Rose and Jasmine followed Dimitri. To our surprise, Dimitri led us both out of the boundaries of the campus and into the surrounding woods. The Academy owned a lot of land, not all of which was actively used for educational purposes. We were in a remote part of Montana, and at times, it seemed as though the school was just barely holding back the wilderness.
We walked quietly for a while, our feet crunching through thick, unbroken snow. A few birds flitted by, singing their greetings to the rising sun. But mostly all we saw were scraggly, snow-heavy evergreen trees. Both Jasmine and Rose had to work to keep up with Dimitri's longer stride, particularly since the snow slowed us down a little. Soon, we discerned a large, dark shape ahead. Some kind of building.
"Rose asked What is that?" "Jasmine said Old watch-post." "Dimitri said guardians used to live on the edge of campus and keep watch for Strigoi." Rose asked why don't they anymore? Dimitri said don't have enough guardians to staff it. Besides, Moroi have warded campus with enough protective magic that most don't think it's necessary to have actual people on guard."
Jasmine said what if wards get broken like what happen at the Badicas house. Then we are so fucked. Dimitri said Jasmine watch your mouth. Jasmine say if the ward broken. How fast they put them back up before they take the academy? Dimitri stop and turn around said please don't fuck this up. Jasmine just stopped talking and looked down at the ground. Started playing with hair braid. Dimitri knew that Jasmine was scared. When Jasmine started playing with hair one of braids. Dimitri said I sorry! Just calm your fear to night. Jasmine still not looking up. Dimitri said come both of you. Jasmine slowly walking behind them still worry! Rose looked at Jasmine and read fear. Rose said oh Sissy! Reaching grabbing and holding her hand.
Dimitri, Rose and Jasmine both rounded the corner of the building, coming up on a surprising scene. A small frozen pond lay there. Christian and Visilissa were ice skating on it. A woman had her back was to us. All we could see was a wave of jet-black hair that arced around her when she skated to a graceful stop.
Jasmine froze to where standing. Started relieving the lost memories before the attack and the attack. Vilissa grinned when she saw Rose and Jasmine. Vilissa could see Jasmine frozen to place. Lost in her memory. Christian said shit! Felling on his ass.
Rose turn around to see Jasmine in lost in her memories. Jasmine breathing hard and tears flowing from eyes. Vilissa yelling Jasmine snap out of it. Dimitri turn around seen Jasmine frozen. Rose calling Jasmine name and get not getting answer at all. Vilissa skated to the edge and started get off the ice. Dimitri said what wrong?
Jasmine snapped back. Backing away from all of them. Spin around run from them heading back around the cabin and busted threw the door. Run to the far corner on the back wall hiding her face. Crying reliving the memory's of the attack. Rose turn around run after Jasmine. Vasilissa taking off skates and putting boots back on. Grabbing skates heading after them. Leaving Christian, Dimitri and mystery woman next to lake.
Vasilissa running in cabin found Rose and Jasmine. Jasmine was in corner crying hard and breathing hard. Vasilissa dropped the skates and run to Rose side. Reaching grabbing Jasmine and said let it out. Vasilissa hold Jasmine in arms to easy Jasmine pain. Turn to Rose and said make cabin warm for us. Rose jump up and found dry wood. Started building a fire.
When Dimitri, Christian and mystery woman came threw the door. Founding Vasilissa holding Jasmine in arms. Rose getting wood and breaking chairs. Then heading to fire place to build fire.
Dimitri said what is going on? Visilissa said, Jasmine you alright. Let it out. Mystery woman asked something happen to her? Everyone stop and looked at her. Rose said who the hell are you? Christian said Aunt Tasha. Rose said just stay out of way. Turn back to fireplace. Rose was building campfire. Dimitri said Rose!
Dimitri asked what going on? Lissa said Jasmine passed has break free. She now dealing with what happen three years ago. Rose still modded breathed. Dimitri moved close and Jasmine jerking away from Dimitri. Jasmine said make them go away. Visilissa said I here and they can't hurt you anymore. Visilissa turn hear to Dimitri said help Rose with fire.
Tasha asked what must have happen to her three years ago? Everyone but Jasmine looked at her. Visilissa said Jasmine was raped by strigoi three years ago and almost killed her. Tasha rushed to Jasmine and Visilissa side. Tasha said let it out! Jasmine cry hard. Yelling at Christian get blank from over their bring here.
We need to cover her and said the storm pass. Dimitri said this good thing this help with healing now. Rose looked Dimitri show that unpleasant look at him and turn back to the fireplace. Dimitri could tell Rose pissed off and worried about Jasmine. Help Rose with the fire.
( Hours later)
The Jasmine cried for long time and started quieted down to whimpers. Lissa sit on floor holding Jasmine head in lap. Keep telling everything will better. Lissa taking Jasmine hair down from the braids and let her hair free. Christian said oh shit! Jasmine look like Rose with her hair down. Lissa said she beautiful. Both ways. Dimitri would agree.
