I slept most of the way back to Oksana's. My body was exhausted and I barely even noticed when we got off the train only to board a bus. I was moving only by pure will. Dimitri was a big part of me functioning as well. He kept me moving and held my weight most of the time too.

"The ride back seems so much longer..." Adrian was laying back on a seat with an arm over his eyes. "Why does the ride back seem so much longer?"

Sydney was the only one who seemed awake enough to respond to such a complaint, "Because on the way there we actually had things to distract us. Now, well we're just going through our time wanting rest. Maybe if you sleep it'll go by faster." She was streched out in a seat across from him, using her bag as a pillow.

He sighed, "I cannot sleep." He peeked out at Gabe, "For obvious reasons."

This made Gabe laugh, "And I guess it wouldn't help if I told you I won't try anything if we all can get some rest?"

Dimitri smiled down at me and ran his hands through my hair, "No, I suppose it doesn't really assure us of anything."

He shrugged, "I guessed as much." He went back to relaxing and closed his eyes.

The bus smelled fresh and the cool air seeping in was more than welcome. The vibrations on the bus were what was probably lulling me to sleep. That and having my head rested on Dimitri's lap. He was always such a comfort to have. Any touch from him felt safe. I shut my eyes and relaxed into the feel of his fingers running through my hair. It was one of the best feelings in the world. I could feel myself slipping into sleep.

The bus transformed into a grand and gorgeous room. The walls were all a brilliant lush green and gold. There were two long couches made of some velvet looking material in a dark shade of green. I ran my hand over the edge of one and found that it was just as soft as it looked. I closed my eyes and let the texture linger on my hands.

"Hello Rose."

I opened my eyes to find Liss standing in all her glory. Head held high and dressed with a crown that weaved like vines together. In the middle sat a beautiful clear stone that shone with such intensity that it made me squint before I could adjust my sight back to normal. She was wearing a white gown that looked so elegant and smooth that on her skin it reminded me of flowing light.

"Liss!" I ran to her and was met with a firm hug. She seemed to be missing me just as much. "You're a sight for sore eyes."

I felt her tighten her hold and reluctantly release me, "I'm just glad to see you're okay. Adrian told me there had been an ugly battle and I just wanted too make sure..." She looked sheepishly down to my stomach. "Well, you know."

"We're fine." It wasn't until then that I realized what I was dressed in. The dress wasn't nearly as grand as her's but it was undoubtably beautiful. It was a soft shade of reddish orange and the material felt like silk. I ran my hand over my stomach to get a feel for it. "What's this all about?"

She shrugged, "Just a thought about my maid's dresses."

I looked up in awe, "You set the date?"

She nodded and seemed to beam happiness. "Christian thought it was would be nice to do it when you all get back so you could be a part of it all." She took my hands in her's, "This is so exciting. I'm sure you're all too familiar with what this feels like."

"Yea, I do." Thoughts of my wedding day flashed though my mind. The walk down the aisle, Dimtiri's handsome face, the way the world seemed to fade away as we kissed. It was surreal. Then my smile melted, "But I don't know when that'll be, Liss."

She frowned, "But you accomplished what you went there for, right? Sydney's safe?"

I ducked my head slightly, "Well, she's safe. But we ran into some complications."

"Complications? Why does everything you do get so complicated?" She sat down in a recliner that just appeared behind her. It was probably large enough to fit the both of us on it.

I leaned on the arm of the chair, "Tell me about it." I sighed heavily. "But I do have a plan to fix it. Or at least make it right but it might take some time."

She made a slight pout, which I don't think she was too aware that she was doing. "How much time are we talking about, Rose?"

It felt wrong to lie to her. She's been my best friend since I could remember. Practically like a sister to me. "Are you sure Adrian didn't already tell you?"

"Rose!"

"Fine!" I fixed my gaze to the arm of the couch and started scratching at the seams. "We found Gabriel, the Strigoi, at his hideout and killed all his minions."

She gasped, "That was the big battle?"

I waved her down, "That's not all. We kind of staked him with a Spirit stake and now he's alive again."

