Ok! It's Wednesday and I actually had some time away from the schoolbooks.
Woo! So this would be chapter 12. A few things are reveled here, others
are not *greedy smiles* but I hope you like it nonetheless. Thanks to all
those who reviewed! Once again, you all are the reason this story hasn't
fallen into the eternal cracks of writers block. Thanks again!
Chapter 12: Hope
Lily faced Selene from across the training room. Her hand tingled with apprehension. There were only three nights left until she would play the role of a lifetime. She was nervous and scared, but ready as hell to give it everything she had. She kept her eyes focused as sand bags dropped from unknown directions. She slapped the first two away, and spun to kick the third. She ducked the forth and cut the two coming behind her with the dagger she had been given. She sat crouched as sand spilled in small piles beside her feet. She took a deep breath, pleased with her performance. It was the first time she'd run the gauntlet without getting hit.
"You have to be faster than that." Selene's demanding voice called out behind her.
Turning around slowly Lily felt a surge of rage. "Jesus. You can't say anything positive can you?"
Selene glared at her. "And what would that do? Compliments are for the weak."
"No." Lily roared at her teacher. "There for the human, which you obviously are not." She took a few threatening steps towards the vampire. "I've taken everything you've been able to dish out without so much as word. I've gone to bed every morning with more aches and bruises then I ever thought possible, and still you give me no credit. I don't have to be here Selene I chose to be. I think that fucking deserves some respect."
Selene stared hard at the girl. She'd filled out in the last few weeks. Her arms and legs had become toned and ready; her face was grim and showed no emotion. * Very good.* Selene thought to herself. *Now, for the final test.*
"You want respect? She said coldly. "Then fight me."
"What?" Lily looked at her like she was mad.
"You heard me."
Raising an eyebrow, Lily sized up her opponent. She could feel her anger coursing through her veins. *You want to fight?* Lily thought to herself. *Bring it on.* She took her stance and raised her hands.
Selene mimicked her and smiled wickedly. "Let's see what you've got."
Lily glared at her, but refused to speak. Instead, she advanced, but her fist was knocked casually to the side. She then felt pressure on her chest as she was shoved across the room, landing with her back against the far wall. Pain sliced through her limbs as she came in contact with the pavement.
"What was that?" Selene bellowed from across the room. "Don't think for a moment that a vampire will let you have a chance. This isn't a game Lily, fight like you know how!"
Rage seared through her. She practically growled as she rose, pain numb to her anger. This time Selene came at her, but she was ready. The vampire was fast, but she had expected it and quickly dodged the charging woman. Selene turned to see the girl standing behind her. A small look of satisfaction crossed her face, but it was gone almost as soon as it was there. She swung her fist at Lily, but again the girl dodged it. Selene took two steps forward and made a move to jab the girl's nose, but squatted at the last moment and attempted to kick Lily's feet out from under her.
Lily jumped the kick and administered one of her own, making contact with the side of Selene's face. As if the blow had meant nothing Selene whirled and grabbed the human's foot, brining her down to the ground on her back. Lily lay there for a moment and watched as Selene's foot descended in almost slow motion upon her. Acting on instinct she caught it and twisted it around, bringing the vampire down once more. She quickly moved to her feet and brought her knee up to meet Selene's face. She was furious now and unable to stop.
Selene dodged Lily's next attempt to kick her and backed away two steps. She paused for a moment and wiped the blood dripping from her nose and lips. She looked at Lily and gave a brief nod, then reared back as the girl came at her. She deflected each of Lily's blows with ease. "Is that all?" She mocked. She was impressed by the girl's strength and determination, but it wasn't enough. Somehow, Lily had to corner her. "What are you fighting for? Who's your enemy?"
Lily stopped her frantic attempts to hit Selene. Her breath was coming to her in short grasps. *I'm wearing myself out and getting no where.* She realized in a moment of clarity. She had to be smarter than that.
Selene entreated her from across the room. "Remember your brother Lily. Remember what was done to him. Now is your chance to take back what was stolen from you."
Images began to swirl in Lily's mind. She saw the blood, the gore, could begin to smell it as the memory flooded her vision. She clenched her fists at her sides as for the first time since his death she allowed the rage to fill her. Narrowing her eyes into a glare she surveyed the room, noticing the ropes that dangled menacingly above their heads. She glared back at Selene, and answered her tutor's previous questions with vehemence. "The vampires are my enemy. Their destruction is what I fight for."
"Then prove it." Selene advanced and with a deafening yell Lily crouched and attempted to undercut Selene with a kick to the knee. The vampire maneuvered expertly, but as she was distracted by the kick Lily jammed up with her fist and undercut Selene's chin. Her head flew back, and in that instant Lily used all the strength she had left to grab the rope and use its swinging momentum to land her behind the vampire. Like lighting she grabbed Selene from behind, wrapping her arm around her neck. Pulling the dagger from its holster at her ankle she held the blade to Selene's throat.
"And then I bleed you dry." Her tone was ice, full of anger and learned stiffness.
Selene breathed heavily for a moment. Her heart skipped at the cold blade pressed against her skin. Then, most uncharacteristically, she laughed.
Lily's chest heaved from lack of oxygen. Her eyes, which had gone foggy in her rage, began to gain focus. As Selene's laughed filled her ears and brought her mind back to human, she dropped the dagger to the ground and took a step backward.
Selene turned and faced her pupil. A strange smile played about her features. "That was well done."
Lily stared first at the blade, then at Selene. She was horrified by her actions. In her entire life she'd never been that cruel, then she hared Selene's words. "Well done?" She asked, confused and exhausted.
Selene nodded, once again wiping the blood from her face. She glanced at it. "I'd say better than well done. You managed to get me into a position where you had the upper hand. That was the point, wasn't it?"
"Well yes," Lily stumbled.
Selene noticed her hesitation. She remembered what it had been like, how she'd felt after her first kill. *Invincible.* She thought to herself. *But frightened by my strength. Viktor assured me I had done well, but I was still capable of feeling guilt back then.* She looked at Lily's slouched and tired body. The fight had cost her, but she had triumphed. "You've gotten stronger." She said simply.
"Yeah?" Lily didn't seem to care too much.
Selene studied her pupil for a moment. "In fact, considering the type of training we're doing, you shouldn't be that strong or that fast."
