The Dal Riata
Kenzi had been pacing for what felt like hours. She had called Hale and he had not shown up yet. She felt a bad headache coming on from what Trick had told her about Lauren. So she needed her walking Aspirin.
"Well it's about time! Kenzi said watching Hale running in and over to her.
"Sorry lil mama, as the Ash, I can't always drop what I'm doing and come running", Hale sighed placing his hat on the counter.
"What a mess. A really big waiting to explode all over us mess", Kenzi sighed as she continued to pace.
"What's wrong now? Hale asked. What else could be worse than the Elders up his ass and Dyson and Bo breaking long standing rules.
Trick was behind the bar watching them. He was still polishing glasses that didn't need to be polished. There wasn't even any customers left. Everyone had gone home hours ago and there wasn't a single car left in the parking lot.
"The Blood King here said that Lauren may not be able to come back! Kenzi snapped.
"What?! Trick! Tell me you didn't just fuck me over?! Hale screamed. This was the very last thing he needed. Lauren was the number one reason the Elders were in his ear hours on end.
"I told Kenzi it was a possibility that she may not come back", Trick said turning his full attention to them.
"A possibility is not good enough. Damn it is bad. My Doctors are overworked. Some Fae still haven't been treated yet. The Elders are pissing in their pants over Dr. Lewis' absence", Hale rattled off.
"Hale calm down. It's not as bad as all of that yet", Trick said.
"Calm down? Calm down? How the hell can I calm down? They are furious Trick and you would know that had you not been hiding out here", Hale screamed. He didn't want to be nasty with his old friend but he really was making him look like the Fae jester.
"You think you have problems. Remember me? I'm Bo's claimed human, all hell will break loose if Lauren doesn't come back", Kenzi said downing a shot to try and calm her nerves.
"Kenzi I would protect you, should something happen with Bo", Trick said loudly.
"Dude you don't even protect your own family. If you did, you wouldn't have blindly let Dyson go ahead with his plan. Oh and does Aife ring a bell? Kenzi screamed.
"Dyson may not return either", Hale sighed. This really was a disaster.
"What? Why not? Trick asked. He assumed Dyson was on a mission on behalf of the Fae. Dyson was his gopher basically. Trick says jump and Dyson asks how high?
"If he fails his mission, he's dead", Hale said. He hated the thought but Dyson never thought much with his brain, he thought with his ass.
"Well", Kenzi said raising her hands.
"I don't know lil mama. I thought Lauren gone was a problem but if she doesn't come back we are all a Succubus happy meal", Hale laughed. He didn't know how to fix this or whether he should drop this bomb on the Elders.
"Trick and Stella are as old as dirt, they should have known", Kenzi said taking a seat next to Hale.
"Stella is a mess. She will tell you what you need to know at the last minute so you really can't do anything about it", Hale said.
"We're screwed", Kenzi said laying her head on Hale's shoulder.
Aife and Albert.
"This is getting tedious and boring", Aife laughed after watching the Fae come back to life and taking their lives over and over.
"You can stop it and you will be done with your dawning after one more task", Albert said.
"What? I haven't faced them yet, just killed them", Aife laughed picking up a dead body and dropping it back on the ground.
"Bring them back to life and explain why you killed them. These were lives you took without provocation", Albert said softly.
"My mother was dead. That was more than reason enough! Aife snapped. She wasn't laughing anymore. Aife was still struggling with her mother's death. The minute she had her baby she knew she was going to name her Isabeau. Not to mention when Trick called her out by name, he would remember his wife since he didn't much grieve with Aife when she was murdered.
"But they weren't involved just he was", Albert explained.
"Fine. I will revive them and then we'll all talk", Aife laughed. She found it quite amusing when they woke up not knowing what the hell was going on.
Bo's POV
What did Lauren just say? She's talking to her what? We are still in a relationship. How could she marry anyone? Especially in here? I couldn't have heard her right. And the woman behind the bar was my doppelgänger. Although her breasts need a bit of work. Fuck this. This is not happening. It's not real.
