Chapter twenty one: Bucharest.
The nerves that were running throughout my entire body were so strong, that I could hardly find the way in order to describe them. How could one come to be this nervous? Well, being faced with the possibility of sudden death, I figured this was only natural. Once again, I found myself envying the way these two beings of the rebellion - much like Alec himself - were able to look completely calm and aloof to the danger we were currently in.
I didn't entirely like Demetri's plan of merely strolling across, but what else were we able to do? Scale the wall and leap across? The gap itself was far too large, and it would no doubt bring attention and we'd be stopped for suspicious activity. By God, I could feel bile in my throat, threatening to come up and paint the walls of this little alley.
Boris and Ivan were still directly opposite us - despite being a little distorted with the faces obscuring our vision. Perhaps Demetri's plan wasn't too... Suicidal, after all? If these people could pose as good cover, then maybe we could blend right in and get across? It might've been easy if it were just me and Alec...
When he had been dressed in Christopher's clothes.
These two, dressed as they were, would no doubt draw attention. After all, they were well dressed. Professional looking. Deadly looking, even. It was a known fact that a man walking down the street recieved a lot more attention if he was in a suit and tie - merely because the draw of arousal came from the concept of someone smartly dressed in a classy way. Hell, even thinking back to the look of Alec in his uniform... With that waistcoat...
No, now isn't the time, Renesmee.
But these men were exactly that. Dressed impressively, and I was paranoid. Paranoid that they'd bring attention when we so desperately needed to be invisible.
"Felix," Demetri's voice broke the silence yet again; while I tried to calm my hammering heart. I could hear, even from where I stood, the sound of the marching soldiers with the van. This really wasn't helping with the task of calming myself! "You go ahead."
Felix didn't so much as question his coven member, and I watched - and probably would have gaped - at how effortlessly and easily he walked out from the alley and into the main street. If I had the ability to stretch out my limbs, I'd have given anything to be able to reach forward and pull him back; especially as he waltz right into the middle of the road; where no doubt he was in plain sight to the soldiers.
Relief did course right through my entire body the moment he came into contact with the two Soviet's laying in wait. They patted his back, and then turned their attention back to us. I looked up, finding Demetri looking directly towards them. He nodded his head, and when I looked back to where the three of them were... I was met with emptiness.
They had gone on without us?
"Do not fret, little one." Demetri's soothing voice whispered into my ear. "I will be able to find them. Trust me."
It was probably wrong of me. Probably so wrong how easily I did trust this coven; a coven in which I had believed to be a myth up until recently. But I did; I trusted them enough to be putting my life on the line. So why wouldn't I trust this Casanova - as I had heard him being commented as a few times.
He could probably feel, sense, my ever growing nerves and sense of nausea and dread... God, where was uncle Jasper when you needed him. I was humbled, however. For the reason I believed he could sense what I was feeling; his hand found itself in mine. It moved its way in, and his fingers interlocked with mine. His hands were cold - naturally - but had a warming aspect to them. Probably because of what he was attempting to do.
Yet, despite being somewhat calming; and it did manage to... Occupy my mind. It wasn't in the sense in which it was probably meant. No, what was captivating my thoughts, and obscuring me from the concept of what was now happening... Wasn't how kind it was for Demetri to be doing this. But how foreign his hand was. As though my body knew, my skin knew, this wasn't the hand I was so used to holding. And it felt wrong.
"Keep calm, keep your eyes down, and do not stop walking."
They seemed like simple instructions to follow, I figured. Focusing on the fact his hand was a little too strange in mine seemed to be working, and so I continued to do that. I focused entirely on the concept that my anatomy seemed to only react to a certain someone, and began to wonder why that was. I mean, I had known Alec for a length of time now - and only had known him on a personal level recently. But my body seemed, despite the vague knowledge of this aloof rebellion member, to know the difference in who it was holding my hand; and who it wasn't. It all seemed to revolve around him.
As my mind spun in and out of control, Demetri had taken the leap in pulling me along with him; closely by his side. I did as instructed, keeping my eyes low and my pace in time with his. I tried to drown out the sound of the chatter from the soldiers, no doubt doing their checks, for it would surely only cause my heart to race even more than it already was.
As if by some miracle, however, Demetri managed to weave us inside and outside groups of people; narrowly avoiding a small group of soldiers making their way up the lively street. Solstace came in the form of the dark alleyway I had witnessed the other three having stood in, and as soon as we were in the safety of the darkness; I was swept up by his arms and out of the situation all together. The sudden blur in which we moved was far too quick for my mind to register; and I was back on my feet again in the same moment.
I took a brief moment to regulate my spinning head from the rash and sudden movements haven been given. I suppose it didn't really matter how long I took to recover, since Demetri had sounded so sure of himself that he'd be able to find the other three. I didn't want to question him on how he believed he had the ability; purely because I knew deep down. The Volturi were a group of gifted, very gifted, individuals. Of course Demetri would be part of that.
