Disclaimer: I don't own 'Underworld' or any of its regular characters. So there is no copyright infringement intended, nor do I intend to tick anyone off – I do this for fun and nothing else; if you sue me I'm too poor to pay and all you get is a rust bucket car, and a load of animals with attitude problems that make Viktor and Lucien look like a cakewalk:O)

The song I've included in this chapter "Who wants to live forever?" was originally done by Queen. However, my version is more angsty (and fitting to this chapter) and was done by Dune on the 'Chillout Moods' 8 CD compilation and is the best version of this song I have ever heard; I thoroughly recommend it to everyone. My description of Devon's voice is based on the female lead singer's from Dune.

Shannon K: Unfortunately without the details her story would make absolutely no sense; so it has to be there, sorry. There's not so much this chapter, so hopefully it'll be more enjoyable and easier to follow. :O) Also pity me, it was worse to write! LOL Anyway, hope you like this chapter too!

Snape's Opera Rose: Hope you like this chapter too, and it's soon enough for an update:O)

Calliann: Well, your opinion means a lot to me sis, so I'm glad you like it so much. I think you can be a bloody good religion without a bible and rules. So long as you believe in something and you follow it with likeminded people who treat all others with respect and don't harm them then that is a good religion. I bet wiccans wouldn't bloody blow up London! So I think you have every right to rant and I speak as a christian. Yeah me too, I mean until that point she felt her life and stuff was boring and normal, just a little eccentric on the family front and then BAM! Yeah I would definitely have fainted! LOL I hope I got Selene's humour right, I figured to a certain extent it would be similar to Tristan's, ie very dry, but in her case because there is not much mirth (or at least doesn't appear to be!) where she was in the movie, so it's only now it's coming to the fore a little. Just hope you like this chapter too! Don't worry about Kraven! ;O

JMax: Sorry about all the Lucien stuff! But did say I was a HUGE fan! Will try and incorporate more M/S as the story progresses:O) There will be a bit more with Selene and Sky in the next chapter…..so will try and stuff some michael in there too:O) (Just for you! LOL)

Evenstar-mor2004: Nope, I think we are only two of an army! Yeah, I do love that name too! But I have a daughter called Beth….though s'pose I could nickname her Luciena! ROFL I've tried to keep the characters right (which means muchly watching of the film, can't complain as I love Lucien, I think I've said that right? LOL) so glad you think they're still right. Let me know if they're not though okay and I will try to get them back on track.

Harpy Prince: No it was blood from Amelia and Michael they had to inject. It was the only way to bring Lucien back from the dead, and Raze to a lesser extent as he was the only one that Lucien truly trusted and so he would want Raze to definitely be able to survive to make sure he was saved also. A simple plan, admittedly, but I kind of got the impression that was what Lucien was hoping for in the movie when he injected Michael's blood into himself. But I can promise they'll be the only hybrids now:O) No they don't, which was why they needed Michael's blood before they injected Amelia's.

Oh and you get the idea from the story that I am a Lucien fan; if you do, you'd be right! LOL

As to the reason for writing the story, let's just say the plot bunnies have been gnawing my leg for some time on this one and decided to finally give in.

WARNING: THERE WILL BE BAD LANGUAGE AND VIOLENCE, SO READ AT YOUR OWN PERIL.

All reviews, and constructive criticism, gratefully received – but no flaming please; and I will try to update regularly.

'—' signifies thoughts.

"—" signifies speech.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

PROPHECY

Chapter Three - Confidences

A few minutes later Sky came round to find Lucian back in his human form, only with a concerned look on his face "Are you alright? I should never have done that….or at least you given a little more warning."

She struggled to sit up but, he was surprised to note, she didn't seem afraid of him and he said as much.

"Why would I be? I'm sure you could've killed me at any time, but you didn't – plus, and more importantly, Uli adores you Lucian. If she thinks you're alright I won't argue." She smiled shakily "sorry I fainted, it was just a bit of a shock."

"I think I would've done the same in your shoes…." Lucian flashed a smile as he helped her up and into a chair.

She sat for a minute and then decided to get on with the hot chocolate "I think I need it now more than ever." She mumbled and went back to the now rapidly cooling milk.

Lucian watched her work and waited for her to come and sit down "there's more to this right? I mean if you are…what are you? A Lycan?" Lucian was pleased she still felt at ease enough with him to sit close by.

