Well, here would be the next boring part of my "bridge." *Sighs* This is
the actual bridging chapter. I didn't want to take you all through Lily's
training, so I time jumped it. That will put the next chapter days away
from her heading to the mansion where things will really start to heat up
for her as well as Michael/Selene. *wink*
Also, I sort of felt like I've been neglecting Michael in here so I wrote a little scene with him so he might have a chance to shine. It's a little out of place but fun. I mean, he is the hybrid hero after all. :) And concerning Selene's age...I have no idea. I've heard it ranged anything from 200-600 years old. I just went with 200, sounded about right to me, so I apologize for the possible inaccuracy, but unless vampirehuntr00 can set me straight, I'm just taking a guess. So that's about it, thanks for reading. And MUCH thanks to all who reviewed. You guys are just awesome. Good luck plowing through this and thanks. Laters!
OO! Almost forgot...I was reading back over my stuff and realized that using these (// //) symbols for inner thought was a bit hard to read. So I changed it. Now thoughts will be with asterisks *Blah blah blah* Sorry for the switch up, but I was trying to save your eyes. Hope it's easier. :)
Chapter 11: Phases
Lily followed Selene through the long corridors of the underground. Again, the drip...drip...drip plagued her hearing. She didn't keep her eyes focused on one thing, but rather let them wonder the surroundings. * If I'm going to lead the vamps down here I'm going to have to know where the hell I'm going. *
"It will come in time." Selene answered her thoughts. "The tunnels really aren't that complicated."
"That's reassuring." Lily commented dryly. She received a sideways glance from Selene, but before she could say anything the vampiress slid the panel door open and motioned for Lily to step inside.
"This is the weapons room." She said calmly.
Lily's eyes grew wide as she viewed an entire room lined with artillery. The walls were covered with every type of gun known to man, from automatic weapons to assault rifles to hand held pistols. The shelves of ammunition glowed a bright blue and Lily noticed that Selene would not look at them for very long. One of the shelves held mini explosives, grenades, and some sort of small disc that Lily could not even begin to guess what it was. She noticed that in the very back there was a small section that displayed weapons of old: swords, daggers, sias, and a mace. Their presence seemed to loom over the more modern weapons of destruction. It was a testament to the length of the war, if those indeed had been weapons that were once used. Lily watched as Selene came from around a corner and dropped all kinds of pads and tools at her feet. She looked down for a moment, then back up to the wall of guns in front of her. A hanging pair of Berettas caught her eye.
"When do I get one of those?" She asked, pointing to the guns.
"You don't." Selene said calmly as she dropped yet another pad at the girl's feet.
"Why not? How am I supposed..."
"You'll learn hand to hand combat first. Anyone can fire a gun, but it takes skill to fight with your hands. What you learn doing that will carry over to the other weapons you'll learn to use. Besides," Selene grinned wickedly. "Those guns are mine."
Lily looked at Selene like she was insane. "Oh I see, so I'm supposed to kick vampire ass with my hands. No problem there. Nope, not worried about that at all." She glared sarcastically.
"You won't be doing any ass kicking." Her tone was stern and serious. "Your job is to convince Markus to follow you, but he will never believe you killed a vampire unless you know how to fight." Then she thought about it for a moment and added softly, "and it's a good thing to know. In case something does go wrong."
"Wow Selene, your really instilling a hell of a lot of confidence in me."
"I wouldn't have confidence if I were you. It promotes arrogance, and the last thing you need is to be arrogant. Never underestimate your enemy. Lesson number one."
"Check." Lily replied sarcastically.
Selene gave her pupil a stern look.
Lily stared at her for a moment then let go a defeated sigh. "Ok. I'll cut the crap, but one more question."
Selene raised her eyes signaling to ask away.
"What are all the swords and stuff for? I mean who really fights with those things anymore? Does anyone even know how to use them? "
"Most lycans here probably do. We were born in a century before guns. We've evolved as the weapons have."
"Wait a minute. You mean to tell me you know how to fight with one of those things?" She pointed back to the wall then laughed. "No way man, you were born with a gun in your hand."
