Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Academy or anything surrounding it (but I do own this plot :D)

RPOV

The Academy took its time finding its feet. Understandable, really, given that we had just underwent what was perhaps its biggest Strigoi attack in the history of St. Vlad's, but this was apparently unacceptable to our lord and master, Tatiana Ivashkov. Unsurprisingly, word had reached her of the attack and after the suitable degree of concern was given, she was quick to interject her 'help'.

Which included, as it turned out, firing Kirova.

Yeah, you heard right - Kirova was out. Well, not entirely out. She had called an assembly of the entire school and delivered the news that she would be stepping down from the position of headmistress for an 'overdue return to teaching'. She managed to make the whole thing sound remarkably voluntary, but everyone knew she was lying. Well, Lissa knew she was lying and whether it was the bond or my own mundane abilities to read character, I also suspected that a forceful removal was at work and was surprised when I had to explain my reasoning to Eddie on the way out of the hall.

Of course, Kirova's replacement did not come from inside the Academy, much to the chagrin of many a long-serving teacher looking to capitalize on, voluntary or not, Kirova's departure. It actually provided a pretty decent source of entertainment for particularly Christian and me as we watched as many teachers scooted towards the front of their seats in anticipation only to be shot down by the swift introduction of Kirova's replacement. Eugene Lazar was his name: though, of course, we were introduced to him as 'Mr Lazar' and it was only later on, and after a bit of unauthorised digging, that we learned of his first name. He was a tall man, early fifties perhaps so the former Moroi-sleekness had grown a little stout over the years. He had a voice that bellowed even as he spoke normally which was both in equal part fascinating and terrifying, such that it made me jump every time he started a new sentence. But these were all minor additions to his character: the most important one was, of course, that he was royal. A royal spy from the royal Queen to appease the royal morons who had been emailing in and, in some cases, turning up to take their children away because St. Vladimir's was simply no long safe. This was ridiculous, in my opinion: made even more so by the fact that a few brave guardians actually went back to the cave during daylight hours to survey any potential hazards that still lingered. Upon finding none, they returned and informed everyone, but even this did not quell the palpitant parents of St. Vlad's.

In any case, I was happy for the distraction.

My mom had returned to active duty a couple of days after the attack, which had taken some of the pressure away. However, Alberta was true to her word and I was being followed around by one Guardian Killian O'Hara, or 'Hazza' as I had taken to calling him, full of the knowledge that it pissed him off. Perhaps it was a little mean as he was nice enough, especially to look at. He was no Dimitri Belikov, not by a long shot, but Killian O'Hara had some good points rocking for him: in his mid-twenties, around 6"2", well built with brown hair, highlighted by red flecks, that curled nicely on the top of his head and extended down into a controlled stubble which lined the contour of his jaw and framed his lips. He also had muted green eyes which told me one of his parents was probably an Ivashkov, but the Irish accent told me he probably grew up with the other one. And he was pleasant, funny almost. There was no pretence of fear and stoicism, just quite a friendly guy. Clearly what had happened was Alberta had put forward the notion of my supervision and every other guardian in the room just point-blank refused. Killian, in his good nature, took one for the team and was attempting to make the best of the situation for the both of us and I appreciated that, even if I didn't show it.

"Whoah, mate! I don't think you really have to follow me in here…" I said, approaching the girl's toilets.

He hesitated. "Not voluntarily…" he said, eyeing the door before him.

I stared at him, dumbfounded. "You're kidding."

He grimaced. "I wish I was."

I sighed and stepped forward. "Listen, I'm just going to pee - I promise I won't get in any Strigoi-killing situations where I could disobey orders and get you in trouble." He hesitated again and I groaned. "Oh, would you just decide - I really need to pee."

"Alright, calm down! I'll stay here."

"Thanking you," I said, pushing the door open and grinning at my victory, but grimacing at how long it had taken: the resulting facial contortion was enough for Lissa to frown and comment.

"Are you alright?"

"Fine, Guardian Leprechaun out there took his time deciding whether or not he was joining us."

She scrunched up her nose. "Really?"

"Really," I said, heading towards one of the cubicles. Lissa shot me a funny look. "What? I do actually need to pee."

