(Suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reviewing,
iridescent eyes.)
CHAPTER THREE A DISCUSSION BETWEEN FRIENDS
Two months have passed since Selene left Michael so he could be leader of the Lycans. Selene has been moving all around America, and is now situated in Los Angeles. Michael, once he realized he couldn't find Selene, dedicated himself to running the Lycans. They quickly felt comfortable with him as a leader. He was harsh when he needed to be, but kind any other time. All vampire threats in New York City had been eliminated. The Lycans were safe ... for now.
MICHAEL
Michael stepped into the hall and looked around.
"Watchya looking for?" A voice piped up from behind him. He spun around, surprised to see Kailyn behind him. Kailyn was finally beginning to get over the death of her adoptive parents, and was seen hanging around with the kids more her age.
"Just looking for Simon," Michael said. Kailyn nodded. "What are you doing down here?" It didn't seem logical that the girl would be down in the science labs of the safe house.
"Derek asked me to meet him down here. We were going to go with a few of the other kids to see a movie," Kailyn answered him.
"I'll bet he's with Simon," Michael said.
"Probably. Simon's the Father that Derek wished he had," Kailyn explained as the two started down the hall.
"I know," Michael replied. "Simon told me about how he took Derek in as his own. It's nice."
"It is kind," Kailyn said, sounding distracted.
"What wrong?" Michael asked her.
"It's nothing," Kailyn said quickly. She smiled reassuringly up at him and then pushed open the lab doors. Inside there were several people wearing lab coats. After a moment of searching, Kailyn caught Derek's un-groomed brown hair next to Simon in the back. "Over there."
Simon didn't bother to look up as they approached. "Now if you'll mix these two substances, you WILL cause an explosion. This is something we don't need, so you'll want to note it."
Derek nodded solemnly, then his eyes turned to Kailyn. "Hello," He said.
"Are you almost done? The movie is going to start soon," Kailyn reminded him.
"Oh yeah," Derek said. He looked to Simon. "Could we finish this later?"
"I guess so," Simon said with a sigh.
"Thank you, we'll be back as soon as the movie is over."
"No, no. Stay out as late as you want. Just tell me who else is going."
"Nikki, Dane, Ricky and the twins," Kailyn said quickly, tugging on Derek's coat. This safe house in New York was filled with younger Lycans. People who had been changed around the turn of the century up to today. "Now can we go?"
"Go on," Simon said. They ran out of the room, almost knocking over a man with test tubes. Simon shook his head and looked down. "Ever since that girl came, he's been spending less time on his studies," He said with disapproval.
"He has forever for studies," Michael pointed out. "After all, he's immortal."
"I suppose so. Shall we be going?" He took off his coat and goggles and hung them up before the two walked out of the room.
"How are things going with Kailyn, anyways?" Simon asked once in the hall.
"Lacey really enjoys having her around. Said it reminded her of HER daughter before she was killed. It must be nice," Michael said. He looked over at the rooms where other labs were.
"You miss her, don't you?" Simon asked. Michael looked up in surprise.
"Oh yes, I miss her constant nagging and irritation with me because I can't do anything for myself," Michael said sarcastically, but still good humored. Simon grinned.
"Women. Who needs 'em, eh?" When Michael didn't answer, Simon looked down. The two entered the main foyer. Two little kids, girls of about eight sat by the fire place. A woman was in a chair reading. In the corner two men huddled, holding a whispered conversation. Taking a seat on the couch, Michael smiled.
"You're right, Simon," He said.
"About what?"
"About women. Every time I meet a good one, they end up leaving me. I better get used to being by myself."
"Mate, I think you need to find yourself a gal. Even if it's only for a night," he said.
"Have you no decency?" Michael demanded.
"You know, I always thought this generation had fewer morals than in my time, but you surprise me. I guess this generation isn't as bad as I thought," Simon admitted.
After a few moments of silence, Michael said, "I do miss her, though. Especially the sarcastic remarks. God, Selene really couldn't stand me."
Simon chuckled at this. "Oh, I don't know about THAT."
"She left, didn't she?"
