***** DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING :-( JUST THE PLOT. I would like to thank my Beta Swimming the Same Deep Waters for her amazing work!
Rose walked down the hall looking for an empty classroom to do some meditation. It seemed that when she meditated it helped somewhat with the Darkness. It had been a rough year coming back to St. Vladimir's. The betrayal of Viktor Dashkov still hit close to home. Closer than most realized. In that moment Lissa had lost all of those she considered family, other than Rose. Rose heard a noise coming from an empty classroom. It sounded like a scream but muffled a little. She took a deep breath and opened the door to find three Moroi guys holding a Dhampir girl who looked no older than 15 or 16. Without thinking, Rose went into attack mode. Hitting the one that was touching the girl while the other two held her, she landed one good hit to his head knocking him out. Looking at the other two, she shouted: "Let her go, or end up like your other friend here!" Rose was more than ready to kick their asses as well.
They dropped the girl to the ground and ran from the room. Rose slowly knelt next to her. Rose could tell she was a Dhampir. It kinda shocked her she was being held.
"Are you okay?" she softly asked her.
"I am now, thank you," she said with a slight accent.
"You're welcome, but you don't need to thank me. Come on, let's get you off the floor," Rose said, moving closer to the girl in order to help her stand.
"I'm Rosemarie, but my friends call me Rose."
"I'm Viktoria, but friends and family call me Vika," the young girl replied.
As she talked more, Rose noticed the accent again. She knew she had heard it somewhere, but where she couldn't think at the moment. Looking at her more carefully, Rose noticed she was having trouble taking deep breaths, suggesting either broken ribs or at least cracked ones. She, herself, had been there before after the fight with Viktor and Natalie. How one could turn their own daughter Strigoi she would never know.
"How did you end up here anyways? Shouldn't you be in class?" Rose probed.
"I have a free period and I was attacked from behind. They pulled me into a room and beat me until they got tired of it. Then they started touching me all over, my breasts, stomach and started on my legs when you came in. I was so scared it was someone else to help them," Viktoria said, breaking down in tears.
Rose gently wrapped her arms around the crying girl. She wasn't used to tears. Lissa rarely cried. But as she held the girl she calmed down. "I'm so sorry crying on you," she wailed.
"It's okay, don't worry about it. Come on let's go get your bruises and ribs looked at. I think they might be broken or bruised," Rose said, helping her with her bag. Rose knew she didn't need to carry it, so she grabbed it along with hers. When Rose leant down to get the bag, she got a good look at the boy in question. Anger charged through Rose so fast she had a hard time keeping it from her face. The last thing she needed to do was scare Viktoria.
~~~ Rose? What's wrong? I just felt a lot of anger from you~~~~ Rose heard through the Bond. Ever since Viktor kidnapped Lissa, their bond had grown to where they could send messages to each other.
~~~~Jesse sexually attacked a young Dhampir in a classroom. She has bruises and possibly broken, cracked or bruised ribs. I can tell from the way she's breathing it hurts. I'm bringing her to you at the Nurse's office. Can you please call Alberta and let her know about Jesse. He's knocked out for now, but I don't know for how long ~~~ Rose sent her, guiding Viktoria out of the classroom and towards the hospital going the back way. Rose didn't want classes to end and for people to see the poor girl. She had been through enough and didn't need gossip to add to her issues.
~~~ Of course Rose. Hopefully this will finally stop him~~~ Lissa replied.
~~~ Let's hope so Lis. We're going the back way. Classes will be out soon. I don't know how long it will take us. We are going slow so not to damage the ribs any more~~~ Rose sent back.
Rose noticed Viktoria about 10 feet behind her, so she stopped and waited for her.
"I'm sorry Rose," Viktoria said, finally reaching her.
"It's okay, take your time. We're going the back way. I've been there too many times to count with my ribs when my mentor knocks me on my ass forgetting his own strength. Freakishly tall Russian! So no rush. I didn't want classes to finish and everyone to see you, that's the last thing you need," Rose said with a small smile.
"Freakishly tall Russian? Sounds like my brother. He is stupidly tall and Russian. He is actually working here right now. He's mentoring some girl who ran away with the Princess Vasilisa Dragomir," Viktoria said, not seeing Rose's face.
