"This landing is going to get pretty interesting."
"Define 'interesting'."
"Oh god, oh god, we're all going to die?"
Serenity written by Joss Whedon
HER BURNING HEART
The Story of Lilia
Derevko by JetNoir
Note: After the last, very-long, chapter; this is going to be much shorter. Again, there isn't going to be so much about the medical course in itself, but about Lilia. Now, in Lessons (my previous story), there were two characters from something called 'The Organisation', who chased after the serial-murderer Revenant, (who of course is Lilia), because she apparently used to work for them, under the name 'The Lost'. So this chapter, will set the seeds for that segment. Finally, something Dr Lecter said to an adversary in Florence (in Hannibal), has given me a rather strange idea…hope nobody minds.
Music: I've never done this before, and will probably never do this again, but I heard a beautiful piece of music, and for some reason, it's stuck in my mind. The lyrics fit perfectly with this story; and I've sort of dubbed it as Lilia's Theme. It's called Alibi, by David Gray - so if you get a chance to listen to it, I recommend it.
CHAPTER TEN - Lock and Key (Part Two)
1993: What We Did On Our Summer Vacation - Continuation
Dr Hannibal Lecter's favourite place in the world is the city of Firenze.
With the dawn of the new Millennium, he chose to pursue curator-ship of the esteemed Capponi Library, part of The Studiolo. In 1993, he moved to Florence, and a few years later, moved away. He returned to Florence, after learning he missed it's ancient stones terribly.
What is about to occur, takes place during Lecter's first stay in Florence.
However, Lilia Derevko, did not know that her 'mentor' was there, as she approached, very quickly, thousands of meters in the air.
--
Plane, approaching Florence
"Don't tell me you're afraid of flying,"
Lilia Derevko turned, and glared viciously at James Wilkins, who was sitting next to her, in the aisle seat. Lilia, sighed and looked out the window.
"I've never liked flying," she replied, "you just can't see what's holding you up. My ears are so tight it feels they are about to burst, and there's this stabbing pain."
"It's the pressure, try swallowing."
"Have you been watching my throat?"
"No, should I have been? It is a lovely neck."
"Less of the smart comments please."
"Alright, fine. Just trying to help."
"Well, I'll just be glad when we land," said Lilia.
--
Florence
Despite Lilia's misgivings, they landed safely enough, and apart from some jet-lag, both travellers were fine.
But for Lilia, the trip was making her feel terrible guilty. She hadn't seen her mother for a year now, and she was the closest to St Petersburg, than she had ever been since she had left.
James and Lilia's meagre budget couldn't stretch too much, so travelling any further was out of the question.
Yet that was of no comfort to her.
--
The coffee was hot, and especially delicious, despite the temperate weather.
"It's been really lovely," said Lilia, "hasn't it. Restful."
"And just think," replied James, "you get to fly again James."
"You know what James. I'm just going to ignore you for a little while."
"Charming! And when can I expect you to return to the land of the living?"
"About now?" Lilia smiled, as James planted a quick kiss on her cheek.
"Tell you what though," continued Lilia, "holidays are lovely…"
"…but it's lovely to get home again," finished James.
--
Walking down the main street, James and Lilia took every opportunity to take photos, and admire every building. You know, touristy things.
They didn't notice a pickpocket sneaking up behind them, until a tall gentleman, dressed in a scruffy trench coat, grabbed the thief's hand:
"Now Roberto!" he growled, in a deep Italian accent, "What have I told you about stealing from tourists? Not good for tourism. Now, be off with you!" The man called Roberto pulled his hand away, and scampered off.
"My sincerest apologies," the other man said, "my name is Rinaldo Pazzi, Chief Inspector. Roberto is a little troublesome."
"But you just let him go," said James.
"Because no crime was committed," Pazzi said, "but I'll have one of the officers pick him up later. He'll be taught a lesson. Sadly, pickpockets are a part of every city."
"Excuse me," said Lilia, "but did you say your name was Pazzi?" The Inspector nodded, and Lilia continued: "Of the historical Pazzi's? The name is synonymous with Florentine History." Pazzi grimly smiled and nodded:
"Yes," he said, "now. Would you want to press charges?"
James looked at Lilia: "Well, nothing was taken. So I suppose not. We'll leave it in your capable hands."
"Grazie," said Pazzi, who turned on his heel and left.
"We'd better keep an eye on our belongings," said Lilia, to which James nodded.
--
The last day.
Again, the main street, taken over by the weekly market and the hustle-bustle of everyday life swept them along, like a river.
Lilia and James were about to go for lunch, when Lilia swerved. Something just didn't feel right.
"You okay?" asked James. Lilia nodded, feeling queasy. The lurching in her stomach was intense, but she hadn't eaten any food that might have been a problem.
So if it wasn't the food…then.
Lilia looked up. Over at the corner, a few streets away, her eyes caught a familiar figure. A small, sleek figure, wearing a white suit and fedora. Seeing he had been spotted, he smiled slightly, bowed, and took of his hat.
"What is it?" said James, "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"You could say that," said Lilia.
--
James and Lilia returned, refreshed from their holiday, and ready to start the new semester.
It would be a mostly uneventful year for Lilia. However, mostly is not quite the same as not at all…
14th September 1993
University Hospital; Washington D.C.
Lilia flicked an errant strand of hair behind her ear, and coolly sipped from a bottle of water. It was pretty much the only rule she ever broke, but she was thirsty.
James hadn't arrived yet, but Lilia had made sure she had placed a pencil on his desk. She was sure he had forgotten again.
