(I felt like I needed to bring the last part of the previous chapter into
this, so don't get mad. If you wish, you can even skip over it. Thanks to
new reviewer, neverneverland)
CHAPTER SIX THE ARRIVAL
MICHAEL Flash Back
"They've been gone for more than half an hour," Simon said nervously. Derek shook his head, but still looked furious. He had awoken again fifteen minutes earlier, and had just had everything explained to him.
"Why wasn't anything done?" He demanded.
"What could we do? They just blinked out – poof, gone, sayonara. We can't exactly replace Michael, can we?" Simon asked.
"Replacing a hybrid is next to impossible," Raze growled.
"I was talking about Michael, not the hybrid within him," Simon stated. Raze and Derek exchanged glances.
"Maybe we should go in. I'm sure I could catch on to Kailyn's scent and -."
"You are not going out there, you hear?" Simon demanded. He took Derek's shoulders and shook him. "You hear?"
"Fine!"
"We should assemble a search party. Contact other Lycan clans," Raze suggested. "The farther we reach out the quicker we might find them."
"They couldn't have gone too far. The vampire was in a car. If it's taking them so long, they can't possibly still be in that car. They're most likely at a base, so it must be nearby," Derek reasoned.
"Good thinking."
"I'll assemble a team," Raze said, standing up.
"What good does that do? We won't be able to find them," Simon snapped.
Raze growled at him. "Do you have any other suggestions?"
"We've gone through this a ton of times already, Raze. There isn't anything we can do. You said yourself that she would bring him back," Simon snapped.
"Calm down, Dad," Derek told him. "Being stressed out clouds your judgment. I would know, that's how Kailyn was taken in the first place."
"Don't start to feel guilty now, Derek. I suggest we wait fifteen more minutes. If they aren't back by then, we'll go searching," Simon suggested.
Downstairs a door slammed.
The two men jumped up. Simon raced down the stairs, and Raze – being Raze – took his time slowly. Derek peered out of the window below to see Kailyn standing in the middle of the entry hall, just where Ricky had been not much earlier. But Michael was no where to be found.
Back to the Story
"Kailyn?" Simon asked. He went up to her, but she backed away.
"Stay away from me!" She shrieked. Then she turned on her heels, her short blond hair spinning around her head, and ran down the hall, probably to lock herself away in her room.
"What's going on?" Derek demanded, panicked. He stood beside Simon, looking nervous. He sniffed the air.
"Michael's coming," Raze said for him. They went to the door just as Michael pushed through. He was no longer in Hybrid form and was panting heavily. He collapsed to the ground.
"Are you okay?" Simon asked.
"Fine," Michael answered. "Just a little tired." He gave them a wan smile.
"Close the door, Derek," Raze instructed. Derek did just that, locking it behind him. He vaguely noticed that Carr wasn't there for his door duty, but ignored it and went back to Michael.
"Something doesn't seem right," Derek stated. He sniffed at the air again, and then lifted Michael's arm. There was a bullet wound in his arm. Michael cried out when Derek touched it. He jerked back. "Raze, help me get him to the infirmary. Dad, grab the antidote from the lab," He instructed.
They quickly went their separate ways. Derek and Raze dragged Michael into the infirmary and placed him on a cot.
"What's the meaning of this?" Kira asked as she came over to them.
"Michael's been shot with a silver nitrate bullet. I'm not sure how much longer his vampire half can fight it off," Derek explained. He ran a nervous hand through his messy brown hair. "Sterilize the wound. Then get ready for a possible shot injection just below the injury."
"Who's the doctor here?" Kira snapped as she cleaned out the wound. Michael gripped at it and cried out.
"Got it!" Simon exclaimed as he entered the room. He handed Derek the needle, trying not to trip over his own feet.
"I hope this works," Derek said. He prepared the shot, and then injected it into Michael's blood stream.
"We have no idea if it will cure him," Simon explained.
"What is it?" Michael asked.
"Recently Derek and I have been working on a cure that might fight off the silver nitrate once it's in the system. Dilute it, so to say. That way there will be less damage. If it works on Michael, the vampire in him should be able to completely fight off the substance," Simon explained.
"But would it work on a Lycan? We don't have vampire blood to fight it off," Kira pointed out.
"With the nitrate decreased, our immunities should be able to fight it off," Derek stated. They all watched Michael carefully, and he felt like a bug under a magnifying glass. Slowly, the burn in him began to decrease, and he was capable of breathing more freely. He relaxed back against the cot.
"Success!" Simon exclaimed, sounding like a kid.
"Now that we are assured he won't DIE, I'd appreciate it if you would go and let him rest!" Kira exclaimed. She tried to shoo the other Lycans out.
"Okay, okay," Simon muttered. "Gees, some women. We'll be back tomorrow to run some tests, Michael!" He called over his shoulder.
"OUT!"
With that the three male Lycans left, leaving Michael to chuckle to himself before he fell asleep.
The Next Day
Michael sat up in the bed. For the third time in a year, Michael had thought he was going to die. First when he had originally met Selene. Then, when Kraven had shot him. Last was last night, when he had been shot yet again. He looked down at where he had been shot, but the wound had healed over. He had been almost all the way to the safety house when a stray bullet had ripped through him. He had barely even noticed it, though, in all the frenzy. In fact, he had forgotten until Derek remembered it. At the time, he only had one thing on his mind: Survival. He inspected the rest of him, and found that all injuries were gone. That was a relief. Michael did not need to be injured. He had to speak with the other Lycans. Discuss fighting those ... things that had taken Kailyn. Kailyn! He didn't know how she was faring.
He started to climb out of bed.
"Where do you think you're going?" Kira asked.
"Out. I'm fine," He snapped. Then he left. Kira shook her head after him. Michael smelled the air. The Lycans were all around. Every single room was filled with Lycans. There was one, though, that held a strange new smell. He recognized it instantly. It was Kailyn, back in the room that she had once shared with Selene. As he started down the hall, Michael couldn't help himself but wonder about how Selene was. He wanted to know she was safe, but with her leaving without a word, he had no way of contacting. No way to find out if she was alright. If she wasn't, he'd kill those damn vampires.
