Sorry it took so long to update I had planned to do it earlier. But…

I have been ill.

Thank you for all the reviews I have taking all on board.

Please continue to review.

RubixCubeKid.

Disclaimer: I only own the plot.

Chapter Nine

You know that feeling when everything just seems right and nothing can change that?

Well I was feeling that then it just seemed to be ripped away from me as soon as I left the chapel.

With my husband. Who was soon to be widowed.

Reality bitched slapped me in the face. And let me tell you it stung. I had 17 hours left. And so many things to do.

As me and my husband eeekkkk I can't get used to saying that walked across the school grounds towards the dorm.

I could see Christian in the distance. He was surrounded by people.

I needed to see what was going on from this point; I needed to be totally focused on saving everyone's ass. Metaphorically of course.

I started to pull Dimitri towards Christian but as hard as I pulled I didn't seem to be getting anywhere.

He was looking at something in the distance. He was standing very stiff and he was staring at a certain point-just outside the gates.

I released his hand which was quite hard as he was clinging on to it. My knuckles were starting to go white from his death grip.

Why does everything I say at the moment have the word 'death' in it?

After managing to release my hand I stepped so I was standing in front of Dimitri.

I tried shaking him but that had no effect so I was left with only one option. Well that's not true I had several options but what I didn't have was time so I raised my hand and slapped him.

Not as hard as I would normally hit- as he was my husband.

His eyes immediately met mine.

"Dimitri tell me what you saw."

He continues to just look at me.

I shrieked at him.

"Dimitri tell me now what you saw."

He mumbled in a whisper.

"I… saw Tasha… can' be right she's dead."

"Crap. They're ready and there coming early."

The day was becoming dark it shouldn't be completely dark for at least 10 hours.

But it is so cloudy and misty that the sun is covered. Enough for the strigoi to attack within the hour.

And with that witch Tasha in sight it meant she is preparing to break the wards soon.

Right Rose think think what to do.

I grabbed Dimitris face in my hands and spoke gently looking him directly in the eyes.

"Dimitri listen to me please. I don't have enough time to explain. I need you to run up to the dorm as quick as you can and put all the gear I gave you on and also bring the two bags with you please. I also need you to shout all guardians to get their asses out here now. And one last thing comrade don't doubt my love for you."

He looked in shock, his eyes were wide.

"Go now please."

He nodded and passionately kissed me on the lips and the next moment he was gone.

I sprinted towards Christian.

I could see that everyone had witnessed everything I had said to him. But I didn't have time to worry.

When I reached the group I skidded to a halt. I was immediately in my boss mode.

I started to bark out orders.

"I need fire, water and air users to join up into groups. 1 element per group. Once you have got into groups I need you to stand on my right side."

Within seconds they were sorted. They were very efficient I like Christians teaching.

"I now need earth users to stand on my left."

About 20 people stepped to my left. I looked to my right to see about 25 groups. That was about 95 people in total. But I still had a group of about 10 standing in front of me.

They must be spirit users.

I spoke again in a slightly calmer tone but it was still shouting.

"Okay I guess you are all spirit users. I would like you to go with Christian and be with the Queen. Earth users split yourself between the other groups."

Christian spoke.

"Rose I want to stay here and help you. We were a good team all those years ago."

It wasn't that I didn't want his help. I did. But whatever compulsion was on Lissa it needed many spirits users to try and keep her safe.

And so she wouldn't get kidnapped again and then get returned without anyone noticing.

"Christian over the years Lissa has been compelled to forget all the bad things she has done. Except from each time you think Lissa is acting strange it's not actually her. It's been Tasha. She seems to kidnap Lissa then return her. It has been a way of trying to lure me out of hiding almost. And yes Tasha is alive. Please do not ask anymore questions, just go help her."

He looked at me with his blue eyes.

"Of course Rose I would do anything to protect her."

With that he turned away leading the spirit users to their accommodation.

I could hear footsteps of the Guardians. Dimitri had ordered to come outside.

I turned round to look at them.

