Trick's lair.
Lauren circled around Trick's ashes. Over the years she never saw him throw a punch much less lift his fists to anyone. He didn't have to. His blood was like a tattoo of some freakish hell or death.
He had books of his blood laws and curses. He never took long to curse anyone he ever thought was a threat. For the first time Lauren was starting to wonder if it wasn't some Shaman but Trick himself who cursed Nadia. It sounds silly but it is very possible. What Trick wanted, he usually got. He was his very own genie.
She knew what he was about to write. He tried to disguise it so only he could read it but she knew his language after sneaking in and reading up on the Fae over the years. She once snuck a book out of his lair and had someone interpret it for her saying it was an assignment for the Ash.
How many human lives had he destroyed? How many Fae? How many of his own family did he damn to tell too besides Aife? Was he so innocent and right that other people's lives and opinions didn't matter? Yes. Lauren had seen that and been the victim of his mindless ranting of the Fae that he needed Lauren's help with. He knew she knew more than he did, but as a man and King, he thumbed his nose at her.
Not every Ash agreed with him. They only tolerated him since he was powerful and knew that someday they could use him for something or blackmail him into something. They had done it before and would do it again.
His reign was over the minute he let out his first scream. His cowardice went up with his ashes. His blood would spill nomore.
Lauren looked at his last sentence and laughed.
"Dr. Lewis do you want to tell the rest of the class what's so funny? Aife asked after watching the Doctor.
"It's what he wrote. The silly old fool never lived to see that he was wrong". Lauren said coolly.
"You killed him but I wanted the pleasure. The absolute pleasure of watching him take his last breath. His last blink. His last whimper". Aife seethed. She wasn't mad at Lauren but she still wanted her justice. Isabeau's justice. Bo's justice. Trick never would have done any of them any good.
Lauren stood watching Aife for a moment. Yes she had every reason to be angry at Trick more than anyone. Trick thought everyone was beneath him. She wondered just how much did he love Bo. Love that she was away from her mother. That way he could control what she knew about her blood and how he could use her powers to his advantage. He knew nothing of Hades and had he known would he have sent Bo away too? The Dark would never take her off of his hands with that knowledge but Trick was thousands of years old. If he wanted someone gone, they would be.
Lauren had a delicious idea and pulled her phone out. "Evony it's Dr. Lewis. Be a dear and get every Elder and Fae that you know to the Dal right now and have them wait outside. Oh stop whining you will love this". Lauren laughed as she hung up.
"What was that about? Aife asked. She hated Evony almost as much as Trick. Both would roll over their young if it meant gaining power in the Fae world.
Lauren just smirked and made another phone call as Bo and Aife watched her. Bo was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that Trick was dead. But she wasn't too torn up over it. How many lies had he told her in the short amount of time that she knew him? He thought nothing of the women in his life. He really was someone who should have never been a parent.
Lauren dusted off one of the seats and waited for almost ten minutes before she stood again. She had been making notes and placed them in her pocket.
Standing to her feet she took a loud deep breath. She walked towards Trick's ashes. Waited a moment and snapped her fingers. Once she was satisfied that he was alive again, she picked him up by his shirt collar. "Better now? She laughed.
"Lauren? What have you done? Trick asked.
"Yeah what the fuck did you do? Aife laughed. She was happy Trick was back just so that she could kill him herself.
When Lauren heard loud voices upstairs she dragged Trick towards and up the stairs. Aife was quite interested as the Doctor winked at her as they passed by. Bo was stunned to. What the hell had Lauren done and what was she planning to do next? Bo could not keep up with the Doctor. Lately she had been all over the place and not just in and out of the Dal.
She wondered how many of her memories Lauren had been subjected to and if she was still angry with her. The only way she was going to get answers was to have a sit down with the Doctor but she also knew it would be difficult to keep her sitting in one spot long enough to talk and find out where they stood. If they were indeed on their last leg and chance at love again.
Love. When Lauren told Bo she did everything for her how much of that was true because from where Bo stood, it looked like Lauren was doing everything for Lauren. Taft. Evony. They never talked about the Ash or Vex. But who had made time for that? Perhaps it should have been before they made love for the second time but that was needed because neither of them thought Lachlan would ever allow Lauren out of the Fae compound again.
Slowly Bo walked behind Aife and Lauren. They were already up the stairs and nearly out the door before Bo had come out of her thoughts and saw them. The screaming was finally on the Succubus last nerve and she snapped.
"Would you please stop that incessant whining? The Succubus said.
