In the days ahead Bo keeps herself busy. She tries to help a famous opera singer secure her freedom. Her songs invoke powerful memories. In the end, however, the singer ends up finding her freedom in death.
Bo finds out that she joined the Dark willingly from the clues she apparently had left her future self when she was on the train. She also appears to have a hand mark on her upper chest and clavicle that glows. She doesn't know if it's from The Wanderer, Rainer or her father. All she knows is that it's not coming off.
She stops Dyson from being executed by The Una Mens by finding the truth locked in his memory. Bo also finds out about the Helskór: Hel-shoes. She trades the first shoe for Dyson's freedom. Now she's on a mission to find the second shoe. She believes it to be something that The Wanderer really wants.
It has become quite obvious that both Lauren and Dyson still are infatuated with Bo in their own ways. Dyson worried about her feeding, and Lauren is still in the dark about everything. Whenever they get too close to her, she respectfully curbs them, or makes up an excuse to get out of the situation. It's tedious, but she doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. She only has one person on her mind, and the only person that gets it is Kenzi, who is in her own couple bliss with the person she loves, Hale.
Now it's the hottest day of the summer. Also, the celebration of Yule, summer Christmas, where instead of Santa Claus and Rudolph, it's Krampus and Eikpyrnir the stag.
The Gas Station. Bo is washing her car after having hit an ogre in her search for the second Hel-shoe. Lauren and Dyson are watching her do so in slow motion. Afterwards, she asks the gas station attendant where to pay, and he tells her that she can leave the money inside. She goes inside and leaves the money on the counter, taking a free piece of candy. A customer before her eats a piece of candy and ends up being put in the hood of a car by the two gas station attendants. As Dyson and Hale recollect their childhood on Yule, they warn Bo not to eat the piece of candy because it's an offering to Krampus and that she'll be placed on his naughty list. She eats it anyway saying that she is the naughty list.
The Crack Shack. Trick is telling Kenzi about the celebration of Yule and they end up debating on it being sacred or just a bootleg Christmas in the summertime. Lauren, Dyson and Hale enter. Kenzi has finished decorating the house. They all agree to show Bo a good time since she's been wrapped up in all things otherwise. Then Bo wakes up inside of her car at night, alone, with Christmas music playing on her stereo.
Yule party. Bo enters. The music is blaring. A couple is making out in the walkway as Bo is trying to walk pass. She is stopped by a guy named Choga, who is propositioning himself and his sweat to Bo. Bruce intervenes, saving her from his advances. He then wishes her a Happy Yule. People are chugging beer. Lauren and Dyson are in Bo's bedroom discussing a wooden crate that has Bo's handwriting on it and is addressed to her by her apparently. Lauren brought it there from the Dark Archives. They are trying to decide on whether or not they should give it to Bo. Its contents remain a mystery. Bo enters her room and is startled by them. Not expecting anyone to be in her room when there's a full-blown party going on downstairs.
She wants to know if everyone's high from Choga's sweat, to which they reply that he came with Vex. She tells them about her growing abandonment issues and thanks them for leaving her in the car. Vex walks in wearing one of her corsets, complaining about his one-hand issue, appearing plastered. She walks out looking for Kenzi, who is in her room with Hale making out. Bo goes back downstairs and confides her issues with a stranger as she makes herself a snack. And in walks Tamsin, ducking a ball as she walks over towards her.
"Bo," calls Tamsin as if she can't believe it.
Bo turns around. "Tamsin, what are you doing here? I mean I didn't know you were back," she says, with a smile. "I see that you cut your hair. It looks nice. You look nice." Tamsin has on a white blouse, black high-waisted tapered leather pants, red jacket, a black wide brim floppy hat, and a pair of black pointed toe heeled ankle boots, Christian Louboutin. Her hair is back to its original length.
"I just wanted to apologize to you," says Tamsin.
Bo frowns a little. "For what? I don't understand." Then out of nowhere Tamsin kisses her. "Okay, what was that for?" asks Bo
"Don't worry about it. It's not like you'll remember it anyway."
Suddenly, the light in the house grows dark and then back to normal. A ball hits a stack of glasses, knocking them over. And the party goers yell "Opa" while lifting their drinks in the air. Bo wakes up in the car again with the same Christmas song playing. She is looking like what the hell as she steps out of the car again.
