Disclaimer: Same old, same old – as before.

The healing spell and ritual used on Finbar is one I found on the internet – surprising what's on there isn't it?!! LOL!

Gaelic to English Translation:

àrsaidh caraid / old friend

am caraid / my friend

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.

'Thoughts'

"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 Five – Trust

Sky woke up a few hours later; to find herself huddled against Lucian's chest, his hand in her hair and also asleep. She shifted slightly and looked at him more closely – he looked so peaceful.

His face was relaxed and his lashes, which she had to admit many women – especially herself – would kill for, fanned his cheeks. His breathing stirred and she felt his heartbeat quicken; she knew he was waking, so quickly shut her eyes.

A soft chuckle rumbled his frame "I know you're awake; your heartbeat and breathing changed." She tried to even out her breathing "not going to work….you can't fool a Lycan – never bother trying." He tilted her head to look at him, and she opened her eyes "Feel better?"

"Yes…much." She sighed "Not going to be great if I fall asleep every time I have to do that though. Picture the final battle; just as I have to face off the marauding hoards I become comatose….."

"You're constantly changing Sky, and you have to process a major change in your life – I think we can cut you some slack if you occasionally feel a little bit overwhelmed."

She nodded "mm….but I'm usually very adaptable."

"Sky, a chameleon would have trouble 'adapting' to this."

She sat up as he did "Shall we go and get some hot chocolate?"

"There'll be lots of people around, you know how they are with you – how about I go and we drink it here….maybe chat….about things…before all this." He gestured round the room.

"Yes, that would be nice." She almost beamed at him. He couldn't help but wonder if she felt the same attraction for him as he felt for her; still, time would tell – in a way he hoped not; he couldn't bear to lose another or, worse, to leave her to suffer as he had after Sonja had died.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

He was a little while fetching the hot chocolate "I was talking to Khan. He'd been left for dead by some Lycans at the fight with Victor and Kraven…."

Sky smiled sadly "You might have done that for a bit – but you also stayed outside whilst I spoke to Selene."

"Ah….you know my scent too well I think…." He dipped his eyes and took a seat opposite in a large squashy armchair "How do you feel about what she said?"

Sky thought back over the last twenty minutes – it had been a shocking revelation. "I don't know – I mean she was involved in the death of my family in Ireland; I should hate her…." She paused, and then sighed "But I can't; she was as much a victim in a way as they were – Victor lied to her…."

"What did she say?" Lucian decided to come and settle onto the bed with her, and without thinking she laid her head in his lap looking up at the plain white ceiling, their hot chocolate forgotten as he absently stroked her hair.

"She asked if she could speak to me; she came as soon as you left." She levelled her gaze briefly at him "I wouldn't mind betting she waited around for you to leave actually."

He nodded with a smile, but said nothing "she seemed both hesitant and defiant. I don't know, she just said "I killed your family…the ones in Ireland. Well, I helped slaughter them – you may do what you wish about it."

"That was all?"

"Pretty much; I don't think she's a big talker." Lucian smile and shook his head "I stood there like a right lemon; but in my mind I'm wondering what to do, and then this little voice says 'forgive her; she was a victim too'."

"Little voice?" he frowned.

"Yeah….I don't know; it wasn't like Jiminy Cricket or some 'inner conscience' thing. It wasn't God or any such schizo stuff either. But it was someone else…not me." She rubbed a hand over her face with a groan "that sounds even more insane when I say it out loud."

He stilled her hand by taking it in his, he could feel her trembling slightly "To anyone else perhaps. But there is more to you than human, Lycan or even vampire; you are also Tuatha Dé Danann.

It is more likely they who speak to you – Uli hears them, converses with them, even sees them; why shouldn't you, who will act the most on their part, not be able to do the same?"

She opened her mouth and bared her fangs; she was gaining more control over them now he could see "This is why. Uli is more Danann than I; I am more Lycan." She stared hard at him "surely you can sense it? Everyone else can….my loyalties lay with my own kind, it is hard to trust those that even in my ignorance I didn't like."

