Disclaimer: I don't own True Blood, etc. etc.…

Chapter six ~

I inhaled the sweet scent of a freshly ironed shirt, a grin slowly stretching across my face. It certainly beat the smell of the old, ragged one, which was in needing of a furious scrub. I nodded to myself, my mind already filling up with tonight's dinner. The cooks at the Light of Day Institute made the best damn food a girl like me could ask for. I mean sure, I may not have agreed to their anti-vampire beliefs, but I sure as hell agreed to their skill in cooking.

I hummed happily to myself, as I threw the fresh, yellow shirt over my head, with the words "L.O.D.I" printed in bold letters on the front. My happy mood dropped suddenly, when I looked at the tangled mass of black that was my hair in the bathroom mirror. Dirt was smudged across my chin and forehead, and dark bags hung under my brown eyes. And, I had a feeling my breath didn't exactly smell as fresh as my new shirt.

I hurriedly ripped open a pack of makeup wipes, and began scrubbing away at the dirt, wanting not to look like I'd just walked out of a warzone. There wasn't much I could do to fix my hair – unless I washed it – so I just opted for brushing it down with a black comb I kept handy in my bag. Next were the dark circles under my eyes: a touch of concealer did the trick. I wasn't much of a makeup person – but Sookie was, and she'd bought me a truckload of the stuff a while back. She'd said it was to make me look "nice." Truthfully, I hadn't really used the cosmetics for much. It wasn't that I didn't want to look nice – I mean, I looked after myself and all. I just found applying it tedious and pointless.

I grabbed my blue toothbrush, and did a quick scrub and rinse, before skipping out the bathroom door, my mood brightening again with the thought of dinner nearing. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't an overeater – I just looked forward to my food. Well, wouldn't you, if you hadn't eaten in two days straight?

I walked down the church's hallways, grinning like I'd won the lottery. I kept up a leisurely pace, not stopping for anything – I was heading straight for the mess hall, where I could get some dinner. I honestly didn't even care if it was stone cold, at that moment; food was just food to me. I felt like a starved hyena.

I was about to pass Steve's office to dive into the dining area, but stopped when I heard his and Gabe's voice whispering in hushed tones. I wasn't pointing any fingers – but the way they were whispering to each other sounded mighty suspicious. I overheard Gabe say, "And what about the bloodsucker?"

When he said that, my blood ran icy-cold. What were they going to do with Godric? It didn't take a genius to know they were talking about him, seeing as he was the only ancient vampire who just happened to be locked downstairs in a big cage (not that he was really trapped, I mean, he could easily get out). That was what confused me most: why didn't Godric escape? And why was he trapped down there in the first place? He seemed so reluctant to tell me – as if that piece of information would greatly upset me in some way.

"Gabe, don't worry yourself," Steve Newlin assured him, a dark edge to his tone. "It's locked in a purely silver cage. It can't get out."

Gabe seemed to go quiet for a few moments, and I was partially scared in case they'd figured out I was standing outside their door. I let out a silent puff of relief, however, when he started talking again. "And, what about –"

Steve interrupted him. "We'll burn the damned vampire soon. All we have to do is take it outside in daylight. The Lord can't let a sinful creature like that on our planet anymore."

My mouth hung open in shock. They were going to burn Godric? Is that why they captured him? I felt the anger explode like fireworks inside me, and I wanted to punch a hole through the wall. They couldn't burn him! Godric couldn't just simply end – he was a two-thousand year old vampire!

But you don't want him to stay, don't you? A voice taunted in my muddled mind. Because you'll miss him when he's gone.

I bit my lip in frustration. It was true – I sure didn't understand what any of this "mate" stuff meant – but I did care for Godric. He may have been a possessive jerk, but I still liked him. I wasn't going to let them burn him. I would do everything in my power to save him – I didn't want to see anyone else close to me die again. I'd been through that hell already with Grams, and I sure wasn't gonna let it happen to Godric.

"Hey, Rose. You okay, sis?" Jason asked me, as I dumped a paper plate filled with veggies and a nice, big steak on the boy's table. "You look a little troubled."

My face darkened, and I chose to ignore him. I looked down at my dinner, knife and fork in hand – but I'd lost my appetite. I couldn't get the image of Godric burning out my mind. The picture stuck like glue, taunting me. My nerves had become a tight, thin line. I was afraid if I talked to anyone, it would snap, and I didn't want to put that on Jason.

Nevertheless, I ate my dinner with less enthusiasm, filling up my empty stomach. "Rose?" Jason called, poking my arm, "Rosalie?"