Michael shuddered at that thought. Here he was thinking about killing for some woman who had deserted him to rule these Lycans. Not that it bothered him, or anything. The ruling of the Lycans, that is. Killing those people yesterday – he hated it. But when in Hybrid state, he couldn't control himself, and he would slaughter people. It was disgusting, and he couldn't help but want to throw up at the thought that he had done that with his bare hands. He was a beast. And Caelan – what had happened to her? She hadn't come in contact with them since he left her there. It went against his morals to simply leave someone to die. Then again, Caelan was like Selene, so she could probably take care of herself. But he couldn't help but wonder. After all, she had helped him bring Kailyn back safely.
"What are you doing down here, Michael?" Derek asked, looking up at the Hybrid stalking towards him.
"I came to check on Kailyn."
"Don't bother. She won't speak to anyone. Especially not you," He stated.
"What?" Michael demanded, surprised.
"I guess she's terrified of what we are." He shrugged, as if it were no big deal, and Michael had to gawk at him. "Why don't you come with me down to the lab so we can give you a checkup, and run some tests? Dad wants to know if you have any remnants of the silver in you, or if it's been totally destroyed."
"What about Kailyn?" Michael asked.
"She won't leave," Derek assured him. "She just needs some time to herself. The reality of everything's coming back tenfold. Now come."
Not having much of a choice, he followed Derek back to the labs. It was difficult to think that it was just yesterday that he had been down here. Before everything that had happened with Kailyn and Caelan. Things were getting so hectic lately. Then again, when weren't things in the Underworld hectic? He sighed. I NEED A VACATION, he thought. He looked at Derek, and a sudden thought occurred.
"How are you taking this?" He asked.
"What?"
"The death of your friends?"
Derek shrugged, and Michael couldn't help but stare at him. "We always have to deal with losing others. You become used to it," He stated.
"But they were your friends," Michael said in awe.
"If that's the way your thinking, Michael, let me give you a hint. Don't become too attached to anyone in this world. We may live longer than most, but we can't live forever."
"You've become attached to Simon. And I think you're becoming attached to Kailyn," Michael said.
Derek didn't answer him, but Michael caught the grimace. He opened the lab door and stalked stiffly over to Simon.
"Are you ready to start testing?" Derek asked him.
Simon looked sternly at Derek, and then grinned. "I suppose we could do that now. But I thought you were going to go talk with Kailyn."
A slight blush rose to Derek's cheeks. He coughed. "Yes, well, she won't talk to me."
"Too bad," Simon said, shaking his head with false pity. He turned to Michael and brightened up. "Let's take some of your blood, hmm?"
"You are REALLY weird, you know that?" Michael asked him.
"People have mentioned it," Simon said, a slight smile on his face. He set everything up, and was soon studying Michael's blood under a telescope.
"Let me see," Derek said impatiently. He pushed Simon out of the way and looked down. Simon sat back, stunned. After a moment, Derek did the same.
"What? What's wrong?" Michael asked nervously.
"It's the silver nitrate," Simon said slowly. He looked hesitantly at Derek, who nodded his head to encourage him to continue. "It's still in your system. The antidote has diluted it – as we expected. But now your immunities are having difficulty fighting it off entirely."
"How bad is it?" Michael demanded.
"It isn't too serious. At least not yet," Derek told him. Simon nodded in agreement.
"If I could take just a bit more of your blood, I'd like to have some time to study it. Perhaps experiment with it to find a permanent cure. See how your system is fighting it off, ECT," Simon suggested, standing up.
"Sure, no problem," Michael said, holding out his arm for Simon. He couldn't help but be slightly frightened, though. What if the silver contaminated his system and he couldn't fight it off?
SELENE
A day later
Selene loaded the gun, but then stopped herself, staring down at it. "You don't really think we'll need guns, do you?" She asked.
Erika looked up. "We can't be too careful."
"It isn't to fight off the Lycans, Selene," Kahn reminded her. She nodded, but still couldn't help but worry that something might happen to Michael. She quickly pushed that aside, though. She couldn't show any emotions.
"Why don't you two finish packing your bags? I'll finish up in the armory," She said.
Erika and Kahn exchanged looks, but did as was suggested, and walked out of the room. Selene had chosen Kahn and Erika to accompany her to New York. Kahn because he was her friend, and Erika because she distrusted her. After all, the saying went keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Besides, now she would see if Erika truly wanted peace or not. Selene could judge her reaction openly.
She placed three more guns into the suitcase, and then slammed down the lid, and then sat back, waiting for Erika and Kahn to return. While sitting, she thought back to Michael. How was she going to deal with having to explain her leaving. Selene had thought about this many times before, though. She simply wouldn't answer him if he asked. She couldn't hide the fact any longer that she missed Michael. Sure, she could hide it from others, but she wasn't going to hide it from herself anymore. She couldn't help but wonder if Michael thought about her. Then she quickly scowled, throwing that thought away. Now she was going too far in her Michael thoughts.
"Thinking about anything interesting?" A teasing voice said from behind her. Selene jumped, and then turned around. There was a woman with thick blond curls to her shoulders and sun glasses covering her eyes, dressed all in black.
"Who are you?" Selene demanded with irritation.
"Name's Caelan," The woman offered, holding out her hand in a friendly gesture. Selene didn't take it. This made Caelan smile as she pulled her hand back. "So we are similar," She stated, thinking back to when Michael had offered to shake her hand, and she had done nothing.
"Why are you in the armory?" Selene inquired, and then realized it was a stupid question. She turned around, bent on ignoring this strange woman.
"I was looking for you, actually."
"Oh?" Selene asked; slight humor in her voice. "And what do you need me for?"
