Disclaimer: The show Victorious, its characters and other associated copyrights are property of someone else and not me.

Revenge of the Wolf

Chapter 23 – That Smell

Long chapter but you'll get a very big surprise at the end.

No One's POV

So like in the montage of one of the Rocky films, the training began. Each day, they ran during the day, then they swam in the pool and sometimes did a light workout on top of that, rested and after Jade got back from work, hit the gym. After that, they were usually too tired to do anything else. But unlike those movie montages, the training was not all that smooth.

Jade motivated by her desire to rip, Claudia's spine out, pushed herself hard, some days to the point of exhaustion. Likewise she pushed Tori, hard. She would urge Tori to jog a bit farther, to a few more reps on the weight machine, swim a few more laps, ignoring any complaints of fatigue from the Latina.

"I don't care if you're tired Vega! Another set of reps, do it. Stop being lazy bastard!"

"Jade, I'm not used to running, my side and my legs hurt, we've done 3 miles, can we stop for a few minutes."

"No, just another half mile Vega. Unless we're at top form, we're dead!"

Tori wanted to train and wanted to Train with Jade, but quickly grew tired of Jade's overbearing style. Jade felt, that Tori wasn't as serious as she should about preparing for the oncoming fight. With their mental states and raw emotions, they quickly started to snap at each other and the tension started to rise between them.

Each knew the other was doing the best they could under the circumstances, but the situation, the fact they missed their children, the fact that everyone thought they were dead, living in apartment with Jadelyn and Victoria, took its toll. They had also been training so hard, they had done little else.

On the 9th, morning of their training, Tori felt herself being shaken awake. "Come on, we're going to do a full 5 today."

"NO!"

"Don't give me that Vega. We need to train! Stop being a lazy bastard."

Her patience pushed to the limit, Tori snapped back. "Yes, Jade we need to train and train hard, but this is too much Jade. We need to also reconnect, which is something we've been doing very little of. I just want to spend some time with you….. And stop calling me a lazy bastard! I hate that."

Jade glared back hopped out of bed. "I don't care….Come on…."

She moved away, but before she could, Tori pulled her back, threw her on the bed and straddled her.

"What are you doing? We need to work out!" Hissed Jade,as she tried to push Tori off.

Tori quickly pinned her to the bed kissed her roughly. "Oh you'll get a workout alright. You've been a mega bitch all week. But for the next hour or two or possibly three, you're my bitch. I'm an alpha wolf too, you know. And I WANT MY MATE! Prepare to be fucked West, and fucked hard!"

Jade knew the only time Tori ever called her West, was when she wasn't kidding around.

Again Jade tried to struggle, but Tori, not in the mood to be trifled with, pinned her down harder. It was then only then Jade realized, Tori was right, that unless they made some effort to reconnect on a different level, they would never progress.

"Well, I guess we could put off the run for…"

That was all Jade got out, before Tori started to rip off her pajamas.

Meanwhile in Tori and Jade's universe.

The small warehouse, just outside of Munich was empty save for 2 cars and two women. The first woman was Julia, wearing an expensive, Donna Karen dress, matching handbag and even more expensive shoes. She was also wearing a blonde wig and sunglasses. The other woman of course was Valentina, who was wearing the uniform of the German Federal police.

The two cars, were a brand new top of the line BMW and the other was a police car.

"You ready Julia?"

The wizard, tried to smile but failed. "I feel naked without my wand or any of my magical ingredients. I'm not used to this. Most of my spells I can't cast."

"You have what you need for the magic detection spell."

Julia checked her bag to find a small white stone. "Yes."

"Then you're good. I know you want those other things, but have what you need. Carrying anything else is dangerous. Especially if someone noses around. A good rule of the spy trade is to not carry anything you cover is supposed to. Now what are you?"

Julia looked down at her fake id. "I'm Megan Nichols. I'm a divorced insurance executive from Baltimore, on vacation. I'm driving from Munich to Innsbruck, but taking the back roads as I don't like the autobahn. I'd rather use an illusion spell."

"We can't risk that. If someone can detect magic, they'll realize something's up. Just go with a classic disguise."

"Ok" Said Julia nervously.

