Hellix
A CorruptedHeart production.
Name: Hellix
Rating: M
Ship: Renesmee/Alec.
Fandom: Twilight.
Summary: In a world where vampire's and human's live side by side in harmony under the laws of Stefan and Vladimir, everything was tranquil. Except for Renesmee Cullen, who desired freedom from working the system of the Hellix Facility, a place where all vampire rule breakers go. In her quest for freedom, she comes to find just how tainted the system really is from an inmate who is supposedly part of a rebellion, known only to be a myth.
Chapter one: 031095.
Today was the day.
I was finally going to do it. I was finally going to ask to work in the red zone. Not that I didn't like the yellow zone, I just wanted to see if the stories were true or not. There were rumours of course. But no one knew for certain other than the employee's that already worked there, and even then... They spoke to no one. They kept to themselves. Hell, I had only seen them three times in my two years of working here, and six years over all attending this facility. And even then, they were only visiting to drop off documents to someone working within the offices. Why did I have to come here? Well, that's pretty simple.
By orders of Stefan and Vladimir, the rulers of practically all. They had been in power since the dawn of time, or so the legend says. Vampire's and humans had been living alongside one another since the beginning, and they were the ones behind that. In every state there was at least one facility that all vampire's dreaded being sent to. Some might call it a prison, others might call it a institution, but the real name given for it was the Hellix Facility. A place that once you entered, you rarely ever left. Not that anyone ever came here happily anyway. I, alongside the other employee's, were that of the rare few who did leave. Vampire's were sent here if they were a danger to themselves, or others. Alongside that, I had heard you were sent here if you tried to oppose Stefan and Vladimir's orders. I was pretty sure not even the highest of the human's rulers dared question their way of things. After all, they were older, superior and a lot more dangerous than your average Queen or King. This was how things were, and how they would forever be.
The reason as to why I had to go to the facility was because of what I was. My father is a vampire. My mother is a vampire... Now. She had met my father when she had been human, and they had began like every immortal couple. That lustful, envious vampire/human relationship most teenage girls fantasise over. They would vow to stay together forever, and thus that human would join the vampire world. My parent's story went a little different when it came to that aspect. My mother had gotten pregnant, and it resulted in me. A half human, half vampire phenomenon. I wasn't the only one, however; and just like every other hybrid within the world... I had to come here. To my nearest Hellix facility and endure countless examinations, observations and a few tests. On my sixteenth birthday, to continue the deal on letting me stay at home with my family, I had to work at the facility. That was two years ago now.
Day in, day out; I had to take paperwork from level to level, get signature after signature, shuffle coffee to people and from the moment I turned sixteen... Help in the yellow zone. When I turned seventeen, I was authorized to enter the blue zone.
There were three types of Helix facilities.
Yellow zones- where most 'residents' stay. They have all the privileges as any mental institution does. Examinations from 2 till 4. Then the remainder of the day, and night if they wish, in the social area. Their cells were all facing the social area anyhow, so it wasn't as if they would miss much by staying in their cells.
Blue - They were a little more restricted when it came to things. They were allowed three hours pers day from their cells, endured countless examinations and perplexes counselling methods. The rest of the time, they were to stay in their cells.
And then the red zone. The zone I wanted to work in most of all. There were countless blue and yellow facilities, but only one red. In Romania, overlooked by our leaders themselves. I wasn't sure what it took to be placed into the Red zone. Were the residents there monsters? Were they so dangerous that they had to be isolated off? Were... They mutants of some kind? All these questions could be answered, to me at least, if I could just get authorised to at least go there once.
Even though it would mean I'd leave my family behind in Alaska, since we'd moved in with the Denali's when I was twelve, more so to be closer to a facility, rather than having to travel from Forks to Seattle. The Denali's only lived fifteen minutes car ride from the Alaskan yellow zone, and half an hour from the blue zone; meaning I could easily move between the two as I saw fit, or as I was told to. Plus.. Having the extra heads around the house made it feel a little more safer.
And today was the day. I had a meeting with my superior to discuss issues and the monthly report on the yellow and blue zones. So, today had to be the day right? That I would finally be promoted to work within the most restricted and highly secretive of all zones within the whole facilities of Hellix. I was finally of age to see the things that had been hidden from me since I was first brought to this place. I had been hard working, after all!
In front of me was a large TV screen, broadcasting the vampire news, announcing anything new towards Stefan and Vladimir or their coven, minor crimes here and there. Scrolling along the bottom was the room temperature within the many, many zones across the world. All blue and yellow were 28. The lone red... 19.
I had no idea why, but that place was always kept colder than the others. I turned my eyes away from the screen, merely because the news reporters hair flick always got on my nerves after a while. Walking past me every now and then were a mixture of crimson, blue, brown and black eyes. Employee's here varied. Human to vampire. This place didn't take race into account, evidently. However... I'd noticed that not too many human's were permitted to go into the actual social area's within the zones. Be that because of their blood, and the fact the vampire's within the zones had a set diet, I didn't know.
I couldn't say I was the only half-breed to enter the zones, since that would be a lie. A close friend of mine worked alongside me. Nahuel. He too had been the outcome of a vampire/human pregnancy. Alas, his mother died to the childbirth and he never got the chance to meet his father. Presumably, as to what Nahuel says his aunt told him, the loss of his mother caused his father to go insane and become a danger to society, thus being sent to a Hellix facility. It was part of the rules after all. We were to live side by side with the humans. Abide their laws as if they were given by Stefan and Vladmimir. They didn't want a war, they just wanted the world to know of our kind. Of course, you had those who disliked the vampire race; and we couldn't really blame them. After all, we did live off their blood supply.