Selene felt the woman approach her. "Your thoughts drift. It's intriguing, but they pull back to one subject." She paused, waiting to see if she had Selene's attention. When Selene cocked her ear to hear better, the woman said, "Michael thinks about you too, you know."
"You know Michael?" Selene asked. She turned around to look at Caelan.
"He's helped me on an occasion. Or two, if he gets this right," She said to herself. Selene wanted to ask what she was talking about, but then dismissed it. This woman was simply weird. Selene opened her mouth to speak, but to her irritation, the woman spoke first.
"You may be immortal, but in everything that is to come, life will be short lived. Don't pass up on love because you fear for what others may say. You've never been one to follow rules, don't start now," She advised. And then, she simply vanished. Selene looked around, surprised. That woman was definitely a strange one.
Erika and Kahn came into the room together. "Are you all packed? The sun is going to be down in seven minutes," Kahn said. Selene nodded, and then picked up her two suitcases - one of guns, the other of clothing and such. For the time being, she was going to ignore what had just happened. She could worry about it later. Right now she had to get them to New York.
"Let's go," She said.
MICHAEL
Mostly everyone else was asleep, but Michael couldn't. He was staring at the ceiling, thinking about Selene. He couldn't stop thinking about her lately. He closed his eyes, and Selene's face entered his mind. After a moment, Michael bolted up.
"Simon," He whispered. Then he shouted the name out. He ran down the hall, stumbling on the now clean marble hall. He skidded into the lab and looked around. Simon was over in the corner, his head hunched over a microscope. Just him. When the door slammed shut, he looked up in surprise.
"Michael? You should be resting," He said.
"You know where all the other clans are, correct?" He demanded.
Simon hesitated, staring at the now wide-eyed Michael. "Yes."
"I want you to call them all up. Tell them to come here immediately. ALL of them, Simon," Michael said.
"Michael, what is this all about?"
"Something's going to happen. Something big," Michael stated.
"Michael, you need to sit down. Calm yourself for a minute -."
"No!" Michael cried, pulling away from Simon. "Call the other packs. Get them here NOW!"
"Alright," Simon relented. He stepped away and headed over to the phone, giving Michael a nervous glance. He picked up a telephone book, and then dialed a number. He waited a moment, and then said, "Cal? It's Simon. I need you over here immediately." Pause. "I'm not sure. Call the other clans, get them over here." Another pause, even longer. "Only send the heads if you must, but get at least someone from each group over here. Michael's orders." Sigh. "Yes, THE Michael. Alright, goodbye."
Michael slumped into the chair, relieved. Simon hung up the phone, and then walked slowly towards Michael.
"Now will you PLEASE tell me why I'm summoning all the leaders here?"
"Selene's coming," Michael said softly.
Simon stared incredulously at him for a moment. "Alright, mate, I know you have this thing for Selene and all, but just because she's coming doesn't mean we have to -."
"You don't understand!" Michael snapped angrily. "Selene is bringing news. BIG news - that concerns all of us."
"Just how do you know all this, Michael? Did she contact you?"
"Not exactly," Michael said.
Simon frowned. "Michael, please tell me I didn't just have all the leaders of our clans called together because you had a dream."
"It WASN'T a dream, Simon. It was more of a ... a vision. In it, Selene was telling me to gather all the members to the house. She needs to speak with all of us."
Simon buried his head in his hands. "A vampire tells you to bring our packs together – under one roof – so she can tell us something important. Alright, let's just pretend for a moment that you WEREN'T hallucinating, and Selene DID actually contact you. Do you think of the danger she might be putting us in?!" Simon demanded.
"Selene won't do that," Michael said.
"Won't she? She's a vampire, Michael!" Simon cried.
"She won't betray me like that!" Michael cried, jumping up.
Simon looked at him coldly. "How well do you know her, Michael? A few months, no? You're going to risk all the lives of the Lycans because you have FEELINGS for the vampire. She left you, Michael. What makes you think she won't betray you?"
Michael stumbled backwards, feeling as though he had been slapped. He'd never seen Simon like this. He seemed so cold and hating. Not the jester that Michael was becoming used to.
Simon sighed, seeing the look on Michael's face. "I know that you trust her, Michael. Maybe with good reason – she did save your life. I'm just saying that maybe ... maybe you should think about us, first."
Michael stared Simon in the eye. "Just trust me on this, Simon," He said.
"I DO trust you, Michael. I just don't trust Selene."
Michael grimaced. "If I'm going to stick around, you're going to have to learn to trust her," He said. Simon stared at him, surprised by the venom in his voice.
"We'll see what happens. If she does come, I want to be by your side," He said. This made Michael smile.
"It's always good to have a friend. Even if he doesn't believe what you say. How is it coming with the tests?"
"Nice way to change the subject, Michael. Why don't you go and get dressed? Even if Selene doesn't show, the leaders will. Now could be a good time for unification. We'll discuss everything else once you're taken care of. If Selene's on her way here, she'll be traveling now. Go, take care," Simon said. Michael nodded.
"I'll be back!" He called.
Simon shook his head, causing his black bangs to whip him in the eye. "At least he's not having nightmares," He muttered to himself. Then he returned to his studies.
SELENE
On the plane
They had chosen a jet plane that Kahn could pilot to take them to New York. Selene told him where they were headed, and then sat back in her chair. Even with the sun up, she hadn't slept. She'd been too busy preparing for the trip. She closed her eyes, remembering what Markus had told her about The Creature. With this THING out there, they really did need the Lycans. As glad as she was that the war would finally be over, she couldn't help but think that the circumstances were a slight problem. Then again, she couldn't help the idea of going to work. Fighting again.
Selene peered out the window, not being able to help the feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was terrified of flying. She could just barely tolerate it. She quickly looked away and over to Erika, who was looking through a catalogue. There wouldn't be much reason for conversation there. She wished she had brought her lab top from Ordoghaz. At least then she could have had SOMETHING to do. She'd checked the guns several times already.