"Wh..."

I stopped her, "Wait, it gets worse." I took in a deep breath. "He's on the bus with us back to Oksana's."

She was simply speechless. Anything she could have said wouldn't nearly amount to the look of horror she was giving me now. Her mouth as hanging open, eyes widened to maximun capacity, hands on chest, and face gone paler than usual.

"Lissa?"

She shook her head, "What. In. God's. Name. Were. You. Thinking?" She snapped out of the trance, "Are you all insane?" She sprang up out of the recliner and grabbed my wrists. "And you're asleep with this same guy on a bus?"

I tilted my head slightly, "Technically, I'm seated with Dimitri and he's wide awake so I'm pretty safe."

"Rose! That is not the point and you know it!" She took in a much needed breath. "He could be dangerous for all you know." Then she looked like something suddenly came to mind, "Why didn't Adrian tell me about this?"

"I thought he would have..." before I could finish off my train of thought we were hurled into another state of mind. The room changed significantly and our clothes were warped into ordinary jeans and T-shirts. I began to miss the feel of the smooth fabic on my skin but that was quickly replaced as I saw Adrian appear. He was standing in the middle of our new surroundings unaware that we were just feet behind him.

She cleared her throat loudly enough to make him spin around in surprise, "Whoa! I was wondering why I was dreaming. Don't usually get anything I feel can be this real." He did a half laugh but stopped suddenly as his eyes rested on Liss. "What did I do?"

"It's what you didn't do." She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him.

He looked at me and his expression dropped slightly, "You told her?"

I shrugged, "Yea."

"Why'd you have to tell her?" He rolled his eyes and started patting himself down probably in hopes of finding a pack of cigarettes. He found one.

"Why wouldn't you tell me?" She sounded more hurt than angry.

He nodded at her, "This is why."

She looked baffled, "How does that even make any sense?"

He lit his cigarette and took a long drag before continuing, "I knew how you would react to this type of news in theory. Now seeing it in real life proves I was right not to say a thing about Gabe."

"You don't even know how I reacted when I got the news!" She stomped her foot and the sound echoed like a boom.

Adrian's brow rose, "So you're just this upset because I didn't tell you?"

She stammered, "Well, no. Not just that but..."

"See?"

She growled out her frustration, something I hadn't seen her do in a long time. "Adrain! You're so, so..."

"Handsome? Charismatic? Charming?" One of his famous all consuming grins spread over his face as he exhaled a cloud of smoke.

"Infuriating?" I suggested.

That made her smile, "Exactly. Thank you, Rose."

He put a hand over his heart, "Ouch, Little Dhampir."

I smiled, "Just calling it like I see it."

"And I handled the situation fine considering the circumstances." She looked proud of herself as she made that statement.

He looked at me, "She freaked out about it?"

I winced and bobbed my head slightly, "Just a bit."

Lissa's jaw dropped at my admittance, "Did not."

"Just calling it like she sees it." Adrian winked at me and I couldn't help a small smile.

"Okay, enough banter. Now tell me what do you all plan on doing with him?" She looked between the two of us waiting for a response. All me and Adrian could do was look to one another to see if one of us could muster up an answer. She crossed her arms over her chest, "You have no clue."

He halted her from going on a rant, "We have an idea but it's not set in stone just yet. Kind of like we're in the brain storming process right now."

"Yea." She set her sights on me. "I mean, this all just happened last night. Not too long ago if you think about it."

"I know." She sent a quick glare at Adrian. "He mentioned the battle just hours ago but didn't seem to have the time to tell me about Gabe."

He just shrugged, "Can we get pass that already?" He dropped the half smoked cigarette to the ground and stomped it out.

She made a face, "Yea. Right away, Lord Ivashkov."

He crinkled his nose, "I'm leaving now."

Before Liss could protest he started to disperse before our very eyes. I had never seen it from this perspective for myself. It was strange and left an empty feeling to the space Adrian was just occupying. Some colors lingered in his spot. I was tempted to reach out and run my fingers through them. She must have noticed my curiousity because she smiled at me.

