Path to Redemption

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Her gaze to the sky, Lucia watched in her periphery as Pablo began shifting in her lap. What was he trying to do, wasn't this good enough? He seemed determined to face her, so Lucia tried to help as he brought a leg over to straddle her. Something about this proximity, the warmth of his bum on her lap, made the girl feel slightly uncomfortable. Not because she wasn't enjoying this or didn't want this; but she wasn't sure she should want this. What was Pablo thinking, anyway? A few hours ago they'd practically been screaming at each other, and now all it seemed Lucia could concentrate on was the heat emanating from the young man while he tried to get as close as possible to her. She was having trouble keeping eye contact with the Werewolf, but as he brought a hand up to caress her cheek, the Hybrid could feel herself begin to blush. The tenderness of his gesture, brushing her hair behind her ear made something in her chest flutter. This; she'd had this before. It was a sign of concern, sometimes. A show of affection that someone cared; her father had done this before, and a couple of times Szandor had, too. Yet now, as Pablo touched her, it felt a little different, a little deeper. She hadn't realized such a gesture could be anything more than paternal, but she felt it now; the connection. A desire to know her better. Grabbing his hand in hers to stop him, Lucia met his gaze, "What are--?" It took a moment for his words to register completely. Had she heard him correctly? It sounded like he Wanted to stay with her, not that he was simply resigning himself to stay.

As he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight, the Hybrid listened carefully to what Pablo said. At first, the girl felt confused, like she'd come in at the middle of a conversation and was left with only minor clues as to what had led to this conclusion. Yet the words he spoke, how he spoke them. It felt to Lucia like Pablo had been wrestling with his thoughts for perhaps the entire flight, and finally he could make sense of them. He'd finally decided to stay and help her obtain peace and stability between the two races. As the Werewolf apologized, it felt like a weight was being lifted from her shoulders; she wasn't alone. She had Pablo now.

Leaning forward slightly, Lucia rested her forehead against Pablo's, meeting the Lycan's gaze and closing her eyes gleefully as he stared back. "It makes me happy to hear you say that, Pablo." Bringing her left hand up, Lucia cupped the back of his head, and pulled away before planting her lips on the young man's forehead. Wrapping her arms around him, the girl returned his embrace, smiling as it felt like his warmth was apart of her. "Mum can be stubborn, but I trust you can show her Reason." Pulling away slightly to look the Werewolf in the eyes, Lucia nodded slightly, "I promise, I will try to prevent unnecessary Lycan casualties. As many as I can." She did want peace, it was never her intention to allow the death-count for either side to escalate unnecessarily.

[Pablo]

It was apparent he had made Lucia happy. Pablo could see it in her when their eyes mett as she rested her forehead against his. It made him feel gleeful, doubly so when she briefly kissed him. Her lips felt soft and cool. Shivers ran down through his body, and would have probably left his knees feeling weak if he were standing. The lycan felt good. Not just about his deciscion. If anyone could convince Alena to surrender, it would be her loyal servant. He would do anything for her, and right now that meant convincing the pack mother they were incapable of defeating the vampires. His body felt pleasant, despite being too weak to stand. Not simply because of his proximity to Lucia, but there was a warm feeling in his chest, and a slight buzz he'd felt after seeing Lucia smile.

Pablo remained still, molding into Lucia's embrace as she held him tighter. He nodded to her. "Thank you Lucia." He said quietly. Her words were a reassurance he was doing the right thing. Any lycan casualty was a heavy thought to bear, but there would be casualties no matter what, whether Lucia pushed to conquer and end the war, or not. There was something he was forgetting, the inconvenience that was his 'roomate'. Geir would not be happy with his decision, and the thought of facing him ate at his stomach. Even if it was the right choice. "And Geir too. He won't be very happy with me."

The night went silent once more, as Pablo had no more to say. Instead he gave Lucia what she'd initially wanted, the opportunity for both of them to just sit underneath the starlight. Held close to her, he rested his head on Lucia's shoulder, staring up into the sky above them. The view was magical, the chance to share this with perhaps the person he'd cared for the most even more so. Time passed, and eventually the lycan broke the silence. "Lucia, I don't think I can stand." Some strength had returned to his voice, though it was still just above a whisper. "I need you to carry me."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

"Yes, I will ensure Geir goes free." Lucia smiled softly as Pablo relaxed into her, looking up at the sky again. The way she held him, his heart beat strong against her chest. Even through layers of coats, the girl almost swore it felt strong enough to be her own heart thumping steadily away; and it brought her an immense amount of comfort.