"Yes, without a note, without a goodbye – you say it so many times I think I even dream of you reminding me. Let her go. There are other sharks in the sea. See, that's funny because the saying is other fish in the sea, and I said sharks, and Selene was bitter ..." At Michael's blank stare he stopped rambling. "Sorry."
"I shouldn't be worrying about her. She can take care of herself."
"And might I add very well. Look what she did to Jessica. And I've heard tales of all she did to Lycans. The ones who have lived encounters with her when they were in Budapest make her out to be a great warrior."
"She is. But what about the vampires?"
"You said she KILLED the elder, remember? Viktor was the strongest of all vampire elders. Listen, stop thinking about her, alright?"
"Yep," Michael said. But the thoughts of Selene kept drifting through his mind. Simon saw the glazed look in his eye, and said, "Try focusing on the clan."
Michael quickly snapped out of it. "Yes, the clan. Oh god, I don't think I can do this any longer," He confessed.
"Can't do what?"
"Lead the Lycans. After our last battle we lost twelve men. Twelve people who I could have saved if I hadn't sent them to fight."
"Yes, but you got rid of all vampire threats. That saved more lives than a simple loss of twelve. You best be careful, Michael. You're humanity is showing."
"Tell me Simon, what's it been like to live throughout the ages?" Michael asked as he sat back; relaxed.
Simon copied him by sitting back before he spoke. "It's incredible. You'll love it. Watching the way human kind has managed to create and develop. And the way it's managed to destroy itself." He sighed. "I doubt there's any coming back from an atomic bomb. At least not any time soon."
"You're concerned about bombs?" Michael asked, surprised.
"Of course. We may be immortal, but we aren't stupid. We've considered the possibilities of an atomic bomb many times," Simon explained. "We're still waiting for Xiang to come back. Humans are coming up with better ways to kill us and they don't even know it."
"Why must we keep our kind a secret?" Michael asked. The question had been bothering him since he had first been turned, and when he had asked Selene she had stared at him as if he were stupid, and then gone back to cleaning her guns.
"You know the stories. Even if you weren't alive back then, you know about the genocide of our kinds. We're consider evil – sins against nature. Of course, we could never help what we were. But going around and turning people, eating them. It was ... immoral, to them. We stay hidden for our own safety. Sometimes, we'll come across people who beg to be turned. That's how most of these Lycans got here. In all centuries I've lived through, this seems to be the one with the most problems. It's a shame, really. People throwing away perfectly good lives to live amongst us." Simon looked away.
"How were you turned?" Michael inquired.
"Ah, now that is a story for another time, my friend."
"Too painful?" Michael instantly thought of the grief that Selene had gone through when she was turned.
"No, actually. Too humiliating is a better way to put it." The two laughed.
"I can't imagine what would have happened," Michael said.
"Don't try to. You'll never figure out my deep secret," Simon said. Then he gave an evil laugh for the fun of it. The two girls looked at him, slightly scared, but then started laughing.
"Why are there so many women and children here? There were barely any under Lucian's rule."
"Ah, Lucian would have none of that. It made him long too much for his departed Sonja. Most women were turned by another clan. The children are from Lycan relationships, or just children who Lycans couldn't bring themselves to kill. We aren't the beasts in this battle, Michael. We may turn into beasts, but we won't kill our own for silly reasons," Simon said bitterly.
"Were you there when Sonja ...?"
"Nope. I was turned about a month after it happened, actually. But as I said – that's another story. I will tell you, though, that I was glad to be a part of this. We're fighting the good fight."
"Even if the vampires don't know the real reasons behind it?"
For once, Simon was left quiet as he contemplated what Michael had said. "That would be the elders' mistake, I would say. One day it will come back to bite them in the arse. How would you feel about being lied to for centuries?"
Michael thought of Selene. She had learned the truth, and turned against Viktor. But she had also learned he was the one to massacre her family. "Awful. I would probably revolt."
"Exactly. The vampire elders really made a mistake there. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually joined up with them."
"That was the way it was supposed to be," Michael said quietly.
"What do you mean, mate?"
"That was what would have happened had Viktor not been awakened. Kraven – a vampire – and Lucian were working to end the war."
