Path to Redemption

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

-Oslo, Norway-

Outside the warehouse, waiting in the misty evening for Lucia, Pablo and the council of Elder Vampires, a pair of black, stretch limousines sat idling. As the doors to the warehouse opened, revealing the newly crowned Vampire Queen and her entourage the drivers of both vehicles stepped out to hold open doors for their passengers. Placing a careful hand just above Pablo's elbow, the Hybrid led him to the first limousine, pausing by the door to let him get in first. "Pablo." As the Werewolf began to slide into the backseat, Lucia reached in, trailing her forefinger lightly from the man's throat, up to his chin as he looked up at her. "If you hunger, for Anything, just tell the chauffeur, and he will assure it is waiting for you in the jet." Smiling quietly to the Lycan, she pulled away, letting Catherine and Marcus slide in to the vehicle before her. Looking back to the second limousine, Lucia watched as the other Vampires got in, and the door was closed for them. Casting her gaze back to the warehouse, the girl smiled to Dane before joining Pablo and her council members in the limo.

As the door closed behind her and the vehicle started to drive away from the warehouse, Lucia looked beside her to where Pablo sat. Across from Lucia, Marcus reclined casually, facing her, and beside him, Catherine sat poised. There was much the girl wanted to ask Pablo about the dream she'd had, but was hesitant to bring anything up in present company' so she remained silent for now.

Turning her red eyes to Marcus, the Hybrid folded her hands in her lap, "You look very handsome this evening. I am made happy that you will be at my side as we avenge my father."

[Pablo]

Pablo was more than happy to leave the warehouse, even if meant going from a large confined space surrounded by vampires to an even smaller confined space surrounded by vampires, albeit with fewer of the bloodsuckers. As he stepped outside, Lucia's hand grabbed him right by the elbow. Why did she feel like guiding him now, but not in the warehouse? Was it because outside he'd have somewhere to run to, an actual chance of escape? The thought confounded him. Why would he fear him 'escaping' if he wasn't really a prisoner. He'd agree to go with her willingly. Still despite that there was comfort in feeling Lucia's grip, even if it was restricting. Pablo found himself glancing down at his elbow. Geir was right, her hands were tiny. It was curious his packmate had noticed that, but a reminder that Geir had an up close encounter or two with Lucia.

Sliding into the limousine, he only hesitated as Lucia called out his name. He turned his head to look up at her, the cool touch of Lucia's finger running up his throat to his chin, made him smile. It soothed him, put his worries at ease, yet there was something about it that made him think he should be upset at her. She'd done something wrong, but it couldn't be that important, if he couldn't remember. "So, like, takeout or something?" He smiled widely back to her. It was uplifting to see her demeanor change to a more pleasant mood. Taking his seat by the front, he thought about what she'd said. At the moment he wasn't particularly hungry, but the would change, he wasn't able to quite finish his meal before, and their flight could be a lengthy one, although he could not say for certain. Lucia had yet to tell him where they were actually going. Shrugging, it was probably best to have some sort of food. He knocked on the partition, waiting for it to lower before speaking. "Steak please! With a side of potatoes, and some lemonade." The chauffeur turned his head to look back at Pablo, his expression stern at the sight or maybe scent of the wolf, but he nodded in acknowledgement. Pablo sat back, watching as the two other vampires slid into the car. He could feel his mood dampen almost instantly. They were powerful, and his body seemed to be aware of that. He was it on edge, alert of his surroundings, ready to act if need be. Lucia followed, at least her presence brought him some comfort. He looked up at the she-vampire sitting across from him. Catherine smiled back at the werewolf, her head cocked slightly to the side. There was something chilling about her fanged smile, and he found himself looking elsewhere. Though he could see, in the corner of her eye she seemed quite pleased with herself.

"And you Lucia, my Queen, look as beautiful as ever." Marcus said respectfully. "I would not pass on the opportunity. The chance to avenge our late King, I am sure my associates would agree, you do us all a great honor."

Catherine turned her head to face Marcus, before glancing at Lucia. "Marcus speaks truthfully. I have, personally longed to see justice done, and we have discussed on many occasions sending Viktor to the grave. Though now I understand, why Dane spared him, and begged us patience. There will be a certain poeticism, to see his end at your hands."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Smiling graciously as Marcus returned the compliment, Lucia turned her eyes to Catherine as the older Vampire spoke. Nodding her head minutely, the Hybrid agreed, "It will certainly be fitting that the Traitor sees his end at our hands. I will send Viktor to Hell where my father eagerly awaits his arrival."