While the stars shown down on them, Lucia returned her thoughts to what lay ahead. Perhaps she should have planned out what she wanted to say to the traitor, beforehand. In the end, she supposed, it didn't matter much; if all went well, he would be dead by the end of their ordeal. Whatever words they exchanged would not change the past, nor would it save Victor from an end by her hands.

As Pablo spoke again, the Hybrid smiled, running her slender fingers through his hair, "I know." Standing easily with the Werewolf in her arms, Lucia turned him carefully, holding his back tight to her chest, both arms wrapped firm under his armpits and around his chest. "Do you trust me?" She spoke playfully into the young man's ear, a grin evident in her words.

Without giving Pablo a chance to consider the question, Lucia had already sprouted her wings and gently lifted off the ground. Rising higher into the sky, the girl gave Pablo a chance to peer down at where they had just been sitting. Her own eyes looked ahead, toward the mountains where it was said Victor had built an underground fortress. She thought she could make out an entrance to a cave near the base of the mountain, but she'd have to get closer to be sure. Without a moment's hesitation, Lucia flew through the air toward the mountains, making sure to keep high enough in the sky that she and Pablo wouldn't be so easily picked out. The air felt brisk up here, but with the Werewolf held close to her, Lucia didn't feel it much.

Hovering far above the cave as they reached the mountains, the girl was able to confirm that this was likely one of the entrances to Victor's lair. "This is where Victor has been staying all these years..." She spoke quietly to Pablo, pointing subtly for him in case he couldn't see what had caught her attention. As they hovered above the lair, Lucia brought a knee up to help prop the young man on. All seemed quiet for now; although only Hell knew how far down the cave went. "I need a way to get them all to come out here..." Lucia thought out loud.

No sooner had she spoken, when her ears perked up. The sound of multiple engines in the distance coming closer from behind them, made the girl look back. That was hopefully the rest of her force. The plane that was now arriving seemed loud; much louder, even at this distance, than she'd anticipated. Had their jet made this much noise?

As the plane landed near the village, Lucia had made up her mind to head back and greet her force, but lowered her gaze one last time to the cave below. In the snow beneath them, she caught the slight movement of at least three figures, one of which appeared to be hurrying back into the cave. This would either work to her advantage or to her detriment; there wasn't much she could do about it right now, she felt.

Turning and flying back toward the village, Lucia kept her grip on the Lycan firm, even as she landed near the recently arrived plane of Vampires. She tested his legs, to see if he could stand in his own; but otherwise set him gently to the ground to sit at her feet while she waited for her council to return and for her fleet to file out of the plane.

[Pablo]

Lucia's hand trailing lightly through his hair made him feel at peace. Even though Pablo felt weak and tired, it was alright as long as he was within her arms. He smiled. Of course she knew he couldn't stand. That's why she'd taken his blood, at least partly, so he could not leave her. Lucia had done them both a favor hadn't she. Staying with her was quite his decision, not entirely, but at the moment it was the right. Suddenly he was standing, or rather being held up, Lucia carried him as easily as a mother would carry her baby.

He was limps in her arms, curios of what she intended as Lucia tured him around, but happily ceding to his fate. Her voice whispering straight into his ears spent pleasant shivers down his spin. He relaxed into her hold again, smiling, and nodding his head. "I do." There was no need to consider the question, even after all they'd been through. His life was in Lucia's hands now, both literally and figuratively, he had no choice but to trust her. The moment he spoke the words they ascended from the ground. It was almost dreamlike, slowly watching as the world beneath them shrunk, while held in the hybrid's comfortable grasp. They continued to ascend, his heart began to race, even lightheaded, lacking blood, perhaps more so because of it, the moment was surreal. He'd dreamt of this, wished for it even, to be free of the bounds of gravity, did she know? His hand slipped to her wrist, grabbing it weakly. He tried to take in the view, the small village below now little more than building blocks, the mountains even from this height sheer massive and sight, but Lucia could continue to rise, to the point they were no more than mounds, and then of course there was the snow. All around him the world was covered in a blanket of white. "Lucia," He turned his head up, trying to look at the girl but once again they were on the move.