The comment hit Selene harder than she would have expected. *Is there nothing else in me but war?* She shook her head. This was neither the time nor place to ponder over the last two centuries of her life. Instead, she calmly walked over to the wall and removed the sias. Locking her eyes with Lily's she began to twirl the weapons in her hands. They became a blur as ages of practice took over allowing her fingers to meld with the blades. After a moment she grabbed the hilt of one sia and sent it screaming across the room to strike itself in the wall directly next to Lily's head. She watched with satisfaction as the human's mouth dropped and then replied, "I missed on purpose."
"Holy shit." Lily muttered in amazement. "I uh...guess you do know how to use those." She gulped. * That woman is deadly as hell.*
Selene crossed her arms and grinned slightly. "I told you Lily. I've been fighting for 200 years; I know what I'm doing."
"Well, you certainly look good for your age." Lily smiled, but the strange look she received from Selene caused her to lower her head. "Alright, you win. Let's get this show on the road."
Selene nodded and bent down to retrieve the training tools from the ground. Lily helped her gather them up and then followed as Selene led them out of the room and down the hall to a very large, open room that, in the ensuing weeks, would become Lily's second home.
* * *
Michael finally had a moment to himself. He had stopped in on Selene and Lily earlier. The girl had been receiving the basics of combat. Stance, hand position, and several small moves that would knock an ordinary opponent flat on their ass. *But she won't be dealing with ordinary enemies.* He thought idly. *I just hope Selene can get her ready in time.* He shook his head at his doubt. If anyone could prepare her, it was Selene.
So now he found himself alone in a deserted area of their lair. The cavern smelled of mold and stagnant water. It tickled his senses, but he soon got used to it. He had work to do here, and this was as good as place as any. Inhaling deeply he focused his energies and began his transformation into his hybrid self. He relished the shift in power as his animal half came to the forefront of his mind, followed by the cool shallowness of his vampire half. When his change was complete he flexed his extraordinary muscles and growled at his invincibility. All the insecurities, all the doubts he held about himself and his mission were left behind. In this form he could do anything.
Gathering his strength he launched himself across the room and attached to the opposite wall. The movement caused several bags to drop from the ceiling. He let out a low growl and slashed the first with his claws. Another bag dropped but his enhanced senses had detected its advancement and before it could finish it's decent he had ripped it from its rope. Turning with lighting speed he destroyed the two that would attempt to hit him from behind. Spinning and crouching low he avoided yet another swing missile and caught it in his teeth as it swung back at him. He was about to vanquish the rest of his enemies when something hard hit his head from behind.
"Weren't expecting that one." Tyran said as he tossed another small rock in his hand.
Michael turned and growled at the figure standing beneath the eve of his room.
Tyran held up his hands. "Easy man, I just wanted to get your attention."
Somewhere within the light reaches of his mind, the human surfaced and the hybrid rose to a slightly more composed nature.
"It looks to me as if you need a real opponent." Tyran smiled wickedly. "And seeing as I'm the only one around..." In the next moment Tyran had become a large, intimidating beast.
Michael noticed that even in his wolf form his hands still held their deformity, but that hardly mattered. What did matter was that he had caught the scent of another Lycan, and his territorial instincts were beginning to take over. He waited patiently, sizing the beast up, and waiting for him to make the first move.
Tyran lunged and Michael easily avoided his attack. By the time Tyran had turned around Michael was behind him. He pushed the werewolf back against the wall and growled menacingly into his opponents face. The monster roared back, then hunched its legs between Michael's grasp and launched himself up to the ceiling. The move caught the hybrid off guard and in his moment of hesitation the wolf came barreling down on him from above.
His claws pierced Michael's back and brought a howl of pain, but with pain came anger, and with anger came strength. Michael reached behind him and dug his own razors into the animal, then flipped him over his shoulder and onto the floor. He moved to jump the lycan, but the beast rolled away to a hunched position.