"Lycan/Vampire hybrid…." She raised an eyebrow "it's a long story." He sighed.

She glanced round as if making a point "Where am I going Lucian?"

So he told her – everything; right from the beginning up to then. Lastly he told her why the war had started, at least he's part. He had his eyes on the table and was surprised to see her hand come out and cover his own; he looked up into her eyes "You are a kind soul Sky." He smiled sadly "You remind of Sonja."

"From what you've told me of her I will take that as a compliment." She smiled.

He dipped his head "It was certainly meant as such."

"There's more though, isn't there? Better to tell me now, I'd rather pass out whilst you're here and do not make fun, than with others who might."

He sighed "Grandma is a Lycan and is indeed 764 years old. I met her shortly after escaping Viktor and she nursed me back to health; she advised against vengeance but I did not listen.

I also think those that killed your parents, and turned the village against your family were vampires."

She stared for a moment "I see, well that would explain much; but that's not all is it?" He hesitated, but then pressed on, told her of the prophecy…..

Once more her mouth had fallen open and once more, with a small and sympathetic smile, he pushed it shut.

"So my loyalty to the Lycans was more than just me being for the underdog?" she said, he smiled at her "pardon the pun."

"It would seem that way – it seems you opted to support those you felt were on the losing side. With you as their ally, well, you and Uli, it is unlikely you and they will lose; but I will say this – not all Lycans are worthy of your support and not all vampires your anger. Selene is a case in point; she has sacrificed everything to save Michael."

"It seems she is the exception that proves the rule – she loves someone other than herself." Sky smiled.

"You do not view Lycans the same, do you?" Lucian was intrigued she was genuinely sympathetic to his kind. "Normally people go for the vampires – they give off a more refined air, more……angst ridden." He smiled.

"She certainly does…..but no, my heart and soul reside with Lycans and not only because it seems my family are some weird kind of descendents of the oldest one amongst others." She squeezed his hand, which she had been holding all this time.

"You have souls that care Lucian. Look at Raze; alright, he comes across as a bit of a loose cannon – but a more loyal friend you couldn't wish for, Uli said as much and she is never wrong. Vampires do not have that I'm sure." Lucian thought about what he knew of them and shook in his head in agreement.

"No, you are correct that Selene is rare, but it does not mean she is alone…..Sonja" he sighed "she died because of her love for me. She could easily have denounced me, allowed their medics to abort our child, but she did not….she remained true to me until the end."

"So would I….I would never abandon you…." she whispered "I would never abandon anyone I cared for – friend or family."

He raised his eyes to hers "you have felt it all along haven't you, have you never wondered?"

She smiled "Yes and yes - but my parents would become agitated and so in the end I gave up asking. Con was sworn to secrecy as was the rest of my family on pain of never seeing me again" she stopped and grinned "pack' I should call them now I suppose…."

He grinned back "I am in awe of you Sky….this hasn't phased you at all."

"Umm….well, I fainted when you became your hybrid form, you have to keep shutting my mouth for met to prevent me catching flies; and I have to say underneath this reasonably calm exterior I am a quaking mass….I must be, I put salt instead of sugar in my hot chocolate!"

They both fell about laughing until Sky dissolved into tears. Lucian at once was around the table and, kneeling next to her, hugged her tightly. "It is a heavy burden you must carry Sky. But know this – you will always have me at your shoulder, I would never forsake you no matter what. As long as I breathe you will never be alone." He whispered into her ear.

She hugged him all the tighter "You have no idea what that means to me Lucian." She sat back and looked at him as he wiped her tears with his thumbs; the scent of loneliness she gave off tugged at his heart unmercifully "When I was 15 my parents, who'd made a lot of friends in London, were invited to a wedding of a friend's oldest daughter.

Anyway, we were in this huge banqueting hall in this old house and there must've been over 200 people there and yet…yet…." She hesitated, before whispering "I have never felt more alone in all my life, never missed the rest of my family as much as I did in just that moment."

She regarded the man before her, her blue eyes locking with his in such a way that neither could have looked away even if they'd wanted to "You know my grand-da was right? You can be in a crowd of a thousand people and still be utterly alone." A single tear slid down her cheek, he reached up and once more wiped it away.

He glanced at her mug "If you really put salt in it maybe we should make some more – I certainly feel in need of another." He smiled and helped her to feet.

