Hello one and all and welcome once again to Gone with the Sin. I'm hoping you're all enjoying the story thus far. It's only the second chapter so I do hope you are.

Special thanks to:

Falcon Horus: Why thank you! I hope this update wasn't too late, but I'm trying to fill out my chapters more. I thought you all might appreciate that, or rather I hope. I hope to continue seeing you around.

dreaan: Thank you very much. I hope you'll continue to feel that way, and that you'll stick around for the rest of it. :

Shannon K: Thank you. lol. Honestly? I looked over and saw my Keane CD, and I thought it sounded like a suitable last name. ; Hope to see you around.

Gone with the Sin

Chapter 2: Crawling in My Skin

By Rogue Coulter

'Ay me sad hours seem long.'

When Romeo says that statement, Emily doubted he knew in fact how true it was. Now as she found herself sitting in the backseat of a Jaguar, head pressed against the cold window (it was raining outside), a sense of security washed over her tired body. Her mind, however, was still plagued by the vision of Liv's breast punctured by the bullet. How was it she could feel safer than she had this entire night when she was in the same car as a Vampire being driven to an unknown location?

The events of the night wore heavily on her mind, and she had trouble making sense of anything. All she understood was the Vampires and Werewolves (Lycans, right?) were in a war. She had no idea why the war started, or even if any of this was real. Could she possibly have had an epic nightmare? Might she wake up soon to the smell of banana nut muffins in the oven, and her mother's voice calling her awake? Emily wished. She wished with all her might that this might be the case. Only time would tell.

"What time knows well," She murmured under her breath in less than a whisper. It was a stupid line that she remembered from a poem. Somehow thinking of this reminded her of her life, and it brought a sense of calm into her. Emily would look back on this later and laugh because it seemed too funny she was thinking of her life at a time like this. Did all that even matter?

Selene kept sneaking glances of the girl in the backseat worriedly. She hadn't said a single word the whole drive, just stared out the window blankly, and when the street lamps illuminated the inside of the car, she noticed how blank her gaze was. Her whole being screamed loss, something Selene was quite familiar with.

She turned the car into a back alley way and clicked a button. A garage door opened up, and she drove in. The door closed as Selene and Emily got out of the car. Selene led the way to a tunnel in the ground. She moved aside the metal covering it and allowed Emily to go first down the ladder. They were in the sewers again, and Emily involuntarily shuddered at the memories that returned full force. Those events had happened only hours ago, but sad hours had turned into days in Emily's mind.

Selene was soon by her side and leading the way onward deeper into the heart of this maze. After numerous amounts of turns and twists, Emily gave up trying to remember how to get back. She'd never be able to get away now unless she wanted to starve in the sewers. Only a few minutes more, and signs of life began to show. They walked past people in ratty hand-me-down clothes under leather jackets. Odd.

"Where are we?" She ventured to ask Selene.

Selene turned her towards Emily, surprised the girl even spoke. "The Lycan lair. You'll have to stay here until the morning at least when we can have someone escort you to your home."

"Is it safe to go back so soon?" Emily asked, trying to hide the tint of worry.

"Would you rather stay down here 'til the end of the war?"

That shut Emily up. Thus their one could-be conversation was ended abruptly. There wasn't silence for long, however, because a black man in black leather strode towards Selene with a group of similarly dressed men following along behind him. Vampires. How could Emily tell? Call her stereotypical, but they all looked the part and stood out like a sore thumb in this Lycan lair.

"Markus fled," were the first words the approaching Vampire said (complete with a quite impressive British accent).

"What?" Selene asked.

"Markus fled. The coven realized he was a Hybrid, and he ran. No one knows where he could be, but I doubt he left the city."

"And what of the coven?" Selene pressed on.

"They're separating again and forming alliances. Kraven's returned," He said the last part with disgust.

Selene frowned deeply. "They've accepted him back?"

The man hesitated. "Some have, some haven't. They're splitting. Now would be the time to attack while they're in anarchy."

"Have you told Michael yet?"

The man shook his head. "No, I wanted to tell you first."

"Come on. We need to talk to Michael. He'll probably call a council." Selene had already begun walking briskly as she spoke, and the man was right by her side.