She sat back. The only thing left to do was try to sleep. There would probably be little of that once she got to New York. After having her eye lids closed for a moment, Michael's face came into her vision. Smiling slightly to herself, she practiced what she would say. She told Michael that he would need to get all Lycans together, she had big news. Something bad was coming. Selene stopped herself there. Something was wrong. She opened her eyes again and looked to the cock pit where Kahn was flying. For a brief moment, it had felt as though her mind and Michael's was combined. Was that possible? She took in a nervous breath, and then closed her eyes. No more thoughts of Michael.
Sleep was quick to encompass Selene. But it wasn't the normal dreamless sleep. Selene was once again pulled into that strange world with the little girl.
The Dream
Selene set a plate at the table. Three year old Sandra looked up at her, her long oak-brown hair framing her little face. Her blue eyes stared piercingly at Selene. She pouted.
"I'm not hungry," She said, pushing the raw meat away.
"Sandra, you will eat every bit of that," Selene told her harshly.
"When's Daddy coming back?" Sandra asked, sticking her fork angrily in the meat.
"Sandra, don't play with your food," Selene instructed, smacking the young girl's hand gently before she sat next to her. There was a glass of blood next to her, and she sipped it slowly. Sandra groaned. "Your father will be back soon," Selene said simply.
Sandra pushed the plate away. Selene looked at her with annoyance. "Sandra," She warned.
"I don't want to!" Sandra whined.
Selene pushed the plate back, picked up the fork and put it in her daughter's hand. "EAT," She commanded.
Sandra scowled at her mother. Anyone would know she was Selene's daughter, just by seeing that look. She didn't push it away, but continued to poke at it, her little head resting against her palm. There was a gentle knock at the door.
Selene looked up and scowled. "Stay here," she warned her daughter. Sandra's head swiveled around as Selene went to the door. She cautiously pulled the door open, revealing Erika and her son, Christopher. Selene's shoulders drooped with relief.
"Come in," she said, smiling at the two. Erika quickly pushed the little boy in, who ran over to Sandra to speak with her. Erika quickly closed the door behind her.
"What's wrong?" Selene asked, concern crossing her face.
"Markus came to us to tell us that we need to pack up and get out of here," Erika informed her.
"What!?" Selene demanded. "We should stay and fight."
"Mommy? Can I go to my room?" Sandra asked.
"Go," Selene snapped sharply. Sandra looked at her like she was going to cry, and then took Christopher's hand and ran out of the room. Selene slumped onto the couch.
"What great parenting," Erika said sarcastically. Selene threw her a look that simply said: SHUT UP.
"What's going on?" Selene asked.
"Gaerwn is flooding the castle," She said. "We've got to get out of here."
"Where's Michael?" Selene demanded, jumping up.
"He's with Markus and the others, leading the fight," Erika said.
"Sandra! Christopher, we've got to go!" Selene called out. The children came out.
"Mommy?" Sandra asked, looking nervous. She bit her lip with worry.
Selene pulled a gun out and checked to make sure it was full. "Sandra, go with Aunt Erika to the safety quarters."
"Where are they?" Erika demanded, taking her son into her arms. Selene grabbed Sandra's hand and motioned for Erika to follow them down the hall. She struggled with the venting.
"Erika, help," She said. Erika quickly took one part of the vent and the two women heaved. The vent ripped off. Selene dug her long nails into the end of the brick, and pulled, revealing a hidden hallway. She pulled Sandra close to her.
"Stay with Erika, Sandra," She said.
"Aren't you coming?" Erika asked as she slid in, and then stood up. Christopher followed her, clinging to his mother.
"I'm going to go and fight," Selene replied. She gently pushed Sandra through.
"I think Sandra could use her Mother," Erika said with irritation.
"Michael needs me," Selene replied. "Follow through down the tunnel to the hidden room. Try to get others with you, if you can find them, and DON'T give yourselves away."
Sandra ran out and wrapped her Mother in her arms. "I'll see you soon, right Mommy?"
"Of course," Selene told her.
"I love you, Mommy," Sandra told her.
"I love you too, Sandra. And so does Daddy. Now go with Aunt Erika."
"Yes Mommy," Sandra said. She backed away from the door, and Selene pushed the brick wall back into place.
Quickly bending the candelabra that was on the wall locked the brick door. She hurriedly heaved the ventilation gate back on, and then marched to the door. She pulled it open, and was surprised to see Gaerwn standing there. He reached out and pulled her to him, turning her around so her back was to his chest. He wrapped his arm around her throat and his other hand reached out and twisted hers, forcing the gun to the floor.
"Where's the girl," He growled.
Selene didn't answer; she just struggled in his grip, trying to get some air. He twisted her arm again, and she couldn't stop the small groan from escaping. "I'll ask you again, where's Sandra?" He demanded.
"Go to hell," Selene managed to murmur.
"Wrong answer," Gaerwn snapped. He shoved a knife in Selene's back, and then dropped her to the floor. Selene lay there, gasping for air. "Take her into custody!" He called to two of his guards. They rushed forward, and pulled her to her feet.
Gaerwn stepped up to her, and evil smile on his face. "I will find the child. And when I do ..."
"Selene!" Someone exclaimed.
The image of the dream faded away, and Selene's eyes jerked open. She stared with surprise at Erika.
"What?" She asked.
"We're approaching Rochester," Erika told her. "We'll be arriving soon."
Selene nodded.
"Hold on tight you guys, we're landing," Kahn said, looking out at them from his headquarters. It didn't take long for them to arrive. After they had landed, they rented a car, and Selene drove to where the Lycan's safety house was. They pulled up around the corner.
"Leave everything in here. If you must, hide one gun. We won't need it, but just in case," Selene told them. They did as she suggested, not arguing about it. Then they marched to the door. Selene gave an irritated knock, and waited for the door to open. When it did, a gun was pointed at her head.
