A/N
Hello! Rain here!
Firstly, Thank you guys for all the reviews! I'm glad you like it! Keep reviewing I love hearing what you guys think! Don't forget to please
pass the word long about this story! Lol!
Secondly, If you guys have any ideas and/or suggestions don't hesitate to Private Message me! I'd Love to hear them!
Thirdly, before you read this chapter. I'm sorry to all those Tasha fans! I personally hate Tasha, hence this being a Rose and Dimitri Story!
Fourthly, I'm working on another story at the same time as writing this one. So if the updates get less frequent then I'm sorry!
Fifthly, Another big shout out to Nicia for helping me edit this story! Thank you!
Lastly!
I hope you enjoy reading this story/chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Disclaimer - I do not own Vampire Academy or any of it's characters! I do own Guardian Aleksandr Frost that is mentioned in the last chapter along with
Guardian Jason Matthews and Guardian Glass that are mentioned in Chapter 1.
~*~Rain~*~
P.S. - This is the longest chapter yet! Over 6,000 words!
Previously On: Memories And A Wedding –
After breaking away, feeling a little breathless and giggly, I turned around and answered. "Does that answer your question?" Then I glared at the kid.
You could tell that not only did it answer the question but also confirm some of the rumors. Like I care.
~~**~~**~~**~~Rose's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
After that little stunt, it was so quiet I swear you could hear a pin drop, then after a moment, we were bombarded with questions:
'How long have you two been together?'
'I heard you two were together last year. Is that true?'
'How does it feel to kiss someone as hot as that?'
And many more similar questions. We just let them talk over each other till they noticed we weren't answering them.
"We will not answer these kinds of questions. Even if you were to bombard us with them, the answers are none of your business. We will, however, take questions either related to the demonstrations or to anything we've covered over the last two days."
No one spoke up.
I was just about to dismiss everyone when Lissa decided to ask a question.
"Guardian Belikov?" Lissa asked, she was sitting in the front row with the students.
"Yes?" Dimitri and I answered at the same time, causing the entire gym to erupt in laughter. We shared a look and then at the same time again said. "Was she talking to me or you?" That made everyone laugh even harder, including some of the Guardians.
"Princess," but before Dimitri could finish, Lissa glared at him as if daring him to call her that again. "Lissa, sorry, which of us are you wishing to speak to? Roza or me?" he asked.
"You, Guardian Belikov. Rose is Guardian Hathaway to me. Well that is till you guys get things finalized. Sorry that I didn't clarify to which one of you I was speaking to. Anyway, my question is what are your views on Moroi learning combat and defensive and/or offensive magic?" she asked.
"Do you really think this is the time and place to discuss this? Plus you know my views on it." Dimitri told her.
I interjected before he could think up another excuse. "No, answer the question, Comrade. It's a fair question and since we have some Moroi here and everyone is interested by the looks on their faces. Go ahead. I'd give my views but they would be my opinion and every opinion counts on a topic like this. But I'm not the one who was asked the question."
Sighing, Dimitri answered. "Mind you this you is my opinion. Moroi should have the choice. If they wish to learn then they shouldn't be denied that right. Plus, if they could defend themselves then I believe Guardian survival rates and the amount of Guardians there are would both go up. This would be due to the fact that our charges can defend themselves and/or help their Guardians. Like in the past where Moroi fought alongside their guardians. It was much safer and it was less likely that the guardians would be killed during the fight or forced to retire early due to injuries they received during the fight. It in turn would also help the Moroi who are not fortunate enough to have a Guardian. Another reason I'm for it is because if those Moroi are strong enough there would less Strigoi because they could take care of themselves and take out the Strigoi that is attacking them. All in all they won't be defenseless. Not that I'm promoting Moroi go out Strigoi hunting on their own or anything." Dimitri said to the Guardians, Lissa, and the students.
"And If you want my opinion," I said having the attention switched to me. "I would have to agree with Guardian Belikov completely on every point." I turned so I was facing the students. "So if you want to learn this then make sure you push for this. Maybe the Queen would listen to you. Like I said before, every opinion counts. If you Royal Moroi make a big enough commotion about this to your Prince or Princess, not to mention the Queen, they might see this as opportunity because it is a win/win situation." I told them.