As the limousines traveled further out of Oslo-proper, a light rain began to pick up. Slowly, drops pattered against the tinted windows, falling in long streaks as the vehicles sped on into the night. It didn't take long to reach the private jet that would take them to North America, to Viktor. The limousine carrying Lucia and Pablo stopped just meters away from the stairs providing entry to the jet.

While the driver stepped out to open the doors for his passengers, Lucia stole a glance toward Pablo. Thinking on what Dane had told her before they'd left, the girl furrowed her brows for a moment before looking away toward the door as it opened. Now was not the time to worry about such matters. No, she needed to focus.

Stepping out into the cool rain the sight of the jet filled the Hybrid with excitement. She was so close; it felt like the following hours in the air would last a lifetime. Lucia waited for Pablo to emerge from the limo before striding gracefully toward the jet. Climbing the stairs, the pilot bowed before Lucia as she stepped aboard, "My Queen. I am at your service. The cabin toward the front of the jet has been prepared for you, should you require privacy. I have also obtained warm garments and nourishment, as requested, for your pet. If there is anything else you desire, you need only ask. I will have you at your destination in 10 hours, my Queen. I would not dare waste the time of you and your esteemed council members; therefore, I assure you the quickest route will be taken. We should arrive just as the sun sets; the rest of your force will arrive soon after." The pilot kept his eyes on Lucia and the other Vampires, not bothering to acknowledge Pablo's presence.

Lucia paused as the pilot addressed her, smiling quietly, "Thank you." She wasn't sure what else to say and was far too eager to get the jet in the air, so she simply added, "That will be all." Making her way to the private cabin, Lucia waited for Pablo to join her before taking a seat.

[Pablo]

Pablo could feel Lucia's gaze on him, he turned his head momentarily to meet it, and smiled up at her. The girl seemed concerned, but about what he couldn't quite say. Was it the fight that awaited them? Viktor was a terrible threat, any elder was, but he was a capable fighter. She should have been aware of that by now. Don't worry about me, Lucia, I'll be fine. He said to her telepathically. A part of him wanted to reach out to her, to comfort her physically, but he didn't need to be told this wasn't the time or place. Not with their current company.

The lycan followed closely behind Lucia as she exited the vehicle. Never straying further than a step behind, well aware of the cast of vampires that followed behind him. He hurried up the stairs, and cursed quietly as the pilot felt it necessary to stop Lucia, and suck up to her. She was his Queen after all, it seemed to follow in line with what he'd seen of vampires. His ears perked at the mention of him. He was beginning to grow accustomed to being referred to as a pet, it didn't trouble him in the slightest. That should have concerned him. So it seemed they were going somewhere cold. He could handle cold. He literally came with his own fur coat. Come on, lets go. He could feel a vampire standing closely, a step behind him. Having his back exposed, sent in his instincts into a disarray. He was tense, ready for a fight. Sighing audibly as Lucia dismissed the pilot, he once again followed closely behind her. Throwing the door shut gently as they walked into the private cabin. Once again he sighed. He took a seat besides Lucia, and turned to her and smiled. "Excited?" The question wasn't unnecessary, he could see it in her demeanor. "Me too. I love killing vampires. The only good vampire, is a dead one, after all."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Returning Pablo's smiled with one of her own, Lucia took a seat beside the young Werewolf. He seemed to be in fairly high spirits, considering the events that had taken place just the previous night. It made the girl happy, though, to see him smiling at her; and earlier, when he reached into her mind, the Hybrid couldn't help but feel reassured in some small measure. His presence did wonders for Lucia. Thinking on it, she truly enjoyed his company; it went beyond simply relishing in the warmth and energy of his blood. Was that what had Dane so concerned about her relationship with Pablo? He mentioned that he could see the Lycan's true intentions, and warned her not to let him be her weakness. Was it a weakness to consider the young man a friend? Was she too trusting of him? Lucia didn't want to believe that was the case with Pablo, yet her lover seemed skeptical of the Werewolf. Perhaps he saw something she didn't. She'd just have to keep her eyes open around her mother's lieutenant, to try and see for herself; she really wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt.