Valentina smiled and slapped her on the shoulder. "You'll do just fine. Just remember, go the speed limit and if my car guy has it set right, the car will break down either just inside the town or just outside of it. It will be a broken fan belt, it shouldn't take too long to fix. Just long enough for you to get something to eat and check out what we need to check out."

"What about you?"

"I'll watch over you as best I can without attracting attention. I'm a cop on police business, passing through town and I'll get there, shortly after you arrive. I'll get something to eat but I can't stay long. If you give me the signal, I'll come running but, don't if you need too."

"What about the locals?"

"Act like a typical American tourist. Rude and snobby but not overly so, expect everyone to speak English and because there from a small town, look down on them. Like as you Americans say, Hillbillies. You'll be what they expect, they won't like you, but I doubt they'll think anything else of you."

"What about Claudia?" Replied Julia, letting a lot of nervousness creep into her voice.

"Odds of you running into her are remote at best. I'd do this myself, but I can't cast spells and I can't detect magic. You need to see what we're up against." Valentina smiled and took Julia's hands. "You're a confident, smart, funny woman, from what I've seen great wizard and in the last few weeks have become a very close friend. I won't let anything happen to you."

In the last weeks they had spent a lot of time together and in recent days really started to bond. They learned a great deal about each other including the fact that Valentina was bisexual. Though the attractive Russian blonde, was very professional, and never once hit on her or put any kind of pressure on her. She had simply been a kind and generous friend.

While she knew that Valentina merely took her hands to calm her down, which it did very quickly, for a moment she found herself wishing for a brief instant there was something more to it. She had never had a thought like that about a woman and just chalked it up to her nervousness.

Hoping she didn't blush, she smiled back. "Thank you. You've been a great friend.

"Alright then let's get going!"

Back in Victoria and Jadelyn's universe.

The session of rather angry and passionate sex last just over 2 hours and by the time it ended, Jade had been pretty much ravished. So ravished and worn out that she didn't even think of running that day. The session had also burned off a lot of the tension between them.

After recovering, they decided to just take a quiet walk through a nearby park. It was a nice day and them holding hands, helped each of them temporarily forget their troubles.

"Jade….I'm sorry if I came on a bit strong this morning." Said Tori, with slightly embarrassed look.

Jade smirked and squeezed her hand. "Don't please don't. I think I needed that. I think we needed that. You're right I have been a major bitch. It's just so hard coping with all this crap. I was just so focused on facing Claudia that….I lost sight of things.

Blushing slightly, Jade continued. "Besides, that was pretty fucking fantastic. Alpha wolf Tori, certainly got what she wanted. And it was a good workout. I think we should…..

Tori grinned. "Add it to our regular workout regimen. I think I can be talked into that."

They walked for a time more in silence, when Tori asked a question. "You're nightmares, they're worse than mine. You don't like to talk about them. I can see how much they torture you, when our minds touch. Yet you hid them from me. You've shared other aspects of your pain with me. Why not that?"

"It's a horrible place Tori. I just don't want to burden you with it."

"Jade, that's what I'm for. We share a life together, we have 3 beautiful pups and the good goes with the bad. Don't be afraid Jade. I know you are. But don't."

Jade looked down at her feet and said softly. "I don't deserve you."

"Jade, stop that. Don't be a bitch but don't wallow in self-pity either. I'm emotionally all over the place too. Come on, let's see if we can find a movie to see. Just enjoy ourselves for a while. I hear the latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie is out. We can see that."

Jade nodded. "Sure, but hope you remember that in this universe, Keanu Reeves plays Captain Jack sparrow. His big catchphrase is "Woah….pirates"

It was absurd, but in this universe all too real. "Oh! Well, when in Rome."

So the pair resumed their schedule, with some changes. Jade let up a bit and they took time every other day to simply spend some time together. As a result, things improved, but only so much. A lot of tension remained and their nightmares continued without fail. Each was still traumatized and there were many issues between them that needed to be worked out. But for now, they had essentially reached a truce on most matters, leaving them unresolved for the time being.

Almost 3 more weeks of training past and by that time, both Jade and Tori were in top form, physically at least. They were ready to fight Claudia, if they could find her.

It was a Friday night about 9:00 in the evening and Tori, Jade, Jadelyn and Victoria were all sitting around watching the world music awards on television. This was one of the nights, Jade and Tori decided to rest a bit and relax.

All of a sudden there was a knock on the door.

