READ AN! TRUST ME IT WELL HELP YOU MAKE SENSE OF THIS CHAPTER.
Finally been able to update! Extremely sorry, I feel really bad, especially after all the reviews I got from the last chapter. But I think I managed to mail nearly everyone to tell you guys that I couldn't update because the machine on which I wrote the first draft of this chapter broke down. But here it is anyway …
If anyone hasn't yet checked it out, please go read 'Story Ideas', it's not actually a proper fic, you'll get it when you read it. Anyways, please read and review.
Also read AN below please!
Thank you for all the reviews anyway guys! And of course my most amazing, BUFF, beta Poppy Salvatore Ozera. (By the way her birthday is coming up – 14.10.10 – would really love anyone who could just send her a birthday message!)
So this chapter is basically split between Dimitri POV and Rose POV. The DPOV is basically the last chapter, very boring, but it just helps makes sense of what happened to the twins.
Same disclaimers as usual; Richelle Mead owns everything except new characters and storyline … enjoy!
DPOV
"Okay, I need you to listen to me as carefully as possible," I said calmly turning to the twins. They both wore an expression of unease; no doubt they had heard the battle warning too.
"Where's mummy?" asked Mikhail in an innocent voice. I gave him a serene look.
"I don't know, son," I said but was just about to continue when Mika interrupted me.
"Mike's not your son!" she raged. "Adrian's our Daddy!"
"I never-" I started. What the hell? Mika looked as if she wanted to start crying. What had I said that was so upsetting? And I wondered if Rose would be too happy if she knew that her children were going around calling their father by his name. This day was just getting stranger by the minute, but no time to think now!
"Fine! Sorry! What I meant, was that I don't know where your mother is, but I promise on my life that I will bring her back to you, safe and unharmed," I said in an obstinate voice. "And I need you guys to help me. Will you do that for me?"
"Of course! I just want to see mummy," said Mikhail at the same time as Mika said "Just get on with it!"
They already seemed to have sensed that something was wrong and that was what made me pull myself together and concentrate on a kick-ass plan.
"I'm going to go find your mother, but you two need to say here. I want you both to stand just outside the church door, and close your eyes. You're not meant to be here - let alone witness anything, but I need to do my job as well as keeping an eye on you two and know you are safe. You got me so far?" I asked them. They nodded and I continued, "And one more thing; if anyone comes near you and you recognize them, tell them 'Buria'. But if you don't know them … shout it as if your life depends on it. 'Cause trust me it will."
I led them to the church, knowing that I had to hurry up.
"Promise me, that you'll both look after each other," I said, giving Mika a pointed look. She rolled her eyes at me in frustration. I bent down and muttered a Russian protection prayer before kissing each of their foreheads. Mika winced slightly but I ignored it. With one last nod I turned around.
"Guardian Belikov!" shouted Mika before I'd even walked three steps. I turned around and saw that she was covering her eyes as I had instructed.
"Yes, Mika?" I said.
"Good luck," she said in a hesitant whisper.
"Thank you Mika," I said in a touched voice, smiling slightly.
I started jogging towards the fighting sounds but I suddenly bumped into someone. It was Guardian Gaskarth. He yelped.
"Gaskarth, it's me, Belikov," I said to him sharply.
"Oh, sorry … I err …" he stammered. His face was deathly white and his eyes showed fright. I looked back and saw he was heading towards the church, or maybe it was the school.
"Getting back up?" I asked him. He looked a bit taken back.
"Huh? Oh yeah… back up," he said quickly. But he was still stood there, his head spinning around on his shoulders, looking for something.
"Then shouldn't you be going?" I barked at him, my patience finally losing. He whimpered under my glare. What the hell was wrong with him? He quickly started to jog away though. But right now, I had more important things on my mind than some gay-assed excuse for a Guardian.
And then I saw her. Rose. She was bent over someone, probably looking at their wounds or something, unfortunately for her; I could see a Strigoi advancing on her from behind. Just as I was about to shout a warning to her, I saw her shoot out of the way. Nice move. I also noticed something drop from her hand. A radio.
Calling for back up? But I thought that's what Gaskarth was doing. Maybe she just wanted extra reassurance that the school got the message. And maybe she just didn't trust Gaskarth. I certainly didn't.
Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I saw two Strigoi coming from both directions, and I was certain that I could hear one behind me too. I leaped into action, jumping forward so the three Strigoi collided onto the floor. It would have been pretty comical if it wasn't a life or death situation. Within seconds, they were up again, but luckily, that gave me just enough time to grab my stake which hung from my belt.