Viktor had fled this far to live under a mountain? The thought made him smile. Cowardly vampire. Pablo adjusted on his body, sitting on her knee. He nodded his head as she spoke. "Lucia, you just need to lure Viktor out." He muttered weakly. His strength had still not quite returned to him. The lycan's ears perked, in unison with Lucia's and he turned his head back all the same. It appeared that her army had just arrived, and if they were aware of that, then certainly Viktor or one of his subjects were. Again they were soaring through the sky. He watched the world below pass by. They were descending. He sighed, grasping her once more. "Can we stay up, just a little longer?"

He already knew the answer to his question. Lucia was a Queen, she had important matters to attend to. Pablo almost immediately slumped to the ground as Lucia placed him down. It seemed his still lacked the strength or will to stand. Though it was short lived, he would cherish the memory of their flight together. He had to thank her, in the short moment the two were alone. "Thank you." He stretched out a hand tugging lightly on her dress, he wrapped an arm around her leg while nuzzling his head against the side of her leg. "I've always wanted to fly. Lucia, you have to take me again."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Trailing her right hand down to the sword belt resting on her hips, she gripped the hilt of her father's sword firmly, pushing down to make sure it rested well within the scabbard. The leather-wrapped grip felt calming in her hand, as she looked to the plane, waiting.

The Hybrid barely heard Pablo speak over the roar of her own thoughts and anxiety about the night to come. Yet as he tugged at the hem of her dress, wrapping an arm around her leg, she felt his gratitude. The sudden warmth stretching up her leg from the Werewolf's arm was surprising, and for a moment, seemed to help quiet the scenarios for what might happen in her mind. "You're welcome." Reaching down momentarily with her left hand, Lucia ruffled the man's hair gently.

The girl's attention returned to the plane immediately as she heard the door being opened from inside. The moments it took for a ladder to be dropped and the entirety of her fleet to exit the plane felt like an eternity for the Hybrid. She did not smile, but tried to appear patient, though she could feel Pablo's blood race through her veins, ready for battle.

With her army now encompassing the snowy wasteland outside the small village of Bettles, Alaska, three newly arrived Vampires approached Lucia, bowing low.

Inclining her heard toward these ambassadors, Lucia acknowledged them in kind. "My council shall return momentarily. Soon, Victor will be no more."

[Pablo]

"Ah, to be young again." Marcus said with a smile, glancing over to Catherine. From afar the two watched the exchange between Lucia, and Pablo. The girl chasing the young lycan through the snow, only to tackle and take his blood from him, before sharing an almost post coital level of affection. The two vampires were tasked with assuring Lucia's survival, and with the lycan an apparent distraction in enemy territory they deemed it necessary to observe. That was until at least Lucia had her fix.

"That reminded you of your youth?" Catherine said softly. Turning away from the young lings, it was their turn to feed before the arrival of Dane's forces. She glanced over her shoulder as they walked away, in time to see Pablo reposition himself within Lucia's arms. Watching as he brushed aside her hair, and whispered into her ear. Young love, she thought her to self. It was almost beautiful, at the least sickening.
Marcus nodded assuredly. "Why, yes. Did you never take your lovers by force?"
"Oh Marcus, you of all should know the answer." She said, grabbing him by the arm as they stepped towards the tiny village.

Catherine sighed softly, extracting her teeth from the blood bag within her arms, she let the human's body slump down against her to the floor. She gracefully stepped over the corpse towards Marcus. Who watched with a smile, a pair of corpse by his own feet as he leaned against the kitchen counter. That was the third body tonight, and yet none of them left her feeling the usual warm that came from feeding in sub-zero temperatures. The strength was there, but something was missing.

"Satisfied?" Marcus asked.

"Never. Did you find them... lacking?" She asked, her head cocked to the side as she approached Marcus.

"On the contrary, I found their taste to be quite exquisite. The people here must be bred well." He shrugged. "Or perhaps I had the lucky batch. Then again I have never been a glutton. Now, let us go, we've spent too much time idle, certain our forces have arrived and await us."

Pablo smiled as Lucia ruffled his hair. Leaning further against her leg. The comfort, the assurance it brought him from such a small gesture, he was unsure if he could do without. There were still doubts of his intention to remain with Lucia, and the vampires, how could there not be? In a way it was accepting defeat, not for himself, but for his pack, but what other choice was there? The lycans hadn't rallied against the vampires, not when Adele had assured him they would. Had they cut their losses and left him and Alena at the mercy of the vampires. It felt admittedly that he was abandoning at times, but was it really the opposite that was the truth? He could not help but wonder, as Lucia's army landed and one by one descended from the plane.