"Welcome back, vampire," Carr said, an evil smile twisted onto his face.
CHAPTER SIX THE ARRIVAL
MICHAEL Flash Back
"They've been gone for more than half an hour," Simon said nervously. Derek shook his head, but still looked furious. He had awoken again fifteen minutes earlier, and had just had everything explained to him.
"Why wasn't anything done?" He demanded.
"What could we do? They just blinked out – poof, gone, sayonara. We can't exactly replace Michael, can we?" Simon asked.
"Replacing a hybrid is next to impossible," Raze growled.
"I was talking about Michael, not the hybrid within him," Simon stated. Raze and Derek exchanged glances.
"Maybe we should go in. I'm sure I could catch on to Kailyn's scent and -."
"You are not going out there, you hear?" Simon demanded. He took Derek's shoulders and shook him. "You hear?"
"Fine!"
"We should assemble a search party. Contact other Lycan clans," Raze suggested. "The farther we reach out the quicker we might find them."
"They couldn't have gone too far. The vampire was in a car. If it's taking them so long, they can't possibly still be in that car. They're most likely at a base, so it must be nearby," Derek reasoned.
"Good thinking."
"I'll assemble a team," Raze said, standing up.
"What good does that do? We won't be able to find them," Simon snapped.
Raze growled at him. "Do you have any other suggestions?"
"We've gone through this a ton of times already, Raze. There isn't anything we can do. You said yourself that she would bring him back," Simon snapped.
"Calm down, Dad," Derek told him. "Being stressed out clouds your judgment. I would know, that's how Kailyn was taken in the first place."
"Don't start to feel guilty now, Derek. I suggest we wait fifteen more minutes. If they aren't back by then, we'll go searching," Simon suggested.
Downstairs a door slammed.
The two men jumped up. Simon raced down the stairs, and Raze – being Raze – took his time slowly. Derek peered out of the window below to see Kailyn standing in the middle of the entry hall, just where Ricky had been not much earlier. But Michael was no where to be found.
Back to the Story
"Kailyn?" Simon asked. He went up to her, but she backed away.
"Stay away from me!" She shrieked. Then she turned on her heels, her short blond hair spinning around her head, and ran down the hall, probably to lock herself away in her room.
"What's going on?" Derek demanded, panicked. He stood beside Simon, looking nervous. He sniffed the air.
"Michael's coming," Raze said for him. They went to the door just as Michael pushed through. He was no longer in Hybrid form and was panting heavily. He collapsed to the ground.
"Are you okay?" Simon asked.
"Fine," Michael answered. "Just a little tired." He gave them a wan smile.
"Close the door, Derek," Raze instructed. Derek did just that, locking it behind him. He vaguely noticed that Carr wasn't there for his door duty, but ignored it and went back to Michael.
"Something doesn't seem right," Derek stated. He sniffed at the air again, and then lifted Michael's arm. There was a bullet wound in his arm. Michael cried out when Derek touched it. He jerked back. "Raze, help me get him to the infirmary. Dad, grab the antidote from the lab," He instructed.
They quickly went their separate ways. Derek and Raze dragged Michael into the infirmary and placed him on a cot.
"What's the meaning of this?" Kira asked as she came over to them.
"Michael's been shot with a silver nitrate bullet. I'm not sure how much longer his vampire half can fight it off," Derek explained. He ran a nervous hand through his messy brown hair. "Sterilize the wound. Then get ready for a possible shot injection just below the injury."
"Who's the doctor here?" Kira snapped as she cleaned out the wound. Michael gripped at it and cried out.
"Got it!" Simon exclaimed as he entered the room. He handed Derek the needle, trying not to trip over his own feet.
"I hope this works," Derek said. He prepared the shot, and then injected it into Michael's blood stream.
"We have no idea if it will cure him," Simon explained.
"What is it?" Michael asked.
"Recently Derek and I have been working on a cure that might fight off the silver nitrate once it's in the system. Dilute it, so to say. That way there will be less damage. If it works on Michael, the vampire in him should be able to completely fight off the substance," Simon explained.
"But would it work on a Lycan? We don't have vampire blood to fight it off," Kira pointed out.
"With the nitrate decreased, our immunities should be able to fight it off," Derek stated. They all watched Michael carefully, and he felt like a bug under a magnifying glass. Slowly, the burn in him began to decrease, and he was capable of breathing more freely. He relaxed back against the cot.
"Success!" Simon exclaimed, sounding like a kid.
"Now that we are assured he won't DIE, I'd appreciate it if you would go and let him rest!" Kira exclaimed. She tried to shoo the other Lycans out.
"Okay, okay," Simon muttered. "Gees, some women. We'll be back tomorrow to run some tests, Michael!" He called over his shoulder.
"OUT!"
With that the three male Lycans left, leaving Michael to chuckle to himself before he fell asleep.
The Next Day
Michael sat up in the bed. For the third time in a year, Michael had thought he was going to die. First when he had originally met Selene. Then, when Kraven had shot him. Last was last night, when he had been shot yet again. He looked down at where he had been shot, but the wound had healed over. He had been almost all the way to the safety house when a stray bullet had ripped through him. He had barely even noticed it, though, in all the frenzy. In fact, he had forgotten until Derek remembered it. At the time, he only had one thing on his mind: Survival. He inspected the rest of him, and found that all injuries were gone. That was a relief. Michael did not need to be injured. He had to speak with the other Lycans. Discuss fighting those ... things that had taken Kailyn. Kailyn! He didn't know how she was faring.
He started to climb out of bed.
"Where do you think you're going?" Kira asked.
"Out. I'm fine," He snapped. Then he left. Kira shook her head after him. Michael smelled the air. The Lycans were all around. Every single room was filled with Lycans. There was one, though, that held a strange new smell. He recognized it instantly. It was Kailyn, back in the room that she had once shared with Selene. As he started down the hall, Michael couldn't help himself but wonder about how Selene was. He wanted to know she was safe, but with her leaving without a word, he had no way of contacting. No way to find out if she was alright. If she wasn't, he'd kill those damn vampires.