But what I did want to know, however; was where it was we were going exactly. It seemed as though these two had the same morals as Alec himself. Although I was a part of this, a vital part as they had said; they were keeping me in the dark. They weren't giving me any intimate details; in case of our capture. I couldn't be much help to the Romanian's if I truly knew nothing now, did I? Of course I felt a little... Off, not knowing everything everyone else did; perhaps even out of the loop - but I trusted all of them. A few more than others, of course. Unfortunately, the one I trusted the most hadn't shown face for this part of the journey; thus my trust was thrust upon Demetri and Felix.
I hoped to God I wouldn't regret it; purely because I knew that if... No, when we returned from this, I would be reunited with my family. I'd get the sweet feeling that Alec had when he set eyes upon his sister again. Granted, my time away from them wasn't as long as Alec had endured; but I had no doubts that the feeling would be any different.
After my mind had cleared itself, I was finally able to register where we were standing. Demetri was still by my side; adjusting the grey cloak covering his posture. The sound of voices were in the air; and I found them coming from the three men who had vanished previously. We were located on a rather isolated patch of land; on the outskirts of the city we had just been in mere moments ago.
"For a moment there, I thought you had been caught." Felix sent a fleeting comment towards Demetri. "Any longer, a search party would have been sent."
It amazed me how Felix was still able to joke at a time like this.
"That'd be the day, my friend." Demetri rolled his eyes in response.
Felix broke a chuckle, gave me a wink - what was it with these two winking at me, and making my cheeks flare - and returned his attention back to the Soviet's.
"They will meet us there," Boris was saying, his thick accent still harrowing with the seriousness in it.
"As will the others." Ivan finished for him, receiving a firm nod from his elder. "However we will need to keep moving, in case they have caught scent of us."
Well, that was the idea in the first place wasn't it? Keep moving so that there was no possible way of getting caught? That had to be the plan of the two Volturi members typically flanking me; though the larger one was standing with the two Russian's of the Soviet coven. His lips were moving far too quickly for me to catch, and his tone told me that it wasn't even in my language - or one that I could even come to know. There was no point in attempting to translate it, right?
"Come with me, Renesmee." Demetri's hand on my shoulder guided me away from the three talking males, who were in deep discussion. It wasn't as though I had much of a choice; not that I would have disputed it anyhow. I trusted these people. More than I probably should, right?
Demetri continued to guide me across the patch of land, over to the large gravelled area. Huh... It sort of reminded me of a makeshift runway.
Oh.
That was what it was. They had said earlier that there was a plane waiting! My nerves did pick up again, and only continued to skyrocket the moment I noticed the sleek white seaplane. At least, it was what I assumed to be a seaplane; considering I had seem them on the docks of water and whatnot. It's doubled wings were low and it was a lot smaller than the planes I had seen or been on when coming to Romania.
For some reason, that only made my nerves a little more escalated.
Demetri must've noticed something was wrong, for he turned his posture to me and was looking me dead in the eye. His deep, fading mahogany crimson locking onto mine and attempting to captivate my attention. It was working.
"There's nothing to fear. Boris is an experienced pilot."
I nodded.
There was a ghost of a smile on his lips. Evidently my lack of talking was amusing to him; but what could I really say other than 'okay.' It wasn't as though there were any other option here. This plane would take us where we needed to go.
"How long will we be on it for?" I whispered, finding my voice.
"One hour, fifteen minutes; although I am sure Boris will be able to shave a while off of that."
Air speeding. Right, cause that totally helped ending my nerves.
Again, I merely nodded as Demetri opened the door for me. Hesitantly, yet quickly at the same time - purely because I didn't want to talk myself out of it - I climbed inside the little plane. My body falling against the cream leather seating. Demetri shifted in beside me as I quickly buckled myself in with the seat belt... and before I knew it... Felix was in also, facing me and Demetri. He truly looked as though he were enjoying this.
Ivan and Boris were up the front; talking to one another in swift, fast Russian as they adjusted headsets onto their heads. Once that was done, Boris turned to look over the back of the seats; towards the three of us.
"Ready?"
There was a silence, and that was when I realised they were looking at me. Awaiting my answer...
"As ready as I'll ever be."
Boris returned a large smile, as did... Them all, actually, and he turned. The plane came to life; the propeller at the front began to spin violently. Just like that, we began to move. St. Petersburg was going to be behind us, and onward to Moscow. Yet, despite my inside churning with being in the air again, my mind was still on what he was doing.
The hour seemed to fly by... Fly by. I had to stop myself from smirking at the pun. I had easily managed to ease into this trip; for Demetri had been correct. Boris was extremely experienced. Or, in my view anyway. Felix had gone into a story about how he had gotten so good; and for the most part I had listened... A little. He had been a pilot in both World Wars, alongside an airline pilot when he needed something to do. In the process, he had managed to meet his mate and other coven mates. Now, he did it for his spare time.