Emily who had been busy eavesdropping on the conversation was about to hurry after them when she realized that the group that had been with the man was following along as well. Her eye caught on a particular Vampire. Unlike the others she had seen lately, his hair was pale, pale blonde, and his eyes she noted when he turned to return her gaze were a gray-silver color. He was beautiful. Her breath caught suddenly when his eyes met hers, but he turned around not a second later and continued on his way behind the black Vampire.

Emily started walking after them, aware that her heart was thumping loudly in her chest. Liv would have died if Emily told her what had just happened, and she swore she heard Liv's voice jump into her head, 'You're in love!' Emily let out an annoyed breath and rolled her eyes to herself. 'As if.' She did everything she could to not look at that Vampire, but it only made her look at him more. He didn't turn around again though.

Selene and the man disappeared into a room, leaving the group of Vampires and Emily alone outside. They turned to each other first before looking over at her curiously.

Emily worried on her bottom lip and forced a small smile on her lips. "Hi."

The Vampire Emily swore she hadn't fallen in love at first sight with (God bless his gorgeous soul) spoke in return, "I assume you are the one they plan to use."

Emily tried to hide her perplexed face -which wasn't hard considering she just realized he had a French accent and was swooning inwardly. "I'm sorry, what plan was that?"

He raised a pale eyebrow to the ceiling. "Are you not Olivia Capper?"

Emily shook her head weakly. The question was so innocent and simple, but it broke her heart. "No, Liv died today. I'm a good friend." She ignored the pricking behind her eyes and blinked it away with great effort.

He watched her carefully, waiting as she regained her composure. "I'm sorry." He sighed and turned to his comrades. Then the French speaking began, low and quiet. Occasionally one would glance at her suspiciously before taking a step towards the circle to keep whatever talk was going on inside from reaching her ears.

'Yeah, like I understand anyways,' Emily thought. Imagine that four years of French, and she had no clue what they were saying. She briefly considered yelling something out in French, but then realized what a complete idiot she was. She willed Selene to get her butt out here. She was tired, she had seen her best friend get killed, and that French Vampire was tempting her with his delicious voice. What a day, right?

The speaking stopped abruptly, and Emily looked up to meet the gaze of the French Vampire. "Are you willing to help?"

Of course she had no idea what they were talking about, but she felt her head slowly rising and falling up and down. "Yes."

The edges of his mouth hiccupped in an almost smile.

-------------

It was morning, and Emily awoke to stiffness in all her limbs; she groaned and rolled over onto her back, gently rocking her hips and stretching her body to rid it of the stiffness. She sighed and sat up then, looking around curiously at her surroundings. She had slept on a ragged old couch that she suspected was flea infested but of course she hadn't complained because she had seen several people occupying the floor.

She smiled a bit as she went over the sequence of events from yesterday. It was just so odd all this happened and to her of all people. Well, from what she had gathered, none of this was supposed to happen to her. It was supposed to happen to Liv, but Liv was . . . Emily's smile disappeared then, and she pulled her knees under her chin, hugging her shins. She stayed like that for several minutes before deciding it was best to get up and find Selene.

They were supposed to take her home today, but Emily wasn't sure that would still happen. At least not now that she had volunteered herself to work. She stuffed her hands in the back pockets of her jeans, now stretched from the previous day's activities, and wandered off as she remembered the conversation.

'It's been kept quiet, but we have knowledge that the coven is becoming desperate for new members. They're losing more than they are gaining, but they've been trying to change that lately,' He explained slowly for her and watched her eyes to make sure she understood. 'They're beginning to pick humans off the streets and turn them to use in their war. They of course become nothing high in rank. They're merely there to be on the front line, so to speak.'

Emily nodded. 'Alright, where do I fit in exactly?'

He waited a moment before answering, 'We need a spy to get on the inside. Kahn and the rest of us,' He motioned to the group of Vampires sitting a ways away, 'acted as insiders for Selene and Michael, but they became too suspicious; and we had to leave. That's why we need someone new who can go in, ask questions, find information, and bring it back to us.'

