The Dal
The bar was empty. The only drinkers were Dyson and Kenzi. Trick had gone down to his lair for a minute. The other two sat almost stiff. The music was solemn. It normally was until a crowd had gathered. Trick liked it this way. Calm. Nobody screaming at the top of their lungs. Nobody busting up beer bottles over each others heads. Nobody being thrown across his pool table.
"Well? Trick asked walking behind Dyson and Kenzi.
"I got nothing Trick. All we saw were bodies scattered everywhere. I couldn't pick up any scents. Whomever killed them was clean about it". Dyson sighed. He had a long night the night before and an early morning. Basically he hadn't gone to sleep yet.
The early morning found him going out to investigate a case when someone reported fighting in a park. By the time he arrived, he found bodies scattered all over the place. The few that died did so because they didn't get them loaded into the vans to be taken to the local hospitals. Dyson was no Doctor. He was a Cop. A Cop that didn't have a single lead to go on.
All any of the survivors could tell him was the perpetrator was quick in her attack. They didn't even know what she had done to them. Only that it hurt.
"Dyson you have to find something. We need to know what is going on and who is behind this". Trick said coldly. He hadn't seen Bo in days so he wasn't sure it wasn't her that they were looking for. But Dyson knows her. He would have at least spotted some kind of mark she would normally leave behind.
"I sent a few guys out to go over the area again. I figured it would be easier to see in the morning". Dyson said. Blood was everywhere. He had hoped that who ever was behind it would have bled on someone but all he could get was the attacks were swift. He wasn't even sure if the victims saw the attacks coming.
"It's not Bo though right? Kenzi asked. She was still furious at Bo's betrayal but she didn't want to see her in trouble for something she hadn't done.
"No I don't think it was Bo". Dyson sighed. He too was upset with Bo and would do what he could to help her but not cover up a crime for her. Not again. Maybe not ever. Bo made her choice and if she was in trouble, she could let Rainer fix it. Mr. Perfect could do no wrong in Bo's eyes. They all saw that. They all felt that. As far as they were concerned they were pieces of shit stuck to the bottom of the Succubus' boot.
She hated them. She despised them. After all each of them had done for her, she wanted nothing to do with them. Well nothing that wasn't about kissing her or Rainer's ass.
After Hale's funeral, they barely saw Bo. She even arrived late. Too late for her to sit next to Kenzi. Dyson did all he could to try and calm Kenzi's anger so she wouldn't break totally down before the ceremony started but his own heart was broken. When she told him how Bo arrived but refused to bring Hale back, he was pissed off about that too. How many times had they seen Bo's Succubus bring someone back. Hell she brought him back. Why not Hale? Why not someone Kenzi loved. Was Bo so far gone that she didn't see that Kenzi needed Hale? Too far gone to see Kenzi was crushed beyond consolation?
"We really need to know who it is. I don't like attacks like this when we don't know if it's Dark Fae or pissed off Light Fae". Trick sighed. He had no leads either. Nothing. His phone calls were quick because nobody knew who they were dealing with.
"I'd feel better if we knew were Bo was". Dyson said.
"Somewhere with Rainer no doubt especially since". Kenzi said and then clammed up.
"Since what Kenzi? Dyson asked.
"They had a huge blowup yesterday and I don't think any of us will be seeing Bo for a long time". Kenzi said.
"Bo and Rainer? What did he do? Dyson bristled.
"The three of them. When I came home I heard all of them yelling. It was mostly Bo. It was mostly Bo yelling at Lauren". Kenzi said softly. She still felt bad for Lauren. She had never seen the Doctor so upset but then again they weren't the best of friends so she never knew what a devastated Lauren looked like until now.
"Why would Bo be yelling at Lauren? She has Rainer. She made that bitterly clear to me in this very spot". Dyson said pointing at his barstool.
"Dude it was bad. Lauren was yelling too. And we have never seen the Doc lose her cool like that". Kenzi sighed taking a shot of Whiskey.
"But why? Dyson asked. He last saw Lauren at the end of Hale's ceremony. She went inside the mausoleum to pay her respects in private. Knowing she was currently under Evony's protection she didn't want to make a scene and make Kenzi's day worse. The three of them hugged and spoke kind words of the Siren.
When he was talking before the mourners Dyson noted seeing Lauren standing off to the side of the mourners and watched her looking at Bo sitting with Tamsin and left.
He knew that anger all too well. Bo wanted her cake and she wanted to eat it too. So Lauren had every right to be pissed off. Bo left her at Tafts so how could she think Lauren would want to come back to the very side that would only use her and never give a damn about her protection.
"Since we don't know what's going on Trick. I think it's time for you to claim me". Kenzi said softly. Unclaimed she was just a sitting buffet to the Fae.