Amusing how his spare time was now helping two supposed mythical members of a rebellion, and a criminal who had managed to help one of the most dangerous vampire's in the world escape their deadly facility. I have to say, Boris did have some interesting hobbies evidently.
I was more than relieved the moment the plane touched ground, and I was able to climb out. My feet fell upon the due ridden grass; and I inhaled deeply. The fresh air was beautiful. Unpolluted. Untainted. Just completely fresh...
I turned around to look at my surroundings. We were in a clearing of a forested area. I didn't have to be a geography student to know that we weren't in a forest of such. But rather... A park. My bet was we were in Moscow's national park; otherwise known as Elk Island. Of course I was going to know about this place. The landscape was large, beautiful, isolated and secluded. The amount of greenery was just reminding me of Forks, and thus my Grandpa Charlie...
"I thought they were meeting us here?" Demetri's voice caught my attention, and I spun yet again to look at the four of them.
Boris let out a chuckle. "Patience my boy. We need to move on foot toward the Cathedral."
Both Felix and Demetri seemed to be displeased by this. I could only imagine why. So far, even with Alec, our tactics had been to stay steer clear of overpopulated places. A large city was something Alec rarely allowed us to stay in for longer than a few hours. And even then... I tended to be locked away in a hotel room somewhere. Perhaps it was just natural instinct for the Volturi to want to stay hidden, and out of plain sight?
"We best make haste then," Demetri sighed deeply. Felix shared his frustration, and showed it by clasping his friends shoulder and giving it a firm squeeze. "Renesmee, are you able to move?"
I broke a smile; the first one since our departure. Maybe it was because I was glad to be back on land again, rather than in the air. I wasn't sure. "Yup. How far is this Cathedral?"
"Twenty minutes." Ivan answered, gesturing towards a dirt trail leading further into the field like clearing.
Well, that seemed simple enough. Twenty minutes and we'd get to where we needed to go; and meet whomever it was we were supposed to meet. Of course there was a part of me that somewhat dreaded who it was waiting; for knowing my luck it'd be the succubus. I did not, under any circumstance, want to listen to any gushing about how Alec was now free; and there was a chance for she and him.
Maybe I did have a green eyed monster after all...
I cleared my throat and firmly nodded my head. "Then let's go."
To prove my point further, and to continue this little quest we had been put on; I took the lead and began on down the trail Ivan had pointed out. The four of them followed suit; and I could hear the conversation going on behind me. It wasn't as though it were hushed or anything; I just choose not to pay any attention to it. Purely because I knew I needed to... Well, keep my composure. Remember the thought train I had when leaving the safety of that little Volturi village hidden in the biome. I was not a sheep. I was a lion. I was brave, and I could do this.
I mean, look at the accomplishments I'd done so far? I'd been in a plane twice, I'd met one of the worlds most dangerous vampires behind a glass wall - and helped him escape, and not only that... I was going back there.
The latter statement still made my stomach twist. I knew that it probably wasn't a very grand idea. I mean, I was often one who sat in front of the TV and yelled at the heroine for being a martyr. I didn't want to be that person; but it appeared as though I was. I guess it wasn't as easy to merely sit back and not something someone asked of you, especially when you knew it would help someone else in need.
Call me a pushover, a martyr, or whatever. I knew the dangers of what I was getting myself into; but I was doing them anyway.
God, I could already hear the lecture my father would give me when I got back.
When. Because I would. There was no time for if's at a time like this. I had to be positive, for if I wasn't... I'd most likely turn into a ball of nerves. I would return; and I'd be reunited with my family again.
As the ground turned from sand and grass to stone, I found myself getting lost within the architecture that was Moscow again. It truly was one thing seeing it in pictures, or on the TV than what it was like in person. No words could come to describe this place. This... This stillness, and the tranquillity that etched over you. Seeing as I no longer had a trail to follow; Ivan took the lead weaving us in and out of streets; following roads.
Until we came face to face with the large Cathedral.
St. Basil's Cathedral was astonishing. Located in the red square; it's stance stood out above everything else. I was breathless due to it's beauty. It wasn't as empty as I would have liked, however. With our journey, we had moved into the morn. The sun was rising in the sky, and pedestrians were now up and about. It was still sparse of course, but there were still eyes around us.
Cue the nerves.
"Ah, there!" Ivan spoke suddenly, gesturing towards the corner of the Cathedral's square. I wasn't sure what he had pointed out, but he took off in the direction. Without any questions or objections, I followed after him. Demetri and Felix were at my sides again; not that I really noticed. You grew accustomed to it after a while; and I'd only been in their company for a few hours! No wonder Alec felt relieved to have them back. It must've felt like having his shadow returned to him, for that is what they were like. Shadows.
