I want to say thank you to everyone who commented on the last chapter. I know it has been a long time (like 3 weeksish) since the last update, the next one won't take nearly so long! I really appreciate those of you who were kind enough to PM me and express your condolences about my Uncle. On the upside, although his partner who was also injured will likely not walk again, he is doing well.
Special thanks to: Sucker1995, missa27, missvalover94, xxkatyxx, Dimitri-Rose-Lover-35, murph85, NagasMythReality, vampzgirl, tracymarie, ClauILoveDimitriBelikov, Lena1997, HushHush123, MissHathaway, poppyroza, rangarose, mrs. Pikachu, Alikat76, Perfectionista, and Elfina01. Your guy's support means A LOT to me and it really helps me continue to write.
This chapter is dedicated to
Elfina01. Thank you for the support and concern you showed. I really appreciate it, as does my little cousin (the one who lost her father). She says that you are an angel for helping me make the decision to focus on her for a while rather than my writing.
Chapter Five - Past Bonds Never Fade
"Heart don't fail me now, courage don't desert me. Don't turn back, now that we're here! People always say, 'Life is full of choices'. No one ever mentions fear or how this world can seem so vast, on this journey to the past!" Journey to the Past - Anastasia soundtrack
Sudden plane rides to Russia are not my cup of tea, especially when said flight is in economy. No room to move, cramped in between people who usually smell weird, no phone service, and horrible food, for almost eleven freaking hours!
There was nothing to look forward to on the other end of my highway to Hell. I could be optimistic, I could fool myself into thinking that I would find a warm welcome in Baia. But unlike in the past, I refused to delude myself.
As the time passed slowly I began to wonder whether or not the Belikov's were planning to meet me at the airport? Somewhere deep inside I knew that I could hope that they would, but the harsh reality of the situation kept trying to smack me in the face. If Dimitri knew I was coming, I doubt he would even care.
Flight Attendant's fluttered down the aisles every so often, asking with forced politeness if passengers wanted something to eat or drink. A couple of times I honestly considered ordering the strongest alcoholic drink they were willing to serve, but finally decided against it because we were landing soon, the stars outside my window seemed to laugh at my obvious distress. After dark, a drunk Guardian was a dead Guardian.
One of the thing I hate the most about planes were the landing. The bumping around, the shudder of the plane made me want to throw up, and when we finally landed in Novosibirsk, Russia that with the feeling of utmost dread had me almost to tears.
But I wasn't entirely sure about how I should feel. Should I be afraid? Should I be excited? How would the Belikov family even react to me? Yeva and Viktoria had both made it perfectly clear that I wasn't wanted there and I know Dimitri wouldn't want me there. And because Dimitri didn't want me there, no one else had any reason to want me there either. A part of me had no doubt that Yeva would see me coming, if she hadn't already. She had last time.
BAIA was more beautiful than I expected it to be in the spring. The slighter warmth had the trees and grass blooming in a wonderful collage of color. But even the peaceful air couldn't conquer the dread that welled in the pit of my stomach as I turned onto the street the Belikov's called home.
With a shaky breath, I slowly exited my car and headed up the pathway. Dimitri knew the Royal Moroi Court was sending someone to escort his family back, but had they let him know it was me they were sending? Would his family reject me? Would they even answer the door if they did know I was coming?
My hand rapped against the door several times. I waited patiently for someone to answer the door, but no one did. Of course. They don't want me here. They made that perfectly clear the last- The door jerked open just as I started to turn away to reveal Yeva Belikova, Dimitri's grandmother.
Her wrinkled face stared at me for a minute before she said something in Russian- the only word I understood was Roza, my name in Russian- and stalked back into the house. Paul, Dimitri's nephew called out,
"She said it is unwise to show up unannounced and we would have come to the door sooner if we had been expecting company." She couldn't have just told me that in English? During my last visit, Yeva had used Paul as a translator and pretended that she didn't speak a lick of English. She continued it up until I left and she pretty much called me a disappointment. Paul was just a boy when I last saw him and before I had thought he looked unbelievably like his uncle. The past years had since deepened the resemblance. His face was more defined and he had grown taller than me. He was a big guy.
Paul ushered me into the house and into the family room and I skirted away when I almost came into contact with his arm. Instantly the Belikov family surrounded me
Everyone began to chatter and talk at once, backing me into the wall. It took all of sixty seconds for them to completely overwhelm me.
Too close. Trapped. No way to get away.
My breath came out in cut off gasps. My body was stiff, but my hands shook with fear and a cold sweat broke out against my brow.
Not now. Not in front of everyone, they would ask questions.
My biggest fear right now wasn't the broad, muscular male in front of me. It was my impending panic attack and the consequences it could bring.
My heart pounded painfully in my chest as darkness crept into the sides of my vision and black spots danced across my eyes.
