Author: Rin Uesu

Story: The Phase Series: Part 1
Rated: T for Teens
Warning: not much to call out a warning, but to be sure there will be violence. Not as though it will change the rating.
Summary: The past is just it, the past, but it seems as though it doesn't want to stay there. Deep lies forge a bond, which also form into a deeper hole to fall in. Bella Swan takes risks to be with the one she loves, to Edward's and the Cullen's unknown knowledge. But why would she tell him such a secret that could change lives and the life that she knows and loves? Grant, if she really have to, which would never happen, well, Bella thinks so. Though the well hidden secrets and lies she made as a wall held tall, it still crumbled down by a boy she didn't know she would see again. Ever. Now the return of an ex. jeopardizes the relationship with Edward. Who would she choose: her past or future?
Declaimer: I do not own Twilight. The rest is mine

Pitch Black:
Prologue

Volterra in Tuscany, Italy

December 1725

Carlisle sat, smiling faintly to the women in front of him, as did she, but with more passion behind her pallor face. Her elegant dress stood out from the rest, with flourishing red trims, and crisscrossing black ribbons, where a bow was fluffed neatly at her lower back. It was so noticeable amongst the peach and light blues and pinks from the other women. He couldn't help but shudder slightly from the way she seems so out there, displaying her…nature. Her cleavage was showing above her tight corset; it was nerve raking at the very least just for her to bend down, showing him too much to bare.

Carlisle couldn't really say women, because the women; the guests that walked the ballroom floor and danced the night away weren't just women. Nor was the men really men, but phantoms gracefully shadowing what they once was. It was sad too that Carlisle were one of those shadows that walked amongst the living. He wouldn't even call himself dead. He's just… was.

Carlisle's topaz eyes adverted away, and gazed at the many people that danced joyfully. Their movements in sync and elegant to watch from afar, but… how he wish he could join to get away from the irritating women standing in front of him. Her figure blocked the view of the door and the couple that he couldn't help but stare. Their movements graceful and it seemed as though they knew what each other would do, know where they are going to move next. It was so fascinating and lovely.

Sighing, he turned back, looking at the wonderful Antoinette Cherri Claire from Paris, France, looking back at him worryingly. Her curly blonde hair fell off her shoulders, around her oval shaped face, and into her cleavage, where I soon looked away in frustration. Why, oh why did she have to be so close? The thought was soon gone as Antoinette spoke up through the musicians.

"What a peculiar sound your sigh makes. Is there something the matter dear Carlisle?" she asked, her French accent heavy through full lips. If Carlisle could say he was tired he would be lying.

Shadows don't sleep.

In Carlisle surprised though, Antoinette's words were said caring that he looked up again in wonder only to falter his face into a 'are you trying to amuse me?' kind of look. Her brows where forward into a confused gesture, her lips pouted seductively, and red eyes glossy with lust. The only thing that popped into his head that described this woman at this appointed time was ' a harlot'. Oh, how his luck was very… dim at this point.

"Nothing is wrong sweet Antoinette. It is just that my ring of comfort is harshly invaded." he said kindly, his smile brought back in ten folds. Antoinette smiled back as though Carlisle concerns was a joke, and took her hand onto Carlisle's own softly on the armchair. Carlisle, though, slipped his hand away stealthily .

She left her hand up, letting it shield her wicked smile that grew to her risen cheeks. She giggled. "You think of me sweet. How thoughtful." her voice whispered as she eyed him longingly.

"I wouldn't say that now would I, Antoinette? I see that Carlisle is making friends already." a relieving voice was heard to the right. Casually alone, with a pleasant smile stood, Aro, chuckling lightly. Antoinette swiftly stood up, her body leaning close from the time of her crazy lust wagon. she took quick steps back in shock as if she just realized what she was doing. Carlisle eyed Aro in a silent thank you before getting up, walking around the dumfounded woman. A genuine smile replaced his sullen lips as he reached to greet Aro in a brotherly handshake and hug.