Ivan was embracing someone, someone who's face I could not see due to it being buried in his chest. Next to them was... The succubus; her eyes looking around frantically. I know who you're looking for...
But my hostile thoughts died in that moment. I didn't even get a chance to think of anything harsh towards the girl who'd locked lips with Alec that while ago. No, my feet came to a stop and the breath felt as though it had been kicked right out of my chest. Ivan, the unnamed female and Marishka weren't the only ones there. No; beside them, looking towards Ivan who had just joined them confused...
"Kaitlyn, Nahul!"
Their heads snapped towards my direction, and the smile spread out across both their faces.
"Nessie!"
I rushed towards them, and they towards me. In an instant I was engulfed in two sets of arms; holding onto my body tightly. If it was hurting me, I didn't care. My friends were alright. All the anxieties, all the emotions building up to my worry for them had washed away; just by this mere embrace. Just by purely seeing them here, in the flesh... Completely alright. I didn't want to let go, not now, not ever. And yet, I had too.
The gruff clearing of someone's throat caused the little huddle to break, and I didn't even need to look to know who it was. Felix and Demetri were still, as always, by my side.
"Perhaps we should take this to a more suitable venue," Demetri mused. "Where there are less eyes."
"Privacy is key." Felix agreed.
So did I, actually. If we brought too much attention to ourselves, it could be devastating. Not only for us, but for the whole operation. This whole journey will have been for nothing. And God, I wanted to be able to rub it in Alec's face when I got back that I was able to do this. Again. I didn't just agree on the fact I didn't want to get caught; though that was a large part of it... But it was because I knew that this wasn't going to be quiet. By God, I missed these two more than anything. I was relieved to see the two of them alive... And it looked as though they were the same. I didn't blame them. After all, the last they had seen of me I had been getting into the back of a cab with a resident they had helped me escape. One that they weren't even sure themselves on if he was safe or not...
Of course he was. Besides our little ups and downs on this rocky journey, Alec was my never ending grace to sanity. This... Utterly insane circumstance I had found myself in? He was the only reason I was still grounded. No doubt, if I didn't have him at my side, I'd be lost in all of this chaos. Amusing that I was thinking all of this, feeling all of this, when he was no longer by my side; but rather at his sisters side.
I didn't resent him for choosing to stay. No, I understood completely. There was so much that needed to be caught up on. There was so much to be said and done between the two siblings. He didn't want to risk that by coming close to this facility again; and I didn't blame him. He had been gone for far too long. In fact, I'd consider him somewhat insane for even considering going back there.
And yet... What did that make me exactly?
I wasn't given any time to answer my thoughts, as I was being led into the large Cathedral. For the first time since leaving that little village, it wasn't Demetri nor Felix right at my side. It was the two friends I had missed oh so greatly. I could tell they were just about ready to burst with questions. Truthfully, so was I. I wanted to know everything that had gone on in the facility after I'd gone off with Alec. What had happened to Xavier? What were all of their reactions? How had the two of them come to be in the company of the Soviet coven?
There was so many questions, and I hoped to God I had enough time to ask them all.
Inside was just as grand as the outside. Swimming with colours and patterns and inscriptions so fine, I doubt the human eye could even comprehend just the finer detail that went into this thing. If I wasn't so pressed with wishing to have a moment to talk to my friends, I might've stopped to look carefully at everything.
The Soviet's were right behind the three of us; while Demetri and Felix lead ahead with Boris. I could hear them, slightly, talking in foreign tongue. I guess it was free to talk now then?
"How are you guys even here?" I whispered, still a little paranoid to speak outright.
"Long story cut short," Nahul answered, casting a glance towards Kaitlyn in the makedo of his answer. "Marishka got in contact with us. Apparently lover boy asked a favour. Speaking of such, where is 83?"
I wanted to correct him automatically. His name was not 83, and Nahul should know that by now. Sure, I had a little more in-tell than what my friends had; confirmation that he was indeed the mythical legend that Nahul had once called a mere child's story... But surely he should have presumed it was true, after all; look at where we were now.
"He's... Busy."
I didn't want to get into it, merely because I had no idea where he was. All I was sure about; he was with his sister. The one place he had longed to be for as long as he could remember. No one could blame him for lapping up as much time with her as he could.
"Right," Nahul thankfully dropped it, and cleared his throat. "Care to explain why the hell he wanted us to check the records for someone called Elizabeth?"
As thankful as I was for the subject having been dropped, this was one I wasn't entirely well versed in. I didn't know who Elizabeth was, but evidently it was someone who meant a great deal to Felix. Felix's face never failed to light up in adoration when her name was mentioned. No doubt a mate... Or, whatever it was the Volturi did. Paired off, mates, arrangements... Sometimes, just thinking about it made my head hurt.