Tori got off the couch. "I'll get it."

Upon opening it, she smiled when she saw it was none other than Valentina and Julia.

Happy to see the pair, Tori quickly gave each of a hug.

"Julia, Valentina, so good to see you."

"Good to see you Tori." Said Valentina.

"Very good to see you've rejoined us. A lot nicer than when we last met?"

For a moment Tori searched her memory. "When?"

Valentina answered. "When we caught you in your wolf form. You were not all too happy about being stuck in a cage. But we needed too. Sorry."

Tori quickly cringed. "I'm so sorry. But I can't thank you enough for saving my Jade. Thank you ever so much."

"No problem." Said Julia. "We have great news, can we come in?"

"Yes, yes."

Entering the room, Jade could see that Valentina was carrying a screen. The one you'd use with a slide projector. Julia was carrying a small box, marked slide projector.

"What's all that?" Asked Jadelyn.

Julia smiled, pulled a photo out of her purse and handed it to Jade. "A little slide show, but first I have something courtesy of Beck. He snapped it this morning and sent it to me. I had a print made for you."

Sensing what it was, Tori rushed over to see what Jade was holding. It was a picture taken in their backyard of two identical wolf cubs, each with fur black as night.

For Tori and Jade, it was both a wonderful sight and a sad one at the same time. Natural born werewolves, can't change into their wolf from until their at least 1 year old. They learn how to use their natural ability by watching other werewolves around them. For every werewolf parent, it's a very important thing to see your child transform for the first time. It was something their twins, Amelia and Tawney had done yet and due to their absence, had missed it. For both women, it was heartbreaking.

Tori instantly started to cry. "Our babies. They transformed! We missed it. I miss them so much. They look like you Jade. Aren't they so beautiful?"

Only able to hold her own tears back a few seconds, Jade began to cry and hugged Tori tight. "Yes they are, just as beautiful as you. I miss them too."

Valentina and Julia let Tori and Jade have their moment while they set up the slide projector.

After a minute of crying, Jade and Tori parted and wiped their tears.

"So what's the show about?" Asked Jade as she sat down with Tori.

Julia turned on the projector and motioned for Valentina to turn off the lights. "Our good news."

The first slide they saw was the picture they saw in the photography exhibition of Gerda, Claudia's lover and the person who kidnapped Jade over a year ago.

Using a laser pointer, Julia pointed a Gerda. "Over a year ago, Gerda kidnapped Jade on behalf of Claudia. With the intent of taking over your mind so she could control the werewolves of the world. But the imposter she substituted was discovered and the plan foiled. You had nothing to go on until you saw this picture some two and a half months ago. That started you on this particular quest. Valentain and I are convinced it was pure chance you saw this. This was not part of Claudia's plan. Next slide Val."

The next slide was that of Prague. "Following the lead to Prague you wound up at Mrs. Janda's door. She was not expecting you, that of course led to the brothel and it's destruction. But Jade you contacted the local pack leader to fine more info on who possibly owned the brothel. Little did you realize he had been compromised by the fact, his niece was a traitor. In no time at all, Claudia knew we were onto her and made quick plans. Margo doped Jades drinks and we were left a trail of clues to follow. The confession of the man from the drug lab to Mr. Simm telling us about the meeting, was all for our benefit. Next slide Val"

The next slide was that of Margo, taken from her Facebook page. "Valentina here used her intelligence connections to examine Mrs. Janda's phone and that led straight to Margo's house. We had discovered her treachery, not to mention she was utterly psychotic, but too late."

Julia hesitated and approached jade and Tori. "I am sorry I wasn't able to warn you in time. Both Val and I feel we let you down. We both give you our apologies."

Jade waived her hand. "Don't apologize. I let all you down and you all saved me. I must apologize to you and give you my deepest thanks."

Returning to the screen, Julia motioned to Val and a picture of Margo's house appeared.

"After Valentina and I dropped you off here, Val went after Tori while I returned to Margo's house in an effort to find something that would give us more on Claudia. Margo was careful and I found almost nothing of value. Almost nothing. I found a photo album, in Margo's private underground chamber. Next slide."

Very next slide was that of a mountain scene, taken from some sort of patio. In the background they could see a table set with fine china, set seemingly for lunch.

