Dimitri Belikov

The party was like any party back home. Students were drinking and making out in the corners of the room, while others stood around talking. To the left side of the room was a pool table where a group stood playing and making bets. The only difference was the horrible music that played in the background.

"Ah, Jesse, I figured I would find you here." Ivan called out to a boy that held a lot of resemblance to him. "Dimka, you remember Jesse from when they visited a few years back?"

I gave the other boy a small smile and shook his hand in greeting.

"Hello Ivan, I see you've been here barely a day and already picked up a nice piece of eye candy." Jesse said as he studied Vika as if she was something to dine on. He stepped forward to take her hand, but before he could bring it to his lips, Ivan's hand landed on top of his. I reached out and pulled Vika's hand out of his grasp, giving him a deathly look.

"Vika is not someone to be messed with. You will show her the respect she deserves." Ivan was telling him. "Plus, she is this one's younger sister. I am sure you do not want to be on the receiving end of his wrath." Ivan told him as his thumb pointed in my direction. "Or mine, cousin." He finished for good measure.

I knew that Ivan had an eye for my sister. It was something I had never seen her encourage, but I did not worry over the issue. Ivan, though a party boy and a flirt, had always been a gentleman when it came to girls. I knew he would never push for anything with Vika out of respect for me and for her.

Jesse smiled cockily, but instead of saying anything more began to introduce us around the room. Vika left us in favor of talking with a small grouping of other female Dhampir in attendance. Ivan and I found ourselves sitting on one of the small couches as he flirted with any girl who showed the least bit of interest. Growing bored with his antics, I stood to see what drinks the refreshment table offered.

"Oh, hi, you must be one of the new students. I don't remember you being around before." A pretty blond Moroi said as she came to stand at the table at the same time I did. Her emerald eyes, though hesitant, showed signs of curiosity.

"Yes, Princess, I arrived from Russia the day before you returned." I gave her a friendly smile. The small happiness that had been in her eyes faltered, so I broadened my smile. "It's a pleasure to officially meet you. I'm Dimitri Belikov"

"You too, but please call me Lissa. I rather hate to formality of the titles, especially from fellow classmates." She told me as her smile returned to her eyes. I prepared both of our drinks as we talked about how I liked the school and America so far. Continuing our conversation, as she followed me back to my seat next to Ivan, I gave her my seat and settled myself in the floor near her feet. The hooded looks from other students didn't go unnoticed by me and if the princess noticed them, she didn't react to them. Vika eventually rejoined us, quickly making friends with the princess and I slowly forgot about the odd looks from our peers. Eventually the party died down and we all returned to our perspective dorm rooms.

When Sunday rolled around, I met Ivan and Vika in front of the church. We had attended church services every week back home. A small part of me felt that I no longer deserved to be allowed inside, I still went in hopes that I could find forgiveness for the Strigoi I had killed. Strigoi were by far horrible creatures, but at one time they had been a living being. They had at one time been someone that had been loved by friends and family.

I halfheartedly listened to the sermon, choosing to not take communion until I had come to terms with my internal battle. Feeling as if I was being watched, I glanced up to find that Rose Hathaway's eyes were trained on me. She had a peculiar look on her face. All too quickly she turned around and I was left to study the back of her head. I tried not to think about what she could have possibly seen in me that had her turning away so quickly, but failed.

I didn't realize that church was ended until Ivan elbowed me in the ribs. Clearing my head, I followed him outside. Looking back to see if I could locate the dark haired beauty that seemed to haunt me both day and night, I saw as she approached the front of the church. It was surprising to see that she was perhaps religious and added one more thing to the list of things about Rose Hathaway that confounded me.

"What are you looking- Oh hi Lissa." Vika said from behind me. Thanking the heavens for the saving grace that was Vasilissa Dragomir, I made my way out of the church along with our small group. Lissa was stopped just by the door by another one of what I assumed was her many friends. Ivan, Vika, and I continued outside and to his parents' room in guest quarters.

Monday morning rolled around and around all too soon and after having adjusted to the time difference, Vika and I found ourselves once again in the gym early in the Moroi morning. We were just getting settled when Rose and her mother made their way inside. Guardian Hathaway called out a quick good morning, but Rose paused in surprise near the door, recovering just a mere second later.

They both made their way over to us as Guardian Hathaway thanked Vika and me for agreeing to join them. Rose knitted her eyebrows as she looked at her mother incredulously. She then turned towards Vika and me.

"I'm Rose." She forcefully grinned, sticking her hand out in offer. I took her hand in mine intending a small shake of acknowledgement but the warm shock that I felt had me frozen. Still holding her hand, my eyes met her's. "Dimitri Belikov and my sister, Viktoria,"

"You're the ones from Russia, th-that killed the Strigoi." Her voice held no malice or fear, but a deep understanding. Her eyes widened and her hand flew to her mouth as it dawned on her what she had said. I gave her a sad, but knowing look. "I'm so sorry." She continued under her mother's disapproving glare.