She laughed and rolled her eyes. I entered the cubicle and closed the door as she spoke again. "How are you coping?"

I sighed, leaning my head against the cubicle side. "Okay, all things considered. I mean, Hazza's not that bad, but I am not enjoying having someone follow me around all day."

"No, I can't imagine you are. Does he really follow you everywhere?"

I flushed and opened the door. "Everywhere," I affirmed. "Thankfully, I get to sleep by myself."

She laughed. "Yeah, I think he would be breaching a few laws if he came in then."

A cold shudder ran down my back as the harsh reality of those words sank in. I shook them off, unwilling to dwell on the legal implications of Dimitri and I's night together in fear of tainting one of my most treasured moments with him. And so, I adopted a policy of ignorance and decided to change the subject. "Hey, enough about me, how are you coping with Tatiana breathing down your back?" I said as I dried my sopping hands on my shirt.

She huffed, clearly as thrilled by the subject as I was. In all honesty, compared to Tatiana's attempts at pushing Lissa into 'polite' society by dictating her every move, I was actually glad to have Killian the one following me around instead of the bloody Queen. "I'm honestly losing the plot with her," she muttered, scowling at the thought.

"Haha," I chuckled, "It's what you get when you make a deal with the Devil."

Lissa's face softened and she looked over at me with no little amusement. "That is exactly what Christian said."

I shrugged. "Well, clearly Pyro knows what he is talking about."

She sighed again. "You know, she had me visiting Court last week just so she could introduce me to some pompous officials."

I smiled. "Yeah, you may have already mentioned that one…"

She groaned. "See! I've been ranting so much I can't even keep track of who I've ranted at!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. "I'm sorry, I realise you probably don't want to hear all this…" she said, flopping herself against the tiled wall.

I shook my head, waving her off. "No, rant away." I was quite glad for the distraction.

She smiled. "Thanks, but I fear that if I keep going, it'll be all I'll do," she said before something else flashed in her eyes. "Oh, have you met Avery yet?"

Ah, Avery Lazar: the beautiful, if a little spoilt, daughter to our new headmaster. She had arrived at the same time as he did and seemed to be a permanent resident, despite having already graduated. Needless to say, there was suspicion in the air. "Your forced companion?" I asked, managing to keep a straight face.

Lissa scowled but didn't deny it. From the bond, I knew that Lissa had suspected Tatiana of sending Avery to be a sort of 'keeper' to her from the moment they were introduced. Though her natural kindness and politeness kept her from any actual discrediting. Avery had been, apparently, nothing but nice to Lissa, in spite of the ulterior motives which were suspected behind her befriending. Whilst it was off to a rocky start, Lissa's tune began to change when she tapped into her empathy and realised a level of pain behind Avery's eyes. While they were not quite braiding each other's hair, Lissa was considering that perhaps she should not be outright avoiding her.

I, on the other hand, was not convinced.

"Don't be mean about her, Rose," Lissa chastised. "She probably had about the same amount of choice as I do."

"Such is the nature of regality," I said with a lick of bitterness.

"Quite," she replied, steadily and calmly. "We all have our battles."

"That we do, and I have one right now," I said, pointing towards the door.

Lissa frowned before widening her eyes and looking towards me. "Please don't tell me you have a lesson now."

I grinned. "Yup."

She sighed. "Unbelievable."

"Come on, Liss - is it really that surprising? Besides, it's only Stan." I said.

She scowled. "That doesn't make a difference."

"Sure it does. Besides, I thought you'd be glad to have a conversation free from Big Brother." I nodded towards the door.

"I thought you said he wasn't that bad…?" she teased.

"I lied," I said, teasing back.

She laughed and shook her head. "Well as happy as I am to see you, you need to get to the lesson. I do not want to give anyone any more reason to expel you," she said.

"I thank you for your concern," I said with a mock bow.

She laughed before her features turned sombre. There was a question in her mind, of that I knew, but she hesitated over voicing it, which was enough to give it away. I sighed and shook my head. "I don't know how he is."

