Anna laughed a little, "If you want to be introduced to the gang come on over... but yeah. This time of year breakfast and lunch are supposed to be considered free time till the tests... guess that got a switch up this morning though. I doubt it's a permanent change, probably just something they did in response to the Strigoi attack."

She walked with Basil towards the lunch room and was just past Gunner when several Guardians seemed to come out of no where... and it wasn't just at them either. Down the hall another group was being attacked. Anna was beside Basil and as the first reached for the Moroi girl, Anna strong armed his reaching arm away before he could grab her. "Basil, against the wall!" She backed the Moroi back against the wall so that the 'Strigoi' couldn't get behind them. She didn't have time to see what Gunner was doing but she knew he was being attacked too because she could hear sounds of a fight on either side of her... down the hall and right next to her.

As she'd backed away, she'd fended off attacks and then kicked outwards... feeling guilty as the 'Strigoi' Guardain's knee buckled and gave and she brought her own knee up into his chin as he fell, dazing him before she leapt onto him and made the staking motion with her empty hand... For one thing a Guardian was almost never without a stake so she was hoping that her attack would be acceptable and apparently it was because the Guardian yielded just as she was yanked off him by another one.

She was hauled backwards, away from Basil as arms wrapped around hers and lifted her feet off the floor. She tried to knock her head back into his nose but he kept his head away from hers. Grim faced she kicked her foot back into his leg, trying to take out his knee as she had the others. It worked... kinda. He stumbled, it allowed her feet to touch the floor. She used that moment to bend her knees and push hard, slamming him into the wall. He released her and she stumbled out of his grip and out of reach just as he grabbed for her... No wonder she was having such a problem. It was Guardian Belikov... and she wouldn't be able to take him alone. Gunner had just finished off his own 'Strigoi' though she hadn't seen how. "Basil, get to Gunner... now." She was too busy deflecting attacks to make sure Basil heeded her but she knew Gunner would hear her telling Basil what to do. She hoped he was free enough from attack to take her on because there was no way she was beating Belikov even if she was managing to defend against him... barely. She could buy time though.

~*~

Sebastian chuckled and then nodded, "Lets head to lunch..." They hadn't gotten far when they saw a whole slew of Guardians and their Moroi being attacked by 'strigoi'... Several at a time in most cases. He could guess they were emulating an ambush by a pack of the strigoi and it was effective since the hall was the perfect bottle neck. You couldn't really escape one group of 'strigoi' without running into another. "I suppose we should help?"

Some groups were fairing better than others... down the hall he saw Gunner, Anna, and he thought he spotted Niya right at the feeders though he couldn't tell if she were in a fight or not too. The hall was hell... if this were a real strigoi attack there would be a LOT of casualties on both sides since not many Moroi were fighting back. They hadn't been taught how to participate in these attacks with their magic yet, something Sebastian was sure would be remedied this evening. There was a wind user who knocked a strigoi off it's feet with a pretty powerful gust and there was a water wielder who made the fountain spew water in an attacker's face... Fire and earth were at a disadvantage though... Fire couldn't do anything without it possibly being lethal and earth didn't have much to work with while INSIDE the school... unless they wanted to tear a piece of the floor up or some such.

~*~

Jordan was with Niya as they headed into the feeders but there were two Guardians waiting for them inside. He sighed, already knowing what was going on because of the ruckus out in the hall that he could now hear loud and clear. He got on one side of Rae, leaving the other to Niya. The Guardians rushed each of them respectively. Jordan ducked a punch and brought one of his own up into the Guardian's guts and then almost got a knee to the face before he caught the knee and straightened, yanking upwards and sending the Guardian onto his back. The guy rolled away and got back to his feet, coming for Jordan again.

Rae hadn't managed to get into the feeders that morning, with the rukus of the first fight. The room was loud with gossip and Rae did not want to sit through it. Instead, he told Niya and some other Novice that was following him that he was just going to head to class. When lunch came around, he attempted to go again when the Guardians ambushed them. He sighed and leaned against the door frame they were stuck in and watched as his two Novices attempted to take on the Strigoi that surrounded him. He of course made no movement to join nor help in the fray. These Novices needed to learn that just because they were all forced to learn it didn't mean they were all going to partake in it in the real world. Even those who said they would would probably freeze up when face to face with a Strigoi.
~
Gunner heard the stampede of feet and looked around. He noticed the stampede of Guardians and looked around quickly. He and Gabby were floating in the middle of hall. With the packs of students around, there wasn't anywhere to go. He looked at Gabby, "Stay close. If someone come nears you, tell me."

He then turned just in time to punch a Guardian about to pounce on him. These attacks were basically the only times it was considered okay to hit face in practice. He stunned the Guardian enough with his quick movement and strong punch that he managed to grab his shoulder and 'stake' him with the air. The Guardian nodded and moved away. Okay, so since everyone lacked a stake they were allowing it. Wouldn't it have just been better to wait a day? He kept moving around Gabby, taking out people who attacked her on any side in their inconvenient floating position. At one point, Gunner blessed his lucky stars that he was fighting a far small Guardian when a larger one approached Gabby from behind him, "Duck," He yelled as he grabbed the Guardian's shirt and tossed her into the other.

He ran over to them and 'staked' them both, with a bit on an apologetic look on his face. The two were laughing though, so he hoped that meant no one was too angry. He heard Anna say his name and glanced over to see her in midst a duel with Belikov. He noticed Basil trying to making the short distance without getting hit. At one point, she actually managed to punch a Guardian square in the nose, which surprised him. He grabbed Gabby's arm, "Get to the wall," He moved her in the direction of the wall he was speaking of and grabbed Basil on the way. Once he had them both against the wall, he turned to Anna. He watched for his entrance and when he saw Anna dodge one of Alek's punches and his hand just pass her, Gunner reached out and grabbed it, slamming it against the wall and pinning it.
~
Basil looked at Anna as fought in nothing less than awe. She couldn't do much without possibly causing the roof to cave in on them or creating a hazard on the floor that would be just as dangerous to the Novices. Instead, she stayed close to the wall and tried not to get caught to cause Anna any trouble. However, when one of the Guardians attacked her, Anna asked for help from Gunner. She looked over to see him tossing a woman over Gabby and her eyes widened. She nodded and started to walk over to him. Which, despite the short distance, was a difficult task. There were so many people and 'Strigoi' fighting in the hall, it was hard to avoid getting hit by a stray fist.