There were hundreds maybe, they numbered at least one hundred, it was a sizable force by any means. The vampire's forces were always larger than the lycans, it was by nature. An individual werewolf was worth at least a half dozen vampires, but even with strength on their side, without Alena, without Szandor to tear through their masses. The thought was gut wrenching. The pack would be decimated. Xhel had told the night he'd rescued Pablo, of the army that attacked Alena and Szandor. A few hundred vampires had died that night, but it seemed to be nothing more than a fraction of their forces. He wrapped his arm around Lucia's leg tighter. Pabo had to warn them, his friends, his pack, fighting would only end in their death.

Catherine and Marcus were the last of Lucia's advisers to arrived. They approached their Queen, bowing respectfully. "Apologies for our delay." Marcus spoke. "It seems suitable game is scarcely found in these lands."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

Offering a small smile as Marcus and Catherine returned, Lucia nodded slightly. Everyone was here. It was time. Removing her left hand from within Pablo's hair, the Hybrid rested it on her hip, addressing her council and the three Elder Vampires from among the army that just arrived. "In your absence, I traveled toward the traitor's hideout. There is a fairly large cave near the base of the mountains; what I expect is likely the main entrance... However, I wouldn't be surprised if there were other ways to access the stronghold, strewn throughout the near vicinity. There may be an underground entrance in one of the homes within the village. I will have the army advance in its entirety toward the mountain, but the rear units should be made aware of the possibility of a surprise attack from behind. I mention this, because as your plane, and very possibly our jet, made its landing,” Lucia cast her eyes calmly upon the three Vampire commanders from her army, “It produced quite the ruckus. If the sound did not alert Victor's fleet that something was amiss, the lights from either jet or plane may have. As the plane touched down, I noticed movement from near the cave's entrance scurrying quickly back inside. It seems reasonable to conclude that Victor may be aware of someThing's presence, even if he does not know Who exactly is paying him this visit.”

Licking her lips, Lucia kept her gaze steady as she looked from the Elder Vampires gathered before her. It felt like her fingers and knees were threatening to tremble, but she stood carefully. The hand on the hilt of her father's blade gripped it tight, while the hand on her hip dug its nails hard into her side. Her stomach began to feel light and strange; like a box of moths had been opened inside of her and they fluttered carelessly about.

For a moment, it felt like Pablo's grip around her leg tightened, warmth surged anew from his touch, and the girl cast her eyes to the snow. It dawned on her how hard she was driving her nails into her hip, and she relaxed, letting her arm rest by her side, reaching down to run her fingers through the Werewolf's hair once more. Though she couldn't quite explain it, touching him seemed to relax the girl in some small amount. Despite Pablo's current condition of being unable to walk on his own, Lucia didn't want to imagine going into battle without him nearby. She looked at the Lycan for only a moment before glancing to Marcus and finally resting her gaze on Catherine, "I wish for my pet to accompany me into battle. Although, I may have left him without the use of some of his faculties for the nonce." Lucia's smile grew larger for the smallest of moments, revealing a fang within her grin as she gripped a tuft of Pablo's hair softly. "If you would be so kind, Catherine, as to bring him along for me, it would mean the world. I'm confident once more blood has returned to him, he will be quite useful in our conquest." Once more, the Hybrid looked fondly down at Pablo, then back up to the Vampires present. "If there are no further concerns, then I would like to get the night's festivities started."

Setting her jaw as Pablo was pulled away from her and into the arms of a Vampire, Lucia felt chilled without the Lycan's touch. With the absence of heat, however, came focus for the task that lay before her. Without another word, Lucia began walking toward the mountains. Great purpose guided her steps, and though the slow pace of trudging through snow frustrated and bored the girl to no end, it would be pointless for her to fly on ahead while the rest of her force had to make their way, lagging far behind. She was their Queen. She should be with them. Yes, she was clearly not a Vampire, but part of the reason she would be an excellent Queen for the Vampires, and the Werewolves for that matter, was because of her dual lineage. Right now, she told herself, it was important for her to march this distance with them; to walk the way they did. They would help her attain vengeance for the murder of her father, and in turn she would take the Vampire race to new heights.

