Author's note: Wow, I am so proud of myself! Already have chapter thirteen done!! But I'm afraid that the next chapter won't come as quickly, and this chapter leaves on a cliffy as well. Sorry, I don't mean to be evil, but it is a cliffy. Hope ya'll enjoy it anyways!! And thanks for all the reviews, again!! They mean a lot!! So, please review this chapter! Yes, I'm shameless. But not as much as Kraven.

Disclaimer: See previous chapters. Savvy?

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CHAPTER 13: TORN APART

They were surrounded, eight of the best Death Dealers, led by Lord Marcus himself, Selene assumed. She had not yet lived through his reign, but the way he and Lucian glowered at each other, and the fact that she had never seen him before solidified his identity.

She also faintly caught the familiar scent of hybrid from him, though his smell was the opposite of Lucian's in that the scent of vampire was more pronounced.

Lucian moved as if to face herself and Michael, though he never took his eyes away from the hybrid Elder. "Get back on the train, go into the tunnels, we do not fight here," he instructed them. It was clear they had to fight, but he did not want it to take place before so many humans.

Reluctantly, Selene and Michael did as he told them, stepping back into the train car they had just left. Then they turned and ran into the tunnels, most of the Death Dealers following. The humans finally took notice of the situation around them, but they decided it was best to simply hurry out of the underground station as swiftly as possible.

"So, you still aren't dead. What is it with you and your refusal to die?" Marcus asked in a friendly tone, as if making polite conversation. He sneered. "Never mind. It doesn't matter. I'll see to it that you stay dead this time, dog."

A snarl escaped Lucian at the insult, and the lycan hybrid crouched down, ready to pounce. "I hardly think you can kill me now, Marcus," he smiled when the vampire hybrid scowled at the irreverence an ex-slave used with him. "Of course, your new powers would make you my equal now."

Satisfaction coursed through Lucian's veins momentarily as Marcus visibly paled before letting his eyes turn black. His nails grew slightly, his fangs elongated, but he did not let himself change completely. This only made Lucian more pleased.

So, Marcus isn't that happy about becoming part of a new breed? Well, that suits me just fine.

But before either one could attack, three Death Dealers, the only ones that hadn't followed after Selene and Michael, opened fire on Lucian, pelting him with silver nitrate. The lycan hybrid hissed in slight pain as the silver burned his veins slightly before dissipating. He growled and charged them, but Marcus was soon in front of him, growling as well.

The vampire hybrid swiped at Lucian, but he blocked it, then raised his arm, hand in a fist. He moved his arm a certain way, and out popped a black blade identical to the old one Kraven had broken. He stabbed Marcus, who howled in pain and back handed Lucian, sending the alpha backwards into a column. Lucian quickly recovered and kicked Marcus across the face, then stabbed the Elder again, aiming for the heart. Marcus though, moved at the last instant, saving himself from Lucian only chance of killing him. The blade instead embedded itself in his shoulder, and Marcus growled through clenched teeth.

Lucian pulled his blade out of Marcus, and backed off a bit. The two old being, now both the same species, stared at each other. They would be able to fight for hours, they knew this. Each one trying to decapitate or stab the other in the heart. Black eyes met black eyes.

The fight picked up again.

***

Selene and Michael ran towards the familiar territory of the lycans' old lair, knowing they would have the advantage there. More places to hide and duck, more chances to disarm the Death Dealers and fight hand to hand. Selene still had her guns, but Michael refused to use any himself. Besides, he was immune to their ammo, and in hybrid form, the bullets could never reach his heart.

Pulling out her guns, Selene turned and ran sideways, firing at the approaching warriors that had recently starting shooting at them. She hated having to kill her own kind, members of what used to be her clan and family. But war was like that, she accepted it.

Suddenly one of their bullets did hit her in the shoulder, and she stumbled back, losing her balance. She felt familiar arms catch her before she hit the ground, and Michael led her down another tunnel that led to the lair. Finally reaching it, they headed for the very room Viktor had been killed in. The Dealers sped up their pursuit, and Selene heard Kahn's voice, shouting an order.