"How is it a win/win situation?" A Moroi who looked about 15 spoke up. You could tell she was an Ozera by the hair and eyes. I was about to answer, but before I could Christian answered for me. I didn't even know he was here till he said something.
"It's a win/win for both the Moroi and the Dhampirs, because if in a fight a Strigoi was distracted for just second a Guardian could get the kill faster and easier, and they, both the Moroi and Guardian would be less likely to get hurt or killed. Plus, one second could mean the difference, as to whether the outcome be good or bad for the Guardian and Moroi." Christian said.
"And who are you?" the same kid said.
"I'm Christian Ozera." Christian said coming to stand by me. Glancing in his direction I saw him smirking.
Once he said who he was, the girl who asked me about Mason spoke up.
"You mean the same Christian Ozera who Guardian Belikov was talking about? Sorry, Guardian Hathaway, was talking about?" She asked.
"You told them about that?" He asked me.
"Yeah, sorry." I said looking away. "Remembering what happened to Mason is not something I like to think of. Even talking about it to them was not something I wanted to do but it was the best way to get my point across yesterday. Sorry."
"It's ok, Rose." He smiled down at me, before grabbing and hugging me for a moment. After he released me into Dimitri's arms, he turned around and addressed the crowd. "If you are talking about Spokane, then yes. That's also a perfect example of what we're trying to tell you. You want to know why?" No one spoke, so I'm guessing he took it as a yes. "Mason and the others went out looking for the Strigoi because we had somehow, I'm not telling you how, figured out that the Strigoi who were involved with the massacres were nearby. If those families knew how to defend themselves then maybe they would be here and still alive. Adults weren't the only people murdered; there were children in there too. Both Guardian Belikov and Rose, when she was going for her Qualifier, were the ones to find the Badica massacre, the first massacre." He told them.
"Christian, please. I don't want to remember that either." I was begging him to not mention that either. They knew something was wrong with me or I was serious if I called Christian by his name. "That's almost as bad as remembering Mason. Just please." I told them.
Not being able to stay there any longer I moved out of Dimitri's arms and left. Whether they were calling my name or not - I didn't care. And I didn't care where I went, all I knew was that I had to get away from there.
~~**~~**~~**~~Dimitri's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
As Christian kept talking, I tell that Roza had almost reached her breaking point. I was about to tell him to stop when Roza spoke.
"Christian, please. I don't want to remember that either." She begged him. I could hear the tears in her voice and it was breaking my heart to hear that. Not to mention she called Christian by his name and not by one of his nicknames. Looking down at her I could see the unshed tears and she looked pale and afraid. "That's almost as bad as remembering Mason. Just please." She finished by stepping out of my arms and heading for the doors.
"Rose!" Christian and Lissa called after her, at the same time as I called "Roza!".
I wanted to go after her but I had to finish up here first. But, before I did that, I turned around and glared at Christian.
Who backed away from me with his hands held up in surrender. "I didn't mean to do that! I'm sorry! I'll go find her! Please don't kill me!" He sounded terrified. But before he could do anything more, Lissa came up to him and smacked him across the back of his head. "Ow! Lissa!" His voice held a wounded tone as he turned to look at her.
I swear the phrase 'If looks could kill' ran through my mind, and if they could, he'd be dead and six feet under.
Without saying another word we just pointed at the doors, motioning for him to go after her.
~~**~~**~~**~~Christian's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
Right before I ran out the doors I saw Guardian Matthews standing by them. When I got over to him, I asked him. "Jason, can you help me find Rose? I said something I shouldn't have and I need to apologize to her." I begged him.
"Sure. Come on." He said before heading out the door.
~~**~~**~~**~~ Rose's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
Because I wasn't paying attention to where I was going, I ended up at the cabin. I didn't want to go in because I knew, it's most likely that Dimitri's looking for me, and this will be the first place he'll check. I decided to just walk around the cabin and keep going. I just wanted to think and be alone for awhile.
I didn't know how long I was walking for, I don't know, it could have been minutes or hours, but eventually I ended up outside the wards. And I didn't know how far outside the wards I was before I realized where I was.