However, there were blood farms for that. A rule enforced by the Romanian's after a severe battle with the human race back in ancient times. We wished to live alongside the humans, like brethren, but if they were to discriminate against our race and take action... They were sent to a blood farm. They would live the rest of their lives on that farm while making donations to our blood supply. Alongside that, anyone who had ever murdered, raped or brutally harmed another being were sent to the blood farms also. The human crime rate was practically non-existent due to these farms. Although I personally saw it as vulgar and inhumane, it was how things worked. And so far, they worked perfectly. We did live alongside humans freely.
It didn't mean we were accepted any more though. The dawning thought of a blood farm just stopped human's from doing anything. The deal that the Romanian's made with the humans was simple and effective. We would not harm them, if they did not harm us. If they mistreat us or break our laws, they are sent to a blood farm or if it is minor, they are sent to standard prison - though not many get that option. A few, but not many. If we mistreat them, or break any laws, we are sent to Hellix. I guess you could say there are a mixture of vampire's here, since vampire's can't be expected to serve time in a standard prison alongside humans. 25 years to life is nothing to a vampire, but to a human... Well, it would be pointless to sentence a vampire to that punishment.
Sending them to a Hellix facility, however...
That was the main reason as why Nahuel jumped to the offer of working for Hellix. I was more reluctant, obviously; but Nahuel wanted to move between the zones. He was looking for his father. For as long as he could remember, Nahuel had searched endlessly for his father through countless Hellix facilities. There was only one he hadn't been permitted into entering. The Red zone, and he was convinced that was where his father was; since he'd had no luck in finding his father so far. All that had changed now, however. Four months or so ago, Nahuel had finally been giving access into going to the Red Zone to work under our leaders.
Now, I just hoped that it was my turn.
I'd finally be able to see what this zone was all about, alongside working with my friend again. I shuffled in my seat again, eyes flicking to the woman sitting at the desk typing away; a headset around her bleach blonde hair. Her bright ruby eyes were straight ahead, almost like glaring at the screen as she typed with a terrifying and violent speed. I couldn't really say much about this woman, other than she was jaw droppingly stunning, scary fast at her work, and severely moody looking. Wearing usual white lab coats for most employee's, with her ID number plate on her left breast pocket.
031101.
That was another thing about this place. Names weren't used most of the time. Identities were used in numbers. Mine was pretty simple to remember. 031095. Of course, I identified myself with my number and then my name. I found it a little... Intimidating the way they only named themselves by their numbers. Addressed one another by their identification numbers, and so on. I much prefered being called by my name, even if none of them did it anyway. By giving my name, the option was always there.
I usually took it upon myself to get to know the receptionist of a certain zone, however... I rarely visited the Yellow zone anymore. The Blue zone was where I was send to more often. The times that I had been based at the yellow zone, I had always seen Sophie on the reception, or otherwise known as 031098.
But my inner thoughts of wondering where she was were soon answered as the elevator door at the far left opened. She was leading a resident to an session. Behind her, one of the few residents I had met during my time here followed with a bemused expression. Kelly. A sweet girl, who at first I was surprised as to her being here. She didn't seem to be the type to be forced into the Hellix, but apparently after her coven had been taken down by human protesters, instead of reporting it; she decided to get her own revenge on each of them. Something she said she would do over, and over again even if it meant she spent a lifetime in here.
Her gray scrub like uniform hung loosely to her petite figure. The sleeves of the shirt came to her elbow and cut off. Clearly she had ripped the sleeves off. On the collar of her uniform was her own identification number. 37990.
She smiled happily towards me as she followed after Sophie, uncaring about those behind her. I followed them with my eyes, keeping my own friendly smile upon my face. I had no doubt Kelly would have spoken to me, if she hadn't of been being escorted somewhere.
"Odette," Sophie greeted with a bow of her head as she walked past. "Are they here?"
I knew who they were. They were the higher ranking employee's. The more authorised. Most likely they were dropping off documents for those who ran this Hellix Facility. Orders from Vladimir and Stefan themselves in Romania.
The receptionist, who I now knew was named Odette, nodded her head. Her violent typing came to a stop as she turned her attention to the other blonde.
"Indeed. 84092 is waiting for 37990." Odette's voice was musical like. Stern and professional. No wonder they had her on the reception. She was the perfect front face for this place. Clean, professional and slightly intimidating.
84092 was this facilities doctor. Tall, lean, strict and very good at his work. I had been present for one of his sessions with another resident, and I had been amazed at how quickly he had been able to square down onto the root of the problem he was having. He treated it, kept a close eye on it and soon enough... The problem had vanished. Doctor Christoff Penber/84092 was very, very talented.
Although, I couldn't help but prefer the Blue Zone's doctor. 90883/Doctor Julian Thomson. Sweet, kind, nurturing and very very caring. Last week, I had sat back and watched as he managed to stop a large panic attack take place in the social area. A vampire taking a panic attack? Not something you want to happen... Ever. He had taken control of that situation before it had a chance to get out of hand and cause people to be in harms way.
I couldn't help but sit and think what the Red Zone's doctor would be like...
