conversion of a human to fae was illegal. She is guilty of developing and preforming that technique." There was an uprising of voices and the crashing gavel sounded again, "Naturally born halflings are no threat to our kind, as the child had the strength to come into this world as nature allowed. The turning of an adult is different. By the law of our land, Lauren Lewis is guilty and will be held accountable for her crimes when caught. Nothing you can say or did say will change that."
Stunned to silence the crew said nothing and the Lead Council continued, "The Red Valley tragedy is a sorrow for all fae, but as of now you present no hard evidence against the former Lead Council having done anything illegal. It is hearsay only. This means that you," the words directed towards the crew, "are all here in this place are trespassing on vampire land. You are now ordered into our custody to be turned over to the vampire council for trial and…" the woman kept talking but the crew did not hear her. Something bizarre had just happened and the crew seemed to be the only ones aware of it.
Lila turned to her husband in shock. A spike in energy just touched her and taken her breath with its intensity. She was fighting to control her power as if she were a child but was sure if she looked the troop out around the grounds had been neutralized with a single thought from her. Looking over she saw the Colonel was almost glowing with energy. He gently pulled his hands from Lila's and held them before him, flexing his fingers. He grabbed a spoon from Lila's tea cup and focused on it as it lay in his palm. With a slight pull on his power he peeled off tiny strips of the metal and then shaped them until he held the inner workings of a pocket watch in his hand. Tiny, intricate, and beautiful, he had created the piece in less than a minute. Smiling he handed the mechanism to his grandson who had watched the process in amazement.
There was a banging noise and yelling as Kenzi, Lauren and Bo ran into the bar then froze on the spot. Jinn turned and made to move towards them, but Hale ran and placed himself between his friends and mouthed for her to wait. Bo growled, Kenzi raised her sword and Lauren looked to the others for some explanation of what was happening. Bo spoke first, "Just who are you?" With no answer, she said, "Hale everyone better be okay or you are going to pay." her eyes blazed in anger. Hale turned to look at the succubus with a very worried expression.
Seeing the three women the Colonel stood to go to them but the words of the Lead Council caught his attention. The soft voice was laughing, "Looks like you will not be alone as you journey to our high court. Herald arrest these women on counts of high treason." The gremlin lord turned from the Council and looked at Lila who now stood with him. She was flushed and her eyes were snapping with power, she giggled softly as she took his hand. Looking the other way, Cook and Cappy were smiling broadly as each was playing with the boost of power they had received, Cappy's eyes that stone blue with his wildman essence just that much stronger, Cook had tiny stone scales on his skin and they were rotating colors. They both stood to join their leader. As a group, they walked to stand in front of the women. They all knew what had happened.
"You will remain seated." The crackling voice of a council member shouted. "How dare you interrupt the Lead Council as she speaks to you. You are to be taken back to…"
"We are done with this nonsense and are not going anywhere." said the Colonel. "I believe that you have said enough. I revoke your powers in my land and bid you good day." The gavel started banging again and the Colonel snapped his fingers and the sound of splitting wood brought a gasp from the council as a whole.
Continuing the Colonel said, "Ash of the Light, you are our ally and will be the only one of rank in your land we will hold talks with. As for the rest of the fae visitors, we welcome Tamsin and Dyson and give them free passage through Red Valley. Kenzi and Bo are family and we wish them to stay with us, they have asylum here for as long as they wish." General gave a deep growl and walked to stand in front of Kenzi, the dog seemed to be even larger than before. Gunner smiled and winked as he too took a position at her side.
With a broad smile the Colonel looked at Lauren and then reached out and took her hand, "Lauren Lewis is our daughter now and lives with us and is protected by us. Any move by you to take her will be met with dire consequences. We could not save our flesh and blood daughter the first time you interfered in our lives but this daughter of our heart will not suffer the same fate. This is my kingdom and my word is Law." The sound of the Colonel's voice was like a hot wind and it seemed to echo.
"This is not your land…" the deep voice of one of the council members yelled.
Cappy smiled as he stepped up, "I would check your record books, I would. History has been corrected as much as could be. All books in the various lands, yours, ours, the vampires, have been changed to reflect the rightful treaty that your former Herald kept from us. The land has recognized and accepted us as rulers of this realm. Holding out his hand, a parchment appeared in his palm. "This paper has been signed by both parties, look now and then hold your tongue." He tossed the paper at them. Lauren quickly touched her pocket and found the real treaty still there.
