A/N: Sorry it took me so long.

Chapter 9

Months Before, on Mount Sumeru

The sun blistered on the red stained muddy grass. Even for being surrounded by a body of water, there was no air, no breeze gathering from the waters surface and blowing on the tall dirt hill. But Levi couldn't be concerned with such matters, not with the snarling assailant swiping at his head trying to sever it. With the present dance of danger and swords being done from him at the moment. Levi squinted as bountiful sun rays almost blinded him from noticing the long sharp claws aimed at his jugular. But on instinct he avoided the claws, cutting one of the eight burly hanging arms with the sharp blunt of his sword. The monster wailed in pain watching his grisly appendage fall to the soiled grass, the cut clean and precise. Levi saw the moment of vulnerability by the seven foot assailant. Spinning swiftly on his heels, his blade slashed deep across the abdomen, than beheading all three heads off the Raksha's. The fast movement was done in seconds. Levi knew time was a precious commodity that needed to be used effectively in situations such as these. The Raksha's fell lifeless into a growing pool of blood. Levi dropped to his knees panting, watching the body twitch before going still. Sweat pooled on the corner of his brow. Dirt mixed with blood streaked his battle hard face. His knees and shoulders throbbed from yielding his battle sword for hours on end.

The Asura's were three headed power seeking demigods with bodies composed of eight arms and three legs. They was pervious to insincerity, anger, envy and in constant of battle. Raksha's were formally Asura's that were filled with so much hate they reformed to demons.

Levi was tired; tired of fighting, tired of losing brothers to an eternal battle that was never won. But he knew he had to be diligent now more than ever because they were losing the battle. Not far in the distance he could hear the sounds of battle around him. The Naga's enemy, the three headed Raksha's had been attacking him and his brothers on Mount Sumeru for a fortnight already with no end in sight it seemed. The temple was intact, where the devas of Trāyastrimśa resided, but extensive damage was done to its exterior. Rubble, debris, and bodies muddled the area. He knew the stench of death was not far behind, if the harsh rays of daylight was any sign. Levi had lost two brothers already to the battle, and he refused to anymore.

He needed help.

He needed Lachlan.

If only his brother, had taken up duty protecting the devas instead of going to another plane, Earth.

With new found determination to help the dire situation he knew the Naga's were in, Levi ran to the temple to speak to one of the holy devas. More than anyone, the deva's had to see the rationality for help. Lachlan was one of the fiercest, most proficient swordsman's Levi knew. His expertise and leadership would fuel Naga's to defeat the Raksha's.

Pumping his arms, his feet fell in the moist grass. He ducked, and dodged the ongoing sloppy commotion reaching the rusted door. Symbols were etched deep into the sodden wood. Levi didn't know what they meant exactly, it was above his pay grade. All he knew was that it kept the Asura's and their counterparts the demon, Raksha's out of the holy temple. Taking a calming breath, he pushed the door ajar. It groaned, the bottom scrapping against the floor before it closed behind him slowly. Despite the sweat rolling down skin, the temperature inside was cool inside. The smell reminded him of the ocean-seaweeds and rain. Goose bumps ran up his flesh, making him tighten his grip on the hilt of his unsheathed sword.

Eight stone column's marked with symbols evenly distributed the temple. Three flaming lanterns shimmered in the middle. Molten reddish yellow reflections danced on the ground and the thick pillars. The golden lanterns formed a circle sectioning off the area were the deva's meditated in a constant state. The deva's were invisible to the naked eye. Even the Nagas were unable to gaze upon the beauty of any deva, but the vengeful Asura's and Raksha's could see them.

Levi remembered being younger and always wondering why that was. Why the enmity to the devas was privileged enough to become bathed in the deva's beauty? They were lower creatures, they were hateful, boasting, evil beasts that wanted to kill devas motivated by jealousy, and envy. As Levi grew older, and more of his answers went ignored he learned something's were better left unsaid.

His footsteps echoed in the room. Flames whipped wildly as he inched further along. The mood was incredibly ominous. Remembering in whose presence he was in he sheathed his sword than knelt, seeing the polished ivory stairs leading to a small white platform where three large empty bowls sat in the circle. A faint whistling wind brushed his ears. Running waters sounded not far behind the wind.