Back inside. The music is blaring. The couple is making out in the walkway. Bo is trying to get passed them again. Bruce and fellow party goers are chugging beer. Choga approaches again, propositioning himself. Bo starts to think that maybe he might have slipped her something then she realizes that they already had that conversation before. Bruce intervenes again, saving Bo from Choga's advances, wishing her a Happy Yule. Now she is realizing that something fishy is happening. At the same time a figure is lurking in the wall. Tamsin walks in, ducking the ball.
"Hey, what was that kiss about?" asks Bo.
"You mean to tell me that you remembered that?" asks Tamsin.
"Of course I do."
"Oh my goodness. I thought I was alone. I mean this has been a literal Hel. Makes me want to put something like this in place now that I think about it."
"What are you talking about?"
"Okay so, I think that we're stuck in some kind of time loop," says Tamsin.
"What do you mean a time loop? Are you serious right now?"
"Dead serious," says Tamsin. She does a play by play of events and everyone at the party with 100 percent accuracy, ending with telling Bo to duck. Bo doesn't know what she means and gets hit in the head with a beach ball.
"Okay, have you tried telling other people about it?" asks Bo.
"Of course. They all say the same thing. Yule fool. It's so annoying," says Tamsin. She tells a passerby about her predicament, and he calls her a Yule fool. "See what I mean?"
"So how do we get out?" asks Bo.
"I don't know. I've been trying to figure out what's causing this, but I don't want to make myself known to others if you get what I mean," says Tamsin.
Bo looks at her oddly. "Um I actually…"
Bo ends up back inside of the car again. Same music. She goes inside the house. Same couple blocking the way. She gets pass them, here's Choga. She looks for Bruce, he's gone, so she just clocks Choga in the face. Bo finds Tamsin.
"You know what this is frustrating. I don't want to think about anything Dark, that means Fae, clouds of smoke, The Wanderer, Hel-shoes…" says Bo, being cut off.
"Did you just say Hel-shoes?" asks Tamsin, really wanting to know.
Bo continues, not paying any attention. "I just want to have a good time like everyone else. What do you say?"
"Sure, why not," says Tamsin, shrugging.
They arm wrestle people, taking bets, winning. They chug beer, taking bets, winning. Then out of nowhere Bo kisses Tamsin.
"What was that for?" she asks.
"For earlier. Don't act like you haven't thought about it," says Bo.
"Yeah, but there's an audience," says Tamsin, looking around.
"It's not like they'll remember," says Bo. They kiss again.
"Not that I don't appreciate it, but I'm not as comfortable with things yet," says Tamsin, shyly.
"Okay, I can respect that. So what do you want to do to pass the time then?" asks Bo.
"Well this might sound weird, but I've been wanting to try Choga sweat, just the sweat," says Tamsin. "And I have cash."
Bo shrugs her shoulders. "Okay, I mean why not?"
Meanwhile Lauren and Dyson are still deciding on whether or not to tell Bo about the mysterious box, allowing Vex to be the judge.
Bo wakes up in the car again. Same music playing in the speakers. She gets out and goes inside of the house, deciding to talk with Tamsin on the sofa.
"You know Kenzi was sad when you left," says Bo.
"Just Kenzi?" asks Tamsin.
"Okay, and maybe me too. You didn't tell me that you were leaving leaving. I was worried. It's a good thing you left that letter for Kenzi," she says. Tamsin looks at Bo's wrist and sees the bracelet. Bo notices. "Oh and thank you. It's beautiful," says Bo, with a smile. Tamsin smiles back. "So, where did you go? What did you do?" she asks.
Tamsin looks at her with intense eyes. "I went to a place off the radar to find myself." An image of Tamsin being lowered into an ocean of Hel-fire crosses her mind. "Fill in the missing pieces you know. And I can honestly say that I did."
"So does that mean you have your memories back?" asks Bo, really wanting to know.
"I do," says Tamsin. Bo happily smiles. "But I don't want everyone to know just yet. You think you can keep it a secret? Just for a little while."
"Okay, I'll keep your secret. But first I have a test for you."
"Oh really? Okay then go on," says Tamsin, taking off her hat, placing it beside her.
"Where did you first meet me at?" asks Bo.
"The Glass Factory," answers Tamsin, combing her hair with her fingers.
