AAN: I don't own Monster rancher or Underworld. This is a cross over of MR/Underworld in my view. Enjoy it as I try to refine my writing. I would loved to be critiqued as well.

A World Shrouded in Shadows

Deep Pain, True friends

Crashing lightning illuminates the foreboding night sky, as thunder rolls across the heavens shaking water from the black clouds. A small colonial cottage pelted with rain stands alone in the soggy meadow of daisies. Inside the fire lit dwelling the silhouette of a beautiful, young woman in a man's arms is just barely visible, amidst the flashes of light. The women leaned against him content in his prescience.

"Holly?"

"Yes?"

"Would you want to spend the rest of your life with me?" she gasped softly. They had been dating for the past 6 months but she had not come to expect this.

"Yes I would." His lips touched hers softly.

"I'm glad. I have been alone for far too long. You're the only one who fills that void of loneliness." A blush appeared on her face as she stared at her hands. His hand moved on top of hers reassuringly.

"You're such a sweet heart Dale." A smirk spread across his face as he leaned over kissing her neck.

"Only to you love." His voice soft to her ears; his lips felt her pulse quicken. A smile appeared knowing she was under his spell. Her head tilted as she yielded to his kissing. In a sudden movement her body was pinned on the couch. Her eyes widened in startlement and questioned him as she gazed up at him.

"You're so beautiful"

"We can't go too far…"

"I know we have spoken of this before." A deep kiss penetrated her from within as he began to work his way along her jaw line and down to her neck again. A gasp emerged from her throat as hormones raged and emotions began to flow. A shiver surged through her body as her neck tilted to welcome his lips. Unknown to her Dale's body began to tense in anticipation. In one lighting swift movement his vampiric fangs grew out and punctured her soft flesh. Her eyes widened in shock then fear as the pain ripped through her being. An agonized cry escaped her, as her mind registered what was happening.

"Stop please…!" her plea fell on deaf ears, as his hands touched her chest inappropriately. Struggling with all her might, but she could not break his hold; soon she lacked strength to continue fighting. Panting she tried to regain some strength to fight. His mouth pulled away from her neck as his lips formed in a smirk.

"One in body and mind right?"

"Please don't do this…" her voice distressed with pain and exhaustion.

"I will do as I was taught to do Holly, you'll thank me later."

"Why? What have I done…I don't want this…"

"You did nothing. You're sweet Holly and that's why I want you in the clan." Her eyes grew larger in fear of his statement.

"Please don't do this…I don't want this…" hot tears slipped from her eyes down her cheeks.

"It's not as bad as you think. You'll enjoy it after awhile." His lips planted a few kisses before his teeth sank back in and he let himself feed off her.

"AAAGHHHHH….STOP PLEASE DALE STOP…" her words were in vain, his mind concentrated on drinking her hot blood and changing her. As her life force was drained, her body became limp. No energy to fight him left. His hands now worked to undress her, her mind knowing what was to come. Tiger was right he was after sex. She felt him take her virginity and take pleasure for himself, tears falling the whole while as she felt powerless. Slowly her world turned black and she felt nothing.

When she regained conciseness a shiver tore deep through her being as the memories flooded her mind. Her body felt like ice as her eyes scanned the room. Her eyes told her that she was fully clothed, and had a blanket on. Dale came into view with a pair of full glasses.

"Good, I thought I might have killed you. Here drink this you'll feel better." He offered her a cup of red liquid as her mind raced. Why don't I fear him? Why can't I feel anything right now?... she accepted the cup of mysterious liquid, taking a sip her mind instantly registered it as fresh blood, still hot as if just collected. Despite knowing what it was she couldn't stop herself from drinking it. No…I'm already becoming cold hearted…

"What did you do to me?"

"I turned you. You're a vampriss now; Strong, powerful, and beautiful." She attempted to slap him only to have him catch her hand. "Now, now, you'll soon learn I have given you a gift."
"What gift?"

"Immortality, in human strength, and ever lasting beauty among other things you will soon figure out."

"I don't want it take it back…"

"That's impossible, once changed there is no cure." Tears came rushing from her eyes as she sat on the couch. She felt his arms around her but no comfort came from them. Pulling away she shook her head. "Holly, I did this for us, for you. You'll never be alone and neither will I now."

"No you did this for yourself. I wanted nothing to do with this."

"Could you have accepted me as a human?"

"Yes, now you have ruined my life from your own fear!" he flinched at her snapping, "Now I can't even see a sun rise again…or sunset…"

"Yes you can." He placed a silver bracelet on her arm. The bracelet had a blood garnet imbedded in the center surrounded by ten small emeralds. "As long as you where this, you can go out in the sunlight." She studied the item for a moment, it was beautiful but she yearned to be human.