Michael shuddered at that thought. Here he was thinking about killing for some woman who had deserted him to rule these Lycans. Not that it bothered him, or anything. The ruling of the Lycans, that is. Killing those people yesterday – he hated it. But when in Hybrid state, he couldn't control himself, and he would slaughter people. It was disgusting, and he couldn't help but want to throw up at the thought that he had done that with his bare hands. He was a beast. And Caelan – what had happened to her? She hadn't come in contact with them since he left her there. It went against his morals to simply leave someone to die. Then again, Caelan was like Selene, so she could probably take care of herself. But he couldn't help but wonder. After all, she had helped him bring Kailyn back safely.
"What are you doing down here, Michael?" Derek asked, looking up at the Hybrid stalking towards him.
"I came to check on Kailyn."
"Don't bother. She won't speak to anyone. Especially not you," He stated.
"What?" Michael demanded, surprised.
"I guess she's terrified of what we are." He shrugged, as if it were no big deal, and Michael had to gawk at him. "Why don't you come with me down to the lab so we can give you a checkup, and run some tests? Dad wants to know if you have any remnants of the silver in you, or if it's been totally destroyed."
"What about Kailyn?" Michael asked.
"She won't leave," Derek assured him. "She just needs some time to herself. The reality of everything's coming back tenfold. Now come."
Not having much of a choice, he followed Derek back to the labs. It was difficult to think that it was just yesterday that he had been down here. Before everything that had happened with Kailyn and Caelan. Things were getting so hectic lately. Then again, when weren't things in the Underworld hectic? He sighed. I NEED A VACATION, he thought. He looked at Derek, and a sudden thought occurred.
"How are you taking this?" He asked.
"What?"
"The death of your friends?"
Derek shrugged, and Michael couldn't help but stare at him. "We always have to deal with losing others. You become used to it," He stated.
"But they were your friends," Michael said in awe.
"If that's the way your thinking, Michael, let me give you a hint. Don't become too attached to anyone in this world. We may live longer than most, but we can't live forever."
"You've become attached to Simon. And I think you're becoming attached to Kailyn," Michael said.
Derek didn't answer him, but Michael caught the grimace. He opened the lab door and stalked stiffly over to Simon.
"Are you ready to start testing?" Derek asked him.
Simon looked sternly at Derek, and then grinned. "I suppose we could do that now. But I thought you were going to go talk with Kailyn."
A slight blush rose to Derek's cheeks. He coughed. "Yes, well, she won't talk to me."
"Too bad," Simon said, shaking his head with false pity. He turned to Michael and brightened up. "Let's take some of your blood, hmm?"
"You are REALLY weird, you know that?" Michael asked him.
"People have mentioned it," Simon said, a slight smile on his face. He set everything up, and was soon studying Michael's blood under a telescope.
"Let me see," Derek said impatiently. He pushed Simon out of the way and looked down. Simon sat back, stunned. After a moment, Derek did the same.
"What? What's wrong?" Michael asked nervously.
"It's the silver nitrate," Simon said slowly. He looked hesitantly at Derek, who nodded his head to encourage him to continue. "It's still in your system. The antidote has diluted it – as we expected. But now your immunities are having difficulty fighting it off entirely."
"How bad is it?" Michael demanded.
"It isn't too serious. At least not yet," Derek told him. Simon nodded in agreement.
"If I could take just a bit more of your blood, I'd like to have some time to study it. Perhaps experiment with it to find a permanent cure. See how your system is fighting it off, ECT," Simon suggested, standing up.
"Sure, no problem," Michael said, holding out his arm for Simon. He couldn't help but be slightly frightened, though. What if the silver contaminated his system and he couldn't fight it off?
SELENE
A day later
Selene loaded the gun, but then stopped herself, staring down at it. "You don't really think we'll need guns, do you?" She asked.
Erika looked up. "We can't be too careful."
"It isn't to fight off the Lycans, Selene," Kahn reminded her. She nodded, but still couldn't help but worry that something might happen to Michael. She quickly pushed that aside, though. She couldn't show any emotions.
"Why don't you two finish packing your bags? I'll finish up in the armory," She said.
Erika and Kahn exchanged looks, but did as was suggested, and walked out of the room. Selene had chosen Kahn and Erika to accompany her to New York. Kahn because he was her friend, and Erika because she distrusted her. After all, the saying went keep your friends close, and your enemies closer. Besides, now she would see if Erika truly wanted peace or not. Selene could judge her reaction openly.
She placed three more guns into the suitcase, and then slammed down the lid, and then sat back, waiting for Erika and Kahn to return. While sitting, she thought back to Michael. How was she going to deal with having to explain her leaving. Selene had thought about this many times before, though. She simply wouldn't answer him if he asked. She couldn't hide the fact any longer that she missed Michael. Sure, she could hide it from others, but she wasn't going to hide it from herself anymore. She couldn't help but wonder if Michael thought about her. Then she quickly scowled, throwing that thought away. Now she was going too far in her Michael thoughts.
"Thinking about anything interesting?" A teasing voice said from behind her. Selene jumped, and then turned around. There was a woman with thick blond curls to her shoulders and sun glasses covering her eyes, dressed all in black.
"Who are you?" Selene demanded with irritation.
"Name's Caelan," The woman offered, holding out her hand in a friendly gesture. Selene didn't take it. This made Caelan smile as she pulled her hand back. "So we are similar," She stated, thinking back to when Michael had offered to shake her hand, and she had done nothing.
"Why are you in the armory?" Selene inquired, and then realized it was a stupid question. She turned around, bent on ignoring this strange woman.
"I was looking for you, actually."
"Oh?" Selene asked; slight humor in her voice. "And what do you need me for?"