I danced around the three Strigoi, lithely missing all their attacks. But I wouldn't be able to hold this up for much longer. Not even I could kill three Strigoi at once.
To my relief, Rose joined me. We were the perfect team; staking the remaining Strigoi in minimal time. Once we were done, I quickly checked her over. I was glad that she seemed okay, other than a few minimal cuts and bruises.
I was adamant to keep my promise to the twins – to protect Rose. Now all I needed to was get her back to them.
The twins. Suddenly, I realised just where I left them and my head jerked up towards the church front. What I saw caused me to gasp loudly – they were gone! I did a full 360 but still no twins. I told them to stay there. I gave them specific orders!
"Where are they?" I shouted at Rose, not meaning to take my anger out on her but she was the closest person around.
"I know there's at least two more. I'm sure I counted seven. I killed two over there and then these three which means there should be two left," she said anxiously, looking around too.
"Not the Strigoi!" I yelled in frustration. I reached my fingers to my hair and tugged at it. "I told them to stay right here and not to move! But could they listen to me this once? No! God damn it!"
"What are you talking about?" she asked me. But before I could answer, a dozen Strigoi appeared at the scene at the same time as about seven guardians. I looked them over; Alberta, Stan, Eddie, Ricardo, Gaskarth and two other random guardians.
So Gaskarth had managed to get to the school. Maybe he wasn't useless after all.
And then my eyes bugged in their sockets. Behind the dhampir team came in a nervous Moroi. Christian Ozera. Now what on earth could he be doing here? Rose left me and jogged towards him, her expression one of utmost horror. I so didn't want to be in Christian's shoes right now.
My instincts told me to go after Rose and protect her but my mind told me to go find the twins. The latter won. I ran around the little war that had begun, catching sight of Strigoi flying through the air. We were winning by far.
I decided that they could do without my help for the while and started running around the field's perimeter to the Church. I looked around everywhere, inside outside, even in the storage attic. No hope.
When I went outside again, I saw the most amazing scene before me. Rose and Christian had apparently teamed up and they were using his fire element and her battle skills to kill the Strigoi. I admit I was a little jealous that they were working together and that it should be me out there helping Rose. But I quickly snapped out of it, I needed to look for the twins.
Only a few guardians lay on the floor. Gaskarth amongst them. But a closer look told me that he looked fine. He caught me looking at him at scrunched up his face in pain. Strange. I looked away and carried on my search.
But as much as I might search, they were gone! Unless they had run back to the school, they had disappeared from the face of the earth. A quick check towards the others told me that all the Strigoi were gone.
I hurried over sullenly to break the news to Rose as she and the others celebrated. Just as I reached her I heard clapping come from the edge of the field.
It was coming from a blonde Strigoi.
"Not bad, not bad at all," he said mockingly. "Let me see now, Hathaway isn't it? And Ozera! Last I heard you were with the Dragomir princess, but you went for her best friend in the end, eh? I must say, you two made quite a spectacular show for me."
Huh? I gave Rose a side glance and saw that she was about to come out with a witty remark so I intervened.
"Who are you?" I asked him in an empty voice. Rose gave a slight jump; she hadn't realized that I was there. For such a bad-assed guardian, not noticing my presence was bad for her reputation.
"Oh, I'm very sorry! I haven't introduced myself have I? My name's Nathan," the blonde Strigoi smiled. "And you must be the great Dimitri Belikov! I must say, it's a pleasure to meet someone as godlike as you. What happened to your secret relationship with your student, what was her name again? Well I never! It was this same young lady here wasn't it! But she's moved on with Ozera... so what are you doing hanging around here?"
Ouch. That was a low blow. Who on earth did he think he was! How dare he talk to me like that? (Note; I was not flattered at all by the 'godlike' comment).
There was a mixture of reactions. Rose looked as if she might crack any moment. Eddie and Christian were staring at me, gawping. Ricardo gave me a slight smirk, he wore a satisfied expression. Almost as if he was accusing me of hypocrisy. And Alberta … Alberta seemed to be avoiding me!
I acknowledged the exchange between Rose and Christian. Apparently he wanted to have a go at this tough bully, but I was glad Rose was thinking the same as she shook her head at him.
But I ignored them all and turned back to Nathan. No one seemed to want to talk and Nathan had directed his last comment at me.
"What do you want from us?" I asked him.
"Now that's simple, what do all Strigoi want from you?" he taunted. I felt the colour drain away from my face but I was determined to keep a confident composure.
"Galina's been looking for you, you know," he added matter of factly. Galina? The name of my old mentor sparked some memories in my head. "Yes, she's one of us now. And she wants you. You see when Galina wants something, she gets it, no questions asked. You were her best student you know."