Lily picked her eyes off the floor, suddenly interested. "Well I've been...uh...practicing on my own a bit."
"hum...and where exactly?"
"During the daylight hours, outside a bit."
"You've been going outside, by yourself? Lily, even during the daytime the vampires are watching things, that was not..."
A small smile crept across the girls face. "Oh relax. Tyran's been with me."
Selene paused. "Tyran?"
Now Lily was grinning. "Yeah. We've been doing some daylight training. Lot's of running, Lot's of weight lifting. I don't have the lovely gift of immortal strength so we thought it might be a good idea if I gained some good ol' human muscles."
Selene's surprised expression grew into a slightly prideful smile. *I underestimated her.* She admitted to herself. Until now, she truly hadn't believed this would work. "I want to show you something." Selene said finally.
Lily looked curiously at her, but nodded. She knelt down, picked up the dagger, and sheathed it in the hilt at her ankle.
"Wait a second."
Lily looked up to find Selene staring hard at her, arms crossed over her chest.
"If you've been practicing with Tyran during the day that means you haven't been sleeping in my bed."
Lily laughed nervously. "Uh...that would sound about right."
Selene narrowed her eyes. "So you took advantage of my highly unusual hospitality, forced me to sleep on that dirty old couch, and then didn't even use it!"
Lily smiled coyly. "Well you could have just crawled into bed with Michael if the couch bothered you that much."
Selene eye's flashed. Lily's smile disappeared. "Um...so I'll catch ya in the car!" Then she bolted down the lycan halls.
Selene shook her head and chuckled. "Brat." Then followed her outside.
~*~
Lily found herself gazing straight up into the night sky at an old radio tower. It was painted black, skyrocketed maybe 90 feet in the air, and came to four points at the top giving it the impression of an old gothic castle. "Jeeze." Lily breathed in amazement.
"Come on." Selene motioned and began climbing the mental rungs.
"I'm not climbing all the way up there!" Lily protested firmly and crossed her arms defiantly.
Selene recognized the movement and smiled to herself. "What's the matter? You scared?"
"Hell no!" Lily straightened up and walked over to the base of the tower. With sweating hands she grabbed hold of the first bar and pulled herself to Selene's level. "I'm just worried about getting back down." She mumbled.
Selene smiled wickedly. "Trust me."
Lily laughed. "Not in a million years."
A few feet from the top there was a small platform that protruded from the structure and overlooked the lights of the city. Going first, Selene plopped herself upon it and motioned for Lily to sit beside her. Moving cautiously Lily made her way to the platform and sat down with a thankful breath. She gazed out at the sky surrounding them. *We're above everything.* She realized. The sight was breathtaking. The entire city of Budapest was laid out before them in nothing but patches of light and dark. "This is awesome."
A sad smile played about Selene's face. "I used to come here after every hunt."
Lily pulled her eyes from the landscape to look at Selene, but the vampire kept her gaze straight and continued speaking. "I would offer the lives of the lycans I took to my family. Letting them know that I hadn't forgotten."
"Forgotten what?" Lily asked gently. She realized that in all the time she'd been working so closely with Selene, she really knew nothing about her.
"How they died." Selene took a deep breath. "I had two nieces. Did I ever tell you that?"
Lily shook her head. "You don't say a whole lot, except when criticizing."
Selene chuckled sadly. "That's what happens when you can't forget." Her eyes began to ache as she felt the pressure of tears start to build. She bit them back. It had been too long since she cried for her family. She could not start now. Looking at Lily she began her story. She told of how the lycans had crept into her house and proceeded to rip her life to shreds. She left nothing out, giving the girl every gory detail of her family's murder. How her fathers head had been ripped open, how her sister's neck had been snapped and left to bleed continuously. How her nieces... It became too much and she stopped to gaze out at the sky.
Lily sat in stunned silence. She began to understand why Selene had become what she was. *Was there any other way?* She thought to herself. She had watched her brother die, but there had been no face to blame for his murder. Revenge had not been an option for her, but Viktor had made it one for Selene. "It's any wonder why you hate them so much." She muttered softly.
Selene's face became hard and angry, but she wouldn't make eye contact with Lily. "But it wasn't the lycans." She said harshly. "It was Viktor. He lied to me. For centuries he bore my trust and was content to let me kill innocent beings for a crime they didn't commit."
Lily watched as Selene's knuckles became white from her grip on the edge of the platform. There was so much hatred. *No,* Lily thought to herself. *Not hatred, pain. She's in pain.* "Jesus Christ." Lily shook her head.
"Michael said the same thing." Selene muttered unconsciously.
Lily lifted her eyes and stared at her. "He changed things for you didn't he?"
Selene only nodded and kept starting at the glowing lights of the city.
Lily followed her gaze, holding on to the silence for a moment. When she spoke, it was soft and sincere, quiet, as if she were sharing a secret with a close friend. "When I woke up the next morning I didn't know where I was. I didn't even remember what had happened that evening. I argued and argued with the social workers, trying to explain to them that I had to get back to my brother. They finally sat me down and told me that he had been killed in a gang shoot out or some bullshit like that."
Lily turned to stare hard at Selene, commanding the vampire's attention. "And then it's like the rug being pulled from beneath your feet. The world spins and it seems like you're the only one standing still."
Selene listened to her words, and was taken back to her father's house, taken back to the small room down the hall that held her sleeping relatives. She remembered the spinning.
"Time doesn't go so fast then," Lily had continued, speaking not so much to Selene, as for her. For both of them. "and you wonder if it will always be like this." Lily closed her eyes a moment and let herself remember. "I think that if in that moment while my world spun around me someone would have given me a face, any face to blame, I would have believed them. I wouldn't have thought twice about whether it was the true or not. You're so desperate in that moment, so lost." She opened her eyes and stared directly into Selene's. "You just need something to make the spinning stop, and nothing will do that like purpose."
"And what was your purpose?"
"To get back home. All Christopher wanted was a home for us, and he damn near succeeded. So I decided that I would continue with that. I'd bide my time, save the money that even at eight I knew I would need, and then when the time was right I'd split."
Selene's eyes asked the question.
"Fourteen. I was fourteen. I walked out the door of the orphanage and never looked back. When I got back to the old schoolhouse, Jacen found me. Now I'm here."
Unable to look at her anymore Selene dropped her gaze and said nothing, but Lily was not through with her yet.