Lycan and hybrid locked eyes for a moment. In Michael's ebony eyes Tyran could see his vampiric heritage. He had to fight the killing urge that rose steadily from deep within him. *This is not my enemy.* He screamed somewhere inside his head. His instincts were strong, but his mind was stronger. Not wanting to risk further injury he began his transformation back to human form.
Michael could smell the blood. It was lycan, strong and musky. A part of him of was tempted to drain the creature dry, while at the same time being repulsed by the idea. He could still hear Lucien's howls from inside his mind, and he had to remind himself that even if he was a hybrid, he had been a lycan first. When he saw Tyran change he followed suit, and in moments the two battered and tired friends stared at each other.
Tyran spoke first. "Well that was fun."
Michael could see small remnants of blood dripping from his shoulder. "Sorry about that." He pointed.
Tyran shrugged. "That's what happens when you get into a fight Michael. It will heal in an hour. Probably less for you." He pointed to the almost fully healed wounds on Michaels back.
Michael nodded. "I really needed that though. Thank you."
Tyran smiled. "No problem. I sort of figured, your lycan, and deep down inside all lycans like to fight."
Michael laughed lightly. "Yeah well, I don't want to be anywhere near you when you try to explain that to Tamara." He framed a worried expression. "She won't hurt me will she?"
Tyran laughed richly. "I don't think so, but to be on the safe side you might want to keep Selene close by. Backup is always a good idea."
"I'll keep that in mind." Michael smiled. "So what brings you to this side of the darkness my friend?"
"Just wanted to see how our illustrious leader was getting along. You've really come a long way with your control Michael. Well done."
"Thanks. Doesn't always feel that way, but..."
"Change is hard, but it does get easier."
Michael nodded, and then changed the subject. "Are we going hunting tonight?"
Tyran smiled. "Of course, but you don't have to come. I can handle the..."
"Not on your life Tyran. I'll take responsibility for my pack."
"YOUR pack?" Tyran questioned gently.
Suddenly Michael wondered if he had said the wrong thing. Had he been too bold to assume? "I thought..."
"Take it easy Michael. You're absolutely right. It is your pack. I've just never heard you say so before." A small grin played about the man's face.
Michael ran his hand through his scraggily hair. "I guess I'm adjusting to the idea."
"That's a good thing." Tyran placed a friendly hand on his master's shoulder. "Welcome to the underworld brother."
Michael snorted. "Never thought this was where I'd wind up. Two months ago..."
"I know. Strange where life takes us isn't it?"
"Yeah." Michael hesitated. He wanted to say more, but he just didn't have the words.
Tyran sensed his uneasiness. "Why don't we go get the team ready?"
Michael nodded in appreciation. His thoughts were scattered, setting them on a task would be good for him. "I have to tell Selene, but then..."
"Why don't you let me tell Selene? It would mean more to the others if you called the party together."
"Ok, but be careful. She bites."
Tyran laughed. "Only you my friend."
"Well I sure as hell hope so!" He smiled. "I'll see you in a few minutes Tyran." Then he turned and made his way to the front of the lair, gathering his strength to become the leader he knew he had to be.
* * *
Tyran knocked on the door of Michael and Selene's room. Lily answered with an exhausted look on her face. Her shoulders were slumped forward and it appeared as if she could barely lift her feet to walk.
"You look like you've been hit by a dump truck."
"Yeah." Lily muttered. "And its name is Selene."
Tyran laughed loudly. "Rough night?"
"You have no idea." Lily stepped aside and motioned for him to come in.
Tyran held up his hands. "No, it's all right. I just came to tell Selene that Michael's leading the hunting party tonight."
"She's in the shower. I'll try to stay awake long enough to tell her though." She tried to manage a smile.
Tyran grinned fondly at her. "That's a girl. Thanks." He turned to leave, but then a thought struck him. "Lily?"
Lily looked up from the floor and gazed at him with cloudy blue eyes.
"I know you'll be working with Selene at night, but how would you feel about spending a few daylight hours with me? We could work on your strength training."
The thought of physical work made her shudder. She was already sore as hell; she couldn't imagine having to do more. *But I'm going to need to.* Already she knew that Selene's training alone would not be enough. She would have to build endurance, and Tyran's offer might just be the way to do that. "Only if we can keep it secret from Selene."