These, and similar words, buzzed rapidly through her mind as the distance to Victor's lair was gradually covered. She could picture Dane's wicked grin perfectly, and almost see the visage of her father looking down on her with pride. An eerie quietness filled the area, Vampire steps, even here it seemed, were light and nigh undetectable. No sound of life could be heard anywhere nearby; but as the mountain drew closer, Lucia, ahead of the army, could make out a slight flickering of light coming from the mouth of the cave, she presumed. While no noise presented itself, as they moved closer, the presence of torchlight became all the more clear.

Lucia found her hands growing restless, and she clenched them by her sides, her right arm sidling up to the hilt of her father's sword once more.

With the cave entrance in clear sight now, the girl could see shadows approaching the opening from within. Lifting a hand to the sky, Lucia curled her fingers into a fist, signalling her army to stop. She walked forth a few more paces, but kept a couple dozen meters between her and the mouth of the cave, waiting.

A single figure emerged first from inside the cave. Behind this initial figure, many, many shadows followed in his wake. There could have been thousands coming with this man, but Lucia saw only him. Cast against the torchlight from within, this Vampire cut a dark, imposing form. The girl found herself almost holding her breath as the man came into view in the night, brushing his cloak over a shoulder to reveal a silver long sword at his hip. "Victor Van Alberict." The Hybrid's voice cut through the silence of the night; saying his name seemed to leave the taste of iron on her tongue.

He'd grown his hair out, it seemed to be loosely held back; but beyond that, it appeared the years he'd spent on the run after his grievous treason had not affected him. He looked as she remembered him, except... Now he was smiling, staring right at her. The Vampire brought his right hand up to his left breast, inclining his head forward, "Princess." He stepped out of the cave entrance and toward the Hybrid, stopping to leave a large stretch of snowy expanse between them, while hordes of Vampires filed up behind him. "I regret to say I was not expecting such esteemed company this eve. I would have given you a proper welcome." Two white fangs poked out from behind the Vampire's grin, and he turned his head to the side, as if he were about to address a page at his side. No single Vampire stood so close to Victor, however; his force remained as one, more than a few paces behind their lord. With his left hand, Victor motioned to Lucia, and spoke loudly, as if to formally announce her arrival, "Our great, late, King's daughter, Lucia Drusa Severa." With exaggerated flourish, Victor bowed at the waist, throwing his cloak back over a shoulder as he stood upright once more. Returning his gaze to the Hybrid, he spoke to her, loud enough for both armies to hear, "You look as lovely as ever, Princess; but oh, how you've grown."

For a moment, the Vampire Lord's eyes seemed to stray beyond the girl, to the members of her council standing behind her. Victor's smile seemed to grow momentarily, as if he were remembering the punchline to an old, favorite joke. "Marcus. Catherine. I trust Dane has been taking care of Raven's little ray of moonlight."

Setting her jaw, Lucia could feel anger spike in her; resentment and hate she'd buried inside of her for the last six years returned swiftly as if it had simply been waiting behind a curtain. Her fists curled up tight by her sides, and she found it hard to think of anything other than sinking her teeth into Victor's throat to rip it out.

It seemed the traitor wasn't done speaking, however, and his voice brought the girl's attention back for the moment. "How he adored you. He had sense enough to keep the other abominations he sired away; but when it came to you, his princess... Heh. You know, he never did give us the name of your mother. Of course, we all had our suspicions. You don't follow Raven's rule for over a millennia without picking up on who, or what, his favorite pets are. Now that you're here, that you've grown; the resemblance is striking. Also," he thumbed his nose softly, "You reek of the bitch. I see you've brought one of Alena's toys with you as well. Does he remind you of home?" For the quickest moment, Victor's features seemed to resemble a small hint of recognition as he looked upon Pablo, but he didn't comment on it.

"Victor!" Lucia shouted; she was done listening to him. His words seemed to only rile the anger in her more, she stepped forward, reaching with her left hand, gripping the blade at her side, "You are wanted for high treason. The first mark against you was the murder of your progeny, a Lady of the Vampires under King Raven's rule, Katla. Your King granted you leniency on this charge; and for his trouble, you killed him. You have been branded a traitor among the Vampires, and your cowardice has led you here!?" The bitterness of her words could be seen as fog in the cold air. She rose her voice, "I am Lucia Drusa Severa, daughter of the true Vampire King, Raven Lestat. I have come for the life of this traitor!" Pulling Raven's blade from the scabbard, Lucia pointed it at Victor, holding it easily in one hand. "If Any One stands in my way, they shall perish with him, where my father awaits him in Hell. I will offer this only once: Amnesty for those among this parasite's ranks who denounce him and accept me as their Queen. All others will fall."