"Leave me alone, Dale, you don't love me…"

"Yes, I do. I want you to be happy."

"You should have thought about that before you changed me." He sighed, rising he walked over to the bookshelf. Pulling out a blue, leather bound book, laid it down beside her on the couch. Then walked out of the room, unsure what to do now since she rejected his gift. Holly looked over at it, finally picking it up she began to read. Her mind told her that he had left it to help her, but with every page her heart hurt worse.

Several weeks past and Dale now regretted changing her. His eyes saw her pain; he heard her crying during the day. The only rest and peace she experienced was in her sleep. She refused to drink blood no matter how hungry she was. Though she ate a little food she was, essentially, starving herself to death. Finally out of desperation he visited his coven for help. Explaining the events that transpired and what was happening he received a promising response. An older female came forward to speak with Holly. He took the female to his house with great thanks. When she arrived she saw the young women curled up on the couch asleep. Instantly she knew why he had chosen the young girl, she was, indeed, beautiful. Sitting on the couch she very, gently caressed Holly's cheek. Slowly she looked up at the women, startled by her presence she drew back.

"Shh…easy, I'm not here to hurt you. Dale told us about his mistake. He asked me to help you."

"Can you cure me?" her voice riddled with such fear, that the women knew Dale had made a huge mistake.

"If I could I would. There is a cure but no one knows where it is now. The book containing it was stolen by a lycan den years ago, in an attack."

"Lycan den?"

"A werewolf pack is another way of putting it. Our groups are referred to as covens."

"Then you don't get along with werewolves...and werewolves are real?" she heard a chuckled push through the older women's sealed lips.

"Oh yes, they are real. Our clans have been at war for the past 6 centuries." A pause allowed Holly's mind to register the words. "Be careful, a lycan can kill a vampire in a single bite. The virus they pass fights with the virus we have. " more tears came swimming to Holly's eyes, patient as a mother the older women pulled her into her arms. "Child it's alright. I know all seems lost but its not. You have a lot you can still do. Dale was a fool for changing you, but he is also a youth and inexperienced. No older vampire would have changed you." Holly was like velcro on the women for the next ten minutes as tears openly flowed. When calm finally came to her again and she found her voice these words came to the older vampriss's ears,

"Why wouldn't an older vampire have changed me?"

"Because it's not good to the coven or any of us to create a vampire who would kill themselves. That and it's hard to convert someone who is older and doesn't want it."

"I'm not sure if I would kill my self or not."

"I'm not saying you would. But it was a possibility."

"I'll always have to drink blood won't I?" Holly's gaze fell to the floor.

"Yes, however it won't be a daily event, if you don't want it to be." Holly's eyes told her she was not relieved.

"Do all werewolves hate vampires?"

"Not all child, but most. There are a few dens who are neutral and take no part in the war. However most do not choose such a difficult position."

"Difficult position?"

"They are looked down upon by other of their race. They are often outcasts and misfits because of it. I know some clans encourage them with gifts and tokens, a way of having fewer enemies."

"Does yours?"

"Yes, upon occasion." Holly's eyes shifted to the book she had read. "What's your name child?"

"Holly Mercase…I'm not a child…."

"I know, I only say that because of your youth. I am over one hundred years old."

"What's your name?"

"Ziva DeVanhorn" she paused watching Holly cope with all the information. "If you wish to know more you can return to the mansion with me. We have records that date back to ancient times. There are even a few elders how would like to speak with you." she let Holly think things through.

"I'll go with you but I need to send a letter home first. Other wise my friends might come looking for me."

"I'll get you some ink and parchment" Ziva left to gather the materials as Dale came in with some tea for them. The elder lady noted how Holly guarded herself around him. Once he left Ziva came to sit next to Holly handing over the parchment and setting an inkbottle on the table with pen. Holly dipped the pen into the ink and began to write to her friends. "He hurt you didn't he?"

"Yes" her voice filled with distain.

"He raped you?"

"He did it while changing me…I was too weak to fight back."

"He will be punished for his wrongful deed." Holly looked over at her shocked, "we have rules for this. No one can rape someone during a change. It is forbidden." Holly finished her letter and sealed it. "It will be delivered quickly. Would you join me for some tea before we leave?"

"Yes, thank you." After tea Holly packed what she needed and left with Ziva in a Dino drawn carriage.

In only a few hours travel they reached the coven mansion. Ziva had to chuckle as Holly, despite her age, acted like a mystified child. Eyes wide with awe, Holly took in every detail of the structure. From the brick façade, to the clay tile roof, to the gargoyles who stood guard. The massive, solid oak doors painted in forest green. Green sashes and shutters trimmed the buildings windows. Once inside Holly's wonder redoubled. The solid, three tone, marble floors lined with gold plated, metal trim ran off in all directions. In the center of the room was a two tone nine point star with a circle around it. Pillars lined the walls of the front hall as a mahogany spiral stair case climbed to the upper floors. To the left Holly saw a burgundy carpet, and to the right solid mahogany doors blocked the way.