"I didn't call for you. I called for Bo". Kenzi cringed as she was still stuck on top of Dyson's body.
"Yes. Yes that's all you do is call for Bo. Bo I need booze. Bo I need shoes. Bo I need clothes. Bo I need food". The Succubus mocked her.
"I said I called for Bo. She is the only one that can help me". Kenzi snapped. She rarely saw Bo's Succubus and she wasn't too sure she liked her.
"What makes you so sure Bo will help you? The Succubus laughed. The girl was a bit naive but she was about to be schooled.
"Bo will always help me. I'm her human". Kenzi spat.
"Was her human and why are you even here? You asked her to unclaim you? You shouldn't even be allowed around the Fae". The Succubus laughed. Kenzi always thought she could have her cake and eat it too. Not today.
That was it. It was finally decided. Kenzi did prefer Bo over her Succubus. "I just wanted Bo to revive Dyson. He's a friend to the both of us".
"Silly girl". The Succubus laughed.
"What? He is a friend to the both of us. You should know that more than anyone. And Bo will reclaim me when I ask her to.". Kenzi replied.
"Even if she does, what you are asking her to do will not be done". The Succubus sighed. This was getting boring and tiring.
"Wrong as Bo's claimed human. I am entitled to protection and just about anything that I want. All the necessities that you mentioned before". Kenzi mocked back. She knew she was right. Free liquor upon request and all the pizza she could eat.
"She may give you freebies. But that's just it. You were her claimed human. You were never and will never be mine". The Succubus said.
"What does that even mean? Kenzi asked. She assumed once she was claimed it was by both.
"It means what you are asking Bo to do, she can't. I am the only one that has the powers to revive someone and I have been trying to kill that bastard for awhile now but you knew that right? The Succubus laughed. Bo may have been oblivious but her Succubus had seen and heard Kenzi's constant cheers for the Bo to pick the wolf over the human Doctor, even though Kenzi is human too. It was quite ridiculous to her. Selling out her own kind for a dog that would kill her own kind if it meant getting Bo.
"What? I knew what? Kenzi asked. She was lost now.
"That we...I was draining him". The Succubus laughed when she thought of how Dyson begged Bo to stop but it really wasn't Bo he should have been begging.
Kenzi knew she had her there. She couldn't deny that Dyson was being drained and frankly looked like shit after ever tryst he had with Bo.
"Just like I thought". The Succubus laughed.
"Bo! I know you can hear me. You have to help me. Help Dyson. You've done it before! Kenzi pleaded.
"That was a one-time only deal. I won't be saving him again but cheer up buttercup once his body turns to ashes, you will have the bone you always wanted". The Succubus laughed walking off. She hoped she hadn't missed whatever Lauren was up to.
Well that was a bit harsh and eye opening Bo thought as they made their way out the door.
A unusually large crowd had gathered outside of the Dal. Bo had never seen that many Fae in her life. She wondered what they all were. She was sure Lauren and Aife knew. Evony was standing next to Lauren and they appeared to be in deep conversation. Bo seethed at the sight but knew she needed to control her temper or the Succubus would surface again.
"Can we get on this I do have other places to be! Vex snapped. His hands were still attached to his arse and he was quite embarrassed about it.
"Vex learn your place sweetie". Evony laughed. Lauren had told her what she had done to him and damned if it wasn't funny. So funny that she wished she had thought of it first.
"Well look at me? I need to be fixed". Vex said.
"That's obvious". Evony laughed.
"You know what I mean! Vex screamed. He would leave but he was hopeful there was a Fae in the crowd that could reverse what Lauren did to him.
Lauren laughed too. But how many times have Vex laughed at her and mocked her over the years as the lowly human. One that couldn't keep up with the Succubus like Dyson could. She knew he was behind the Una Mens being after her months ago. She should kill him for that thought alone. The humiliation he was living with was a small amount of justice. A Mesmer that can't use his hands was useless to the Fae.
Lauren had finished talking to the Morrigan and walked over to chair she had pushed Trick into after insisting that he stay seated. "Get up".
Trick looked confused but had no other choice but to obey her. He looked like a lost child. He stoop up as requested and waited for further instructions. Bo and Aife were off to the side and weren't about to come near him. They both sensed something was off with him and knew they would soon find out what.
Lauren stepped forward. "Ladies and gentlemen for years you have come to the Dal Riata and had your drinks and food served to you. Questions answered by this knowledgeable barkeep. What some of you may have never known that Trick was more than a bartender. He is Fitzpatrick McCorrigan better known around the Fae as the Blood King". Lauren said.