I knew I was outside the wards because two things happened. One, I could tell the ghosts were trying to communicate with me. And two, I saw Tasha standing not ten feet in front of me. The ghosts I was expecting. But not Tasha. Why was she here and outside the wards? Strigoi hang out around the academies waiting for the wards to either weaken, or for people to wander out like I just did. But there was something different about her.
And I got my answer as soon as I thought it. Her skin was paler then normal and her eyes were ringed in red.
As soon as I realized that, I remembered I was only wearing workout clothes. Which consisted of a black sports bra, a black tank-top, and gray sweatpants that had "Portland" in white letters down one leg, along with my sneaker. And no silver stake or cell phone. I didn't even have the small emergency lighter that Dimitri always made me carry. Not to mention it being the middle of winter. God, I'm a fucking idiot!
I also forgot Dimitri's first rule: Don't Hesitate. Oh. Shit!
"Tasha. What happened? Why?" I asked her trying to stall her as I inched back towards the wards and the school.
By now everyone has got to be worried about me. Did I mention having no phone?
"Well, Rose, if you want to know why then…" Tasha said taking one small step after another towards me. "You're just going to have to figure that out on your own. Well, that's what I'd say if you were going to live long enough to figure it out. But since you're going to die in a second then I'll just tell you. You took Dimitri from me, you tramp!" She yelled and before I could even blink she was in front of me with her hand on my throat.
My struggles had no effect on her. She'd trained in the martial arts for years before she'd turned; and now with the added strength and speed that she'd gained by becoming one of the undead, she definitely had the upper hand.
She tossed me to the side like I was a rag doll, and I landed back first against a thick tree that was nearby, somehow managing to slam my head against it as well. I couldn't help but scream in pain.
"I could have given him everything!" She yelled grabbing me, then slamming me again into the same tree. "I could have given him a family and a home! Everything!" As I was slammed against the tree for a third time, I screamed in pain again. "But don't worry, once you're out of the picture, I'll just awaken him. Then we can be together forever. That's why I turned willingly." She finished keeping me pinned to the tree.
~~**~~**~~**~~Dimitri's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
It's been three hours since Rose ran out of the gym and I'm getting really worried. No one can find her and she's not answering her phone. I know for a fact that she doesn't have her stake with her, and if she doesn't have her stake then I'm willing to bet that she won't have the lighter I gave her.
As soon as Christian and Jason met up with me at the meeting spot, which was the cabin, I heard something that sounded like my Roza screaming in pain.
I stopped what I about to say and snapped my head up towards the wards. Noticing the shift in attention, they both went on the alert.
Getting my stake out just in case, I ran as silently as I could towards the sound with both of them following me.
~~**~~**~~**~~ Rose's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
I was getting sick of this and not mention it hurt like hell. I shouldn't have run out of the gym like that or wandered around too stuck in my thoughts to pay attention to where I was going.
After letting go of me and letting me slide to the ground, she kicked me in the ribs hard. She had her fist cocked back, ready to punch me when I heard something coming from my left. Looking around I saw Christian, Dimitri, and Jason coming to my rescue.
With my eyes I begged them to wait a second.
At the last second, I ducked and rolled out of the way and ran toward the others, ignoring the pain that shot out through my body. I didn't stop running till I was wrapped up safely in Dimitri's arms.
"Aunt Tasha, is that you? Why? When? Why would you attack Rose?" Christian asked in disbelief, once I was safe in Dimitri's arms. Looking at him for a second out of the corner of my eye, I saw his shocked expression.
I turned around in Dimitri's arms, not feeling safe with Tasha there and my back turned towards her. I wanted to be anywhere but here right now. The blows I took to the head are starting to affect me since my adrenaline is starting to wear off.
God, I'm tired. I thought. As soon as that thought passed through my head, my body started to sag. But before I could hit the ground Dimitri caught me.
"Roza! Are you alright?" Dimitri asked frantically. He picked me up gently so I was in his arms and cradling against his chest.
"I know why she attacked me." I said not answering him. I had to tell them this before I pass out, if I pass out, which is a big possibility at this point.