"No matter how much you hate Viktor, no matter how large his betrayal was, he gave you what you needed, he gave you purpose."
"It was false purpose. I was nothing but his pawn, vulnerable and easy to manipulate. I chose not to see the truth."
"You didn't have a choice." Lily stated firmly. "You needed a direction, a reason to live, and he gave you one; however false. When you walked away Selene, when you were faced with the truth and chose not to hide from it, you took back everything he'd stolen from you. You gave yourself new purpose, and not longer needed his fake ones." She watched Selene's eyes dance as her words began to take hold. She could see her wrestling with her emotions. Hesitating just a moment, Lily reached out and placed her hand on top of Selene's frozen white ones. "Now you have to make the spinning stop."
The contact pulled Selene's eyes closer to tears. She took a deep breath and closed the moisture back. It wasn't time yet, and she wasn't ready. Focusing on Lily she had but one question, "Lily, what were you waiting for when we showed up at your house?"
Lily almost laughed at the insightful observation. "For my life to begin." She answered confidently.
"And has it?"
Lily looked hard at the woman before her. She understood so much more now. "I'm not sure yet."
The corners of Selene's mouth curved into a small smile. "Fair enough." She said calmly, beginning to feel light from their dark conversation. "Well," She said as she stood up and stretched. "Time to get down." She began fidgeting with something behind her back.
Lily leaned over and looked down. "Oh God." She moaned. "Selene, I'm not entirely sure, but uh...I don't think I can climb down just yet."
"Oh were not climbing, we're flying." Then without warning she grabbed Lily's hand, yanked her to a standing position, and proceeded to walk with her off the edge of the platform.
Before her eyes, Lily's life flashed. She screamed louder than she ever thought possible, but she could not hear a sound. All she could see was the ground rising far too rapidly towards her body. She wasn't even aware of Selene's hands in midair, snaking around her waist and tying a soft rope around her. She watched as Selene landed seconds before her with perfect grace and style. Closing her eyes she braced herself for the end.
But the end never came. Instead she became increasingly aware of the wind still blowing across her face. She opened her eyes and realized that she was bouncing up and down on some sort of a bungee cord that was tied to the top of the tower. She looked down to see Selene laughing hysterically.
"I'm going to kill you." Her tone was flat. "Get me the fuck down from here."
Still laughing Selene climbed up a rung or two and cut the rope, dropping Lily the foot to the ground. She landed rather ungracefully and glared up at Selene with murder in her eyes. Selene looked down on her and grinned. "Payback's a bitch isn't it?"
"Just wait till my knees stop shaking. Then I'm going to get up and kick your ass!"
"I don't doubt that for a minute, but unless you want to drive yourself home, you might want to wait till we get to the den." Selene stifled another laugh and extended a hand to help Lily up. The girl glared a second more, then took the offer and let Selene pull her up. She walked, somewhat slowly, to the car. Despite how scared she had been, there was a small smile on her face.
Selene climbed in behind the steering wheel. She turned on the ignition and was about to put the car into gear when Lily's hand stopped her. "Selene, I've been meaning to have a talk with you about your driving. If you fucking go over 70 MPH on the way back I'll reach out and hit you. Is that understood?"
Selene chuckled at a very pale Lily. "70? That's so slow."
Lily's eyes shot daggers.
"70 it is." She grinned.
After a few minutes Lily's heart began to beat again. She relaxed a bit and closed her eyes. Then a thought hit her. "Selene?" She asked quietly. "You killed Viktor didn't you?"
Selene's shoulders stiffened, hands tightened on the steering wheel. "Yes," came her only reply.
Lily let out a relieved sigh. "Good, I would have been disappointed in you if you hadn't."
Selene smiled softly. Now, they understood each other.
An hour later...
Selene rolled safely up to a stop sign. She glanced over at a sleeping Lily. The drive had taken a bit longer due to Selene's promise to not go above 70. She didn't mind so much, still a couple hours till sunrise, and she was rather enjoying the drive. It had been an interesting night to say the least, but she had no idea.
THUNK!
Her head snapped to the hood of the car, which was partially crushed due to the creature that had just placed itself upon it. She could only see its feet, clawed and hideous. Before she could think a clawed hand burst through the roof and attempted to grab at her. She ducked and looked over to see a now fully awake Lily. "Go!" She yelled from her hunched position.
She watched Lily open the door, then reached for her guns in the back seat. Exiting the car, she turned to shoot the creature that had dared to scratch her paint. There was nothing there. It was gone as quickly as it had arrived. She turned behind her and saw a shadow moving towards Lily. Using all of her undead strength she propelled herself across the pavement and grabbed the girl with her arm, spinning her back to the monster and sheltering her charge. She fired behind her and heard the satisfying sound of bullets hitting flesh. She unloaded her entire clip into him, but she knew that this beast would not be killed so easily.
It all happened so fast Lily was unable to react. She had heard the creature get closer to her, had been preparing to fight, when suddenly she was wrapped up in the folds of Selene's black jacket. Selene held her tight to her chest and shielded her with her own body. She could hear the gunshots ringing in the background. The feeling triggered something in Lily, but before she could think on it Selene was shoving her down a manhole that was below their feet.
Selene had spied the exit for Lily. With her back hiding the girl's movements she would be able to escape. She could hear the beast snarling behind her, gathering its might for its fatal blow. *Come and get me you bloody bastard.*. She thought angrily as she turned to face her attacker, but before she could get another round off a wolf came from one of the side streets and rammed full force into the beast. He went down on all fours, stood protectively in front of Selene and roared viciously. The assailant took a moments hesitation, then fled the scene.
The wolf rose to its haunches and turned to face the vampire. Her breath was coming in small gasps, although she wasn't sure why. She stared in wonder at the animal before her, the animal that had just saved her life. She brought her eyes to the ground, but was caught by the strange look the lycan's hands had about them. The claws were out of place, pulled to tightly together, overlapping in painful connection, and appearing to be swollen. Her mind reeled, and she flashed on a memory from years ago. She was back in the alley, protecting Lily then as she had just down now. She hissed ferociously at the werewolf before her, daring him to try and take the child from her. In her crouching position she had not been able to see his face, only his hands. They had been twisted and broken even then.
"It was you." Selene whispered almost to herself.
The wolf turned his head slightly to the right and motioned for her to turn around.