"This Kraven would sound very honorable if it weren't for the darkness in you voice. Tell me, friend, what is wrong?"
"Kraven was the one who killed Lucian."
Simon's jaw dropped. "Is he dead?" He asked.
At this time, the men in the corner decided to leave. The woman did the same, leaving just Simon, Michael and the little girls.
"No," Michael informed.
"How could he be on the verge of creating peace, and then betray our leader like that?" Simon demanded.
"Simple, Viktor. Selene had awoken Viktor for guidance."
"But Selene killed Viktor. Why would she awaken him?"
"Let me explain. For a long time, Viktor was Father to Selene as you are to Derek. When she caught on to the fact that Kraven was working with the Lycans, and that Lucian may be alive, she went to the only person she could think of who would know what to do. She had no idea of the true origins of the war. Eventually, Kraven was found out. He and Lucian got in an argument, and Kraven shot at him. Viktor sent Selene and a team of Death Dealers and Selene into the sewers to bring this 'nonsense' to an end. There I – having Lucian's memories – informed Selene that it was really the Vampires who had started the war. Kraven found us, and shot me, informing Selene that Viktor had killed her family before firing. To save me, Selene bit me – turning me into a hybrid. After that, Selene confronted Viktor. He and I started fighting. To him I was an 'abomination'. Selene picked up the sword and cut Viktor's head in half, saving my life."
"Ah, your story is a very interesting one," Simon said.
"It isn't mine. It's Selene's."
"Back to the vampire again," Simon noted. "Interesting how we always end up on this subject."
"Help!" A voice shouted from the entrance hall. "Somebody, help!"
Both Simon and Michael jumped up. "That sounds like Ricky," Simon stated.
"Come on," Michael said, pulling Simon with him.
They arrived in the entrance hall to see Ricky standing there holding a limp body in her blood-soaked arms, her blond hair plaster to her face from the rain. Dane was to the side, holding his arm which appeared to be broken. Both the twins, Nikki, and Kailyn were missing.
"What happened?" Simon asked, taking Derek from Nikki.
"We were attacked," Ricky said.
"Where are the others?" Michael demanded.
"Gone," Dane spat out. He finally looked away from his arm and they could see the dampness on his face. If it weren't for his puffy eyes, they would have thought it was just the rain.
"What?" A woman – Kira – asked as she came running in.
Simon turned to her. "Get Dane and Derek to the infirmary. NOW!" He shouted at her hesitation. She quickly took Derek and motioned for Dane to come with her. They exited quickly.
Ricky collapsed to the floor, burying her face in her hands. Michael looked around and noticed the audience that had surrounded them. "Leave!" He bellowed. They did as he said. Then he walked up to Ricky and helped her up.
"You're going to have to tell me what happened," He said softly. She nodded, choking on her sobs.
"I know," She whispered.
"Good," Simon said. He took Ricky's arm, and helped her up to Michael's office where they would hear the story of what had happened.
SELENE
She shot up in bed. She'd had a horrible nightmare. In it, she'd been walking towards a temple. Erika from Ordoghaz was behind her, saying something, but she wasn't sure what. She was on a mission, and determined to get it done.
"Be careful," Erika warned. Which was unusual, because Erika hadn't really cared for Selene's safety.
Selene had simply nodded, and then walked into the temple. She had no idea where she was going, but at the same time she did. Her eyes drifted around. After a minute, she heard screaming. Surprising herself, she rushed towards the cries. Soon she arrived in a large chamber. In the center of the room were steps that led to a small flooring. She ran up them, and then picked up the small child lying on the table. The girl looked to be a little more than a year old. The girl quieted down. She sat and comforted the little girl looking around, as if trying to see someone. Suddenly, the girl cried out a single word.
"Mommy!" Selene spun around to see a man standing behind her. Not allowing herself to be taken by surprise she kicked her foot out. But the man caught her foot, and pushed her back. She cried out in surprise and the girl started to slip from her grip.
"Don't let go of me, Sandra," Selene warned, catching her balance. She took in the situation and realized she wouldn't be able to fight with the girl in her arms. She gently placed her on the floor. "Stay out of the way," She whispered quickly. Then she jumped up and managed to catch the fist just before it hit her in the face. She twisted it and let go.