She was just about at Gunner when she felt someone grab her arm. She jump and instantly, her arm shot out punching the Guardian. He was clearly surprised by her fighting back, probably knew she wasn't taking those classes, as he let her fist hit him in the nose. He released her and a moment later, Gunner had her and was moving her, gently but hastily back to the wall.

She looked at Gabby and smiled as Gunner seemed to be waiting for something. She jumped when he actually struck out and caught the Guardian's arm. She looked at Gabby, "These guys are AMAZING," She whispered before looking around at the other Novices.
~
Serena nodded when Sebastian suggested that they head to lunch, "Good idea."

As the rounded the corner, Serena's eyebrows knitted together from the noise that was building. Then they arrived at the hall. Her eyes widened, this was probably the biggest attack on the students, she'd ever seen. Then again, Santa Catherina's was a lot smaller than San Vladimir's. When Sebastian asked if they could help, she nodded, "Stay close..."

She knew that the students in the defense class were learning to fight back with their Novice partners but she wasn't fully sure Sebastian could do so properly yet. After all, they had worked on staking, not fighting, the last and first time. Meaning, she was going to do her best to make him feel as useless as possible and keep him out of the fight. She noted that people were driving air stakes into the chests on guardians, so they were going to fake it, it seemed. She first spotted a group of younger students who had banded together to protect a couple of the older Moroi students who hadn't received a Novice, they did out number them greatly. She decided, they were the best to help out as their techniques were still sloppy and she could sense that the Guardian was going a bit easy on them, glad that they took the initiative to step in to save the students that the old Novices should have also be keeping their eye on. She took Sebastian's hand and moved him toward these students, "Watch him," She said to one, before she let go of Sebastian's hand. She went at the Guardian from the side, who only turned just in time to catch her wrist. She didn't stop moving forward. She rose the wrist above her, moving his hand with it and spun beneath his arm. As she rounded, she brought out her elbow and hit him in the gut. He grunted and released her a moment after. She prepared herself for another strike and it came, a punch. She dodged out of the way and as he retracted his arm, she felt him grab hold of her loose hair. She yelped a little as he dragged her to him by it, "Hair should always be up."

Serena was a little stunned as he lowered his face, pretending go at bite her. That was when she started to panic. She immediately dropped her head and pressed his and her own hand to her skull and getting him to release her hair but instead of going for another attack, she stumbled backwards. Her head felt like it was spinning and her breathing was rapid. The Guardian looked at her confused as one of the younger students 'staked' him.

Serena's back hit the wall, her shaking more than noticeable. The now dead 'Strigoi' walked over to her, "What was that?"

Serena looked up at him, "S-sorry...."

He didn't seemed to like that answer but stalked off anyways. The Moroi and young Novices were looking at her, all a little confused. Serena couldn't handle the eyes on her but she couldn't bring herself to move away from the wall.

Gabby had been next to Gunner as they'd been walking, not really caring where she was in consideration to her body guard. This of course was completely change once the noise of shuffling feet, many of them, came towards them all at once. Because she had slightly better hearing than Gunner, as all vampire's had better senses than Dhampirs, she was already backing away from them. Of course it was a little difficult for her to use her abilities on teachers, since she wouldn't exactly see them as Strigoi. With a swing of her hand she was able to hold back on of the attacking Dhampirs, the wall of air brushing him back a few moments before it dropped. She saw Gunner staking one of the teachers then and nodded before she looked at one of the other groups being attacked. Rae seemed to think nothing of it at the feeder entrance, he was just lazily watching the others fight for him. She shook her head. Honestly it was sort of sad.

The thought left her mind as she ducked, having heard the guardian behind her, and then she straightened, moving towards some of the other novices that were usually hanging out with Gunner. Basil was there too and Gabby gave a little wave. "This is much more exciting than last year, I think." There was a little laugh on her lips that dipped away as she blew more air into the eyes of the guardians, making them have to close their eyes. "Hm....I hope that trick actually works on Strigoi...." She shook her head slightly before looking again at what was happening with Rae's group. They seemed to be having a rather fun time. "Any yeah Bas. They are pretty good."

It honestly seemed like everyone was getting in on this fight, since Sebastian's novice was also working on a guardian. That was when something...odd happened. Instead of continuing to fight a fake bite, the girl froze up. That was odd, since she'd been doing the fluid motions just moments before.

It seemed the number of Guardians was quickly going down in number.

---

When the attack began, everything moved in slow motion. She grabbed Rae, not caring if he protested or not, and put him slightly behind Jordan and herself. Then she turned to her 'strigoi' , smiling slightly, before she kicked out at the woman's stomach. Of course the older guardian caught it, but Niya was given the leverage that she needed to kick the older woman in her face. As her feet came back down from the impact she again kicked the woman in the side before the guardian came at her, pinning her left arm to the wall. Without even trying to struggle under the woman's grip, since she knew that she wouldn't be able to get out of a true Strigoi's, she grabbed the nearest thing to her...which just happened to be a vase of flowers.

The guardian, needless to say, was a little surprised. So it wasn't until the vase was almost in contact with her head that she caught Niya's hand. This caused the vase to crack against her skull anyway, making her stumble back slightly. With the stumble Niya pulled her fake stake from her belt and drove it into the woman's chest. She kept her hand at the woman's ribs until she was able to nod and step back. "Guardian, would you like me to help you to the infirmary? Your head got cut." She motioned to her forehead, which had a trickle of blood coming down.

Niya did feel slightly bad about the force of the head blow, but she also knew that she had to prove she would do what she needed to.

She glanced at Jordan, though he seemed to be dealing quite well. She waited for her opening, while keeping Rae's position close to her so that she could grab him if the need arose. That was when Ms. Matila came out of the feeder rooms, entering the hall in complete obliviousness. Her eyes were wide and looked at her shoes, the little trickle of blood slipping down her chin. With her brows drawn together, Niya walked towards her with quick little steps. "Teacher, are you going to be alright?" The young novice didn't know of the few psycological problems that Ms. Matila had, and so when the teacher made a little growl and walked away, the novice had no clue what to do. Niya kept watching her and looked at the Guardian who she'd been fighting. "Guardian Lovcraft? Right....is she going to be okay?" The older Dhampir just shrugged. "She gets that way sometimes."