"That's a story I don't know much of," I said honestly. "Probably best to ask Felix."
"Right... And that's the walking refrigerator, right?" Kaitlyn gestured with gutting her chin.
I did my best to stop myself from rolling my eyes. God it felt good to be back in their presence. Hell, it felt good just to know they were okay! There were so many questions I had, yet I couldn't come to even pick the first one that'd be good enough to ask! That and the fact despite Felix and Demetri speaking freely in their foreign tongue, I was still a little hesitant to outright talk about everything. Who knows who was even listening in?
The three of us continued to walk slowly behind those leading us; and only stopped when we came to a little seating area. I figure that the others wanted to give us some time, for they sat separately; while allowing me and my friends to sit with one another. Kaitlyn sat herself beside me, while Nahul sat opposite; his elbows resting on the little table in front of us. Were we even allowed to sit in this place? After all, it was technically a museum of sorts.
Whatever concerns I had, I didn't voice them. Purely because Nahul didn't waste any time in diving right into business.
"Thing's are weird, Nes."
Kaitlyn nodded. "Really weird."
Dare I even ask... "How?"
There was a brief pause as they shared a delayed look. Kaitlyn looked as though she was chewing the inside of her cheek, and Nahul just looked... Lost.
"Nothing's happened."
That came as a shock. Not in the sense I was gobsmacked, because if it was going insane I was adamant the press would have been alerted. In fact, I recalled that Alec had been irritated that the press hadn't been informed. He wanted all over havoc for word to get to his family he was free... It worked out well in the end, I suppose; but still... The facility had a dangerous prisoner escape and yet nothing was happening?
"What do you mean nothings happened?" I asked.
"As in business is the exact same." Nahul answered.
"Yeah, minus the intensified security and whatnot." Kaitlyn mused almost to herself.
I frowned as my curiosity intensified. "Surely they're doing investigations? I mean, we've been tailed by soldiers a few times."
The two of them yet again shared a look, until Nahul shrugged.
"Obviously there's a investigation going on; there's bound to be. But resident wise, facility workers and all... It's the exact same."
That was... Something else. I knew they'd likely try and keep the peace, keep some order I guess... But for things to be going the exact same... Maybe Alec wasn't so dangerous after all? Then again... The vivid memory of how easily he removed that soldiers head said otherwise.
"I did overhear my mom though..." Kaitlyn coughed. "They know you helped him; even though there's no evidence."
"Kat deleted the security tapes." Nahul answered my questioning look. I nodded.
"But Christopher informed them that you helped."
Oh crap! Christopher! It was a relief to know he was alive, albeit he had squealed but then he was only doing his job. I wondered how long he had been stuck in that cell for...
"They're looking for your family."
Bile rose from my stomach and threatened to be released; but I held it down. Gritting my teeth and swallowing the lump in my throat, I nodded slowly. "I thought they would. But they won't find them..."
Nahul smiled. "We know, that's what Kaitlyn heard. Apparently Stefan and Vladimir are seething." Naturally, I thought. They clearly disliked people going against them; and the fact the Volturi appeared to be steps ahead would only anger them ten times more.
"What about you? Weren't you brought in to all of this?" I asked.
The two of them nodded. "Oh of course. We were known friends of yours. We've been brought in for questions over and over."
I felt guilty for dragging all of them into this; but I was doing what I believed was right. I know for a fact I wouldn't have been able to do all of this without their help. They had done everything, and now they were in real danger themselves. Yet, looking at the two of them... They didn't seem phased. If they were, they were hiding it really well.
"Don't worry. They might suspect we're involved, but they have no proof. Our stories match, and they can't take it forward without one of us slipping up... Not that they're going to get a chance."
"They're not?"
They shook their heads in sync.
"Why's that?"
"Because we're not going back. When we left to meet you here, we knew there was no way we can go back. We'll likely be brought in for surreal questioning... Hell, I'm still not sure if we were followed or not."
Kaitlyn rolled her eyes. "Even if we were, it's not as if the Russian's can't deal with it. They wouldn't have brought us right here."
Well that was true. These people were close allies to the Volturi; and with the vibes I got off of Aro... He didn't, and wouldn't, risk any failure. The fact that these people were involved at all told me there was a real amount of trust and professionalism here.
"What do you mean you're not going back?"
Kaitlyn's lips curved to the point I could see her teeth. "We're getting taken somewhere safe after here."
Well, that was a relief. "By the Volturi?"
Nahul nodded. "Apparently..."
He evidently didn't seem too pleased about it, but could I really blame him? After all, he had been looking for his father for all these years... But I was sure, once all of this was over and done with; once he was safe the Volturi could perhaps help him with his search. One could only hope.
"And Xavier?"
"He's still there." Kaitlyn answered. "He's helping the investigation... Ish. He's the one that made sure we got out of here safe. He and his niece were offered a place with us but he refused. He thinks that if he were to vanish as well; it could be dangerous to my mom and Fiona."