I hissed. This was going too far. I felt like lunging at him and ripping out his heart with my bare fingers. I would rather die than be one of the undead.
"Listen here big guy," Alberta said, suddenly taking control. Nathan seemed amused by her choice of words. "There are five of us guardians here, plus one fire using Moroi, and that's against one of you. What are the chances of you winning?"
"This doesn't need to turn into a fight," he jeered. "Violence is not always the answer; you know you guardians could learn a lesson or two from me. But anyway, like I said, just hand yourselves over and there won't be any more precious blood spilt on this land today."
"Oh yes there will, your blood! But, then again, that's not very precious is it," said Alberta. "What makes you think we're just going to hand ourselves over?"
"Oh you will-" started Nathan but he was suddenly cut off by Christian.
"When hell freezes over!" he yelled. Rose grabbed Christian before he could do anything he would regret later on. If he was still there later on …
"Tut, tut, need your girlfriend to keep you intact do you, Ozera?" he said. Rose immediately let go of Christian. I didn't know whether it was because Nathan had referred to her as his girlfriend or because she actually did want Christian to attack Nathan. "I was friends with your parents you know. They were good people. But then the guardians came and took care of them. Bang! Kaput! They were gone, just like that. Worst Strigoi I ever knew."
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Rose was trying to calm Christian down.
"As I was saying, before I was rudely interrupted, when you see what I've gotten my hands on, you'll definitely surrender to me," he laughed.
Oh no. That did not sound good. I had a feeling I knew what was coming, and if I was right, it was all going to be my fault …
"Nothing," said Rose, speaking for the first time. "I promise you nothing in the world would make any of us surrender to you."
"Now, now, my dear Rose. You should learn to never make promises without knowing what you are promising for," he said serenely. "In fact I think you will be the first one to hand yourself over."
"What's he talking about?" Rose whispered clinging onto my arm. I was alarmed by this little bit of physical contact. She was truly frightened and her whole body was trembling. "Dimitri, I'm scared. What's he talking about?"
She just said it. My name. For the first time in five years I heard her say my name! But this was hardly the time to rejoice.
"I think that we should just brace ourselves for the worst," I said, taking her hand in mine and squeezing it with reassurance. She didn't let go but instead held onto it tightly.
Nathan clicked his fingers and signaled the two Strigoi who had been hiding to come out. The two Strigoi had the twins. And I found that I wasn't surprised or shocked. Just guilty. The Strigoi had one each and I noticed the twins' mouths had been taped but now as they came into view, the Strigoi ripped the tape of their mouths.
"Momma!" shrieked Mikhail. The sound of his cry was so awful that Rose flinched.
"I'm scared, momma," said Mika.
They were both struggling against the Strigoi's hold but getting nowhere. Mikhail tried biting into big-lips' arm but the Strigoi just laughed. Mika did a backwards kick, aiming for hook-nose's groin but he held her out so she was away from his body.
Nathan was in for it now. Rose gritted her teeth and let go of me only to lunge towards Nathan. But I was too fast. I grabbed her waist from behind, holding her tight against me so that our bodies were touching.
She scrambled about but I kept my hold on her firm. She gave up soon enough though.
"Now what were you saying, Rosemarie-"
"Take me," Rose said cutting of Nathan. She rested her head against my shoulder, as a defeated tear rolled down her cheek. My fingers itched to reach out and catch it but I was afraid Rose would take advantage and run away.
"What are you on about?" shouted everyone. And then her words registered into my head.
"Be serious, Rose!" I said in a livid tone. I had to think quickly. "If you let him turn you, then what hope is there left for us? Think about the twins-"
"Leave all the other guardians, leave my kids, take me," she carried on as if I hadn't spoken. "And kill me. Because I'd sooner be dead than join you. Let the others go free."
"Please momma, I want to go home," whimpered Mikhail.
"I'm sorry babies," she whispered. I looked up to see that Mika was shaking her head. "I love you."
"Okay. It's not as good as awakening you, but I think you have shed enough blood of my kind yourself. You deserve to die at the very least. And what's better than it happening at my own hands? Well then, Rosemarie, let's get this over and done with then," grinned Nathan.
"No," I said suddenly.
"Yes, Mr. Belikov?" asked Nathan.
"She's not dying alone," I said, my voice monotone. "Because I'm coming with her."
"No Dimitri-"
"Are you two insane!" yelled Christian jumping in front of us. "You are about to be the father of my unborn cousin, and you, well you have two children who, alongside me will not stand and watch you die!"