Rose said Jasmine and I are identical twins. Tasha said what are the odds identical twins girls in Dhampir? Lissa said very rare a Dhampir woman give birth identical twins girls. Everyone turn and looked Lissa. Dimitri said How do you know that? Lissa said we talk about seven grade science class. Rose said that teacher used Jasmine and me in class. Before Jasmine punched and knocked out the teacher. Lissa said that funny. Christian said Damn!
While Tasha asked everyone if they want some marshmallows? Tasha never asked Jasmine if she want any at all. Christian said Aunt Tasha. You didn't asked if Jasmine if she want any marshmallows. Making everyone look at Tasha. Tasha said I sorry! Than asking Jasmine if some marshmallows? Lissa and Rose said Jasmine doesn't like marshmallows. Dimitri, Christian and Tasha was surprise that Jasmine didn't like them. Tasha said what about chocolate?
Rose said she love Chocolate. Rose took it from Tasha. Rose said Jasmine. Jasmine looked up at Rose and seen Jasmine was red. Asking do you want some chocolate? Jasmine reached out and taking from Rose. Lissa said sit up and eat. Jasmine sit slowly and started slowly sucking it. Christian said you like child eating it, Lissa said stop tease her. Before she kick your ass again.
"Dimitri thought Jasmine doesn't like marshmallows and tomotto."
"Tasha said Where's the best place a girl can go shopping around here?" Lissa, Rose and Jasmine exchanged looks. "Missoula," we said in unison. Tasha sighed. "That's a couple hours away, but if I leave soon, I can probably still get in some time before the stores close. I'm hopelessly behind in shopping."
Rose groaned. "I'd kill to go shopping." "Me too," said Lissa. "Maybe we could sneak along..." Rose gave Dimitri a hopeful look. "No," he said immediately. Jasmine said Have a nice trip in Dimitri piece of shit clown car. Because not take my 2005 Black Ford Mustang. Tasha said that cool sport car. Jasmine said Thank you. Dimitri said my car is cool to? Rose said in a soccer mom car can be. Everyone but Dimitri was laughing.
(Hour later)
Our illicit party dispersed. The Moroi went one direction; Dimitri, Rose, and Jasmine went another. Dimitri and Tasha made plans to meet up in a half hour. Dimitri asked So what do you think of her?" Rose said I like her. She's cool.
"Jasmine said I don't like her." Dimitri said why? "Jasmine said Both of you are so you blind to the truth! No good will come of her. Stay away from her." Jasmine started walking faster in almost run to academy. Dimitri said what was that about? Rose said I don't know. That came from dark place in Jasmine. Making Dimitri worry about Jasmine. Rose looked Dimitri with worry look on her face.
"Rose asked why does she call you Dimka?" "Dimitri said It's a nickname for Dimitri." Rose said that doesn't make any sense. It doesn't sound anything like Dimitri. You should be called, I don't know, Dimi or something." "Dimitri said that's not how it works in Russian," Rose said "Russian's weird," "Dimitri said so English." Rose said if you'd teach me to swear in Russian, I might have a new appreciation for it." Dimitri said You swear too much already." Rose said I just want to express myself. Dimitri said Oh, Roza. You express yourself more than anyone else I know.
Rose asked how could Jasmine speak Russian? Dimitri said Jasmine had learn in program and well living Russia. I found that learn it fast. Rose said Jasmine always been learn thing faster then normal. Could because of being Element? Dimitri said maybe.
Both Jasmine and Rose practically skipped down to the gym. But when we stuck our heads inside the practice room from the day before, We found it dark and quiet. Flipping on the light, we peered around just in case Dimitri was conducting some kind of weird, covert training exercise. Nope. Empty. No staking today.
"Rose muttered Shit," Jasmine giggled.
"Janine said he not here."
Both Jasmine and Rose yelped and nearly jumped ten feet in the air. Turning around, both looked straight into their mother's narrowed brown eyes."Rose said what are you doing here?" As soon as the words were out of Rose mouth. Their appearance registered with both of them. A stretchy spandex shirt with short sleeves. Loose, drawstring workout pants similar to the ones ours wore. "Shit," Rose said again.
Janine said watch your mouth. You might behave like you have no manners. But at least try not to sound that way." "Rose said where Dimitri?" Janine said Guardian Belikov is in bed. He just got back a couple of hours ago and needed to sleep." Rose said "I guess that means practice is canceled. Jasmine said Mommy! Can teach us something new. Rose said Shut up! Janine said That nice idea Jasmine. Be quiet and put these on Rose." She handed me some training mitts. They were similar to boxing gloves but not as thick and bulky. They shared the same purpose, however: to protect your hands and keep you from gouging your opponent with your nails."
Rose said we've been working on silver stakes." Rose said sulkily shoving my hands into the mitts. Jasmine said you are working practice stake so you don't hurt yourself. Rose said Shut up! Janine said Girls! Jasmine said Sorry Mommy!
Janine said Well, today we're doing this. Come on."