"Strange, isn't it?"

I nodded, "Almost unreal. But it happened. Right in front of my eyes." I took a step towards the last bit of colors sprinkled on the ground.

"Mmm-mm. Don't mess with it." She tsked and shook her head lightly.

I stopped and looked back at her, "Why?"

She sighed, "Well Sonya explained it to me once that it can be used to get a glimpse of memories the person left behind. But you never know what piece it is. Could be something from years ago or just minutes ago."

"Why would it be dangerous to see?" I looked back at the colors.

"It might be something you don't want to see... or something you shouldn't see." Her thoughts looked far away. But just as easily as she was distracted she snapped back to reality. "I'd rather you not see what's in Adrian's head."

I looked back down at the colors and sighed, "Are you sure?"

She nodded, "If I know Adrian well enough I think it'd be something unhappy or perhaps even a little crazy." She said the last part softer than she normally spoke. "Do you really want to walk through one of his memories? You never know how long it's going to be either."

"Have you ever done it?" I kept my eyes on the slowly fading colors.

With that she silenced for a long time. I had to look up at her to be sure she was still with me. She finally nodded, "Yes. And it wasn't too pleasant."

I had decided, "I can handle unpleasant." And before I know it I was plunged into a world of darkness. I blinked rapidly trying to get my vision to steady and adjust to the change of light.

"Don't start with this again, Adrian." Sydney was lounging on a chair with a book on her lap. It was so thick I could almost recommend it as a bludgeoning weapon.

I could hear Adrian chuckle but I could see him. It was like I was watching it all through his eyes. He was standing just beside her chair looking down at the book. "I don't see how you get much enjoyment out of reading something so enormous."

She placed her hand in between the pages and shut it so he couldn't see inside. "I like gaining new knowledge. And this book is a whole new world opening up to me. I like getting lost in a good story. Simple as that."

He raised his hand and I noticed he was holding an amber colored drink. "I prefer being lost in liquor." He took a swig and I could taste the strong flavor and feel it warm my chest.

"Of course you do." She reopened the book and tried to obviously ignore him.

"Would you like to join me?" He held out his hand for her.

She peeked at him, "No, thank you Adrian."

"Come on..." He slipped the book off her lap, closed it and set it on a high shelf.

"Adrian!" She shot up so fast and they were so close. I could smell her shampoo. The colors in her eyes glowed in the lighting. Ember swirled through the light brown. It made them breath taking. I felt flustered. Well Adrian was the one feeling flustered. I was just going through it with him.

He stepped back and cleared his throat, "Settle down. I'll make you a deal."

She placed her hands on her hips and frowned, "This better be simple. And I'm not getting blind drunk with you."

I felt a pout on his lips, "One drink with me and I'll bring your book down from its banishment so that you can continue to enjoy it."

"Just one?" She looked like she didn't want to give in regardless of how many drinks it took.

He grinned and held up one finger, "Just one."

She finally nodded after some obvious thought, "Fine. But then I get to go back to my book and you won't bother me again?"

"I will not bother you for the rest of the night." He traced an X over his heart. "Unless you want me to." He winked. Such a sweet talker.

"Doubtful. Very doubtful." She held up her glass to Adrian. He filled it with the same amber liquor he was drinking.

He tapped their glasses together, "Cheers."

She blushed slightly, "Cheers." They both took a drink and from the look on her face it was the first time she's ever tasted anything of this extent. "Ugh."

Adrian laughed out loud. It was a purely genuine and happy laugh. It caught me by surprise. I hadn't heard anything like it. "You okay there, Syd?"

"What is that? Liquid fire?" She put down the glass and started making her way to the kitchen. She started running the water in the sink trying to wash her mouth out.

Adrian hurried in behind her and filled another glass with water. He handed it to her, "Here. Makes it easier to actually get some water in your mouth." He chuckled.

She glared at him and took a big gulp, "Thanks alot."