"Lauren what do you mean she's your wife? Bo asked angrily.
"You tell me. One minute I'm lying on the floor of the Dal Riata and the next I'm apparently in your Dawning with a ring on my finger. So who did you marry? Or do I already know? Lauren bristled and turned away from Bo.
"Lauren sweetie what are you talking about? I didn't marry anyone! Bo said softly. Lauren was obviously confused in this setting. Hell it confused her when she was in it the first time.
"Doc! Finally found your wife huh? Mackenzie asked walking over to the bar to get a fresh drink.
"Kenzi...", Bo whispered.
"Yes Lauren has some time off right now, so she came for a few drinks", Beth smiled warmly towards Lauren.
Mackenzie took a seat next to Lauren looking her up and down. "I still say you guys are backwards. Look at her hands, those are Doctor's hands and Beth you look a Private Investigator", She laughed.
"Mac...", Beth said.
"Well she does look like a Doctor. If I was into women, I'd find a Nurse's outfit and...", Mackenzie said.
"Mac! Beth laughed as Lauren turned her head away to keep from blushing.
"I'm joking with Lauren. You know me Beth. I know better than to fuck with your relationship", Mackenzie said gently patting Lauren on the shoulder.
Lauren was appreciative of that. She was in no mood for one of Mackenzie's rants about Bo...Beth. Damn whichever it was. Knowing the girl looked and sounded like Kenzi.
"We all know not to do that", Crystal laughed taking her seat next to Mackenzie.
"Who the hell is that bitch? Bo asked internally.
"Lauren who are all of these people? Bo asked waking from her own observations.
"You heard her about me. I'm her wife", Beth said directly addressing Bo.
"I'm Mackenzie. Bethy's best friend", Mackenzie said spinning around long enough to look at Bo before she turned back towards Lauren and Beth.
"I'm Detective Stone. Detective Lewis' partner", Crystal smiled emulating Kenzi's actions.
"Her what? Bo asked. This was not real. But how did Lauren find these people? It was more than she saw when she was in her Dawning.
"She's a cop with a blonde partner. Ring a bell? Crystal laughed.
Bo shook her head. If Crystal was Tamsin, then Lauren must be...She couldn't even finish her own thought. It is no wonder why Lauren was pissed off. So pissed off that everybody but Lauren was talking.
"Is something wrong...Bo? Beth asked watching her.
"No. Nothing", Bo said looking at her momentarily.
"Hmm I wonder if that's the truth the way you're eyeballing my wife", Beth said staring Bo dead in her eyes.
Bo stood with her mouth open. She didn't have anything to say to that but she knew she needed to get Lauren out of there so they could talk and clear up the misunderstanding. Lauren had never looked at Bo so bitterly before. Not even when she told her she slept with Dyson to heal. She needed to take Lauren back with her. She wanted to take Lauren back with her. Hopefully when Aife was ready to leave. She dreaded the thought if Lauren didn't want to leave.
"Dr. Lewis is not going anywhere until she's ready", Mark said to Bo. Bo turned around stunned. Was she the only one that could hear him?
"How did you know Lauren...? Bo started.
"There you go again. Talking or thinking about my wife", Beth said as she came from behind the bar to stand toe to toe with Bo.
Bo was quite shocked. This lady really had her build, muscle mass and all. But she had no idea who she was fucking with stepping to the Succubus like that. "She's not your wife! She screamed.
"Watch your tone with me. Just because I'm a Doctor doesn't mean I won't kick your ass", Beth said.
Bo laughed. This was some trippy shit. None of them was real but Lauren. She needed to focus on Lauren and not Beth and her scooby gang.
"Listen Lauren can we talk? Bo asked gently taking her arm in her hands.
"No! Lauren snapped jerking her arm away from Bo.
"Lauren just listen none of this is real. You're not married to her. I didn't marry Dyson. I swear I didn't", Bo said looking between Lauren and Beth.
"Tsk tsk Bo. Lying to Lauren are ya? Beth laughed.
"Mind your business! Bo snapped.
"She is my business", Beth said stepping closer to Lauren.