"This way, Holly." Ziva gently lead her up the stairs. She noted Holly taking everything in as they went. When Holly was lead into the library she nearly fainted, taken aback by just how many books they had.

"Ziva how did you get all these books?"

"Over time, one at a time." She motioned for Holly to sit. Complying Holly looked up at her mentor of sorts wondering what was going on. "First you'll learn vampiric text. Some of the oldest books will use it. It can also come in handy since lycans do not know it." She sat next to Holly, showing her a translation sheet. "Each symbol stands for a letter. Soon you'll know Vampri as well as English." All Holly could do is nod. "Then I will teach you runes once you have that down." Ziva received a look of disbelief.

"You know runes?"

"Yes, quite fluently. They are not as hard as they seem. Are you willing to learn all this?"

"Yes, I want to know more about the coven as well."

"You will have my knowledge of the workings of the coven in time. For now lets start simple and work up."

Tiger was the first to receive the letter, taking it to Granity he called the others in.

"Seems Holly sent us a letter."

"Read it chi" though he had grown he remained as energetic as ever.

"Alright"

Everyone -

I met a new friend while at Dale's. She asked me to be a guest at her house for awhile. According to what I was told she owns several old books that give information on the phoenix and the ancient's war. I must say I can't pass up this opportunity to research the phoenix and the ancients. I'm not sure how long I will be gone but I promise to contact you again soon.

Love, Holly

"Looks like she stumbled onto a good lead. Dale did say he would help." Hare commented.

"Do you have a return message?" the messenger came to the door.

"Yes, give us a moment please." Tiger smiled

"Ziva I forgot to ask before. Do you have anything on the phoenix and the ancients' war?" Holly had been with Ziva for a few weeks now and knew what her companions smirk meant instantly.

"Of course, you may research anything you want here, Holly."

"Thank you."

"Now we must be off. You have a meeting with a few elders. Its time you learn from more then books."

Months passed as Holly learned all she could about the coven, vampires, lycans, the phoenix, and the ancient's war. She sent letters periodically to reassure the monsters that she was fine. All the while she longed to have her humanity back. She couldn't say her coven was evil. She had, after all, pledged herself to them, but they remained lenient on her knowing it was a hard transition for her. Dale was severely punished for what he had done to her, but she could not bring herself to forgive him. On one day she asked Ziva a looming question, "Ziva can I go home to my friends? I know they miss me and I them."

"We have taught you all you need to know to survive, but do you think they will accept you?" Holly froze, she had no answer, and in fact she feared this very answer with all her being.

"I am not sure Ziva, but If I know them well at all they won't hurt me or abandon me for this." The older woman's head moved in a nod.

"Very well, I will make the arrangements. Send them a letter. Let them know that something is going on."

"Will do." Holly left for her room. Sitting down she pulled out some parchment and began to write. After the letter was sent she secretly prayed they would accept her and still love her despite what had happened.

When the letter arrived Granity had the honor of reading it again.

Everyone –

I miss you dearly. Things have been tedious but I have learned much. Ziva is indispensable; I have never met anyone with so much knowledge. However you should know something has happened here. Dale and I are no longer together. I broke it off after a problem occurred with his being pushy. I have to say this has changed me, maybe for the worst. I hope that you will still feel the same way about me as before. I will be back within a week's time. Ziva will accompany me and I will bring the research I have conducted.

Love, Holly

"What could have happened?" Suezo asked.

"Probably what I warned her about." Tiger scoffed.

"You don't know that for sure" Hare argued.

"No fighting chi. Holly needs us."

"You're right Mocchi. Holly will tell us what happened when she gets here I am sure." Granity spoke gently. She had to admit she loved both Holly and the young monster. They have been so kind to her in the aftermath of chaos.

All the way home Holly's imagination ran wild on the response she would get. Ziva soothed the girl the best she could.

"Holly, have faith. You will always be welcomed by the coven. And if they really love you they will stand by you."

"Thank you, Ziva." When they arrived, Holly was greeted warmly. Questions flew about what had happened and how she was. "Everyone hold on and I will explain." All took a seat as she sighed. "I will warn you this was very unexpected for me. I'm sure it will be for you as well." She paused looking around at the group, taking a deep breath she began. "Dale and I were talking one night, he proposed. I was flattered by the gesture and was planning to accept. It was right about then that he showed his true colors. Dale is a vampire; he bit my neck and drained me. I couldn't fight his advances. He took what he wanted from me and changed me. I'm a vampire now……" she looked down a moment as she let the others think. Finally she looked up seeing an array of faces with disgust, anger, confusion, and shock written on them. "I have spent time in the coven's library not only researching the phoenix, moo, and the ancients, but a cure for vampirism.

