Chapter XV
The Hunt
Two black vans sped through the streets of Budapest, their contents, Death Dealers, their destination, the former Lycan Den that Selene and Michael had been found in. The vans came to screeching halt at the entrance to a sewer system. There was a team of Ziodec guards waiting for them.
"Report" said the lead Death Dealer
"They're both here sir" a guard responded
"Okay" the Death Dealer began "You and your men stay here, incase the Vampire escapes from the sewers, the rest of you come with me." The Death Dealers entered the sewers and made their way to the den.
Selene and Michael were held up in a dark, dank room. Selene had seen the way Malachi and his Death Dealers acted towards Michael, despite the fact that Malachi had told his men to stand down after the battle with Markus, she knew that his continued existence was a direct violation of the covenant that Amelia stood for. Until they were able to escape this country, she knew that she had to keep Michael out of sight.
Michael was pacing up and down, in the dank lair that had been their home for the last couple of days, he hated this "I haven't done anything wrong" he said to Selene. "I'm no threat to them!"
"I've told you a thousand times" said Selene "Amelia will not see it that way, we killed Viktor, and your existence is a threat to the purity of the bloodline she has sworn to protect."
Michael clenched his fists "Its not fair" he said again. Something drew Michael's attention, a split second later Selene heard it as well. The sound got louder, it was the sound of footsteps. Both Michael and Selene cast their eyes towards the opening of the lair, then they saw them, a dozen Death Dealers were charging towards them, all guns blazing. Michael tried to transform into his hybrid form, however the silver rounds that were being projected his way made it difficult. The Death Dealers knew what they had to do, and they carried out their task with a ruthless sense of efficiency. The bulk of the Death Dealers concentrated their fire on Selene, with little cover in the room; the disgraced Death Dealer had little choice but to head down one of the other tunnels in order to regroup. She would not have the chance however, as her attackers began to follow her, driving her as far away from Michael as possible. When Michael finally got to his feet he was able to make the change into his hybrid form. He looked around the room quickly to find Selene, however she was not there. However he was not alone, for there were still two Death Dealers in the room with him. He growled at them, the two Vampires shared a glance with each other, and simultaneously turned to run, they headed down a tunnel, that lead in the opposite direction to the tunnel Selene used to escape. Despite Michael's unbelievable speed and agility the two Vampires were able to stay ahead of the hybrid by firing sporadic bursts of rifle fire behind them, and by dropping flash bang grenades along their route. However despite their planning and efforts, Michael's speed was far greater than previously predicted.
"You've gotta keep up Tobin" yelled David, the Vampire Malachi had placed in charge of this operation "We're almost there!"
"Where's Selene!" growled Michael as he chased them on all fours
"Fuck you freak!" was the response he received from Tobin as he fired another burst of automatic fire at his pursuer, catching his arm, and thus slowing down his advance. Michael growled with pain, as he saw the two Vampires turn a very sharp corner. Michael paused for a moment before turning the corner after them, as he did he saw a hole in the wall, there was a room there, however someone had made their own door, he could smell trouble in the air, however he knew he had to pursue the vampires, he cautiously stepped through the hole with a low growl. He looked around the room; there was no sign of the Vampires he had been chasing. He walked into the center of the room and looked around, and then it dawned on him, "shit" he barked, this room, it was the room he had fought Viktor in, the room he had nearly died in, and now he was back.
Then a black blur shot out from the shadows, and Michael felt a sharp blow to the face. The blow staggered him, and when he regained his balance there was no sign of his attacker. Again, Michael could feel movement coming from the shadows, however his attempt to defend himself was futile, he had again been hit in the face with something, a stick, however this time his attacker stayed for a split second longer, taking the time to use his stick to sweep his legs out from under him. Michael again scrambled to his feet, and attempted to find his attacker, after two more hit and run attacks Michael was finally able to lash out wildly, this time hitting his target and sending him flying into a pillar. "Shit" said Malachi as his spine connected with the pillar, sending his body splashing into the water. Malachi stood up instantly, the element of surprise was now gone, he would have to fight Michael fairly, the old fashioned way. Malachi fixed his tie and casually walked over to Michael. The two stood before each other almost chest to chest, Michael let out a menacing growl, Malachi returned the gesture with a display of fangs accompanied by a hiss. Michael stood before Malachi, he had lost his jacket and shirt during his transformation, exposing his Lycan like ribcage, and jet black skin, his hair hung loosely over his face, his claws were tensed, ready to strip flesh from bone, his fangs now covered with drawl, it was obvious that this was a very powerful immortal. Malachi however seemed unimpressed by this display. He stood before Michael, in a black three piece suit, with tie, his hair perfectly groomed, though his fangs were poised in the same way as Michael's, he did not have the same impressive claws as Michael, he had however brought an equalizer, in silver handled, and silver pointed cane. This would indeed be an epic battle, Michael, the first hybrid, an untapped resource of raw power, and Malachi, the protector of the New York coven Amelia's pride and joy, only one could walk away from this. The two warriors locked eyes, Michael's jet black, Lycan like eyes filled with rage, and strength, Malachi's emerald eyes which were the image of Amelia's, filled with a cold cynical determination.
"Care to dance?" hissed Malachi through displayed fangs.