She did as she was told, but continued to talk. "It was you back in the alley, when..." She covered her mouth in horror as a realization hit her. Turning around she stared into the eyes of a jacketed man. "Oh God, Tyran I shot you!" The idea affected her more than she would have thought, but she was horrified. In some small way, she considered Tyran to be a friend. His family and him had been the only lycans to accept her, without question, without reservation, and she'd shot him! She'd almost killed him, robbed Tamara of a husband, Thayer and Tyler of a father.
"Don't you dare apologize." Tyran wore an angry expression. He spoke with a commanding voice Selene had never heard before. "If I so much as hear the words 'I'm sorry' come out of your mouth I will lose all the respect that I have gained for you."
"But Tyran,"
"No." He held up his hand. "You are not allowed to feel guilty any more Selene. You did what you had to do. This is war Selene, it's a fucking chaotic mess and all you can do is fight for what you've been told. There's no more truth and lies in war, it's all blurred. You fought for what you thought was right, and you continue to do so." His face softened a bit, and his tone became a bit lighter. "That night you showed me something I'd never seen before. I witnessed a vampire show compassion. Selene, I wouldn't have dared tried to take that child from you. I wouldn't have succeeded."
Selene stared unblinkingly at him, her throat burned with tension. "Why are you telling me this?"
Tyran sighed. "I went home that night and spent the entire day in Lucien's office getting briefed on what his mission was. I had never believed in him until then, I'd never agreed with his cause. I thought the vampires were an absolute heartless, disgusting race of bloodsuckers that deserved worse than hell, but then you proved me wrong. You became the exception to my view and if one can change, so can many. I had hope after that. You gave me hope."
Before she could stop it a single, crimson tear fell from her eye.
Tyran gave her a comforting smile. "I'm honored." He said softly.
Selene felt a smile cross her lips. She wiped the tear from her cheek then pressed Tyran's distorted fingers to it. "There are very few things that bring tears to my eyes. Thank you."
"You are most welcome. Remember Selene, your strength lies in your passion." Then he grinned playfully with his pearly whites. "Now, do you think we've left the girl down there long enough to freeze?"
Selene laughed, a welcome feeling. "I hope not. She'll be bloody pissed if we have to melt her free from the concrete."
Lily was seated just below the manhole she had been shoved down. Her arms were wrapped around her legs as her breath froze before her eyes, but she wasn't cold. Her mind was caught up in the memories. She was trying to piece it all together, trying to understand, but she was only succeeding at creating an excruciating headache. There was something she was missing. She closed her eyes and thought back to that night. She fast forward through everything but the moment she was wrapped up in black. She focused on the sound, the feel. The faint glimpse of hair and blue eyes. Then, a new memory flashed.
**Her eyes exploded open as she sat up quickly as if waking from a nightmare. She realized suddenly that she was in a car. She looked frantically for her brother but there was no one next to her. She gazed through the windshield and saw a large, black, metal tower. She leaned back to follow it up to the sky...**
Her mind reeled. One memory ended and another began.
**She peeled her eyes open to see the back of a woman in a long coat walking quickly away. As the figure rounded the corner the door she had been propped up against opened and she fell to the ground. She saw the pudgy face of an elderly woman staring down at her, then blacked out once more.**
"Hey Lily, are you freezing yet?" Tyran's loud voice bellowed from the street above, then a black cloaked figure floated down the opening and landed right in front of her.
Lily blinked at Selene.
"Come on let's go."
Lily gaped at her a moment, eyes clouded. It can't... Her hands went to the necklace around her throat.
"Lily! Are you all right?" Selene bent down to look the girl in the eyes. The hard stare snapped Lily out of her reverie.
"I'm okay." She managed.
Selene held out her hand once more for the girl. "Let's get out of here."
Lily looked at the extended hand, then shook her head. "The last time you helped me up I ended up taking a long fall."
"That wasn't a fall; that was a jump."
"Jump my ass." Lily pulled herself to a standing position, dusted off her behind, and proceeded to climb the ladder. Tyran, who she gratefully let help her outside, greeted her at the top. She glanced a few feet down the street to see the hood of Selene's newest car crushed like a soda can. She turned to Selene as she climbed out of the manhole. "You know, one of these days someone is going to revoke your license."
"That will be a bad day for metro station." Tyran scoffed playfully.
"That's enough you two." She turned and gave a sarcastic glare. "I haven't killed anyone have I?"
Tyran looked at Lily. Lily looked at Tyran; he turned to the vampire and smiled. "You're still young yet."
-------------- And so it ends...or does it? Hee hee. I'll try to get chapter 13 out next week. My beta still has the next few chapters so I gotta wait for her. Thanks for reading, review and let me know what you think.
Adalon Ithilriel: You like the Sias? So do I! Love them. I have a friend teaching me how to wield them right now actually. They're a great weapon. I realize that Selene may not actually know how to use them, but I figured no one would object. Thanks for reviewing Adalon. I have but one favor to ask of you...POST ON FAR FROM OVER! I'm dying over here. ;) Thanks again.
Meghan: Hello and welcome. So you think Lily should be a Lycan or Vampire huh? Hum...well tell me which one you would like her to be. I'm always open to suggestions. I have a plan for her...but I am curious to know what my readers think. Thanks so much for reviewing. Hope it keeps you interested.
Redd: Hey! Thanks for the review! You had Tae training? Damn! I've heard stories. I've never had formal training but a lot of my friends are into marshal arts so it rubs off, but Lily's a lot tougher than I am. She can handle it. Thanks again!
Rayefire: Your computer broke? Hum...Bad day for excuses huh? LOL. That's all right no worries. I apologize for my lack of "boringness." It was boring for me to write, but it would appear as if others felt differently. From now on every boring part will be dedicated to you, I promise. ;) But you're right about Selene's dialect. I've been trying to watch it, but being as I only write late at night when I'm utterly exhausted things slip through the cracks. Thanks for keeping me in check. I'll alert my beta to keep an eye out. Thanks for the review! Glad your puter is up and running again. *wink*
pantheraleo: Wow! Your review was most flattering. *Blush* Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Glad to hear the bridge stuff wasn't as boring for you as it was for me. Hee hee, and most excited that you like my OC's, but I beg of you don't reread for my grammar! *Gasp* I afraid it would be just too much to bear! I'm horrible when it comes to things like that, but I try to really pay attention to them. As my English teacher says, "good grammar is expected, not rewarded." Gah! Anyways, thanks again for your review. Yours is the reason I decided to post this chapter today so enjoy and thank you!