Two weeks ago that would have been me giving orders, or taking them if Kahn had decided to go on a hunt as well, she thought to herself.

"Are you ok?" Michael whispered as they crouched behind one of the huge concrete blocks, part of the lair that had crumbled. He looked at her worriedly.

She nodded. "I'm fine, all better now," she assured him. Give me my guns back," she order, and he obliged, just as the Death Dealers came in. She stood up, shooting at them, hitting two in the chest, one in the leg.

A groan from her side caught her attention and a bullet almost hit her again as she watched Michael transform beside her. She ducked, and watched in fascinated horror as he turned, his shirt ripping as he grew.

Suddenly, he was fully changed, his blue skin glimmering from the weak lighting. He stood up, and she did the same, firing on the other vampires. He was abruptly gone from her side, appearing behind the Dealers. He engaged two in battle, as some of the other fired at him and her, while Kahn began to close in on her.

"Give up Selene, we have you outnumbered," he shouted, his eyes asking her to surrender. She smiled wanly at him. She hated this situation as much as he did, but he didn't know the real story, he had no idea what was really going on.

A shout captured both vampires' attention, and they saw that Michael had quickly killed one Death Dealer, and was fighting the others. Selene turned to Kahn.

"It looks like your numbers a falling, so I suggest you surrender, and we'll let the rest of you live," she told him. "I promise, we won't kill you if you let us go."

Kahn glanced at her and then the fighting at the other end of the room. "How can I trust you, Selene? After what you did, after everything that's happened. You betrayed us, you killed Viktor, you ran out on us when we needed you most!" he yelled accusingly.

"You have no choice, Kahn! And there's more to it than you could possibly imagine! I had good reason to kill Viktor, but I can't explain it all now!" she told him hastily. "I don't want to kill you, or any of the others, please surrender," she begged him as another Dealer fell.

The sound of his scream must have convinced Kahn, for he lowered his weapon and turned towards the two remaining Death Dealers that fought Michael.

Selene called out first. "Michael! Stop!" she shouted, and immediately the hybrid stood still, looking over at her. The Death Dealers glanced at Kahn, confused. He nodded.

"Let him be. We can't win." He glanced at Selene, glowering at her. "Not tonight." He turned and walked away, the two Death Dealers following reluctantly. All three knew Lord Marcus would not be very understanding, but at least he wouldn't kill them. Before leaving the large bunker, he turned and stared at Selene. "This is far from over, you know that."

Stoically, she nodded. "I know."

Michael slowly walked up to her, still in hybrid form. She stared at him, eerily reminded of that night this creature had been born. She smiled softly, wearily, at him as he changed before her eyes, returning to normal form.

"Let's go find Lucian," she said, and Michael nodded. He turned and looked at his ripped up shirt. "I don't suppose you packed a spare did you?" he asked, a tinge of humor present in his voice.

Selene returned the humor. "Actually, I did."

***

The three Death Dealers that had shot at Lucian were now making their way to join the others that had followed after Selene and Michael. Mason led the other two after the scent trail, but stopped when he saw Kahn coming towards them with only two other behind. Two had fallen in the battle it seemed.

Kahn shook his head at Mason, signaling they hadn't won. "The lycan creature Michael is too strong and Selene is as formidable as always. We need more to stand a chance, and even then, I fear it would be nearly impossible to kill the lycan creature."

Mason nodded grimly. "I see. What do we tell Lord Marcus?"

"That we failed, and lost to stronger foes," Kahn answered, and walked back to where the battle had begun. Perhaps they could help the Elder kill Lucian, though he had no idea if that was possible, since the lycan leader seemed impossible to kill as well.

***

Michael and Selene ran towards one of the ladders leading to a manhole. They would have to go back to the Metro station from the entrance as the Death Dealers were in the tunnels still. They needed to get back before the remaining warriors did, as they would most likely be able to help Marcus kill Lucian with so many there to distract the alpha.