"We found this pictures and several others of the same view. Off this patio and one near it. Margo like mountain scenes. We found that pictures of these views were taken at different times of the year. Thus it was a place she visited more than once."

Victoria raised her hand. "It could have been a restaurant."

"We thought of that, but there is only once table in view. This is a patio and from the china we can see, it belongs to someone with money. This in itself isn't much, until we saw this."

The next slide was the same Mountain View, but Julia pointed her laser to a window that could be seen in the left of the photograph. Inside the window, mostly blocked by a lamp was a female figure. But only part of her head could be seen. Both Jade and Tori realized it looked much like Claudia."

"Claudia." Hissed Jade.

"Yes. We were sure it was Claudia, but where was this taken. Through great effort using image matches in various search engines, we finally were able to identify some of the peaks in the background. They're located in the Bavarian alps, just outside a small town named, Shultzhaven. Now Shultzhaven is an unremarkable German town located high in the mountains, save for one particular feature." Julia motioned and the next slide appeared.

"That!"

What she was referring in the picture was a large and rather oppressive looking castle on one of the smaller mountain peaks, above the town. They could see a cable car running from a building in the town up to the castle itself. It looked like something out of movie.

Jade's eyes nearly bugged out of her head. "What the hell is that?"

"Its name is Rabennest or in English, Raven's next. It was built in the year 1104 and has a long and storied history. But its current owner is the one most interesting to us. Officially, its owner is Lisel Von Stahl, who from what we could gather is a, very rich very elderly and very reclusive German countess. The only picture we could find of her was taken in 1938, so it was of little help. Her husband was killed on the eastern front in WWII at Leningrad and it seems she's been a recluse ever since. If you ask me, a perfect place for our evil wizard to hide. Claudia wouldn't be so stupid to conduct her illicit business anywhere near any of official residences."

"How do we know she's actually there, we have one half picture." Queried Jade.

At this point Valentina and Julia switched places.

"I am a member of Russian Military Intelligence and over the years, I've accumulated a number of favors. We needed a close look at the castle and it seems Countess Von Stahl, does not like visitors or tourists. The castle is closed to the public. So I cashed in my favors to get a few shots from one of our spy satellites. The first couple of shots just got us some nice shots of the castle, but it was the fourth one, that we hit as you American's say, pay dirt."

Hitting the button, they saw a picture above of Claudia herself, sitting on the same patio they saw in the other pictures eating breakfast and scribbling notes on a sheet of paper. What marveled everyone in the room, beside Claudia herself, was the detail, as they could almost make out what she was writing.

"So our dear Claudia is making herself right at home in the Castle. We wanted to be 100% sure so Julia and did a little reconnaissance And My dear Julia what did you find?"

Julia cleared her throat. "Wizards throughout history have protected their domains with various defensive spells. Spells that can detect or deflect magic, some sound alarms, some are traps. Some wizards are cautious with a few for protection; some are downright paranoid with lots and lots of defensive spells in place. This one is way past paranoid into completely fucking insane. I've never seen a structure with more defensive spells in my life. Not to mention that when I was detecting magic, I found several people in in the village radiated magic. I think Claudia has them under her control. I went in passing as a tourist and asked if tours were available. I was instantly told no, that the countess prefers her privacy."

"A tough nut to crack then." Quipped Jade.

"Yes. I'm guessing the controlled townspeople, have orders to report any unusual happenings to Claudia immediately. I couldn't even stay very long or I'd raise suspicion. As soon as my car was fixed, I left. Then we have the fact that castle is on a mountain top accessible only by cable car. There was a road once, but the countess had it removed 50 years ago. And the fact that I magic will not pass through those walls. I hate to say it, we know where she is, but to put it simply a fly couldn't get into there, without Claudia knowing about it. Not to mention there's only four of us. It's much too dangerous for Victoria and Jadelyn to go. Now what do we do?"

So Tori, Jade, Valentina and Julia, quickly got into a rather involved discussion about how to get in the place. Various ideas being offered and shot down for one reason or another. Off to the side, Jadelyn was looking at the castle and mumbling. "Only four, that's not much."

"What's up?" Said Victoria.

"Even if you got in that place, you've got Claudia plus who knows how many of her minions to deal with. They need some help."

"They can't get any Jadelyn. The last time they contacted someone in their world, it turned into a disaster."