Trishia kept walking, passing the fighting like it wasn't happening.

As smoke was blown into Alek's eyes he was momentarily blinded and his hand caught and forced into the wall. He smiled grimly, good... the novices and the moroi were at least attempting to work together. He'd been keeping his eyes half on Gunner and half past them and to the rest of the fighting, making sure no one got too injured when he spotted Trishia who seemed to be acting strangely. He should have been watching Gunner and Anna with his full attention though because the two were magic when they fought together. The minute his hand hit the wall and the pain spiked through his wrist, Anna had wheeled around behind him and he felt her two fingers make contact between his ribs from behind, emulating a staking... He held up his hands as he was vanquished and congratulated the two before taking off after Trishia distractedly.

After a moment more of fighting it was all called to a halt by several of the Guardians who congratulated those deserving of it. "Good job to all of you, especially those Moroi who helped aid their Guardians in their protection... From what we saw here today there is hope for our races yet and you should all remember today... Always be prepared, never be lax in your duties, you never know when something like this may happen out in the real world...."

Aleks heard all of that distantly as he caught up to Trishia... his Russian accent lilting as he spoke to her quickly, "Ms. Matila, are you alright?"

~*~

Sebastian flinched when Serena froze up and it was partially due to long distance compulsion that the Guardian did not berate her. He caught up to her and sighed, "It's alright Serena... really. That's what these fights are for, to show us where we need to improve. We all have our fears... You're strong, you'll get through it..."

He caught her arm and after giving dirty looks to a few of the surrounding students he drew her with him out of the hallway and into the actual cafeteria. "Deep breaths okay?" He used just a little compulsion, just enough to help her anxiety cool and to help her begin feeling okay again... safe. "You're secret is still safe."

~*~

Anna put her hands on her knees, catching her breath as Guardian Belikov walked away and she listened distractedly to the teacher, she was too busy checking on her ward and thanking Gunner. "You okay Basil? Sheesh, that came out of no where... Thanks Gunner, if it hadn't been for you I'm pretty sure I'd be toast right now... Guardian Belikov isn't exactly someone I feel that confident taking on. He seemed distracted too..."

She ran a hand through her hair and smiled again at their wards, "And thanks by the way, for the compliments..." She glanced at Gunner, "Maybe we should figure out a way to keep near and far guard going on these guys... Especially if they're going to be attacking us like that all year... Ugh I'm hungry." She wasn't even aware she was rambling, she was still hyped up on the adrenaline from the fight.

~*~

Jordan was about to finish off his own 'strigoi' when a halt was called on the fighting and he went back to his casual, hands in pockets stance. He glanced at Niya, "You can fight seriously well... I'm impressed, and I'm really not easily impressed."

He smiled at her, "Maybe we can train together in class unless Belikov really ripped you a new one about breaking that girl's leg... Honestly, if you don't expect to get a bone or two broken in a real fight you're in trouble in the real world..." He didn't always agree with Belikov but he was the teacher so what he said went.

Serena felt someone grab her arm and then her legs were moving but she was too out of it to actually process what was happening. She knew the Dhampir couldn't actually bite her but the action brought back to many memories and a... desire deep within her. She'd gotten away from the people who were doing it but she couldn't get away from the reality that she wanted it. It was a need to prevent him from biting her, to keep her head clear that made her move, not the fact the he was going to 'kill' her. Once she pulled away though, all she could think about was getting away. Not Sebastian or the Moroi around her, not even the younger Novices, just herself. She wanted to curl up within herself and hide away from the world.

She was on the verge of tears when Sebastian's voice broke through he haze. She nodded her head and tried to slow her breathing, deep breaths. She heard him again, clearer, insisting that her secret was still safe. She guessed she could not deny that. The Guardian probably would have dragged her off or hesitated just as she had. Maybe he had, maybe Sebastian just compelled him not to remember like he had said he would the night before.

She skipped food, feeling sick to her stomach and took a seat at their table. Her hands were still trembling but far less than before. She wiped her eyes as little to make sure no tears had escaped. She didn't look at Sebastian, her hair falling like a curtain between them, she was far too embarrassed, "Sorry..." She whispered.
~
Basil smiled at Anna when she turned her and asked if she was okay. She nodded, "Mhm, my hand hurts a little though."

Gunner slapped his hand on Anna's back, clearly happy and hyped on adrenaline, "He was but... That was his fault. We kicked his ass!" He looked at Basil and Gabby when Anna suggested Near and Far guards, "I don't know these two might not need it. Gabby was helping out a hell of a lot. Grasping the working as a pair perfectly. And," He pointed at Basil, "This one might just be a Guardian. She clocked Guardian Nolan square in the nose."

Basil did a little bow and giggled, "Why thank you. But is it suppose hurt me?" She grinned before looking at him in awe, "But... You threw someone.... Like actually threw someone... Over someone.... Into someone! What is that?!"

Gunner grinned, "Being a Guardian," He wrapped his arm around Anna, "May you two enjoy your free time. Come along, Anna Banana, let's get some food."

He walked with Anna into the cafeteria and looked at her, "Alright, tell me the highlights. I didn't get to watch this time around." He picked an apple up and placed it on his tray, waiting intently to hear about how she dispatched her Strigoi.
~
Rae straightened when the fighting stopped and pushed passed the few students who had gathered to watch. He walked up to the line and since many students had forfeited their spots to watch the madness, he was free to head over to a feeder, which he was dying for. After last night at the fact that he caught a morning feed the day before, he had no interest in waiting any longer. Sitting through the first rotation of classes had been hard enough.

As Ms. Matila went passed her and moved on Niya just shook her head before looking for Jordan. It wasn't until he was talking that she turned around and found him. His words were kind and made her blush, her arms wrapping around her chest at the same moment. "You are not bad yourself." A little smirk picked up over her lips and she nodded to his statement again. "We will have to practice together. Belikov understood....he just warned me not to do it again. That it was against the rules of the school." She shook her head with a little annoyance before she smiled a lazy grin at him. "Want to go get some food?"

Suddenly all she could think of was her stomach, that little role it was playing made her want to dig it out. Luckily the line wasn't long yet, so she jumped in behind one of the other novices. The line seemed to be picking up speed as lunch started, each scoot making her mouth salivate a little more. As she passed the different foods she nodded and grabbed a bowel of strawberries, a few bananas, one apple, and a carton of milk. There was a satisfied little head wiggle as she moved to the cashier, handing her a five dollar bill.