"Sorry, I didn't want to-"

"I know," I said, a small smile curving on my lips. "I think I might go visit him though. That is if I can convince Hazza to let me go."

Lissa put a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "You said it yourself, he is not unreasonable." I nodded, but my mood was still a bit down. Thinking of Dimitri was something I both never and always wanted to do. It was exhausting the emotional turmoil that came with it, yet still, my heart yearned. I knew that Lissa was still in the dark about my true feelings and I honestly wished I could tell her, but even then she remained a figurative crutch, even with her ignorance. As was evident in that moment when she noted my somewhat dire mood and decided to lift me out of it. "You know, Guardian O'Hara may be more inclined to listen to you if you did as you were supposed to…" she said trailing off.

I smiled and flicked my eyes back to her. "Is this your way of kicking me out? This is a communal space, I'll have you know! You have no power in here!"

She rolled her eyes and laughed. "No, this is my way of keeping you out of trouble. Now go. Shoo!" she said, pushing me to the door.

I laughed. "Of course, your majesty."

She gave me a playful glare. "I am going to slap you if you are not careful…" she threatened.

Her sheer attempt at threatening me was enough to make me smile. "No, you won't."

"Just go," she said, notably not denying it.

I laughed and pushed through the door. Killian was still standing there, his arms crossed. "What?" I asked, feigning innocence.

"Just needed to pee, huh?" he said, falling into step with me. "That was a very long pee."

"What, were you timing? Because that is just creepy."

"No," he said simply. "But I did place a listening device in your pocket."

I nearly jumped out of my skin. "You what!?" I said, halting.

A wide grin appeared across his features at my reaction. "Just kidding."

I scowled. "Not funny, Hazza."

He shrugged. "I thought it was." He said as we fell back into step. "How is the Princess doing?"

I sent him a look. "This is you convincing me you weren't listening in?"

"No, just deducing," he said, looking back to where Lissa not-so-subtly left the toilet. "Don't worry, I won't say anything," he added, picking up on my expression.

"Gee, thanks," I muttered before adding. "Oh, and she is fine."

He smiled and we walked the rest of the way in silence.

Stan wasn't happy when I walked in forty-five minutes late to his lesson. He glared first at me and then at Killian who just shrugged and gave Stan a knowing look. Stan nodded, rolling his eyes, before continuing with the lesson. How had he…? I stared at the pair in amazement. Killian's display was almost impressive to watch: he was a first-rate actor. I realised that maybe I could perhaps pick up some tips from him on how to get myself out of trouble, or at least how to get myself out of detention, which was where I found myself after the lesson had finished. It was the last one of the night, as well, which meant I was even more grumpy and intolerant of Stan's particular brand of chastisement than usual.

Since the attack, I had noticed a change in Stan's approach to me. He was still his usual dickish self, but there was a certain hesitancy in the man which was not there previously; It had grown since Spokane and escalated during the caves. If I didn't know any better, I would say that he was almost concerned for me, but my years of knowing the man told me that this was definitely not the case.

When I finally managed to escape his classroom, it was well into the night. Moroi and dhampir alike were done with their business and were slowly heading towards either bed or late-night gatherings. This meant that the halls were relatively quiet, abandoned almost, and that Killian and I were pretty much on our own. With no one around, I decided that now would be a pretty good time to broach the subject of my dear comrade.

"So…" I began.

There was a pause before I got his inquiring reply. "So?"

I cleared my throat and went on. "When it says 'limited recreational pursuits', what does that exactly entail…?" I said.

Killian looked over at me with a frown, scanning my features and trying to determine where I was going with this. "I should think the meaning pretty clear."

"For argument's sake, let's say it's not."

"Okay…" he said slowly, "It's a definite no to private parties and off-campus outings. Chats and gatherings are fine, but I must be present or at least in the vicinity," he said, his reference to the toilet conversation not lost on me at all. "But other than that...I'm not really sure what you are asking me, Rose," he admitted.

I sighed. "Hypothetically, would a visit to, say, a hospital count within the agreed terms of 'limited recreational pursuits'." I growing nervousness began developing in my stomach.