"What? That bastard is the Blood King? I shall have his ass right now! A voice came calling from the back.
"Stay where you are as I am not finished". Lauren laughed. She loved Trick's look of humiliation. How many times had she felt humiliated and denounced over the years? Plenty.
"Well get on with it. That bastard has made my life and many others hell for years". The voice called out.
"As I was saying this man was known to the Fae as the Blood King. His laws you were forced to live by and obey. Now he walks among you, diminished shall we say". Lauren laughed. She had to keep it together so that she would be taken seriously but this was indeed funny.
"Well? The voice called angrily.
"He's no longer the Blood King. He's no longer Fae. He's now one hundred percent human". Lauren replied.
The crowd scoffed. Some laughed. Some cried out. Some were flat out angry.
Bollocks! Someone in the crowd screamed.
"Ladies and gents. I can assure you if the Doctor said the man is human, he's human". The Morrigan said trying to contain her own laughter.
Lauren bowed her head to contain her laughter. He would now know what it felt like to be bossed around, pushed around and spat on. But most of all he would be considered a traitor. She would tell them he was human but she would never tell them how or why. The Morrigan knew but she would never tell them either.
Alll hell suddenly broke loose. People were pushing, pulling and shoving each other to the ground in their attempts to get to Trick but none could reach him quick enough. When fists started to fly Bo moved in front of Lauren.
"I don't need your help or protection". Lauren snapped.
"You're going to get it whether you want it or not". Bo snapped over her shoulder. She wouldn't turn to look at the Doctor because that would leave them both exposed.
When Bo heard Lauren sigh she sighed too. Why was it so hard for them to get along or agree on something lately? She couldn't wallow in that now. The Fae were pissed and there was a storm brewing that wasn't coming from the sky.
"Explain yourself Fitzpatrick! One man screamed.
Trick tried to open his mouth but nothing came out. His mouth felt try and his eyes widened.
Lauren pulled a bag from behind her. Trick eyes widened again. He knew what it was.
"Gather around for a little demonstration if you doubt me". Lauren said pushing Trick back into his chair.
The Morrigan stood closer as did Bo and Aife. The crowd grew silent and now fought to get close enough to see what the Doctor was about to do.
She pulled a small knife from her pocket and cut Trick's arm. It was the same area that she often treated after he had written in his blood. He may have been the Blood King but even he needed human medical attention.
Lauren opened his book and ordered him to try and write. When he did, Aife jumped back as it splattered everywhere.
"That's not blood, it's piss". Aife laughed.
"You would be right". Lauren said softly.
"So he has piss in his veins? The Morrigan laughed. The Doctor had not told her this.
"Doctor I will only allow you a few more moments of amusement, even though it is quite funny but you must move on". Hades said in her ear.
Lauren rolled her eyes. She had proven her point and knew Trick was a sitting duck. He hadn't only cursed humans, he cursed Fae just as worse and some of them were still suffering.
When someone finally broke through the crowd aiming for Trick, Aife caught them by their neck.
"Now now. Ladies first". Aife laughed pulling Trick from his chair and dragging him away. Lauren pulled him out of Aife's clutches and there was nothing she could do to overpower the Doctor.
"What? You said ladies first". Lauren laughed.
"Now you are going to learn". Lauren said throwing him back at Aife. The other Fae swarmed on them as Bo once again stood in front of Lauren not bothering to pull her blade from it's sheath. Who needed a knife when your mouth was your biggest weapon? The Succubus raised her arms and started to pull Chi from anyone that came near her or Lauren. Trick was on his ass on the ground.
Bo was relieved when she saw Aife once again drag Trick away. This was her chance. Her chance to talk to Lauren to find out what the hell was going on with her. Enough Fae had attempted to reach them so she was adequately fed.
Bring back the piss king was heard as Bo turned around to face the Doctor who was not looking at her. She was focused on the crowds chasing after Aife. It was quite delicious as that was the same way she had been dragged into the Fae to begin with. She hadn't forgotten a single detail of that day and it honestly reeked of Trick too.
"Lauren? Bo said softly.
Lauren sighed and turned to the Succubus. "What is it now?
Bo held her tongue but took a deep breath. "Lauren we can't keep going on like this".
"Like what? Lauren laughed. What was wrong with anything that she was doing? She hadn't even much thought about Bo. Kind of like how Bo never much thought of her.
"You are so angry and vengeful. This is not you. It has never been you". Bo said softly.