As soon as I said that Dimitri focused his attention on what I was saying. Christian and Jason glancing at me, but didn't take their eyes off Tasha completely, and like them I never took my eyes off of her either. "She attacked me because she thinks I stole you, Dimitri, from her and she wants me out of the picture. That's also why she turned willingly. So she could turn you as well. As to when I have no idea." Black spots danced across my vision.
I was getting more and more tired as the seconds flew by.
I was about to fall asleep when I jolted awake by Dimitri.
~~**~~**~~**~~Dimitri's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
"Don't go to sleep, Roza. Not until we get back to the academy and get you checked out." I said and she nodded her head, whimpering from the pain caused by the action. Turning my attention back to Tasha, I said. "I would never go with you ever, Tasha. Roza is my heart, my life, my soul. If you ever touch her again I swear to God, you will pay. Either way, since you turned I'm going to do what my friend would have wanted, and set your soul free. However, if you touch any of us I will make it slow and painful." I threatened her.
"Very well, Dimka. I guess I'll just have to end your lives together! If I can't have you then no one can have you!" Tasha said as she ran towards us.
But before she got too close, there was a wall of fire circling us, preventing her from getting any closer.
"Christian. Be a good boy and lower the wall of fire. I'll even awaken you and Lissa and we can be happy together. Just the four of us together forever." Tasha said in a voice that was way too sweet.
"No, Aunt Tasha. I'm not going to, because if I do you'll try to turn or kill Dimitri and me, not to mention kill Rose. Rose who is like a sister to me. And, I'd never allow you near Lissa and our baby." Christian said not taking his eyes off his Aunt.
"Oh, congratulations, Christian. You sure? I can awaken you now and wait for her later, then we do what your parents failed to do and turn your child when he or she is older. No? Very well. But this won't be the last time you see me. Any of you. I will awaken you three and kill Her." With that last threat, Tasha disappeared.
"Let go guys, we got Rose. I can keep the fire up till we get to the wards." Christian said.
Nodding, Christian led the way back to the school, I followed with Jason taking up the rear.
We were about half way back when Roza started to whimper in pain again and we had to stop for a minute to check on her. "Roza stay with me don't fall asleep on me. Talk to me, Roza." I said shaking her. She whimpered in pain again as her response. "Look at me, Roza." Her eye lids were dropping farther and farther down and at this point they were almost closed.
She was in pretty bad shape. She had least one or two broken ribs, maybe more. And her head was bleeding, so she might have a concussion. I hope not, but I will feel better when we get back to the academy clinic and she gets checked out.
Picking her up again I turned to Jason. "Jason, can you call the Alberta and tell her that we found her and what happened. And to meet us at the cabin. But tell her that Lissa is not to come near Rose right now because I don't think Rose can handle the darkness right now from Lissa healing her. And Rose wouldn't want that, even if I want Rose to be healed. And tell her that she can call off the search."
With a nod he took out his cell and called Alberta.
Fifteen minutes later we arrived to the cabin, finding Alberta, Janine, Dr. Olendzki and a Moroi I know all too well, waiting for us.
"Alberta! Janine! Marie! Abe!" I called.
Hearing me they turned to see me carrying Roza and rushed over.
"Is she alright?" Janine asked frantically. Worried about her only daughter's safety and well being.
"I don't know. She ran into Tasha Ozera and had to fight her without her stake. I think she might have some broken ribs and maybe a concussion." I told them looking down I saw that Roza's eyes were closed. "Crap. Roza wake up! Marie help!" I yelled at her.
"What do you mean by 'She ran into Tasha Ozera and had to fight her without her stake?'" Alberta asked.
We were almost to the clinic at this point.
"I mean that Tasha Ozera willingly turned. She wanted to kill Roza, she tried, failed, and still wants to, and she wants to turn me, Christian and Lissa more. She had Roza pinned to a tree by the throat, she let go and was about to punch her when we arrived. But at the last second Roza dodged and ran to us. And when I said without her stake, was because she ran out of the gym with just what's on her. No phone and no stake." I told them reaching the clinic.
"You never did tell me why she ran off like that." Albert said ten minutes later, stopping her pacing to turn and face me. So did Abe and Janine.
