Chapter 4

"No way, nuh-uh, I don't sing." I protested somewhat frantically.

"Oh come on Kai, everyone can sing. Well okay, maybe Starr can't but please just give it a shot!" Els pleaded with such a pouted face I couldn't deny her. But I wouldn't be that easy to win over.

"No way, not that easily." I huffed.

"Aw, is the new kid scared of a little audience?" Travis teased with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Well if you insist, but don't say I didn't warn you, I sing really high so you might want to cover your ears." I sighed in defeat at. I didn't accept taunts well, bite me. I searched my memory for a song that was high enough so that they wouldn't be able to recognise the voice. I decided on a cute Disney song from Thumbelina called 'Let Me Be Your Wings'. When the song ended most were staring at me and others were clapping.

"You are such a liar!" Roxy accused as she pointed at me with a reprimanding glare. "You can so totally sing!"

"I didn't say I couldn't sing. I just said that I don't sing. There's a difference." I grinned as I jumped of the makeshift stage to grab another can of Sprite. "I appreciate the compliment though. So you guys wanna hit me with all the gossip? I get the feeling that you two know everything there is to know around here."

"Well…" Roxy and Els shared a look before turning back to me and dragged me from the ending party. I waved to everyone and we settled on Els' bed while putting a movie on in the background to muffle the secrets that Roxy and Els knew about the school.

They filled me in on everything and I mean everything. The pair seemed to know everything anyone could ever want to know, even about the teachers! It was insane how much these two knew. By the end of the day, or rather the night since day was just starting; it was time to go to bed. I was still trying to get used to the time table around here. Since Martin wasn't back with my stuff yet, I had to borrow things from Roxy.

I was rolling around quite a lot feeling the energy left over from the drinks at the party running through me. I'd had so many cans of Coke and Sprite, no wonder I couldn't sleep. With a defeated sigh, I changed out of the pyjamas Roxy lent me and changed into my sports clothes again and decided to take a run as the sun began to rise above the horizon. I ran a few laps hoping that would tire me out but lick wasn't on my side it seemed. I headed to the training room again and made a few rounds on the punch bags. Halfway through I remembered there being an assault course o something like that for seniors. I was a senior now, so no doubt I'd be doing those in the near future. I might as well familiarise myself with it now.

The campus was so damn huge it took me half an hour to find it and ten minutes to get in. There was a wall around it preventing minors from getting in so I managed to climb a tree. I made sure there were ways to get out before jumping into the training grounds. This was by far the best assault course I'd ever seen! I'd used some military ones over the years and they were challenging as I progressed in difficulties. Then again, St. Vlad's was meant to be one of the best training schools in the world so it was only natural for them to have a state of the arts training course. The first round I managed to slip up once and fell into the water. By the time I completed the course a second time, I'd had the whole thing memorized and I didn't fall in either which was a bonus.

I could already tell that I was building up a sassy reputation here at this school and falling in when it was my turn to do the obstacle course was not on my agenda. I was so absorbed in the training that I hadn't even noticed someone else was there with me until I stopped at the end of the second round.

"You know Kai, if you wanted a head start you should've said." Joe smiled as he shook his head.

"Didn't know you'd be awake. Wouldn't dream of depriving you of your sleep. We all know how cranky you can get." I teased. "So why are you up?"

"You're lucky it's me who found you. It's my shift to patrol the grounds so I was just walking around when I see this little red haired cutie running impressively fast. You'll do well in gym class I reckon."

"I'm pretty sure I will. So I'm guessing the guardians on duty while we do this course thing will try to make it as hard as possible."

"Yeah, we'll be spraying you and throwing things."

"Ouch, sounds fun. Even the army people don't do that." I grimaced. "Ever forced them to do those things with weights?"

"Weights?"

"Yeah, you know, training weights." The blank look told me he had no idea what I was talking about. "When I tried to increase speed, strength and stamina, I added weights into my training program. When Martin gets back with my stuff, I'll show you."

"And it works?"