Selene felt the woman approach her. "Your thoughts drift. It's intriguing, but they pull back to one subject." She paused, waiting to see if she had Selene's attention. When Selene cocked her ear to hear better, the woman said, "Michael thinks about you too, you know."
"You know Michael?" Selene asked. She turned around to look at Caelan.
"He's helped me on an occasion. Or two, if he gets this right," She said to herself. Selene wanted to ask what she was talking about, but then dismissed it. This woman was simply weird. Selene opened her mouth to speak, but to her irritation, the woman spoke first.
"You may be immortal, but in everything that is to come, life will be short lived. Don't pass up on love because you fear for what others may say. You've never been one to follow rules, don't start now," She advised. And then, she simply vanished. Selene looked around, surprised. That woman was definitely a strange one.
Erika and Kahn came into the room together. "Are you all packed? The sun is going to be down in seven minutes," Kahn said. Selene nodded, and then picked up her two suitcases - one of guns, the other of clothing and such. For the time being, she was going to ignore what had just happened. She could worry about it later. Right now she had to get them to New York.
"Let's go," She said.
MICHAEL
Mostly everyone else was asleep, but Michael couldn't. He was staring at the ceiling, thinking about Selene. He couldn't stop thinking about her lately. He closed his eyes, and Selene's face entered his mind. After a moment, Michael bolted up.
"Simon," He whispered. Then he shouted the name out. He ran down the hall, stumbling on the now clean marble hall. He skidded into the lab and looked around. Simon was over in the corner, his head hunched over a microscope. Just him. When the door slammed shut, he looked up in surprise.
"Michael? You should be resting," He said.
"You know where all the other clans are, correct?" He demanded.
Simon hesitated, staring at the now wide-eyed Michael. "Yes."
"I want you to call them all up. Tell them to come here immediately. ALL of them, Simon," Michael said.
"Michael, what is this all about?"
"Something's going to happen. Something big," Michael stated.
"Michael, you need to sit down. Calm yourself for a minute -."
"No!" Michael cried, pulling away from Simon. "Call the other packs. Get them here NOW!"
"Alright," Simon relented. He stepped away and headed over to the phone, giving Michael a nervous glance. He picked up a telephone book, and then dialed a number. He waited a moment, and then said, "Cal? It's Simon. I need you over here immediately." Pause. "I'm not sure. Call the other clans, get them over here." Another pause, even longer. "Only send the heads if you must, but get at least someone from each group over here. Michael's orders." Sigh. "Yes, THE Michael. Alright, goodbye."
Michael slumped into the chair, relieved. Simon hung up the phone, and then walked slowly towards Michael.
"Now will you PLEASE tell me why I'm summoning all the leaders here?"
"Selene's coming," Michael said softly.
Simon stared incredulously at him for a moment. "Alright, mate, I know you have this thing for Selene and all, but just because she's coming doesn't mean we have to -."
"You don't understand!" Michael snapped angrily. "Selene is bringing news. BIG news - that concerns all of us."
"Just how do you know all this, Michael? Did she contact you?"
"Not exactly," Michael said.
Simon frowned. "Michael, please tell me I didn't just have all the leaders of our clans called together because you had a dream."
"It WASN'T a dream, Simon. It was more of a ... a vision. In it, Selene was telling me to gather all the members to the house. She needs to speak with all of us."
Simon buried his head in his hands. "A vampire tells you to bring our packs together – under one roof – so she can tell us something important. Alright, let's just pretend for a moment that you WEREN'T hallucinating, and Selene DID actually contact you. Do you think of the danger she might be putting us in?!" Simon demanded.
"Selene won't do that," Michael said.
"Won't she? She's a vampire, Michael!" Simon cried.
"She won't betray me like that!" Michael cried, jumping up.
Simon looked at him coldly. "How well do you know her, Michael? A few months, no? You're going to risk all the lives of the Lycans because you have FEELINGS for the vampire. She left you, Michael. What makes you think she won't betray you?"
Michael stumbled backwards, feeling as though he had been slapped. He'd never seen Simon like this. He seemed so cold and hating. Not the jester that Michael was becoming used to.
Simon sighed, seeing the look on Michael's face. "I know that you trust her, Michael. Maybe with good reason – she did save your life. I'm just saying that maybe ... maybe you should think about us, first."
Michael stared Simon in the eye. "Just trust me on this, Simon," He said.
"I DO trust you, Michael. I just don't trust Selene."
Michael grimaced. "If I'm going to stick around, you're going to have to learn to trust her," He said. Simon stared at him, surprised by the venom in his voice.
"We'll see what happens. If she does come, I want to be by your side," He said. This made Michael smile.
"It's always good to have a friend. Even if he doesn't believe what you say. How is it coming with the tests?"
"Nice way to change the subject, Michael. Why don't you go and get dressed? Even if Selene doesn't show, the leaders will. Now could be a good time for unification. We'll discuss everything else once you're taken care of. If Selene's on her way here, she'll be traveling now. Go, take care," Simon said. Michael nodded.
"I'll be back!" He called.
Simon shook his head, causing his black bangs to whip him in the eye. "At least he's not having nightmares," He muttered to himself. Then he returned to his studies.
SELENE
On the plane
They had chosen a jet plane that Kahn could pilot to take them to New York. Selene told him where they were headed, and then sat back in her chair. Even with the sun up, she hadn't slept. She'd been too busy preparing for the trip. She closed her eyes, remembering what Markus had told her about The Creature. With this THING out there, they really did need the Lycans. As glad as she was that the war would finally be over, she couldn't help but think that the circumstances were a slight problem. Then again, she couldn't help the idea of going to work. Fighting again.
Selene peered out the window, not being able to help the feeling in the pit of her stomach. She was terrified of flying. She could just barely tolerate it. She quickly looked away and over to Erika, who was looking through a catalogue. There wouldn't be much reason for conversation there. She wished she had brought her lab top from Ordoghaz. At least then she could have had SOMETHING to do. She'd checked the guns several times already.