She stared up into his storm colored eyes and tried to pick out exactly what he was saying. 'You mean . . .'

'We need you to get in the coven -most likely as a human wishing to aid in the war- and inform us of their plans.' When she didn't speak right away, he added, 'If you wish not to, then we won't make you.'

Emily shook her head, 'No, no. I just . . . Don't know.' She smiled briefly, awkwardly, 'But I'll help. Just one question.' He nodded for her to ask. 'Basically, you want me to go to the Vampires, volunteer to help in the war, become a Vampire myself, and also act as a spy for you guys, right?'

'That's it very basically, but yes, in an extremely simple way.'

'Oh.' Emily sighed and shrugged. 'Ok, count me in I guess.' She shifted from foot to foot awkwardly as he waited for a question he felt was coming on, 'Um, another question real quick.' Once again he nodded. 'I'm sorry, but -uh- what's your name?'

He half smiled and titled his head in an old fashioned greeting, 'William LeDoyen.'

Emily smiled at the memory of him. God, she didn't even know the Vampire, and yet, she couldn't help but smile at the thought of his amazing face, his voice, his eyes, the way his hair fell, his gaunt form, and just everything about him. 'Carefully,' An inner voice cautioned her, 'He's a Vampire. You don't even know him. Don't get ahead of yourself.' That dampened her spirits slightly, but certainly not enough to wipe that ridiculous grin off her face.

Wouldn't you know it was then that she turned the corner and ran into Selene? "Selene," She said brightly.

Selene regarded her warily, "What's got you so happy?"

Emily blushed, and her eyes darted to her feet. "Just a good dream. Um . . ." She hesitated, "Did you hear that I'm taking Liv's place and helping out William?"

Selene didn't look quite as happy as Emily had hoped. In fact that wary look on her face didn't fade away into the creases of her still young face. "Why?"

"I'm sorry?" Emily asked, a bit taken back that Selene seemed almost angry.

"Why did you agree to help?" Selene pronounced every syllable sharply.

Emily shrugged. "He asked if I was willing to help, and I said sure." That sounded so pointless, so Emily added, "Also, my best friend died because of this war, and I'd like to see it happen; at least so something like that won't happen again."

"You want revenge?"

Emily shook her head. "Not revenge. I just want to help end the war. Don't you think it's gone on long enough?"

Selene paused before answering, "Yes, it's gone on long enough." She took a breath. "Very well. When are you and William going to meet to discuss the plan?"

Emily shrugged. "I don't know. I mean he didn't mention any meeting."

"Yes, well, you both should get started on it as soon as possible. His room is just down this hallway, and the," She paused in thought, "fifth door on the left I believe." Having said that, Selene moved past Emily and continued on her way.

"Wait, Selene, one more thing!" Emily called out after her to which Selene turned around. "Where are the showers?"

---------------

William was able to talk right then, but he explained he had to meet with the council later on that day. It would great if they could knock out as much as they could, so he could present what they had planned that far to the council for approving and revising. Emily was unable to resist the invitation into his room. It was plain she noticed, but then again what more could she have expected?

Emily sat herself in an old oak chair, crossing her right over her left and placing her hands in her lap to keep from fidgeting. He sat on the edge of the bed since there was not another chair, and Emily had to scoot the chair forward a bit. She felt so incredibly awkward.

Thankfully, William began speaking first, "First, we'll have to teach you some basic fighting techniques along with usage of a gun. I'm sure they'll enforce whatever else they feel necessary. We'll also need to teach you a bit of background likely because I'm assuming that we'll send you off to the mansion as a human who wishes to aid in the war effort -so to speak of course- and if you approach them, I'm sure they'll expect the basics." He paused. "Am I going too quickly?"

Quite frankly, yes, yes he was going too quickly. Was Emily going to admit it? Of course not, so she smiled slightly and shook her head. "No, continue."