"What? Aren't you claimed by Bo? Dyson asked.
"Not anymore. I had her unclaim me last night". Kenzi said sadly. It was painful but needed to be done. Being claimed by Bo with the way things were, was like being claimed by Rainer too and that was bullshit.
"Kenzi that's dangerous. The Fae won't care about you now. You won't get a minute of peace if this gets out". Dyson said. It was true. With all the enemies Bo had made over the years, claimed or not, they would kill Kenzi.
"I know that's why I asked Trick to do it. Nobody would defy the Blood King". Kenzi said. She still had her doubts about it but living at the Dal had it perks and security. Walls, food and all she could drink liquor.
"Bo couldn't have been happy about that". Dyson said.
"No she wasn't but it's not like she cares". Kenzi said. How many weeks had she needed Bo? How many times had she tried to confide in her that she felt alone, abandoned. Bo always wanted them to be there for her. Where was Bo when Kenzi was running again? This time from the Fae. Namely those bastards the Una Mens.
Lauren lucked out a bit. Yes she was with the Dark but nobody wanted to screw around with the Morrigan. Evony was a bitch but she never put up with bullshit.
The Dark Fae compound.
"Did you get the grounds cleaned up? The Morrigan asked.
"Yes ma'am. The grounds crew mowed everything and got up every fiber that wasn't grass". Bruce said.
"Good maybe if we disguise the grounds that bastard won't have a reason to come back here ever again". The Morrigan said.
"Who? Bruce asked looking around. All Evony had ordered was that the grounds be mowed and scrubbed of everything. Not a single leaf was to be left on the grounds.
"Hades". The Morrigan said coldly. She felt so uneasy now. Nobody had ever done that to her. Only that fool could.
"Hades. Hades? Bruce asked.
"The very one. The Succubus has always been a pain in my ass. He's the pain in the hole". The Morrigan said rubbing her forehead. This was a disaster. No Elder. No Fae could ever control him. They were all relieved when he went away. But that was shortly when the Blood King's daughter went missing and she hadn't heard from either one since.
"What can do we about him? Bruce asked. He had known of Hades and if he was sniffing around the Dark Fae compound that was not a good thing.
"We can't do anything. He's basically death and how do you outrun or outfox death? The Morrigan asked. There was never an answer to combat Hades. She needed to know what he wanted but without going to him. In her impatience she had cleared the compound of everyone that wasn't under her employ. Even the prisoners she had in her dungeons. Hades could pop into anybody whenever he wanted to. She was paranoid that Bruce was him for hours until he finally had to convince her that he wasn't him.
"Well that's a problem. But everything has been stripped down. The curtains and blinds have all been taken down. Well except the ones in your bedroom as you requested". Bruce explained. They needed to see outside. Nothing was to be covered up. No door was to be closed or locked.
"Any word on Dr. Lewis yet? The Morrigan asked. She needed Lauren back there too. Outside of the compound was unguarded and pretty much open to attack.
"No nobody has seen her since yesterday. I still have a few guys out. Other than the ones guarding all entrances". Bruce explained. He had gone out to look for Lauren too for a few hours until the Morrigan called him back. She may not have ever said it but Bruce seemed to be her most trusted guard.
"I don't like that answer Bruce. She needs to be found and soon". The Morrigan snapped. She imagined the other guards were too afraid to stray away from the compound but she didn't care if they died, she needed Dr. Lewis alive. The human was brilliant and funny. She also didn't bore her like the others do.
"We are looking everywhere, our shifters can't even find her scent but we will find her". Bruce said. Even if he thought it was a lie, he believed it.
"Soon I said". The Morrigan snapped.
"Yes ma'am". Bruce said.
Lauren
I snuck back into the compound and took a quick shower. Once I packed what little clothes I owned I snuck back out. I hated sneaking but I didn't want to see anyone yet. Talk to anyone yet. The only people I did talk to where the patrons of this seedy bar I found. I sat at a table in the far back. The bartender came by and I ordered two shots. In between shots I thought about last night.
I had gone back to the compound to pack my things because I was finally ready to leave. I met with Evony for about 30 minutes. I didn't trust her either and left. My months plotting against her weren't worth it. Not worth breaking my oath. Not for Bo.
Bo. Did I even know Bo anymore? Do I even care to know her anymore? Everything I did. Every time I went against the Ash. Some things he never even knew about. Time in that disgusting dungeon when Bo was on the outside ignoring my screams. I know she heard me. I screamed at the top of my lungs. I know how thin the walls of those dungeons were as I had been in a few many times before Bo came along. For far more worthy reasons.