Chapter 12: Hope
Lily faced Selene from across the training room. Her hand tingled with apprehension. There were only three nights left until she would play the role of a lifetime. She was nervous and scared, but ready as hell to give it everything she had. She kept her eyes focused as sand bags dropped from unknown directions. She slapped the first two away, and spun to kick the third. She ducked the forth and cut the two coming behind her with the dagger she had been given. She sat crouched as sand spilled in small piles beside her feet. She took a deep breath, pleased with her performance. It was the first time she'd run the gauntlet without getting hit.
"You have to be faster than that." Selene's demanding voice called out behind her.
Turning around slowly Lily felt a surge of rage. "Jesus. You can't say anything positive can you?"
Selene glared at her. "And what would that do? Compliments are for the weak."
"No." Lily roared at her teacher. "There for the human, which you obviously are not." She took a few threatening steps towards the vampire. "I've taken everything you've been able to dish out without so much as word. I've gone to bed every morning with more aches and bruises then I ever thought possible, and still you give me no credit. I don't have to be here Selene I chose to be. I think that fucking deserves some respect."
Selene stared hard at the girl. She'd filled out in the last few weeks. Her arms and legs had become toned and ready; her face was grim and showed no emotion. * Very good.* Selene thought to herself. *Now, for the final test.*
"You want respect? She said coldly. "Then fight me."
"What?" Lily looked at her like she was mad.
"You heard me."
Raising an eyebrow, Lily sized up her opponent. She could feel her anger coursing through her veins. *You want to fight?* Lily thought to herself. *Bring it on.* She took her stance and raised her hands.
Selene mimicked her and smiled wickedly. "Let's see what you've got."
Lily glared at her, but refused to speak. Instead, she advanced, but her fist was knocked casually to the side. She then felt pressure on her chest as she was shoved across the room, landing with her back against the far wall. Pain sliced through her limbs as she came in contact with the pavement.
"What was that?" Selene bellowed from across the room. "Don't think for a moment that a vampire will let you have a chance. This isn't a game Lily, fight like you know how!"
Rage seared through her. She practically growled as she rose, pain numb to her anger. This time Selene came at her, but she was ready. The vampire was fast, but she had expected it and quickly dodged the charging woman. Selene turned to see the girl standing behind her. A small look of satisfaction crossed her face, but it was gone almost as soon as it was there. She swung her fist at Lily, but again the girl dodged it. Selene took two steps forward and made a move to jab the girl's nose, but squatted at the last moment and attempted to kick Lily's feet out from under her.
Lily jumped the kick and administered one of her own, making contact with the side of Selene's face. As if the blow had meant nothing Selene whirled and grabbed the human's foot, brining her down to the ground on her back. Lily lay there for a moment and watched as Selene's foot descended in almost slow motion upon her. Acting on instinct she caught it and twisted it around, bringing the vampire down once more. She quickly moved to her feet and brought her knee up to meet Selene's face. She was furious now and unable to stop.
Selene dodged Lily's next attempt to kick her and backed away two steps. She paused for a moment and wiped the blood dripping from her nose and lips. She looked at Lily and gave a brief nod, then reared back as the girl came at her. She deflected each of Lily's blows with ease. "Is that all?" She mocked. She was impressed by the girl's strength and determination, but it wasn't enough. Somehow, Lily had to corner her. "What are you fighting for? Who's your enemy?"
Lily stopped her frantic attempts to hit Selene. Her breath was coming to her in short grasps. *I'm wearing myself out and getting no where.* She realized in a moment of clarity. She had to be smarter than that.
Selene entreated her from across the room. "Remember your brother Lily. Remember what was done to him. Now is your chance to take back what was stolen from you."
Images began to swirl in Lily's mind. She saw the blood, the gore, could begin to smell it as the memory flooded her vision. She clenched her fists at her sides as for the first time since his death she allowed the rage to fill her. Narrowing her eyes into a glare she surveyed the room, noticing the ropes that dangled menacingly above their heads. She glared back at Selene, and answered her tutor's previous questions with vehemence. "The vampires are my enemy. Their destruction is what I fight for."
"Then prove it." Selene advanced and with a deafening yell Lily crouched and attempted to undercut Selene with a kick to the knee. The vampire maneuvered expertly, but as she was distracted by the kick Lily jammed up with her fist and undercut Selene's chin. Her head flew back, and in that instant Lily used all the strength she had left to grab the rope and use its swinging momentum to land her behind the vampire. Like lighting she grabbed Selene from behind, wrapping her arm around her neck. Pulling the dagger from its holster at her ankle she held the blade to Selene's throat.
"And then I bleed you dry." Her tone was ice, full of anger and learned stiffness.
Selene breathed heavily for a moment. Her heart skipped at the cold blade pressed against her skin. Then, most uncharacteristically, she laughed.
Lily's chest heaved from lack of oxygen. Her eyes, which had gone foggy in her rage, began to gain focus. As Selene's laughed filled her ears and brought her mind back to human, she dropped the dagger to the ground and took a step backward.
Selene turned and faced her pupil. A strange smile played about her features. "That was well done."
Lily stared first at the blade, then at Selene. She was horrified by her actions. In her entire life she'd never been that cruel, then she hared Selene's words. "Well done?" She asked, confused and exhausted.
Selene nodded, once again wiping the blood from her face. She glanced at it. "I'd say better than well done. You managed to get me into a position where you had the upper hand. That was the point, wasn't it?"
"Well yes," Lily stumbled.
Selene noticed her hesitation. She remembered what it had been like, how she'd felt after her first kill. *Invincible.* She thought to herself. *But frightened by my strength. Viktor assured me I had done well, but I was still capable of feeling guilt back then.* She looked at Lily's slouched and tired body. The fight had cost her, but she had triumphed. "You've gotten stronger." She said simply.
"Yeah?" Lily didn't seem to care too much.
Selene studied her pupil for a moment. "In fact, considering the type of training we're doing, you shouldn't be that strong or that fast."
Lily picked her eyes off the floor, suddenly interested. "Well I've been...uh...practicing on my own a bit."
"hum...and where exactly?"
"During the daylight hours, outside a bit."