"Thanks, Aro, I thought I never get away." Carlisle whispered, but was still heard by the now shocked and angered woman, and a huff was heard before stomps of heavy heels clicked on the marble floor in anger. Aro saw this and didn't hold back his growing laughter at Carlisle's predicament. Carlisle only stood to watch her glide away in her silent fit, his face replacing a relief to a cringing one. "I did not mean to say that." it was only a half truth as Aro patted his shoulder in reassurance.

"Do not worry Carlisle my friend. Even I think she is a scarlet." he commented. Another laugh escaped Aro's lips as he shook Carlisle out of his guilty heart. "Now, enough about insolent women. How do you fare on today?" Aro questioned, moving Carlisle away from his appointed chair.

With another heavy sigh, he looked at Aro with easy eyes, as they walked away from the ballroom and outside to the courtyard. Covered grounds of pure white snow became their lush green grass, covered trees became there blossoming counterparts, and the lumps of snow became the ever growing shrubs of red roses and lilies.
The crunch of footfalls where light as the two sauntered across the yard, and it took a few minutes for Carlisle to respond, his mind picturing the world around him. Forever changing, molding into something he wasn't apart of anymore; not for a long time anyways. Carlisle kicked the snow casually on the ground, making powder fly up and fall gently down around them.

"Well, I say that this is your type of ball. It is beautiful, but you as good as I know that balls are not my strong suit of coming."

Aro laughed at that. "Well, yes, it is, but how do you fare in general if I should say." Aro clarified. "I know you do not take kindly of craze women, but…" Carlisle thought hard then, not understanding why he would ask him a question like that, but shrugged it off as something Aro would ask.

"I…" Carlisle faltered. What did he think? He never thought about it before even though he has been a loner for over fifty years, but it never came as a thought to keep in the forefront of his mind. "I guess, I am… doing well. Other then Antoinette, I would say it is…quiet." he couldn't put much into to words, but it seemed as though it was right, for now he guessed. A nod was the only thing that replied Carlisle from Aro, as they stopped by the bench's that faced the fountain of babies with wings.

"Fair enough." he shortly said. It was somewhat quiet, close to silence from outside, and the only thing that was reassurance that they where on earth where the laughs and music playing in closed doors. It was a while until a word was uttered. Aro gazed up at the sky with a smile on his face, like he was deciding on what he would say, and what he would say would be a good one. "Many people awe at your restraints. Even I, keeper of the peace, am amazed. I saw how Antoinette gazed at you. Though she is a women to never consort with - she sees something in you. You are most intriguing Carlisle." at this Carlisle eyed Aro in understanding, because this was not the first he said such things in similarity. "It seems as though you have more strength than I have. question, and what was meant to be a sigh came out as a sharp chuckle, as he eyed the sky with him. For some reason today was different. Some how.. "Not strength…tolerance."

It was a long time until Aro opened his mouth again. Maybe waiting on the moment to say something again. "Please…explain." he whispered as if it was a secret that only the two should know.

He never went this deep into his way of life. Only the easy answer of just saying, 'Because I want to.' was established. There was always a why, the nagging part of people scolding him of something so unnatural, but Carlisle never told why, just a simple because, until now. "I tolerate the humans. Ever since I was a human myself, I was brought up to kill what I am today, and anything that go bump in the night, but… I guess that when I became what my father slaughtered I took the thing that made me who I am now."

"And what's that if I may ask?" not even Aro asked so much questions to Carlisle. To many, he didn't have to wait for an invitation on what they think. Just one touch and he knew it all, but for some reason Aro respected Carlisle to the point of personal space. Though the thought of Aro reading into his thoughts crossed his mind many rather than none, Aro still separated him from the many people he read.

With that thought in mind it was surprising that Aro was so patient with him, and that it took him this long for Carlisle to be interrogated by Aro. It wasn't that hard to read Aro as people thought in his opinion. Always the anxious, but fearfully respected. Carlisle sought through his thoughts before answering Aro's forever unanswered questioned.

"Compassion. I had compassion for many people. It was why that it was so hard to follow my father into what he did. So many people died for just a hand full, maybe less for my father's ambitions amongst the 'trash' around him." He hissed, remembering his father's harsh words for the low lives outside running the streets of London. Then soon as the twisted face of Carlisle surfaced in rage a calming feature replaced quickly after, shooting down to eye Aro in curiosity. "Why do you ask?"