I guess I'd find out soon, huh? Well, that is if I got the opportunity to travel there that is. Despite the fact I knew my family wouldn't entirely be too fond of the thought; I saw it as a great learning experience. After all, there wasn't many immortals in the world that could say they worked in the Red Zone Hellix facility. If anything, I'd feel a little proud of myself for getting to that stage.
To me, this was like a promotion, only I had no idea what was laying beyond. I didn't know what job I would get; but I was excited for it either way and if... If I got close enough to Vladimir and Stefan; perhaps they would be able to see I was of no danger and I'd finally be let off from working in the Hellix whatsoever. I could finally put it behind me, return to my family and live a normal life. With College, and human friends... Boyfriends!
I was probably the only eighteen year old who had never even been asked out on a date, nevermind kiss a boy. I couldn't help but notice that most love stories happened around the ages of sixteen and eighteen; perhaps even younger! When a young girl falls hopelessly in love for the first time ever and it all works out in the end.
It wasn't that I was looking for that, because I wasn't. Grandma' Esme always said 'good things come to those who wait.' So, I'd find the one eventually; but how could I find him in a place like this? A... Vampire prison, more or less.
I shifted awkwardly in my seat yet again as I watched Kelly be lead into the elevator; though I had to fight the smile that threatened to break across my face at her flashing me a bright smile and crossing her fingers.
I knew what that meant! Kelly had been here for almost seventy eight years, and despite her 'actions' probably being seen as sinful in the eyes of Stefan and Vladimir; they held no rules against immortals trying to appeal against their sentence. Clearly, Kelly was currently about to undergo a medical examination to stand beside her trial at freedom.
If I could have, I would have wished her luck; however the elevator doors closed and she was lost from my eyesight.
"031095." My head quickly turned to the sound of Odette's stern voice. Although I was positive I hadn't done anything, I was half expecting her to yell at me. Perhaps I wasn't sitting correctly? "They will see you now. Level three, room nine zero four. Knock and wait."
Oh, crap. My stomach automatically began to twist. I had been in this situation once before, but I hadn't been intending to ask to be placed in another facility. It had been them who decided it. Now, I was going to go out of my way and ask them...
My stomach was in knots, and I could feel my breakfast chern with the muscles contracting. With a sheepish nod, and a quiet 'thank you', I picked up the file resting on the seat beside me and stood. Walking towards the elevator, I pressed the button and stepped inside as the door automatically opened. Odette returned to her typing, while speaking into her headpiece. Probably telling those above I was on my way. The doors closed, and I let out a large shaky breath.
After pressing the level 3, I switched to brushing down my dull grey pencil skirt, and making sure the navy blue shirt was correctly tucked in. I was thankful there was no need for my labcoat today. All I had to make sure was that I had my number identity plate was present and seeable.
The doors opened a matter of seconds after, and I was greeted by an empty, pristine white corridors. Wall's lined of glass, just like the rest of this place. On the left, is was tinted white glass, making it impossible to see through; while on the right was clear. Giving me the perfect view of the outside world. Skyscrapers, cars, people going about their days.
Stepping out onto the white marble floor, my heels making gentle clicks on the way. As I passed, between the plates of glass doors were glass doors, with a silver plaque with the number of the room on. Room nine zero one, nine zero two, nine zero three... Nine zero four.
Despite not being able to see through the glass completely, as it was a blurred, I could see the silhouettes of people inside. Small movements, heads bobbing and shaking, someone getting up and crossing over the room.
With a shaky hand, and doing my best to conceal my nerves; I gently knocked against the glass panel. Hushed voices on the inside mused, while the figure that had crossed the room placed down something onto a table, and came to the door.
The door opened, and I was consumed with the stench of various scents. Mint, grass, bleach, polish...
The man before me was tall, with a brooding face and vivid red eyes. His lips, despite the brooding face, were curved into a friendly smile. Well, as friendly as he could get it. He was dressed in a suit, clearly made of the best material. Velvet, maybe? I was far too nervous, and intimidated to ask.
"031095, come in." He pulled the class door open more, and gestured for me to enter.
"Thank you.." I whispered, and stepped into the plain room. The office so to speak was more or less an empty room, other than the table lined with superior faces, chairs which they were sitting on and a chair for me directly opposite them. In the corner was a water dispenser, though the large container which should be filled with water was instead a crimson red. On the front, a label with the blood type. 'O-.'
That must have been what the guy who had brought me in was getting. A drink...
And sure enough, he went straight back over to retrieve his cup. On the desk in front of the many faces, each of them had a cup before them, alongside various paperwork and files.
"Please, take a seat." A female nodded and gestured with her hand to the seat opposite their side of the table. I wasted no time in making my way to it, and sitting myself down. Blood dispenser dude made his way to his seat; directly in the middle of the faces and on the largest chair. Clearly, he was the one higher up within the room.
"Would you like a drink, miss Cullen?" He asked, gesturing to the corner. "Help yourself."
I quickly shook my head. "No thank you, sir."
"Ah," the female who'd told me to sit spoke up. "Yes, now I remember. You are from the small lot that prefer animal blood?"
I gently nodded.
"Hmm," she mused, and shook her head gently. "Alright, Leopold. Let's not waste anymore time. We have families we wish to return home to before the crack of dusk."
She had to be kidding, right? It was only past noon... Unless she didn't want to waste more time on this than what was needed, due to other things they had to get through. Judging by the paperwork in front of them, that was probably true.
"Have you got the documentation, 031095?"
"Yes, sir. Everything that is needed."
