A New Shield for Portland

The warm amber hues of Portland's sunset spilled through the windows of the Hadrian's Wall regional headquarters. The room was a stark contrast to Nick Burkhardt's usual haunts: sleek, clinical, and buzzing with faint energy from the advanced technology. It was a far cry from the cluttered coziness of the Spice Shop or the rustic charm of his Aunt Marie's trailer.

Nick shifted uncomfortably in his chair, his Grimm instincts tingling slightly. Across from him sat two Hadrian's Wall liaisons, Agent Helena Cross and Agent Paul Gaines, their polished appearances reflecting the organization's efficiency.

Helena spoke first, her voice crisp and formal. "Thank you for coming, Detective Burkhardt. Or should I say, Mr. Burkhardt now?"

Nick leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Nick is fine. And let's cut to the chase. Why am I here?"

Paul smiled slightly, the kind of practiced expression Nick had seen on too many politicians. "You've proven yourself time and again, Nick. With Zerstörer defeated and the Wesen Council in disarray, Portland needs a leader who can bridge the gap between the human and Wesen worlds. That's where you come in."

Nick raised an eyebrow. "Leader? I thought Hadrian's Wall was about covert operations, not diplomacy."

Helena adjusted her glasses, her gaze unwavering. "Our work is evolving. The Wesen threat is no longer just about rogue individuals. It's about systemic issues that require a more holistic approach. You have connections, Nick. With the Wesen Council, the Portland PD, and—most importantly—the trust of the Wesen community. That's something no one else in this room can claim."

Nick sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I'm a Grimm, not a politician. And if we're being honest, I barely understand half of what you people do here."

Paul chuckled, a rare break in his otherwise stoic demeanor. "That's precisely why you're perfect. You're not one of us, Nick. You bring an outsider's perspective—a sense of balance. Hadrian's Wall needs someone who understands the fight on the ground, not just from behind a desk."

Nick stood, pacing the room. His thoughts raced back to the battles he'd fought, the lives he'd saved—and the ones he'd lost. Monroe, Rosalee, Wu, and Hank had all stood by him, even when the odds were impossible. Could he really step into this role and lead not just a city, but an entire movement?

Helena broke the silence. "Nick, you once told Captain Renard that you weren't just a Grimm. You were a cop—a protector. This is just another way to protect the people of Portland. Wesen or human, it doesn't matter."

Nick stopped, turning to face them. His jaw tightened as he considered their words. "If I do this, it's on my terms. I'm not going to compromise what's right for the sake of politics or protocol. And I'm bringing my team—Monroe, Rosalee, and the others. They're part of this, too."

Paul nodded. "We wouldn't expect anything less. Your team's unique expertise is invaluable."

Nick exhaled, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "Fine. I'll do it. But don't expect me to wear a suit."

Helena extended her hand, her expression softening. "Welcome to Hadrian's Wall, Nick. Together, we'll make sure Portland stays safe."

Nick shook her hand firmly. Deep down, he knew this was the start of a new chapter—not just for him, but for everyone who called Portland home.

Later that day at Nick's new apartment, the hum of conversation and the scent of fresh coffee filling the space. It had been a while since the whole group had been together like this, and despite the looming topic of conversation, there was a comforting familiarity in the air.

Rosalee sat on the couch, cradling one of her triplets, while Monroe hovered nearby, ready to help at a moment's notice. Hank leaned back in his chair, sipping a coffee, while Wu balanced precariously on the armrest, cracking jokes to lighten the mood. Adalind stood near the fireplace, with baby Kelly in her arms as she exchanged quiet words with Eve.

Trubel leaned against the wall, arms folded, her sharp eyes on Nick. "So, what's the big news, Nick? You didn't call us all here for a potluck."

Nick stood in the center of the room, hands in his pockets. He looked around at the faces of his closest allies. "Hadrian's Wall wants me to take over the Portland chapter."

The room fell silent for a moment, then Wu broke it with a low whistle. "Big promotion, huh? Congrats, boss."

Nick shook his head. "It's not a promotion. It's a responsibility. They think I'm the right person to lead because of my connections—with the Wesen community, with you all. But I can't do it alone."

Rosalee glanced at Monroe, then back at Nick. "You've never been alone in this, Nick. We've always had your back."

Nick nodded, his eyes serious. "I know. That's why I need your help now more than ever." He turned to Trubel. "I need you to track down other Grimms. We've always been on our own, but it doesn't have to be that way anymore. If we're going to do this right, we need a network—a team of Grimms working together."

Trubel smirked. "I thought you'd never ask. I've already got a few leads. I'll make it happen."

Nick's gaze shifted to Monroe, who stepped forward with determination. "Nick, you know I'm in. Whatever you need, I'll be there. I can help with outreach, research—anything."

Nick held up a hand. "Monroe, I appreciate that, but I need you to stay in one piece. You've got triplets to think about. Rosalee and the kids need you safe."

Monroe frowned, but Rosalee placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "Nick's right. We can't afford to lose you, Monroe. But that doesn't mean you're not part of this. You can be an advisor—someone they rely on for guidance."

Monroe sighed, looking torn. "I get it, but I'm not exactly the 'sit on the sidelines' type."

Nick smiled. "You're not on the sidelines. You're my right-hand man, Monroe. Your expertise and connections are going to be invaluable. I just need you to focus on staying alive while you do it."

Monroe reluctantly nodded. "Alright, but I'm not just going to sit around twiddling my thumbs."

Nick turned to Hank and Wu. "You two know Portland better than anyone. I'll need you to help keep the Wesen community safe, to bridge the gap between the PD and Hadrian's Wall."

Hank grinned. "You had me at 'safe.' You know I'm in."

Wu added with a smirk, "As long as I don't have to fill out any more Wesen-related incident reports, I'm good."

Finally, Nick faced Adalind and Eve. "You two have more experience with Wesen politics and magic than anyone. If things get out of hand, I'll need you both to step in."

Adalind sighed "if it helps keep our family safe, I'll do whatever it takes."

Eve's voice was even. "We'll make it work. We've faced worse."

Nick let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "Alright. We've got a plan. This isn't going to be easy, but if anyone can do it, it's us."

Rosalee smiled warmly. "We've faced impossible odds before, Nick. We can do it again."

As the group exchanged determined looks, Nick felt a flicker of hope. He wasn't just taking on a new role—he was building something stronger, together with the people he trusted most.