"I've been fighting Strigoi since age 13 and I'm still standing." I grinned. "And pretty unmarred if I do say so myself."

"Seriously Kai, I think you should get those tattoos."

"Not a chance. I haven't told anyone what really happened when I got caught. I haven't told them I'd taken down Strigoi and it's gonna stay that way. And I know it's not something to be ashamed of." I said cutting him off before he could start. "I'm not ashamed of my killings but just think about it. I'm a new kid who as far as they know have no vampire background. I'm a rogue dhampir who's just been found. How'd you think they're react if they find out I've been able to kill so many Strigoi? They'll be tripping over themselves with rumours. After all, all you guys have is my word that I've killed before. For all you know I could be lying."

"You wouldn't lie about something like that." Joe grimaced.

"But THEY don't know that. For all they care, I could've made it all up to get merit. I'll bet that most of them if not all haven't killed before. They'll think that it's cool to kill when in fact it's anything but. They don't know that though, probably won't even understand it until after their first kill."

"How did you feel after your first kill? You were 13?"

"I got jumped and I survived." I sighed. "I was tired afterwards but I was also sick to the stomach. I threw up afterwards because killing – no matter what it is – is never right. Never glorious. It doesn't matter whether they're evil or not because once upon a time they were like us and it makes me sick to the core that some would willingly turn to Strigoi."

"I can never understand myself either but it happens. Some of us end up being turned by force."

"That's what I find the most painful. When I've killed, I try to convince myself that it was for the best, that I was freeing them especially if they'd been forcefully turned. Of course I have no way of knowing so I think of each one the same. That none of them wanted to be turned." I smiled sadly at the sky.

"You really are much older than you look. Heck your mentality is impressive." Joe complimented. "Why are you soaked?"

"Oh I guess you didn't see me fall in." I grinned sheepishly.

"How much have you improved on the elements?" Joe asked with a hushed voice.

"It's alright. I can do quite a few tricks but I use my mind abilities the most. I can't trust the elements unless I have the bracelet that Dad made on."

"The one that helps keep it in control right?"

"Yeah." I sighed. "Seriously, I can't even spark a fire without something exploding. I have no control over it whatsoever."

"Maybe you could start some training here."

"No! No Joey, I can't have that old me back here. I won't let it. I'm a dhampir and that's all I am." I stated firmly.

"But you are also a royal despite your denial of it," he retorted with equal firmness. "You can't run away from it forever Kai. You are a royal no matter what you say."

"Can we just pretend that I'd died? That's what you've all had to suppose for so long right? When I've been gone for the last six years. Just let it go Joey, please."

"Kai, these kinds of things are impossible to hide. Someone is going to recognise you despite your change in appearance. You won't be able to run forever."

"Can't I at least try?"

"You can but I can promise you won't win." Joe sighed.

"I know, I'm pretty sure that people will find out in the end but I want to prolong this freedom for as long as possible. I'll find others I can trust with this secret and I'll let them know. I just want some safe friends before the secrets are out, that way I won't be on my own again." I smiled ruefully. "I'm sorry I'm so selfish."

"Hey, it's about time you were. Heck you were the most selfless kid I've ever known when you were tiny. Besides, I'm pretty sure that if you tried, you could've escaped. But you didn't. You chose to stay here."

"Things might be different this time." I shrugged. "Besides, now that you know I'm alive, I was pretty sure that you guys would've tried harder to find me and it would've made life harder. This way I get to finish my studies, train a lot and get some great skills out of it. I'll decide what happens when the time comes."

"I hope you stay little sky." Joe smiled fondly at me.

"Only time will tell Joey. Only time will tell."

"You definitely got that from your dad." Joe laughed.

"Aren't you meant to be patrolling? I really shouldn't keep you from your duties." I grinned.

"It's no worry, I asked Mark to watch for me."

"Mark as in Guardian Brooks Mark?" I arched my brows.

"Yes."

"Damn I'm gad it's you who found me then." I grimaced.

"How come?"