"He's right Rose," said Eddie who'd been quiet all along. "What about Lissa? Think about how devastated she'll be."
"Come on man," it was Ricardo talking to me. "I don't think I could take Tasha's anger if I were to leave you here to die."
Pfft. Tasha's anger? What the hell?
Alberta was just stood there stunned to the spot.
"I'm not leaving my kids Christian; I'll always be with them in their hearts. And Ricardo, don't worry about Dimitri," said Rose. She could tell that I was about to interrupt so she hurried on. "He's just being a jerk. Eddie, I am thinking about Lissa. She already has the best guardian and a wonderful boyfriend, she doesn't need me. But can you please tell both her and Adrian that I love them."
Everyone was speechless.
Rose took a deep breath and shifted slightly to turn her head to me.
"Dimitri, I need to-" she began but I didn't want to hear it.
"Forget it, Rose! I already made up my mind, and nothing you say, or anyone else for that matter, will make a difference!" I said fiercely. Rose looked as if she wanted to tell me something, something important-
"Eh-hem," it was Nathan. "I think you've been keeping us waiting long enough. Ms. Hathaway, Mr. Belikov-"
But he never got the rest of the sentence out. Nathan's body slumped forward, a silver stake poking out of his back. Mika and Mikhail screamed.
"I so did not come all the way here to watch my brother kill himself."
Viktoria?
RPOV
The voice came from a woman who was lounging on a red marble tombstone. I think it was actually St. Vladimir's. Her disrespect towards a dead man's grave made me take an immediate liking to her.
But who was this woman? I looked her over; she looked quite like me but shorter and a couple years younger. She was also a little skinnier and had less curves.However, her eyes were what caught my attention. They were his eyes. Dimitri's eyes.
Viktoria? It must be. After all, she seemed to fit the description I remember Dimitri gave me, back when he used to be my mentor.
I was suddenly jerked back to reality. Mikhail and Mika were wailing loudly. Nathan might be dead but I wanted some of my own revenge.
I ran full pelt toward the two remaining Strigoi that had let the twins go when they saw Nathan die and did an awesome move that even I didn't know I could do. I jumped up and kicked them both in the face, using the first Strigoi's face as leverage. They fell back with a crunch and I motioned to Dimitri to take the kids.
One of the Strigoi was just getting up and he looked angrier than ever so I decided to get it over with and staked him bang in the heart without blinking.
Suddenly, I got kicked at the back of my knees, making me drop. The second Strigoi appeared in front of me, smirking at me on my knees in front of him. He went to lunge on my but I rolled sideways, smirking as I heard him yelp when he came in contact with the cold hard floor instead of a warm soft body.
I leaped onto his back as he stood. The damn Strigoi turned in circles, trying to knock me off but I kept hanging on for dear life. After a while of spinning, the Strigoi got dizzy and fell on the floor in a heap. I landed on top of the Strigoi and shoved my stake into him in different points until I got bored and finally staked him in the heart.
When I turned around, I saw Dimitri bent on his knees at the twin's level. Right now, I wanted nothing more than to run to the three of them and hug them and tell them everything was alright. But something triggered in my head to just leave them alone, and let Dimitri have his moment.
I looked around. Dead bodies were strewn across the grass, all thankfully Strigoi. The guardians had were already starting to take the injured dhampirs to the infirmary and disposing of the Strigoi.
My eyes wondered over to Viktoria who was bent over Nathan. I watched as she jerked away the silver stake in his back, no doubt it belonged to her. She wiped the blood on the grass and fit the stake back into her belt.
Standing a little further away was Christian. How could I forget him? I wondered what was wrong with him as I walked over. He seemed to be just staring at the rising sun.
"Christian," I said. He nodded once in acknowledgment. And then I understood.
Killing wasn't second nature to Moroi as it was to us dhampirs. And especially your first kill, I remember it so clearly. The thought of Mason sent an aching spasm through.
I glanced at his gravestone and decided to leave the little streak of blood. A mark of today's war.
"Christian," I started again. "I'm sorry. I know how you feel, your first kill, its awful-"
But he cut me off there with a loud humorless laugh. "You think I'm upset, do you? Feel guilty for killing those murderers who took my parents away from me so many years ago?" he said in a harsh tone.
"You know I didn't mean that!" I said in exasperation. "Don't be like this Christian."
"Be like what, exactly? And what did you mean them? Because right now, the last word I would use to explain how I am feeling is 'awful'," he smirked still not looking at me. "For god sake Rose, I'm happy! I'm overjoyed, bursting with life!"
"Well that's good then," I said bitterly. I didn't like this Christian. Deciding I would let him calm down before I talked to him, I turned away to leave but finally he reached over and touched my shoulder.