He continued to poke into my flesh. He knew that irritated me, and he was doing it specifically so I would talk. My hands fisted into tight balls, my nails digging into my palm, causing little red cuts to appear. Apparently I'd forgotten I'd been holding the plastic cutlery, and my clenched fists caused the flimsy material to crack and break.

Jason stopped poking me almost instantly. His large hand curled under my chin, forcing me to look him the eye. It was then that I realised that silent tears were slowly travelling down my cheeks and dripping off my chin. Gosh, I must have looked a mess, because Jason's eyes widened like saucers.

"Rosalie, what's wrong?" He asked, his voice cracking a little. He hated to see me upset, just like I hated to see him sad. He wrapped me in a bear hug, not caring that the other boys were staring. "Why are you crying, Rose?" He whispered in my ear, gently patting my back.

I couldn't tell him about Godric. Not yet – he'd send me home if I did. I didn't lie, but I didn't tell him the whole truth. "I – I had a nightmare…about Grams…" I hiccupped, sniffling.

Jason hugged me tighter. "Is that why you came to see me last night?" He asked sadly. "I'm sorry, Rose. If I'd known that was why you'd come, I wouldn't have pushed you out so quickly."

I nodded, believing him. Sure, he'd been a jerk last night, but it was only because of Luke. Jason had switched into older-brother protective mode, and the fact that I was sitting in Luke's lap only fuelled it. "I know," I replied calmly, my nerves a little softer. A ghost of a smile found its way to my lips. Jase always seemed to know how to cheer me up.

He let go of me, before clamping his hands over my shoulders and rotating me around, to face my plate full of food. Now, my appetite had returned. I had to stop myself from drooling like a rabid dog all over the meal – I was that hungry.

Jason chuckled, noticing my hungry gaze. "Gosh, Rosalie," He laughed, "You look hungrier than a tiger."

Before he could utter anything else, I was already devouring my food at such a speed, that it would put a vampire to shame. Broccoli, boiled carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts – you name it. It was all heaped in a big pile on my paper little plate. And a nice, big steak sat comfortably at the side, steaming for all its worth. Delicious.

I ate quickly – yet still managed to keep mannerly and polite. Even when I finished my dinner, feeling content and full – I didn't burp, sit back, or rub my stomach. Grams had taught me well.

"Happy?" Jason asked, amusement twinkling his eyes cobalt eyes.

I nodded a yes, a smile stretching across my face. Jason laughed, causing the girls to turn their heads and stare at me in jealousy or wonder.

I took this peaceful moment to study the dining room: there were two, long oak tables, stretching from one end of the hall to the other. On one table were the girls – with the exception of me, of course – I sat at the boy's table, which was on the right of the hall.

The girls were laughing and chatting; conversation flowed easily. I turned my head, and saw that the boys were much the same, only more "boyish." There were deep chuckles, pats on the packs, and light grins at one another.

At the top of the hall was the fairly small kitchen, and the cooks were casually chatting to one another, their jobs for the day over. Overall, the atmosphere was peaceful and happy – I could have almost fallen asleep to it.

But there was one small notion that bugged at my brain: Godric. I wanted – no, needed – to know what was really going on with his situation. I knew why he was down there, from Steve's point of view at least – they were going to burn him. But why, when he could easily escape, stay down there, like a trapped rat? Godric was two-thousand years old; he was probably strong enough to wipe out everyone in this church. Yet he did nothing, just sit around idly for a fate which I wasn't even sure he knew was coming.

I sighed deeply, my shoulders drooping in exhaustion. I wasn't even sure I could visit Godric tonight – I was pretty tired. I hadn't told him I would meet him tonight, anyway – I'd promised that I would eventually come to see him. Heck, I wouldn't have needed to see him for days, and it would have still been within the promise. I hadn't specified a where or a when, after all.

But something tugging at my chest told me I had to go see him. It was that strange pull, the one I'd felt on the night I'd met Godric. It felt like an invisible piece of string, connecting me to wherever he was. Or, as he'd put it – connecting me to him. I had the strange urge to jump to my feet and walk down to the basement. The shimmering line was tugging at me like I was a puppet, demanding I go see Godric. And the odd thing was – not only did my body feel physically willed to go see him, I found myself actually wanting to. Before I could even attempt to stop the three words, they tumbled out of my mouth:

"I miss him."

Jason swivelled in his seat, eyeing me curiously. "Who do you miss?" He asked, a hint of suspicion in his tone.