---

Gab listened as the novices started talking, wanting to laugh, but suddenly she felt the stares of a few royals on her back. There was a small twist to her lips before she slipped away from the group. She moved towards the feeder rooms, the slight hunger at the back of her throat burning. The check in was still in shambles since every one was congradulating the novices in the hall. She signed the sheet and moved on rather quickly. Only two other feeders were occupied right at that moment, but Gabby would know those moans from anywhere.

She grinned and spun into a feeding room, looking at the back of Rae's head. "Hello gorgeous, having a pleasant lunch?" Her head bobbed down beside his, her hair swaying as she wiggled her hips.

---

Trishia kept her head down, passing students and teachers, making her way to the staff sleeping quarters. She didn't have a class directly after lunch so she knew that no one was expecting her. Her eyes only stayed at her feet, her hands balled up tight fists so that she wouldn't reach out and rip at someone. Her body felt so disgusting, like it did every time he had her with him.

Anna felt a little glow of pride as Gunner mentioned Basil punching a Guardian in the nose, "Oh? I missed it! Good job Basil and yeah, a little though you might have had a loose fist and that could make it hurt worse. Still, the fact that you even tried is amazing." She gave the Moroi girl a little squeeze.

Then, as Gunner nabbed her she blushed a little and waved at Basil, "I'll see you later... after training class."

She headed into lunch with Gunner, "I forgot how fun fighting together is... though I guess it'll be a lot less 'fun' out in the field."

She stepped into the lunch line with him and tossed him an apple before grabbing the strawberries, a salad with chicken and croutons, a sweet roll, and an apple of her own. Once she took a seat she waited for Gunner to do the same and bumped shoulders with him playfully before pulling her hair up into a messy bun so it wasn't in her face while she ate. "God, I love strawberries..." She took a bite of one, closed her eyes, and groaned. "Heaven... I think I'd take strawberries over roses any day... strawberries and chocolate. The guy that gets me that combo wins my eternal love... I mean it." She took another bite of her strawberry and wiped her hands off on her napkin before starting in on the salad. She was feeling healthy today... and kinda self conscious. She'd always eaten a lot around Gunner but for some reason, the idea of eating her usual pizza and garlic bread combo and having her breath smell like it wasn't quite as appealing. She sighed, she HAD to quit worrying about what Gunner thought. He was her bestie, what did he care what her breath smelled like so long as she wasn't breathing on him... It wasn't like he was planning on kissing her any time soon and she'd never be as thin as a Moroi so...again... why worry about it?

She pushed a crouton around on her plate.... before glancing at Seb who was staring at her with amusement. She glowered, "What?"

~*~

Seb put a loose arm around Serena and gave her a little squeeze, "You'll never get through it if you don't face your fears... Just see today as that... facing your fears. Learn from it and don't let it get you too down."

He smiled, "Besides, until that... I though your fighting was beautiful."

As Anna and Gunner took a seat Seb spotted Anna's food choice and arched a brow. She caught him looking at her and snapped a what his way. He shrugged, "I just never thought I'd see YOU eating a salad."

She threw a piece of lettus at him and he laughed, picking it off his jacket and tossing it onto the table. "Gross Anna, if I wanted to share your food I'd ask."

Anna stuck her tongue out at him and stabbed viciously at a piece of chicken, pointedly ignoring him. He turned back to Serena, "Don't worry... okay?"

~*~

Jordan smiled at Niya and then sighed at how long Rae was taking... He might be a novice in training but he really didn't have much patience for stuck up Moroi. He planned to join rogue strigoi hunters after leaving the school, he couldn't really see himself wasting his life on protecting some Moroi who would never really appreciate the sacrifice.

As Gabby entered the Feeders without her Guardians Jordan decided he'd waited long enough. He smiled at Niya as they both slipped through the lunch line.

~*~

Aleks frowned when Trishia didn't even seem to hear him and very gently he caught her by her arm, "Trishia... talk to me. What is it?"

True concern shown in his eyes.

Gunner nodded, "It won't be... But might as well enjoy it now. While it is still fun."

He caught the apple she threw at him and piled food on his plate, whatever was green and insight. When they walked over to their table, he placed his tray down and took a seat. Then Anna nudged him, he laughed a little and returned the favour, bumping her back. He grabbed his apple as she pulled her hair up and out of her face. He chuckled as she rambled on and on about strawberries and chocolate and how she'd marry any man who gave them to her. He grinned, "I'll have to remember that."

He hadn't meant to say it. Their normal flirtatious conversations often turned weird after the events from last night. He planned on trying to avoid such conversations, to make things less awkward between them. That was clearly out the window now. So, instead, he played it off as though he'd meant to say it, as though it weren't a big deal. As though, he wasn't actually storing that fact in the back on his mind, just in case.

Gunner decided to go back to eating his apple and keeping his mouth full. Which he regretted a little when Sebastian expressed his surprised for Anna's salad. He swallowed, coughing a little. He reached out and patted her back, "Oy, no feeding the animals."
~
Serena was a little taken back by the arm around her and the gentlest of squeezes from Sebastian. She glanced at him through her hair and gave him a small smile, "Grazie... But I only got one hit in," She shook her head a little with a small laugh, "You should sit in on training one day if you want to see me actually fight..."

She was feeling better, not a lot better but better. Her hands still had the slightest of trembles but that was the only noticeable sign of what had happened earlier. She looked up at Gunner and Anna when the joined them and smiled. When Anna snapped at Sebastian, she jumped a little, not having expected it. She looked at Sebastian and had to cover her mouth to hide her smile from Anna. The last thing she wanted was the girl throwing salad at her and she surely didn't want to be the chicken she was currently stabbing.

She looked at Sebastian when he turned her attention back to her and told her not to worry. She gave him a small nod, "Bene..... Oh... um... Okay."

She smirked a little at her slip up, her brain going to Italian before English. She pulled her legs up onto the chair again and crossed them. Gunner looked at her, "What are you not worrying about?"

Serena bit her lip a little, "I almost got bit."