He seemed satisfied with this answer and continued, "You'll stay here until we send you to the mansion obviously. We'll find someone to teach you the techniques of fighting, someone to teach you how to properly handle a gun, and someone to teach you the Vampiric background." He stood up then, gaunt form towering above Emily, and he paced slowly in front of the bed and Emily. "Selene would be best to teach . . . well, everything actually, but she's far too busy to do so; and it need not be any concern of hers." He paused as Emily noted he did quite often, once again continuing only after he had mumbled, "She never agreed with the idea . . ." He sighed and crossed his arms over his chest, looking down at Emily though not really seeing her. "I suppose it's possible I could teach you."

Emily nearly killed herself when she had to use all her strength to contain a happy squeal. Obviously if he were to train her, that would mean many an hour with that gorgeous Vampire. She was unable to hide her smile though. "Really, and you won't be too busy?" She inquired innocently enough.

"I am in charge of the operation. Your training is a vital part of this, and overseeing it personally will soon become a part of daily affairs." They stared at each other a moment longer as he thought. "If this is approved tonight, we'll plan on starting tomorrow."

She nodded, a bit excited and afraid of what the next day might bring. "How will I know?"

"If I come in the morning, the plan is in motion, and if I don't . . ." He left the obvious rest for her to figure out.

"Alright," She said softly.

William's face softened a bit when he noticed her nerves. "You may leave now unless you have any questions."

Emily shook her head and stood up. She felt a bit numb from all the information thrown at her, and she could only imagine what tomorrow would bring. "Yes, you have a council to go to." She tilted her head up at him, trying vainly to find something appropriate to say. "Thank you." She turned then and walked out the door, closing it gently behind her.

She looked up and down the hallway. Right, which way was she supposed to go? Choosing to face an uncertain end and likely to become lost instead of being found on the doorstep of William's chamber, she set off left. Sad then that she realized she should have gone right. Sad also that she was too headstrong to turn around and possibly face William in shame. She pushed on and forced herself to keep going until she ran into a Lycan.

Unlike the numerous amounts she had seen on the way down, this one was a female. A tall, muscular, intimidating female. She regarded Emily with a bored stare. "You're not supposed to be down here."

Emily tried not to appear as though she were afraid even though she was. "I was just going for walk."

"You're not supposed to be down here," The Lycan repeated.

"I got lost," Emily tried to explain.

The woman rolled her eyes and let out an annoyed sigh through her nostrils. "Should have thought about that before you went wandering off." She then walked past Emily, and when Emily didn't follow, she turned around expectantly. Emily took the hint and followed after her. "So you're the human, eh?" Emily wondered if she was trying to make conversation.

"Yes." She had come to realize this was a common conversation she had. It was almost comical. That it was so different that she was human.

"Hn." Emily didn't know what to think of her reaction until she continued, "It's sad that it's come down to this: the whole fate of this centuries old war in the hands of a human."

What was Emily to say to that? She shrugged indifferently. "I suppose you're right."

"I am," The Lycan said almost immediately. "You have no place in this war, and it's sickening that they're sinking down to this level."

"The war's gone on long enough." Ok, so maybe Emily didn't know this for a fact, but it fell from her lips before she could process the words.

"Don't talk like you know," She hissed back.

Emily bit her tongue from speaking, and mercifully, the Lycan opened a door and stepped back. Emily was about to murmur thanks when she stopped herself and walked past the woman into her new room. The door was slammed shut behind her, and Emily was in sudden darkness. She felt blindly on the wall for a light switch but for the life of her, couldn't find one, so she opened the door and let the dim light from the hallway inside. She found the light switch and flipped it up. The room was filled with light just as abruptly as sit had been filled with darkness. She closed the door then and looked about.

It was plain and looked so extremely similar to William's that it was possible there wasn't a difference between the two. She walked over slowly to the bed and sat on the bed, feeling like a complete stranger in her own room. Once again she couldn't help but think of how odd the whole situation was. Things like this never happen to normal people like her. She could understand it happening to Liv because she was this amazing girl, but Emily, Emily was just average. She didn't have the charm Liv possessed or even the common sense Liv had from having been through it all.

With these thoughts, Emily felt even more out of place and was inwardly crawling in her skin, trying desperately to get out. This wasn't her. She brought a cold hand to her brow and rubbed her face tiredly. Maybe some sleep would help. She crawled into the bed, kicking her shoes off the side and almost instantly falling asleep.