Without another word, Lucia motioned with her right arm toward the traitor and his cave, and she charged Victor.

[Pablo]

The lycan sighed softly, closing his eyes he nudged the side of his head against Lucia's leg, while the hand wrapped around her leg gently caressed her. He was absent minded, mentally lost as Lucia's commanders and council approached. Despite the circumstances, again surrounded by his mortal enemies Pablo was at ease. Only vaguely aware at the threat. He sat up right as Lucia ruffled his hair, smiling to himself he opened his eyes once more. There were hundreds of them at least. A tight knot in his belly formed. Lucia had the resources to spare so many men, to send an army into the middle of a frozen wasteland, just to deal with a personal affair. He could only imagine the strength of the forces that they would wrought upon his kin. His concern was short lived. His ears perked as Lucia referred to him demanding his attention. It felt like at the time, that moment he was a tamed beast on display. The gaze of a hundred dead eyes set on him. There was though a slight comfort. She would bring him into the fight. He would watch her moment of triumph, after being dragged halfway across the planet he would have it no other way, and if matters went south, he could interfere. The moment his strength returned to him.

Pablo sat up again, as Lucia gripped him lightly by the hair. Glancing up at the girl, he frowned as she referenced the vampire Catherine. Any comfort he had once felt vanished. "Lucia..." He whispered softly. He wanted to protest, he wanted to stay by her side, he could walk if he really tried, but now wasn't the time. A shiver ran across his body as he felt Catherine's cold hands pry him away from Lucia. The woman lifted him easily, cradling him in her arms like a child and resting his head against her shoulder. Every fiber in his body began to scream, to fight, to resist, he was held in the jaws of death. Catherine stepped away from Lucia, standing behind her Queen. "I can walk." Pablo said, up the vampire.

She smiled down at him, a predatory smile, her two fangs showing. "You can't waste your strength. The Queen will need you once more." The woman cupped the back of his head, holding him closer, pushing his head further against her shoulder. "Don't worry young lycan." She gave pause, the vampire sighed softly. "You will be fine, in my care."

Catherine followed closely behind her Queen, her strides long and graceful. Clutching the boy close to her, her mind strayed. It was nor the time or the place, but there was little else she could focus on than the heat resonating in her body. It warmed her to the core, and made her skin tingle pleasantly, even with the layers of clothes between her and the lycan. At that moment it was evident, the warmth of the beast far surpassed that of a humans. She had held them to proximity on a nearly daily basis, but never had they made the cold a distant memory, as the young Pablo did in these frigid temperatures. Was this what her late King had hidden from his kin? It was not a secret, not really his affinity for lycans, Alena above all else. Now Lucia was like her father, and she had not forgotten of Dane. Not a night ago she had overhead their current King, alone with Alena in the basement. He taking her without care or consequence. Was it worth it? She glanced down at the lycan, as he struggled in her arms. Perhaps it was more than just their warmth. The bite wound on the crook of his shoulder was apparently. Lycan blood had always been taboo, but maybe there was cause for that. Once again the lycan shifted in her arms. She glanced back up once more. They were in the presence of Viktor and his army, it seemed she hadn't noticed.

"Let me down." Pablo whispered adamantly as Viktor referenced him. The lycan could feel a white flaring hear build in his chest the moment his eyes set on the Vampire Lord. That vampire was responsible for all the pain in Lucia's life. The loss of her father, the loss at a chance to live anything resembling a normal life for the hybrid. At that moment, he'd never felt a hatred more intense than he did then. To his surprise the lady vampire actually listened, placing him gently down onto his feet, although she still held him close. An arm wrapped around his chest, pulling him against her, it was not much of an improvement. She seemed less than concerned with his personal space, or her own for the matter, and they still stood quite far to the rear. Lucia, give him hell. He reached into the hybrid's mind, as she ordered her soldiers to charge. Pablo once against tried to break free from the woman's hold. "You aren't going to fight?" He said, angrily, glancing up at the woman.

Catherine sighed, annoyed with the lycan's struggles. "I was given orders to keep you safe, to keep you here." She reaffirmed his hold, and bowed her head to whisper into his ear. "Don't you worry for our sweet little Queen. Viktor died seven years ago. Tonight is the night he realizes."