The taste of the ocean, crisp, and salty coated his tongue. He gasped clenching his chest where his heart laid. Every beat was tense as the organ started beating faster. A mirage of pictures floated in his head. Scenes of playing with brother, swimming in the ocean, sword fighting, and on and on. So many joyful memories tore at his stony resolve to be stoic, a good guard for the devas. What was happening to him?

"Don't be alarmed childe" A soothing watery voice said.

"That is-"the hushed squally tone started.

"That is a gift" all three distinct voices were heard. They weaved together, beautifully as a trailing melody Levi never heard. The effect was calming, calming the adrenaline pounding from fighting.

He lifted his head in shock, dark curly flyaway hairs fell on his eyelashes. The flames only grew with the concentrate stare he kept on the bowls.

"Holy deva's I know I am not worthy to step into your presence, but your protection called for It." his black eyes humbled, gaze upon his knees now.

"We know, it is us who put the desire in your heart for seek your brother." The group of devas replied together.

"The blood of the slain Naga's call to us." The water deva whispered.

"It will only get worse if there is division" the wind deva interjected.

"Lachlan will unify you all in the fight." The heart deva finished.

The voices grew in volume to a boom that left Levi's mind whirling. A small dizzy spell passed, making him sway on his knees. The grip on the swords hilt tightened. This battle would get worse? How much worse? There was no time for questions and inner monologue. "I understand, how will I be able to reach my brother?" his voice was small like a child's. Lachlan's absence was greatly felt, especially without having any contact with him in decades.

"First you must find a human."

"A gifted woman"

"A very gifted doctor."

Levi wanted to scoff trying to figure out how a human could help, but held his tongue. The deva's were wise above anything he would or could ever achieve. If they said the human was gifted and would help him then Levi believed blindly with his whole being. "What do I need the aid of a human Holinesses?"

"She will help you in your journey with the Garuda." Levi scrunched his eyebrows raising his eyes for a second before letting his gaze fall in respect.

"Lachlan will have to drink the elixir of immortality." A chill ran down his spine. His heart felt heavy in his chest hearing those words. He didn't want to think about it. Didn't want to believe what was being said.

"He died on Earth's plane fighting a Garuda that left this plane." Tears blurred Levi's vision. Taking deep breaths he focused on the deva's instructions not his pain. Suddenly a warm, tender stroke was felt on his heart. It felt as if he was being hugged, rocked gently with motherly hands. He knew it had to be a deva soothing his pain.

"Don't worry childe, the Raksha's will not overthrow us in your absence."

"Go and find Lauren Lewis."

"When you find her you will ultimately find your brother. We are instilling in your hands a gift that will protect you from harm. You will face opposition from a powerful succubus. You must make her believe to succeed in your task."

"Yes your Holinesses." Levi bowed his head rising from his knees when an energy portal opened beside him. The Energy crackled, making his skin crawl and the hairs on his arms and neck stand. He wondered where it would take him. Earth? And what gift had the deva's bestowed upon him in aid?

Levi resolved his mind, focusing on the illuminated portal, swirling blue and white lights swirled pulling him closer. He exhaled, looking to the door. He knew his brothers were still fighting the fight, fending the Raksha's off. With the singular thought of his brother, Lachlan he jumped into the portal ready for whatever it may lead him.

Present Day

Two days had passed since Lauren and the Queen been back from visiting Vex. The news that Lachlan was the fae threatening them was a little nerving to Lauren. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out how it was scientifically possible for him to survive the Garuda's attack. What was his angle for following her here posing a threat to this version of Bo? None of it made any sense, and the more that Lauren thought the more she was certain of that fact. It was dire moments such as these where Bo would stare at her, conveying all the strength a champion could, and with a tender kiss, let Lauren know she wouldn't let any harm come to her. Being here in this strange land now, her heart ached recalling her Bo's smile, her touch, her skin and brown eyes. Lauren clenched her muscles, trying to hold the tears blurring her vision. She missed Bo so much it hurt. Now that the excitement by succeeding in `meeting another version of Bo was waning Lauren started second guessing if what Isabeau said was true.

Was she just transferring her emotions?

