Here's the next chapter. Some people think the story moves fast, well here's a long chapter for you. It's as well written as I can do and it's long because I haven't written anything in the last two days and I HAD to get this out.

Also, for anyone who does think I am progressing fast, you call it speedy, but I call it EFFICIENCY! ;)

Disclaimer: I do not own the Vampire Academy Series or any associated characters. Those belong to Richelle Mead.

P.S. - Please remember to review and give me some feedback so I can make changes.

Chapter Eight

Dimitri and I quickly headed across Court towards Guest Housing, and I really wondered why they built it so far away from the town housing. As we headed up to Tasha's room, Dimitri headed forwards ahead of me, undoubtedly so that he would reach her room first. As he knocked on the door I hurried over to catch up with him, and he turned to me for a split second.

"Let me do the talking, it'll be much easier."

I simply nodded and waited a second before the door opened and Tasha stood there, looking more surprised than ever.

"Dimka!" She shouted, startled. She quickly jumped onto him and hugged him tightly, "It's nice to finally see a friendly face around here." She turned to me after a moment, "And Lissa, why are you here?"

Dimitri quickly took over, "Oh, she had a few questions about, well. You know."

Understanding flashed in her eyes, "Ah, I see. Well, you better come in."

We walked calmly into the room as Tasha waited and closed the door behind us. She headed into the kitchenette area and asked us if we wanted a drink. Neither of us did, so she got some water and headed towards us.

As she moved over and sat down on the couch, she spoke rather fast, "So, Dimka. What have you been up to? I have a lot to ask, but first." She turned to me, "What did you want to know."

I was slightly startled at how quick she was to ask me, but I responded anyways, "Well, how is he doing? What sort of condition is he in?"

She sighed, "Well, most of the injuries are to his left leg and part of his lower chest. The Guardians who checked the scene said the bomb went off on on the driver's side of the car, but they think it was supposed to detonate under the gas tank. So in short, his left leg is in really bad shape, but the rest of him isn't too bad. They say he should be fine in the long run."

I breathed a big sigh of relief, "Well. That's really nice to know. Dimitri, I hate to ruin your visit, but I should probably get back. I know we haven't been here long, but-"

Dimitri held up his hand, "No need to explain. Besides, I can always come back again when you are at your room."

I smiled, "Alright then, shall we go now."

Dimitri gave Tasha a short kiss on the cheek, "I'll be back in a few minutes, don't worry."

She smiled as we headed out the door.

Several Minutes Later – Dimitri POV

I had no clue what I was going to talk to Tasha about, but I knew I had to say something. It had been a long time since I had seen her, and I know she probably had a few things to say to me. As I approached her room, I though I heard a tearing sound, so I approached the door slowly, and as I moved closer, I heard voices. Both were quiet and slightly distorted.

"So, what are we supposed to do with her?"

"You remember the orders, leave the note and take her into the woods"

I hear muffled cries for help and guess Tahsa was gagged or something. It was at that point I kicked the door open. What stood before me was slightly frightening.

Tasha was laying on the floor, her legs and arms tied up and a rag stuffed in her mouth.

There were two figures, one was shorter than the other. Both had helmets and heavy vests on, both had gas masks on, and even more distressingly, both had what looked like automatic weapons and grenades.

The shorter figure spoke, "Shit! Take care of him, I've got her. Remember the code."

That person promptly grabbed Tasha and jumped out the window, shattering it on the way out. This made me suspect it was a Strigoi or something odd of that sort, because the windows at Court were reinforced.

Problem was however, I had no time to think about it. Because the second person raised their weapon and opened fire. I ducked behind a wall, knowing it would help me a bit, but the gunfire tore through it like a hot knife through butter. After a second though, they stopped firing. I heard a thud and they immediately smashed through the wall with their hands and punched me in the stomach. And I had to say, it hurt.

I tried to start dodging the attacks but it was futile, whatever this person was, they were well trained in hand to hand fighting and were obviously stronger than me. However after a second, I managed to get an upper hand when I grabbed them around the neck and tore their mask off. What was underneath surprised me even more. It was a Moroi, or I think so anyways. They had pale skin, but not pale enough for a Strigoi, and there was colour in her green eyes. She looked to be about 25 to 30 and that wasn't the most odd thing.

As I continued fighting, sidestepping where possible and getting in a good punch or two, I was astonished at the strength she had. Normally any Moroi attempting this would end up with a broken ribcage and a few other broken bones. But she wasn't even flinching from half my attacks. After I managed to score a good hit on her face, she stepped back and grabbed her gun. I was quick to move forward and attempt to wrestle it from her. After a very tough fight, I got it and shot both her legs out.

As I sat down for a moment and replayed the last few moments in my head, I couldn't remember anything that might help me identify who or what had done this. Since I couldn't think of anyone else, I called the only other Guardian I could trust, Rose. Dialing her number as fast as I could remember it, she answered quickly.

"Hello?"

"Rose, it's Dimitri." I replied, out of breath.

"Dimitri, what's wrong?"

"Someone just took Tasha from her room and I have someone. Or rather something here on the floor that I need help with. Could you come and help me out?"

"Oh sure, be there as fast as I can. I'll inform the Queen as well."

I leaned back against the wall and thought long and hard again, and after a minute, I got something. I replayed the point when the first person jumped out the window and remembered something. A gun. A gun had slipped and fallen from their belt. I rushed over to the window and after a second, found it under some Plexiglas and wood.

It looked brand new. It was silver, with a set of four tally marks etched into the slide. That looked like the only unique detail of it. When after a second I noticed a shape engraved into the handle. It was a flowing intricate design, and was beautifully detailed. It was also coloured with what looked like blood.

Unfortunately, it was the actual shape that I was shocked and confused by.

It was a flower.

A rose.

"Oh Shit." I immediately thought. I have to get out of here. Just as I got up to leave, Rose appeared in the doorway. Wearing the same uniform I saw only moments ago, but without the mask and helmet.

She smiled wide, "Ah Dimitri, I see you found my gun."

As I prepared to aim it at her, she pulled another one from her belt and shot me. As I thought my life was over, I realized it wasn't a bullet. I realized after a quick drowsy feeling that it had been a tranquilizer dart.

That chapter had some MAJOR plot in it, and I am sorry but I HAD to get it written or I would have been driven mad.

Remember to Review, and thanks for reading. I just hope that you all liked this chapter! :)