He leant out his hand, while I stood partially and handed it over. While I sat myself down, Leopold - as I now knew his name as - opened the file and began to pass out the content to his several peers. One pale, at the very end, placed on a pair of reading glasses. At first, I thought this as odd; due to this being a room full of vampires, except I saw the light blue within his eyes.
He wasn't a vampire at all...
I sat silently while they read through the notes, every now and then giving a sheepish smile when one cared enough to look up. Probably to check that I was still there. The one who often looked up enough was the only female, besides myself, in the room. Her hair was a dark red, almost like dried blood, styled into a sharp and professional bob. You could cut a pie with those edges!
She was visibly older in age when she had been turned. Despite being beautiful, she had the look of maturity, and elegance. Plus, there were visible elder looking aspects on her face. Small crease lines where wrinkles most likely had been.
Despite her hair color, she wore a green blazer on top of her white shirt; which only brought out the malicious color within her hair and eyes. Around her finger was a wedding band.
In fact, most of the faces present had wedding bands. Even the lone human at the end. I couldn't help but wonder if maybe they had all been through that teenage fantasy between a vampire and human - and if the human was currently going through that. Hilarious, huh? The scary chick with the sharp hair got her romance, and here I was struggling to speak to anyone; because they knew what my family was!
"It says here here," Leopold spoke up, flipping over a document and looking at me under those vicious serial killer eyebrows. I felt my blood run cold. "031105-" I had to think for a moment as to who that was, but the goofy grin flicked into my mind. Daniel. A co-worker within the blue zone who did all he could to make me feel welcome in the beginning, but also took Nahuel's place as my best friend when he left. "- Has sent numerous complaints in due to the lack of socialization time for the inmates?"
I always hated it when they called them that, but that was more or less what they were. Each any every person wearing the gray uniform; stuck on the inside and being refused privacy, was indeed an inmate.
I nodded my head gently.
"Yes," I squeaked. I quickly had to clear my throat, only then realizing just how dry my throat had become due to the waiting. With the dryness now taken care of, I continued. "He feels, I mean.. We feel as though the mere three hours a day isn't at all enough for these.. Inmates to learn the skills in surviving out there."
Leopold placed the document down and clasped his hands together. Giving me his full and undivided attention. It was then I notice that most of them were looking at me now...
"You realize that a sentence here is not a vacation, 031095? They are here due to the crimes they have committed, and to get help in understanding that is now the way things work."
"I understand that, sir. Severely so, but I have been in there. I have spoken to these people... And most of them cannot even remember what fresh air smells like. One inmate has been here since the early twenties. She lacks the social skills it would take to make a living out there now..."
He arched his eyebrow, his head tilting to the side. "And how do you think we should go about that?"
"Well," okay Renesmee. Do this tactfully. Remember what you discussed with Daniel.. "I believe that their social times should be extended, even if it be only by a mere few hours. In these hours, have someone teach them what to expect out there if they are to get out soon. Keeping their knowledge as to what is going on out there... It may help give them the desire to right their wrongs, cooperate in 'getting better' and want to become a vital part of society."
Around Leopold, a few murmurs were said at the table. I didn't pay attention as to what was said, for it was probably to due with my 'inexperience' and 'non-understanding' as to what I was proposing.
"In doing so," the red haired woman spoke up. "This would require more hours to be worked, more workers so to speak, and we are short staffed within the blue zone as it is. What you are proposing is simply impossible at a time like this."
"I understand that, ma'am," I bowed my head gently. "But there are those within the facility that are willing to work those hours. Actually, if you turn to page seventeen; you'll find a list of names who are willing to help organize, teach and operate these classes. Dan- I mean, 031105, being the first one upon the list. He has some amazing ideas that work all in favor for these inmates, and the facility in general."
Leopold never once took his eyes off me as I gave my small speech, whereas the red haired woman seemed to have her doubts. "There is the added problem of funding this operation, alongside paying the workers. I'm sorry, 031095; but this is something we cannot touch."
"Forgive me, ma'am..." Her eyes seemed to blaze with fury, but she said nothing else. Biting the bullet, I clasped my hands together in hope to stop them from quivering. "But on the back of page seventeen... There is tables, percentages, and graphs showing how Hellix can benefit for such a program... None of the names given want a raise, and are willing to help fund this project themselves. Each and every worker just wish for the best for the inmates... As the workers there, and basically the carers for these individuals; we grow to have bonds with them. They learn to trust us, care for us; just as we do them."
I explained as each of the faces turned the pages over, looking at the graph's I had provided.
"It says here there could be a four percent increase of income, alongside statistics in media coverage?" The human asked, peering up at me from under his framed glasses.
"Well, yeah... I mean, lets say we go through with this per say... There are those in the world that view the Hellix facility as a scary place, a dangerous place. When that isn't what it is... Although it is best to avoid being placed in here, those who are clearly are in need of help. If we could cover this with media... News, newspapers, that Hellix is offering a class on helping immortals come to grips with their race and being different, imagine the image this place will set?"
Again, a few murmurs were passed.
"Eventually, we could even open it to the public. Not with the inmates, of course. But recently turned immortals, who don't understand things. We will be here to help them, teach them, alongside help their creators go about handling a newborn. Perhaps then there will be a new image for Hellix, and thus an increase in income."
Leopold eyes widened in amazement at the paper, and then up towards me.
"You came up with this yourself?"
I gently shook my head. "Not by myself. Workers gave their input. I just... Put it to paper, graphs, statistics. Made this idea into something that could possibly come to be reality."