She didn't expand on that. Gunner and Anna could take it as they wished and she doubted that they would take it the way she meant. Gunner nodded, "If you didn't actually get bit. They don't really care. You managed to strong arm out of there... That's impressive."
~
Rae detached himself from the neck of the female feeder and looked at Gabby. He ran his tongue along his bloodied teeth, showing off his fangs, "I was," He said with a smirk, "Then a beautiful lady interrupted me and I surely couldn't go back to it," He joked, leaning back on the feeders bed a little.

He was more awake now, the blood in him, and was far less grumpy than before. He reached out and pulled her into a kiss before standing, his hands resting on his neck. His thumb brushed along hers, "Too bad that the whole drinking during sex thing is which Dhampirs.... I'm sure you'd taste fantastic."

Niya waited for Jordan to get through the line, wanting to get to her friends quickly. She had only seen Gunner again when Gabby and Rae had a class together, it was the same with Anna and Serena as well. "So, that was fun end to the morning, how do you think this afternoon's classes will go?"

She listened to him while they walked over to the table, Niya waved at her friends. Everyone seemed to be in a good mood, except for Serena. Niya hadn't seen her fight, but she supposed she didn't do so well if she looked like that.

---

As Alek's hand came down on her arm, Trishia whipped around, her hair slightly covering her face still. This didn't hide the look in her eyes, sort of like a scared deer, with her pupils blown out and her face drained of color. Suddenly there was a high pitched wail coming from her mouth, tears building at the edges of her eyelids before they spilled over. All she could see was the headmasters face on any person that was walking towards her, or even looking at her. "Let go, please let go." The words were small and scared as well, showing that this fear was deep and ugly.

---

With Rae's little quip she laughed and took a step forward, touching the ends of his fangs with her fingers. That was until he pulled her in to kiss her. His mouth still tasted like the human's blood, making her give a little moan before she wrapped her arms around his waist, looping her fingers into his belt. "Heh, I'm sure I'd probably taste like dirt." She shook her head and smiled, "Or like way too much iron."

She bit at his lower lip, grinning up at him excitedly.

Anna tried not to let what Gunner's comment did to her heart show on her face. Instead she punched his arm and took the pressure off him unknowingly by taking it as the joke he'd hoped she would. "Yeah yeah, I'd have to wonder if you slipped a laxative in the chocolate though because the day you give me chocolate covered strawberries without an ulterior motive, like handing Sebastian off on me when he's stone drunk... like you did when I mentioned my favorite flower was a tiger lily... yeah I'm still holding that against you, is the day I lay down and admit defeat in our sparring matches." Which they both knew she wouldn't do. Gunner could beat her at hand to hand a thousand times and she'd STILL be determined she'd beat him sooner or later.

Anna nodded at Serena, "Like Gunner said, I wouldn't worry about it too much since you got away." Still, Anna was beginning to suspect she knew what was wrong with Serena. She rubbed the wrist she always wore a sweat band on... or foundation... or a ton of hairbands. It had never drawn anyone's attention but she could imagine how much harder a scar on one's neck might be to hide. She chewed on her lip a little, tugging at the edge of the sweat band a bit before she forced her mind back to her food. HER scar was something she had been able to keep a secret even from Sebastian from all this time simply because she didn't let her mind go back there... to before she'd come to Academy. You'd do a lot of things for money... especially when you were watching your little sisters starve. Anna had come a long way, she didn't even really think about it anymore... It had only been a few times, when they were really desperate... and it had never went past just biting and never anywhere other than her wrist... but that was bad enough in the eyes of the Academy. Only Anya had ever known... and only because she'd walked in on Anna relaxing while taking a bath. She'd sworn never to tell.

She bit into another strawberry, again jerking her mind away because Seb was now looking at her funny, and smiled at Niya and Jordan when they finally took a seat at the table. "Hey you two, still hanging out I see?" It was odd to see Jordan in someone's company for more than a day. He was constantly bouncing from group to group.

Jordan shrugged, "What can I say, she's an interesting girl." He wasn't one to lie about why he liked someone. As Niya asked her question he shrugged, "I'd assume they'll probably go easier on us in class today since we had that big attack this morning. I'm looking forward to convincing Belikov to let me spar with you."

~*~

Sebastian had noticed the odd look in Anna's eyes when Serena had brought up her near 'bite' and wondered if she were remembering being back home at the commune and seeing girls being used like that. He knew what Anna thought about it... that it wasn't their fault for either doing what they had to or in being taken advantage of young... She saw it as being male Moroi's fault for using their weaknesses against them... or using them as breeding mares for more Dhampirs. He felt the darkness stir inside him at the thought of anyone treating anyone that way, especially his friends. It took a moment to realize it was Anna's aura brushing against his own that was making him so moody. He pulled his mind back to himself before he crossed a line and breached privacy, turning back to Serena.

"You do need to eat SOMETHING though, how else are you going to effectively teach me to poke things with metal sticks? The bell is going to ring soon... At least eat a fruitbowl or something... pleeeeaase?" He playfully batted his lashes and poked out his bottom lip, attempting to make her laugh.

Jordan shook his head and looked at Niya, "Are your friends always like this?"

~*~

Aleks frowned but immediately released her, not wanting to push her into hysterics and she seemed to be dangerously close to it already. The distant look in her eyes mixed with the irrational fear told him she wasn't in the here and now. Gently, he touched the tops of her arms... not restraining, just soothing. "Trish... it's me... it's Aleks. You're alright, just take a breath. I can help you..."

Serena laughed a little and shook her head, standing up, "Bene," she said, not bothering to translate. Gunner watched as the girl stood and left before looking back at Sebastian, "You are going to scare that girl off you know," He teased before turning his attention back to Anna.

She still was feeling sick to her stomach, so she only grabbed a small bowl of raspberries. Once she paid for them she walked back to the table and placed them almost in front of Sebastian, showing off that she did indeed get food. She picked up one and looked at him, "Meligo?"

She plopped the berry into her mouth and smirked at him before pulling the bowl in front of herself. She looked down a little, her hair falling around her face again as she slowly worked through the batch of berries. She held one up and showed it off to Sebastian, "Amo lemponi," She made a face after a moment, "What do you call this? I do not remember."
~
Gunner smiled at Niya and Jordan as they sat down, giving them a small greeting and watched as Sebastian sent Serena off to get herself food. He looked at his friend and teased him about chasing the girl away before turning back to Anna. He smirked at her, glad she took the comment previously as a joke. He hadn't a chance to make his own comment before Anna drifted off into La La Land. Now that she was back and aware, he quipped, "Hey, I can't leave the campus. Do you know how hard it was for me to get those flowers for you? Taking Sebastian was hardly enough payment for those flowers," He chuckled, "They weren't a gift."