"Vampires."

"Yes. I stand by what I said before. Selene is an exception to the rule perhaps; but Kraven only reinforces that opinion in me….."

"But what of me? Was I not the one who persuaded him to betray his own people?"

"You were at war and wanted victory; anyone who says they go to war without wanting to win is either lying or being completely stupid."

She squeezed the hand that held hers "anyway, what you were manipulating was a peace; of sorts granted, on your terms maybe, but a peace none the less."

"Kraven?"

She growled "Showed his true colours both in his treatment of you then and tonight. Pond scum has more backbone."

Lucian chuckled "Protective aren't we?"

She sat up suddenly, her eyes glowing blue "Oh God! Finbar!!!"

Lucian didn't know what to say for a moment – then he heard the commotion and smelt the blood. Whatever it was, it couldn't be good.

He grabbed her hand and they hurried downstairs.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

When they got there, Gramma was standing looking worriedly at an inert body on the floor in the large living room. She did allow herself a small smile as she saw the two holding hands, just as Uli ran up with a sobbing Jacob and Sky released Lucian's hand and rushed over.

"What happened?" Sky questioned, there was so much blood; she'd never noticed how strong it smelt before.

"Some bad vampires jumped his daddy and his uncle; uncle Donagh got away to fetch help, but they got his daddy good. They stabbed him with silver knives….." Uli whimpered, wringing her hands; she hated to see anything or anyone suffer - especially her best friend's daddy.

Sky flinched; this was done out of maliciousness, nothing more. The shame-faced looks on the vampires around them only served to prove the point; Selene came over "to torture so is wrong Sky; but they are not adverse to it."

"Yes, but that is what they are about now – to prove a point. It's ridiculous – what do they expect to happen? What will they gain from it? I will not go against the wishes of my ancestors; I will only face off those of both kinds that come here to threaten us – they cannot mean to force my hand?"

"Perhaps they do, or more likely they merely like to play with their prey – one less for them to worry about in the final battle. If they inflict a slow death to frighten others then all to the good – this isn't merely about you Sky, this is about all of us now."

The other woman nodded "Perhaps you're right" she shrugged "either way whoever did this is already finished – they've chosen their side, and……"

Emer rushed over, sobbing "Please, oh please; can you help him? He's dying, I can feel it!" there was a sigh behind her and she fell to her knees "he's gone! He's gone; me best man's gone…."

All of a sudden a deep calm came over Sky, and she put a hand on her friend's shoulder "it'll be alright Em - trust me." She walked over to the prone man, Jacob stood by his father crying quietly and leaning on Uli.

Sky put a finger to her lips "Shhh…he's not dead – he's only sleeping" she whispered so quietly that Lucian had to strain to hear.

She knelt down, leaning over the other's ear "Finbar Garbhán listen to me – Fin, it's time to wake up" she whispered "we can't have you dozing right now; we can't lose you, it's not your time am caraid."

She put one hand on his chest as she straightened up and sat back, the other on his forehead "Uli, go and light the blue candle that Gramma keeps in the drawer over there…and no one should put it out once it's lit!" She spoke the last a little louder; and all nodded, as the little girl hurried and lit the candle as her mother began to whisper with her eyes closed:

"I hold you in my heart and wrap you in my love.
My circle of protection descends now from above.
And as I send this energy, all pain shall disappear
And all disease shall dissipate and shrivel up in fear.

The emptiness I now replace with fresh vitality,
so you may thrive upon the Earth in laughter, love and glee.
Bright blessings and good health, my friend, encase you from now on.
I ask that they watch over you and keep you well and strong."

As Sky opened her eyes, a golden and silver glow twirled together in thin tendrils flowing from her hands over Finbar; but whereas, when she had dealt with Kraven and the others, it had seemed cold; this was warm; 'welcoming almost' Lucian thought.

It finally completely enveloped the wounded man before her just as it had the others; only this time there were no screams, no dying.