"With these numbers, it might not hurt to try." The human stated, flicking over another piece of paper. "A increase will help with the current economy, not to mention the image of Hellix. With the rise in money, we could make some alterations to the building."
"Hmm. And why stop there?" Leopold pondered. "We could hold seminars for humans, help them understand our race... Perhaps then we can exterminate those hate groups."
"It's worth a try, isn't it?" I murmured. "It could either work perfectly, or it may not change a thing. And if it doesn't, then things can go back to how they were. Either way, it is a win-win situation."
Leopold brought a hand to his face, gently stroking at his chin as he leant back in his chair. The leather chair reclined slightly at his weight. "May we keep these to hand higher up?"
"But of course." I agreed, giving him the friendliest smile I could muster. Leopold nodded his head, then glanced towards those at his table. "Is there anything else you wish to bring up?"
A number of faces shook their heads and replied with 'no.'
"Well, unless you have something you wish to speak up with 031095, we can conclude this meeting. Is there anything?"
Leopolds bright red eyes met mine, and I was reminded of the clenching and twisting of my stomach. Red zone. Alright, Renesmee. This is the moment you have been waiting for. Just bring it up, hold your case, and don't take no for an answer. You can do it.
Just take a breath, and say it. All you have to say is yes. Yes... "No."
I fell under the pressure and shook my head gently.
"Very well. Thank you for your time, miss Cullen. You will hear from one of our assistants soon."
Before me, each and every one of them began to hand paperwork towards the end, where the human male began to place it back into a file. As I stood, I watched as he stamped the front of the file with 'concluded.'
I bowed gently before them. "Thank you for seeing me, sir."
I turned, and made my way to the door. No matter how much I wanted this, no matter how hard I had mentally prepared myself for this, who the hell was I kidding? They wouldn't merely give it to a girl who had worked there for only two years. The red zone was the most restricted of all zones. As if they would give access to it to a mere half-breed who'd only recently gotten access to the bluezone a mere year ago. Aunt Alice was right. I was just a dreamer, who's heart was in it more than what it should be.
As the door closed behind me, with a heavy heart, I walked back to the elevator. Pressing the button, I looked to the world outside. The sun had moved from it's position I had last seen it in, and was now closer to setting. The sky was turning a gentle orange, while clouds danced their final waltz within the heavens. Who was I kidding... I'm never going to be free from this place.
This was my life, right here. Stuck within the Hellix, working for them to prove I wasn't some abomination, nor some danger to both our races. I'll never get out..
The door opened, and I stepped inside and pressed the ground floor. At least I'd managed to get Daniel's hopes across, that were now under consideration. Although I wasn't able to obtain my dream, I might've helped his come to be; and that was better than nothing.
"Hold the doors," I heard just as they began to close. Automatically, my hand shot out to stop it from closing. As the doors reopened, I was amazed to find Leopold briskly walking with his cup of blood towards the elevator. He stepped inside and the doors closed behind him. "Number eleven?"
I pressed eleven, and stood with my hands clasped in front of me silently.
The elevator began to go down, which I was thankful for. I doubt I would be able to stand being in this enclosed space going up for eleven floors first, before having to travel all the way down again.
"You held a good case today, miss Cullen." Leopold tried to soften the silence. "I haven't seen Maureen so worked up in a long time."
I gave a small smile. "Thank you sir. It was nothing... Just a desire to make this place better."
"And it will be."
The elevator came to a stop and opened up. Just as I had left her, Odette was typing away still. She didn't so much as look to the elevator as it opened and let me out.
"Goodbye, sir." I nodded again and stepped out.
"Oh, 031095?"
I stopped just at the reception desk and turned. "Yes?"
"That list of names..." Leopold frowned, his hand out; stopping the elevator from closing on us. "If you put so much work into it, why isn't your name on there?"
Was this my chance? Despite the automatic fear Leopold brought upon me, he seemed to be the most suitable person to speak to about my situation. Alongside Maureen, of course. But due to where Leopold had been sitting, I'd give my left kidney and say that he was the one in charge. And even if he were to refuse, none of them would entirely know I'd asked... Since I could always ask him to keep it quiet from everything else.
This is your only chance, Renesmee; unless you will have to wait another year before meeting with someone of such high status within the facilities.
"Because I wasn't entirely sure if I'd be around to see it happen, sir." I answered truthfully. Leopold frowned, more than what his serial killer eyebrows made him look as though he were already. Stepping out of the elevator, causing it to close behind him, he walked towards me.
"Is something wrong with you?" He spoke with a hint of worry in his voice. "Is your life under threat? Problems at home? Tell me, child. You know our colleagues are like family, and we help family."
"No, no. Nothing like that." I quickly put my hands up in surrender, stopping his relapse of worry. "Everything is fine."
He seemed to relax slightly. "Well then, what is it? You know you cannot chose when you are to come in or not. Doing so will wind a smart young girl like you inside like the rest of them."
Okay, Renesmee. It's now or never. Grow some nerve, and tell him straight!
"Well, sir. I was hoping I'd be... Transferred."
His eyebrows knitted together in confusion. "Transferred to where? You already have access to blue and yellow zones."
I glanced down at my shoes, avoiding his bright red eyes. This action was most likely the cause to him knowing, for a deep sigh was giving through his nose. He was silent for a number of seconds, before he spoke.
And when he did, my heart could have leaped out of my chest.
