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DPOV

Kirova wouldn't be in her office for a few more hours. I didn't bother going to my room, I knew sleep is the last thing I would be getting. I headed for the gym; maybe I'll run some laps and use the practice dummies, take some time to figure out what I'm going to say to Kirova.

I was not expecting the affliction that hit me as I wandered my way into the gym. This was the last place I saw Rose, where I said goodbye to her. My imagination began toying with me. I could see Rose standing here giving me that man-eating smile of hers. The one that always made my heart melt. I could still hear the sarcastic comments of hers about my reading material and that beautiful long dark hair. What I wouldn't give to hold her in my arms again, run my fingers through her hair; brush my lips softly against hers and whisper in her ear how much I love her.

The pain I was feeling was overwhelming. The tears began to flow from my eyes. I have to find her; Rose has to know she is my whole life, I said to myself as I slowly walked to the locker room to change. I changed into a loose pair of track pants and a tank top.

Once on the track I started to run. I was hoping that running would take my mind off of her, but no such luck! It just made me think about Rose more. It made me recall all the times I would run laps with her, just so I could be near her. After about twenty laps I could see that running wasn't helping so I went inside to use the practice dummies.

My kicks and punches were right on the mark and harder than ever, it felt good to hit something. The more I thought about Kirova allowing Rose to transfer the more anger I felt. I don't understand what could have been going through Kirova's mind. Rose is the best novice we had at the academy, why would she let her leave. What really pisses me off is I was her mentor, I should have been told about Rose's transfer.

I became so enraged, I let out a frustrated sigh as I grabbed the practice dummy I had been destroying and launched it across the gym.

I was exhausted, I felt like my lungs were ready to collapse. I threw myself across the mats; I just laid here trying to catch my breath. Staring at the ceiling I heard the gym doors open. Glancing in the direction of the doors I saw Guardian Petrov. "Guardian Belikov, when did you get back?" she looked confused. I dragged myself onto my feet. Turning to face her, I saw her wince slightly. "There was a mix up at court, I wasn't needed after all." I replied my voice sounding raspy.

I reached up to wipe the sweat from my forehead when I heard Alberta gasp. "Dimitri, what happen to your hands?" she questioned as she rushed across the gym to retrieve the first aid kit. I looked down at my hands, becoming aware of the fact that I was so preoccupied in my thoughts I didn't bother to put on my gloves. My hands were covered in lacerations and blood. " I'm fine, it's just a few cuts." I relayed to her not wanting her to worry.

Alberta motioned for me to come sit down in one of the chairs along the wall. Sitting down I placed my elbows on my knees and stared at the floor. She pulled a chair around so that she was facing me. Alberta carefully began to clean the cuts on my hands. "Can you please tell me what's going on Dimitri? You look like hell. I'm not just talking about your hands either." She spoke with so much concern in her voice.

"Does this have something to do with Rose and you? She was acting strange when I saw her yesterday." She divulged. I didn't speak, I wasn't sure I could. Hearing her mention Rose's name sent a surge of pain through my entire body. I could sense tears threatening to fill my eyes. I stopped them immediately, not allowing her to see me cry. "I told you I believe that everything will work out for Rose and you." Her voice held so much conviction.

Clearing my throat, I took a few deep breaths attempting to hold back the tears. " I'm not so sure how it will work out, seeing as how Rose transferred out of the academy and I don't even know where she went." I refuted. Alberta had a confound look on her face. "What do you mean Rose transferred out of the academy? I wasn't informed of her leaving."

"Huh, I guess I'm not the only one that was left in the dark!" I declared.

It was hard to sit here and watch Alberta struggle with what I just told her. Alberta would never admit it to Rose, but she cared about her a lot. " I don't understand, when did she leave? How did you find out?" she asked breaking the silence.

"Rose left hours ago." I informed her. "She overheard our conversation at the cabin. Rose misunderstood what I said about our relationship not being enough. When I got to my room tonight I found a letter from her. She doesn't want our relationship to jeopardize my job. What Rose doesn't realize is that none of this means anything to me without her."

"I tried to catch the plane, but I wasn't able to make it in time. I spoke with the Princess already; she informed me Rose wouldn't tell her where she was going. Apparently the only one who knows is Headmistress Kirova." I paused for a second, as I began to speak again anger filled my voice. I plan on having a talk with Kirova as soon as she gets in her office."

Alberta could sense the change in my demeanor as soon as I mentioned Kirova's name. "I don't think that would be such a good idea right now." She affirmed.

"I need to find out where she is Alberta! I'm not letting her go!" I was practically shouting. "Dimitri calm down, I'm not suggesting you let her go. I want to find her and bring her back too, but if you go traipsing into Kirova office with all this anger and start demanding answers, Kirova is going to become suspicious of yours and Rose's relationship."

