I don't own the rights to Vampire Academy. I do own this story.
Chapter 2
RPOV
I guess it could be worse. At least by running I don't have to look at dimitri. I knew if I gave too much thought to what I had just heard he would be able to tell. We have been having these private training sessions 5 days a week twice a day for over a year has always been a guarded, but he has told me things about his past that makes me appreciate him so much more. He's not boastful. When he tells the class about his experiences fighting strigoi it is solely for the purpose of learning. The other novices call him a "God" for good reason. The number of battles he has been in are staggering.
After my warm up 5 mile run I returned inside. Dimitri was setting up practice dummies, with practice weapons spread out on the mat. It was just like any other practice. I avoided eye contact and just focused on the dummies in front of me. I practiced hitting the dummies in the heart with my stake over and over again. Dimitri must have sensed something was up with me because after 30 minutes.
He stopped me and asked me what was wrong. "Is something bothering you rose. You seem distracted." "Am I not hitting my target?" "You are, but usually you can't stop talking." "I guess I just have a lot on my mind." I just can't wait to see Lissa. It's been months since i've been aloud to see her." I hope he buys my excuse. I mean it's true I do miss Lissa. It's just not the real reason I am so unfocused.
After a moment I realized he wasn't saying anything and I looked up to see dimitri staring at me. At that moment I knew I had to tell him what I heard. We have built a trust in each other. "Dimitri… do you think the senior novices are ready to be in the field?" I watched him ponder my question. He didn't answer for several minutes.
When I looked into his eyes I knew the truth. He didn't know if we were ready. "I believe that we will find out soon enough." "that's vague comrade even for you." He gave me a small smile. "You know me better then most Roza." I don't know why, but I always get a chill when he calls me Roza. "I know." I said with a smile. "Which is why I know i'm not the only one distracted tonight." He let out a deep sigh.
"If I tell you something do you promise not to say anything until I can tell the rest of the novices?" I looked him straight in the eyes and grabbed his hand, he jerked slightly by my touch, but let me hold his hand. We looked down at our hand together then back up at each other. My entire body was tingling at his touch. What was happening.
"I know Dimitri. I know what guardian Alto told you. I was on time for once and I heard everything. I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but i'm Rose Hathaway. You shouldn't be surprised." "Oh Roza you really shouldn't of found out that way. You must be shocked to find out that the state of this war isn't going as well as you were lead to believe."
I was shocked but not by the way the war was going. I was shocked because I thought I had more time. I need more time to learn, more time to be with my friends, and more time to be with Lissa. "Dimitri who are you taking out in the field." I was both afraid and excited by what he was about to say. I had dreamt about being in the field. The rush of being in battle and saving lives. Now all I could think about is the crippling fear of being face to face with strigoi.
"I think you know who are my most promising students Rose." I was afraid to ask. Even though I new the answer. "When do we leave." I held my breath. " the day after next. I need to inform the others who will be going into the field." All I could do was stare at the dummies before me. In two days I will be face to face with strigoi.
When I looked back up at Dimitri I was strong. I showed no fear. " I guess we have some work to do. What should I do now. I want to train more tonight if it's ok with you."
"I think you've practiced enough for tonight. We will start fresh in the morning." I felt like i had to do something. I knew if I went back to my room I would not be able to sleep. "Dimitri.. Why do you have us run so much. Wouldn't our time be better spent learning how to fight strigoi."
"I make you run so when you are faced with impossible odds, you have the stamina to get back to safety."
I nodded my head. "I think i'll walk the perimeter for awhile, I need to clear my head." I started to walk away, afraid that if I stayed my mask would crack. I needed to get way. I walked out of the gym into the open air. As soon as I was far enough from the building I started to run. I don't know how long I ran, but soon the sun was coming up and I decided to head for my room to get ready for the day ahead.