Tyran shrugged. "I suppose so, but you're playing with fire on that one."
Lily grinned. "I'm not afraid to get burned."
"It's your hide kid." Tyran smiled. "Meet me around 10:00 tomorrow morning. I'll take you for a run."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh joy!" Then shut the door as Tyran left. She glanced at the light shining from beneath the bathroom door. Lily knew it would be a while before the vampiress would emerge from her sanctuary. Lily had already figured out that Selene spent a good hour in the shower. *I don't blame her.* She thought. *One of my favorite places to be too.* But something else was on her mind. She suddenly felt the urge to be outside, to see the sky. She was beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic being so deep underground. Glancing one last time at the door she grabbed her sweatshirt and headed into the underworld vastness.
It took her a few moments to orient herself, but she followed the echoes to the front of the caverns. In a room to the left she saw Michael talking to a group of armed men. He appeared very regal, trying like hell to sound authoritative. To Lily, he looked like a fish out of water. She shook her head and climbed the ladder that would take her to the surface. She emerged from a manhole in the middle of a back alley street. The faint glow of the waning crescent moon caught her eye. She felt safe under its protective glow. Like the sun, the moon was a single constant in her world, but unlike the sun, the moon held sway over her. In its cycles, she saw herself, constantly shifting from one phase to the next. In three short weeks, the moon would be in her full glory, and the next phase of Lily's life would begin.
* * *
Nearly three weeks later...
Markus stood at his window hands clasped delicately behind his back. He grinned madly at the waxing gibbous shining gloriously before his eyes. He breathed deeply and let her power wash over him. He could hear her call now, feel her persuasion in the darkest reaches of his mind. He recognized the feeling now and welcomed it. He was the ultimate being. The perfect combination of Lycanthrope might and strength, and the cool, deadly sophistication of the vampire.
*It is only a matter of time before the coven realizes the awesome power behind my form. They cannot deny the advantage this has given us. As soon the lycanthrope abomination is killed, no one will be able to resist me.* He curled his lips with pleasure at the image. *Viktor was a fool. To wrapped up in his own fears to see what an advantage this could be. He should have let that slut daughter of his have that baby. *
Then he thought better of it. He rather liked that way things had worked out. He liked the position he had been put in. Now, the only thing that even remotely came close to threatening his power was Michael and his traitorous bitch.
Markus opened the window he had been gazing out of and inhaled the moist night air. Tonight he would damn the coven and risk exposure to the darkness. He would revel in his new found strength and in unleashing his fury he would free his mind long enough to develop the next steps his coven would take.
----------
Well, that be it for tonight. Sorry again for the boringness of it all, but things start to heat up again in the next chapter. As always, let me know what you think.
iridescent eyes: *Grins* I'm so glad your enjoying this. Thanks for the review. After this chapter, things will start to pick up.
Adalon Ithilriel: I cannot thank you enough for consistently reviewing. They always make me smile. Considering the crappy week I've been having, that means a lot. Yes, please finish Far from over...although...*sniff* I'm going to be really sad when it's done. It's such an awesome fic, but I'm sure you'll write more. Let me know when or if you ever post your Original stuff. I'd love to check it out. Thanks again Adalon.
Morrgaine: I just want to thank you for always giving me a very honest review. I really take it as a compliment that you are still reading this. Thank you.
vampirehuntr00: So this is the infamous moose I keep reading about. Welcome to my insanity opps...I meant story. :) Thank you for reviewing each chapter. Goodness! I'm glad your liking it so far, hope it keeps your interest. Sorry about the flar/flare mess up. Adalon caught that too! I was having an indecisive moment about his name...hee hee, but it actually is Flar. I made up my mind. And if you have nothing else to do, feel free to email about Selene's age/time line. I'm very curious to see how you've worked it all out. That takes some time! Anyways, thanks again for the reviews.
Merion: Tamara and Tyran have a secret! *Grins wickedly* Glad it piqued your interest. Means the scene did its job. Thanks for the review. I know you're busy but thanks for still keeping up with this.