I held the serum up to Evony and explained what it was and what it would and could do. She was furious at first but came around when she noticed how easily I could have snuck it in her beer. In her food. In her candy.
After I left her, everything else is pretty much a blur. Besides that moment I kissed Bo. It was like no other kiss we ever had. It was tainted and empty. I could taste Rainers scent in her mouth. The guy wore cheap cologne. Likely because he had been away for centuries or Bo didn't take him shopping like she did many times with Dyson. How Bo got it in her mouth she didn't want to know and there wasn't enough mouthwash in the world that could wash that memory or taste out of her mouth if she allowed herself to think of the possibility.
So here I am. Back at the same bar. I'm the only customer and the bartender has been cleaning since I arrived. I'm different. I know it. I can feel it. I can see it. I can smell it.
I was also in a brawl last night. Apparently I didn't get away from the compound fast enough. I would swear it was Evony's doing but none of her goons were around or involved. Not the same goons that picked me up after I ran from Taft's. These were new people. New Fae. Fae I had never seen.
About ten of them descended upon me. Before I could react they all piled on top of me. The next thing I knew I was running down the street. That's how I ended up here. At this bar. In this solitude. I had known it before but this time it was freeing.
The Dal
"Hey". Bo said.
"Trick you have a customer". Kenzi said.
"Kenzi please don't be like that. A lot happened last night after we talked and I need to talk again". Bo said taking a seat next to Kenzi.
"Bo you could be on fire right now and I am not one hundred percent sure I'd spit on you to try and put it out". Kenzi snapped.
"Kenzi please". Bo said.
"Now you want to talk? For weeks I had been wanting to talk to you. Dyson had been wanting to talk to you. Lauren had been wanting to talk to you". Kenzi snapped again. Bo was a woman but she had balls to think she could just show up and things would be like they had just met.
"Kenzi we talked. I thought you and I were fine. Dyson and I are fine. Speaking of Lauren that's what I need to talk to you about". Bo said.
"No Bo. I won't talk to you about Lauren. She's better off wherever she is". Kenzi said.
"So she's better off dead? Bo asked.
"What? Lauren's dead? What did you do?! Kenzi screamed.
"What? I didn't do it and by the way she's fine". Bo said softly. She was still reeling herself from the sight of a motionless Lauren on the ground.
"Then why did you say she was dead if you didn't do anything? Kenzi snapped. She wasn't believing Bo wouldn't know what happened. Not when her boyfriend could see the future.
"We found her in the field last night she was gone but then she came back". Bo explained.
"We? Who's we? I only see one of you. Where's the golden boy? Out picking out China dishes? Kenzi asked.
"No. He's dead". Bo said.
"What? Dyson asked.
"Look he wasn't who I thought he was ok. Who we thought he was". Bo said softly.
"I thought he was an asshole so this is no big loss". Kenzi said. How could she feel anything for someone that never acknowledged her existence? He never once spoke to her.
Bo couldn't say anything. Why try to change their minds about a man when they never understood their relationship. No matter how hard Bo tried she couldn't get them to understand but she did.
She understood that Lauren had left her. She understood that Dyson was in love with her but she didn't love him like that anymore. She understood she and Kenzi were growing apart. She understood Trick had a long standing hatred of Rainer.
But one thing none of them understood was how lost Bo was. She was taken for goodness sakes. Most of memories were just one big fuzz ball and the one thing she thought she could count on was her family.
But what family? None of them cared that her memories were gone. None of them cared that she was afraid that she would or could be taken again. And that all started when she left Taft's. The spot where she found Aife. The spot where she found Dyson. The spot where she fought with Tamsin. The spot where she found Lauren and said she loved her. The spot where Lauren said she loved her but Lauren's version seemed final.
It seemed she was done with Bo. She asked for the break and for all of Bo's hopes and dreams it seemed permanent. As in lose my number. As in we'll always be friends. As in I've moved the hell on. Then when she saw Lauren again, she still pushed her away. She got that she shouldn't have said she would claim her. That sounded like holding your own lover prisoner. But Bo didn't want that for Lauren not again. She wanted Lauren. Period. But Lauren apparently didn't want her back. She wanted a life with the Morrigan. The Morrigan for crying out loud.
What else could Bo do? She moved on. Ok maybe not exactly on but she found a nice unrelated to her heart distraction. He was Rainer. He was new. He wasn't nagging her about anything. He was nice. He was fresh. He was a powerful Fae that could see the future and she saw her future with him. No matter how long it lasted. No matter that she didn't have feelings for him. No matter that she didn't love him. He was a good man. A good friend.