Fin, who had been breathing shallowly and increasingly intermittently, suddenly took a deep breath and opened his eyes. Sky grinned "You ever frighten me like that again àrsaidh caraid and I'll bloody kill you myself!"

The man stared at her in surprise "I thought I were dying."

"So did I for a minute – but you were just faking." Sky replied with a relieved smile.

She stood and went over to Lucian as the others, vampire and Lycan alike, crowded round the recovering man and his sobbing wife and son (though now with relief rather than grief). Many others stood and watched her in awe.

She rolled her eyes at them "It is nothing – he was only injured, not dead. I just reminded him where he needed to be and asked my ancestors to help him remain here. It was nothing special, truly; if it had been his time, there would've been nothing I could do."

But Lucian could see not all were convinced; however for his part he thought it was fortunate – it was good for them to see she could save as well as kill; and only proved her abilities to them more.

He could see some of those that had wavered now chose her side in that instant and was glad - it was less she would have to kill; he knew how much she hated that.

As Sky squeezed his hand she was dragged away by a grateful Emer, who was not so much hugging her friend as seemingly trying to choke her; Jacob for his part was clamped to her leg, a huge smile on his face even as he continued to sniff and sob.

The grin on Sky's face nearly split it in two; Lucian could see she preferred to help than to injure. He felt sorry for her, for what they both knew she would have to do soon; so much death she would have to inflict.

"She'll have to find a mate soon." A voice broke into his thoughts.

"What?" he glanced distractedly at Grandma, who had Uli holding her hand. Both looked concerned.

"She'll have to find a mate soon – not just the Lycans are taking an interest in her now, it could get ugly if they start to fight over her."

The Lycan leader arched an eyebrow "I hope you're not suggesting what I think you are."

"It would be a good answer, don't you think? You do like her after all; a lot. if I'm not mistaken."

"What about what she wants!" he felt suddenly angry at the way Sky was being treated "maybe she wants someone else!!! GOD! Isn't this as bad as what I did to Michael?!! How can you just talk about her like she a bloody piece of meat?!" he looked disgustedly at Grandma "and in front of her daughter!" he hissed.

He marched over to Sky and tugged her out of the throng of male Lycans and vampires chatting to her; though she was completely oblivious to their flirting, merely thinking they were glad Fin was going to be okay and they were not another ally down.

Grandma saw his fangs elongate slightly; the change in his eyes, brief though it was, and heard the growl as he passed the other males - she smiled down at Uli "What do you think?"

"He'll more than do." The little girl smiled "from all you've told me about Lycans, he's just claimed her without even thinking about it – and by going with him, even though she don't know why, Mummy's agreed." She looked up at the older woman "I like him smuchly."

The old woman patted the child on the back with a grin "So do I….very smuchly." Then sighed "he…..he will be….alright?"

Uli glanced over her shoulder as if seeking reassurance "I can't say…..they say it's not to be known….."

Grandma sighed once more "I see, well – let's hope he is."

"Oh I do!" Uli nodded enthusiastically "coz I think he and mummy could be very happy together if they just let themselves; I mean we're going to be alive now for a very long time - do you think mummy realises that yet?"

"I'm not sure pun'kin – I'm not sure; I think she thinks you'll change back, when all this is done."

"No." Uli shook her head "no, we won't – she won't be the same as she is now, but she won't be like she was either; neither of us will be." She paused with a sad look for a moment and then brightened "It's the way it's meant to be."

She nodded at the couple now sitting on the stairs chatting animatedly, only to see her mother roar with laughter; Lucian sat stunned for a moment as she said something to him, but then began to laugh too and said something back, as she tugged his hand and they went upstairs "He'll help her though…if all things end as they should, he'll help her."

0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Sky had seen Lucian march over, with a face like thunder, and watched as he grabbed her hand – growling at the other males around them; his eyes and fangs were flashed briefly and all backed off; especially as she followed him as he tugged her away.

"What on earth's the matter?" she asked as they sat on the stairs.