"Michael, change and get back there, forget about the humans, so what if they see you," Selene told him. "Lucian's to important, and besides, I doubt anyone will really notice, it's dark and stormy and you can move fast enough."

Michael stared at her. "Are you certain?" he asked and she nodded. "All right then." He backed away a few feet and changed quickly yet again before her eyes. Now in his more bestial form, he stared at her, black eyes meeting icy irises. The hybrid kissed her quickly before running to the ladder and rushing up. In a moment he was gone, leaving Selene on her own to rush back to Lucian's defense.

***

Lucian and Marcus were still locked in battle when the Death Dealers returned, and they approached the fighting beings. They were about to enter the fray, hoping to give Marcus the advantage he needed, when they saw a blur enter the room from the stairs, and saw it was Michael, in this new and unfamiliar form he took. They still were unsure of what he was exactly.

But he still smelled lycan, though Selene's scent was all over him. He was obviously part lycan, and therefore the enemy still. He did follow Lucian after all.

The Death Dealers backed away, and Michael glared at them, though he didn't approach. It was obvious he was simply making sure they left the fight between Lucian and Marcus fair and balanced. A grudging respect for the strange creature developed in Kahn. This one was noble and honest, at least.

It was apparent that Lucian and Marcus were quite equal, and were simply waiting for the other to make that one fatal mistake.

At that moment, they noticed a few people entering the station, obviously unaware that a vicious battle from an ancient war was taking place. Suddenly, Kahn stood up to attention again, as he saw the traitor they had come to hunt in the first place, Kraven, entering the station.

The traitor never even looked at them as his face became a mask of sheer terror at the sight of the dueling pair in the room, and even more terrified when he saw Michael, who had also noticed his presence. That's when Kraven turned and ran, and the Death Dealers decided that at least they could try to complete their original mission. They ran past Lucian and Marcus, who were now the center of several humans' attention, and Michael, who seemed to want to run after the coward as well.

Marcus and Lucian noticed what was happening and broke apart, staring at each other warily before turning towards the departing Death Dealers and the silent hybrid.

"Where are you going?" Marcus asked Kahn before he could leave. His eyes remained on Lucian though.

"Kraven was in here, but he ran off," Kahn informed the Elder, who suddenly had a small dilemma. Stay and fight till the end of the world it seemed, or chase after the coward and find out who it was that had helped him. He looked at Lucian, the lycan leader that should have died nearly six hundred years ago.

At least he knew where the lycan hybrid stood. This unknown traitor though, he didn't even know who it was, and they were most likely home, around Erika.

His decision was made.

"We will continue this some other time, dog," he stated derisively. "Soon, I can assure you."

Lucian nodded, his face tight and cold. "Yes, soon, mixed blood," he replied, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He watched as Marcus turned and ran up the stairs with the Death Dealers, searching for Kraven. He then turned and saw that many people were staring in horror at Michael, who was still in hybrid form. He couldn't very well change in front of them

"Go, find Selene and change," Lucian whispered faintly, and the hybrid disappeared to follow his instruction gladly.

Lucian looked around at the disturbed faces of the crowd. "Don't worry, this was simply a gang related incident. As for my friend, he's from Asia, and was born deformed," he told them and walked out. They'd probably believe him, since that was more rational. Humans always went for rational.

***

Kraven rushed to the hospital, someplace he knew he'd be safe from the Death Dealers and Marcus and Michael and Selene and Lucian.

Lucian. He was alive after all. Curse all below, that lycan refused to die! He was invincible practically. It seemed that no matter what he did, no matter what anyone did, the lycan leader would not die. He had no idea how any lycan could survive the amount of silver he'd shoot into Lucian's system, but the alpha had amazingly lived, unfortunately.

He entered the hospital, following the signs that led to the cafeteria. First sit down, than go hunting for his new prey. He would not only be safe here, but he would be able to find his insurance here.