I blushed, feeling stupid for being caught so easily. But, of course, Jason took this entirely the wrong way. He stared me down like a predator eyes it prey, and a dark aura seemed to hover in the air around him. "Who are you seeing, Rosalie?" Jason asked menacingly. "Who is your boyfriend? I demand you stop seeing him. There aren't any boys who deserve to even have your attention –"

"Jase," I laughed, holding up a hand to stop the threatening overspill, "I'm not seeing anyone," Or am I? "Calm down."

Jason seemed to relax at this, but I could tell he didn't believe me entirely. "Who were you talking about, then?"

I avoided his eyes, looking anywhere but at his oceanic orbs. I was almost grateful for the fact that we were interrupted at that moment – but it wasn't of the best company.

"Rosalie, Jason," Steve beamed at us, and he placed a delicate hand on my shoulder. "Could you two please come see me in my office?"

Jason returned the enthusiastic smile – except his didn't look so fake – and nodded. "No problem, Steve. Me and my sister will be down in a moment," Jason promised.

The reverend nodded in return, and turned on his heel to stalk off. I let out a breath, not realising I'd been holding it. What could Newlin possibly want with us? Glancing at Jason, I saw that he looked overjoyed to be called, while I was anything but overjoyed.

"Come on, Rose," He ordered cheerfully, standing. He held out a hand to help me up, and we walked silently out the dining hall, and down the church corridor.

"I wonder what Steve wants to talk to us about?" I asked nonchalantly, but inside I was having a major panic attack. What if Steve had found out I listened in on his conversation? Would he try and hurt me? Hell, would he try and hurt Jason? I don't think I could have lived with myself if I caused Jason any form of pain.

I calmed my inner frenzy – I was being paranoid. If I assumed too much, he'd think I knew too much. I tried to slow my frantic heartbeats, and took deep breaths.

Me and Jason stopped outside Steve Newlin's office door, a proud smile on my brother's face, and a deep frown on mine. It was now or never. Jason tapped sharply on the glass frame of the door three times, before hearing a cheerful "come in." He promptly pushed open the door, me following like the faithful little lamb I was.

We stood next to each other in front of Newlin's desk, with the reverend behind it, his elbows resting on top and his fingers laced together. He was eyeing us carefully, as if deciding on something very important. I was all tensed up, and my nerves were a messy jumble – but most of my outward appearance was normal. And Jason – he probably didn't feel a drop of nervousness. It almost sickened me to think that this place had manipulated him so much.

"Jason…Rosalie…" Steve sighed, still scanning us over. I gulped. "I have something to tell you. As two of my most trusted soldiers, I feel it's ready to tell you of the Fellowship of the Sun's secret."

"Secret?" Jason queried, curious. "What kind of secret?"

Steve unlaced his fingers and leant back in his chair, a serious expression on his face – which was unusual for him.

"Why don't you show 'em, Mr Newlin?" A gruff voice suggested from next to him. I almost jumped out of my skin – I'd been so nervous, I hadn't even noticed Gabe was in the room.

Steve nodded slowly to himself, a contemplative expression taking over his serious one. "Yes. That seems like a good idea, Gabe," He replied. The reverend stood up. He turned to look at us. "If you two could be so kind as to follow me, I will show you our secret."

I gulped again. I did not like where this was going. I quickly glanced over at Gabe, who had a contemptuous air about him. But, then again, he was always like that. Maybe it was just my panic making things seem more terrible than they really were. Nevertheless, I followed behind Jason, Steve at the front, and Gabe at the very back – behind me.

That was when I felt the vicious tug in my chest again, making me nearly trip over. Gabe seemed to notice this, and smirked. "You okay there, darlin'?" He asked, a sickening smile overtaking his features. "Don't worry; I'll catch you if you trip again." I shuddered internally at this – I would have rather fall flat on my back. Hell, I would have rather broken my back than fall into hisarms…

The tug seemed to pull me faster forward – it was yanking at my heart, forcing me in the direction everyone was going. It took me a few panicked moments later to remember that that meant Godric was close. If the pull always took me to him, and the others were going in that direction, did that mean…?

"Eager, are we?" Steve asked cheerfully, breaking me out my thoughts. It was then I realised that I was walking right next to him, and if I wasn't careful, the tug would pull me in front of everyone. Then Newlin would be suspicious, because he had no idea that I knew where he was taking us…

I just simply smiled. "Always am, Mr Newlin, sir," I answered with as much enthusiasm as I could possibly muster. Steve chuckled, and ruffled my dark locks.

"What have I told you about calling me that, Rosalie? Steve is fine."

We continued down the hallway, the pull getting unbearably stronger. I tried to take my mind off of it, and concentrated on the light, echoed taps that the shoes made as we walked. Eventually, we stopped, and I heard Steve say to us, "Here we are."