I saw the few guardians from earlier today that had willingly helped me.

I spoke to them.

"Hey guys. Sorry I don't know your names but you helped me earlier and I need your help now. In a minute I want you to take these willing volunteers and distribute them into the rooms earlier you put the younger children in.

I didn't expect a reply but I got one.

"Sure can Hathaway….."

He was interrupted by Dimitri speaking.

"It's actually Bel… Mazur."

The group of guardians gasped. Why shouldn't I have a little fun with them?

Dimitri whispered so I could hear.

"Well technically it's Hathaway-Mazur Belikov."

I laughed outright.

Immediately all the guardians stepped back.

This time Dimitri chuckled.

Dimitri spoke.

"Here are your bags my lady. I also brought you your gear."

Aw, he brought stuff to try and protect me he was going to need a lot more than a bullet-proof vest and my leathers.

Ok. Rose next thing get snipers set up.

"Can my snipers step forward please."

The mixed group of male and females stood in front of me in a line.

They ranged from about 18 to 45 in age.

"Ok I need everyone to listen carefully in these bags is special equipment that I have designed personally. I do not care if you don't believe me. But let me tell you it makes your life a hell of a lot easier in killing strigoi. Anyone got a problem before I continue?"

There was always one. A young guardian about 19 spoke from the middle of the group. He stepped forward from within the crowd.

He walked towards me. Then started circling me like I was his pray.

"Yeh I have a problem."

He had a cocky smile and a super swagger. At one point it knocked him off balance.

He continued.

"Why should we all risk our lives for you? Who are you anyways? Let me tell you. You are nobody."

By this point he was right in my face. This kid clearly did not know about my temper. Or lack of control over it.

You know when you get so angry that you don't have time to think you just do.

Which is probably the worst thing I could possibly do especially when I was trying to get all these people on to my side.

To help me save all their asses and my own booty too.

So to sort the situation I could have walked away from him.

But instead I took a sideways step and kicked his legs away from him.

I then stood over him and spoke in my I call medium dangerous tone.

"Do not try and wind me up. I have had enough from you. If you want to help, stand up and shut up. Or if you don't f**k off because I haven't got the time, the attack is coming sooner and you will be the cause of all these peoples deaths."

I turned away from the young guardian. And faced a shocked Dimitri and a group of laughing guardians.

I had one question then it was back to business. My question was directed towards my husband.

"Why do you look so shocked? Nothing can shock you, because ….. well I don't know why."

He smiled and reached for my hand. Once holding my hand he spoke in that serious mentor tone of his.

"You have just changed so much Roza that's all. I just wish I had been with you for the past 5 years rather than having to be shocked by you not punching that young boy."

Really he was only shocked at the fact that I hadn't punched him. Well I suppose I can see his point as I use to go round hitting anyone in my way.

He didn't even realise I had only used one swear word instead of a reel of them.

I didn't reply… it didn't need one.

But I did get back to work in preparing for the attack. I had 45 minutes left. Until I was faced with all my worst enemies.

Yeh I mean more than one.

But my only problem wasn't to kill all the strigoi they brought with them but to kill 4 of my worst enemies, keep everyone inside the school and live long enough to save the person that I will give my life to protect.

A few problems all these strigoi want me dead.

Anyway no time for another 'special' Rose rant.

I looked at the line of people still in front of me. They looked like they trusted me. Which was a good sign.

So I went to my two black bags. I handed each sniper a gun. And gave them bullets. Not one of them hesitated they just got straight to business. They loaded their guns.

I gave them all extra bullets and 3 darts each. They all pocketed their 'gifts'.

And then I gave them the speech.

"Ok Snipers. I want you to go up on the roof and sit in wait. You are only to shoot if I or Dimitri are being sneaked up on or you are being attacked. We will be suited up and the only two in view. The bullets will kill if they hit the heart. Also I gave you a little box that has 3 darts in it. If you prick it in a strigoi's body anywhere it will kill them, also each dart kills 3 separate strigoi. Okay?"

