Chapter 23

"You think this is the time to tell them? The time to come back? The world is upside down. You should have stayed hidden until everything calmed down again." Trick said.

"Do not worry old friend. You are right this is not the right time to discuss the matter but we don't have a choice."

"You do know that we can not talk about it. What you are promising is not possible."

"But we can lead them to the answer"

"Still.. You shouldn't have come here. It is too dangerous"

"I had no choice in that matter. My hideout was discovered and I had to flee."

"But why come here?"

"She told me to and I followed"

Trick nodded. "I understand. Please sit down friend"

With that the old Ash sat down. The silence was heavy in the room. Everyone waited for an explanation that didn't come.

"This... is... such a CLUSTERFUCK" Bo growled. She had enough of those half truths, people (even her own grandfather) lying to her, keeping this from them.

"You can't just appear from the dead, walk in like nothing happened and then drink a beer. Ever seen a movie? Now comes the great revelation, a plot twist, well... something."

"This is no movie nor a novel. I am calling sanctuary in this humble way station to be safe from my pursuers. My whereabouts are none of your concern. There are things in the world that are bigger than you child. I am here as a spectator and a guide, not the one answering your every question."

"But when you came in you said you'd help us with that photo" Bo huffed.

"Well... I like to make an dramatic entrance" His lips turned in to a superior grin, visibly enjoying the situation.

"Listen 'buddy' Not that I cared before about any rules or respected anyone just because of their position but you're not the ash anymore. You appear all big and mighty when everybody thinks you are dead. I've had enough of this whole secret stuff, alright?" The succubus was shaking with anger. There had to be more about the old ashs appearance than just seeking sanctuary, especially at a time like this.

The former leader of the light fae grew a little angry. "You underestimate my power and influence" he growled.

"Bo please... leave it"

"No 'grandpa' I won't. All the time people keep secrets 'for the greater good' but in the end it just makes it worse. I want ANSWERS...NOW!" Bo's eyes were glowing, her voice vibrating.

"You are making a mistake threatening me succubus..." He growled.

"ENOUGH!" All eyes turned to the source of the loud voice. Lauren was standing in the middle of the room. Eyes glowing dangerously fixing the arguing parties.

"You two bickering like some old housewives won't bring us anywhere and cutting each others throat doesn't help either. So SHUT THE FUCK UP!" the blonde was trembling with anger. Her inner akhileus was about to take over.

"You are nothing but a lying, manipulating bastard" She pointed at her former boss.

"Dr. Lewis. I advise you to change your tone or it will have some unfortunate consequences for you. I always respected you so I will let your misbehavior slip for once but another sub ordinance I won't be that lenient.."

"When you just touch her I'll..." Bo was already about to jump his throat when Lauren's hand on her shoulder stopped her.

"You cursed my girlfriend, tricked me in to slavery and then vanish making people believe, making me believe you were dead... I was punished for not being able to save you and now you come here and expect me to kiss your feet again? I had enough of you all so mighty fae. Your superiority complex. You feel like god but you are just a pathetic being afraid of everything that could cause a disturbance in your perfect world." Lauren's nostrils flared. So much hate, so much anger was inside her, bubbling, trying to brake free.

"Whoa hot pants looks pissed..." Kenzi was afraid of the outcome. They had already enough ongoing drama and life threatening situations. An angry ex ash wasn't something she looked forward to.

"How dare you you filthy human" the low voice of the former leader turned a shade darker his eyes turned black when he raised to his feet.

"Lauren... maybe this isn't the best..." Bo tried to stop her lover. Even though she was about to do the same she understood that it wasn't the right way. She had always been impulsive and let her emotions take control of her but Lauren? She had never seen the blonde like this. The aggressiveness, the fight was new... Was it her inner fae? Or did the time with Taft industries change her this much?

Lauren didn't let herself to get stopped. Nobody was going to stand in her way without regretting it. "I appreciate your concern Bo, but stay out of this" she hissed.

"Lauren. I beg you. This isn't you..." Bo begged.

"This isn't me? You don't know me, don't you get that succubus? You have this ideal picture inside your head which is just an illusion. I'm no healer, no good Samaritan.. I was a terrorist, I took lives without thinking. I am cold and calculating, that's who I am!"

"That is not true!" Ivy screamed. "I know you.. the real you. The Karen that cared for me, who was always there when times were rough and even after that. You saved so many lives... You always thought about others first... You are no monster.. You weren't after Afghanistan and you are not now..."

Something inside of Lauren moved. Her eyes stopped glowing and her hands went down when the words slowly sank in. A part of her believed all that but the powerful fae inside her called for vengeance.

"We Akhileus are a pretty stubborn bunch. Unforgiving...Cross us once and our inner fae wants to take revenge..." Anna mumbled.

"Lauren stop this. I won't allow any act of violence in this way station. This is a place of sanctuary. I can't let you attack an elder and highly respected member of the light who is on top of that a very good friend." Tricks voice spoke with authority.

"Not surprising that you are on his side.. I bet if he'd kill you wouldn't care now would you? You were never very fond of me and Bo together..."

"That is not true... Lauren please calm down."

"Yes child. Listen to him before you regret it... I could end you right now, right here. Don't be foolish."

"Try me..." The blonde snarled, not having much control any longer.

"Oh boy... As soon as this is hopefully over without any blood being spilled, that girl needs serious training.." Anna sighed.

"You really want to challenge me?" the former ash already got in to fighting stance.

"Yeah... come at me bro..." Lauren growled, her nails already sharpening, her eyes glowing dangerously.

"OK.. somebody must have switched the docs brain with a time bomb..." Kenzi mumbled.

The dark skinned fae raised his eyebrows and then smiled. His hands held up he said: "I didn't know. I am sorry doctor. Who would have ever thought that the oracle was right. It seems that I had made the right decision recruiting you a few years ago...I knew I had to choose you"

The doctors eyes and hands turned back to her usual form. She felt like all the hatred was pulled from her. Her inner fae seemed to calm down and she was able to take back her control. A little dizzy she sank to her knees.

Ivy and Bo both rushed to the blondes feet. "Are you okay?" Ivy whispered.

"What the fuck did you do to her?" Bo growled.

"Calm down succubus. I only calmed her inner fae. If I had known that she was turned.. that it was the time... But she is fine. "

"He is right Bo... Just a little exhausted but I feel OK. The anger seemed to have dissipated. I feel a little bit more like myself again." Lauren reassured the brunette who sighed with relieve.

"If I may ask you one question... What did you mean by the right decision?" Lauren asked. She was afraid of the outcome.

The former ash just smiled. "You don't think that I saved you just because I love to save humans now, do you?"

"No.. actually not. I always wondered why you brought me... brought me back from the dead" Lauren gulped. Thinking about the bomb, remembering the feeling of being ripped apart was still making her queasy.

"You weren't chosen randomly. We knew who you were years before you went to that foolish human organization.. What did they call it? HFF?"

Lauren nodded. "But why? Why me? Why not Miranda or Taft or those other geniuses?"

"Because you are a special case..."

"Why?" the blonde tried again.

He sighed. He should have known before he came back that there would be many questions and that he couldn't keep the answers from them anymore.

"Maybe we should all sit down for that. Trick? Would you kindly make us some tea? One with a... calming effect? I guess that everyone around here could need it"

The blood king just nodded and got to work.

"I still can not believe that I am sitting here, telling you this.." he huffed.

A/N: I just wanted to thank all those who gave me feedback. To know that you guys are still out there reading lets me keep on writing. I do know it got a bit confusing and a lot at once but there are many things that will be revealed soon. Just stay around a bit so it will make sense.