Thanks again to all! You guys are awesome.
Also, I sort of felt like I've been neglecting Michael in here so I wrote a little scene with him so he might have a chance to shine. It's a little out of place but fun. I mean, he is the hybrid hero after all. :) And concerning Selene's age...I have no idea. I've heard it ranged anything from 200-600 years old. I just went with 200, sounded about right to me, so I apologize for the possible inaccuracy, but unless vampirehuntr00 can set me straight, I'm just taking a guess. So that's about it, thanks for reading. And MUCH thanks to all who reviewed. You guys are just awesome. Good luck plowing through this and thanks. Laters!
OO! Almost forgot...I was reading back over my stuff and realized that using these (// //) symbols for inner thought was a bit hard to read. So I changed it. Now thoughts will be with asterisks *Blah blah blah* Sorry for the switch up, but I was trying to save your eyes. Hope it's easier. :)
Chapter 11: Phases
Lily followed Selene through the long corridors of the underground. Again, the drip...drip...drip plagued her hearing. She didn't keep her eyes focused on one thing, but rather let them wonder the surroundings. * If I'm going to lead the vamps down here I'm going to have to know where the hell I'm going. *
"It will come in time." Selene answered her thoughts. "The tunnels really aren't that complicated."
"That's reassuring." Lily commented dryly. She received a sideways glance from Selene, but before she could say anything the vampiress slid the panel door open and motioned for Lily to step inside.
"This is the weapons room." She said calmly.
Lily's eyes grew wide as she viewed an entire room lined with artillery. The walls were covered with every type of gun known to man, from automatic weapons to assault rifles to hand held pistols. The shelves of ammunition glowed a bright blue and Lily noticed that Selene would not look at them for very long. One of the shelves held mini explosives, grenades, and some sort of small disc that Lily could not even begin to guess what it was. She noticed that in the very back there was a small section that displayed weapons of old: swords, daggers, sias, and a mace. Their presence seemed to loom over the more modern weapons of destruction. It was a testament to the length of the war, if those indeed had been weapons that were once used. Lily watched as Selene came from around a corner and dropped all kinds of pads and tools at her feet. She looked down for a moment, then back up to the wall of guns in front of her. A hanging pair of Berettas caught her eye.
"When do I get one of those?" She asked, pointing to the guns.
"You don't." Selene said calmly as she dropped yet another pad at the girl's feet.
"Why not? How am I supposed..."
"You'll learn hand to hand combat first. Anyone can fire a gun, but it takes skill to fight with your hands. What you learn doing that will carry over to the other weapons you'll learn to use. Besides," Selene grinned wickedly. "Those guns are mine."
Lily looked at Selene like she was insane. "Oh I see, so I'm supposed to kick vampire ass with my hands. No problem there. Nope, not worried about that at all." She glared sarcastically.
"You won't be doing any ass kicking." Her tone was stern and serious. "Your job is to convince Markus to follow you, but he will never believe you killed a vampire unless you know how to fight." Then she thought about it for a moment and added softly, "and it's a good thing to know. In case something does go wrong."
"Wow Selene, your really instilling a hell of a lot of confidence in me."
"I wouldn't have confidence if I were you. It promotes arrogance, and the last thing you need is to be arrogant. Never underestimate your enemy. Lesson number one."
"Check." Lily replied sarcastically.
Selene gave her pupil a stern look.
Lily stared at her for a moment then let go a defeated sigh. "Ok. I'll cut the crap, but one more question."
Selene raised her eyes signaling to ask away.
"What are all the swords and stuff for? I mean who really fights with those things anymore? Does anyone even know how to use them? "
"Most lycans here probably do. We were born in a century before guns. We've evolved as the weapons have."
"Wait a minute. You mean to tell me you know how to fight with one of those things?" She pointed back to the wall then laughed. "No way man, you were born with a gun in your hand."