"Oh my God! You're Dimitri's sister?" Rose almost screamed in shock. She couldn't believe she was helping Dimitri's sister. Oh boy is Jesse gonna get it, now. He picked the wrong person to mess with.
"Yes, I am. Please don't leave me," Viktoria begged in a low voice, wrapping her arms around herself.
"Why in the world would I do that? Me and Dimitri are cool. Granted he's a hard ass in the gym. He knows better than to tell me what to do. I'll just do it to spite him. Kinda like when I put a needle in Kirova's ass, or when he told me not to go see Viktor after he was locked up. He may be my mentor, but he's not my father," Rose said smiling at her. While thinking thank God he's not her father. No one's father should look that handsome.
"Good, I barely know you but you seem really nice and helpful. Something tells me I'm gonna need that help for a while," Viktoria told her as they reached the Hospital building just as the bell rang to release the students.
They slipped through the double doors as they heard movement outside. Walking up to the desk, Rose dinged the bell sitting on the top. After a few minutes an older Moroi girl appeared at the desk, giving Rose and Viktoria a nasty look.
"What do you want Dhampirs? Break a nail?" the older girl asked laughing.
"I need to see Princess Vasilisa Dragomir," Rose said smiling at the girl as best as she could, trying to keep the attention on herself and not Vika.
"Haha you're funny Dhampir! Thinking you can demand to see her Royal Highness. She doesn't have time to deal with your broken nails. Now run along before I call Security and have you and your little friend removed because she can't handle her drinks and you broke a nail," she said.
Rose nodded her head and turned to leave, but stopped and helped Viktoria to a seat first, making sure she was fully settled. Viktoria looked at Rose like she was crazy. Rose just grinned at her, slowly turning around to face the other girl.
"Please call them. It will better for you to have them deal with you than me. Trust me on that one," Rose grinned at her.
"Fine it's your funeral. Guardian Belikov and Guardian Petrov are on duty tonight. I've heard Belikov is hard but very sexy. Wouldn't mind a punishment from him," the girl said picking up the phone.
"Guardian Petrov? Good evening. I have two girls here. One looks like she drank too much, and the other broke a nail. They demanded I call the Princess, but she's very busy. They won't leave. Anyway if you could help me, I have patients I need to attend to," the girl asked respectfully. She nodded her head in agreement.
~~~ I need you, Lissa. This dumbass at the desk won't call you. Please hurry or I can't be held for my actions ~~~ Rose sent Lissa through the bond.
~~~ Sure, Rose. I'll be there in a just a few minutes. I'm just adding the last few notes for a patient. Is Viktoria okay?~~~ Lissa asked.
Rose went to check on her, and Viktoria had her eyes closed. Rose knelt down beside her.
"Vika are you okay?" Rose asked quietly.
"Yes, Rose. I'm okay, just trying to rest and keep my breathing even. My ribs really hurt," Viktoria replied quietly.
Rose nodded and moved to sit next to her, waiting for Dimitri and Alberta to arrive. Rose leant her head back against the wall. Starting to let her mind wander. Oh how she wished she was training right now instead of dealing with this pain in the ass bitch who doesn't even know who she is. Rose couldn't wait to see the look on her face.
~~~Rose is Viktoria okay?~~~ Lissa asked again.
~~~Oh Lissa, I'm sorry yeah she's okay, just sore. Soon as Comrade gets here things will get better. How far are you?~~~ Rose asked grinning.
~~~ I bet. I'm just on the other side of the hall. I'm getting that room I told you about ready for her. With her being new to the school, I figured the room would be okay for her. Did you get the full story yet? ~~~ Lissa queried.
~~~ Yes, I did. But I'll wait until Dimitri gets here and we are in the room before I say anything. The last thing we need is the whole school knowing about it~~~ Rose said back as she heard footsteps approaching.
Rose peeked through her lashes to see her Russian hard ass walking up the hall with an older female guardian with short sandy brown hair and a kind complexion that belied her inner strength and strong will. She looked scary. Even from this distance, Rose could see the many battles she had won and lost. She knew she was a perfect match for her Comrade.