She sat back. The only thing left to do was try to sleep. There would probably be little of that once she got to New York. After having her eye lids closed for a moment, Michael's face came into her vision. Smiling slightly to herself, she practiced what she would say. She told Michael that he would need to get all Lycans together, she had big news. Something bad was coming. Selene stopped herself there. Something was wrong. She opened her eyes again and looked to the cock pit where Kahn was flying. For a brief moment, it had felt as though her mind and Michael's was combined. Was that possible? She took in a nervous breath, and then closed her eyes. No more thoughts of Michael.
Sleep was quick to encompass Selene. But it wasn't the normal dreamless sleep. Selene was once again pulled into that strange world with the little girl.
The Dream
Selene set a plate at the table. Three year old Sandra looked up at her, her long oak-brown hair framing her little face. Her blue eyes stared piercingly at Selene. She pouted.
"I'm not hungry," She said, pushing the raw meat away.
"Sandra, you will eat every bit of that," Selene told her harshly.
"When's Daddy coming back?" Sandra asked, sticking her fork angrily in the meat.
"Sandra, don't play with your food," Selene instructed, smacking the young girl's hand gently before she sat next to her. There was a glass of blood next to her, and she sipped it slowly. Sandra groaned. "Your father will be back soon," Selene said simply.
Sandra pushed the plate away. Selene looked at her with annoyance. "Sandra," She warned.
"I don't want to!" Sandra whined.
Selene pushed the plate back, picked up the fork and put it in her daughter's hand. "EAT," She commanded.
Sandra scowled at her mother. Anyone would know she was Selene's daughter, just by seeing that look. She didn't push it away, but continued to poke at it, her little head resting against her palm. There was a gentle knock at the door.
Selene looked up and scowled. "Stay here," she warned her daughter. Sandra's head swiveled around as Selene went to the door. She cautiously pulled the door open, revealing Erika and her son, Christopher. Selene's shoulders drooped with relief.
"Come in," she said, smiling at the two. Erika quickly pushed the little boy in, who ran over to Sandra to speak with her. Erika quickly closed the door behind her.
"What's wrong?" Selene asked, concern crossing her face.
"Markus came to us to tell us that we need to pack up and get out of here," Erika informed her.
"What!?" Selene demanded. "We should stay and fight."
"Mommy? Can I go to my room?" Sandra asked.
"Go," Selene snapped sharply. Sandra looked at her like she was going to cry, and then took Christopher's hand and ran out of the room. Selene slumped onto the couch.
"What great parenting," Erika said sarcastically. Selene threw her a look that simply said: SHUT UP.
"What's going on?" Selene asked.
"Gaerwn is flooding the castle," She said. "We've got to get out of here."
"Where's Michael?" Selene demanded, jumping up.
"He's with Markus and the others, leading the fight," Erika said.
"Sandra! Christopher, we've got to go!" Selene called out. The children came out.
"Mommy?" Sandra asked, looking nervous. She bit her lip with worry.
Selene pulled a gun out and checked to make sure it was full. "Sandra, go with Aunt Erika to the safety quarters."
"Where are they?" Erika demanded, taking her son into her arms. Selene grabbed Sandra's hand and motioned for Erika to follow them down the hall. She struggled with the venting.
"Erika, help," She said. Erika quickly took one part of the vent and the two women heaved. The vent ripped off. Selene dug her long nails into the end of the brick, and pulled, revealing a hidden hallway. She pulled Sandra close to her.
"Stay with Erika, Sandra," She said.
"Aren't you coming?" Erika asked as she slid in, and then stood up. Christopher followed her, clinging to his mother.
"I'm going to go and fight," Selene replied. She gently pushed Sandra through.
"I think Sandra could use her Mother," Erika said with irritation.
"Michael needs me," Selene replied. "Follow through down the tunnel to the hidden room. Try to get others with you, if you can find them, and DON'T give yourselves away."
Sandra ran out and wrapped her Mother in her arms. "I'll see you soon, right Mommy?"
"Of course," Selene told her.
"I love you, Mommy," Sandra told her.
"I love you too, Sandra. And so does Daddy. Now go with Aunt Erika."
"Yes Mommy," Sandra said. She backed away from the door, and Selene pushed the brick wall back into place.
Quickly bending the candelabra that was on the wall locked the brick door. She hurriedly heaved the ventilation gate back on, and then marched to the door. She pulled it open, and was surprised to see Gaerwn standing there. He reached out and pulled her to him, turning her around so her back was to his chest. He wrapped his arm around her throat and his other hand reached out and twisted hers, forcing the gun to the floor.
"Where's the girl," He growled.
Selene didn't answer; she just struggled in his grip, trying to get some air. He twisted her arm again, and she couldn't stop the small groan from escaping. "I'll ask you again, where's Sandra?" He demanded.
"Go to hell," Selene managed to murmur.
"Wrong answer," Gaerwn snapped. He shoved a knife in Selene's back, and then dropped her to the floor. Selene lay there, gasping for air. "Take her into custody!" He called to two of his guards. They rushed forward, and pulled her to her feet.
Gaerwn stepped up to her, and evil smile on his face. "I will find the child. And when I do ..."
"Selene!" Someone exclaimed.
The image of the dream faded away, and Selene's eyes jerked open. She stared with surprise at Erika.
"What?" She asked.
"We're approaching Rochester," Erika told her. "We'll be arriving soon."
Selene nodded.
"Hold on tight you guys, we're landing," Kahn said, looking out at them from his headquarters. It didn't take long for them to arrive. After they had landed, they rented a car, and Selene drove to where the Lycan's safety house was. They pulled up around the corner.
"Leave everything in here. If you must, hide one gun. We won't need it, but just in case," Selene told them. They did as she suggested, not arguing about it. Then they marched to the door. Selene gave an irritated knock, and waited for the door to open. When it did, a gun was pointed at her head.
"Welcome back, vampire," Carr said, an evil smile twisted onto his face.