"She giving you lip Beth? I will be glad to get all up in that ass", Mackenzie said slamming her drink on the counter.
"You barely even like Lauren! Bo snapped forgetting that she wasn't talking to the real Kenzi.
"What's that got to do with anything? She's married to Beth and she makes her happey that's good enough for me", Mackenzie said.
Bo could do nothing but laugh. How anyone created this Dawning for Lauren was amusing at best and her worst nightmares were becoming true. Lauren had moved on from her even if it wasn't real, she saw how it would look if she ever did.
"Lauren please you need to come back with me. I can explain all of this", Bo said sending a pulse into Lauren's arm.
Beth laughed. "Foolish girl. Your Succubus powers won't work here. But mine will", She said with her eyes flashing blue.
"What? Mom's a Succubus and her powers work here", Bo said angrily when she realized her powers did not work after all.
"Your hand", Lauren snapped at Bo looking at it on her arm.
"Aife right? You came in on her Dawning so of course her powers work, but since it's her Dawning, you have no powers here", Beth laughed.
Lauren turned her back to Bo and thought about Aife. She hadn't been properly introduced to her but now knew who she really was when she told her about the Koushang and where to find it. But what did that matter now? Bo still treated her like something she stepped in and they never talked about why Lauren slept with her over the Ash. Only about Nadia and why Lauren was property of the Light Fae. She reached for her necklace and finally realized it was gone. Wait. Was she free now? What did that mean that she no longer had it around her neck? She never took it off. Not even to shower. The only other time it came off was when Bo yanked it off only to throw it back on the ground before she stormed after Vex.
"I found it at the Dal", Bo said showing Lauren her necklace after noticing she was searching around her neck.
"Good for you", Lauren said.
"Lauren just stop and listen to me. You need to come back with me and I will explain everything, I promise", Bo said.
"Come back? Come back to what my Petri dishes? Studying over medical reports for Dyson while you go off with him and...", Lauren had to stop herself. She was starting to sound jealous of Dyson and she didn't like that. She didn't want that.
"Lauren this is not about Dyson", Bo said tiredly. It stung hearing Lauren ramble like that. The Doctor was normally so composed.
"This has everything to do with Dyson. Did you think they wouldn't tell me how and why I'm here? Lauren said finally turning back to Bo. The brunette was nearly in tears but Lauren wouldn't allow herself to come close to that.
"Dr. Lewis welcome. We are so glad that you're here", came a voice out of the dark.
"Where...where am I? Lauren asked holding her head. The last thing she remembered was being on the Dal Riata floor.
"You are the Succubus' sacrifice. So you are in her Dawning", The Guardian said.
"Bo? What? How? Lauren asked. She remembered seeing the Succubus surface but after that, everything was confusing and dark. Other than Bo nearly laying on top of Dyson.
"She was told that only one could leave and she chose to take him. Breaking a major rule of all Dawnings", The Guardian said.
"But why me? Lauren said starting to cry. This couldn't be.
"Because she cares for you and we needed to send her a strong message. It's nothing personal Doctor", The Guardian said.
"So what happens to her? Me? Lauren asked.
"She was allowed to go back to her life. But she lost you in the process. So she must live with her choice. She and the wolf are fine", The Guardian explained.
"And me? Lauren asked swallowing hard. The place didn't look frightening just dull and empty.
"You will be stuck here for the rest of your life, unless a Succubus finds a way to come and get you back", The Guardian explained.
"A Succubus? Why not Bo? Lauren asked. This was not sounding very promising at all. For all she knew Dyson had Bo out on one of his cases, not at all worried about where Lauren was and what she was doing.
"It can't be her. She had her Dawning and completed it. Although she broke the rules, she can never come back on her own. She must find a Succubus since this is a Succubus' Dawning", The Guardian explained.
From then on she would come to learn that she would be a Cop since that was what Dyson is with a blonde partner.