Lucian was never one to mince his words and he told her what Grandma had said; he didn't care what anyone thought, she should have the right to choose her own mate at least, everything else was spiralling out of her control and he said as much. He wasn't going to let her be used as he had used Michael.

She sat stunned for a moment and then asked more questions – about Lycans and how they chose a mate. Lucian explained in detail, but was shocked to see her burst out laughing "Isn't that what you've just done?" she asked and he started to laugh as well.

"Well, yes I suppose so – but in the capacity as a friend." He grinned.

She got up and pulled his hand, and he followed her – not to her room as others may have suspected; but all the way to the roof.

"It's nice up here; and because it's daylight, no vamps." She smiled as she settled herself on a ledge just above the walkway.

"Why here?"

"Away from all the people – I need room to breathe" she sighed "even before all this I use to come up here for a bit of a breather."

"Frome the geekiest job in the world." He smirked.

"I did say that didn't I?" she rolled her eyes and blushed "I was very mad."

"Did you get it?"

"What?"

"The jacket, on e-bay – did you get it?"

"I doubt it; about the time the auction finished I think I was busy killing Kraven and Erika."

"Ah….are you okay?" he noticed her eyes had filled.

"I'm not sure about all this. I mean it felt great to save Fin – for once to do something I wanted to, rather than felt compelled to. But what about when all this ends?

If I survive, something tells me life won't go back to how it was; no matter how much I want it to, or pretend it will – what if I turn completely vampire" she pulled a face, causing Lucian to dip his head and cover the smile "or totally Lycan? What if Uli becomes more Danaan?"

He reached out and grasped her hand "I am your friend Sky, through thick and thin - we have a bond I can't explain…." He paused, trying to judge how much to say – especially as he didn't understand their connection completely himself "but I will always be here for you; and Uli. Whatever you are; vampire, Lycan, Danaan – it won't matter to me." He added earnestly.

She smiled "I trust you more than anyone else I know Lucian, even more than Grandma – I can't explain it. The only other I ever trusted as much was Grand-da."

"What was he like?"

She smiled sadly, her eyes straying from his out to the city below them "He was the best soul I ever knew – we kept in touch by letter and phone when I was taken from them; it started about a year after I left.

It was a secret, the letters came to Grandma; she lived in London then and we made friends by 'accident' – I remembered her from her visits to us in Ireland, thankfully my parents didn't - so I went round to her house to write back and she'd post them.

Once a week he'd phone her and we'd chat." She smiled "it was a real adventure for me back then, to keep this secret from my family…until…well, the end.."

She glanced across at him "he was actually a lot like you temperamentally – calm, reasonable, but with a temper you wouldn't want to rouse. He had total control over the whole family – none challenged him.

He was most definitely our alpha male" she paused and sighed ruefully "I cannot believe that I was so ignorant!! I mean, as Uli would say "Helloo!! Complete family of Lycans!!! How can you not notice that?!!"

Lucian chuckled "ever heard of denial?"

"Oh yeah, I think I had that in spades!" she grinned "plus there was some human blood in there….and vampire…quite a mongrel mix really – I'll blame that."

"So your granddad…." Lucian prompted "What did he look like?"

"He was as big as Raze, but looked like Santa. Seriously!" she smiled at Lucian's face "only with a smaller beard." She rubbed her cheek with her knuckles and whispered "it used to tickle when he hugged me." Even though she was still smiling he could see tears glinting in her eyes.

"You miss him very much." It was a statement.

"Oh yes." She took a deep breath "he was everything I aspired to be; bold, kind, loving, funny, a true leader. I looked up to him so much; but more, I loved him with all my heart – if I could've picked a grandfather from any man in the world, I would've still chosen him. He was a true leader; but, ultimately, he was a good man."

"Then I'm sorry you lost him."

"So am I; I could've done with his guidance now. Still" she looked at him once more "I have you; I trust you – utterly."

They smiled…..and watched as black clouds started to roll across the sky towards them, heralding a gathering storm………