"I have a right to be angry. Do them before they do you. You wouldn't know anything about me because you never asked or stuck around long enough to find out". Lauren responded.
Bo knew she had reasons for the last response. She hadn't asked Lauren much of anything about her life. She just knew that she was very attracted to the Doctor and assumed their love making was getting to know the other. But that wasn't right. Their bodies may have spoken volumes but she..they needed to speak words.
"I can't get to know you like this Lauren". Bo said waving her hands up and down over the Doctor's body.
"And why would you want to know now? Lauren asked once again facing the crowds still running after Aife and Trick.
"Lauren I'm sorry I wasn't there when you died. I'm sorry you're so angry that you can't even give me five minutes to explain". Bo said softly.
"You're not sorry about that. You're only sorry your bf turned out to be a fraud and there is nobody available to warm your bed in my place. I tried talking to you and you took up most of the five minutes talking about me wanting revenge on you over Rainer. That's petty. That's you, not me". Lauren responded never turning to look at Bo.
"What? When have I ever been petty? Bo scoffed.
Lauren sighed. "Let's see. When you hugged Dyson in front of me when Aife killed the Elder. When you slept with him after he lied to you about Aife telling him you knew he only did it to protect you. The same thing I did with the Ash only we both know you wanted me just as much, but I guess my kind of protection was just shit to you. Leaving me at Taft's conveniently forgetting that I was human and saved your bf but then again, you did have Tamsin to fill the void right? Lauren finished.
"Lauren...". Bo started.
"You better hurry you have about two of your five minutes left". Lauren laughed. She could tell Bo still wasn't getting it. She wondered if she ever did or would.
"Lauren! Bo snapped. She was shocked she was actually timing her.
"Tick tock. The Fae ran up the clock". Lauren said softly.
"You can't even explain about him can you? Lauren asked and Bo knew she meant Rainer.
"It is a long story". Bo said.
"That line won't work on me like it did with Dyson and besides your time is almost up". Lauren retorted.
Bo sighed. Yet another memory of hers that Lauren has too. "Fine I wanted to free him. To break his curse. After I broke the train one I found out there was another one to break. I had to help him break that one so that he would be free and alive. I wanted to feel useful in at least one of my relationships. It was bigger than love". Bo rambled off. She was a bit winded when she finished.
"What is this Thriller? Lauren laughed.
"Lauren! Bo snapped.
"I get it. You thought you could free someone because you couldn't free me with Nadia right? But you did and didn't bother to tell me. I recommitted to Lachlan and I freed myself from the Light by using the Dark. I almost went there. I almost broke my Hippocratic Oath for you by plotting to turn Evony human by sleeping with her. Something you thought we were already doing and we never did. But I wasn't about to whore myself to the Dark Fae leader over a threat she made against you. After all if she really wanted you dead, you would be". Lauren said. She was not winded though. She had held that in for so long it felt like just another breath.
"You could have told me what you were planning Lauren". Bo said.
"And then what? Lauren asked. Bo's time was up but this should interesting.
"I could have helped you". Bo said.
"Helped me? Lauren laughed.
"Yes helped you". Bo said. This is why she never felt useful.
"Help me what? Out of my clothes as you bounced from Dyson to me? Lauren laughed. She knew what Bo was doing in her spare time.
"Lauren it wasn't like that. It wouldn't have been like that". Bo said softly.
"It would have been exactly like that. The day after I told I was staying with the Dark, you were all over him. Twice until the Una Mens showed up in your bedroom. Tell me again how you could have protected me? Lauren laughed. She knew she was right to stay with Evony. Bo didn't even know they were in her house and could have easily slit the human Doctor's throat.
"Lauren if you would have come home with me there wouldn't have been a need for Dyson". Bo snapped. It hurt that Lauren thought that Bo thought so little of her.
Lauren shook her head laughing. She could have gone with Aife to see what she was going to do with Trick. That would have been more productive than this.
"I love you Lauren! Bo snapped seeing the Doctor wasn't believing her.
"Why? Lauren asked.
"What? Why what? Bo asked.
"Why do you love me? Lauren asked.
"I love you Lauren. You know that. I have told you several times". Bo said.
"Why do you love me now? Lauren asked.
"I just do". Bo said trying to get the Doctor to look at her but Lauren refused.
"I see". Lauren said.
"You see what? Bo asked looking around. All she saw was the back of Fae bodies still following Aife and Trick.