"It was my fault." Christian said looking guilty at them, when they turned looking at him they looked confused. "I kept going on and on in the gym when they were at the end of the last demonstration; about Spokane and the Moroi Massacres, the Badica one that she and Dimitri here walked in and found, that happened last year when she went for her Qualifier. She couldn't handle the memories and ran out. Jason, here, and I ran after her but by the time we got out of the gym, we couldn't find her. We searched everywhere, but when Dimitri and Lissa asked where she was and we didn't know. So we told you, you know what happened from there." Christian told them looking even guiltier.
Just then Marie came out and told us that she is fine, and said that she has a Mild concussion. That none of ribs were broken just badly bruised. And that we could see her and that she should wake up soon. When she woke up she could go but was to take it easy for a couple days.
We were in with Roza for ten minutes when Lissa came running in.
"Rose!" Lissa screamed looking around the room, her eyes landed on me. "Dimitri, how could you stop me from seeing her? She's my best friend! My sister!" She yelled at me walking over to the bed. But before anyone could stop her, she healed Rose.
"Lissa! The baby! You should use your magic right now!" Christian scolded her.
"The baby is fine! And I'm not talking to you right now, Christian! This is all your fault! If you just kept your mouth shut then, she wouldn't be like this!" She yelled back him.
"Liss, It's not his fault. I wasn't pay attention to where I was going, and I didn't realize I was outside the wards till it was too late. And can you keep it down, Lissa? I like hearing things. Hearing is good." I felt relief wash over me when I heard her voice. Looking at her she was awake now.
"Roza!" I breathed hugging her gently.
"Hey, Comrade. Sorry for scaring you like that." She said with a small smile on her lips.
I didn't care that there were other people in the room. If they like what I was going to do then they can deal with it.
I lent in and kissed her, stopping whatever she was about to say. I threaded my fingers in her silky hair, deepening the kiss. I felt her hands go
up and into my hair deepening the kiss even farther.
~~**~~**~~**~~ Rose's Point Of View~~**~~**~~**~~
As I slept all the events from today kept going through my mind over and over again, as if on repeat.
When I did finally start to wake up, it was to the sound of Lissa yelling at someone. I just hope it wasn't Dimitri.
Without even opening my eyes I knew that Dimitri was the one holding my right hand; because he is the only person in the world that can send a electric shock through my body.
Opening my eyes a little too bright lights. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I squinted to see Lissa yelling at Christian about what had happened. Everyone had their attention at her, trying to calm her down.
Opening my eye a little more so they tell I'm awake. I succeeded in their getting their attention when I said. "Liss, It's not his fault. I wasn't pay attention to where I was going, and I didn't realize I was outside the wards till it was too late. And can you keep it down, Lissa? I like hearing things. Hearing is good." Trying to lighten the mood a little with a joke at the end of that. It worked a little.
"Roza!" Dimitri said only a little louder than a whisper and hugging me gently.
"Hey, Comrade. Sorry for scaring you like that." I apologized with a small smile on my lips. But before I could get anything else out, Dimitri's lips were on mine.
As soon as his lips touched mine, that electric shock I get from whenever we touch or kiss, shot through me. I loved that about him. He was the only person that could do that to me.
Soon after I felt his hands thread themselves in my hair deepening the kiss. So, in return, I let my hands thread themselves through his silky hair. Deepening the kiss even farther. I was distantly aware of people clearing their throats. I didn't care.
A little breathless, we both pulled back, our eyes never leaving the others as we tried to catch our breath.
"If you two are done, can we get back to business." After clearing their throat again, I heard someone familiar say from my right. Looking behind Dimitri, I saw my mom. I could see the relief if her face, she tried to put up her Guardian Mask but only half succeeded in doing so.
Of course me being me had to answer her in true Rose Hathaway style. "Nice to see you too, Mom."
"Roza, be nice." Dimitri scolded me.
"Comrade, you should know by now that I'm not nice." I said kissing him again.
"Well, I beg to differ. Your very nice." Dimitri muttered under his breath almost as if didn't want me to heard him, before he started to lean back.
But before he could I said. "Well, then, you can show me later." I whispered to him and giving him my best man-eating smile. Making his cheeks turn pale pink. Embarrassed that I heard him.
Pulling back, I couldn't help but notice the Moroi who was standing a little too close to my mother. And I know for a fact that he wasn't my mother's charge.