That was it. Lauren knew she was stuck. According to Trick every Fae had to have passed their Dawning or become an Underfae. The guy in his dungeon was no Succubus. So she was stuck. Then she met the janitor, Crystal, Mac, the Police chief and Beth. That's it. They would be her world until she was ready to take Mark at his world and use him as her key.
Bo had been so out and about she wondered how long it took her to realize Lauren was gone. An hour? Two hours? A day? Perhaps Kenzi, Stella or Trick mentioned it.
Lauren felt she had every reason to be pissed off. Although she loved Bo's courage, the fact that she was taken because of Dyson was the final nail in her coffin of patience with the whole situation. She knew Bo still loved him. That was evident and burned deeply in her memory as one of the last images before she came to be where she was now, in the Doll.
Beth had explained that her Grandfather owned the bar and he named it after her. A doll. Lauren smiled at the thought. Beth was a lot like Bo but then not like Bo. She understood why her name was Beth and why she looked like Bo. Had a best friend like Bo. She hadn't seen the Chief in what felt like days but Beth assured her that he was fine. The Doctor in Lauren could rest her mind at the thought that something had happened to him. The way Beth doted over him was far from the way Bo doted over Trick so that part of the Dawning was in fact different.
"Lauren please listen to me", Bo said softly taking a seat nex to her.
"I'm listening", Lauren said giving Bo a side eye. Something she once remembered Bo doing to her just before she hugged Dyson. It's like every horrible scene between them was playing over and over in her mind.
"This should be funny. She can't use her Succubus powers on you", Beth laughed.
Bo swallowed her annoyance and took a deep breath. "Lauren I didn't know that they would take you, I didn't even know if you would still be at the Dal when I returned".
"That's a lie or you don't remember. I told you that I would see you soon", Lauren said swallowing her beer.
"Lauren I couldn't leave him. Not when it was mainly my fault he was in here to begin with", Bo explained.
"You know you've said a lot of things except one important thing", Lauren said.
"Yeah she's fucking up", Beth laughed.
"I've had just about enough of you! Bo stood up facing Beth who was sitting opposite of Lauren.
"Bo...", Lauren snapped.
"It's ok sweetie. I know I remind her of herself", Beth laughed gently rubbing Lauren's arm.
"How long did it take you to realize I was gone? Lauren asked.
"All of two seconds", Beth said remembering when Lauren had left for work.
"I was talking to Bo", Lauren said softly.
"Oh well then I'm sorry Lauren", Beth said. But she didn't regret her answer.
Bo bowed her head. She didn't want Lauren to know she thought of her last. That would mean she came last in Bo's life. How could that be when they were a couple? Or she hoped they were.
"That long huh? Lauren laughed.
"Lauren I didn't know where you were and that's the truth. After I helped Dyson up off of the floor, I looked around and saw everyone but you. I asked Kenzi where you were and she said you were in the ladies room so I went to check on you. When I didn't see you, I ran back out to the others, then I stepped on your necklace and knew something was wrong because you never take it off. Then they told me what happened to you and I was devastated Lauren. I really was. I still am", Bo swallowed as she fiddled with her fingers.
"Then what did you do? Lauren asked staring straight ahead. She wanted to hear it from Bo's mouth and not see it in her eyes. That was a weakness of Lauren's. One look in those eyes and she could, would get lost.
"I went off on those bastards. Namely Trick, Dyson and Stella", Bo snapped. Even though she couldn't feel her Succubus she could tell her eyes would be blue if she could.
"What happened? Lauren asked still staring straight ahead.
"Dyson and Trick had planned it so that Dyson was aware that he wouldn't be coming back. I didn't know they had planned that. But it made sense once I thought about it", Bo said.
"How? Lauren asked.
"Because it made sense why Dyson suddenly wanted to be my hand and why Trick didn't argue against it", Bo sighed. It really was bullshit.
"And did he help you? Beth laughed.
"If you must know. He did but I can take care of myself! Bo snapped at Beth.
"Tsk", Beth laughed again. She knew a lot more than Bo thought she did.
Bo shook her head. This chick was becoming a pain in her ass. She wanted to leave with Lauren but knew once they were out Lauren would leave anyway and lock herself away in her lab just to avoid the Succubus and her hurt over the situation.