"I'm sorry. How was I suppose to know you've never drank before?" He tugged out a small hand towel from the cabinets and started wiping her face dry.

Then something strange happened. Their eyes locked. Adrian's hand froze where it was. His thumb grazing the surface of her cheek where the golden lily tattoo layed. She looked lost in his gaze as well. Silence filled the room. I felt his heart beat start to quicken slightly and Adrian's thoughts were everywhere. Curious as to why he was feeling so awe-stuck, warm from the feel of her skin, and sinking deeper into her gaze. It was like he was being pulled in unwillingly. From the look of things, Sydney was going through a thousand thoughts herself.

Then suddenly they were both jolted out of their daze when someone knocked on the door. Adrian smiled smoothly and dropped his hand from her face, "I got to get that."

His mind was going franticly through what just happened. He wasn't sure what to make of it. Was there really something there? Did that just happened? And wondering what Sydney had been thinking was crossing in and out of negative areas. Just as he reached the door I was shot back into darkness.

"Rose?"

I blinked rapidly. Liss' face came into focus. I was laying flat on the floor. "What was that?"

She helped me sit up, "I told you, it was one of his memories." She looked me over with worry in her eyes, "Are you okay?"

I nodded slowly, still shocked at what I had just witnessed. "I'm fine."

"Are you sure? Adrian is kind of depressing. I've gone through one of his memories before and felt completely saddened. And none of it even happened to me." She shook her head, "It's a strange thing being in his head."

I nodded again. "Yea."

She turned my face to her, "Rose?"

"Huh?" I felt like I was still in a daze.

She frowned, "What did you see exactly?"

"I'm not so sure I want to share it. Or rather that he would want me to share it." I looked down at my hands and wingled my fingers to make sure I had full control over myself. It was strange being back in control.

"It was that sad?" She looked upset now. Even on the verge of tears.

I shook my head, "No. It was actually kind of nice. Then confusing..." I looked off at nothing in particular.

She smiled softly, "Consider yourself lucky then."

I don't know if I can go as far as to say I was lucky for witnessing that. But instead of saying what I was thinking all I responded was, "Yea."

Liss and I said our goodbyes and I assured her I would inform her as soon as we figured out what we were going to do with Gabe. She was adamant about being informed 'as soon as possible'. I had to admire her persistance on the matter.

I woke up with my head still resting on Dimitri's lap. He was gazing out the window and looked really content with the world. One of his hands rested on my waist and the other was propped up so that he could rest his chin on it. I slid my hand over his and gently squeezed.

He looked down at me and smiled, "Hey."

"Hey." I smiled and turned so that I was facing straight up at him.

He ran a hand over my cheek that caused a part of Adrian's memory to flash through my mind. His hand on Sydney's cheek. When I snapped back to Dimitri he was staring at me like he was expecting an answer.

"I'm sorry, what?"

He chuckled, "Not fully awake yet?

I tried a light laugh, "Yea. Sorry." I ran my hand over my face.

"You don't have to apologize. I was just asking if you enjoyed your nap." His smile was so easy going and radiant. It made me want to smile.

"Yes, it was a much needed rest." I turned my face inward so that my lips grazed the palm of his hand.

His smile intesified, "Good. I'm glad."

"Anything interesting happen while I was gone or did the queen have anything else to add?" Adrian was laying back. All I could see of him were his feet which were propped up on the seat infront of him.

I laughed, "No. She just wants us to let her know what happens with... stuff." I sent an uneasy gaze at Gabe who seemed to still be asleep.

He scoffed, "Right."

"Why be rude, Adrian?" Sydney's voice was low but stern. She didn't like confrontations and disorder so I wasn't surprised by her remark.

He was quiet for a while before replying, "Sorry, Syd."

She sighed heavily, "Again with this 'Syd' thing."

I couldn't help but smile. "You guys are so adorable when you fight." I meant it as a tease but they both sat up in their seats and looked at me in pure shock. Adrian looked simply surprised while Sydney looked like I had just said something unbelievably insane.

Adrian finally found his voice, "What was that about?"