The man shook his hand out, and then reached for his gun. Selene, seeing this kicked out at him. Why dream Selene hadn't reached for her own gun puzzled her, but that didn't matter. The only thing important had been protecting Sandra. The man lunged at her, wrapping his arms around her throat trying to strangle her. Selene gasped, trying to choke in some air as the little girl started crying again. Without a care he tossed her off of the building.
Dream Selene lay on the hard floor, blood oozing slowly from a cut above her eye. She lifted herself up, having difficulty because she hurt all over. She turned just in time to see the man lifting Sandra into his arms.
"No!" Selene shouted. The man glanced at her, and then left, leaving her to the darkness.
Then she had woken up, wanting to scream out for Sandra to make sure she was okay, but realizing that she wasn't real. She glanced outside to see that it was dark out. She climbed out of bed, not bothering to change from her rabid dog pajama pants and matching t-shirt. She went to the balcony and looked out. She had chosen this apartment because the balcony allowed for a perfect view of the sky, and Selene liked to look up at the moon and be reminded of Michael.
After a brief moment of thought Selene got to work to making some tea. It wasn't exactly blood, but it was something for now. She had fed yesterday, and didn't need blood right at the moment. Plus, she loved the way the tea warmed up her insides. Once it was done she smelled it and went back to the balcony. After taking a long sip, she smiled. She was comfortable here, and had a feeling no one would find her for a little while, so at least she was safe. The only thing she was missing was Michael.
There was a gentle rap at the door. Selene turned around, surprised. Then thought that it must be some stupid neighbor coming to ask for something. She strolled to the door as they rapped again. When she pulled open the door, her cup clattered to the floor, breaking into tons of porcelain pieces and scalding hot tea sprinkling onto her feet. But she didn't notice. She was too busy staring at the person in front of her.
"Hello, Selene," Erika said.
(Oh, and I apologize for the split of the story, but if I had waited till the next chapter to post, you'd have to wait longer to find out what happened to Kailyn and the others)
CHAPTER THREE A DISCUSSION BETWEEN FRIENDS
Two months have passed since Selene left Michael so he could be leader of the Lycans. Selene has been moving all around America, and is now situated in Los Angeles. Michael, once he realized he couldn't find Selene, dedicated himself to running the Lycans. They quickly felt comfortable with him as a leader. He was harsh when he needed to be, but kind any other time. All vampire threats in New York City had been eliminated. The Lycans were safe ... for now.
MICHAEL
Michael stepped into the hall and looked around.
"Watchya looking for?" A voice piped up from behind him. He spun around, surprised to see Kailyn behind him. Kailyn was finally beginning to get over the death of her adoptive parents, and was seen hanging around with the kids more her age.
"Just looking for Simon," Michael said. Kailyn nodded. "What are you doing down here?" It didn't seem logical that the girl would be down in the science labs of the safe house.
"Derek asked me to meet him down here. We were going to go with a few of the other kids to see a movie," Kailyn answered him.
"I'll bet he's with Simon," Michael said.
"Probably. Simon's the Father that Derek wished he had," Kailyn explained as the two started down the hall.
"I know," Michael replied. "Simon told me about how he took Derek in as his own. It's nice."
"It is kind," Kailyn said, sounding distracted.
"What wrong?" Michael asked her.
"It's nothing," Kailyn said quickly. She smiled reassuringly up at him and then pushed open the lab doors. Inside there were several people wearing lab coats. After a moment of searching, Kailyn caught Derek's un-groomed brown hair next to Simon in the back. "Over there."
Simon didn't bother to look up as they approached. "Now if you'll mix these two substances, you WILL cause an explosion. This is something we don't need, so you'll want to note it."
Derek nodded solemnly, then his eyes turned to Kailyn. "Hello," He said.
"Are you almost done? The movie is going to start soon," Kailyn reminded him.
"Oh yeah," Derek said. He looked to Simon. "Could we finish this later?"
"I guess so," Simon said with a sigh.
"Thank you, we'll be back as soon as the movie is over."