"That was just a warm up. Okay what did you tell me at my Dawning when I asked you why you wanted to be my Hand?"
"Let's just say that I might regret it," says Tamsin, with a smirk. "Any more questions?"
"When did I first tell you that I loved you?" asks Bo.
"It was night fall. We were in your bedroom. And I had cooked you breakfast that day, that you didn't eat because we were busy doing other things all day. The Morrigan had a team after me, and you were trying to talk me out of not turning myself in, long story short…" says Tamsin, being cut off.
"Okay you remember. But I have a trick question. After the Taft fiasco, when I told you to meet me at The Dal, did you or did you not?"
"I'm not sure I should answer that question."
"Why not, it's for my sanity," frowns Bo.
Tamsin rests her head in her hand as she stares at Bo. "Well let me ask you this, what do you think?"
"I think that you did, in fact I know that you did, but people keep telling me that I imagined that because apparently you went off a cliff. Which kinda explains your whole rebirth thing."
"So if you know that for sure, why do you care what other people tell you?" asks Tamsin.
"Because I just want to know for certain."
"Then you know already," says Tamsin.
"What, I'm confused."
"Bo you know. So don't drive yourself crazy about it. What you believe to be true is all that matters."
"Why couldn't you just say yes or no?" says Bo, pouty.
"I don't know Bo. Gotta leave something up to mystery," says Tamsin, with a smile.
"Okay, I'll give you that. So, can you still hear my thoughts?"
"Yes Bo. I can also do this," says Tamsin, in her head.
"What are you doing? I don't understand," says Bo, in her head.
"We're talking to each other," says Tamsin, in her head.
"I know that silly," says Bo, in her head.
"But you don't see my lips moving or feel yours."
"No I don't." Bo touches her lips. "What in the psychic is going on here?"
"We're telepathically speaking."
"Wow so, I guess I don't need a phone anymore. So this is different."
"Use only for emergencies and when you want to have private conversations."
"And how do I do that?"
"Call out to me in your mind and I'll answer."
"Why are you showing me this though?"
"Bo, you don't have to worry, nothing is going to happen to me."
"You say that, but how many times have I lost you already."
"Well, let's just say if you lose me this time then I deserve to die."
"So not funny."
"I'm serious Bo. I've been through too much. But no worries, I'm not going anywhere anytime soon okay."
"Okay, if you say so. So can we go back now?"
"Alright back to normal," says Tamsin.
"That was freaky. What else can you do?" says Bo, with an eyebrow flash.
Tamsin shakes her head. "Why am I not surprised?"
Bo shrugs. "What I can't help it, it was just a thought."
"Okay. So Bo, I really have to tell you something," says Tamsin, "and I really don't know how to tell you this." Bo starts to frown, looking over at the direction of the wall. "Wait, what is it?" says Tamsin. She looks in the same direction as Bo and they see someone get snatched in the wall. "Whoa that's different."
Bo wakes up in the car. Remembering the person that was snatched and rushes inside of the house, telling people to stay away from the walls. Choga does his advances on her. She gives him a lecture on his life and reminds him to stay away from the walls. He looks at her dumbfounded. Tamsin and Bo try to figure out who all is missing. Tamsin just figured people left on their own. Bo wants to know if she pissed off someone before getting to the party. Tamsin just tells her that she stopped by the gas station and bought a pack of gum. They try to figure out how to stop whatever it is from snatching other people into the wall. They decide to go to Trick for help.
Meanwhile, Dyson and Lauren are still discussing the matter of the box with Vex, drunkenly. As a reward for taking part in this debate, Lauren agrees to reattach Vex's hand.
Trick is passed out drunk in the bathtub. Bo tries to explain the situation to him but runs out of time, ending back inside of the car with the same song playing in the background.
Kenzi and Hale are still making out. This time she shows him different condom options. He looks unenthused. She notices and asks him if he still wants to go through with it to which he replies he does and mentions that he has done this sixty-seven times already. At the same time Bo has been trying to talk to Trick at least nine times. Her and Tamsin find him in the tub. Bo wakes him up. She explains the situation in the quickest way possible. He's too drunk to care. Bo wants to know why he's been so unhelpful and unavailable when it comes to The Wanderer and he tells her that he is afraid.