"Rose wishing I'd been hit by a bus on my walk from the dorm followed her out toward the center of the gym. Her curly hair was pinned up to stay out of the way, revealing the back of her neck. The skin there was covered in tattoos. The top one was a serpentine line: the promise mark, given when guardians graduated from academies like St. Vladimir's and agreed to serve. Below that were the molnija marks awarded each time a guardian killed a Strigoi. They were shaped like the lightning bolts they took their name from. we couldn't gauge exact numbers, but let's just say it was a wonder my mom had any neck left to tattoo. She'd wielded a lot of death in her time."
When Janine reached the spot she wanted. Saying Jasmine go sit down and watch us. Jasmine said Yes mommy. Janine turned toward Rose and adopted an attack stance. Half expecting her to jump me then and there, I quickly mirrored it.
"Rose said What are we doing?" Janine said basic offensive and defensive parrying. Use the red lines." Rose said That's all?" I asked. Janine leapt toward Rose. Rose dodged. Just barely, and tripped over my own feet in the process. Hastily, Rose righted myself.
Rose said So, what? This is your way of making up for maternal negligence? Janine said this is my way of making you get rid of that chip on your shoulder. You've had nothing but attitude for me since I arrived. You want to fight?" Her fist shot out and connected with my arm. "Then we'll fight. Point."
Rose said I don't want to fight. I've just been trying to talk to you." Janine said mouthing off to me in class isn't what I'd really call talking. Point." Rose said I have a unique style of communication, that's all. Janine said you have a petty teenage delusion that you've somehow been wronged for the last seventeen years." Her foot hit my thigh. "Point. Janine said when in reality, you've been treated no differently than any other dhampir. Better, actually. I could have sent you off to live with my cousins. You want to be a blood whore? Is that what you wanted? Jasmine said Mommy! Don't use that word. Janine yelled quiet! Rose said don't yell at her.
Rose said No! I don't want be a blood whore. Jasmine said I am I blood whore? Janine said No! what happen to you wrong. Strogoi are twisted evil creatures. Rose said what would know what happen to her. You never came to see her? Jasmine said Rosie! Mommy did come. She found me broken! Janine said Yes! I did come. Rose said lies! Janine hit Rose again. Point.
Rose said Did you go all Darwin and select the guy most likely to pass on warrior genes to your offspring's? I mean, I know you only had us because it was your duty, so I suppose you had to make sure you could give the guardians the best specimen you could."
Janine said "Rosemarie," she warned through gritted teeth, "for once in your life, shut up."
Why? Am I tarnishing your precious reputation? It's just like you told me: you aren't any different from any other dhampir either. You just screwed him and. Janine hit Rose making fly backwards. Jasmine said Mommy! What did you do?
Jasmine and Janine race to Rose side. Janine called Rose? Rose? Are you okay?" Jasmine said I go get the doctor. Leaving the GYM in run.
Dimitri still sleeping when Jasmine came to the tower. Going to third floor to find Dimitri still sleep. Getting idea and going back to her bedroom. Picking up her guitar and turn on speaker on and volume turning up. Jasmine started playing Rammstein - Du Hast.
Dimitri eye snapped open and realized Jasmine was playing again. Finding the song loud with good base to the song. Looking at the clock realizing school was over. That he sleep all day. Getting up and grabbing his PJ bottom. Walking down stairs to Jasmine bedroom. Seeing her smile while playing.
Dimitri yelled Jasmine! Turn it down. Jasmine keep playing. Dimitri walked over and turn volume on the speaker down.
Jasmine looked up and seen Dimitri. Jasmine said you missed practice. Dimitri said Sorry! I get back late with Tasha. Jasmine showed teeth and wrack of the nose in show disgusted for Tasha. Dimitri could tell that Jasmine didn't like her. Dimitri asking what did you mean late night? Jasmine said I seen colors coming from her and I get different feeling from her.
Dimitri said I right back. Heading up stairs and grabbed his note book. That he was keep on Jasmine. Came back down stairs, walked over and sit down on her bed. Asked is this new? Jasmine said Yes! Dimitri open the notebook and write it down. Any other thing happen that you? Jasmine say No!
Dimitri said what was colors did you see and feeling behind them? Jasmine said Tasha looked at you I felt lust and color was red. Tasha looked at Rose it black for hate for her. When Looked Pryo it color pink for Love. Visilissa was blue for Hope. As looked at me I seen green and it was disgusted. Dimitri said Damn! Your power all over board. Jasmine said why are keeping record on me? Dimitri said you first Fire Element in hundreds years. Someone need to keep a recorder for next fire Element. Jasmine just looked at Dimitri.
Jasmine asked when are planing to meat up with that whore again? Dimitri said Tasha is not whore. Why do you ask? Jasmine said because last night she compell you take her to the mall. Dimitri said Tasha didn't compell to take her to the mall. Jasmine said bullshit! I watch her do it. Dimitri said when this happen? Jasmine said both sitting in front of fireplace. When told Rose no that Vislissa and Rose could come with you to the mall.