"Guardian Brooks had it in for me. I swear! I was always fine in class, maybe quiet but I always did all the word. Yet every time he'd pick on me!" I complained.

"I think I remember that." Joe chuckled.

"I was going to offer patrolling with you but if he's around too, I'm afraid that's a nuclear war zone for me." I scoffed.

"It can't be that bad."

"I'm not taking a chance on that."

"You can't avoid him forever Kai. He'll be teaching you too."

"Oh bugger he will won't he? Damn. Oh well, I'll brace myself for it then. I'll see you later Joey." I smiled. "I would hug you but as you can see, I'm drenched so…" He tugged me close and planted a comforting kiss on my forehead like he used to.

"Hopefully you won't get in trouble at breakfast Kai."

"Can't promise anything but I'll try." I grinned before sprinting back to the dorms. I managed to get back without being noticed. I had a quick shower to get the muck off before falling asleep.

The next day was fairly uneventful but one thing caught my attention. Martin still hadn't come back yet. I'd spent the majority of the day – well night in this school's case – receiving a tour led by Roxy and Els. They're really warmed up to me compared to everyone else and I like them a lot too but I couldn't help but ask why they like me so much. They told me it was because I called the girls on the 'popular' table fish. To say that those girls hadn't liked it would be an understatement. One of them even drenched me in water with their magic but I didn't bother giving them the light of day. There was no point. If I retaliated I would've gotten into trouble and I'd rather make Joe's job as my mentor doable.

"Valentine, can I have a moment?" Joe asked when he found me in the common room watching a film with a bunch of other dhampirs.

"I could've sworn I haven't done anything today but okay. See you later guys." I told them as I got up.

"Tell us all about it when you get back Kai." Els grinned. I winked at her as I followed Joe out.

"Don't worry, you're not in trouble." Joe told me when we were out of ear shot. "Martin's back."

"Took him long enough." I sighed in relief letting out a breath I didn't realise I was holding.

"It seems that your boss and managed delayed him."

"What? Oh they can be like that sometimes. They're quite protective of me as you can probably guess."

"Yeah, they asked him a lot of questions apparently."

"Those friends of yours could become brilliant interrogators." Martin commented dryly as we walking into his office. "Your things are being put into your room as we speak. And what the heck was in the metal trunks? Those weighed more than a tonne of bricks."

"They were weights."

"Next time give a man some warning. I'm not as strong as I used to be."

"Don't worry; there won't be a next time. Next time the movers will do that job."

"So why did you want those weights? Your friends said that they absolutely had to be taken or you'd throw a fit."

"They're training weights for when I run or just train in general." I shrugged. "And I wouldn't have thrown a fit as such…"

"I can't wait for a demonstration." Joe commented excitedly. "You'll show me tomorrow after class since you'll be taking extra class with me."

"Okay." I nodded.

"I can see how you've changed for the better." Martin smiled. "Those friends of yours remind me of your parents."

"Thanks. Now as much as I like you both, being in the headmaster's office for too long will cause rumours I'd rather avoid so I'll se you both around." I grinned.

"Before going to bed, knock on my room and I'll give you your schedule." Joe told me.

"Will do." I gave both men a hug before walking out.

"Hey!" someone called out as I headed for the dhampir dorms. Turning around I saw the four Moroi guys from the other night. I stopped walking, leaned against the wall, crossed my arms and stared at them with a hard expression as they approached. I had yet to forgive them for what they tried to do, especially the one called Dan for not backing off.

"So er… Your name's Kylie Valentine." Dan started off awkwardly as the others pushed him forward.

"Yeah and you're Dan. What about it?"

"I just want to say sorry about the other night. That shouldn't have happened. I had a little bit too much to drink. We'd all had some drinks but I'm really light weight so…"

Thinking back, I remembered his breath stinking of alcohol when he pressed against me in the locker room.

"And we're sorry for hitting on your friend like that too," the twins chimed and looking at them I saw that they were only slightly sorry. Hm, nope not good enough. No doubt the guardians had made them apologise, otherwise I doubt they would've approached me. And me being the protective friend that I was, I wasn't going to let this go that easily.