" Maybe for another day." he simply said. His voice seeming far off. Before Carlisle could reply soft crunching of impacted snow was heard at the double doors. Standing stiffly was Jane, her elegant blue dress flowing on the snowy ground. She gazed dully at Carlisle before staring back at Aro with wider eyes. "A guest has arrived at your door." she sneered softly, her child like voice portraying her inner feelings; annoyance.

Carlisle stood watching silently as Aro nod his head with a smile, before taking a step forward and another, but stopping suddenly. He turned halfway, looking at Carlisle in a forlorn expression. "I do apologies for the sudden leave, but I hope we speak again soon through the night. Have fun, enjoy, and if there's anything that is of concern, just tell me any time." and without another say, he left, leaving Jane, glaring at him with narrow eyes as though she loathed him immensely. Only a faint cry of 'my dear.' snapped her out of her stiff stance, leaving Carlisle alone outside in the snow.

Being alone made Carlisle think, and the thoughts that graced his mind wasn't thoughts that ran crossed it too many times. The thought of Aro's surprising, but not unpredictable words before he left, or should he say unanswered words was irritating. What was he going to say? What's his reason behind him asking so many times in the past? How do I really feel about my life? Soon random questions started popping inside Carlisle's mind, knowing full well that he didn't have a clue as to what the meaning of life was. Shaking his head, Carlisle threw out the questions that where irrelevant, and stuck to the ones that really mattered.

Carlisle walked slowly towards the fountain with babies on it. The water that would of swayed in the summer's breeze was frozen solid amongst other things surrounding it. Carlisle grazed the edge with his fingertip. Not really feeling the chill of marble stone, or feeling the need to shiver from it. Too long had he felt but the tingling sensations. The rough surface of the stone; the smooth, slick surface of frozen water. It made him angry not to feel how he wanted to really feel above his pallor skin.
"A moment for your thoughts?"

Carlisle swiftly turned around, surprised that he didn't hear anything or anyone until now. Was he that deep into his thoughts that he didn't hear the crunch of snow under shoes?

His gaze found a woman standing just a few feet away from him. Once he looked up at this woman he knew what was standing in front of him wasn't human. The air felt forced into a calm; into a silence of it's own. It felt different, strange, maybe even unnatural? The woman took a step to the right, her long, dark, curly hair bounced off her shoulder to the other with a tilt of her heart shaped face. Full, red, parted lips grew a faint smile between high cheeks. Her skin was as pale as Carlisle and smoothed, but gave off a glow; a blue hue if he could say. Even her dark grey dress, gray stockings, and black shoes, different from anything he seen, was glowing dully.

Through all of his analyzing he didn't miss the eerie eyes that gazed back at him though. More blacker than the deepest pit, and swirling from the shining snow, making a glare, and a ominous one at that. Her eyes weren't of a hungry vampire, but the look of a beautiful demon standing in front of him with a warming smile. Carlisle couldn't speak only gap at her in awe and for the first time; fear.

"Your thoughts are very…obscured… maybe even scrambled… in a way." she softly uttered. "Why is that?" she asked, fiddling with her black lace cuffs fawningly.

"What are you?" Carlisle suddenly said subtly. He flinched, honestly not meaning for it to come out that way. He knew she wasn't human or she wouldn't be standing her in front of him. Not hearing him or ignoring him, the woman's smile widen in a innocent look. The tilt of the head, the unreadable eyes; all about her seems unpredictable, which he haven't seen in a while.

"Don't worry. I'm not going to bite you know." she laughingly respond. Her laugh felt like a gush of flowers in a summer's wind; overwhelming to the senses. I wanted her to speak again, but I stopped myself from forming a mesmerizing gaze upon her and a crooked smile.
Though I never seen a being so beautiful, so intriguing, so…

She cleared her throat before continuing, "Though it would be interesting on how you would taste." she commented. I gagged back a gasp. It sounded as if she was talking about the weather. Her saying the last word felt as though she wanted more than to imagine it.

"Your not a vampire?" it wasn't a question and Carlisle wanted to hit himself repeatedly with a tree trunk. Unfortunate it wouldn't help seeing as it wouldn't hurt as much as he wished it would. Believe him, he tried many things and the end result came out the same, still alive…somewhat.