Ugh, Fiona. I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes. Sure, I was sympathetic towards Kaitlyn's mom; but I didn't entirely forgive her for what she had done to Alec. In fact, I wasn't entirely sure I forgave Xavier for what he did either - but at least he was making an attempt to help us.
I nodded my head regardless.
"So we were brought here about something to do with an Elizabeth?" Nahul then turned professional, his eyes darting around. I could only assume it was to ensure no one was around that could overhear. I nodded again quickly.
"There's quite a few, obviously... But we did some research and found that after your escape with... Anyway, they moved an Elizabeth from Moscow to Romania. No details as to why, but it was done within a matter of days of your departure."
Dread rose within me. "Not the red zone..."
I really didn't want to go back there.
"Thankfully not; the blue zone in Bucharest. It's close to the red zone, and likely still as heavily guarded since they've intensified all security on all zones. Anyway... If it is an Elizabeth you're looking for, best chances that this is the one."
Nahul explained it quickly, and Kaitlyn nodded in agreement. It was a long shot, but it was our only lead. "Then I guess I'll be heading back to Romania..."
I chewed my bottom lip only to practically jump out of my skin the moment a hand touched my shoulder. Looking up, Demetri and Felix were stood there. The Soviets were standing by the doorway we had entered, but I paid them little attention; as they did the same to me. "Hate to break up the reunion, Renesmee... But we have to get going."
"Oh..."
"Did you bring what we asked for?" Demetri then asked, looking towards my two friends.
Nahul shuffled in his seat, while Kaitlyn appeared to be starring wildly towards the sleekly dressed Demetri. He didn't seem to bat an eyelash in her direction. From Nahul's pocket, he produced a card. "You have to be exceedingly careful with this. Punch in the wrong key and it'll alert everyone. They'll be on you like a pack of dogs."
I swallowed hard, but watched the exchange as Demetri took it from Nahul's hand.
"The code is 5469854."
Demetri nodded.
"Think you'll be able to remember that?" Nahul quizzed.
"Efficiently. Come, we must go."
I nodded my head and stood up from my seat. My friends followed my lead and we retreated out the way we had come. Through the relic corridors and winding halls, until we were set out into the open and the air hit my face. It was warm, but not too warm. Clouds were above, allowing a small amount of sunlight through it's cracks.
"You know where to take them?" Felix spoke towards Ivan, who nodded.
"And you know where you need to go?" Ivan retorted towards Felix and Demetri. I looked up at the two of them, flanking either of my sides. They returned the nod.
With that final nod, I could sense that it was now down to me to finish up. I hadn't realised that it would have been so brief. Sure, I guess I knew I'd have to say goodbye to them again at some point; but I hadn't focused on it. The crashing reality that I was once again leaving them behind hurt, but by the looks on my two friends faces... They were fine. In fact, I could see the pride in their faces for being a part of this. This was a new movement in which they were proud to be a part of.
"Well... I guess this is goodbye?"
Kaitlyn stepped forward and pulled me into a hug that I swore could've broken my ribs. It was short and sweet, but I knew it was probably to stop us taking up so much time. Nahul then scoffed and stepped forward only to grasp hold of me and pull me in. My head found itself buried within his chest and I relished in his scent, as though again this would be the last time I smelt it for a while. "It's never goodbye. Just see you later."
As I pulled back and he stared at me with his deep brown eyes, I nodded. It was intended to be a promise, I guess. Intended to come out as something that would happen, despite how dangerous this mission we were going on was. I would see him again.
"You be careful out there..."
I nodded towards him and gave a sheepish smile.
"If you see my parents... Tell them I'm okay."
"You got it."
I glanced over my shoulder, noticing that Demetri and Felix alongside Boris were waiting. Slowly, I backed off towards them while the Soviets joined Nahul and Kaitlyn. With a wave, I turned and began to walk with the two large vampires I'd grown rather fond of in this short amount of time.
"Nes!"
I glanced over my shoulder to Nahul.
"Give 'em hell!"
I broke a large grin and waved a final time, before setting off with a sprint, following the three vampires.
—xXx—
I found out the reason behind Boris accompanying us was because of the blasted flying again. It was explained to me that getting close to Romania by foot was taking up time we couldn't afford; therefore Boris was going to fly us as close as he could. Moldova. It seemed strange, watching below as all these places I had travelled through with Alec... That took days on end just fly by in a matter of hours. The plane came to a stop in a deserted land; surrounded by trees. I could only watch as Demetri and Felix thanked Boris in his native tongue, and instruct for me to keep moving... Well, after Boris promised he was going to take care of my friends. And then we were off yet again; in a sprint.