As Dimitri walked closer to the desk, he saw Rose and a young girl whose hair was covering half her face. But even with half of it covered Dimitri knew who she was. His sister. His baby sister. He could see she was holding her rib area. He knew the pain from all the times he'd hurt his before himself. He almost stepped towards them but the blonde at the desk spoke up.
"I'm sorry to call you, but they wouldn't leave and she was demanding to speak to the Princess," the older blonde said, smiling at the guardians and winking at Dimitri.
"Is that so?" Dimitri asked the blonde.
"Yes Guardian Belikov. They were rather rude, too, just over a broken nail," she added with a flirty tone.
Rose could hear the flirty tone of her voice, and while it is was standard when most women spoke with Dimitri, Rose could only stand just so much. Standing up and walking over to the Guardians, she looked up to Dimitri, smiled quickly then turned to the blonde. "Okay I can't stand any more of this lie. Guardian Belikov, Petrov? I came in asking for Lissa's help. I'm not sure what's wrong but I have a good idea. I didn't trust anyone else to check her and make sure she's okay. I know Lissa will take good care of her and her privacy. She doesn't need to have this spread about school," Rose said meaningfully.
"I see Novice Hathaway. I completely understand why you came to see the Princess," Alberta said nodding to her, understanding Rose's second meaning.
Turning to the blonde Alberta said sternly "Get me Vasilisa now!"
"No need to get me, I'm right here. Mea, you can leave now. I don't have time for someone who doesn't listen to orders and tries to cause problems," Lissa said, emerging from a room down the hall.
"But-" the blonde started to say as Lissa cut her off.
"I said OUT!" Lissa said raising her voice, startling two girls in the room, one behind the desk and one in the chair against the wall.
"What's all the yelling about?" asked the girl against the wall. Everyone turned to her, Rose walking back over to Viktoria.
"I'm sorry. Didn't mean to scare you. Lissa was just dealing with an issue. Come on let's get you into a room," Rose said, helping her stand.
"Take her to room one Rose. I'll be in there soon. Guardian Belikov, would you please help them while Guardian Petrov and I finish here?" Lissa asked, knowing Dimitri wanted to talk to his sister.
"Of course Vasilissa," Dimitri responded, following Rose and his sister to the room. Once in the room, Rose stepped out of the way and Dimitri stepped up to Viktoria, taking her into his arms and holding her as tightly as he could without hurting her. Viktoria started crying soon as the firm arms of her brother were around her. He held her close, gently running one hand through her hair, the other rubbing circles on her back while saying soothing words to her in Russian.
Rose had no clue what he was saying, but it seemed to work. Viktoria calmed down after a few minutes but stayed in her brothers' protective embrace. Rose could see how much this was affecting both of them. Viktoria was so scared, and Dimitri was livid. Yes he had his guardian mask up, but Rose had gotten better at reading him through it. Not many could say that, maybe only his family. But nonetheless, it was true.
Rose pulled the bed covers back for Viktoria. Knowing Lissa like she did, she knew she'd want Viktoria to stay overnight. Rose started looking for something for Viktoria to change in to help make the inevitable exam easier. In one of the cabinets Rose found a simple set of PJ's. They looked about the right size. She pulled them out and set them on the bed. Turning back to Viktoria and Dimitri, the door opened and Lissa walked in with a smile on her face.
"Well now that's taken care of, let's get you settled. Thanks, Rose that helps me some," Lissa said, looking at the bed and seeing the clothing.
"You're welcome, Lis. Come on Vika, let's get you changed. Comrade step outside while we get her changed, please," Rose said stepping over to where Viktoria was still clasped in her brother's embrace.
Dimitri raised an eyebrow at her. Was she really giving him an order? Rose just nodded at him.
"Fine. But do note it will cost you later," Dimitri said stepping out for a moment.
"Rose he's gonna kill you at practice," Lissa said, grinning.
"Don't remind me. That's twice I've called him Comrade in front of someone, and now given him an order," Rose said, trying not to think about the world of pain that was coming to her. "Do you need help Vika?"
"Please," Viktoria said, almost in tears trying to get her shirt off.