"You wish to be transferred to the red zone..." He mused. "I presume you are well aware I'm one of the few with the authorization to give recommendation to such a proposal."
I gently nodded, refusing to take my eyes from my shoes.
"Judging by what you showed upstairs; you are a bright young girl who believes in this system and wants to make it better. Qualities we take very highly within this facility, and it is rare to come across someone with such passion. I believe that the red zone would benefit from you being there..."
I looked up with hope. His face showed a glint of amusement, and perhaps happiness due to the fact I was gazing up at him in pure awe. I wondered how many people looked up at him like this? In pure respect, because of who he was, and not due to it being their responsibility in their job to do so? I was guessing not many.
"If I were to recommend you, and I am not stating it will come to be; for none of us know. But If I do, you realize you will have to leave to go to Romania?"
"I do, yes." I nodded.
"And it will involve leaving everyone, and everything behind for a long period of time, with no visitation from family or friends whatsoever? And that your orders will come directly from Stefan and Vladimir themselves?"
Again, I nodded.
"And you still wish to go there?"
"Yes, sir." I gave him a smile. The sweetest one I could muster. "My family want what I want. They just want me to be happy, and working for our leaders..." I zoned out, for I really couldn't say it was a dream of mine to work for them. The dream was to become free all together. To never have to set foot within the Hellix facilities ever again.
I just figured that working closer to our leaders would bring me one step closer to that.
"Alright." Leopold nodded. "Leave it with me, and I will recommend you personally. You will hear back almost immediately afterwards, for they don't leave these sort of things undecided for long. Stay by the phone, and do not get your hopes up."
I couldn't breathe. Was this... Was this really happening? "T-thank you sir."
"You're welcome. Now, off you go."
"Alright, sir. Again, thank you... Really, thank you." I repeated as I walked backwards, watching him make his way back to the elevator and wave his hand towards me. As he pressed the button, I about turned and sprinted for the door.
This was it. I was half a step closer to becoming free! As I rushed out of the glass building, and across the concrete flooring, down the steps and past the large waterfall; I couldn't contain my joy. Not even when my father, who stood at his car, face fell from seeing it within my mind. It was understandable as to why he wouldn't be thrilled. After all, if I did get this, it would mean I would have to leave him, leave them all, to work within one of the most restricted zones within all of the world.
But he would understand why I was doing this. If I managed it, and I did impress our leaders, then I would become free. And in that... I would never have to leave my family ever again. We would be together, Hellix free, for the rest of eternity; just as it should be.
All I needed now was to wait for that phone call.
I didn't spare Edward a word as I slipped into the car and kicked of my shoes. I had grown used to the tremendous feeling of when the day was finally over, and I was able to take off my shoes. I don't care what any girl ever says, but you do not get used to the pinch from heels... Ever.
It still hurts, just like the first time I'd ever worn them. I'd just grown accustomed to masking that pain with a friendly smile. The sound of my father's door closing behind him as he got in caused me to look to the side, while I set about rubbing my feet. He buckled up, shot me a glance - to probably check I was buckled in as well, which I was - and started the car.
"So they're recommending you?" He asked in a dry, ice like tone. I hadn't ever really been big on small talk, but of course he knew that. The only time he ever did this sort of 'conversing' was when it would escalate into a much more serious conversation.
Already, I could hear the lecture coming to the surface within his voice.
"I'm not going to lecture you, Renesmee." He sighed. "I'm just worried for what might come,"
"Nothing is going to come of anything. I will either be accepted into the red zone, where I may be able to show our leaders that I am no danger, or I will be declined; and life will go on as it always has."
Edward's grip around the steering wheel tightened. I turned my gaze to the world passing by, mesmerised by the colors, the people and the simplicity of life. What a joy it must be to be human. To be able to live life to it's fullest, to grow old, to die. All privileges I will not be able to meet.
And such a burden. To live that sacred life within a world plagued of our race, forever fearing the next face you might come across; for he or she could be the very being which ends you. Although there are rules on such thing, such as never feeding excessively and over doing it, it would no doubt still play a part to their fear of us.
Most of the vampires I knew of that went along with the human diet more or less solely depended on the blood farms. But that didn't mean they did not take the chance at a hunt. We were predators, we were crafted for such a life of hunting and bringing darkness into souls. I supposed that view was where me and my father pet perfectly. He viewed this existence as a burden, as a curse. But my mother... Oh, my mother. She couldn't come to love something more than the breath of death itself. To know that she would live forever more with my father at her side was all her dreams rolled together.
Now, I believed that her dreams lay with mine. To be free of this ratchet facility, to be free from the observations on me and my family. To go about life as if we were human, but go on about it for the rest of eternity. A life as such would be heaven on Earth.
"You get lost within your thoughts far too much," Edward chuckled gently as he turned a corner. I leant my forehead against the cold glass, suppressing a sigh that wished to escape. "But I understand why. You know your mind all too well."
That was true. I had always been a stubborn fool. I knew how I wished for things to be, and would go out of my way to make them happen. I was adamant that this plan of mine should work, and I would dedicate myself to such until my freedom was met. Even if I had to demand an audience with our leaders themselves to plead my case. I wanted to be free, I wanted to live a life rather than an existence. I wanted to have the choice to go out, to meet people and perhaps one day find that person I should spend forever with. Be he human or vampire. Being stuck within the Hellix stole that right from me, and would continue doing so unless I tried to do something about it.
