We Are Shadows

Chapter 9

A/N  Hi all, sorry for the absence but I hope you will understand.  My father in law passed away in February so its been a difficult time to be able to write.  I don't know if I will be able to update on a regular basis yet but I have managed to write the next chapter for you.  Hope you enjoy it and thanks for being patient.  Take care.

Chapter 9

DPOV

What am I doing here? Why did I agree to this? What can I teach this novice except to get your charge killed? Memories of Ivan flooded back to me. 'Ivan, my friend, I'm so sorry. Everyday I'm sorry for not being there. You were my charge but most of all you were my childhood friend, my brother and I let you die at the hands of those soulless monsters.' I really shouldn't be here but you know Roman, when he has an idea he sees it through. Why is this novice so special anyway? Roman said that this novice had surpassed their instructors which from what I've heard about falling standards at other schools, doesn't surprise me but why did Roman want me? Couldn't another experienced guardian help? He knows how difficult it is for me to keep my unusual attributes under wraps; this could expose me.

Ever since my change at fifteen my family and friends have worked hard to keep it out of the ears of Moroi who would prod and poke me and treat me like a lab rat for who knows what purpose. Knowing them they would either be worried I was a new type of strigoi or try to find out how to make more like me; asking me and my family questions to see how I could be like this. Our lives would have been a living hell. After Ivan died two years ago I fell off the map not only because I am not fit to be a guardian but also I would have had to go through the allocations process again and that would have increased the risk of detection. Roman was one of the people who knew where I was and what I am hiding so why risk it all for a novice who could easily be taught by another. Hell even he could teach them.

However despite all of these objections and internal deliberations, here I am, back in the guardian's gym at St. Basil's waiting to meet this novice; whoever he is. Memories of this place flooded back to me.

Flashback

"That's quite a punch you have there, Dimitri" Guardian Roman Yanbayev said as he looked at the remnants of the dummy I had just accidentally demolished.

Damn I was in serious trouble now, being found in the guardian's gym at any time but especially at 2am and demolishing property wasn't something you could easily talk your way out of. Quick, think Dimitri, I need an explanation but nothing is coming to mind. Except the truth of course but Babushka told me to keep my own council.

"Have you always been this strong?" he asked. What? No demanding to know why I was in here. The look of confusion shone on my face. I still hadn't perfected that guardian stare yet. "We'll get to why you are in the guardian's gym in a minute" he added with a wry smile.

"It was an accident" I said pointing to the dummy. "I was seeing how hard I could punch and I went a little too far" I added in a rush.

"Calm yourself Dimitri" he said surprised. "You have never nervously rambled before. Is there something you want to tell me?"

What should I do? Could I tell him? It would be easier to hide if someone in authority knew, especially a senior guardian but the Head Guardian of St. Basil's: would he be duty bound to inform the moroi council of the secret I hold or at least the guardian council? From little bits I've overheard over the years, Guardian Yanbayev has no love for moroi bigotry or their political wranglings but can I trust him with this, in short, can I trust him with my life? Just then Guardian Yanbayev's phone rang.

"Yanbayev" he answered. "Really, put her through. Hello, yes he is here, hold please." He took the phone away from his ear and passed it to me. "It's for you" he said confused. I took the phone equally confused.