Traveling back to her Kingdom, Isabeau's thumb rubbed comforting against the tender flesh on Lauren's hand wrapped tight around her waist. She was worried about Lauren. Since it was revealed of Lachlan being the threat the earthy brown was void of Lauren's eyes. They just gazed vaguely in the distance like she was focusing. Isabeau was getting pissed at the whole situation. She'll be damned if anyone came to her Kingdom, threatening her throne or anything she cared for. Though Isabeau wasn't ignorant of the concept of love, being knowledgeable of its effects she was ignorant of. The emotions, Lauren roused inside her was disarming for the succubus. She knew if anyone found out, the human could be her Achilles heel to any awaiting opponent. But she was determined with renewed vigor of eliminating this threat quickly.

Isabeau strode down her halls, her heeled boots resounded in the halls. Guards standing erect bowed obediently while Isabeau's pace never wavered. While in court, she received word Dyson had just returned from his journey of acquiring information about the letter. The guards holding onto staffs opened both double doors for the Queen with a bow.

It was noontime. The cool breeze ushered a sweet aroma to tug at the Queen's nose. The manicured ground smelled of grass and flowers, and sun. Isabeau stepped down her stairs meeting Dyson and the messenger in front of the castles main entrance. She knew her behavior was odd. Meeting her guards at the main entrance, before giving them a chance to rest? Yes it was odd. Dare she say it be but there was a pestering she had that Dyson knew something. What reason she thought that she wasn't sure as of yet.

The messenger, and stout, overeager young wolf, when seeing the Queen join them his eyes widened, joining the already kneeling Dyson, on his knees. Placing her hands on her hips, she waved for them to stand. Dyson grunted in pain, cradling his ribs as the messenger helped him to his feet. Even though Dyson usually had an excellent mask of indifference to pain she could see the pain rolling off the wolf in waves.

Taking the little steps to stand before Dyson, Isabeau accessed the injuries he had. From the short wheezing of his breath he at least had one rib broken, a deep gash marred his cheek, and from how the messenger held Dyson on one side, something was wrong with his leg also.

"Tell me everything that happened." Isabeau radiant blue eyes pierced Dyson's narrowed orbs. She trialed a finger down the wolf's neck, pulsing a burning energy into him. Something to ebb the pain for the moment until he saw a healer.

Dyson's shoulders slumped, sighing at the instant relief his Queen granted him. Not one for disobedience, he lowered his head at the Queens intense gaze noting submission. "I was ambushed my Queen."Isabeau's hand paused on his skin, before continuing again, the slow stream of energy, a balm to his injuries.

"Go on" Isabeau murmured, eyebrows knitted together watching the grimace on Dyson's bruised features.

Dyson nodded, dry swallowing. "It was while I was passing through the mountains bend in Pustovline's Kingdom to check to see anyone had information in the way station."Isabeau heard a subtle Irish accent waver from to word in the injured wolf's speech. "When I was in the middle of questioning the drunkard, a man of tall stature, whispered in my ear asking to speak in private about the matter. We went and spoke. Turns out he knew plenty. I told him he should come with me back and this happened." He motioned to his body. "He was a very skilled fighter. I wouldn't be surprised if he had extensive training, my Queen."

Isabeau stopped the pulse. Dyson whimpered at the loss, the pain hitting his nerves again. His hands gripped harder into the man's bony shoulder he was leaning into. "I see" Isabeau turned to the messenger holding the wolf. "Take him to the healers."

"Yes my Queen." The messenger said.

The Queen turned ready to walk back into her castle. She was seething at the information. Who was this person? Maybe she needed to take a little trip to for a discussion.

"My Queen!" Dyson called out. Isabeau stopped turning back to the men wobbling. Dyson pulled out a note in his pocket handing it to the Queen. She warily took it, staring at the fresh calligraphic letters written on the paper. "This was in my pocket when I came to. I can only assume it was on meant for your eyes my Queen."

"Thank you" Isabeau looked at Dyson before turning back around. "Now go to the healers, you're bleeding all over my grass. I'll check on you after." she smirked before walking back into her halls on a mission.

Dyson chuckled before a coughing fit overtook him as they had a shaken pace to the castle. "Yes my Queen, thank you."

Isabeau could only imagine what this note said. She wanted to go to Lauren and explain this new discovery.