Fate was not on my side, evidently. And thus I had to go about shaping it to my benefit.
"Your mother won't like you being away from her," my father whispered. "Romania isn't just a five minute drive, Renesmee. If something were to happen there, we won't be there for you."
"You think I don't know that?" I snapped my head around to look at him. "That thought alone is what keeps me hoping the answer is no. But a mere few months, a year at most alike don't stand in comparison to possibility of forever, free from all zones and facilities."
He took his eyes off the road for a moment to look at me, a scorned look perched upon his eternally young face. How could someone look so young as he, yet had the look of sadness and heartbreak you would expect from someone twice the age as to what he looks?
"I know," he nodded. "Be gentle on your mother. Be gentle on them all. They all won't take this lightly."
Foolish me. I had merely been thinking of how this would affect my parents, or more so how it could affect me not being near them. But they were not the only ones who will suffer with this drastic change. From my grandparents, to my aunts and uncles and distant cousins.
"I promise," I reached out and placed my hand atop of his. His switched this around so that he had my hand under his, while still having ahold of the steering wheel. With a gentle squeeze, we entered the plotted land of the estate my family owned.
We were quite fortunate when it came to our living conditions and neighbourhood. They kept themselves to themselves, but often said hello as we passed in the street - despite knowing what we were. Grandma Esme was part of the gardening committee, and therefore held some meetings within our home. The interaction with these humans, and some vampires also, were all that I had known growing up. Adults who looked at us in kindness and acceptance; yet still had that lingering fear each and every time they entered our home.
Despite trying, I hadn't been all too fortunate in the friends my own age department. Children could be so cruel, though most knew that. Some understood, some accepted, but none went out of their way to befriend the freakish child of a vampire relationship. Be it from their own human instincts kicking in, or orders from their parents to just 'keep clear,' it mattered none. I had grown accustomed to the adult life early on, and listened and watched as my superiors interacted with one another; and eventually began to interact with me like. I understood elders more than I did children; and that was a quality I doubt would ever fade from me.
Edward stopped the car, and released my hand. Gazing up to the large, 1800's styled manor home as I stepped out of the car; I listened for the sounds of my family. I could hear gentle laughter coming from around back. Aunt Alice and Grandma Esme. Forever planting seeds to join in on their collection of various flowers and vegetables.
Inside, the sound of roaring and thumping from speakers. Uncle Emmett, Uncle Jasper and cousin Eleazar; sitting perched on the sofa watching another one of Emmett's favorite sports games. No doubt aunt Rose was there with them, except her eyes would not be on the TV screen; but on the magazine in her hand. Comparing herself to that of the models within the pages, and scoffing at the evident photoshopping.
And there, my mother. Coming out of the door and walking down the patio steps to welcome me with open arms. I grinned and walked over, being consumed by her love. The love of a mother is one that no man, nor woman could ever replace. Just as is the love for a mother.
"Did everything go alright?" Bella asked gently as she stepped back from me. "You didn't have to undergo tests? I expected you back later than this."
I nodded my head gently and leant my head into the touch of her hand on my cheek.
"Everything is fine," I reassured. "No tests, no examinations. They were happy with what I suggested and my report."
I could feel the eyes of my father burning a hole in my back. He was awaiting me to tell her the other news. But I couldn't... Not yet, not when she had such a look within her eye of pure joy. Who would I be to take such a look from her? When she is this content with it merely being no tests? I prayed for the day I'd see her reaction when I was free for good. Would it be the same, or would it be ten fold as to what she is portraying now?
I hoped for the latter.
"Are you hungry?" She asked, wrapping her arm around my shoulder and leading me into the house. "Your pick tonight. We can go hunt, or eat inside."
I thought for a moment, reminiscing the last time I had tasted the blood from an elk fresh from the vein. It would be sweet to race with the wind, and chase the animals like I used to constantly as a child, but I believed it best to sit the family down and tell them of my news.
"Inside," I grinned. "Together as a family, around the table."
Bella nodded her head quickly and pushed the door open, allowing me inside into the warmth. Just as I had expected, each of my uncles, my cousin and my aunt sat at the sofa. The males eyes on the TV, and Rosalie on her magazine.
Her attention on the pages faltered for a slight moment as I entered. She greeted me with a welcoming smile, to which I returned as I passed her. Within the kitchen, I sat myself down onto a stool as my mother made work of preparing pots and pans.
I wasn't sure as to what she was intending to cook, but it didn't bother me in the slightest. I could sit here, just like I had as a child, and watch her work around in the kitchen for all eternity. I peered over my shoulder, eyes in search for the figure of my father; but he had taken a seat beside my uncles, his keys on the coffee table and his grey jacket flung over the sofa.
"Why watch me, Renesmee? Go have yourself a shower." My mother spoke up, causing me to turn and look at her again. She was making her way to the back door; most likely to call in my Grandmother and aunt to help. She always did enjoy it better when Esme helped her... Plus, the food did taste ten times as better when Esme added in her little touches.
I didn't bother in protesting. Instead, I did exactly as my mother insisted. I rushed myself upstairs, into the one of five bathrooms within this manor, and cleared my head and heart.
Now that I was home, I was thinking fully about what I had done and said. Before, when bringing this opportunity up, I had thought only about myself and my freedom. I hadn't come to think about how my family would take this news. Surely they would feel proud, alongside saddened? That is what I would want, after all. For those I love most to take pride in my choices, my ambitions and my goals.