"No, no. Stay out as late as you want. Just tell me who else is going."
"Nikki, Dane, Ricky and the twins," Kailyn said quickly, tugging on Derek's coat. This safe house in New York was filled with younger Lycans. People who had been changed around the turn of the century up to today. "Now can we go?"
"Go on," Simon said. They ran out of the room, almost knocking over a man with test tubes. Simon shook his head and looked down. "Ever since that girl came, he's been spending less time on his studies," He said with disapproval.
"He has forever for studies," Michael pointed out. "After all, he's immortal."
"I suppose so. Shall we be going?" He took off his coat and goggles and hung them up before the two walked out of the room.
"How are things going with Kailyn, anyways?" Simon asked once in the hall.
"Lacey really enjoys having her around. Said it reminded her of HER daughter before she was killed. It must be nice," Michael said. He looked over at the rooms where other labs were.
"You miss her, don't you?" Simon asked. Michael looked up in surprise.
"Oh yes, I miss her constant nagging and irritation with me because I can't do anything for myself," Michael said sarcastically, but still good humored. Simon grinned.
"Women. Who needs 'em, eh?" When Michael didn't answer, Simon looked down. The two entered the main foyer. Two little kids, girls of about eight sat by the fire place. A woman was in a chair reading. In the corner two men huddled, holding a whispered conversation. Taking a seat on the couch, Michael smiled.
"You're right, Simon," He said.
"About what?"
"About women. Every time I meet a good one, they end up leaving me. I better get used to being by myself."
"Mate, I think you need to find yourself a gal. Even if it's only for a night," he said.
"Have you no decency?" Michael demanded.
"You know, I always thought this generation had fewer morals than in my time, but you surprise me. I guess this generation isn't as bad as I thought," Simon admitted.
After a few moments of silence, Michael said, "I do miss her, though. Especially the sarcastic remarks. God, Selene really couldn't stand me."
Simon chuckled at this. "Oh, I don't know about THAT."
"She left, didn't she?"
"Yes, without a note, without a goodbye – you say it so many times I think I even dream of you reminding me. Let her go. There are other sharks in the sea. See, that's funny because the saying is other fish in the sea, and I said sharks, and Selene was bitter ..." At Michael's blank stare he stopped rambling. "Sorry."
"I shouldn't be worrying about her. She can take care of herself."
"And might I add very well. Look what she did to Jessica. And I've heard tales of all she did to Lycans. The ones who have lived encounters with her when they were in Budapest make her out to be a great warrior."
"She is. But what about the vampires?"
"You said she KILLED the elder, remember? Viktor was the strongest of all vampire elders. Listen, stop thinking about her, alright?"
"Yep," Michael said. But the thoughts of Selene kept drifting through his mind. Simon saw the glazed look in his eye, and said, "Try focusing on the clan."
Michael quickly snapped out of it. "Yes, the clan. Oh god, I don't think I can do this any longer," He confessed.
"Can't do what?"
"Lead the Lycans. After our last battle we lost twelve men. Twelve people who I could have saved if I hadn't sent them to fight."
"Yes, but you got rid of all vampire threats. That saved more lives than a simple loss of twelve. You best be careful, Michael. You're humanity is showing."
"Tell me Simon, what's it been like to live throughout the ages?" Michael asked as he sat back; relaxed.
Simon copied him by sitting back before he spoke. "It's incredible. You'll love it. Watching the way human kind has managed to create and develop. And the way it's managed to destroy itself." He sighed. "I doubt there's any coming back from an atomic bomb. At least not any time soon."
"You're concerned about bombs?" Michael asked, surprised.
"Of course. We may be immortal, but we aren't stupid. We've considered the possibilities of an atomic bomb many times," Simon explained. "We're still waiting for Xiang to come back. Humans are coming up with better ways to kill us and they don't even know it."
"Why must we keep our kind a secret?" Michael asked. The question had been bothering him since he had first been turned, and when he had asked Selene she had stared at him as if he were stupid, and then gone back to cleaning her guns.