"Then what do you suggest I do? Just sit here and wait for her to come back for graduation." I blurted out. "Rose is coming back for graduation?" she asked, sounding comforted by the thought of Rose returning. I nodded my head. "Lissa informed me that Kirova is allowing Rose to graduate here at St. Vladimir's."

" This is good news, at least we know Rose plans on coming back." She said optimism playing in her voice. " Your right, it is good news and I'm happy to see that your so optimistic, but I'm not waiting two months to get her back!" I exclaimed.

"Rose really has rubbed off on you, your self control seems to be slipping." She grinned at me as she stood from her chair. I felt bad for snapping at her. I know she is only trying to help. "I'm sorry Alberta, its just hard not having any control over the situation."

" I think we both need some answers, so I propose we go meet with Kirova together. I'm not too happy that I wasn't told about Rose being transferred. After all I am the captain of the schools guardians. Knowing who is transferred in and out of this academy is part of my responsibility. I might need you there to hold me back from hurting her." she laughed.

I looked up at her; she reached her hand out to me to help me up. "Lets go find out where Rose is so we can get her back!" she smiled. Before we walked out of the gym Alberta turned to me " Dimitri, don't forget that Rose loves you." She said trying to reassure me. I shook my head in agreement. "I know she loves me Alberta, that's why I won't let her go."

RPOV

I'll never be able to sleep, I thought as I tossed and turned in my bed. I don't know where the track was, but I'm confident I can find it. Jumping out of bed I slipped on a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. I finished tying my shoes and ran out the door. It didn't take me long to find the track. St. Augustine's was laid out similar to St. Vladimir's.

I was on my fifth lap when I heard him approaching behind me. "Roza, do you like breaking the rules?" I spun around to face him. Guardian Kane was smiling at me. I swear I'm going to wipe that smile right off his face. "Excuse me! What the hell did you just call me." I shouted. He looked shocked at my reaction. After taking a few steps back he shook his head and laughed. Boy Hathaway, you really are touchy. All I did is call you Roza, that's how we say your name in Russian." He explained.

I had to admit I liked hearing my name in Russian, but only when it was Dimitri who said it. I wasn't about to let anyone else call me Roza. Did he really think I didn't know how my name was pronounced in Russian? "I know how my name is pronounced in Russian…. Guardian Kane…. I'm not a dumb ass! You might be the dumb ass considering what will happen to you if you call me Roza again." I conveyed with as much attitude as I could muster up.

I could tell his patience was wearing thin with my attitude. "Miss Hathaway I'm not sure how you talked to your old mentor at St. Vladimir's but you will not speak to me in that tone. Are we clear!" he spoke with absolute authority.

Placing a hand on my hip, I glared at him. "Well I hope we are perfectly clear Guardian Kane, because I would hate to mess up your pretty little face." I didn't wait for him to reply. I continued running my laps as he watched me. I quit counting my laps and just ran until my legs and lungs were screaming in torture. Finally my legs gave out on me and I collapsed to the ground. I just lay there, gasping for air, forcing as much oxygen into my lung as possible.

I heard Guardian Kane running towards me. "Rose are you all right?" I held up my hand up to stop him; I spoke in between breaths. " I'm fine, I just need a few minutes to catch my breath."

Guardian Kane sat down next to me. "I have to admit I'm impressed with your running ability. Not many people have the endurance to run like that. You're better than a lot of the guardians. I have a feeling you are going to surprise me with your fighting skills." He stated.

I appreciated the compliments he was giving me, but only one person's opinion ever mattered to me and that was Dimitri's. "Thank you" I said lifting myself off the ground. "

"Rose since you couldn't wait until tomorrow to start your training, how about we go into the gym. I'll set up the mats and you and I can spar. I would like to see your fighting technique."

I just nodded my head and followed him into the gym. Once the mats were set up we got into position. We began to circle each other a few times. I didn't have the patience to wait for him to make the first move. I lunged forward landing a blow to the side of his head, he stumbled slightly, but recovered quickly. I continued to land some serious blows to his body, one time making good contact with his ribs. I was pretty sure they were broken. He spun around making contact right above my left hip, I was definitely going to have a bruise there, but I didn't let it slow me down.

As I tried to land another blow he blocked it and kicked my feet out from under me and pinned me to the mat. He stared into my eyes. "Your fighting skills are amazing Roza." Now he was going to suffer. I landed a very hard blow to his face with my elbow. I pushed him off of me. He jumped to his feet quickly. He charged toward me but I was ready. I blocked his attack and kicked him in the stomach with as much force as possible, launching him across the gym.

He just lay there on the floor moaning. I walked up to him leaning down close so he could hear me. " You can't say I didn't warn you Guardian Kane. Next time I won't be so gentle." I let out a slight laugh and walked out of the gym.

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Marla