They're was a chorus of 'yes Guardian Hathaway'. And with that they left. I only had 35 minutes left.

Now for the rest of the Guardians? What to do with them?

"Ok the rest of you I need you all to guard inside make sure no novices escape. The best place to guard is the windows, that's were I use to get out through. And just watch each others backs. I also need two of you to go and get the guards from the gate and get them briefed."

Two guardians immediately stepped forward, ready to walk away.

"Wait"

The guards stopped. I gave them a few boxes of darts each.

One spoke

"Thank you for the darts."

I nodded. And turned back to face the rest of the guardians.

"Come forward and get your darts share them out equally. And get inside now."

They all rushed forward. Grabbing and handing out bundles of the darts.

My stomach is in knots I feel like I'm going to be sick. I was starting to fell a bit dizzy.

But then I felt my comrades warm arms come round me. He must have noticed me swaying.

I feel his head rest on my shoulder. His warm lips almost touching my ear as he speaks.

"Rose are you ok I thought you were going to faint. I will protect you, you don't have to worry."

He just didn't get it.

"Comrade the strigoi are here I can sense them that's what making me feel ill."

He tensed.

I looked to see how many guardians were left. There were two and they were already retreating.

I look at my watch and see that we have 15 minutes to go. Were did the last 20 go?

"Dimitri put your gear on."

He releases his hold on me. I walk over to where he put all the gear before the kid wanted a fight.

But never got one.

Being the perfect husband he was he had brought all the gear I asked for.

His own stuff I had given him earlier and my stuff as well.

"Thank you for bringing my stuff too."

He lifted his head and smiled. Wow he was quick he was wearing all his gear and may I say he looked very *cough* hot in his leathers.

And he is wearing his guns on his belt. Very cowboyish.

"I like it cowboy."

He winked at me. He had definitely changed and for the better I see.

I was still wearing shorts and my boots not a good look.

I pulled my shorts off quickly and pulled on my leather trousers they were a snug fit.

I couldn't care less if anyone was watching or not. So I pulled my boots on tucking in my trousers. I checked to see if I had any knives or spare stakes. They were all present.

I looked up from checking my boots to see Dimitri holding my gun holster and guns in his right hand and a helmet in his left.

Wow he was really efficient bringing my guns.

I pulled my leather jacket off. I lay it down on the ground. I reached out for my gun holder but Dimitri pulled them back.

He put the helmet down and held the gun holster out so I could just slip into it instead of struggling like normal.

Once I had the holster on I reached for my jacket but it was gone.

I turned to face Dimitri and of course he had it. I turned back round and put it on.

I stepped away walking to the bags. I grabbed handfuls of bullets and zipped them into the pockets of my jacket. I then loaded my guns Death and Darkness.

I then grabbed one set of darts and added that to my pocket.

I faced my comrade again and opened my mouth.

But he spoke first.

"Yes I have loaded the two guns earlier. But I do need some more bullets and darts."

I signalled him over with my hand. I grabbed two handfuls of bullets and put them in his pocket. Then I added several set of darts to the other and zipped them both shut. The bullets were very small so he probably had hundreds. Better safe than sorry.

I checked my watch 4 minutes to go.

I could see that Bitch at the gate. She was just propped up against it.

"Dimitri your helmet has night vision so you can see perfectly. It also has a ear piece and a tiny microphone that links to my helmet so we can stay in contact. Now put it on my husband we only have 3 minutes."

He grabbed my helmet and his. He bent down and kissed me so passionately I felt light headed.

We pulled away. I grabbed the belt of his trouser and hugged him. Tightly. He hugs me back the best he can with two motorbike styled helmets in his head. He kisses me on the head.

He speaks in a whisper.

"I love you Rose Belikov and I will protect you I promise."

I whispered back.

"I know you will."

What else was I to say? No you won't because nobody can.

I whispered again. I don't know why we couldn't speak at a normal level.

"I love you to comrade it's time. Remember what you promised."

He nods but shows pain in his eyes.

I pull on my helmet and he does the same.