"Roza?"
My eyes cleared ever so slightly, just enough to make out Dimitri's large form, his hands reaching in my direction.
"Roza?"
Hands that could kill. Had killed. Hands that had easily destroyed enemies without hesitation. Oh God! My head spun even more as I thought of all the damage he could do. His hand came close to touching my face, my breathing hitched.
"Are you okay?" That voice was distinctly female. Karolina I believe, but the question was overshadowed with fear when Dimitri's hand made contact with the skin on my cheek.
It was too much for me. My eyes slid shut and my body pitched forward, I no longer had the strength to hold myself up.
"ROZA!" and I was gone.
Contrary to popular belief, unconsciousness isn't all that bad. Well, I guess it depends on what awaits you on the other side I guess. This time, it was both a curse and a blessing. I was able to get away from everyone for a while, yet at the same time, I was left alone to my thoughts. Not a pleasant place to be.
Most of the thoughts that consumed me were of my tormentor. What would he do when Dimitri went to him for answers that I couldn't give? How would he react when he realized people might be on to him?
Though I didn't want to admit it, I knew the answer. He would fight. And in the end, chances are he would kill me. It's not hard to kill a target that can't fight back, and I had taught the MTP Dimitri's very first lesson very well; Don't hesitate.
Adrian might have in the past, but like Dimitri, he won't hesitate to make a kill. Not anymore.
Some part of my mind whispered the similarities between Dimitri and Adrian; he was bigger than me, stronger than me, faster than me.
Just like Adrian.
But Dimitri wasn't Adrian. He was bigger. Stronger, as a trained Guardian should be. Deadly.
A damp rag was being dabbed softly to my forehead, gently bringing me out of the darkness. My eyes gently peeled open to reveal a relieved and slightly worried Olena Belikova. Olena had aged since the last time I saw her, lines had formed slightly on her face and the gray in her hair was more pronounced, but Olena still looked beautiful.
A small smile graced her cheeks when she saw I was coming to.
"Roza!" She breathed in a relieved sigh. "You gave us quite a scare when you collapsed!"
Olena Belikova had given me medical attention when I first met her as well. I had come to Russia to hunt and kill Dimitri in order to keep an old promise we made to each other while I was at the academy. I had met Sydney Sage, and alchemist who had then taken me to Baia, but on the way I had fought and single handedly killed two Strigoi. I hadn't escaped unscathed though, Olena had patched me up and looked after me even though she hadn't any clue who I was or where I was from.
In another life she could have been my Mother-In-Law, cause that sure as hell wasn't happening in this life.
But even if she wasn't my mother, she was still able to make me feel guilty about worrying her.
"Sorry." I murmured. She shook her head gently while she wiped my face with a dry cloth.
"No, Roza. I'm the one who is sorry. We shouldn't have rushed you like that after such a long journey. You must have been exhausted and we just cornered and overwhelmed you." I gave her the faintest resemblance of a smile as she stood and wiped her hands on her shirt. "You must be hungry, I've made some Black Bread and I can bring you up some if you'd like?" I nodded gently. I was hungry, I hadn't eaten on the plane.
"I'd appreciate that. Thank you." Olena nodded before she walked out and gently closed the door behind her.
I know, TWO authors note is one chapter! Not cool! Not cool at all. This note is to let you guys know that I have been thinking of writing another fanfiction, this one is also a Dimrose fic. :) I wanted to know what you guys would think about me posting two fics at one time? Also, I won't put up the summary yet, but I would like to know if anyone out there might be interested in being a Beta for the second story?
Lena1997 is my Beta for L.O.V.E. is a four letter LIE, so I'd like for someone else to be a Beta for the new fic.
Also: here are some of my favorite fics that I think you guys would enjoy:
The Other Woman by Elfina01
In my absence a new threat has come to court looking to end the last of the Dragomir line. Queen Tatiana has summoned me back to court full fill an old promise. But Can I face the betrayal from those that I once loved?
VA Love Fades With Darken Hearts by Elfina01
Being a Strigoi changed me forever so I knew getting my life back in order wouldn't be easy. Now the Strigoi's are after me and all of court isn't safe anymore. My name is Dimitri Belikov and this is my story.
I'll Remember You Always by Sara Ozera
Oneshot. Dimitri is distraught. His Roza, the only person he's ever loved, is on her deathbed, and there's nothing he, or anyone else, can do about it. How will everyone deal with the death of such an important person in their lives?
Together Forever by Sara Ozera
What if, in Shadow Kiss, Dimitri was never turned? What if Rose saved him? Together, they'll have to face hard times and seemingly impassable obstacles. Will their love be enough to keep them together, or will they be torn apart by the cruel hand of fate? {COMPLETE}
Seriously AMAZING stories guys! You should check them out!