"You've been going outside, by yourself? Lily, even during the daytime the vampires are watching things, that was not..."
A small smile crept across the girls face. "Oh relax. Tyran's been with me."
Selene paused. "Tyran?"
Now Lily was grinning. "Yeah. We've been doing some daylight training. Lot's of running, Lot's of weight lifting. I don't have the lovely gift of immortal strength so we thought it might be a good idea if I gained some good ol' human muscles."
Selene's surprised expression grew into a slightly prideful smile. *I underestimated her.* She admitted to herself. Until now, she truly hadn't believed this would work. "I want to show you something." Selene said finally.
Lily looked curiously at her, but nodded. She knelt down, picked up the dagger, and sheathed it in the hilt at her ankle.
"Wait a second."
Lily looked up to find Selene staring hard at her, arms crossed over her chest.
"If you've been practicing with Tyran during the day that means you haven't been sleeping in my bed."
Lily laughed nervously. "Uh...that would sound about right."
Selene narrowed her eyes. "So you took advantage of my highly unusual hospitality, forced me to sleep on that dirty old couch, and then didn't even use it!"
Lily smiled coyly. "Well you could have just crawled into bed with Michael if the couch bothered you that much."
Selene eye's flashed. Lily's smile disappeared. "Um...so I'll catch ya in the car!" Then she bolted down the lycan halls.
Selene shook her head and chuckled. "Brat." Then followed her outside.
~*~
Lily found herself gazing straight up into the night sky at an old radio tower. It was painted black, skyrocketed maybe 90 feet in the air, and came to four points at the top giving it the impression of an old gothic castle. "Jeeze." Lily breathed in amazement.
"Come on." Selene motioned and began climbing the mental rungs.
"I'm not climbing all the way up there!" Lily protested firmly and crossed her arms defiantly.
Selene recognized the movement and smiled to herself. "What's the matter? You scared?"
"Hell no!" Lily straightened up and walked over to the base of the tower. With sweating hands she grabbed hold of the first bar and pulled herself to Selene's level. "I'm just worried about getting back down." She mumbled.
Selene smiled wickedly. "Trust me."
Lily laughed. "Not in a million years."
A few feet from the top there was a small platform that protruded from the structure and overlooked the lights of the city. Going first, Selene plopped herself upon it and motioned for Lily to sit beside her. Moving cautiously Lily made her way to the platform and sat down with a thankful breath. She gazed out at the sky surrounding them. *We're above everything.* She realized. The sight was breathtaking. The entire city of Budapest was laid out before them in nothing but patches of light and dark. "This is awesome."
A sad smile played about Selene's face. "I used to come here after every hunt."
Lily pulled her eyes from the landscape to look at Selene, but the vampire kept her gaze straight and continued speaking. "I would offer the lives of the lycans I took to my family. Letting them know that I hadn't forgotten."
"Forgotten what?" Lily asked gently. She realized that in all the time she'd been working so closely with Selene, she really knew nothing about her.
"How they died." Selene took a deep breath. "I had two nieces. Did I ever tell you that?"
Lily shook her head. "You don't say a whole lot, except when criticizing."
Selene chuckled sadly. "That's what happens when you can't forget." Her eyes began to ache as she felt the pressure of tears start to build. She bit them back. It had been too long since she cried for her family. She could not start now. Looking at Lily she began her story. She told of how the lycans had crept into her house and proceeded to rip her life to shreds. She left nothing out, giving the girl every gory detail of her family's murder. How her fathers head had been ripped open, how her sister's neck had been snapped and left to bleed continuously. How her nieces... It became too much and she stopped to gaze out at the sky.
Lily sat in stunned silence. She began to understand why Selene had become what she was. *Was there any other way?* She thought to herself. She had watched her brother die, but there had been no face to blame for his murder. Revenge had not been an option for her, but Viktor had made it one for Selene. "It's any wonder why you hate them so much." She muttered softly.
Selene's face became hard and angry, but she wouldn't make eye contact with Lily. "But it wasn't the lycans." She said harshly. "It was Viktor. He lied to me. For centuries he bore my trust and was content to let me kill innocent beings for a crime they didn't commit."
Lily watched as Selene's knuckles became white from her grip on the edge of the platform. There was so much hatred. *No,* Lily thought to herself. *Not hatred, pain. She's in pain.* "Jesus Christ." Lily shook her head.
"Michael said the same thing." Selene muttered unconsciously.
Lily lifted her eyes and stared at her. "He changed things for you didn't he?"
Selene only nodded and kept starting at the glowing lights of the city.
Lily followed her gaze, holding on to the silence for a moment. When she spoke, it was soft and sincere, quiet, as if she were sharing a secret with a close friend. "When I woke up the next morning I didn't know where I was. I didn't even remember what had happened that evening. I argued and argued with the social workers, trying to explain to them that I had to get back to my brother. They finally sat me down and told me that he had been killed in a gang shoot out or some bullshit like that."
Lily turned to stare hard at Selene, commanding the vampire's attention. "And then it's like the rug being pulled from beneath your feet. The world spins and it seems like you're the only one standing still."
Selene listened to her words, and was taken back to her father's house, taken back to the small room down the hall that held her sleeping relatives. She remembered the spinning.
"Time doesn't go so fast then," Lily had continued, speaking not so much to Selene, as for her. For both of them. "and you wonder if it will always be like this." Lily closed her eyes a moment and let herself remember. "I think that if in that moment while my world spun around me someone would have given me a face, any face to blame, I would have believed them. I wouldn't have thought twice about whether it was the true or not. You're so desperate in that moment, so lost." She opened her eyes and stared directly into Selene's. "You just need something to make the spinning stop, and nothing will do that like purpose."
"And what was your purpose?"
"To get back home. All Christopher wanted was a home for us, and he damn near succeeded. So I decided that I would continue with that. I'd bide my time, save the money that even at eight I knew I would need, and then when the time was right I'd split."
Selene's eyes asked the question.
"Fourteen. I was fourteen. I walked out the door of the orphanage and never looked back. When I got back to the old schoolhouse, Jacen found me. Now I'm here."
Unable to look at her anymore Selene dropped her gaze and said nothing, but Lily was not through with her yet.
"No matter how much you hate Viktor, no matter how large his betrayal was, he gave you what you needed, he gave you purpose."
"It was false purpose. I was nothing but his pawn, vulnerable and easy to manipulate. I chose not to see the truth."