I couldn't help myself, "Well if memory serves, I know you two are always bickering. I just find it kind of funny."

He looked like he was just barely catching a glimpse of my hint. "Is that so?"

"Of course. I mean, you leave some color behind every exit you make with your arguments." I smiled big at that one. If he didn't catch on to that I wasn't even going to try again.

His smile appeared and he squinted at me, "I can see the amusement in that."

My smile became toothy, "Oh so can I. Only it isn't as funny as it is confusing."

Sydney, Dimitri, and the silent Alek were looking from one to the other, confused over just what me and Adrian were discussing. Dimtiri was the first to dare the big question, "What exactly are you two talking about?"

Adrian quick to hide the truth, "Liss' little panic attack about your boy over there." He tilted his head toward Gabe.

Dimitri shot a look at me, "You told her?"

"Why would you guess it was me? Why wouldn't it be Adrian?"

"Because I can hold my own in front of her queenliness. And I'm excellent at avoiding subjects." He grinned at his last comment.

Dimitri nearly rolled his eyes, "And you don't know how to lie to her. Not about something like this."

I felt shocked. Almost insulted. But it was a hard truth. I didn't know how to lie to Lissa. Not about something of this magnitude. I searched for the words but none reached me. Instead I just simply caved, "Yea, so I told her. Nothing happened. She just wants updates and to make sure we're all okay."

"That's all?" Dimitri looked like he was convinced that she had another agenda on the matter.

I nodded, "That's all." I said it so certainly like I was positive that's all she was concerned about. What would she want with Gabe anyways? She just wanted us safe and home. That was it. I was certain of it. "She's fine so long as we're fine."

His smile returned. "Okay. I trust you."

He made my heart flutter alittle. "Thank you." I sat up straight and adjusted my shirt that had inched up while I slept. "How much further now?"

Dimitri looked out and frowned, "Not much. Nearly at the stop."

"Thank God!" Adrian raised his hands over his head and let them fall back dramatically. "I need to get off this bus already."

"I don't think we've been on here long enough to thank God for the relief but okay." Sydney started fumbling through her bag and pulled out a bottle of water.

Adrian grinned, "It's the little things that count."

The bus came to a stop and the seven of us unboarded. Each of us not looking too excited about the long walk to Oksana's. I believe Adrian was the one dragging his feet making his annoyances and discomforts known. Sydney walked in silence beside Alek and Viktoria, who seemed to be lost in their own cloud. Dimitri and I had the back of the group not leaving too much distance between us and Gabe. It was strange seeing him in the light of the sun. His hair was slick and shined brilliantly in the light. His skin was close to Sydney's tone and it didn't look so cold. There was a whole new feel to being around him.

Oksana welcomed us at the door, "I see you have brought back some extra." Her smile never faultered as Gabe passed in front of her.

"Sorry." I paused at the door with her and let the rest of the group disperse into the living room. "I know you must be thinking we are insane."

She shook her head and continued to smile, "It's fine. He poses no threat."

I frowned, "How can you tell?"

"His aura. There's nothing malicious about him. And for other obvious reasons." She looked into the living room. Gabe was standing perfectly in sight.

"Just keep an eye on him. We're still working out the kinks."

She laughed softly, "You don't have to tell me twice."

It made me laugh, "Yea."

She grabbed my arm as I turned to walk in. "Oh, Rose. I nearly forgot" ,she dipped her hands into the pocket of her apron and pulled out an envelope. She lifted it to me, "This came for you all when you were gone. Yeva came by."

I felt a little knot form in my stomach as I took it. "Of course she did."

Dimitri looked down curiously at the envelope in my hand as I walked into the room, "What's that?"

"Yeva." I slapped it into the other palm of my hand. "Apparently she came by and dropped something off for us."

He smiled, "What does it say?"

I shrugged, "Haven't opened it yet."

He ripped one end off without a second thought and pulled out a letter. He handed me the envelope which still felt slightly heavy. He stared down at it for some time but when I looked over his shoulder I saw that there couldn't be too much to it. There were only two lines of words written. None of which I could understand because Yeva had decided to write it in Russian. And I was clearly ranked amateur.