Suddenly Jade snapped her fingers. "From their world! But what about another one? I never thought of her!"

Victoria vigorously shook her head. "NO! Not her! Anything but her. That would be like fighting a fire with gasoline."

"Tor they need help and I think she will. I need to ask."

"I'm not sure if this is a good idea."

"Look, I'll ask and if she says no, then so be it."

Victoria relented. "Fine, but ask once and if she says no then you thank her and leave."

Jadelyn smiled and kiss Victoria on the cheek. "I'll be back."

As Jade tore out the door, Victoria said to herself. "With her, I'm not so sure."

The discussion went on for nearly an hour with the group finding no way of getting inside. Every idea was discounted and everyone was getting frustrated.

Victoria who had been sitting at the kitchen table, looking at emails on her computer, suddenly had an idea. She quickly put the name Rabennest into a search engine. What came up made her smile.

"Attention! Guys" Victoria announced proudly.

"What?" Said Jade.

"All those defenses, all that magic. They're totally irrelevant."

Julia pointed to the image still on the screen. "I don't think you understand, those walls are so heavily fortified with defensive spells that nothing magical will pass through them or harm them."

Victoria laughed. "I'll tell you how you'll get in, the front door. No disguises, no deception, you'll just walk in."

Jade raised an eyebrow with a doubting look. "And how is that supposed to happen.

"Jadelyn and I travel between universes all the time. You're not thinking multi dimensionally. It's called a parallel universe as in there's a Rabennest in this world."

"So." Said Valentina.

"You're not getting it. In your world it's a castle owned by an evil wizard. In this world it's owned by the Hilton hotel chain. It's a hotel in this world. It's a major tourist attraction and has tours 6 days a week."

Victoria huffed seeing the confused faces around her. " Don't you get it? You go to the castle in this universe, you check into the hotel, you take the tour get and to know the building. Then you find an isolated room or closet within the castle. There you open your magic portal between worlds. You won't have to worry about having to pass through the walls as you'll already be inside of them. Not only are you inside her defenses, you'll know every room, every corridor, and every light switch. The two castles look identical."

For a second you could hear a pin drop as Jade, Julia, Victoria and Valentina realized to their shock, that Victoria was right. All of Claudia's defenses didn't mean squat. They had a way in.

After letting out a cheer, Jade ran over to Victoria and hugged her. "I could kiss you, but that will make Tori mad. You're a genius."

An excited air came to the room, as plans for travel and arrangements were quickly discussed.

Jade was happy, she had Tori back, she was back to full strength and now had a way to get to Claudia.

"Everything is finally going my way." Said Jade with a smirk.

No sooner had she said that when Victoria, looking like she'd been beat up, but smiling none the less came into the apartment.

"Good news. I brought help!

Jade tilted her head, narrowed he eyes and stepped forward. "What help?"

"You're up against a badass wizard. So you need something badass to combat it. I found just the people you need and they're willing to help. I've invited them here to discuss it with you."

It was then Jade noticed a familiar smell, one that made the hairs on her next stand up on end. It was the tell-tale smell of death. Jade knew full well, only one kind of creature made that smell.

Jade quickly grabbed Jadelyn's shirt. "What in the hell did you bring here?"

"ME!" Said a familiar voice from the doorway.

Looking up, Jade spotted yet another doppelganger of hers standing in the doorway, with yet another Tori standing behind her. These two looked exactly like the other two Tori's and Jade, with one exception, they both had the rather distinct fangs of vampires.

The Jade in the doorway took a bow, "Permit me to introduce myself, I'm Jade West, 3000 year old vampire, Co-founder and former leader of Clan Erie, destroyer of the Vampire council and your savior. When you look up the phrase ultimate badass in a dictionary, in my universe, you see my smiling face. So you're the dumb fuck werewolf, who nearly got her and her mate killed. Typical Lycan, all teeth, no brains. Boy do you ever need my help."

Uh Oh

Guess who just showed up to help. None other than the Jade from "Someone to watch over me." So tell me, how do you think a werewolf Jade and vampire Jade will get along. Or will they get along at all.

I based the castle on a real one from Austira. If you want to see what it looks like, look for a picture of the Hohenwerfen Castle.

The Chapter title, That Smell, is from the Lynyrd Sknynyrd song of the same name.