He smirked at her, "But I'm not all ulterior motive. I got you that stuffed Elephant back into Elementary for your birthday. Cause I'm a nice guy! I never kick your ass too hard in practice," He teased her.
~
Rae smirked at her, "Don't tempt me to prove you wrong, Gab," he winked before releasing her, "I assume you came in for blood and, well, me of course," He nodded his head toward the delirious feeder he had just finished up with, "This one is all free."

He looked at her and grinned, "Want me to hang around? Or shall I go see if I can convince some Novice to let me see what they taste like?"

Niya hooked her legs under the seat while she smiled at Anna, "That we are." With a small smile she picked at a few pieces of food before she started to just play with her milk. Jordan's words had her stomach a little messed up with butterflies, making it feel impossible to eat. "Well...that'd be odd of them to go easy on us, and that would be cool if he did. But I don't know who Serena would spar with if I wasn't there so...I'm not sure." She laughed a little before shrugging.

Sebastian's worry for Serena was kind of adorable to watch, but Niya just snickered as he spoke, before her hand went back through her hair, tugging at a fist full. "Oh yes, from what I know of them so far, this is always what they are about."

Niya sat up as there were sounds of fist on flesh from the corner of the cafeteria. One tall figure dressed in black with, the other dressed in uniform, were sparing against the wall. The dhampir seemed to be paying attention only to the fight, not his surroundings, when another guardian turned 'strigoi' came up behind him, grabbing his Moroi. The girl screamed slightly, making her guardian jump and get a hand to the throat.

---

Gabby laughed at Rae a little, wrapping her fingers in his hair before she shrugged. "I came for both, it's always fun having you around." She stepped back and went over to the feeder, smelling the young woman. "But she smells like the most disgusting sex ever." Her nose wiggled before she dug her fangs into the girls arm, looking up at Rae. It was always sort of fun to have someone watching you drink blood. For a moment she leaned back to look at him. "Oh...I think you should say."

---

Trishia's breaths came in and out laboriously, a small bit of saliva sitting on her lower lip. The wide doe eyes of a deer didn't leave her, even as she started to breath much more naturally. Her cheeks started to gain color, but as the blood came back she started to shake. Her hands gripped by themselves before her eyes started to actually look at his face. "Ale-Aleks..." Her lips pitched for a moment before she bit her bottom lip, trying to keep the slight whimpering in.

Anna eyed him, "I do like elephants..."

She heard the commotion about the same time Niya did and about the same time the bell rang for class. She sighed, the fight in the hall had really eaten away at their lunch time and it looks like today was going to be a full day of surprise attacks. She stood, a small wave of anxiety slipping through her. She pushed it away, she'd only fought with Gunner a thousand times. Nothing was different.

"Well, lets go. I'm gonna win today... I feel it." No, really she didn't but it would be odd if she wasn't her usual cocky self. She headed into training class and looked around, confused as to where Guardian Belikov was... but another Guardian entered and was apparently filling in. As he ordered stretching Anna got to it and avoided looking at Gunner until it was time to spar. Apparently, today they were practicing staking but it would only be after their usual sparring warm ups. She slipped into position in front of Gunner with a grin that she didn't really feel all that behind, butterflies were flapping away in her stomach. "Well, Pretty Boy... bring it on."

~*~

Sebastian chuckled at Serena, "Raspberries... good choice by the way. They're my favorite fruit..." As if to prove it, he reached out and plucked one from her batch. The bell went off and he sighed, "So, I guess I'll see you after your class? Apparently, Ms. Karp is going to be training me in spirit today... That should be interesting..."

He stood and waved at her, deciding to stop by the feeders on the way to class. Once he was done he headed up and took a seat.

~*~

Jordan grimaced as the bell went off, "Guess that concludes our lunch break."

He stood and smiled, "Well... I'll walk you to class... even though you look like you could handle yourself just fine. I could use the company..."

He headed into class and glanced around, "Looks like we get to spar together after all."

He got into position and watched his old partner head over to Serena to practice with her.

~*~

Aleks frowned, "Trish... what's going on? What's wrong?"

Gunner grinned, "I know you do. That's what I got you it. There was some thought put into the gift, Anna."

He looked over at the fighting for a moment before turning back to his food. Lunch would be over soon and sure enough moments later, the bell ran. With one last bite of his food, he stood and abandoned it. He looked at Anna and laughed, "I don't think so."

They walked off to their class, only separating to go and get changed. He came out and started to stretch. When the Guardian walked in, Gunner was a little confused as to where Belikov was but decided not to question it and returned to stretching. He glanced at Anna, for years he had been pushing away their relationship and fighting her. Of course, the relationship he had with her yesterday, didn't make him pinning her to the ground awkward. However, he wasn't going to allow that to phase him. What if he had to fight Anya or, god forbid, a Strigoi Anna. Hell even is mother and uncle. He couldn't let relationships get to him and this was going to be the perfect test of that.

He stood when Anna taunted him and slipped into Guardian Robot. He got into position and began his attack.
~
Serena looked at the raspberry in between her fingers, "Raspberries...." She made a face, "We call them Lampone or Pernacchia... I think prefer the Italiano."

She smacked his hand lightly after her stole one of her berries and laughed little. Then the bell rang. When he mentioned seeing her after class she nodded and finished off the last of her berries. She stood and followed behind Anna and Gunner. Slipping into a corner of the change room to change into her turtle neck discretely. When she walked out of the change room, pulling her hair up into her perfect little bun, a boy walked over to her. He nodded, "Jordan is going to sparring with your partner. So it looks like we are together."

She stared at him blankly for a moment then nodded, "B-bene."
~
Rae crossed his arms and leaned against the wall, "Well, by the looks of it, she'd been here a while already."

As she finished up the bell rang. He looked into the direction of the door then nodded toward it, "We should probably head to attack class," He rolled his eyes a little, "It's stupid, they do all these attacks on the students and they want the Moroi to fight with them but don't make it in anyway possible. I mean, am I really supposed to set a Guardian on fire."