"You know the stories. Even if you weren't alive back then, you know about the genocide of our kinds. We're consider evil – sins against nature. Of course, we could never help what we were. But going around and turning people, eating them. It was ... immoral, to them. We stay hidden for our own safety. Sometimes, we'll come across people who beg to be turned. That's how most of these Lycans got here. In all centuries I've lived through, this seems to be the one with the most problems. It's a shame, really. People throwing away perfectly good lives to live amongst us." Simon looked away.
"How were you turned?" Michael inquired.
"Ah, now that is a story for another time, my friend."
"Too painful?" Michael instantly thought of the grief that Selene had gone through when she was turned.
"No, actually. Too humiliating is a better way to put it." The two laughed.
"I can't imagine what would have happened," Michael said.
"Don't try to. You'll never figure out my deep secret," Simon said. Then he gave an evil laugh for the fun of it. The two girls looked at him, slightly scared, but then started laughing.
"Why are there so many women and children here? There were barely any under Lucian's rule."
"Ah, Lucian would have none of that. It made him long too much for his departed Sonja. Most women were turned by another clan. The children are from Lycan relationships, or just children who Lycans couldn't bring themselves to kill. We aren't the beasts in this battle, Michael. We may turn into beasts, but we won't kill our own for silly reasons," Simon said bitterly.
"Were you there when Sonja ...?"
"Nope. I was turned about a month after it happened, actually. But as I said – that's another story. I will tell you, though, that I was glad to be a part of this. We're fighting the good fight."
"Even if the vampires don't know the real reasons behind it?"
For once, Simon was left quiet as he contemplated what Michael had said. "That would be the elders' mistake, I would say. One day it will come back to bite them in the arse. How would you feel about being lied to for centuries?"
Michael thought of Selene. She had learned the truth, and turned against Viktor. But she had also learned he was the one to massacre her family. "Awful. I would probably revolt."
"Exactly. The vampire elders really made a mistake there. I wouldn't be surprised if we eventually joined up with them."
"That was the way it was supposed to be," Michael said quietly.
"What do you mean, mate?"
"That was what would have happened had Viktor not been awakened. Kraven – a vampire – and Lucian were working to end the war."
"This Kraven would sound very honorable if it weren't for the darkness in you voice. Tell me, friend, what is wrong?"
"Kraven was the one who killed Lucian."
Simon's jaw dropped. "Is he dead?" He asked.
At this time, the men in the corner decided to leave. The woman did the same, leaving just Simon, Michael and the little girls.
"No," Michael informed.
"How could he be on the verge of creating peace, and then betray our leader like that?" Simon demanded.
"Simple, Viktor. Selene had awoken Viktor for guidance."
"But Selene killed Viktor. Why would she awaken him?"
"Let me explain. For a long time, Viktor was Father to Selene as you are to Derek. When she caught on to the fact that Kraven was working with the Lycans, and that Lucian may be alive, she went to the only person she could think of who would know what to do. She had no idea of the true origins of the war. Eventually, Kraven was found out. He and Lucian got in an argument, and Kraven shot at him. Viktor sent Selene and a team of Death Dealers and Selene into the sewers to bring this 'nonsense' to an end. There I – having Lucian's memories – informed Selene that it was really the Vampires who had started the war. Kraven found us, and shot me, informing Selene that Viktor had killed her family before firing. To save me, Selene bit me – turning me into a hybrid. After that, Selene confronted Viktor. He and I started fighting. To him I was an 'abomination'. Selene picked up the sword and cut Viktor's head in half, saving my life."
"Ah, your story is a very interesting one," Simon said.
"It isn't mine. It's Selene's."
"Back to the vampire again," Simon noted. "Interesting how we always end up on this subject."
"Help!" A voice shouted from the entrance hall. "Somebody, help!"
Both Simon and Michael jumped up. "That sounds like Ricky," Simon stated.
"Come on," Michael said, pulling Simon with him.
They arrived in the entrance hall to see Ricky standing there holding a limp body in her blood-soaked arms, her blond hair plaster to her face from the rain. Dane was to the side, holding his arm which appeared to be broken. Both the twins, Nikki, and Kailyn were missing.
"What happened?" Simon asked, taking Derek from Nikki.
"We were attacked," Ricky said.