"This is a trick of some sort. Our men will take you into our custody while we get to the bottom of this. The humans Lauren Lewis and Kenzi Malikov along with the succubus Bo Dennis are the only names on the treaty. It cannot stand as legal. An outlaw, a human and an unaligned Fae they are not worthy of… "
Trick yelled, "How dare you say who and who isn't worthy. This council covered up a tragedy for how long. These women, all of them," he nodded to Lauren, "have done so much for the fae and we have never fully appreciated their contributions. Each of them is more than worthy council member, more worthy than most of us here." He looked at Bo and she could not help but move forward and give him a hug.
"Fallen king you have no say here. There is no way these beings can hold the power to make this treaty valid." The deep voice spoke again.
Cook started laughing, "Why yes council member they're more than enough. I myself brought them into our crew only so many days ago. They are officially people of the Red Valley and the people is who you made the treaty with. Guess you should have listened to the long winded Ash of the Light when he told you of false treaties and what not. Now the lot of you get the hell off our land."
"We will take this place by force." threatened the soft voice of the Lead Council.
Lila smiled and said, "No my dear Lead Council, your men lay sleeping and dreaming of love and happiness until I release them. You are alone but for your Herald. You declare war now and you are the first to die."
Clearing his throat, Hale said carefully, "I would request that the Jinn be spared any harm. She was only doing her job." Lila giggled as she felt the emotion that touched Hale's words. She smiled and nodded at his request. Neither jinn nor Hale could share that they had been working together since he recognized her at the table earlier. He never did forget a pretty face. The two happy conspirators stood by and watched the powerful council consider the words of the Lord and Lady of the Shadow Fae of Red Valley.
There was no response from the Council, instead there was popping noises and the members' blurred shapes disappeared one by one. The hearing was over and the council had lost. They were wasting no time in leaving. Lila freed the hold she had over the troops and felt them be taken back, the others would be called back soon, "Take care, Hale. Trick take care of him." called Lila. Hale nodded to her. Trick stood by him and bowed his head once. With a popping noise the two were gone followed quickly by Jinn. The furniture of the bar shifted at once to regain its original position.
"Okay, who is going to tell me what just happened." Kenzi sounded like she was going to cry. Gunner, Cappy and Cook surrounded the girl and led her to the bar. They all were in the need of a round of storytelling and drinking.
Dyson and Tamsin turned and looked to Bo and Lauren. The two couples smiled. Dyson said, "Hale will be needing our help. Trick too. We will be back to check on you as soon as the dust settles." The group might have hugged but it just wasn't their style, so simple head nods completed their good-byes. The Wolf led the Valkyrie to the new Lord and Lady. They bowed respectfully and said their good-byes. Holding out one of the few coins she had left, Tamsin called for a fast trip back to the Dal and the two blinked out of sight.
Lila turned to look at Lauren, a twinkle in her eye, "Daughter." Lauren let out a soft laugh but tears were touching her eyes. "Daughter, you and yours need some rest. A chi high is not the best thing for a human. We will have to work on that." The cupid placed a gentle hand on the doctor's cheek. Lila then turned and gave Bo a warning look only a mother could deliver. The succubus couldn't help it she just grinned. In a flash Lila had the two women and was pulling them both into a massive hug. After a long moment she freed the two and pushed them towards the door with instructions to stay in the safe room just in case there was trouble. Lila then ordered all the others out the door and to the cabins, pulling the bottle away from Cook and Kenzi, telling them all it was time to rest and that they would figure all of this out tomorrow. It was rather disconcerting to find out they now had a problem going against her wishes. She truly was their Lady to serve.
Lila tracked her charges and when she detected they were all in their rooms. She tested her new powers again and nudged them off to sleep, whether they wanted to or not. She giggled as her mind flashed with Bo's not so happy face as she had other plans for Lauren and herself, but even the mighty succubus dropped off for some much needed rest. The power of the cupid forced away the nightmares most would have had this night, and left them all with dreams worth remembering.
Lila turned to the empty bar and sighed. She then heard the jukebox begin to play. The Colonel walked up to her and offered his hand, "My Lady have you cared for our people?" She smiled. "Then may I have this dance?" that roguish smile showing how he already knew the answer. The couple moved into each other's arms. With the soft music they laughed and cried as they tried to piece together a plan for their new life, new family and what it would take to rule a fae kingdom.
A\N: Need an epilogue on this one - very soon - send you all my thanks for your support.