He shook his head and stuffed his hands into his pocket, "It's stupid really. Doing it all year just to lengthen their time in the school. What are they learning with half of their teachers in and out of the infirmary?"

Niya watched the fight for a few moments before she turned her attention back to her friends. Everyone was dispersing for their own classes, though most of the novices were headed to the same place.

Jordan was being nice again, making her giggle a little before they set off for the training rooms. The thought that Jordan needed anyone kind of made her laugh, since he seemed like the slightly loner type. Guardian Belikov wasn't in the training room, which seemed odd, but she just smiled as Jordan said they could train together. "Well this is wonderful. I hope he does not change us back." She gave a little nod before moving to a defense position, her arms ready to block.

---

With a few more painful breaths Trishia seemed to finally be coming down. Her hands were still shaking, but slightly less than they had been, and her eyes were able to focus on him. "I...can't talk about it." Her face showed that she did want to talk, but what she had to say was worse than just keeping her silence.

---

Gabby laughed before nodding once the bell range. "Yeah, class. At least you have a useful ability, wind is just kinda...like....blowing someone in the face. It's so...unhelpful." She shrugged a little and smiled. "You should try setting one on fire next time, say something like 'But you guys want us to help, right?' It'll be priceless."

She came to the pull back curtain before she exited the room, walking towards the class rooms. Once they reached the hall for their class she blinked. Usually Ms. Matila was greeting students at the door once school got going. With a little shrug she headed in anyway.

Anna watched Gunner slip into his usual Guardian Robot persona and smiled a bit, taking comfort in the normalcy. As he came at her she blocked and dodged as usual, actually more focused today than usual because she was afraid what her own hormones might do if he managed to grab her like he had yesterday. Today, however, she didn't let him push her into the defensive. She took initiative and attacked and dodged equally. She ducked a punch and socked him a good one in his solar plexus, a blow that could knock the air out of him if he didn't turn his body a bit, and then brought her other arm up in an uppercut. She knew he'd probably stop the uppercut but she was ready for that... prepping to go for his knees with a kick if he caught her arm. Today she wasn't being her usual joking self, she was trying to take a page from his book and focus only on the training... on making her movements fluid and fast. Her face was, for once, emotionless and focused... determined.

~*~

As Niya took up a defensive position Jordan smiled a bit. He liked to feel his opponent out first so, he started slow... throwing a punch here or there. A kick when she blocked... All the while, he kept himself circling her, taking in her fighting style and reading her movements carefully before he actually went on the offensive. She knew when he finally started taking things seriously, because instead of his earlier attack and retreat method he was actually coming at her pretty hard. He threw a right hook, keeping his left arm up to guard against her attack, and then followed it up with the left hand snapping out to attempt to catch her unaware... but he kept his elbows close, never over extending in case he had to block and effectively keeping the zone in which she could attack smaller.

~*~

Sebastian headed to class and was surprised to see Ms. Matila was still nowhere in sight... However, another teacher was already strolling in to take over. As she faced the class she began describing different ways for each element to push their powers. Air was to attempt putting out a candle by sucking the air away from the flame... this attack could be used to suck air out of an enemy's lungs. Fire was told to attempt controlling a small orb of it tightly, and try to make it burst like a bomb when throne at the fireproof wall they'd set up earlier that day. Earth was told to attempt forming a sharp spike or something with a sharp edge... it wouldn't be as effective or even deadly as a stake but any weapon if a guardian was defenseless could help them protect their ward more effectively. As for water, they were to try the orb as well... only they needed to hold it in place for an extended period in order to emulate drowning... this wouldn't kill a strigoi but it would incapacitate.

Later a Guardian came in and informed the students on how they could use their powers to help their Novices during surprise attacks... "As it is impractical to let you actually use lethal abilities on the Guardians in the school, we will be giving each of you pouches of colored powder... when you hit one of the Guardian's with these bags the powder will stain our clothes and allow us to know which element we were hit by and how to act accordingly. It isn't as practical as we'd like, but other training methods are being considered... until then this will be a fun and safe way to practice."

~*~

Aleks frowned again and gently took her hand, "Come with me..." He had led her out of the school and informed both a moroi teacher and a guardian that they would need fill ins before they'd left the building. Once outside he took her somewhere more private. "Trishia... you can talk to me. I would never tell anyone anything you wanted kept secret but you need to speak... it is obvious this is weighing heavily on you..."

Gunner was little surprised by Anna's calm face and lack of jokes. Normally, she would be chatting away, when she had the chance. Often at times, trying to loosen him up to get him to perform better. It was strange seeing her.... Serious. He turned his body slightly, to avoid getting the wind knocked out of him before he had to move to avoid getting punched. God, he hated being on the defensive. A good opponent didn't give you the proper chance to fight back. Anna was doing that well. He caught her arm and a moment later, saw her rising her leg to kick him. He tugged on her arm, pulling her into him and off balance, forcing her to fall or step on that foot. As she was off balance, his hand caught her waist and pushed her further of balance as he turned the two of them around. He trapped her wrist against the wall that had been behind him and she was now pressed against. Quickly, he caught her other hand and smirked, "Not today, Ross."
~
Rae followed Gabby out of the room and toward their class. When he didn't see Ms. Matila at the door, he wasn't too surprised. She had walked passed him during the big fight in the hall and looked at little out of her mind. As though she had gone completely bonkers. Rae had kind of expected it though, she was always a little nuts. He walked into his class and took his seat as the sub entered the room. He perked up a little at the mention of using fire like bombs, that was terribly exciting.

Anna was mildly surprised when she actually managed to get Gunner on the defensive and keep him there, usually they were back and forth the whole time but apparently her focus this time had allowed her to break through his guard and keep herself there... Except then, she'd been surprised and she'd lost her focus in light of this achievement and suddenly found herself being knocked off balance. She'd been prepared to roll if she fell, to keep him from pinning her but apparently he'd read that in the shift of her stance because he was suddenly wheeling her around to the wall. Her back hit first, along with her wrist which he'd caught earlier when she'd thrown that punch and she could have gotten out of it... she really could have. It would have been a simple matter of either knocking her head into his nose or dropping to the floor and slamming a palm into his knee to take him down... but she didn't do either of those things. Instead, her heart did something funny and her breath caught and her eyes went wide... she froze up.