His next words were not what the Hybrid wanted to hear, nor was she expecting him to say them. The smile dropped from her face, and she looked at Pablo coldly, crossing her arms and sitting back in the seat. "I am half Vampire." Something like pain sat heavily in her chest as she looked at the Werewolf, and she could feel a heat rise. "Must I remind you that your Queen, Alena Wulf, kept up a relationship with the First Vampire for almost the entirety of her life? Have you forgotten that I am not only your Queen's daughter, but the daughter of Raven Lestat, the true King of Vampires?"

After everyone boarded the jet, and all of the last minute adjustments had been made to the plane, the aircraft began making it's way down the runway. Accelerating faster every meter, Lucia could feel as the jet took off into the air, and sat back as they ascended into the night sky.

[Pablo]

Xhel sighed, the silence growing between him and his cousin almost felt overbearing. It wasn't quite unusual, the two had known each for about their entire lives. They were comfortable in each other's company, comfortable enough that words weren't always necessary, but as he watched Pablo, stare endlessly out the window he could not help but think something was off. Obviously, he wasn't happy with Xhel's comments of Alena, but the hunter felt like there was more. "So, are you going to tell me what that was about?"

"What, what was about?" Pablo said glancing over his shoulder, to Xhel.

"You, and the girl; Lucia?"

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"You're smiling."

"I'm smiling?" The lycan brought his hands up to his face, and touched the corner of his lips. They were in fact curving upwards. "Look at that, you're right! So, I'm smiling, I usually am."

Xhel sighed once more. Why was he insisting on being so difficult. "Well you weren't a moment ago, and maybe you shouldn't be now. Pablo, she kept you in a cage. When I found you, you could barely walk."

Pablo shrugged his shoulders. "That wasn't her fault. It was Dane who stabbed, and flayed me. Lucia spared me from worse." Death and more torture. Sure, she'd bit him, but that was only once, and was not nearly as painful as being stabbed by a silver knife.

Frustratingly, he ran a hand through his hair. "I'm just trying to warn you, I know she's your Queen's daughter," And she was young, and pretty, and about Pablo's age. Xhel was pretty sure he knew what was running through the young man's mind. "but she's also Raven Lestat's, the first vampire. Pablo, she's one of them.

It was Pablo's turn to sigh. The young lycan turned to his cousin, and scowled. "She's not like them. When was the last time a vampire needed just a hug. I want you to try that, next time a vampire wants to tear your throat out, hug em! Tell me how it goes."

***

Pablo's smile vanished with Lucia's, and he bit his tongue, less he say more, something stupid, Like, pointing out how her father was dead, which meant that at least he liked him. Offending her wasn't his intention, but of course she hadn't taken kindly with his words, why did he think she would? Ashamed of himself, frowning, he glanced away from her, staring out the window as the plane lifted off. "I haven't forgotten." He said quietly, how could he when he was living with vampires, they were everywhere. How could he forget Lucia taking his blood, even though he'd offered, it was not something lycans did. "I'm sorry." He whispered quietly, before turning to face her. "But Alena's killed more vampires than anybody, and you," Gripping the side of his chair, he leaned forward towards her, and cracked a smile. "Lucia, you're nothing like them. They're cold, and heartless, and they only care for themselves, and their desires."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Furrowing her brows as the smile fell from Pablo's face and he looked away, Lucia pouted quietly for a moment, listening to the sounds of the jet's engines become a steady hum in the background as they lifted higher and higher into the sky. As the Lycan turned back to face her, she remained still, watching his features carefully as he spoke. His words felt too genuine; she'd always believed he'd been honest with her, even back in London. Lucia found herself relaxing her arms, letting the arm closest to Pablo settle on the arm rest, and her other arm fall into her lap. When the Werewolf leaned closer to her and smiled, she found herself looking away, casting her eyes to the floor. She wasn't simply angry at Pablo, she realized; Dane had said the exact same thing to her before she left the warehouse, concerning Lycans. From what she remembered of living at the Den in Sweden, most of the Werewolves there seemed to feel the same about Vampires as Pablo did. She knew most of the Vampires now living in Norway held similar beliefs as Dane regarding the 'Beasts'. Perhaps trying to work toward peace between the two races was a fool's errand. Dane said it wouldn't be easy; but this felt impossible.