I felt like we had been running for days; when naturally it was only a couple of hours. Everything was blurred with our sprint. Sure, I had to stop a number of times; blame the human side of me, and then rush off to try make up for lost time. Demetri and Felix didn't seem to mind, although it did bother me just how nonchalant they could be about running this long. I supposed they were used to it; being part of some group that was deemed a myth; often having to run from sight and whatnot... But then again, probably not. After all, they lived in a secluded place within the biome that seemed perfectly safe... Well, safe enough for them to settle.
We continued to run on and on as daylight etched into the night, and then the night etched on into morning. I was exhausted. I was tired, hungry and... Well, truth be told I just wanted to sleep. I honestly felt as though I could sleep for years on end and it still wouldn't suffice with how much I wanted to dream. I couldn't complain though. Demetri and Felix eventually stopped to let me rest when I knew it was the early hours of the morning. I wasn't sure how long I had slept for, but when I was awoken by the sounds of birds chirping above head; and Felix and Demetri's voices talking in fluent Italian... I just wanted to curl up and go back to sleep.
That wasn't an option, obviously.
"We're close," Demetri said after another hour or so of running. He lead us to the edge of a hillside, and below was an overlook of a city.
"Is that..."
"Bucharest."
A mixture of unpleasant feelings whirled within me, although some were slightly pleasant itself. I mean, this city was a mixture of things for me. It wasn't just the place I had witnessed some awful things, and helped a condemned prisoner escape... It was the place I'd met some of the best people. Meeting Kaitlyn, reuniting with Nahul... And it was the place I had first laid eyes on the infamous 83.
"If this is Bucharest... Then that means we're already in Romania?"
"Indeed. We passed the borders an hour ago."
Oh, I thought. Thanks for informing me.
"Alright... So now what?"
There was a brief pause in the atmosphere; that only the birds seemed to fill.
"We need to keep moving; but first we need to consult a basis of our next moves." Demetri nodded.
"You mean like a plan?" I laughed. He merely rolled his eyes in return.
"In the meantime," Felix interrupted, producing a whiskey flask from his robe. Popping the cap off, he handed it toward me. "Drink."
I frowned. This wasn't entirely the right time for alcohol now, was it? Though, not a split second after I thought that - the scent hit me like a ton of bricks and my stomach tightened. Blood.
"It's not human," Felix reassured before I could even ask the question. "I may find your methods strange, but I will not question. This is a deer I came across when you were resting."
Somewhat relieved, I reached forward and took the flask. Slow at first I took a drink, but the hunger took over and I found myself downing the remainder of the liquid. When the flask run dry, I held it out towards him as I wiped my mouth with me free hand. He took it back without a word and returned it to what I believed was his pocket inside his robe.
"Alright, so how are we going to do this?" I asked then, clasping my hands together quickly.
Demetri was the one who answered, his eyes casting off to the city below. "We do need to be careful, especially now that we are almost in the heart of the city. I suggest we keep to the outskirts and move in sporadically."
"That could take up a great deal of time." Felix countered.
"Yes, I understand; although they are likely unaware of our intentions."
"I doubt that, they moved her closer did they not?"
My head was flicking back and forth between them in their debate. With everything that one said, the other always had something to retort back with. I felt as though I were watching a tennis match; their words being the ball. Back and forth I kept looking between the two of them. Keeping to the outskirts was a good idea, especially since we were in the danger zone right now; but I could understand what Felix was saying also. He wanted to get Elizabeth out as soon as possible. I chewed the inside of my lip and cleared my throat, hoping to cast some attention to myself.
"Why don't we just go into the city."
It was reckless thinking, I know; but I had a plan.
The two of them paused to look at me.
"Excuse me?" Demetri arched a brow.
"They won't be expecting us to walk right in. In fact, chances are they will likely be on the outskirts waiting for us. We need to think ahead and do the unexpected."
There was another silence and seemed to swallow me whole. Were they considering it? I hoped so. Even though what I was suggesting was no doubt dangerous; this whole thing was dangerous. Us being here was dangerous. Right now, there was nothing in this world that wasn't a danger for the likes of us anymore. No matter what we did or didn't do, there were risks and consequences.
"Alright." Felix nodded, and Demetri reluctantly sighed. Evidently he wasn't going to put up much of a fight.
"And... I think we should split up."
"Out of the question." Demetri clearly was going to fight on that one. "No."
"Demetri... Your clothes aren't going to help us fit in, and... They don't know your faces. They know mine. If they spot you and with the clothes you've got on they will; they'll automatically notice me with being in your company. If we're separate, we might have a better chance. Trust me."
"And if you are caught?" Demetri frowned.
"Then you will be able to free me and Elizabeth together. We're all headed the same way regardless. The town centre is the most dangerous no doubt... If we get through it fine, we will meet at the blue zone."
I glanced towards the city and chewed at my bottom lip.
"I do not like this plan." Demetri said finally and I took that as his way of agreeing.