"And did you find one?" Tiger asked, his voice emotionless.

"Yes, one exists, unfortunately, the coven lost the book contain it." Ziva now interjected.

"A lycan stole the book during a fight in the coven mansion years ago. It has not been relocated since."

"And you are?" Hare asked rather rudely.

"Ziva DeVanhorn, and elder of the coven and one of the death dealers." She paused a moment, "the death dealers are and elite group of fighters trained to kill lycans and occasionally humans, if the need arises." Holly sighed before taking over the discussion again.

"What I need to know from all of you is if you will still stand by me as friends despite my curse." Ziva glanced to her. It's not a curse, Holly, as you will learn in time. The monsters looked at each other for a moment.

"Mocchi stay Holly's friend. Friendship is from the heart chi. Holly has a good heart." He stood and gave her an energetic hug, Holly was extremely grateful he had retained Genki's child-like trust.

"We got this far together. I am not leaving you now." Granity stood and came to give her a hug. One by one the other stood and gave Holly a hug. All except Golem who could only shake her hand with a finger for fear of hurting her. A few tears of joy slipped form her eyes as relief spread over her being. Ziva nodded to her and took over the discussion again.

"I must warn you this will be hard on you all, but especially hard on Holly. As time passes and she ages it will become harder to control her….vampiric impulses.

"What impulses are you speaking of?" Tiger asked having some idea already. Holly glanced to Ziva.

"Mocchi is old enough to hear it." The elder woman nodded.

"There are several impulses. The most prominent will be a blood lust and sexual desires. Both can be controlled, but learning to control them can be tricky." Everyone's mouths were shut despite their gaze being on Holly, whose gaze was on her hands in her lap.

"What are the other things?" hare asked still recovering from the shock of what was happening to Holly.

"Aggression, slight personality changes, sleeping less, wanting to be alone, and sometimes depression. All seem to be minor or brief moments as far as we have seen." Granity composed herself and looked to Holly.

"Holly, how do you feel about all this?"

"Granity, I don't want any of it. The thought of drinking blood and lusting after men sickens me." She closed her eyes a moment, "There is nothing more I can do then try to cope with what is happening. Until the cure is found, if it is found, I will be stuck with the cards in hand." Her eyes connected with Granity's, and her monster friend knew Holly was hurting inside. Tiger cursed Dale under his breath. Holly looked over at him signifying he had been caught. "Tiger whether or not Dale is cursed at will not change what's already happened."

"She is right." Ziva added, "Holly, you refer to your being changed as a curse, but it can also be a blessing at times. You can do things now you could not do as a human. Inhuman strength to save a life, immortality to win a fight, enhanced senses to protect others. It can be a curse or a blessing depending on how you look at it."

"Easy for you to say. You were born a vampire." came a retort from Suezo's big mouth.

"It has not been easy. I do not know what it means to be human. There is no way for me to be one. No matter what I will either be a vampire or a corpse." The statement blunt, harsh, and pained. Holly's hand came to rest on Ziva's shoulder. She had though Ziva to be strong, unaffected by pain. She knew now her assumption was wrong. A sigh could be heard as Ziva's emotions were wrangled and pushed aside. "Thank you for your compassion, Holly."

"You're welcome."

"Are you staying with us?" Tigers question direct and punctuated with a growl. Ziva's hazel orbs connect with his red orbs.

"Yes, Holly will still need my help for now and her lessons are not yet done. During her research I tutored her on the coven, our race, lycans, and the war. She is also learning to defend herself." Holly felt her companions staring at her.

"I needed to learn to fight at some point."

"Holly is apart of my coven, Coven Zander, as such she will have duties to perform. But we partake very little in the vampiric lycan war. She will never be called on as a soldier."

"Vampiric lycan war?"

"Yes, vampires and werewolves don't get along very well. We have been at war for the past six centuries. Holly, I doubt our coven will ever call upon you for war. We have plenty of death dealers, like myself, to handle things." Holly's nod was one of respect and understanding. Though I don't like fighting, I wonder if I could ever be a death dealer?

"You're welcome to stay." Granity spoke up, she still retained her respect for strong women.

"Thank you Granity." Ziva bowed her head in respect, as the other monsters stared at them.

"Well, I can't say I am glad, but if it will help Holly then so be it." Tiger's grudgingly admitted clearly in the silence of the room.

"Thank you" Holly hugged him.

Over the next few weeks Holly told them all she had learned about the phoenix and the ancients. It was not too much longer after that the war with the lycans worsened. Ziva was called upon to train new recruits. One night Holly shocked everyone, including Ziva, by telling Ziva she wanted to become a death dealer. Her training began immediately.