"Go ahead. Tell her about you and the shifter", Beth laughed. Bo was about to bury herself and this whole conversation would be over.
"Beth? A voice came
"Oh hell', Beth said turning around.
"Beth we need to talk", A male voice came from behind her.
"Look Thornweed. I'm married. I chose Lauren and I have told you that many times over. It's not my fault that you can't get over me but you seriously need to move the fuck on", Beth said.
"But she's not good enough for you", He said.
"She's all that I need and want", Beth said kissing Lauren on her shoulder.
"Who the hell was that? Bo laughed. It seemed this Beth wasn't as squeaky clean as she was trying to let on.
"A shifter that can't seem to learn when it's time to move on. Even after I have tod him Lauren was my final choice", Beth smirked at Bo.
Lauren could do nothing but bow her head and blush. "Bo what happened? She asked turning serious.
Bo bowed her head again. This was not going to be good but she needed to tell Lauren everything before Beth did and she knew she would. The woman had nothing to lose in this world that wasn't what it seemed to be.
The Dal Riata
"Any word? Kenzi asked.
"No I don't know where Dyson is but like I said he better succeed or they will kill him. The people he was sent to get are very important to the Elders", Hale explained.
"Bo was pretty pissed off at him when she left. There is no telling what she will do to him should Lauren not come back", Kenzi said.
"A pissed off Succubus and two when you think of Aife being pissed off because Bo would be pissed off", Hale sighed.
"What the hell was that? Kenzi asked.
"I don't know but she's certainly learned some more about her powers", Hale said rubbing his neck looking around at the mess Aife left the Dal in.
Aife and Albert.
Aife had talked to every one of her victims. They seemed to accept her explanations and when Albert wasn't looking she used her pulses to convince the others of her sincerity even if she wasn't really sorry.
"All done? Albert asked turning his attention back to the Succubus.
"Yes. I've made amends", Aife said trying to hold in a laugh.
"And you all agree with what she said? Albert asked.
Aife's victims agreed and Albert nodded.
"So I'm done right? Aife asked.
"Yes you have passed your Dawning. You may leave when you're ready", Albert said.
"Isabeau has been gone awhile, I doubt if she's ready to go", Aife said.
"We can go and find out. But you really aren't supposed to stay long after you've completed your mission", Albert explained.
"Let's go see how they are doing", Aife suggested turning towards the exits.
The Doll
"He told me he loved me and kissed me", Bo said tensing up. This was terrible.
"He finally told you huh? Lauren asked. Still refusing to look at Bo.
"Wait. You knew? Bo asked. How could Lauren know and she didn't?
"Yes I was told about it. But I thought you would come around and tell me yourself since he was yours", Lauren said.
"Lauren I didn't know. Well I didn't know for sure. Bo said softly. She needed Lauren to believe her. She had wished at least Kenzi would have told her what she had done. But that episode never happened.
"I see", Lauren said holding her empty glass out to Beth to fill.
"Lauren I swear that I didn't know for certain. But how did you find out? Bo asked. She really was curious because she didn't think Dyson would tell Lauren but he was always thinking of ways to get in Bo's bed.
"Inari told me", Lauren finally admitted. Even if she knew something was off with Kenzi what the Kitsune told her was true. Dyson looked flush every time she saw him around Bo.
Bo was devastated. What a horrible way for Lauren to find out but the guilt of not telling Lauren her own suspicions was still getting to her.
"Inari was a bitch. I was trying to get Kenzi to tell me but she wouldn't especially since I took too long to figure out that Inari wasn't Kenzi", Bo explained.
"How did you find out she wasn't really Kenzi? Lauren asked. She was curious since this was something else they never talked about.
"She was eating peanuts and Kenzi is deathly allergic to them", Bo snapped remembering that day and cringing when she saw Lauren's face turn sheet white.
"Ahh I see", The Doctor said. That was all Bo had to tell her but they both knew Bo said a lot worse.
