Restoring the Timeline

Marks and Qualifiers

Rose couldn't believe there was once a time she looked forward to getting molnija, viewing them as badges of honor that showed how great a guardian was. Only recently she learned the true weight of them. It was a constant reminder of death dealt. She had to keep reminding herself that she did the right thing. If she hadn't done it, more victims would be taken. Lissa could be in danger. Victor could be free. Why are these thoughts on her mind? Well, her luck ran out. Still trying to get a handle on Lissa's darkness, her friends still looked at her differently. And now news of her having molnija is finally out. Someone spotted her mark and made sure to bring it to everyone else's attention, loudly. Rose stiffened but walked away. Well, tried to.

"What did you do to convince someone to draw that on you" another novice sneered. Their implication was clear, they thought it was drawn on, not tattooed. And that she gave some sort of sexual favours for it. Again Rose tried walking away, not wanting to risk blowing up at them.

Not like it would change their opinion of me anyway she thought angrily. Only now was she truly understanding and appreciating how difficult it is to be seen as cheap and easy. She'd never cared enough to stop the rumours that circulated about her before. Now it was taking everything in her not to snap. Considering how her friends still look at her since the first incident in the gym, she was not in a hurry for a repeat of that.

Looking around, she noticed Dimitri absent. Fear was now welling up in her. Without him here to help stop her, it would be even harder if she lost control. Already she could feel herself beginning to shake. Thankfully said man walked in before anything more was said. Seeing Rose was about to snap, he walked her into a quieter corner and helped her breath through it, only re-joining everyone once she thought she was alright to. 

Alberta was now present and shut everyone up, commanding everyone's attention while also demanding to know what was going on. She was none too pleased with the instructor for failing to even attempt to control the situation. "You boys are lucky Guardian Belikov arrived when he did or she'd have punched you. And I would not have said a damn thing about it".

"But Guardian Petrov, she was about to attack us" they tried to defend themselves. With a laugh she told them she knew what had happened.

"When someone walks away like she no doubt tried, you let them" Alberta yelled. "We are training you to be guardians. We teach you honour. None of you displayed any just now". The whole class looked sheepish, even her friends. Not even the teachers standing around were sparred. Seeing everyone was still standing she thought to test their egos. "Sit down anyone who does not think they could take on Rose in a fight". It seemed only those who she was now training with were smart enough to sit. She could tell a few were wavering, especially seeing that Mason and Eddie, top of their class, seated. Those who were wavering decided on caution and sat down. Alberta smiled but you could tell she was thinking of something.

"She's barely been back. No way she's caught up that fast" said yet another novice. Yep, Alberta certainly had an evil plan in mind.

"Obviously you haven't noticed that she and Belikov have now extended their training and that said people are currently sitting, but alright. All those still standing will have your names marked and when Rose is ready, you will spar on the quad for all to see". Those standing looked like the cock of the walk thinking they would be seen taking Rose down, completely missing the look Alberta was giving them.

"Why don't we let them spar now Guardian Petrov" asked one curious person who was sitting. The difference is they were asking simply out of curiosity and not ego. 

A look to Rose spoke volumes. "If Rose tries sparring you now, all but her will end up hurt." At the numerous scoffs she realised a demonstration may be in order. "If you'd like some sort of a demonstration, then Guardian Belikov can spar with her" she said with a smile in her voice. She knew that the novice class, the entire school really, had a hero worship thing going on when it came to him. Rose and Dimitri shared a look and while she was nowhere near as calm as she would like, she could do with the physical exertion and thrill only he can provide.