Revelation suddenly filled his countenance. He considered for a moment and my nervousness grew but was put at slight ease when I saw him smile. "I did not see any mention of that being not okay if you did want to go to a hospital. Hypothetically or otherwise," he said.

I could have honestly hugged him. "Seriously?"

He nodded. "I don't see the harm. But only if you remain on top form until then," he said, seizing upon the opportunity presented to him and giving me an ultimatum.

It didn't matter. I was pretty sure he could've asked me to run around naked and I would have done it to see Dimitri. But I elected to keep my thrill to myself and played it off coolly. "Thank you. You know, you ain't bad, Hazza."

He shook his head but was smiling. "Likewise, Rozza."

Rozza.

Roza.

A cold chill ran through my body and all former glee evaporated. Killian did a double take as I halted, stopping beside me and inquiring about my wellbeing. "Oh, hey, you okay?"

"Please don't call me that…" my voice came out shaky and unsure.

Killian did not bother to hide his surprise, or his concern given the abrupt change in my tone. If we had not been interrupted at that moment, I was sure he was going to press the issue. As it was, however, he was denied his explanation by the sound of raised voices.

It was interesting to note the differences in our approach to the situation: Killian's first instinct was to turn away and leave whoever it was in peace, whereas I went straight in to find out what was going on. He did try and pull me back, but I waved him off and he relented with a slight sigh, pressing himself to the wall beside me and peering over to see what was going on.

The voice I could have determined a mile away: it was Mr Lazar with his distinct and incomparable bellow. He was arguing with a young girl about my age; a Moroi and a beautiful one at that. That fact and the fact that I could see the similarities in the facial structure told me that this was Avery Lazar. And her whole demeanour told me that she was not happy.

"Oh, come on! It was just one drink!"

"That is not the point." Her father snapped. "I will not have you discredit this family any more than you already have."

"If you're so worried, why not send me back to Court: get me out of this hell!" she countered.

"Oh, absolutely not." He laughed mirthlessly. "You are not being let out of my sight after the stunt you pulled."

"And so, you'll keep me locked up? Ha! I'd like to see you try." she spat.

He sneered. "Do not tempt me, girl," he warned.

Avery's features darkened as she glared back. "You couldn't keep mom here. She ran all the way to Switzerland to get away from you..." she said with a leer.

Mr. Lazar flinched a little before his rage grew. I could see his hands tremble and his muscles tense to the point where even I was a little perturbed by him. Though, managed to calm himself enough with a shaky breath to diffuse the situation before it escalated. "Get out of my sight," he said, snatching the bottle that Avery held in her hand and walking away towards his office.

I felt a shudder run through me. And I thought my parental relationship was bad… I think I may have just witnessed the mother-load of familial drama and one that certainly put my petty grievances to shame. Avery, for her part, lingered for a moment longer before huffing and striding off down another corridor. I suddenly felt very bad for the poor girl and even a little guilty over my comments from earlier in the day. Perhaps I had misjudged her?

I waited until the coast was completely clear before emerging, Killian in tow and looking less than impressed. "Is this your idea of 'top form'?" he asked.

I shot him a challenging look. "Hey, would you have just turned away if he had started hitting her?"

"Of course not," he said, "but he did not."

"He could have. Man, if that is how he treats his daughter, I dread to think what this school is in for…" I said.

"Mmmm." Killian hummed, but I doubted he even realised he did as his eyes seemed trained on his thoughts.

I decided to pick him up on it. "Mmmm, indeed."

He looked a little flustered to have vocalised that but was quick to recover. "Right, well, we should be heading off. Guardian Jackson is guarding you this evening and she will be there already."

I sighed but followed nonetheless. "Is this really necessary? I mean, even you must admit it is a little over the top."

I expected him to agree, and so was rather shocked to discover I was mistaken. "Rose, if that is how you are thinking, I really don't think you realise the weight of what you did."

"I saved Dimitri," I said flatly, feeling that that particular point had been unfairly overlooked.

"Yes, but you disobeyed a direct order to do so. You were lucky that no one was hurt running back after you." He said.

I sighed. "I know."

"I don't think you do," he replied.

I shot my head up, surprised and a little hurt. "You what?"