They spent the next hour sharing jokes and stories about their lives – though she felt he had definitely had the more tragic of the two. She certainly had more amusing anecdotes about her existence than he did his – most concerning her grand-da, her uncle Con and her cousins.

Some so funny he was nearly howling with laughter "Raze would get a kick out of those stories – not least because he wouldn't believe that you didn't ever guess what they were!" he chuckled.

"What of Michael and Selene? How is he coping with his new existence?"

Lucian sobered "Not so badly – Selene helps him."

"Do you trust her?" Blue eyes looked deep into him.

"Not really, not yet anyway; but that is mainly due to our constant state of battle for so many centuries." He flashed a smile "but I'm sure it'll change in the future."

She put her hand over his that rested on the table "If she has any sense she will Lucian, for even after all you've told me I know you have a good heart."

"Then you know more than most." Was the rueful reply.

"I know as much as Sonja seemed to." she retorted sternly.

"Ah, well there you have me – she was as deluded as you appear to be." He smiled.

"Not deluded, merely able to see beyond what you wish me to – as I'm sure she did."

He nodded and dropped his head, as she began another story that had him chuckling.

A few hours later, as they went back to their respective rooms, she grasped his arm "Lucian, if ever you need a hug or a shoulder to lean on – my door is always open. I trust you."

He turned and smiled "as is mine to you, and certainly as I do you." She grasped him in a quick hug and went in to her room just as the first rays of dawn were highlighting the horizon.

Raze stood further down the corridor, always alert in case Lucian should have need of him, he was not an enforcer for nothing. But now he smiled; there would be much there, that he could see….

0-0-0-0-0-0

When Lucian woke up much later the next morning there were a lot more people there, he could hear them moving around and catch the new scents. Well, that and the delicious smell of bacon……

When he got downstairs, in the now darkened house, as most shutters and curtains were closed against the light, he followed his nose into the kitchen – which was now full of people. He could scent the Lycans amongst them, but also the vampires; it seemed word was out that there was to be a final conflict and it was time to choose sides…..

A little boy with blond hair and deep brown eyes was joining Uli, and some of the adults that seemed to be much known to Sky, in begging her to sing. She was resolute until Grandma spoke "Oh, go on girl – I know you hate to, but you sing well and they'll not let you be until you give in." she looked around the people in the kitchen, some warily eyeing each other up "and it'll help break the ice, there's centuries of mistrust to overcome…."

"Yes, mummy - Jacob and I wish it so very muchly….please!" Uli begged, all but fluttering her eyelashes at her mother, and earning a deep chuckle from Raze who was already tucking into a huge pile of bacon – completely ignoring the bread.

He watched Sky as she sighed, cleared her throat and began to sing a song that her Grand-da had taught her:

There's no time for us
There's no place for us
What is this thing

that builds our dreams

yet slips away
From us

Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever...who?

There's no chance for us
It's all decided for us
This world has only

one sweet moment

set aside

for us

Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever….who?

But touch my tears

with your lips
Touch my world

with your fingertips

And we

can have

forever
And we

can love

forever

Forever

Is our today

Who wants to live forever
Who wants to live forever…..who?

Who waits forever anyway?"

Her voice rang out around the large kitchen, clear and resonant. She put so much passion and feeling into the song that everyone was moved, even Selene who had entered behind him. The one who was touched the most though was Lucian, if the words had meaning to any, it was he.

He realised that this was a song sung from the heart, a song about loss and yet also hope – a hope that it was better to have one moment of love that lasted a lifetime, than to have nothing and live forever. At least he and Sonja had had that brief moment, as had Michael and Selene – if anything happened to them they would have that memory.

He looked at the young woman as she edged past the people "It is sad and yet hopeful, isn't it?"

Selene glanced at him before replying "Yes it is…." she saw Michael making his way over to her and her face softened "definitely hopeful."

Lucian made his way to where Sky was standing, Raze slapping her so hard on the back she nearly fell over "damn fine song girl – damn fine song!"

She grinned "are you sure? Coz the way you're hitting me seems like you want to kill me!"

"Sorry, sorry I get a bit carried away….." he smiled ruefully.

Lucian reached her side and without looking she grinned "Morning Lucian …." She itched her nose.

"How'd you know it was me?" he asked amused.

"By the mere fact you make my nose itch." She chuckled.

"Yes I saw you rubbing your nose on and off last night….." he eyed her "Why would I do that?"

"I have no idea! But it's funny…." She smiled and grabbed his hand "come outside, I have something to show you."