"I'm sorry Rose, that was harsh," he said sincerely.
"Too right it was!" I said, but my voice joke-y.
"It just brings back lots of memories, you know …" he trailed off.
"Yes I know. But Christian, if you ever want to talk, I'm always here," I told him.
"That's a comforting thought," he smirked. Then suddenly his expression turned furious. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU WERE DOING BACK THERE?"
"Doing back where?" I said sheepishly.
"Don't joke around with me Rose! Do you know how scared I was? And you... you were just handing yourself over to those bloodsuckers!" he exclaimed. "Did you even bother to pause and think? Think of what you were about to do to the twins. To Lissa. To Adrian. TO ME!"
"Glad you care so much," I muttered.
"Rose!" he thundered and this time I was careful enough not to say something in case he put me on fire. I let the words sink in.
Did I really know what I was doing? Was I completely and utterly prepared to give myself up for those who I loved? The answer was clear. Yes.
After a few minutes of silence he broke.
"We were bad-asses," he said randomly. And I grinned.
"Oh yes we were!" I laughed and we both turned around towards the others.
Dimitri was struggling with two sleeping four year olds. I jogged over and took Mikhail off him. We both stood up. Viktoria was still in the same place.
"You guys need to visit the infirmary?" he asked me and Christian.
"Hell no!" I replied. Christian just shook his head, He was anxious to get back to Lissa and so was I. I could feel a slight tingling feeling that I got when Lissa was using her spirit magic. Hmm …
I looked Dimitri over and saw that he didn't have a single battle scar. Neither did I, maybe a few bruises here and there though.
Dimitri swept his arm forwards in a 'lady's first gesture'. But just then Viktoria gave a slight cough.
"I'll deal with you later," said Dimitri swiftly. Okay, they didn't seem to be the best of friends. Viktoria jumped off her seat on the tomb and skipped towards us.
"Gee, I save your life and get threatened to get put in the naughty corner?" she said sarcastically.
"I didn't say such a thing," said Dimitri defending himself, his tone amused. "But … nice staking Sis."
"Thanks!" she said. Viktoria seemed extremely pleased with the praise.
"Rose, Christian?" said Dimitri, again motioning us forwards. But Viktoria had already jumped ahead in front of us.
"Excuse my brother's rude manners, I'm Viktoria Belikov, but you can call me Vicki," she said holding out her hand.
"It's okay, we're used to it," I laughed and shook her hand. Dimitri scrunched up his face. "Nice to meet you Vicki, I'm Rose Hathaway."
"Christian Ozera," said Christian politely shaking Victoria's hand too.
"Hmm, Ozera, recognize the name," said Viktoria absentmindedly, completely missing Christians dark look and Dimitri's warning glare. She gave a light shrug. "Oh well! Hathaway? The Guardian Hathaway? Guardian Janine Hathaway's daughter?"
"Urm, yep, that's me," I said uncertainly at her uncontainable excitement.
"Oh My God! This is so amazing. You are Guardian Hathaway?" she exclaimed.
"Yes Vicki, she just said!" said Dimitri, his patience finally wearing.
"Oh My God! Do you know that you are like a celebrity back at Baia?" she said ignoring her brother.
"Really?" I asked her, amused.
"Like yes! Everyone's heard of you! You're a legend. Undefeated. The Queen of Strigoi-"
"Viktoria Belikov! We're minutes away from dawn, and I didn't know whether you've realized but we've just taken part in a big fight. Could you please restrain your happy self for now? Rose does have a life and right now she needs to get her kids home!" said Dimitri.
Wow, I'd never heard him speak to anyone like that in a long time. And even when I had, it was normally telling me off.
"That's not a problem," said Viktoria. She took hold of my Mikhail-free arm. "I can walk and talk! Kids? Wow, you really need to fill me in!"
Dimitri groaned and I laughed.
"If she gets on your nerves, just punch her in the face," he told me seriously.
Good? Bad? Viktoria?
Personally I think it was very boring. Need ideas from you guys to help me finish this thing off. I'm thinking of writing an alternate ending with a surprise couple, but more on that on the next update ;)
Any Vampire Diaries fan? I'm writing a one-shot which should be up by Thursday, please do read and support with the reviews :D
It's actually for Poppy's birthday so if you love her then you'll review!
And OMG! Who has read the Mortal Instruments series? Jace 3
Oh and Poppy needs a Vampire Diaries addict to talk to (the show) …
One last thing; if you haven't checked out my poll, please do visit my profile and vote.
Until the next update, love you guys, Dii x