"Lauren...", Bo said reaching for her but was thwarted.
"I know. I know. You'll never forgive me for that. I get it", Lauren said moving away from the Succubus. Lauren stirred in her seat and immediately turned. "Got ya".
"Lauren are you ok? Beth asked running from behind the bar.
"That's my line", Bo said checking Lauren over.
"I'm fine. But we need to get him out of here", Lauren said pointing to Thornweed dead on the ground. She heard his clip when he was trying to shoot her and turned in time to shoot him instead.
"Stupid wolf. She told you she didn't want you and now look what your obsession has cost you", Mackenzie said.
"I've got this Detective Lewis. Go and get cleaned up", Crystal said pulling her cell phone out.
"Where did you learn that? Bo asked following Lauren.
"In the field", Lauren said and left it at that. There was no need in going over those horrors with someone who likely wouldn't listen.
Twenty minutes passed and the ladies and returned to join the others.
"You ok Doc? Mackenzie asked.
Lauren could do nothing but smile. The girl was insistent on calling her Doc. "I"m fine Mackenzie. Thank you for asking".
"No problemo Doc but you did give Bethy here quite a scare", Mackenzie said.
Lauren turned and saw the same soft eyes Bo had when the look had his blade at her throat. "I'm ok Beth really", Lauren smiled.
"Crissy took the body away. Silly wolf never learned", Mackenzie said.
Lauren laughed. This was too funny even to her. She looked at the end of the bar and saw Mark looking directly at her. He had been there the whole time she had been at the Doll.
"Isabeau there you are! Aife said entering the Doll and looking around.
"Mom. Please not now mom! Bo begged. She wasn't ready to go.
"I'm sorry Succubus but you're time is up", Albert said.
"She's not ready mom", Bo said softly to Aife..
"Can't we stay just a little while longer? Aife asked.
"I'm sorry Aife but there are things that need immediate attention and you're staying here longer puts them all on the back burner", Albert explained. He had already spoken with Mark and they both knew it was now or never for all of them.
Bo closed her eyes tightly, took a deep breath and turned to Lauren. "Lauren?
"I'm not ready to go back Bo", Lauren said turning away from the crying Succubus.
"Lauren please. You have to come back with me", Bo sobbed.
"I'm not going. There is nothing for me to go back to", Lauren said.
"Lauren! What about me? What about us? Bo asked trying to take Lauren into her arms.
The Doctor turned back to her. "You see this here? There is no us because you still want Dyson. I am done being last in your life", She said pointing to the ring on her finger.
"Lauren I chose you. I swear that I did! Bo said.
"I am sure in your mind you thought you did. Until you got bored with me and he became more important", Lauren said.
"Lauren I know I've been busy with my Dawning stuff but I promise things will get better", Bo cried out.
"That's just it Bo. Something will always come before our relationship", Lauren explained. It was true. Her cases came before Lauren's award show. Before Lauren period.
"Not anymore Lauren. You will see. Just come back with me", Bo said trying to hold the Doctor again but Lauren kept moving farther away.
"Don't worry Bo she can go back when she's ready besides I will keep her very warm", Beth said winking at Bo.
"That's what you want Lauren? Her? Bo said snapping. The woman had finally gotten on her last nerve and she picked the wrong time to yank Bo's chain.
"You did this Bo! You pushed me here! This is nobody's fault but yours. Actually it's mine too for coming to your Dawning ceremony but I wanted to be supportive. Imagine that! Lauren snapped pacing back and forth.
"I didn't know Lauren! I didn't think they would take you! Bo cried walking towards the Doctor.
"It's the Fae Bo. Since when do they play games? Lauren fired back. Bo saw what they did with Nadia how could she gamble like she did?
"It doesn't matter Succubus. She doesn't have to stay here but you need to go", Mark said.
"What? I'm not leaving without Lauren", Bo said.
"Well if you don't leave you will be stuck here. As I said pressing matters have come up and we can't keep going back and forth like this", Albert said stepping towards Aife. She looked at him and knew what she had to do.
"Isabeau we need to go", Aife said.