"He's dead and I came here to talk to you about Lauren. I thought we were at least well enough to be able to talk as friends on the way to mending the rift between us". Bo said softly. It hurt that she even had to say that but it was the truth. She had to see that now.
"If you want to talk about me I'm right here". Lauren said from the doorway.
"Doc! Kenzi screamed running over to her when she noticed Lauren looked different, she stopped. Lauren even sounded different.
"Lauren? Are you ok? Dyson asked squirming his nose. Her scent was not the one he was used to.
"I'm fine Dyson now tell me why you were all talking about me". Lauren said softly. She hadn't taken her eyes off of Bo. She hadn't even moved closer to any of them yet.
"We weren't talking about you Doc. Bo was". Kenzi said. It was the truth and she wasn't about to hide anything from Lauren. If Bo wanted to talk about Lauren she could talk to Lauren.
"What do you want Bo? Lauren asked emphatically.
"I wanted to tell them what happened to you". Bo said softly. She was glad to see Lauren even if it was an angry Lauren.
"Well then. Let me have a seat and you can tell all of us". Lauren said bitterly. Bo wanted to talk about Lauren now? She didn't even want to talk to her but she wanted to talk about her now?
"You were dead when I found you Lauren. I don't exactly know what happened to you". Bo said softly. It was an image that would live with her forever.
"Ahh I see. So you don't know what else happened to me either then? Lauren asked still staring at the Succubus.
"Lauren! You are not shocked that you were dead? Bo asked. She couldn't take her eyes off of the Doctor either.
"Well I'm not now am I? Lauren asked moving her limbs.
"Lauren..". Bo started.
"Tell us Bo. Tell us what happened to me". Lauren said.
Bo stood shocked. She didn't want to get into what Lauren was asking of her. She really came to tell them about her seeing Lauren dead and intended on starting a search party to find her. But here Lauren was. No search party required.
"I don't want to talk about that right now Lauren". Bo said.
"Well I'm pretty sure that you will tell Kenzi so allow me". Lauren said standing up.
"I went to see Bo yesterday. I took her proof that Rainer wasn't who he appeared to be and she accused me of plotting revenge. Imagine we are not even a couple. We are barely friends. We barely speak. What kind of revenge would I need to exact? Lauren snapped. Her face showed every ounce of anger that was boiling inside of her.
Kenzi and Dyson couldn't say anything. Lauren was right. What would she have to gain going at Bo when they weren't a couple. Bo had kicked them all out. That would have been the last straw for anybody. Lauren looked well when she was with the Dark. Free. Happy.
Bo shook her head. This was embarrassing. But they were all there. They needed to get all of their stuff out into the open. She had nothing now but them.
"That was Rainer. He was just different". Bo said shamefully.
"Different how? Dyson asked.
"He was a Revenant". Bo said looking everywhere but at any of them.
"Hold the hell up. You shut us all out. Kicked me out of the clubhouse for a dead guy? Kenzi asked.
"Yes". Bo said. It was all she could say. The woman that thought she could read people's auras, read Rainer's completely wrong.
"Well that's shit". Kenzi said.
"Kenzi". Trick said.
"It is Trick but of course I'm sure you are gonna defend her bullshit since you are the King of bullshit too". Kenzi snapped turning back to Trick.
"Kenzi didn't you say you wanted him to claim you". Dyson whispered but loud enough to be heard by the others.
"You what? Asked a shocked Bo.
"I asked him to claim me but if he's going to stand there and excuse your bullshit, I'm fine as I am". Kenzi spat.
"Kenzi I said I would claim you again and I still will if you want". Bo said softly.
"Girl please. People associated with you aren't exactly safe. Lauren. Rainer". Kenzi said with a hint of bitterness hanging from Rainer's name.
"I could claim you Kenzi". Lauren said softly. She knew Kenzi's pain. She felt Kenzi's pain.
"You Lauren? That won't work either". Bo said turning as she heard the doors opening.
"Well well Dr. Lewis there you are". The Morrigan said loudly.
"What do you want Evony? Lauren asked stepping forward.
"It's time to go Dr. You're still under my protection remember". The Morrigan laughed.
"I'm not going back". Lauren said. She wasn't either. She wasn't sure where she would live now but it wouldn't be anywhere she'd lived or slept before.
"Now now Dr. There is a danger lurking that you are not aware of". The Morrigan said seriously.
"I am well aware of that danger. I am not going back". Lauren said again.
"Fine have it your way then. Grab her boys". The Morrigan screamed as two of her biggest guards started for the Doctor.
Lauren rolled her eyes and took a deep breath. She wasn't going back and they should have listened. Lifting her hands she watched them scream in horror as their bodies caught fire. Lowering her arms she watched them fall to the ground and smiled "Any questions?
TBC