"You didn't have a choice." Lily stated firmly. "You needed a direction, a reason to live, and he gave you one; however false. When you walked away Selene, when you were faced with the truth and chose not to hide from it, you took back everything he'd stolen from you. You gave yourself new purpose, and not longer needed his fake ones." She watched Selene's eyes dance as her words began to take hold. She could see her wrestling with her emotions. Hesitating just a moment, Lily reached out and placed her hand on top of Selene's frozen white ones. "Now you have to make the spinning stop."
The contact pulled Selene's eyes closer to tears. She took a deep breath and closed the moisture back. It wasn't time yet, and she wasn't ready. Focusing on Lily she had but one question, "Lily, what were you waiting for when we showed up at your house?"
Lily almost laughed at the insightful observation. "For my life to begin." She answered confidently.
"And has it?"
Lily looked hard at the woman before her. She understood so much more now. "I'm not sure yet."
The corners of Selene's mouth curved into a small smile. "Fair enough." She said calmly, beginning to feel light from their dark conversation. "Well," She said as she stood up and stretched. "Time to get down." She began fidgeting with something behind her back.
Lily leaned over and looked down. "Oh God." She moaned. "Selene, I'm not entirely sure, but uh...I don't think I can climb down just yet."
"Oh were not climbing, we're flying." Then without warning she grabbed Lily's hand, yanked her to a standing position, and proceeded to walk with her off the edge of the platform.
Before her eyes, Lily's life flashed. She screamed louder than she ever thought possible, but she could not hear a sound. All she could see was the ground rising far too rapidly towards her body. She wasn't even aware of Selene's hands in midair, snaking around her waist and tying a soft rope around her. She watched as Selene landed seconds before her with perfect grace and style. Closing her eyes she braced herself for the end.
But the end never came. Instead she became increasingly aware of the wind still blowing across her face. She opened her eyes and realized that she was bouncing up and down on some sort of a bungee cord that was tied to the top of the tower. She looked down to see Selene laughing hysterically.
"I'm going to kill you." Her tone was flat. "Get me the fuck down from here."
Still laughing Selene climbed up a rung or two and cut the rope, dropping Lily the foot to the ground. She landed rather ungracefully and glared up at Selene with murder in her eyes. Selene looked down on her and grinned. "Payback's a bitch isn't it?"
"Just wait till my knees stop shaking. Then I'm going to get up and kick your ass!"
"I don't doubt that for a minute, but unless you want to drive yourself home, you might want to wait till we get to the den." Selene stifled another laugh and extended a hand to help Lily up. The girl glared a second more, then took the offer and let Selene pull her up. She walked, somewhat slowly, to the car. Despite how scared she had been, there was a small smile on her face.
Selene climbed in behind the steering wheel. She turned on the ignition and was about to put the car into gear when Lily's hand stopped her. "Selene, I've been meaning to have a talk with you about your driving. If you fucking go over 70 MPH on the way back I'll reach out and hit you. Is that understood?"
Selene chuckled at a very pale Lily. "70? That's so slow."
Lily's eyes shot daggers.
"70 it is." She grinned.
After a few minutes Lily's heart began to beat again. She relaxed a bit and closed her eyes. Then a thought hit her. "Selene?" She asked quietly. "You killed Viktor didn't you?"
Selene's shoulders stiffened, hands tightened on the steering wheel. "Yes," came her only reply.
Lily let out a relieved sigh. "Good, I would have been disappointed in you if you hadn't."
Selene smiled softly. Now, they understood each other.
An hour later...
Selene rolled safely up to a stop sign. She glanced over at a sleeping Lily. The drive had taken a bit longer due to Selene's promise to not go above 70. She didn't mind so much, still a couple hours till sunrise, and she was rather enjoying the drive. It had been an interesting night to say the least, but she had no idea.
THUNK!
Her head snapped to the hood of the car, which was partially crushed due to the creature that had just placed itself upon it. She could only see its feet, clawed and hideous. Before she could think a clawed hand burst through the roof and attempted to grab at her. She ducked and looked over to see a now fully awake Lily. "Go!" She yelled from her hunched position.
She watched Lily open the door, then reached for her guns in the back seat. Exiting the car, she turned to shoot the creature that had dared to scratch her paint. There was nothing there. It was gone as quickly as it had arrived. She turned behind her and saw a shadow moving towards Lily. Using all of her undead strength she propelled herself across the pavement and grabbed the girl with her arm, spinning her back to the monster and sheltering her charge. She fired behind her and heard the satisfying sound of bullets hitting flesh. She unloaded her entire clip into him, but she knew that this beast would not be killed so easily.
It all happened so fast Lily was unable to react. She had heard the creature get closer to her, had been preparing to fight, when suddenly she was wrapped up in the folds of Selene's black jacket. Selene held her tight to her chest and shielded her with her own body. She could hear the gunshots ringing in the background. The feeling triggered something in Lily, but before she could think on it Selene was shoving her down a manhole that was below their feet.
Selene had spied the exit for Lily. With her back hiding the girl's movements she would be able to escape. She could hear the beast snarling behind her, gathering its might for its fatal blow. *Come and get me you bloody bastard.*. She thought angrily as she turned to face her attacker, but before she could get another round off a wolf came from one of the side streets and rammed full force into the beast. He went down on all fours, stood protectively in front of Selene and roared viciously. The assailant took a moments hesitation, then fled the scene.
The wolf rose to its haunches and turned to face the vampire. Her breath was coming in small gasps, although she wasn't sure why. She stared in wonder at the animal before her, the animal that had just saved her life. She brought her eyes to the ground, but was caught by the strange look the lycan's hands had about them. The claws were out of place, pulled to tightly together, overlapping in painful connection, and appearing to be swollen. Her mind reeled, and she flashed on a memory from years ago. She was back in the alley, protecting Lily then as she had just down now. She hissed ferociously at the werewolf before her, daring him to try and take the child from her. In her crouching position she had not been able to see his face, only his hands. They had been twisted and broken even then.
"It was you." Selene whispered almost to herself.
The wolf turned his head slightly to the right and motioned for her to turn around.