He shook his head. "I don't mean to offend you, Rose, but from the way you have been acting, I really don't think the magnitude of your actions has sunk in yet."

"What's that supposed to mean!?" I said, stopping and placing my hands on my hips.

He stopped too and turned to face me. "I mean you are finding loopholes in this arrangement and pressing on the boundaries, rather than accepting it for the punishment that it is. I allow it because, of course, it is alright to have a conversation with your best friend without me listening in, but, Rose, you need to understand why you are being punished, otherwise there is no point in it all," he said. His tone was not patronising, rather kind, but it held an authoritative, an almost fatherly, quality embedded within the Irish lilt.

I would have been angry with him if he was not so right. But I was not about to give him the satisfaction of acknowledgement. "I saved a life and at the cost of no more. Don't tell me you wouldn't disobey a direct order to save another life."

He continued to look at me sympathetically. "Did you know, for absolute certain, you would save him without losing either yours or someone else's life?"

I crossed my arms over my chest. "No, but can you ever?"

"It is a matter of probability and in this instance; the odds were very much against you."

I dropped my head down as I began to ponder on his words. "I couldn't let him die, Killian," I said, addressing him by his actual name. "Not without trying. I couldn't live with myself if I didn't try."

He nodded. "You respect him greatly." Oh, I cared for him a lot more than that… "Tell me, what would Guardian Belikov say in this situation?"

I sighed but found I was smiling. Dimitri would be in full-out Zen mode right now, saying exactly what Killian was but in a far more universal and, yes I daresay pretentious way. I shook my head at the thought of my comrade's Russian lilt instead of Killian's Irish; his smile, his eyes, his everything. Good God did I want him back. I returned my gaze to Killian, realising I hadn't actually given him a reply, but the look on his face told me that he had his answer. "Low blow, leprechaun," I said.

He chuckled. "Leprechaun, is it now?"

I shrugged and continued walking. "You are wearing green." I pointed out, nodding to his dark forest green duffle coat that he wore over his uniform when it was cold.

He looked down and shook his head, making a point of putting his hands in his pockets. "Was Guardian Belikov subject to this level of mockery?" A wide grin covered my face as I thought back to all the comments I had made at his expense. Killian laughed. "I'll take that as a yes."

A question formed in my mind and I glanced over at Killian to ask it. "Did you know Dimitri?"

Killian shook his head. "Knew of Guardian Belikov, yes, but I did not know him personally. I had seen him around, but there are quite a few of us here, so we didn't really talk at all."

"Huh," I said. I just assumed that Dimitri knew everyone, especially after the whole 'Art' situation, but maybe there was a limit and I had found it.

Killian gave me a funny look at my comment but elected not to develop it.

We rounded the corner up to my floor as I tentatively inquired again. "So, are we still on for the hospital visit…?"

I could see the corners of his lips curve upward, but he remained moderately neutral. "It is still a yes, but," he said, noting the look on my face, "top form, Hathaway."

I nodded. "Yes, Guardian O'Hara," I said.

He smiled fully and nodded. "Good. That means four o'clock sharp tomorrow."

I groaned inwardly but nodded all the same. Since Dimitri was a little incapacitated, what with being in a coma and all, Killian had been given the delightful task of carrying on my training. He was actually pretty good and followed a slightly gentler regime which I was most certainly not complaining about.

We caught sight of Guardian Jackson: a tall woman in her thirties, with her auburn hair scraped into a tight bun and the classic guardian expression. She exchanged a nod with Killian who nodded back. I rolled my eyes and went into my room, waving Killian goodbye. Closing the door, I examined the room, surveying the surroundings that had been left untouched since I had woken up. I kicked off my shoes and flopped onto the bed, not even bothering to take any of my other clothes off and change into something more sensible. I was honestly ready to fall asleep there and then when a cold chill ran down my back. I lifted my head like a curious meerkat and pushed myself up so I was sitting on the bed, resting against my hand. The chill remained and I looked around the room when a ghostly apparition fluttered in front of me, shifting around manically. I narrowed my eyes and focused harder and the apparition became clearer.

It was Mason. But more than that: he was in pain.