The comment hit Selene harder than she would have expected. *Is there nothing else in me but war?* She shook her head. This was neither the time nor place to ponder over the last two centuries of her life. Instead, she calmly walked over to the wall and removed the sias. Locking her eyes with Lily's she began to twirl the weapons in her hands. They became a blur as ages of practice took over allowing her fingers to meld with the blades. After a moment she grabbed the hilt of one sia and sent it screaming across the room to strike itself in the wall directly next to Lily's head. She watched with satisfaction as the human's mouth dropped and then replied, "I missed on purpose."
"Holy shit." Lily muttered in amazement. "I uh...guess you do know how to use those." She gulped. * That woman is deadly as hell.*
Selene crossed her arms and grinned slightly. "I told you Lily. I've been fighting for 200 years; I know what I'm doing."
"Well, you certainly look good for your age." Lily smiled, but the strange look she received from Selene caused her to lower her head. "Alright, you win. Let's get this show on the road."
Selene nodded and bent down to retrieve the training tools from the ground. Lily helped her gather them up and then followed as Selene led them out of the room and down the hall to a very large, open room that, in the ensuing weeks, would become Lily's second home.
* * *
Michael finally had a moment to himself. He had stopped in on Selene and Lily earlier. The girl had been receiving the basics of combat. Stance, hand position, and several small moves that would knock an ordinary opponent flat on their ass. *But she won't be dealing with ordinary enemies.* He thought idly. *I just hope Selene can get her ready in time.* He shook his head at his doubt. If anyone could prepare her, it was Selene.
So now he found himself alone in a deserted area of their lair. The cavern smelled of mold and stagnant water. It tickled his senses, but he soon got used to it. He had work to do here, and this was as good as place as any. Inhaling deeply he focused his energies and began his transformation into his hybrid self. He relished the shift in power as his animal half came to the forefront of his mind, followed by the cool shallowness of his vampire half. When his change was complete he flexed his extraordinary muscles and growled at his invincibility. All the insecurities, all the doubts he held about himself and his mission were left behind. In this form he could do anything.
Gathering his strength he launched himself across the room and attached to the opposite wall. The movement caused several bags to drop from the ceiling. He let out a low growl and slashed the first with his claws. Another bag dropped but his enhanced senses had detected its advancement and before it could finish it's decent he had ripped it from its rope. Turning with lighting speed he destroyed the two that would attempt to hit him from behind. Spinning and crouching low he avoided yet another swing missile and caught it in his teeth as it swung back at him. He was about to vanquish the rest of his enemies when something hard hit his head from behind.
"Weren't expecting that one." Tyran said as he tossed another small rock in his hand.
Michael turned and growled at the figure standing beneath the eve of his room.
Tyran held up his hands. "Easy man, I just wanted to get your attention."
Somewhere within the light reaches of his mind, the human surfaced and the hybrid rose to a slightly more composed nature.
"It looks to me as if you need a real opponent." Tyran smiled wickedly. "And seeing as I'm the only one around..." In the next moment Tyran had become a large, intimidating beast.
Michael noticed that even in his wolf form his hands still held their deformity, but that hardly mattered. What did matter was that he had caught the scent of another Lycan, and his territorial instincts were beginning to take over. He waited patiently, sizing the beast up, and waiting for him to make the first move.
Tyran lunged and Michael easily avoided his attack. By the time Tyran had turned around Michael was behind him. He pushed the werewolf back against the wall and growled menacingly into his opponents face. The monster roared back, then hunched its legs between Michael's grasp and launched himself up to the ceiling. The move caught the hybrid off guard and in his moment of hesitation the wolf came barreling down on him from above.
His claws pierced Michael's back and brought a howl of pain, but with pain came anger, and with anger came strength. Michael reached behind him and dug his own razors into the animal, then flipped him over his shoulder and onto the floor. He moved to jump the lycan, but the beast rolled away to a hunched position.
Lycan and hybrid locked eyes for a moment. In Michael's ebony eyes Tyran could see his vampiric heritage. He had to fight the killing urge that rose steadily from deep within him. *This is not my enemy.* He screamed somewhere inside his head. His instincts were strong, but his mind was stronger. Not wanting to risk further injury he began his transformation back to human form.