He allowed himself to be tugged outside, grabbing a handful of bacon on the way, and watched her jog down the steps.

"Look…." She moved to the end of the alley and back again in the blink of an eye "and I'm not even panting!"

"It would seem you're changing….." he remarked casually between mouthfuls of bacon.

"Into what?" she suddenly looked worried "and what about Uli?" as if on cue her daughter came running out with the little boy from earlier.

"Look Mummy I can run even faster than Jacob now." Uli made a similar move as her mother.

"Oh, that's wonderful darling!" Sky masked her fear well, and Lucian's heart went out to her "Now you go inside and get something to eat."

After she'd gone Sky looked to Lucian as they too went back into the house "so it seems she is too……but again I ask, into what?"

He slung an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into a hug "look at it this way; whatever it is, you're doing it together – at least one of you won't be leaving the other behind…."

"Are you always so upbeat?" Sky smiled.

"Mostly……" he shrugged.

Lucian had noticed something else about her that she seemed unaware of, but as a pack leader himself he was acutely in touch with it, the way others did as she bid unquestioningly. Much as they did him…..he knew what that meant, she was an alpha female; the matriarch to a pack, only becoming a beta to the alpha male.

He wondered if he should ever take another mate if it would be her – but also whether it was because he liked her for whom she was, or the alpha thing. He sighed, that side of his life was always going to be complicated.

It would also explain why some of the single men were flirting with her; even Raze to a lesser extent seemed taken with her. But instinct had that little way of catching you out; still, he knew for him and Raze it went deeper than the pack, they liked her – a lot - and more, they trusted her.

As he was musing this, they'd made their way back to the kitchen and once more he watched as male and female Lycans separated before her.

All asking for her input into things and what to do about stupid stuff like fighting children to what would happen in the war; all knowing now that she knew what they were and accepted them.

The way she so deftly handled it, made him wonder if this was a new thing; or, more likely, if it was something she'd always had.

"She's always had it…" Grandma said, smiling at him.

"Really?"

"Well, yes she's always been a leader; even without thinking. Always stuck up for, pardon the pun, the underdog. It's her way and, considering what she will have to do now, it's probably been for the best.

The last thing you'd need is someone coming into a situation like this war between the immortals and having some kind of heavy duty powers of destruction and either being to afraid to use them, or needing guidance every time."

He smiled "Yes, you're probably right…all the same.."

"You feel for her?"

"Yes, it's not easy always being the one everyone else turns to – always having to be there to keep the peace, to keep control. Lycans are notorious for their lack of patience….I should know." He rolled his eyes.

She smiled widely at him. "You did a good thing last night Lucien."

"How is she, really?" his gaze wandered once more to Sky, and he sniffed – the air of loneliness was no longer apparent, but it had been replaced with apprehension "She's worried…" his gaze swung back to the old woman in front of him.

"She is fine…a little concerned; but then wouldn't we all, if we be faced with what she has?" she touched his arm "she thinks muchly of you – you may well yet help ease her transition."

He flashed a smile "well, the feeling is more than reciprocated – and you know I would do all I could to protect her." He thought for a moment "I feel…..connected." then chuckled "that is ridiculous I know, I've known her a day."

"No, it's not…..you are Lycan and so is she, the pack mentality rules. More than that though, you two feel a connection because of losses close to your heart, you see the good in each other. Either way, you'll be here for her I know and so does she; so her misgivings are muted by that support. She is right, Lucian, you are a good man with a kind heart. It's just been a little misguided up to now."

"Whatever you want to believe Grandma – either way I will let no harm befall them. Especially as I worry about how this will affect her and Uli, they are not born into this as we were…." His concern showed in his strained voice.

"When she goes to the drawing room, follow her; she'll be going to practice what her grandfather taught her. It will be an education for you too…." She smiled and went to walk away "she's been trained for this Lucian, even without her knowing she has.

I know when the time comes she'll do all that's necessary; even before, if her hand is forced. Her destiny does not weigh as heavy as you think boy; the one thing I have always loved most about her is her adaptability." She looked him in the eye "of course the fact that you worry so for her tells me much…" she smiled secretively and walked away.

"What's that supposed to mean?" he asked, she merely continued to smile and tapped her nose.

"Old dog!" he cussed under his breath.

"I heard that!" her voice floated towards him - he smiled as he followed Sky towards the drawing room……damn that Lycan hearing!