Then she ends up back in the car. The same music. She figures out who else might know about what's happening along with Tamsin and finds Hale. They find out that Hale is in the loop too, voluntarily. They also find out that it's not something scientific or fantastical going on, but just a Krampus prank. This makes both Tamsin and Bo upset.
Downstairs. Kenzi confronts a hostile party goer destroying the decorations. She finally sees Bo asking her where she's been before walking off again. Bo slightly interrogates the party goer and he threatens her for having the wrong decorations. He goes inside of the wall and tries to snatch Bo. Tamsin blocks him and is taken instead. Everyone sees this and runs out screaming.
"Tell me that did not just happen?" says Bo. She starts to breathe heavily.
Hale goes over to her. "Bo, you alright?" he asks.
Still breathing heavily. "Did you not just see that? That thing took Tamsin. I have to get her back."
"Okay, okay. Just calm down first."
Bo eyes start to flicker red. "I can't. It took her. She's gone. And…and."
Hale notices and is looking like what the hell. "Okay just breathe. Just breathe. We'll get her back. We just need to figure out how he found us. Can you think of something?"
"Yeah, yeah…she picked up gum by the…the 43 bus stop, and I got candy at the gas station. Wait…" she says, trying to control her breathing.
"The gas station," says both Bo and Hale.
"Look, I'll handle shitty o'l St. Nick. You stay with Kenzi and the others. Make sure they stay safe."
Hale gives her a steel blade with a bone handle to deal with Krampus. "Krampus is supposed to be a light-hearted prankster, but that doesn't mean he isn't dangerous."
Bo's bedroom. Somehow, Lauren and Dyson are still discussing the box, but now they realize that they don't hate each other anymore.
Krampus Headquarters: Gas Station. Bo jumps inside of the hood of a car into Krampus Candyland. Bo sees someone get turned into candy in a machine. "Holy shit," she says. Tamsin is locked on a conveyor belt about to be turned into candy. "Oh my god, Tamsin, are you alright?" she asks.
"Sure, if you call this alright," says Tamsin.
Bruce walks slowly, holding a bin. "I broke the machine," he says.
"Bruce are you alright?" asks Bo.
"I'll be happy when I'm candy," he says, still walking.
"O-kay," she says. She focuses back on Tamsin, who is in immediate danger. "Let me get you out of here," says Bo, trying to pry open the clamps. "Wow, those are tight." The machine continues. "I am not gonna let them make Valkyrie gobstoppers out of you," she says, stopping the machine with the knife. She opens the clamps.
Tamsin nods her head. "I owe you one."
Bo grabs Tamsin's hand. "Now let's get out of here."
"You're not going anywhere," says the wall stalker.
"Look here wallpaper predator. If you don't get out of our way I'm gonna…" says Bo, being cut off.
"Just tell the truth, you ate the candy," he says, folding his arms.
"That's what all this is about, your apparently people candy?" says Bo.
"People used to fear the name Krampus," he says.
"Oh is that right? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but no one cares. Now if you'll excuse us," says Bo. They try to walk but Tamsin is stuck.
"Wait I can't move. It's like I'm crazy-glued to the floor," says Tamsin, trying to move.
"Well can't you just use your powers?" says Bo.
Tamsin thinks about it. "This is so not how I imagined my day when I returned by far. And yes I would very much like to, but we're in his dominion. And it is not that easy without risking exposure. So, we're going to have to play by his rules. Seems like they feed on fear and regret."
"What are you trying to say?" asks Bo.
"This is me, telling you one of my biggest regrets." Tamsin clears her throat. "The truth is, I feel completely responsible for The Wanderer having found you." She nods her head. "You see in a past life I was a bounty hunter exclusively, and I remember meeting him in an old tavern. I looked in his eyes and I actually felt evil exuding from him. But against my better judgement, I took his offer, and he offered a lot. But he described someone that I didn't think could possibly exist. And it just so happened to be my luck that it was you, and I really wish that it wasn't. So you see it's really my fault because I couldn't turn him down, and now he's found you because of me. I am truly sorry Bo. I hope that one day, you'll be able to forgive me," says Tamsin, earnestly.
"Tamsin that was a long time ago okay. You didn't know, how could you? Plus there's nothing we can do about it now. And of course I forgive you. I mean I love you," says Bo, sincerely. They hug.