This time the woman reacted badly to Carlisle's words. Even when glaring, she was still beautiful. Compared to the other women gallivanting around the ballroom floor she was a statue that only a God could make; can mold to be one of a kind, and she was.

Hissing back with malice, the woman took a step, holding back what she really wanted to say and chose her words very precisely. "I…no…" she whispered softly, shaking her head, letting her curls bounce to and fro. Her words sounded more for herself than for Carlisle so he staid quiet, waiting for her to continue on. " I…realize that it isn't my say. Surrounded by vampires with good hearing about what I think of them isn't such a grand idea." And she was right. She seems wise and the powerful stance gave off authority, but facing very pompous vampires isn't the way to make a conversation of. "No offence…" she added.

Carlisle only gave a nod of no worries. He was use to hearing words of disgust of what his diet was and how he lived. Isn't hard to find people disgusted of what Carlisle and many others are: inhuman. Though that statement only qualifies humans saying this, this women seems gladly to take the side of humans or anything really that isn't us and wipe vampires off the face of the earth.

If that was the case then why was she here?

"Cossette!" The woman didn't turn around, but moved her eyes in acknowledgement. " There you are! Come in, have a…" Aro trailed off, eyeing Carlisle an amusing surprise. "I see you've met Cossette. Isn't she lovely?" Aro gave a heart warming smile, but knew behind that smile laid something more. Aro walked to the women name Cossette's side, and caressing her cheek that seemed to look so soft. Cossette didn't flinch, or moved away from his touch, only left her gaze on Carlisle in a blank off look, which made Carlisle shudder.

"Yeah…" Carlisle whispered in the light wind. Aro smile brighten as he drew down to her neck. Carlisle shuddered again, for Cossette never gave a inch away.

"She's been my closest friend since a very long time. I just had to have her come and meet you Carlisle..." Aro's molting red eyes pierced Carlisle own topaz, and giving off an emotion Carlisle couldn't see. "And to my surprise to find that she already found you outside. I didn't have to even show her. She is very remarkable sight to behold, don't you agree Carlisle?" Aro questioned.

"Um, Aro, what…"

"But… I am sorry to do this, but there are other guests for her to meet. The night isn't getting any younger. Please, I do apologies once again. You do not mind do you?"
Before anyone could reply Aro eyes brightened, grabbed Cossette's arm and swung around to the double doors into the ballroom.
Carlisle was shocked, confused, and sullen. What just happened? First he was alone, then an angel fell from the sky to greet him with a smile, then the next she was gone, caught by the sea of aristocrats. Carlisle gave out a painful chuckle before cutting it short.

Why? Why am I just standing here? More importantly, why am I so drawn to her? Her…

Carlisle's legs started to move, plowing away the snow under him. Reaching the door, he eyed it as if it was the most interesting thing in sight. Carlisle mind raced with questions, curiosity by the pound. His eyes snapped away from the door, shocked by his sudden behavior, but…
Why does she make me feel this way?

Carlisle didn't love her as a mate or, knew her to an extent that he would care for her deeply, but those eyes, those haunted eyes seen good and bad days.
Carlisle pride the doors opened then. The music so soft swept at his ears as he looked to see the many vampires dancing, and among the many that where dancing was Cossette and Felix, his broad shoulders stiff under his dressing.

It was an odd match to see under lighted chandeliers. Felix's body moved stiffly, holding Cossette as many around them were holding one another, but how Cossette attempted to make their dance seem graceful didn't cover the fact that it wasn't. With their size and height all wrong, it gave another reason why it looked a strange sight.

Aro sat on his 'thrown' as was Caius and Marcus, which one of them looked afar, acting as if the world was a unimportant, and the other had a sullen face, his chin in his hand and dull red eyes gazing around the ballroom floor. Aro smiled happily at Felix and Cossette, leaning back as if he was satisfied with something.

Carlisle leaned against the door frame, his arms crossed and face perplexed. Something wasn't right with this picture, beside the awkward dancing between Felix and Cossette, no, there was something else going on. He just couldn't put his finger on it. And in that moment Carlisle and Cossette locked eyes, black to topaz.