"It's okay. I understand." I told her. Her eyes mirrored the saddened burden that I felt inside.

"Not the best way to greet someone you just met, Rosemarie." I heard Guardian Hathaway scoff at her daughter. "But since you brought it up, I do need to talk with you both. We will be holding a Molnija ceremony for the two of you. Meet with me after practice and we will discuss the specifics." Her tone made clear that the subject was to be dropped and she quickly sent us on a three mile run.

Rose gave us a small wave and ran ahead of us towards the track. Vika made a comment about her not being very social as we jogged our way there and I just shrugged at her in response. "Want to make a race out of it?" I smiled down at her and wanting to be left alone with my thoughts, I burst forward before she could answer.

As I caught up to Rose, I nearly passed by her before giving in and instead keeping a steady pace with her. She glanced up at me as her brows rose in question. "I know I had to do it in order to survive, but I still regret it at the same time. They once had souls and people that cared for them. I try to take comfort in that I was able to let their souls find peace, but it still bothers me every day." I said just loud enough for my voice to reach her.

Her steps slowed and I began to instantly regret my decision. Then before I could apologize, she met my pace again.

"I hated it both times, and still hate myself for it at times. It feels like I was taking a life, but I would do anything to keep Lissa safe. She isn't just any Moroi to me. She is my best friend, well more like a sister. I just wish…" Her words died off. I could understand her mind though. I wished too that we could live in a world where Strigoi did not exist.

"Yeah," I said simply. Conversation dropped between us as we ran side by side, each lost in our own past. "The rest, they don't understand it yet." I said after a couple circuits around the track.

"They don't, and I wish they never would have to. They still have childish and glamorous thoughts of molnija marks. They don't understand the burden it will put on their souls yet. I don't even want molnija markings anymore. They will only be a reminder of another family robbed of a loved one, another reminder of someone else that may have been forced to lose their soul." Her softened voice conveyed the same sorrow that I felt.

"I understand completely." I said just as softly. She seemed to have easily put everything I was feeling into just a few words. In that single moment, I looked over and taking in the profile of her face, it felt like something had begun winding its way around my heart. It didn't feel constricting though. It felt warm and freeing.

As we began our last lap, Rose suddenly came to a complete stop, her arms flailing as she tried to keep her balance. Instantly spinning as I halted my own steps, I steadied us both by gently griping her shoulders. Her face was blank and her eyes unfocused. I feared that she may be about to pass out and called out for Guardian Hathaway. "Rose?" I questioned, trying to bring her out of the odd trance she was in. Guardian Hathaway reached us quickly, and asked me to move aside. Worried though, I couldn't move. "Rose?" I asked again, my voice lowered a few octaves.

"Novice Belikov let me have Rose. She is with the Princess right now, but I promise you she is okay." Guardian Hathaway said as she gently pulled Rose from my hold. What did she mean by that? How could Rose be with the princess if she was standing right in front of me?

I felt a hand being placed tentatively on my arm and looked over to see that Vika had come to a stop next to us. I shook my head at her expressing that I was just as confused as she was. A gasp drew my attention back to Rose.

"Lissa, I've got to get to Lissa, something is wrong." She said as she took off running, leaving the other three of us scrambling to catch up. She stopped in front of Lissa's dorm and what I saw before me, left me nauseated. The princess was sobbing next to some butchered dead animal. "Oh God, Liss, I am so sorry. I was hoping it wouldn't start again." I barely heard her whisper to the princess.

Guardian Hathaway was talking quickly into her phone. After hanging up, she sent Vika and me to our dorms to get ready for the rest of the school day. Taking one last look at Rose, I turned and taking Vika's arm, begrudgingly walked away.

That night my usual nightmare morphed into one like no other. Usually I would find myself standing amongst a sea of dead Guardians and students, Vika and Ivan at my feet, and an army of Strigoi surrounding me. This time though, I was walking through the commons, my path littered with dead animals and people, their hearts ripped from their chests. The trail ended with a group of Strigoi, beckoning me to approach.

I knew better, but I could not help myself. I moved forward and reached down for my silver stake, only to find I did not have one. Still, I approached the Strigoi and once I was close enough to see their faces, I found them to be those of my friends. One in particular made me want to scream out in fury. Looking into the red rimmed eyes of Rose Hathaway was my undoing and I fell to the ground begging for death to take me.

A/N

Thank goodness it took the ham nearly two hours to cook and I was able to get this finished. Not sure when my next chapter will get posted...I may be in a Turkey Coma very soon :) but I am hoping if I can't get one up tomorrow, then I will have one ready by Sunday night. I hope everyone is having a really wonderful day. Happy Thanksgiving to those that celebrate, I hope your family and friends are blessed with many good tidings. I'm off for round two of turkey and dressing and all the trimmings...and pie...most definitely the pie!