Rose smiled at her and gently helped her remove her shirt and put the new one on, then helped her with her skirt and putting the shorts on. Lissa helped her into the bed. Covering her with the few blankets, a knock on the door made the girls smile. Rose went to open the door to let Dimitri back in. On her way back to the bed, Rose grabbed the chair from the corner of the room and brought it closer to the bed. Rose nodded to Dimitri to sit in the chair, so he could be closer to his sister. Dimitri sat in the chair taking his sister's hand into his. Taking a deep breath to centre himself he asked the question he was dreading the most.
"Vika can you please tell us what happened? Even just a little will help," Dimitri said in a soothing voice Rose had never heard him use before.
Gripping Dimitri's hand tightly, Viktoria nodded.
"I had a free period and wanted to see if maybe you would give me a little extra training. I know I am behind the rest of my class. Mama thought it would be good to ask you to help me. On my way there I was pulled into a room by three boys. They were laughing, one started to touch me all over while the other two held me. They were Moroi but they were strong. I tried to fight back, but then one said something about getting me kicked out if I fought them. 'They come first, blood-whore dhampir,' he said. I can't thank Rose enough for coming into the room and saving me. Please don't me mad at her for missing practice Dimka. She was helping me," Viktoria said almost in tears once again.
"Sssshhhh. Don't worry, she isn't in trouble for missing practice since she had a good reason to miss it. Let's just focus on you right now," Dimitri said rubbing her hand. "Does anything hurt?"
"My ribs and head hurt," Viktoria said in a low voice tightening her hold on his hand.
"I can help with that if you don't mind? I use Spirit to heal. I promise it won't hurt and will help you rest," Lissa said smiling at her.
Viktoria looked to Dimitri as if asking him if she should do it. He nodded back and stood so Lissa could help her. Rose just stood back watching Dimitri and his sister. She could tell even through his Guardian mask that he was furious. He wanted to track down who was responsible for hurting her. Rose was worried about them both. As Lissa started to heal Viktoria the Darkness Rose had tried to contain earlier was back in full force. Rose knew it was worth it so Viktoria would get better. She started pacing the room, trying to stay still but couldn't. Dimitri quickly noticed the change in her. After three paces he stopped her gently in his arms. Making her look at him.
"What's wrong Roza?" he whispered to her.
"It's the Darkness, and being this close to Lissa while she uses Spirit makes it so much worse. I take in more than normal. I don't mind to help Viktoria; I'll work it off later," Rose said smiling quickly at him and breaking out of his hold, even though all she wanted to do was stay. But she knew just one moment of weakness on either side could be their downfall. They only had a few months before they were free. Just a few months, then to hell with what anyone thought. They could finally just be themselves. Now they just need to keep anyone else from knowing about them. Fun fun.
About an hour later, Lissa was finished and Rose was about to fully freak out. She was channelling a lot of Darkness. Almost more than she could handle. Lissa slowly covered Viktoria with a blanket to make sure she was warm. Using Spirit tends to make people cold afterwards. Once she was covered, Lissa walked over to Dimitri.
"She's gonna be out for a while, so go do something. No use just sitting around here. Rose needs to get out. Work off some of the Darkness."
She turned to Rose. "I'm sorry it causes you issues," Lissa said, understanding how it affected her.
"It's fine Lis. I knew it would affect me like this, but it's worth it for Viktoria. She needed us. We're here for her. That's what she needs." Rose said grabbing her bag.
"I'm gonna go change and meet you at the gym. I need the workout and so do you," Rose said to Dimitri. "I'll see you later Lissa," Rose said, hugging Lissa, and opening the door.
Lissa smiled. It was just like Rose to have the last word.
"Go, or she'll come searching for you! You and I both know when Rose is on a mission she doesn't stop," Lissa laughed pointing to the door Rose had just walked through.
"Call me if something happens. Anything at all and I'll be here" Dimitri promised opening the door again.
"Of course Dimitri. Now go!" Lissa laughed. It was funny ordering him about for once.
Dimitri smiled at her. Taking one last look at Viktoria he left to get ready for one hell of a workout for him and his Roza.
A/N: Hope you all like it, Please leave a review and tell me what you think. Now time to work on chapter 2