He had black hair, a little darker than my own, and a goatee; and was little tanner than Moroi normally were, as if he came from some Middle East country. His clothes screamed money. He wore a long dark coat, which alone must have cost a ton, which was paired with a cashmere crimson scarf. There was a single gold hoop earring in his left ear. The way he stood and looked screamed dangerous. But it was his face that got me. It was as if he was worried about something, but he hid it very well for the most part.
Bringing my thoughts back to other things Alberta brought us back to business.
"Rose, can you tell us what exactly happened between you and Tasha. Dimitri filled us in to an extent, but he still didn't know much." She asked.
So I did.
I recapped from wandering off from the cabin, which wasn't too much more than they already knew. But what they didn't know stunned them into silence.
After I finished the silence got a little too uncomfortable.
"So when can I leave?" I asked to ease the tension that had built up in the room, causing laughter from Dimitri, Lissa, Christian and Alberta. They all knew just how much I hated it here and were just waiting for me to ask the question.
"You can go whenever you like." A voice from the doorway said.
Turning my head I saw Dr. Olendzki observing me and smiling.
"Long time no see, Dr. Olendzki." I said to her with a smirk.
"Marie. You can call me Marie now that you're a Guardian, Rose. How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Fine. I just want to get the hell out of here. You know how much I hated it here." I said making everyone laugh again.
"You should be more than fine. Now that the Princess healed you." Dimitri said as if he was throwing Lissa to the wolves, which in a way, he was.
But I wasn't going to deal with it right now.
Looking down, I noticed I was still in my workout clothes. "Okay. Well it was nice talking to you, but we should be getting out of here." I hopped off the bed.
About thirty minutes later we all, except Janine, the Moroi who following her and Alberta, somehow ended up in Lissa's Guest room.
We were just talking, laughing, and joking around. The entire time Dimitri was off in his own little world. I figured that he would tell me whatever was on his own when he was ready. Eventually, my curiosity overwhelmed my patience - it got to the point where I got up from the spot next to him on the couch and sat on his lap straddling him.
Placing my forehead against his, I looked him in the eye and asked. "What is the matter? You've been like this for a while now. Don't think I didn't notice earlier when you were finished with your phone call before Christian started to open his flap in the gym. Tell me, you're worrying me." I leant in and pressed a quick kiss to his lips, hoping it conveyed my silent message: It's okay to tell me. I'm here. No matter what you need.
With a sigh he told us what happened to his sister.
After a moment, I asked. "Do you want to go? And do you want me to go with you? Because if you do then I would gladly go with you. Even if that means taking time off from guarding Lissa."
"Why don't we all go?" Lissa suggested. "That way neither of you have to take time off, really. I can take care of the expenses, I don't mind."
We nodded and she immediately pulled out her phone to start making arrangements.
Three hours later Dimitri, myself, Lissa and Christian were on a private plane heading for Russia.
About twenty minutes after takeoff I headed over to where Lissa was sitting with Christian.
When I got over there they both looked up.
"Sparky beat it. I want to talk to Lissa." I had a smirk on my face and my hand on my hip.
"Or what?" He challenged.
"Or I'll make you." I said glaring my best glare at him.
With a glower at me and me just rolling my eyes, he got up, but before he left he did something he doesn't do very often.
When he got up he hugged me and said. "I'm sorry for earlier. I forgot and I didn't mean to appear rude or uncaring like that."
I was shocked. I was speechless for a second. "It's ok, Sparky. Nothing to apologize for."
After he left, I sat down with Lissa.
"You've been blocking me for the last couple of days. You can tell me. What's up?" I asked trying to get past the block in the bond.
"Well… Christian kind of told the others without realizing it, earlier when we waiting for you to wake up…" She took a deep breath. "But… I'm pregnant." As she said this she took the block out of the bond opened it up.
"Really, Lissa? Wow. Congrats! I'm going to be an aunt! I'm so happy for you!" A huge grin took over my face as I spoke. Wow. Not to mention my job just got harder.
After talking some more, I headed back to Dimitri. As soon as I sat down in his lap, I realized just how tired I was. Resting my head against his strong chest, I soon fell into a dreamless sleep.