Michael could smell the blood. It was lycan, strong and musky. A part of him of was tempted to drain the creature dry, while at the same time being repulsed by the idea. He could still hear Lucien's howls from inside his mind, and he had to remind himself that even if he was a hybrid, he had been a lycan first. When he saw Tyran change he followed suit, and in moments the two battered and tired friends stared at each other.
Tyran spoke first. "Well that was fun."
Michael could see small remnants of blood dripping from his shoulder. "Sorry about that." He pointed.
Tyran shrugged. "That's what happens when you get into a fight Michael. It will heal in an hour. Probably less for you." He pointed to the almost fully healed wounds on Michaels back.
Michael nodded. "I really needed that though. Thank you."
Tyran smiled. "No problem. I sort of figured, your lycan, and deep down inside all lycans like to fight."
Michael laughed lightly. "Yeah well, I don't want to be anywhere near you when you try to explain that to Tamara." He framed a worried expression. "She won't hurt me will she?"
Tyran laughed richly. "I don't think so, but to be on the safe side you might want to keep Selene close by. Backup is always a good idea."
"I'll keep that in mind." Michael smiled. "So what brings you to this side of the darkness my friend?"
"Just wanted to see how our illustrious leader was getting along. You've really come a long way with your control Michael. Well done."
"Thanks. Doesn't always feel that way, but..."
"Change is hard, but it does get easier."
Michael nodded, and then changed the subject. "Are we going hunting tonight?"
Tyran smiled. "Of course, but you don't have to come. I can handle the..."
"Not on your life Tyran. I'll take responsibility for my pack."
"YOUR pack?" Tyran questioned gently.
Suddenly Michael wondered if he had said the wrong thing. Had he been too bold to assume? "I thought..."
"Take it easy Michael. You're absolutely right. It is your pack. I've just never heard you say so before." A small grin played about the man's face.
Michael ran his hand through his scraggily hair. "I guess I'm adjusting to the idea."
"That's a good thing." Tyran placed a friendly hand on his master's shoulder. "Welcome to the underworld brother."
Michael snorted. "Never thought this was where I'd wind up. Two months ago..."
"I know. Strange where life takes us isn't it?"
"Yeah." Michael hesitated. He wanted to say more, but he just didn't have the words.
Tyran sensed his uneasiness. "Why don't we go get the team ready?"
Michael nodded in appreciation. His thoughts were scattered, setting them on a task would be good for him. "I have to tell Selene, but then..."
"Why don't you let me tell Selene? It would mean more to the others if you called the party together."
"Ok, but be careful. She bites."
Tyran laughed. "Only you my friend."
"Well I sure as hell hope so!" He smiled. "I'll see you in a few minutes Tyran." Then he turned and made his way to the front of the lair, gathering his strength to become the leader he knew he had to be.
* * *
Tyran knocked on the door of Michael and Selene's room. Lily answered with an exhausted look on her face. Her shoulders were slumped forward and it appeared as if she could barely lift her feet to walk.
"You look like you've been hit by a dump truck."
"Yeah." Lily muttered. "And its name is Selene."
Tyran laughed loudly. "Rough night?"
"You have no idea." Lily stepped aside and motioned for him to come in.
Tyran held up his hands. "No, it's all right. I just came to tell Selene that Michael's leading the hunting party tonight."
"She's in the shower. I'll try to stay awake long enough to tell her though." She tried to manage a smile.
Tyran grinned fondly at her. "That's a girl. Thanks." He turned to leave, but then a thought struck him. "Lily?"
Lily looked up from the floor and gazed at him with cloudy blue eyes.
"I know you'll be working with Selene at night, but how would you feel about spending a few daylight hours with me? We could work on your strength training."
The thought of physical work made her shudder. She was already sore as hell; she couldn't imagine having to do more. *But I'm going to need to.* Already she knew that Selene's training alone would not be enough. She would have to build endurance, and Tyran's offer might just be the way to do that. "Only if we can keep it secret from Selene."
Tyran shrugged. "I suppose so, but you're playing with fire on that one."