"Where are the others?" Michael demanded.
"Gone," Dane spat out. He finally looked away from his arm and they could see the dampness on his face. If it weren't for his puffy eyes, they would have thought it was just the rain.
"What?" A woman – Kira – asked as she came running in.
Simon turned to her. "Get Dane and Derek to the infirmary. NOW!" He shouted at her hesitation. She quickly took Derek and motioned for Dane to come with her. They exited quickly.
Ricky collapsed to the floor, burying her face in her hands. Michael looked around and noticed the audience that had surrounded them. "Leave!" He bellowed. They did as he said. Then he walked up to Ricky and helped her up.
"You're going to have to tell me what happened," He said softly. She nodded, choking on her sobs.
"I know," She whispered.
"Good," Simon said. He took Ricky's arm, and helped her up to Michael's office where they would hear the story of what had happened.
SELENE
She shot up in bed. She'd had a horrible nightmare. In it, she'd been walking towards a temple. Erika from Ordoghaz was behind her, saying something, but she wasn't sure what. She was on a mission, and determined to get it done.
"Be careful," Erika warned. Which was unusual, because Erika hadn't really cared for Selene's safety.
Selene had simply nodded, and then walked into the temple. She had no idea where she was going, but at the same time she did. Her eyes drifted around. After a minute, she heard screaming. Surprising herself, she rushed towards the cries. Soon she arrived in a large chamber. In the center of the room were steps that led to a small flooring. She ran up them, and then picked up the small child lying on the table. The girl looked to be a little more than a year old. The girl quieted down. She sat and comforted the little girl looking around, as if trying to see someone. Suddenly, the girl cried out a single word.
"Mommy!" Selene spun around to see a man standing behind her. Not allowing herself to be taken by surprise she kicked her foot out. But the man caught her foot, and pushed her back. She cried out in surprise and the girl started to slip from her grip.
"Don't let go of me, Sandra," Selene warned, catching her balance. She took in the situation and realized she wouldn't be able to fight with the girl in her arms. She gently placed her on the floor. "Stay out of the way," She whispered quickly. Then she jumped up and managed to catch the fist just before it hit her in the face. She twisted it and let go.
The man shook his hand out, and then reached for his gun. Selene, seeing this kicked out at him. Why dream Selene hadn't reached for her own gun puzzled her, but that didn't matter. The only thing important had been protecting Sandra. The man lunged at her, wrapping his arms around her throat trying to strangle her. Selene gasped, trying to choke in some air as the little girl started crying again. Without a care he tossed her off of the building.
Dream Selene lay on the hard floor, blood oozing slowly from a cut above her eye. She lifted herself up, having difficulty because she hurt all over. She turned just in time to see the man lifting Sandra into his arms.
"No!" Selene shouted. The man glanced at her, and then left, leaving her to the darkness.
Then she had woken up, wanting to scream out for Sandra to make sure she was okay, but realizing that she wasn't real. She glanced outside to see that it was dark out. She climbed out of bed, not bothering to change from her rabid dog pajama pants and matching t-shirt. She went to the balcony and looked out. She had chosen this apartment because the balcony allowed for a perfect view of the sky, and Selene liked to look up at the moon and be reminded of Michael.
After a brief moment of thought Selene got to work to making some tea. It wasn't exactly blood, but it was something for now. She had fed yesterday, and didn't need blood right at the moment. Plus, she loved the way the tea warmed up her insides. Once it was done she smelled it and went back to the balcony. After taking a long sip, she smiled. She was comfortable here, and had a feeling no one would find her for a little while, so at least she was safe. The only thing she was missing was Michael.
There was a gentle rap at the door. Selene turned around, surprised. Then thought that it must be some stupid neighbor coming to ask for something. She strolled to the door as they rapped again. When she pulled open the door, her cup clattered to the floor, breaking into tons of porcelain pieces and scalding hot tea sprinkling onto her feet. But she didn't notice. She was too busy staring at the person in front of her.
"Hello, Selene," Erika said.
(Oh, and I apologize for the split of the story, but if I had waited till the next chapter to post, you'd have to wait longer to find out what happened to Kailyn and the others)