Looking back over to Pablo, it was difficult not to smile in return. She'd always adored his grins, and when he gave them to her it was hard not to reciprocate. The thoughts swimming in her mind would not let the Hybrid push away her concern just yet, though and she frowned skeptically to Pablo's smile. "Are you so sure I am nothing like them?" Reaching out, Lucia ran her fingers gently across the Werewolf's skin, following the curve of his jawline to his chin. "I am cold." She couldn't help but smile quietly now, at the warmth of his skin and how pleasant it felt on her fingertips. Her eyes fell to his lips momentarily before she retracted her hand, frowning thoughtfully. "Pablo," the girl paused for a moment, it felt like there was something else she should be saying as well, but she wasn't quite sure what it was. "Perhaps, I should not have snapped at you. I feel I understand your disposition toward Vampires a little better now. That is why you sent me that memory as I slept, is it not?"

[Pablo]

Pablo held his smile while Lucia seemed to glance about the cabin room, unsure of herself. This wasn't how he wanted this trip, wherever they may be going to start, with Lucia upset. His grin grew even wider once the girl turned and extended a hand out to him. Her touch was soft, and yes her skin was cool, but it was comforting, unlike that of a vampire's, and it seemed to offset the heat from his own body. He closed his eyes momentarily, snickering softly. Most importantly she didn't seem angry. "Lucia, I wasn't talking about your physiology." He relished in the contact with her, and the way she smiled as she touched him, it seemed Lucia did to.

Once Lucia pulled away, Pablo sat back down, in much higher spirits. He listened patiently as she spoke once again. Now that, without any doubt was an apology, and to be honest he wasn't sure it was necessary. Holding back from throwing his arms around her in an embrace, he'd wait until she said what she needed to . He understood her perspective. She was as much vampire as she was werewolf. To say he'd insulted half her kin was to put it nicely, he'd essentially would have admitted to preferring a vampire genocide, and she forgave him. She lived with vampires, her father was one obviously, and her lover. His gut wrenched. He'd forgotten about that last one, but memories of the previous night came flooding into the mind, no matter how much he wished them not to. He had to ask her about that, no matter how much it would eat at him. Pablo tried to maintain a smile as Lucia finished speaking. Cocking his head to the side, he could not help but note she wasn't making much sense. "Lucia, I didn't send any memory to you. Maybe it was your mother, or Geir." He said weakly, moving his hands towards his side, closing them into tiny fist. He debated, quietly in his mind the best way to ask Lucia about last night.

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

The Hybrid watched as it seemed the smile on Pablo's face started to waiver. He no longer spoke so hopefully, like the optimism had fallen from his voice. Did she say something wrong? Why would he deny sending her a memory that was clearly his?

Lucia shook her head a little, confused, "I apologize if I am prying when you don't wish to speak further on the subject. What I saw as I slept, I'm certain it was a memory; and I know it was yours. I saw you, though you were much younger; and the Hunter who came for you in London was there as well... It was the night your parents were attacked by Vampires." The girl watched Pablo's reaction to see if she should just give up on the topic for now. As much as she wanted to know more and share the excitement of having a dream for the first time in her short life, Lucia didn't want to strike the wrong chord with the Werewolf. "I only thought to mention it because, well... it was my first dream."

[Pablo]

Pablo cocked his head to the side, listening patiently to Lucia, a bemused look on his face. She was being strange, it was enough at the moment to delay asking her relations with Dane. His expression remained unchanged as she mentioned the attack on his parents. It didn't bother him that she knew, he'd more than manage to cope with it for years now, but it was the how that confused him. Had Alena told Lucia? It was the most logical answer. Then why bring it up like this, was she embarrassed to admit she'd asked Alena about him? The thought was almost sweet. Or was this some poorly thought out attempt at a cruel joke. It didn't seem like her. Since their tussle her intentions had seemed good, and appeared remorseful of her past unkind behavior. "Lucia, I don't mind talking about it. You can ask me anything." He tried to crack a smile to reassure her, but could not help but remember what Geir had said, and the events that occurred last night. "But, I didn't send that memory to you." The lycan could not help but notice she was rather vague on the details. He supposed that she could dream of the past, in a world where he could transform into a werewolf, and demons existed, it didn't seem too far fetched, but it also wasn't likely. "I'm happy for your Lucia." He would call her on her bluff. "What else happened? Be specific."