I walk over to the bags that are almost empty and decide to throw them to the side of the building. Beside the school entrance. It was quite a distance but all the years in the gym should help. They land right beside the door. The door opens and the bags are grabbed inside.

You might wonder why I didn't leave them… well some strigoi carries guns and I would rather not be shot by one of my own bullets. It would be like having a house fire and throwing petrol into it whilst trying to escape. I may be a lot of things but a full isn't one of them.

I look over to where Tasha was. She is out of sight. By looking at my watch it tells me we have 1 minute to go.

I speak into the microphone in my helmet.

"Comrade can you hear me?"

I turn to look at the school roof I see my snipers lying in wait literally.

I jump slightly when I hear a reply through my ear piece.

"Yes I can hear you, I can also see movement at the gate."

I face back to the gate. We are quite a distance of it but I can now see Tasha breaking the wards.

That means she is still definitely Moroi. That makes me killing her a whole lot more difficult.

"Comrade Tasha is still Moroi. I am telling you do not kill her she is mine. And take out your guns they just broke the wards."

A reply comes quickly as the strigoi flood in the gate.

"Roza I will let you kill her unless I have to despatch her."

I pull out Death and Darkness and start shooting the strigoi getting closer.

As they fall more come in. As the bodies become higher some of the strigoi trip giving us a chance to aim at their hearts.

Dimitri is shooting and hitting the targets like a mad man.

None have even got remotely close yet. But one thing worries me where is Tasha?

"Comrade have you seen Tasha yet?"

He doesn't reply. I start to panic slightly why isn't he replying?

And we aren't being attacked anymore but my stomach is still churning. This is not good…. at all.

I start to creep looking for Dimitri who has just disappeared. I hear grunting from round the side of the building.

I sneak round the corner like a ninja quietly. I jump as a crack of thundering sounds through the sky. Then the rain starts to fall.

As I get round the corner I see Dimitri fighting with 8 strigoi. I fire of two bullets.

Killing two strigoi. And disrupting the current grapple going on.

While they are distracted looking at me Dimitri darts 3 of them.

3 left to go. I shoot one more and Dimitri shoots the other two.

I look at him and see he is missing his helmet. I pull mine off and throw it at him.

He looks confused. I shout at him.

"Put it on. Quick!"

He puts it on straight away. With the nauseas feeling in my stomach I can sense there is 10 strigoi left. And I know who 4 of them are.

I step back towards the way I came and the feeling dies down. So that means they are round the back of the school.

I creep forward while loading my guns for the… well I don't how many times I have loaded it but I have two bullets left and no darts not good.

I see one strigoi right in front of me so I pocket Darkness and I reach in my boot for my stake. I quickly stake the strigoi with my stake.

Woah that's a lot of stakes in a sentence. Definitely 100% not the time for my crappy jokes.

9 left and Tasha to go.

I hear 3 gun shots and turn round to see 3 drop. At least I know my snipes are doing their jobs.

It's so cold my hair is stuck against my face from the rain. It's escaping from my ponytail. I keep slipping through all the mud and each step I take is one closer to my death.

I Rose Hath… Belikov shouldn't be scared.

2 more guns shots run out. The shots were fired from Dimitri's gun but none of them were the faces of my enemies.

I blinked quickly and surrounding me and Dimitri were…

Tasha

Nathan

Victor

Robert

And Dimitri's father.

They all hold smug smiles on there faces except Robert who still looks nervous and unwell even though he is a strigoi.

He looks me in the eyes and drops immediately to the ground.

I know people give say 'you will kill them with your looks' but that was just freaky.

I look at him and see no injury until my eyes reach his leg. He has a dart sticking out of it.

A shrieking sound fills the air. Like a cat in a dark alley. Extra Creepy.

I see Victor throwing himself down to his brother's side. I was more shocked in the fact that he was a strigoi showing emotion.

Victor stands up as if to lunge. He faces me and speaks in his cruel taunting voice.

"You will pay for this Rose Hathaway."