"No mom please don't make me go! Bo said with tears flooding her face.
"We have to sweetie and I am not going to be stuck here. You heard them. Dr. Lewis will be fine". Aife said pulling on the younger Succubus. Luckily for her Bo not having her powers made her easier to control.
"Mom please! Bo said trying to fight her way out of the Succubus' arms.
"Isabeau! Stop fighting me. She will be fine", Aife said as Albert nodded at her in agreement.
With a lot of scratching and pulling Bo wore herself out trying to get back to Lauren. "Lauren! She screamed until her mouth ran dry.
Lauren heard her screams and turned her head. She couldn't look at the Succubus. Either of them. All she could do was look straight ahead. It's not like she was stuck there. Mark said she could leave when she wanted and she trusted him. What else did she have to lose? Bo had already left her and even the Succubus hadn't realized it yet. If she was devastated now, imagine how she would feel when she figured that out.
"What's really going on? Lauren asked Mark seeing distress in his features.
"Lauren you need to go but we couldn't tell the Succubus why", Mark said.
"What I need to go? Lauren asked. What the hell was going on now?
"Remember when I said you needed to extend apologies and seek forgiveness? Mark asked.
He had said a lot to Lauren but she did nod that she did remember that.
"And you're sure she's the one? Albert asked.
"Yes sir. She's the one", Mark bowed.
"Most excellent", Albert smiled warmly.
"Hello? Why is there such a rush for me to leave all of a sudden? Lauren asked.
"They need you Lauren if you don't go now it will be too late", Mark said.
Lauren shook her head. She understood what he meant but not the rush to do it.
"What about them? Lauren asked pointing to Beth, Mackenzie and Crystal.
"They will disappear as soon as you leave. They are really just spirits. No harm will come to them", Albert said.
"Ok", Lauren said. She was a little sad to leave them. Beth was so sweet and warm. Mackenzie was nothing but all Kenzi and Crystal. Well Crystal was a bit lazy but funny. She turned to them and went and held Beth for the only time since she'd first met her. Spirits or not the human in her cared about them.
"Goodbye", Lauren whispered to the three of them.
"See ya Doc", Mackenzie said.
Lauren laughed and turned back to Mark and Albert.
"I'lll take her", Albert smiled at Mark.
"Very good sir. Don't worry Doctor, I will serve my justice", Mark bowed and stepped back.
"Are you ready? Albert whispered.
"I thought you couldn't leave", Lauren smiled.
"It's time and I always could. I was waiting for the right moment and opportunity", Albert replied.
Lauren had grown to care for the man. He really was sweet and helped her a lot more than he realized.
"Ok let's go then. What do we do? Lauren asked.
"Just take my hand", Albert said extending it.
Lauren took his hand and took a deep breath as he had instructed her to do.
The Dal Riata
"Bo! You're back! Kenzi screamed running towards the Succubus but stopped short when she noticed her face.
"Bo? Trick said.
"Where's Lauren? Kenzi asked but was afraid of the answer.
"She didn't want to come back", Aife answered.
"And you have a lot of answering to do", Hale said to Aife.
"When you're ready bring it on Siren but as you can see my daughter needs me", Aife said.
"You better tell her Trick there won't be a better time", Kenzi said.
"Tell who what? Aife asked.
"Let's go down to my lair, we can talk about it there", Trick said gesturing for Aife to bring Bo with her.
"Dude I need a bottle" Kenzi said. She knew Bo was going to be all kinds of pissed off.
"Don't you mean a drink? Hale asked.
"Nope", Kenzi said turning a bottle of Vodka upside down and drinking from it.
"At least his lair doesn't have a lot of breakables", Hale said shaking his head. He knew he should be running Aife in but Bo needed her right now.
Lauren and Albert.
"How can you do this? Lauren asked.
"I told you. I just needed the right time and opportunity", Albert chuckled. The woman's mind was full of questions and worry.
"Ok. Ok. But what am I going back for in such a hurry? Lauren asked.
"Mark said some of the families of your victims are in danger. You must help them and make things right", Albert said.