Lily grinned. "I'm not afraid to get burned."
"It's your hide kid." Tyran smiled. "Meet me around 10:00 tomorrow morning. I'll take you for a run."
Lily rolled her eyes. "Oh joy!" Then shut the door as Tyran left. She glanced at the light shining from beneath the bathroom door. Lily knew it would be a while before the vampiress would emerge from her sanctuary. Lily had already figured out that Selene spent a good hour in the shower. *I don't blame her.* She thought. *One of my favorite places to be too.* But something else was on her mind. She suddenly felt the urge to be outside, to see the sky. She was beginning to feel a bit claustrophobic being so deep underground. Glancing one last time at the door she grabbed her sweatshirt and headed into the underworld vastness.
It took her a few moments to orient herself, but she followed the echoes to the front of the caverns. In a room to the left she saw Michael talking to a group of armed men. He appeared very regal, trying like hell to sound authoritative. To Lily, he looked like a fish out of water. She shook her head and climbed the ladder that would take her to the surface. She emerged from a manhole in the middle of a back alley street. The faint glow of the waning crescent moon caught her eye. She felt safe under its protective glow. Like the sun, the moon was a single constant in her world, but unlike the sun, the moon held sway over her. In its cycles, she saw herself, constantly shifting from one phase to the next. In three short weeks, the moon would be in her full glory, and the next phase of Lily's life would begin.
* * *
Nearly three weeks later...
Markus stood at his window hands clasped delicately behind his back. He grinned madly at the waxing gibbous shining gloriously before his eyes. He breathed deeply and let her power wash over him. He could hear her call now, feel her persuasion in the darkest reaches of his mind. He recognized the feeling now and welcomed it. He was the ultimate being. The perfect combination of Lycanthrope might and strength, and the cool, deadly sophistication of the vampire.
*It is only a matter of time before the coven realizes the awesome power behind my form. They cannot deny the advantage this has given us. As soon the lycanthrope abomination is killed, no one will be able to resist me.* He curled his lips with pleasure at the image. *Viktor was a fool. To wrapped up in his own fears to see what an advantage this could be. He should have let that slut daughter of his have that baby. *
Then he thought better of it. He rather liked that way things had worked out. He liked the position he had been put in. Now, the only thing that even remotely came close to threatening his power was Michael and his traitorous bitch.
Markus opened the window he had been gazing out of and inhaled the moist night air. Tonight he would damn the coven and risk exposure to the darkness. He would revel in his new found strength and in unleashing his fury he would free his mind long enough to develop the next steps his coven would take.
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Well, that be it for tonight. Sorry again for the boringness of it all, but things start to heat up again in the next chapter. As always, let me know what you think.
iridescent eyes: *Grins* I'm so glad your enjoying this. Thanks for the review. After this chapter, things will start to pick up.
Adalon Ithilriel: I cannot thank you enough for consistently reviewing. They always make me smile. Considering the crappy week I've been having, that means a lot. Yes, please finish Far from over...although...*sniff* I'm going to be really sad when it's done. It's such an awesome fic, but I'm sure you'll write more. Let me know when or if you ever post your Original stuff. I'd love to check it out. Thanks again Adalon.
Morrgaine: I just want to thank you for always giving me a very honest review. I really take it as a compliment that you are still reading this. Thank you.
vampirehuntr00: So this is the infamous moose I keep reading about. Welcome to my insanity opps...I meant story. :) Thank you for reviewing each chapter. Goodness! I'm glad your liking it so far, hope it keeps your interest. Sorry about the flar/flare mess up. Adalon caught that too! I was having an indecisive moment about his name...hee hee, but it actually is Flar. I made up my mind. And if you have nothing else to do, feel free to email about Selene's age/time line. I'm very curious to see how you've worked it all out. That takes some time! Anyways, thanks again for the reviews.
Merion: Tamara and Tyran have a secret! *Grins wickedly* Glad it piqued your interest. Means the scene did its job. Thanks for the review. I know you're busy but thanks for still keeping up with this.
Thanks again to all! You guys are awesome.