I carefully made my way outside, using the front door to buy me some time. As I got closer, I could hear voices floating to me. Rose and Lissa. Both girls were discussing something and I knew they were both apologizing to one another. A small smile touched my lips as I watched their silhouettes against the dark sky, reminding me of my sisters when they were younger.

I leaned against a post supporting the porch and waited for them to finish up. I could vaguely pick out their conversation as always.

"Don't worry, I'm not at you….Just…..bothering me lately….not the darkness…..don't know….screwing….system." Rose was saying.

I could only hear snippets, but I knew they were discussing earlier about. I wasn't really listening closely, just catching words that the soft breeze carried to me.

"….try and heal it…?" Lissa asked.

I listened, curious, now catching every word I could. "No, because we don't know what it is or how much spirit it'll take, and how much it will take….Well, we don't want either of us to go under the dark effects anyways, right?" I guessed Lissa's answer was a nod.

I peeked around the corner and saw Rose hug her best friend. "Now, get inside and go to sleep. I promise I'll be fine out here' I've got my stake and food." She grinned.

Lissa smiled at her and then left, the kitchen door opening and closing. I made sure she was safely inside so I wouldn't make it look as if Lissa had told me Rose was out here, or think I was really trying to eavesdrop on their conversation.

Rose was still sitting n the ground, looking thoughtful as she stroked Promise. She looked deep in thought, but my approach made her head snap up immediately and she searched for any threats. She looked wary, and I knew she couldn't see me clearly.

I kept walking and I saw realization cross her face as she could finally pick out who was coming out here so late besides Lissa. "Dimitri," she breathed out.

I reached her and crouched down, studying her. I noticed that she was taking in my appearance as well. "What are you doing here?" she finally said, her tone very harsh.

I flinched slightly at her coldness. "I knew you were here, from the time Tasha went out, until now."

She appraised me for a moment and the muttered and, "Whatever," lying back down on her makeshift bed.

"Rose…."I started. "I'm sorry. I'm not mad at you and I certainly didn't try to hurt y—"

She cut me off swiftly saying, "But you did, and this time it was worse." I could see how hard it was for her to talk to me about this; her eyes shone brightly with a round of tears.

I sighed and continued. "I know, and I'm not asking you to forgive me yet, but I want you to take into consideration—"A strange sound cut me off.

I cocked my head a little to the side, listening. There. It was rustling, like leaves or trees moving in the wind, but I knew this time something was lurking somewhere. Could it be…? Rose confirmed my thoughts by saying, "Strigoi," she whispered, sounding faraway. "They're close, but not near enough."

I could see the fear she was trying to hide in her eyes and I instinctively reached inside my pocket. I carefully stood up and scanned the area, knowing Rose was right. I could hear them, since they weren't exactly the quietest creatures around.

"Rose," I said, my voice low. "Get inside, take your stake, and warn Tasha and Lissa. Now."

She wasted no time in running up the steps lithely and running inside. I caught the door before it could slam shut and carefully closed it. Next, I moved away, still on high alert and listened….

There was a noise only to my left and I struck out, feeling a presence near me. Something snarled and I caught sight of a female Strigoi. She looked as if she were newly made; her movements were jerky, she obviously didn't know where to aim, and she looked very hesitant and unsure of herself.

But that was only to say about one. I knew there were others around; I could hear them moving around, waiting for a command. The Strigoi I was fighting was new, but she was still very strong and fast, an advantage to her, and disadvantage to me. Unless, I could find some way to use it against her.

I recalled everything I had been taught about these creatures and relaxed, letting instinct mainly guide me. I closed my eyes briefly and listened, and then struck out with my deadly weapon, scratching the female with the silver tip. She let out a choked growl and attempted to come at me.

She was fast enough where I managed to get thrown against the side of the house. My skull cracked against the wood, but I didn't let it faze me. Instead, I appeared that I looked helpless and had given up. She threw her head back and barked with laughter. While she was distracted, I used my stake and threw it full force at her. It was a long shot, but it worked within close distance, normally.

The weapon hit right on and she screamed, clawing at the stake protruding from her chest. Breathing heavily, I quickly reached her and drove it deeper and deeper into her heart so I could make sure she was killed. I yanked it back out and waited for her to still and then continued hunting for others who were lurking around the house, just waiting for opportunity….

Sorry it's not very long, but I needed to save some fight for the next I hope this was good, though. BTW, a heads up: I will NOT be updating AT ALL starting Friday and going on until Sunday. I will be gone with my mom to California for my uncle's wedding, so I don't think I'll have a chance to really do anything. xD

SONGS:

Stand My Ground-Within Temptation

Torn=Natalie Imbruglia

If I Could Turn Back Time-Cher

Sounds Like Life To me-Darryl Worley