"If I don't? Lauren asked.
"You're a good woman. You will do the right thing", Albert smiled holding the door for Lauren.
Lauren could not protest. She did feel awful about all of the people she had killed. Even if her brother delivered the pipe bombs, she was the one that made them in the first place.
In one swift motion they were both standing in the Dal.
"What the Fae? Kenzi screamed.
"What? Hale asked looking around. "Oh shit".
"Lauren? Kenzi cried out walking over to her but she was stopped by Albert raising his hand.
"Do not interfere with the Doctor. She has much work to do", Albert said softly. When Lauren nodded Kenzi stood back.
"But Bo? Kenzi asked.
"Must not interfere", Albert said.
"But..", Kenzi said.
"No buts. Are you ready Dr. Lewis? Albert asked.
"Yes I'm ready", Lauren said taking a sheet of paper that he handed her. She didn't need it though. She knew where most of the surviving family members lived.
"Then go", Albert said.
Lauren took off running. She knew if she stopped she would get caught up in the Dal drama and not go through with it.
"Where is she going? Kenzi asked.
"That's personal. Nothing to do with any of you", Albert said walking over to the bar. It had been many years since he had set foot in the Dal and it still looked the same.
"Bullshit. Trick! Kenzi called.
Trick, Aife and Bo came running up the stairs.
"Kenzi? Trick called out to her.
"Do you know this guy? Kenzi asked pointing to Albert.
"Albert! It has been many years", Trick said eyeing the man as he poured himself a drink.
"Indeed it has Fitzpatrick", Albert said seriously.
"Albert? You were pretty much pushing Isabeau and me out of there. What's going on? Aife asked.
"Yeah what is this? Bo asked. She had cleaned up a bit but still looked devastated over Lauren.
"I believe the Ash knows. Don't you? Hale is it? Albert asked.
"Yes. I'm Hale the Ash and I assume you are referring to the highly classified cases Dyson is working on? Hale asked.
"You would be correct sir. And now Dr. Lewis has gone to intercept him", Albert said.
"Ok you guys want to explain it to the rest of us? Kenzi asked.
"Like I said, it's personal", Albert smiled.
"Albert what are you doing here? Trick asked.
"I found her" Albert said turning to the Blood King.
"And you're certain? Trick asked.
"Silly King. Don't play dumb", Albert said to the chorus of Aife laughing.
"You two are impossible", Trick said walking back to the bar.
"Don't turn your back on me Blood King", Albert said.
"Holy shitballs this is getting good", Kenzi said walking over with Bo.
"I see you haven't done what I asked you to do", Albert barked at Trick. Time for manners had passed.
"I kept her safe. That's what you asked me to do! Trick countered.
"Who? Bo asked. She was tiring of the back and forth too.
"Lauren", Trick sighed.
"Ok back up the truck. What are you two talking about? Kenzi asked. It really wasn't her business but her enquiring mind wanted to know.
"I saved your daughters Fitzpatrick. Now you save mine! Albert said.
"Trick? Bo bristled. It was always some shit he hadn't told them.
"He's talking to me Bo", Trick said. He really wasn't up for this after being cursed out in more than one language by Bo and Aife when he told them Aife going back in was a risk as he wasn't sure Lauren would be able to come back.
"Fuck this. Tell us Trick", Aife said pulsing his head in her hands.
"Years ago he asked me to look after Lauren as repayment for getting you out of your Dawning", Trick confessed staring at Aife.
"What? Lauren's a human how could he have known about her back then? Kenzi asked.
"Lauren is older than she looks", Trick confessed with his head still in Aife's hands.
"Stop it and just tell us Trick", Bo said.
"She's important to me, not to him", Albert said.
"We get that. Are you saying she's your daughter? Bo asked.
"Yes and no", Albert said.
"Who are you anyway? Bo asked. That might help better than playing find the riddle with him and Trick.
"I'm an Incubus and Lauren's grandfather", Albert smiled.
"What the Fae? Bo, Kenzi and Hale screamed in unison.
TBC