It was now or never, I guess. With a final nod of my own, I moved off towards the trail leading down the hill. I could feel Demetri and Felix behind me, but there was a silence. No doubt because of the high tensions that were around us now and I knew for a fact it was only going to get worse the closer we got to the city. I dreaded what it would be like once we were slap bang in the middle of the streets.
The walk down the hillside took a good hour or two, and although the majority of it was in silence, every now and then Demetri and Felix would pipe up with some words. I didn't really catch them, not that it would've helped considering it was in their native tongue. It always made me somewhat uneasy when they spoke in their many different languages. Purely because I believed it was down to the fact they didn't wish for me to hear what was going on. It was unlikely, I know. This language was their first language and came to them more quickly... But still, I guess I was pretty normal in the aspect of thinking like a teenage girl.
As we closed in on the city and our feet made contact with cobble rather than grass or dirt, I was right in thinking the tensions were going to rise. I could practically feel it suffocating me, and it made me all the more nervous than what I already was. Glancing to my sides, I found that Felix and Demetri were looking off in different directions... Most likely looking out for any sign of being detected.
Speaking of being detected.
"Alright guys... Go."
There was pregnant pause, and eventually one of them broke it by a deep sigh.
"Be careful, Renesmee." Felix mused before vanishing within thin air.
"Know that we will be close by enough to monitor your movements. As Felix said, be careful."
I nodded towards Demetri and watched as he too vanished within a small cloud of dust from the dirt on the cobbles.
I was now on my own; and I had to get my way through Bucharest on my own... God, what was I thinking.
Evidently I wasn't thinking at all really. No, I wasn't about to start doubting my plan. This was going to work. I was sure of it. Hell, I'd gotten this far. I was able to do this. I was the one who'd broken out Alec in the first place. I was capable of this; I was capable of a lot. I was a Cullen, and I was going to get through this. Standing up straight, I forced myself forward and into the streets of the city that grew with each step I took.
Streets moved slowly and eventually, I was in the middle of it all. In the heart of the city, where it was bursting with life; people upon people roaming around. Vampires and human's alike; all getting on with their day. I felt a little relieved that there were people around, for it gave me a better chance at blending in. Being a nobody. Perhaps it did pay to be a hybrid that was a little ordinary. Well, ordinary in my view. I wasn't anything special in my eyes. It was somewhat paying off being a small town girl from Forks after all...
I moved through crowds of people, being reminded of the streets I had moved through easily before. When researching the resident I had known only as eighty three..
I glanced up the hillside I had walked towards to meet that doctor. I looked towards the bus stop I had gotten out at. There were fond times in this city; and strangely, they seemed to revolve around my strange silent resident. He really did morph my time here in Romania, didn't he?
I chewed at my lip as I moved along, my eyes scanning the areas I had been. The area's that likely had helped me get to where I was today... The bookstore that had the little open sign by the door that likely hadn't seen a single person since I had gone in there. It was sad, despite the woman being somewhat terrifying, she had helped me a great deal...
My front bumped into something firm and almost winded me. Shaking my head, I looked up at who it had been I'd ran into and almost choked. HF.
"Sorry," I mused hiding my face by looking down. "So sorry, my fault."
I quickly scurried away, although I could feel the eyes on my back watching me. I kept my head down, and my pace quick as I moved. My heart was racing from the close encounter, and I was practically a shaking mess with trying to get away quickly. Sure, I'd been scared before... But I'd always had Alec at my side reassuring me I was going to be alright and safe. This time however, I was on my own.
I peered over my shoulder. Crap.
They were following.
I knew I should've spoken Romanian! Of course Romania gets many tourists; but right now they were looking for an American who had helped a resident escape. I was an idiot who hadn't been thinking, and now yet again I was doubting the entire plan of entering this city alone. I didn't even have Demetri or Felix helping me to get out of this one!
I can feel the sweat beginning to build on my skin, the throbbing of my own eyes, the ringing in my ears and the thumping of my heart against my chest. My fingers curled into a first, my nails digging into my palm. I can't hear my rapid breathing, but I can feel the oxygen flooding in and out of my lungs as my pace hurried. Hesitantly, my eyes look over my shoulder yet again to catch a glimpse if they are indeed still following. Fear engulfs my conscience, knocking all other thoughts aside. Adrenaline overwhelms my body, making it drastically empowered and energised. However, most of all, the fear in me almost made me move into a sprint...
If it wasn't for the sudden tug at my hand that pulled me off my feet and through a crowd of people. In an instant, my back was pressed against the wall firmly with a hard thud and a body was pressing me completely up against it. My eyes fluttered from the sudden movement, but once they cleared up; I felt all air escape my lungs.
Bright red eyes stared directly at mine with a sinister scowl to them; masked by deep brown hair and full lips. "Alec..."
"Shh."
And in that instant, his lips met mine.