"I see why you love me. You love me because Ryan is gone. Rainer is gone and your personal favorite, Dyson is gone". Lauren said. There seemed to be no going back or forward for her and Bo as she felt like another body the Succubus was trying to get back in her bed. In Trick's barrel rooms. On his pool tables. On Dyson's boxing ring floor. Anywhere she was with them imagining that they were Lauren. But none of them were and Bo seemed content during those times.
Bo stormed off. She knew she wasn't going to be getting through to Lauren. Not like that. She was so angry and dismissive about their love life and relationship that it really did seem hopeless. Maybe giving her some space would allow her to calm down and then they could talk rationally.
"Stone him! Kick his former royal Fae ass! Kill him! were being chanted as Aife had reached her destination. She thought it would be appropriate to kill him in the very spot Isabeau had been killed in. Then maybe the coward would finally realize what he lost. What she lost. A Queen. A truly selfless ruler.
She looked at the old building. She swore she could see Isabeau's blood on the floor. It certainly felt like death all around them. Trick was stuck in his seat. He looked so bewildered. Good. That's small compared to what Aife had felt that day.
She wanted revenge and all Trick wanted was order. But what bullshit order could there have been with Isabeau murdered? Murdered! It's not like she was in a car accident or died from a long illness. She was Fae and she was gone. Gone! Gone from their world. Gone from Aife's life and arms when she needed her mother.
To know that Trick looked on her baby Isabeau as a curse was not lost on her either. She was Aife's baby and Aife may have not been around for all of Bo's life, she was still hers and she was proud of her.
Aife wasn't selfish. She knew her father had cursed many people and sometimes it was the wrong person he cursed but had refused to undo what he had done. She allowed them to throw stones, and blades so long as none of them dealt the final blow. No that would belong to her. In honor of Isabeau, Bo and everyone he had damned wrongfully.
"If you don't hurry this along, I will do it myself! Someone from the crowd screamed.
"You will want to be patient. Once this bastard is officially dead and buried, I will rise as the new Queen". Aife laughed. People must not have known who she really was.
Aife jumped when she saw chi coming from his mouth. "Isabeau! Stop that! She laughed looking around for her daughter.
"She's losing her patience like we all are". A man in front of the crowd said.
"At least make him tap dance first". Lauren laughed. She didn't bring him back for him to die so unceremoniously. He needed to feel like all humans felt and were treated within the Fae. Worthless. She snapped her fingers and watched Trick dance the jig. He had no rhythm but it was hilarious to see.
Bo didn not know what to think of Lauren. If they couldn't talk about them without it getting heated then she didn't know what to do but try and protect her. She still had no clue why Hades wanted Lauren or why he chose her body of all people to infiltrate, cruelly too. She could almost understand why Lauren was so angry with her. Having her memories can't be helping her feelings about Bo, whatever they may be at this point, at all.
"I can tell you why I chose her Isabeau and that was all with your help". Hades whispered in Bo's ear.
Bo watched as Lauren and Aife were still occupied with Trick. She snuck away far behind the other Fae so that they wouldn't see her current distraction.
"Tell me". Bo finally said when she was safe enough away from the Doctor and other Succubus.
"It all started when the Una Mens had the wolf. Everything was going perfectly. He was about to be deservedly executed but you stepped in. You selfishly called the Doctor to help. Even to me that was cold". Hades snickered.
"Is there a point? Bo snapped. She didn't like being mocked especially by someone she couldn't physically see.
"Patience child of mine I was getting to that. When Dr. Lewis told you that you would likely project familiar places and people that you know into Dyson's past. You projected her and not only that, you put the Hel shoes on her. That allowed me to come for her, so I did". Hades laughed. He knew he was getting to the Succubus.
"What do you want with her? Why didn't you just let her die instead of torturing her like this?! Bo snapped.
"Lauren didn't die. She just took a nap and I woke her up and it puzzles me that you would rather see her dead then alive with power". Hades said.
"That's not what I said. I said you are torturing her and it's not right! Bo snapped again.
"Dr. Lewis is fine. She will never die unless you make me kill her". Hades said.
"I would never make you kill her! Bo snapped.
"You will feed off of the colony tonight or I will take the Dr. long before your head hits your pillow". Hades laughed.
"What? Bo asked.
"You heard me Isabeau. You will feed from everyone in the colony but the Doctor. She will be under my control once you've started. You must feed from everyone, if you leave one person safe, she will still die.
She doesn't know that she's immortal right now. But once I take my powers back, and I will sooner than I have planned to if you don't feed as I have asked of you, she will die". Hades laughed.
Bo choked up. No matter what choice she makes, her world would be over.
TBC