"You guys didn't mention anything about the Strigoi did you?" I narrowed my eyes at them.

"No."

"Good, cuz it'll only be humiliating for you guys if you tell considering you guys take combat class. See you around jerks." I waved as I walked off.

"Do you think she forgave us?" Jackson asked.

"Who cares, that chick is hot." Quinn scoffed and then I couldn't hear anymore because they were too far away. I headed straight to my room to unpack. Ana and Louise had made sure all my training clothes had been packed along with framing my team's shirt. They'd also framed one of the pictures with everyone I loved in it. It had been taken at one of the after game parties when we'd won. Juan had offered to hose it at the club and even Ms. Manager was there to celebrate. They'd also packed a gorgeous photo album. They'd somehow managed to gather the whole football squad and the coach to scribble a note. I laughed when my coach swore at my awful timing of the departure but he did leave a mushy note at the end of his rant. Juan had written something and so did Ms. Manager. Louise had written a song and Ana gave me a three page essay reminding me how important fashion was. There were several DVDs of previous gigs and little videos of parties we'd attended. God I was really going to miss everyone.

I unpacked everything, hid the photo album and stuck all my posters on the walls. I hung my team's shirt on the wall opposite my bed and headed off to collect my schedule from Joe. When I saw the list of my lessons I grimaced. I had after class lessons practically everyday. I had two extra combat lessons and three vampire 101 classes. I had after class combat with Joe on Mondays and Wednesdays. I was not looking forward to vampire 101 with Brooks. They were definitely not going to be fun.

To say that I didn't get a good night's sleep would be an understatement of the year! I received a phone call from each member complaining about my 'uncle's' bad timing since we had a tournament the up coming Saturday. Apparently they were going to be filming and broadcasting it so I'll be able to watch the game if I didn't end up passing out by the end of the week from information overload.

"Kai? Kai!" I heard someone short. A moment later there was a bang indicating someone just crashed into my room. "And she isn't even up." I heard Els huff.

"Oi Kai, you have five minutes to get down to breakfast or else all the pancakes will be gone." Roxy whispered into my ear.

"Pancakes!" I squealed promptly falling out of the bed due to excitement having heard about food. "Ow…" I complained causing the pair to laugh. Hastily I grabbed clothes which were appropriate for class which in my case entailed: army styled combats, walking boots, a tank top and oversized V-neck jumper which ended mid thigh. I tied my hair into an unruly bun with strands falling everywhere before walking out of the bathroom where I'd changed. It wasn't the fact that I was shy to change while other people were around. It was due to the fact that I had an Ivashkov birthmark on my lower back and since I wanted to keep my identity a secret, I needed to hide it. Maybe I should get some bandages to hide it during combat class. I knew that shirts tend to ride up in fights.

"And here I was hoping you weren't going to be a total fashion disaster." Els sighed. I noticed how Els was wearing shorts with leggings while Roxy was wearing a dress with leggings.

"What? This is what I usually wear." I said defensively as we headed to the dinning hall. "There is absolutely nothing wrong with what I'm wearing."

"You have a great figure, why hide it?" Roxy asked.

"I'm not hiding it. I just find baggy stuff more comfortable."

"How about wearing jeans instead of looking like an army chick?" Els grinned.

"Jeans are restricting especially in fights and there's nothing wrong with being an army chick might I add." I huffed.

"You're connected with the army?"

"I've attended a few of their camps." I shrugged nonchalantly as I yawned. "I hate mornings."

"It's not morning, technically it's the evening."

"Fine I hate getting up." I stuck my tongue out childishly. Unfortunately, I wasn't looking at where I was going so I didn't see the person getting up from his seat in front of me and therefore succeeded in crashing into him. His arm darted out to wrap around my waist and instinctively my hands flew to his chest to steady myself. Looking up I found myself staring at the same deep soulful sapphire eyes that had bore into mine a couple of nights ago.