Pablo cocked his head to the side, staring into the battle ahead as the two forces collided. It didn't take a trained eye, just an attentive one. Among Viktor's forces, nearly in unison with the clash of bodies, men among the enemies' forces turning on their own. Lucia had called for those among Viktor to join her, but this seemed far too practiced, well timed. He was about to speak once more, when he felt the woman's lips near his ear again. "Your concern for our Queen, it tickles me. Do you love her?"

Marcus lunged into the fray. His outstretched hand tearing through the throat of one of Viktor's baby bat, dosing him in blood. "Kneel!" He cried out to the masses. His eyes scurried the battlefield, searching for the one true threat, Viktor. The usurper tore through a body, quite literally splitting its chest into two. The council as ordered remained near Lucia, ready to protect her. "You are in the presence of the one true Queen. Daught to Raven Lestat, the first born, son of Satan. Their blood runs through her veins. She has been chosen to lead our kin, to lead you from this frozen hell hole. Kneel and she will show mercy."

Viktor growled angrily. They seemed intent on turning his forces against him. Was that their plan, utter cowardice? So be it. "Marcus." Viktor charged the shouting vampire. His former comrade failing to avoid a lowered shoulder and was launched sprawling back into his own men. "Take them all. It won't matter." Viktor swung his sword out to the side, catching one of Lucia's between the eyes as he attempted to surprise him by the side. The body crumpled to the ground, Viktor's gaze never strayed from Marcus. "I will each and every last one of you myself. And perhaps next time, Dane will dignify me with his presence." Viktor was about to lunge forward when he spotted her. Lucia, her father's blade in hand. He would deal with Marcus later, it was time to end the battle in one fell blow.

His eyes burned with hatred. Viktor charged at her, lunging with his own blade at the girl. "Oh Lucia, where did you go that night? I searched, and I searched, how did you the ol' bitch know to come for you? I've wondered for so many years."

[Lucia Drusa Severa]

On Lucia's order, the Vampires on both sides jumped into action. Victor seemed to disappear as droves of his army charged forth to meet their opposition. Behind her, the Hybrid could hear the quickened footsteps of her own force and council members trying to keep pace with her. In the corner of her eye, she could see one Vampire successfully match her stride; Marcus. He quickly sped ahead of her, fearlessly jumping into the tide of Baby Bats before them, ripping them to shreds with nothing but his hands.

Gripping the hilt of her blade tighter as Marcus called out, heralding her coming, Lucia cut through the nearest Vampire. The silver of her father's sword sliced through her enemy's flesh with ease, spattering her with cold blood. A violent sense of pride rose in the girl as the elder Vampire declared her lineage, and amid the anger raging within, there was hope as she cut her way to where Victor had been standing.

Around her, and from within the traitor's ranks, the Vampires seemed to respond to her declaration of execution and to Marcus' cries for fealty to be given. While many individuals from within Victor's force seemed to turn on their brothers, a few took the word of her councilman literally, dropping to a knee on the field, before taking up arms against the traitor, Victor.

She heard his voice, callous and cold, before she saw him again. From the direction of Victor's snarled threats, Marcus came flying back toward her; two other members of her council catching him and helping him to his feet. Without a moment's hesitation, Lucia cut through another Baby Bat, ready to slay two more as she closed the distance to her father's killer. One of the Vampires dropped to a knee, bowing his head in reverence as the Hybrid neared, and the swing that had been prepared for him was turned on the Vampire behind him as the girl jumped into the air, spinning as she leapt over her newest subject. She came down, holding her sword with both hands as it cut into the shoulder of Victor's henchman.

Her eyes flashed red as the traitorous Vampire lord neared; she watched him intently as she pulled hard at her blade with a grunt to dislodge it from her victim's chest. Running to meet him as he lunged at her, Lucia ducked under his blade, pivoting on the ball of her foot to send a sharp hook kick into the back of Victor's neck. To the girl's dismay, he caught her by the heel, pushing her leg hard, away from his head.

Stepping back to regain her balance, the Hybrid dug her feet into the icy ground, glaring up at the Vampire lord as he spoke. Something about his question stung; a strange flicker of anger and remorse fluttered in her chest, but she wouldn't let it hold her back. She jumped forward again to engage the traitor. Swinging the blade in her left hand, Lucia aimed for the Leech's neck.