"Is there anything else in the package?" He nodded to my hands.

Sure enough, as I tilted the opening towards my palm a small silver crooked cross fell out. It was no bigger than a dime but I was confused momentarily about the meaning. I held it out to Dimitri, "A swastika? Why would she put something like that in there?"

He took it and held it out in front of his face for a while, "You are thinking of it in the wrong terms. This a charm for good." He twirled it in the tips of his fingers.

"For good?" I looked at the tiny thing. The only thing I knew Swastikas symbolized wasn't anything even relatively good.

He nodded, "Many people misunderstand the meaning because of the Nazis but the truth is that this a very old and ancient symbol. It's meant to show that the barer of it has good intentions."

"That's correct." Sydney was now out of her chair examining the silver pendant as well. "Swastika comes from the word Sanskrit svastika. The part 'asti' actually means 'to be' and 'su' is translated to 'good'."

"To be good... Huh. I never would have hit that conclusion." Adrian gave a nod of approval, "You're pretty smart, Syd."

She blushed, "It's just something I picked up in my History lessons at home."

I looked at the symbol in a whole new light. To be good. But who was it meant for. By my knowledge the only one who might actually need something like this would be... Gabe. I shot a quick glance at him. He was smiling down at his hands with a knowing glint in his eyes.

"I'm guessing Yeva already knows about me." He chuckled lightly.

Dimitri nodded, "It seems things rarely escape her knowledge lately."

No. Nothing seemed to pass over her. She had been wise to mine and Dimitri's relationship, to our marriage, our troubles, our child and now our actions. I was now officially convinced that this woman undoubtedly has a crystal ball somewhere hidden and has been keeping an eye on us. What fortune teller is complete without one? "What words of wisdom did she grace us with now? Or is it a warning? I prefer the warnings because it means we haven't done anything stupid yet."

"I'm with Rose on that one!" Adrian smirked.

Sydney scoffed, "Unless this woman can actually tell the future I don't really see the relevance in the letter."

Adrian frowned, "You just don't like the unknown or unexplainable, do you Syd?"

"I just think if it cannot be proven by science then there's nothing there to back up your findings." She shrugged it off.

"What about God?" Adrian looked amused as Sydney fumbled for an answer.

I saw her jaw tighten and her eyes went cold. She clearly didn't like being questioned over her beliefs. "Miracles are proof enough of God. It's what I choose to believe."

He just nodded, "Fair enough."

No snappy come back? No snarky remarks on how she's wrong because God cannot be proven to exist using science? It felt strange to see him so stable and noncombatant. His word was always the last and it usually never ended in him agreeing. So I chose to just go with it. If Adrian wants to be normal then who was I to tell him otherwise?

It was then I noticed that Dimitri was still staring down at the letter. His gaze so focused and yet there was a hint of uncertainty. Maybe he didn't quite understand the message. Maybe Yeva was trying to throw us off with incoherent ramblings. Either way it made it hard for me to read Dimitri's thoughts.

He flinched slightly as I laid my hand on his forearm, "You okay?"

He just smiled, "Fine, fine. It's just..." he straightened out the paper and placed the Swastika on top. "She wrote:

'Только чисто хорошие идти домой. Поражать нечестивых.'"

We all looked from face to face, "What does it mean?"

Dimitri's eyes fell upon Gabe and they looked so sad. Gabe just kept smiling. He stood from his place and walked over to us. His gaze ever so intent on staring down at his hands. The way he walked looked sullen and sad. He laughed softly but it still sounded so low that it made me feel melancholy.

"It's roughly translated to 'Only the purely good go home. Destroy the wicked.'" His smile was beginning to look so fragile. Like he could break down at any moment.

I looked down at the Swastika, "So what exactly is she telling us?"

Dimitri ran his fingers lightly on it and seemed to run along the edges, "We're not done ridding ourselves of evil..."

By Shadow Kissed Mori