"I love you too Bo," says Tamsin. Bo's eyes turn blue. Tamsin is able to move now. "Okay, we should go."
"Not so fast. You all just have no respect these days for tradition," says the wall stalker.
"Look here buddy. You're putting twenty on ten on your level of crazy," says Bo.
"Who are you?" asks Tamsin.
"He's ten bags of cats, in a one-pound bag," responds Bo.
"Well that's a job," says Tamsin, frowning.
"It's Krampus," says Bo.
"I thought he'd be taller," says Tamsin, with a raised eyebrow.
"How can he be Krampus when I am," says Krampus. "That's my son Jeffrey." Then he starts singing and dancing.
"Alright, am I hallucinating, or has he lost his marbles?" says Tamsin, frowning.
Suddenly Krampus releases Bruce and Tamsin but keeps Bo. Now she is on the conveyor belt. Bo tells him that she is afraid of not making the right choice, losing everyone that she loves, that she's afraid of herself, and most of all, what The Wanderer will make her do. And just like that, Krampus releases her.
"Tamsin, I'm afraid," says Bo, shaking her head.
Tamsin frowns at the mere thought. "You don't have to be scared anymore. I mean I didn't go through everything I went through to lose you. And as long as I am by your side, you'll never have to be afraid ever again," says Tamsin. "And don't worry about Krampus, he won't be able to bother you anymore," she says, with a smile. "Let me take you home."
Bo is sleeping inside of her car. While she sleeps, Tamsin appears to be descending into nothing, to only slowly emerge into Krampus' Candyland. Rising through the now rippling floor until she lands on her feet. The floor is solid again.
Krampus is checking his inventory of candy. "Sour becomes sweet, naughty becomes nice, guilt becomes glue, and denial is a river in Africa," he sings.
"Hey, remember me?" calls Tamsin, getting his attention.
He turns around. "I do. You're the Valkyrie."
"That's right," says Tamsin.
"Silly girl. I let you go. To return is a fool's errand. Now you're going to get the chance to become something that you weren't, sweet," he says, with a laugh.
"I was hoping you would say that," says Tamsin.
"Well then, you've come to the right place. Let's see," he says. He is about to point his finger at her then he stops himself. "I have to ask, why did you come back? If I turn you into sweets now, I will never know."
"I've come to destroy you."
"Krampus laughs a hearty one. "That's funny. You're funny."
"But I'm not joking."
"And how do you suppose you're going to do that? Only one of equal power or greater can defeat me!" says Krampus, now pissed.
Suddenly sounds of complete horror and stifling terror emerge throughout the vicinity. Pain and agony stain the ground. "How about greater!" says Tamsin, black smoke pouring out of her nose and mouth. The containers of candy explode. Tamsin starts to ripple as the place fades into a reddish black color. The smell of sulfur and brimstone spoils the air. The area beneath her becomes an open pit of flames. Hel appears like a reflection in a mirror, before taking over completely. Her hair is knee-length, divided into the purest black on one side and true blonde on the other, resting underneath a jeweled skull-face helmet with ram horns on each side that stops right above her nose. Half of her skin is grayish black with blue colored molten lava breaking from it. On the other side is her normal complexion and her eye is the purest black on that side. Chrome and gold armor barely cover her body, being just a half of a breast plate, pauldrons and a chastity belt, yet it covers her wings. On her hands are fingered gauntlets and on her legs a pair of plated medieval thigh-length boots. The double-bladed scythe with the living whip alloy rests in her hand. Blue fire mist burns to the sky underneath her.
"This is against the rules!" he yells.
"YOU CAPTURED ME," says Hel.
"But I set you free."
"AND THAT WAS A BIG MISTAKE."
"No matter, you're in my kingdom."
"THAT'S ONLY PARTLY TRUE."
"We shall see. Welcome to my world," he says as he opens his arms wide. The candy forms into figures of the beings that it once was and with whatever powers if any they had before they met their demise, forcing their attacks.
Out of nowhere, beings of men, Fae and beasts rise up from the ground in front of Hel, blocking the attack, forcing some on their own. The place begins to fall apart as it catches fire. "THIS IS BETWEEN YOU AND ME," says Hel.
"The United Consortium of the High-Born will hear of this."