He was quick. In a flash, Victor's own sword rose, catching her blade and stopping its attack. He pushed down with his sword, emphasizing the strength at his disposal; a dark, toothy grin baring down on her. "Very well. Keep your secrets. Your mother bought you seven years; but you will learn that seven years is not enough for You to best me, Girl."

Bringing her off-hand up to add its strength to her hold, Lucia tried pushing back against the might of Victor. She held him back momentarily, but soon his strength began to push down on her again. His words angered her. She hadn't been there for her father that night; and after all this time refusing to believe, it was apparent that she would have been of no use that night anyway. Victor would have slaughtered her before or after, it mattered not when; for it would have been inevitable. It dawned on her, somewhere in the back of her mind, that she wasn't entirely sure how her mother had known to send for her. Yet she couldn't dwell on that now.

As it became clear Victor would drive her own blade into her if she didn't act fast, Lucia frowned, "You were sloppy!" Shouting, she pushed back hard against his sword, shifting up. In an instant, black, leather wings sprouted from her shoulder blades, muscles enlarging as she gained the upper hand, pushing Victor back, off balance.

The look in the Vampire's eyes as Lucia grew was one of morbid fascination and disgust. Marcus charged forward once more, taking the opportunity to swipe at Victor.

[Pablo]

The question was enough to distract him from the battle, for now. Pablo's stomach fluttered, did he love Lucia? The easy answer was yes, there were times when he could think of nothing but the girl. And despite everything there was nothing he wanted more than to be or have her by his side. Even now watching from afar, he was at edge knowing that the force that was Viktor could end her life. Yet, none of that was Catherine's business. "It doesn't matter. She's with Dane." He crossed his arms. "I respect that."

"Oh?" He could hear Catherine say from behind him, as his concentration returned to the battle. It was evident the woman was attempting to make him feel uncomfortable, out of bored perhaps, resigned to watch over the lycan prisoner while the others fight honorably along their Queen. His eyes followed Lucia among the battlefield, the vampire behind him laughed, a surprisingly girlish giggle. "Such a shame. She loves you."

Pablo grit his teeth. Viktor was confronting Lucia, and what had been said in the exchange between them left her unhappy he could tell. In turn Pablo could feel his own tempers flare, just as Lucia donned her wings and took to the sky, he felt angry, the beast inside him was itching to escape. Catherine's words once more demanded his attention, he could feel the vampire's grip tighten as she seemed to step closer towards or rather against him. "What do you know?" He said with a huff, glancing over his shoulder to her.

"I was not much older than either of you when I was turned." His glance at her, his first good luck at the vampire was enough to confirm that. She did seem youthful in appearance, to go with the natural beauty of her race. That was believable, he garnered more from her than that. It was impossible not to notice, her eyes were red, a predatory look on her face, her fangs visible, not dissimilar from Lucia. The vampire was hungry. "I remember what it's like to be a young woman. So much love to give, and the way you two played in the snow, the way she held you. Queen Lucia, she cares deeply for her pet, more than some may deem appropriate, but I understand. Pablo, do you want her? I can give her to you."

A glint flashed in Viktor's eyes at the sight of Lucia. It was truly a sight to behold, she was by all definitions monstrous. It was the truest example of Satan's handiwork at display. It was almost a shame he would be sending the girl shortly to her maker. He parried her attacks easily. One eye aware of Marcus' incoming presence as he backed away. It was time Lucia, they, knew his true strength. "Sloppy, yes, that may be it." Viktor side stepped as Marcus charged in, extending a leg to trip his former comrade, he shoved him powerfully into Lucia's attack. Even Marcus, the strongest among them was too slow and weak for him. They would all die. "I was sloppy. Your father proved to be harder to kill than I had thought." Viktor struck out at the nearest vampire, hacking him to bits, and then another. Any that neared fell quickly to his blade. It became clearer, to that point, he had showed restraint. A clearing began to form around him, vampires from either side to wary to approach the slayer of the first vampire. Lucia's council had begun to form by the girl. He grinned, staring straight at Lucia. "He bought you just enough time I suppose. You really should thank him." He lunged forward, but not at the hybrid. It was clear his former allies would give their live's for her, even likely the expected him to attack her, and so he diverted their attention to them. One standing far to Lucia's side, Viktor was blur charging straight towards him, his blade striking true, thrusting into his shoulder. Viktor twisted his blade within the man's shoulder before yanking it free. The vampire fell to the ground in writhing agony. The weakest would fall first, one by one, till he evened the numbers.