For a second there, while her heart was doing funny things in her chest, her eyes were snagged on the smirk on his lips and she MEANT to headbutt him.... she did... really... but instead her lips found his and she was kissing him. The moment her mind caught up with her actions she quickly jerked away as if his mouth had burned her... and maybe it had... it felt like it had. She didn't look at him as she dropped, going limp and heavy before shouldering him backwards from her and spinning out to his left. She didn't look back as she grabbed a towl and headed for the locker room. When the teacher called out after her, not having seen what had happened (it had happened to quickly probably for anyone else to have noticed) she excused herself saying that she needed air.

The teacher looked puzzled but let her go before calling a halt to the sparring warm ups and a start to stake practice. He ran through the correct form, posture, and force to use and then ordered everyone to split off out of their pairs and practice on their own. Anna, in the meantime was pacing in the locker room. It was possible that she'd just ruined everything and she hadn't even MEANT to kiss him, hadn't even realized she was GOING to kiss him. She let her back hit the wall as she groaned, she needed an excuse and she needed one fast because there was no way in hell that Gunner was going to be okay with what had just happened. If she didn't think of something quickly then... well... he'd act completely different around her and she didn't want that... ever.

She took a breath and decided to skip out on class... She headed into the hall and dodged a few Guardians on her way out to the Courtyard. "Angelina Ross, right?"

She jumped at the sound of her name, looking back over her shoulder... she'd passed the blue eyed Moroi boy without even realizing he was there. "Um... yeah... do I know you?"

He smiled sheepishly and shook his blonde head, "No... and you wouldn't. I just... I saw you fighting today and, well... you were amazing."

For some reason she blushed, he was looking at her all aglow and his face full of honest admiration... she didn't know what to do with that. So, instead she brought up something else. "Oh, uh... thanks... You playing hookie too?"

He shrugged and looked a little embarrassed, "You... could say that. I'm just not all that good at controlling my element and apparently that's the focus today so... If you want we could walk together? You look a little... disheveled."

She laughed slightly and mimicked his earlier answer, "You could say that... what's your name?"

He smiled back and for some reason she felt warm when he looked at her that way... it wasn't the same as with Gunner but it was still there... an undeniable pull. "Jason... or Jace... Szlesky. Come on... I'll show you where I go to think."

She hesitated but that smile again... she glanced back at class, no way was she going back there... "Alright... lets go."

Gunner was more than taken off guard when Anna's lips found his. His eyes widened and his grip on her lips loosened and for a moment, he found himself relaxing. Found himself kissing her. Then she pulled away. His eyes, that had been in the midst of closing, shot open again, then she was ramming her shoulder into her. He wasn't prepared for it, he wasn't prepared for much in that moment. He turned and watched as she ran out of the room, excusing herself to get some air. He ran his hand through his hair, he should follow her. He should stop her and kiss her again, god did he want to kiss her again. He was sure if Sebastian was here, he'd mention something about his aura, saying it was a Supernova, like he had mentioned the previous night when Anna had almost kissed him. However, she wasn't almost, her lips touched his and he couldn't deny that he really liked it.

He didn't follow her though, he couldn't. They were in the middle of class and from the way Anna ran out without looking at him, he knew that she didn't want to see him. She wanted to think and really Gunner should too. As much as he liked kissing her, what were the chances of it working. Anna and him were going to be Guardians, Relationships between each other were more or less frowned upon. Even Guardians Belikov and Hathaway had struggles with people's views on their relationship. The only time they would get together would be this last year. No one really cared who you dated in high school as long as you stopped when you got out. The girls would find flings with Moroi and have kids. The guys would work and maybe, if they were really lucky, they would find a Moroi woman who liked them enough to bare their children. Those women were far and few between. He sighed, if Anna and him were to explore this relationship it would have to end by graduation. Maybe it was better that they didn't do anything about it. That way if things ended badly it didn't ruin their friendship and if things ended and feelings lingered... Well, that could endanger Sebastian, who was most likely going to be their Ward.

He stabbed the dummy in front him, easily sliding the stake into the chest and stabbing the heart. He wasn't really sure when he had gotten the stake or moved away from the wall but now he viciously stabbing the dummy in front of him. He only stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. He looked down at Serena, "Are... you okay, Gunner?"

Gunner lowered the stake and nodded, "I'm fine."

She glanced at the dummy, "Well... I would hate for you to even be made at me...."

Gunner laughed a little, "I think that would be pretty hard," She gave him a confused look. He shrugged, "You... Just don't seem like a person many people can get mad at. Innocent and all that."

Serena smirked and nodded, "I see," She took hold of his elbow and placed it into a better position, "You will be better off like this. You are tall... This will just be better to kill."

Gunner smiled and chuckled, "Lethal too."

She shrugged, "I had to learn new moves... I am teaching Sebastian and he is a lot taller. I looked into it all last night."

Gunner stabbed the dummy and nodded, "Sebastian's got a good teacher."

For a few moments Niya just circled as he did. All she did was block, though, so with the few punches and kicks that he threw she either twisted out of the way or blocked them. Of course a few landed, like when he kicked her knee, but she shook that out in a few moments. They really started to pick up when he stopped holding back so much. She kept her hands near her face, waiting until she could grab his hand and box one of his ears. At one point he seemed focused on one hand a little too much, and so she grabbed that one with one hand, keeping her other hand close to block, before she would bring it back to punch his shoulder socket. If it worked it would probably not pop it out, he had a bit too much muscle for that, but it would make it have that hollow feeling.

If that punch worked her body would recoil to itself, ready for a retaliation.

---

Trishia just followed Aleks, it was nice to have someone to guide her instead of wondering aimlessly around. For a moment she wondered what was happening when he spoke to the other teachers, but then she forgot about it, odd things happened all the time.

Once outside she could hear him talking again, making her look up at him. "I am sorry." She said that first, not knowing why, but feeling it was important. When he asked what had happened she shivered and closed her eyes, her hands rubbing her thighs slightly. "Just...touching, he touches too much." Her eyes were brimming with tears as she said it.

---

Gabby had gone and sat by Rae once they were in the class room, but the moment the sub started to talk about the fire users, she kinda blanked out. Her hands were still working, drawing little tornados and other things on her papers, before she started moving peoples hair with her air. There was nothing like being bored and have a good amount of magic to burn.