With that he scoops his brother up and disappears into the distance and out of sight. With Nathan closely following behind.

Why did Nathan leave with them?

Now all was left was Tasha and Dimitri's father. You might wonder how I know him.

Well it seems as if he is the current leader of all the strigoi in the world.

And he hates me because I keep killing all his "children" and ruining his plans and he also wants Dimitri dead.

Do you see now how all the puzzle pieces come together?

Tasha is involved in this through two ways.

She escaped prison and still wants me dead.

She is connected with Dimitri's father.

I can't tell you how. Because well Dimitri doesn't even know yet.

Before I could even contemplate telling Dimitri his father lungs at him.

This was it the end. I dived in front of Dimitri and land on top of him.

His father grabs me not noticing I still have my stake in my hand. He angles his head leaning into my neck.

As his teeth grazed my neck shouting and screaming come from two sides of me.

If I separate the muffled noise I can hear Dimitri shouting at me to watch out.

And Tasha screaming for her Alex as I pierced his stake with my hand.

As the stake broke his skin he drops me to the ground.

The way I land I definitely just broke some ribs. Alex falls to the ground.

Tasha is by his side in a second.

From where I am lying I can see her kneeling over him sobbing. Then within an imaginary click of her fingers she stands up.

Tears- gone.

She runs straight at me like a bull. At that point I was still lying on the ground clutching my ribs.

Thinking about how I had just cheated my own death. Guess Yeva was wrong. She thought Alex would kill me.

Tasha was on top of me within seconds my own stake at my neck.

She must of pulled it from Alex's chest.

She started to put pressure on the stake at my neck. Then her shouting began.

"You little Bitch I obviously wasn't successful with my first plan to kill you by setting you up for the Queens murder. Then you put me in prison. And before that you took Dimka away from me."

Dimitri showed signs of sobering up at that point from just standing and watching.

"I wasn't yours Tasha."

"Oh really Dimka… so you're telling me you want to be with this scum on the ground. Pfft it's not like she can even give you children."

"Don't you dare call my wife scum."

Well that shocked her because she pierced my skin with the stake. The warm blood flowing down my neck. Mixing with the rain.

Tasha looked at me again with those blue piercing eyes.

"How could you kill Alex?... Well in return I will just have to kill you."

Before I could reply or blink. I felt something being rammed into my chest. I lift my head slightly to feel my stake digging into my neck more.

I see another stake sticking out my chest.

The one that killed the queen.

Well this was the end. I could feel my eyes flickering. Tasha stood up and spoke.

"Rose you got everything you deserve. I got my revenge and I don't have to ever see you again. I shall become Queen of the strigoi and since you will not be around nobody can stop me. And….oh Dimitri I think you might just become a widow."

I hear her footsteps retreat in this distance with that cackling witch laugh of hers.

My eyes fluttered and I can see Dimitri kneeling over me.

I tried to speak but I couldn't really breathe.

"Co…oo…Comradeee…I ….l..lloove you."

I looked at him to see tears running down his face.

"Roza why did you jump in front of me?"

I can feel the darkness starting to consume me.

"I… t…old…..told you I would….sa..sav….save the person ….. I ….love. "

He gasps.

I whisper because I have no breath left but I don't know if he will hear.

"I will always be close comrade I promise you that."

And with that I feel my body take it's last breathe…

DPOV

Why did I just stand there and not do anything?

I kneel over my precious Roza in the pouring rain.

I grab her shoulders and shake her but…

Nothing.

My heart feels shattered.

She said she had saved me. All along I thought it would be Lissa.

Then her body stopped.

She never took another breath

I tried to resuscitate her. But.

Nothing.

My beautiful Roza.

My love.

My soul mate.

Is….. Dead.

Around me I could hear footsteps approaching.

But I don't care anymore she's dead.

She won't every be around like she promised.

I pull her cold, wet, bloody body on to my lap.

I cradle my soul mate and wife in my arms.

I bend down to kiss her blue lips.

I still feel a tiny spark as I kiss her. My beautiful dead wife.

My Roza…..