What was her name again? Ah yes. Leila Deneuve.

***

Lucian, along with Selene and Michael - who had retrieved his shoulder pack and changed his shirt - , headed for the hospital to search for this Leila Deneuve. They hurried across the street, then stopped outside the hospital entrance.

"I can't go in," Michael stated. Selene and Lucian nodded. "I'd be recognized."

Lucian looked at Selene. "Stay with him, I'll look for her myself. If you spot any Death Dealers, get away as fast as possible and wait for me at the bunker. If I'm not there by tomorrow night, go back to Moldavia, and Michael," he faced the other hybrid, "you must again assume command if that happens."

Michael nodded grimly, and Lucian turned to enter the large hospital. He looked around, making sure there were no Death Dealers present, then headed for the front desk.

"Excuse me, I'm looking for Doctor Leila Deneuve?" he asked the man at the desk politely.

***

Kraven swiftly walked up the stairs, avoiding the crowded elevator. He was to hungry to be on there with so many people. Like meals on legs. He knew where the girl worked, at least that had been easy enough to find out. And she was here now, which was even better. He wouldn't have to wait several hours for her shift to begin.

The girl may not be Sonja, but she was identical, and that's all that mattered. If for one second Lucian thought his beloved was alive, he'd do anything to keep her that way.

Which was perfect for Kraven. Not only would it ensure the vengeful lycan wouldn't kill him, it also would give him the advantage over Anya.

***

Lucian strode briskly from the elevator, turning down a right corner to where the doctor's office was supposed to be located. He balled his gloved fists to keep from running in there to grab her and take her back to the fortress. He was eager to see this war end, especially now that he knew how Marcus had grown in strength. But he restrained himself, and walked towards the office. When he reached it, he saw that it was empty.

Bloody hell! Why couldn't he simply find this doctor and leave?

***

Leila walked out of the doctor's lounge, heading for the elevator. Time to go home and get some much needed sleep. She covered her mouth as she tried to stifle a yawn and failed miserably. She shook her head.

Ok, next week I am taking my vacation and sleeping the whole time, she decided. She pressed the down button and stood back to wait for the elevator's arrival.

And that's when she saw him.

***

For Lucian, the world seemed to stand still for eternity in one small moment. His breath caught in his throat, his fists unclenched and his eyes widened.

Sonja.

Right there. In front of him. At the other end of the hall. Standing at the elevator. Turning towards him. Emerald eyes meeting dark gray.

He noticed the tag on her blouse, and his keen eyes read the name: Leila Deneuve.

He couldn't believe it. He hadn't been seeing things that day at the airport. This doctor he had been looking for was his beloved, or at least her perfectly identical twin. But as he stared at her, his eyes meeting hers, the dawning recognition, the look of confusion and love, he knew.

Somehow, Sonja was alive. And he was staring right at her. She was the one they needed all along.

She opened her mouth, then closed it and moved towards him. Lucian did the same.

Everything suddenly went into slow motion, and once again, Lucian felt his world torn apart mercilessly.

The door behind Sonja opened, the door to the stairs, and a familiar, cursed face was revealed. Kraven stepped out, and saw Sonja standing in front of him. He then noticed Lucian, and a cruel, vile sneer crossed his features. Roughly grabbing Sonja, he pulled her towards the elevator.

"LUCIAN!!" he heard her cry out, her voice so familiar and haunting.

Running as fast as he could amidst the crowd that was now staring at the elevator and the struggling woman, Lucian tried to get there before the doors slid closed. He saw her hand disappear into the elevator and the doors slid closed.

Banging his fists against the doors, he cried out in anger and despair. "Damn you, Kraven!! Damn you!!" He cursed the coward again and again as he turned and fled down the stars, finally able to use his hybrid speed. He ran out, rushing towards one of the back exits, following their scent. He came out into a parking lot, and he saw no sign of them.

"Damn you!!"

Kraven and Sonja were gone.