Through her eyes Carlisle finally saw an emotion that he could recognize. A want, an urgency to tell him something. Carlisle hesitated, unsure if it was the right thing to do right now. Giving another second to ponder, Carlisle slipped off the door frame, loosing his arms beside him, and walking towards the dancing couple.

Felix, being all broad, but no brains didn't hear me among the music and crowd until I stopped before his space. Felix tensed, and it looked as if his frame grew. Carlisle waited as Felix moved his head his way to acknowledge Carlisle.

"Yes?" he snared. I didn't lose my ground, but I was hesitant of my reply.

"Um… can I dance with the woman?"

Felix eyebrow rose, surprised to hear Carlisle's voice on women so degrading as he turned fully to him. "And why should I?"

Carlisle took a glance over to Aro, and saw curiosity through glistening red eyes, so he continued. "Because, it would be most generous on your part to aid with the woman's time here. Don't you love to make a women happy?"

"And why would you think she would be happy with you?" Felix growled out, moving forward until he towered over Carlisle with great stance.

"Look, I only want to talk to her. She's a very good friend of mine, who I haven't seen in a very long time." Carlisle took a quick look at Cossette's slight confused expression.

"Really now?" Felix asked sarcastically.

"Wait." Cossette interrupted. She gave out a gentle touch to Felix to calm down. "Let me dance with him." she said softly. Felix eyed her as if she was loony. Felix took a step to the side though in defeat. Cossette smiled warmly at Carlisle and then Felix before curtsying before the hard looking male that slinked back.
Hesitant, Felix bowed and raised up straight and dignified, looking ahead before giving out a breath, and facing Cossette with a forced smile. "As you wish." he half whispered and the other snared.

Carlisle and Cossette watched as Felix sauntered off into the dancing crowd. Right then Carlisle felt guilty for Felix's anger until Cossette turned to smile brightly at him, which he couldn't help but smile the same way back.

"You don't have to do this." Carlisle quickly added. It seemed forced from Cossette's side.

"No, it's okay. There was a reason of me being here. With you." Carlisle gave a wondering look as she took his right hand with her left and laid her right arm on the crook of his neck gently. "Carlisle. Such a beautiful name. 'Fort of Luguvalium'; it was a town in the Roman province in Britannia as I recall."

Surprised, Carlisle took a second before replying, "Well it seems that I'm not needed as much as you thought. What a mind you have, Miss…"

"Just call me Cossette. Where I come from titles such as Miss., Mrs., and the like as such seem trivial at most times." Cossette explained.

"Then what is it that needs to be said? Am I being too full of myself that you are here for another reason."

Cossette looked shocked. Her arms slowly pulled to her side, slipping away from Carlisle. "No…" she simply said. She bit her lip, avoided her eyes away from Carlisle purposely. "I…" Then a confident air came about her in one swoop, her eyed snapping to attention to Carlisle's topaz colored eyes. "No. I need…" again she was interrupted by the presence of Aro, who was just a few feet away.

"Cossette. If I may, can I have a dance?" he asked. "This is my favorite song. You wouldn't leave me alone to dance with the harlots and mated women now would you? I would so rather be dancing with you. Oh, if you mind Carlisle." Carlisle and Cossette raised their lips to protest, but was cut short by Aro again. "Thanks. Cossette, come along."

Aro lifted an arm, waiting for Cossette to hook around his. Cossette stood, hesitant in moving until Carlisle gave a smile, and a nod forward, indicating to go on. Cossette looked heart broken as she took a step back, her mouth ajar and her head shaking back and forth. Then suddenly spun with grace back to the entrance, and letting every step be as if it gave a pleasure to stomp harshly.

Carlisle didn't know that this was the last time he will see her beautiful face and wonderful voice again. he stood, not moving to stop her or Aro, who looked surprised before saying a goodbye for now and left. Carlisle stood alone again with mixed thoughts. More than he had when he was left outside. Carlisle, sighed. Aro was hiding something for sure.

For mere shadows don't need the cold, but at least we have the warmth of compassion.

Carlisle smiled.

Well for some more than others...