She did as she was told, but continued to talk. "It was you back in the alley, when..." She covered her mouth in horror as a realization hit her. Turning around she stared into the eyes of a jacketed man. "Oh God, Tyran I shot you!" The idea affected her more than she would have thought, but she was horrified. In some small way, she considered Tyran to be a friend. His family and him had been the only lycans to accept her, without question, without reservation, and she'd shot him! She'd almost killed him, robbed Tamara of a husband, Thayer and Tyler of a father.
"Don't you dare apologize." Tyran wore an angry expression. He spoke with a commanding voice Selene had never heard before. "If I so much as hear the words 'I'm sorry' come out of your mouth I will lose all the respect that I have gained for you."
"But Tyran,"
"No." He held up his hand. "You are not allowed to feel guilty any more Selene. You did what you had to do. This is war Selene, it's a fucking chaotic mess and all you can do is fight for what you've been told. There's no more truth and lies in war, it's all blurred. You fought for what you thought was right, and you continue to do so." His face softened a bit, and his tone became a bit lighter. "That night you showed me something I'd never seen before. I witnessed a vampire show compassion. Selene, I wouldn't have dared tried to take that child from you. I wouldn't have succeeded."
Selene stared unblinkingly at him, her throat burned with tension. "Why are you telling me this?"
Tyran sighed. "I went home that night and spent the entire day in Lucien's office getting briefed on what his mission was. I had never believed in him until then, I'd never agreed with his cause. I thought the vampires were an absolute heartless, disgusting race of bloodsuckers that deserved worse than hell, but then you proved me wrong. You became the exception to my view and if one can change, so can many. I had hope after that. You gave me hope."
Before she could stop it a single, crimson tear fell from her eye.
Tyran gave her a comforting smile. "I'm honored." He said softly.
Selene felt a smile cross her lips. She wiped the tear from her cheek then pressed Tyran's distorted fingers to it. "There are very few things that bring tears to my eyes. Thank you."
"You are most welcome. Remember Selene, your strength lies in your passion." Then he grinned playfully with his pearly whites. "Now, do you think we've left the girl down there long enough to freeze?"
Selene laughed, a welcome feeling. "I hope not. She'll be bloody pissed if we have to melt her free from the concrete."
Lily was seated just below the manhole she had been shoved down. Her arms were wrapped around her legs as her breath froze before her eyes, but she wasn't cold. Her mind was caught up in the memories. She was trying to piece it all together, trying to understand, but she was only succeeding at creating an excruciating headache. There was something she was missing. She closed her eyes and thought back to that night. She fast forward through everything but the moment she was wrapped up in black. She focused on the sound, the feel. The faint glimpse of hair and blue eyes. Then, a new memory flashed.
**Her eyes exploded open as she sat up quickly as if waking from a nightmare. She realized suddenly that she was in a car. She looked frantically for her brother but there was no one next to her. She gazed through the windshield and saw a large, black, metal tower. She leaned back to follow it up to the sky...**
Her mind reeled. One memory ended and another began.
**She peeled her eyes open to see the back of a woman in a long coat walking quickly away. As the figure rounded the corner the door she had been propped up against opened and she fell to the ground. She saw the pudgy face of an elderly woman staring down at her, then blacked out once more.**
"Hey Lily, are you freezing yet?" Tyran's loud voice bellowed from the street above, then a black cloaked figure floated down the opening and landed right in front of her.
Lily blinked at Selene.
"Come on let's go."
Lily gaped at her a moment, eyes clouded. It can't... Her hands went to the necklace around her throat.
"Lily! Are you all right?" Selene bent down to look the girl in the eyes. The hard stare snapped Lily out of her reverie.
"I'm okay." She managed.
Selene held out her hand once more for the girl. "Let's get out of here."
Lily looked at the extended hand, then shook her head. "The last time you helped me up I ended up taking a long fall."
"That wasn't a fall; that was a jump."
"Jump my ass." Lily pulled herself to a standing position, dusted off her behind, and proceeded to climb the ladder. Tyran, who she gratefully let help her outside, greeted her at the top. She glanced a few feet down the street to see the hood of Selene's newest car crushed like a soda can. She turned to Selene as she climbed out of the manhole. "You know, one of these days someone is going to revoke your license."
"That will be a bad day for metro station." Tyran scoffed playfully.
"That's enough you two." She turned and gave a sarcastic glare. "I haven't killed anyone have I?"
Tyran looked at Lily. Lily looked at Tyran; he turned to the vampire and smiled. "You're still young yet."
-------------- And so it ends...or does it? Hee hee. I'll try to get chapter 13 out next week. My beta still has the next few chapters so I gotta wait for her. Thanks for reading, review and let me know what you think.
Adalon Ithilriel: You like the Sias? So do I! Love them. I have a friend teaching me how to wield them right now actually. They're a great weapon. I realize that Selene may not actually know how to use them, but I figured no one would object. Thanks for reviewing Adalon. I have but one favor to ask of you...POST ON FAR FROM OVER! I'm dying over here. ;) Thanks again.
Meghan: Hello and welcome. So you think Lily should be a Lycan or Vampire huh? Hum...well tell me which one you would like her to be. I'm always open to suggestions. I have a plan for her...but I am curious to know what my readers think. Thanks so much for reviewing. Hope it keeps you interested.
Redd: Hey! Thanks for the review! You had Tae training? Damn! I've heard stories. I've never had formal training but a lot of my friends are into marshal arts so it rubs off, but Lily's a lot tougher than I am. She can handle it. Thanks again!
Rayefire: Your computer broke? Hum...Bad day for excuses huh? LOL. That's all right no worries. I apologize for my lack of "boringness." It was boring for me to write, but it would appear as if others felt differently. From now on every boring part will be dedicated to you, I promise. ;) But you're right about Selene's dialect. I've been trying to watch it, but being as I only write late at night when I'm utterly exhausted things slip through the cracks. Thanks for keeping me in check. I'll alert my beta to keep an eye out. Thanks for the review! Glad your puter is up and running again. *wink*
pantheraleo: Wow! Your review was most flattering. *Blush* Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. Glad to hear the bridge stuff wasn't as boring for you as it was for me. Hee hee, and most excited that you like my OC's, but I beg of you don't reread for my grammar! *Gasp* I afraid it would be just too much to bear! I'm horrible when it comes to things like that, but I try to really pay attention to them. As my English teacher says, "good grammar is expected, not rewarded." Gah! Anyways, thanks again for your review. Yours is the reason I decided to post this chapter today so enjoy and thank you!