"ONLY IF YOU MAKE IT OUT ALIVE. AND TO THINK WE COULD HAVE FORMED AN ALLIANCE."
"But we still can."
"NO. YOU CAME AFTER ME AND MINE. AND THAT CANNOT GO UNPUNISHED. ANY LAST WORDS?"
"I'll see you in hell," he says.
"DESTROY HIM!" The partial head of a dragon comes from underneath the ground, expelling Hel-fire from its mouth. The Hel-fire burns his flesh, disintegrating his bones. His soul rises and is taken down by beings that once were. The place burns from the inside out until there is nothing left but molten lava.
Hel descends into the floor, and Tamsin re-emerges inside of Bo's car.
A short time later, Bo wakes up. Tamsin patiently awaiting. "Sorry. How long was I out?" she asks.
"Not long," says Tamsin.
Bo steps out of the car. "So, The Wanderer was your boss, could he be like my father?"
"Bo, whatever he is, he seems like the type that would do anything to have his way, even creating his perfect match."
"Sounds kind of sick when you put it that way," says Bo.
"I wouldn't put it past him."
Kenzi meets them outside. "Hey where have you guys been? And when did you get back? Leaving without telling anyone," she says, giving Tamsin a hug.
"Hey I left a letter," says Tamsin.
"And you cut your hair," says Kenzi, touching it. "So Krampus huh?"
"Yep fun night," says Bo, shaking her head.
"Speaking of fun nights, me and Hale, it was amazing. And we did everything that we could think of, I mean everything," says Kenzi, eagerly and happily.
"That's great Kenz. I'm happy for you two," says Bo, with a smile.
"I think I'm going to barf," says Tamsin, looking like she's about to vomit.
"But anyway, I hate to be all bad news bears, and I didn't know this, but apparently Dark Fae can't enter the house after midnight when the Light are celebrating summer Christmas," says Kenzi. "Total douchebags am I right? So, I'm gonna chill out here with you guys."
"No you don't have to do that. Plus it's you and Hale's big night, I'm sure you would like to cuddle," says Bo.
"I would like to cuddle," says Kenzi. "But I'm not leaving my girls out."
"It's fine Kenzi. So Bo, you want to get out of here?" asks Tamsin.
Bo looks at her inquisitively. "Sure," she says.
"Hey wait a dagon-minute, where are you guys going?" asks Kenzi.
Tamsin is looking at Bo. "I need to talk to Bo."
"Talk?" says Kenzi, not believing it.
"We do?" says Bo. Tamsin nods her head. "I mean we do," she responds.
"I'm not so sure about this talking," says Kenzi.
"I'm pretty sure I am. You know, talking," says Bo, allowing her thoughts to flow.
"I'm sure this talk has been a long time a coming, and gag," says Kenzi, sticking her finger in her mouth.
"There's nothing wrong with talking Kenzi, geez," says Bo.
"I'm just talking about talking. It's not a big deal," says Tamsin, looking oddly at them both.
"All this talking, I felt like we talked. Good chat," says Kenzi.
"Alright Kenzi," says Bo.
"We actually do need to talk though. So Kenzi, have a good night," says Tamsin.
"Goodnight Kenz," says Bo.
"Well alright, don't do anything I wouldn't do," says Kenzi.
"Um apparently you did everything, there's nothing left to do but talk," says Bo.
"Good then. Glad to hear we're on the same page. Oh I forgot to tell yall," says Kenzi, now serious.
"What is it Kenzi?" says Bo, with a bit of worry in her voice.
"You know that gas station by the 43 bus stop? It burned down. They are saying that they don't know how because there was no sign of arson, but yep it's gone," says Kenzi.
"We just came back from there that's crazy. Was anyone hurt?" asks Bo.
"I don't think so. They said it was closed. By the looks of it, if anyone was there, they wouldn't find a body, I'm talking melted. They couldn't get in touch with the owners. Maybe they're waiting for an insurance payout or something," says Kenzi.
Bo looks at Tamsin. "Looks like Krampus is going to have to find a new place to set up camp," says Bo, with a smile. Tamsin smiles back.
"Well alright kiddos, I'll catch you later," she says, walking away.
"So, we're talking," says Bo, facing Tamsin.
"Not here," says Tamsin.
Bo shrugs. "If not here then where?"