And I didn't have to look up to know where we were. The relentless pulling in my chest told me: we were at the entrance to the basement.

"Steve? What's in the basement that's so important?" Jason asked.

Steve chuckled darkly. "You'll see. Patience, Jason," He said. Steve walked down first, along with Jason, me, and then Gabe. When we got down to the bottom, we were greeted by pure darkness. "Gabe," Steve called, not even needing to talk his point across. Gabe immediately switched on the light – one which I hadn't known was there.

The small room was flooded with blinding, bright lights almost instantly. I winced at the sudden brightness, but my eyes eventually adjusted to the change. Everything was as I expected: there was a big, wire cage, and stacks of unused items used for church services. I noticed a box of upturned bibles, still in their coverings, the plastic already coated with age-old dust. A mountain of statues resembling Jesus lay on a shelf, and other things were scattered about or stuffed in other cardboard boxes.

We were definitely in the basement.

Suddenly, there was a whoosh of air, and a familiar vampire appeared just behind his bars, his expression seemingly emotionless. "Newlin," Godric spoke in his mixed accent – one which would make any girl weak at the knees. He flicked a hand toward Jason, Gabe and me, although kept an eye on me as he spoke, "What is the meaning of this?"

Now that I could see him in the light, I saw that Godric was wearing white attire, making him look even more like a God. He was wearing a white short sleeved jumper, showing off his bare arms, and the strange tattoos on them. He was also wearing white, baggy pants, and dark shoes.

Steve's cheerful façade dropped, and a dark scowl graced his features. I sucked in a sharp breath – which was unnoticed by the others, but of course, Godric heard it. He looked at me curiously, wonder in his bluish-grey eyes. Steve stalked up to the bars, the deep scowl still printed on his face. "Who gave you the right to talk, demon?" He spat. "I've come here to show two of my most trusted soldiers our little secret."

Jason's eyes widened in shock, but I just looked down at my feet. I could feel Godric's eyes burning into me. "Your secret was a vampire?" Jason asked incredulously.

Steve nodded. "Yes. We're going to burn it, and send it back to where it belongs," He said, then added mockingly, "With Satan."

My face whipped up when I heard a low growl. Godric's pale, muscular arm had shot out between the silver bars, grabbing Newlin around his skinny neck in the process. Steve had an angry frown on his face, but his eyes were clouded with fear.

"You make these comments, yet you have no strength to back them up," Godric stated calmly. "I can smell the fear on you."

By now Steve's face was almost purple from lack of oxygen. Godric let him go, and he crashed to the stone floor in an ungraceful heap. He quickly scrambled to his feet, and straightened out his suit, before speaking. "The Lord will rid all of you demons. Mark my words," He scoffed, before gesturing for Jason to follow him. He stalked up the stairs, Jason glancing at me worriedly before running after him.

Now it was just me and Gabe. The disgusting man turned to grin at me. "Well, darlin' wasn't that just fun?" He taunted mockingly. He beckoned at me with his finger. "Come 'ere."

I gulped, and shifted backwards. Whatever Gabe wanted me to come over to him for; I knew it couldn't have been good. Gabe's smile dropped into a frown. "Now, now. Don't be like that, girly," He warned. "You've got to obey me."

When I didn't, Gabe's frown turned into a nasty snarl. "That's it. I knew it – you're a fangbanger, aren't you?" He snarled. "Well, I've got to show your kind some discipline, don't I?"

With that, Gabe charged forward, ready to tackle me to the ground. I squeezed my eyes shut, too afraid to move – I was paralysed with fear. However, I felt a rush of wind whip at my face, causing a few dark strands of hair to flail wildly. When I opened my eyes, I was greeted by the sight of a familiar back.

"Keep your filthy hands off of her," Godric growled, and I noticed his strong hand gripping Gabe's shoulder, forcing the large man to kneel before him. Godric stared Gabe dead in the eye, and said, "You will not lay a finger on my Rose. Now, go back upstairs. None of this happened, understand?"

Gabe nodded, almost as if he were in a trance. Godric let go of him, and stepped back. By now, I was shaking with fright, so I curled my arms around his waist, and burrowed my head in his jumper. I listened to the sound of Gabe's feet trailing up the stairs.

When he was completely gone, Godric turned around, and crouched down, so he was eye-level with me. His hands cupped my cheeks, and stared long and hard into my eyes. "Are you alright now, Rosalie?"

I nodded slowly. Before I could stop it, a question popped out between my lips. "Godric. Why are you going to let them burn you?" I asked. He could easily escape, yet he stayed trapped. And so, I had come to one conclusion.

Godric wanted to burn.