In her mind, she travelled back in time. She hadn't killed for over a year now, the three 'Revenant' victims so far. The homeless man in 1989; the irritating foreign exchange student in '91 - and they had first blamed that one on rats. How strange people could be. Eventually attributed to her avatar…but not to her; and the city banker in '92. Lilia had felt a particular revulsion for the last one. He had been an evil man. Perhaps not enough to warrant death, but still.
So she was learning how to study, and perhaps how to heal; for she knew how to kill. She hated that part of herself, yet realised that is was an integral part of her soul.
Lilia Derevko was becoming a mass of contradictions. She was increasingly unsure of herself, yet never shared with anybody, not even with James. She kept a strong front up, but it was just a façade. Not real. It was almost as if she weren't real anymore.
James walked into the class, a little late, and flashed Lilia a brilliant smile.
"He's forgotten his wretched pencil again," murmured Lilia; not angrily, but indifferent.
31st October 1993
"Our first anniversary," said James, "Lilia. It's been a lovely year."
"Yes," smiled Lilia sadly, and catching James' concerned look, said; "Today's not my only anniversary. Seven years ago today, my father died." James' eyes widened.
"Oh, hell Lilia. I'm so sorry."
"I'm not," said Lilia, "he was a horrible man. It's just so strange that something so horrible, and so lovely occurred on the same day."
"Well, we're are at the Hallowe'en bash. Would a dance take your mind off things?"
"Yes," said Lilia, "yes I believe it would.
The Holiday Period
Lilia spent the holiday period between worlds. Time was spent both with her Aunt, and with James. She kept reading voraciously, and began to form strange theories which she kept to herself. On Christmas Day, she received a card from Matthew Reeves, who told her that it was lovely seeing her in Florence, but that he would be moving shortly. However, the number on the card would still remain valid. He wished her the very best of luck with her studies.
When the new year arrived, Lilia made a secret New Year's Resolution - not to kill anymore. She would keep it for six months; and only then, she didn't break it by choice.
Her job as Acting Nurse was going well, though she found it extremely challenging. By the time of the new year, she was halfway toward her goal. One and a half years had gone by. Surely nothing could go wrong.
Except wrong it went. The descent was swift, but it's effects would be long-lasting.
2nd February 1994
University Hospital; Washington, D.C.
Lilia was cold. Goosebumps were raised on the back of her neck, pain shooting through her bones.
The world was spinning; yet was utterly still. Her mouth was as dry as a desert, and her eyes were so heavy.
"Miss Derevko?"
Her head snapped around to see Dr Willis standing behind her.
"Miss Derevko, are you alright? Your head was drooping."
"No," said Lilia, her Russian accent thicker than usual, "no, I'm fine. Thanks anyway."
Willis frowned: "Alright."
--
Dr Willis' voice kept droning on, and the usually interesting lectures - even ones where she was standing up - were unbearable. It had been so long since she last slept.
Spinning, she checked the chart on the wall behind her, but the room wouldn't stop spinning, and it was just too much, an overload, and she was shutting down, black all around her, and she was falling, falling, falling…
3rd February 1994
Lilia awoke to sterile white, and the smell of antiseptic. She was still in the hospital, in an uncomfy bed with an IV trailing into her arm like intestines. She didn't know why she thought of it like that.
She looked to the side, to find Winona's face, haggard and drawn.
"You've come back to us," Winona said, relief flooding through every pore, "oh, Lilia. Why didn't you tell me you were ill?"
"I wasn't" croaked Lilia, "just tired."
"Exhaustion," said Winona, "you collapsed from exhaustion. You've been ordered a week's bed rest."
"But I can't" said Lilia, her voice still sore, "my studies, my job." She stopped when Winona raised a hand:
"Don't worry about any of that. You're on paid sick leave, and as long as you don't do much, you can read in bed."
Lilia laid back, and breathed deeply. She had unknowingly abused her body, and it had paid her back in spades. She had to take better care of herself. She would take better care of herself.
--
Winona had told Lilia that James hadn't left her side since she had collapsed, but had went to get food for both Winona and himself. When he returned, Lilia was thrilled to see him.
She wondered if she was falling in love…
17th April 1994
'The Organisation', Northern Hemisphere Headquarters; London
Voices in a room.
"We need a new subject. Our previous operatives are failing more and more."
"There's a killer in America. Police are baffled. If we can get to him in time, then perhaps we could begin recruitment."
"How do we proceed?"
"We can't know the identity of the killer. There has to be deniability…due to his other activities."
"What are they calling the killer?"
"Revenant."
"Really? Well, we'll just have to catch him in the act. But be careful. We need protection."
"Of course we do. We're not fools."
4th June 1994
Home of Winona Davies and Lilia Derevko; Washington, D.C.
"Lilia. I just don't understand. Why do you want to do this?"
"I need to clear my head. Get rid of the cobwebs. I want to see my Mum. I have enough saved up. It's been years Aunt Winona. I need some time, now the cold war is over."
Lilia took a deep breath, and continued:
"I have to go home…"
To Be Continued
in
LOCK AND KEY - Part Three
Note: I have classified this story as a Tragedy, a decision I still stand firmly behind. Therefore, I must say that the next chapter, is not going to be a happy one. I don't want to say any more now, however. Regarding this chapter, I hoped you enjoyed it, and please review.
Disclaimer: Hannibal is copyright to Thomas Harris; and the story, plus original characters to me. This story has been written on the understanding that you may read it and print it out; but you may not pass it off as your own, hire it out, or sell it for money. You also may not put it on your own or any other web page without my express written permission. Thankyou!
JetNoir