I wanted this for them. So that I could be with them, and not have to spend most of my days stuck within the facility, working under people who don't understand what it is like to be me, or what it is like to have a family like my own. Being around people that look at you as a freak, as an abomination, that do not understand your existence was a troubling fate and sentence. I craved to be with my family forever, under their unjudgeable eyes and their accepting hearts. They loved me for who I was, alongside what I was. My race, my existence, didn't matter to them. And with them is where I belong, where I will come to find someone who views me just as my father had with my mother. Under their protection, under their love and their guidance. They wouldn't stand for someone to look at me as those in the Hellix do. They would see to it that I am around people whom love me just as they do.
The bellowing voice of my mother called me from my shower as I stepped out. Right on time, Renesmee. I gave myself a mental pat on the back as I quickly dried myself off and flung on my dressing gown, hurried to my room and changed into my nightwear.
With the soft satin fabric clinging to my skin, and my damp hair held in a tight bun, I descended downstairs. At the table my family sat; bowls in front of them filled with a lukewarm red substance while the space as to where I should sit had human food upon the plate.
I sat myself down, and smiled towards that of my family. I had no doubt in my mind Esme was the one behind this food for me. Italian themed pasta, that smelled so sweet it could make even the heavens cry. Their bowls were the usual for when we stayed inside and ate. Someone within the family always brought home blood; most usually Grandpa Carlisle. With his ties with the hospital, he had the access to empty blood bags, in which he filled from the animal we had taken down.
From the smell, despite my senses only really registering the pasta before me, it was mountain lion. Father's favorite. I picked up my fork, and watched silently as Tanya and her sisters said a silent grace. It was a common thing for them to do such a thing, and every now and then; we would join in depending on the mood of the day.
Once that was finished, each spoon was picked from it's place and the eating began. With the gentle sound of classical music playing from the stereo player in the next room, and the small hummings and whispers of gentle chitchat, I chewed happily on the food provided for me.
How the vampire hate groups come to see us as monsters, I would never know. Despite the lust for their blood; we were just like them, were we not? A family, sitting down just like you would as a human, to a meal. Granted, the meal in question wasn't entirely that of a human's divine tastes; but our mannerisms and our concept of family was exactly that of a humans. If we were not like them now, then most were once before. My mother, my father, my aunts and uncles, my cousins... All once human, turned into this race for the sake of love, for the sake of life, and for the sake of forever. There was not much to hate, but there was also so much to despise.
"That reminds me. Renesmee, your plan," Carlisle spoke up as he rubbed a napkin over his lips. "The pursuit of making the blue zone a much more friendlier environment for it's inmates. How did it go?"
I swallowed down a mouthful of water to wash away the remaining food in my mouth. With it gone, I shrugged my shoulders gently while flicking my fork over the leftover small portion of food.
"Well, I hope." I said gently. "The ones who met with me were slightly intimidating, but they took my idea's seriously."
Across from me, Tanya let out a small laugh. "But who isn't intimidating in that dreadful place? So high up on their pedestals, looking down on us as if we are the wrong doers."
"That isn't true," Esme defended. "Some can be quite lovely, and refuse to look at others as if they are in the wrong."
"Perhaps not wrong now," Said Tanya, setting her spoon down and picking up her own napkin. "But soon to be one of their cattle, lost within the manuscript of that prison. Just another faceless being, no, a faceless criminal no less."
"Such strong opinions on a place you have not set foot in since the early twenties," my father smirked. "Perhaps because you are a wrongdoer, dear Tanya?"
Tanya glared at my father with such raw passion and hate, I could have choked. It was no hidden secret as to the feelings Tanya once held for my father. The once dier hopes that she may have become his bride, instead of a mere mortal as what my mother had been.
"You'd do well to hold your tongue, Edward." She quipped back. "Or off to the red zone with you."
The table moved into a small laughter, for none of us really knew what a crime would condemn you to the red zone. To them, to us all, it could no less than merely cracking a joke or no more than committing the most deadliest of crimes. And to think, if I were to be accepted into such a place; I would know. I would know all there is to know about the most mysterious of zones and yet my family would still be none the wiser.
Despite laughing and joking about it, they held their views on it itself. Hell, they held their views on all of the Hellix system. They viewed it as cruel, unnecessary and inhumane - which is funny, for inhumane is what we are. No longer living, yet no longer dead. They despised that place, and all that is to go about it because of the sentence of me being forced there every day of eternity.
Involuntarily, I gulped down a small lump within my throat.
Edward glanced up from his cup as he took a small drink, his eyes connecting with mine. He was listening to me, as always. His eyes danced with concern and hidden comfort in me not to worry. There was no rush in telling them yet. If it came back that I was not to go, then was there need to tell them at all?
The phone rang, and my heart stopped.
"I'll get it." Rosalie stood from her seat before I could follow. In the other room, I listened while my family continued with their conversation. Edward didn't take his eyes off me, while I didn't take my eyes off my plate.
'Might I have a word with the hybrid of the house?' a female voice asked. My stomach twisted.
"My niece?" Rosalie clearly sounded confused. I never received phone calls. If I hadn't been expecting a call, I might've been confused and surprised also. "Might I ask who's calling?"
'031103.' The voice replied.
Rosalie laughed. "I don't understand your number system. A name, if you please?"
'Amelia. Please, do hurry. I have important calls to make other than this.'
With a scoff and a grumble, Rosalie agreed. "Give me a moment..."
There was a sound of something being placed down, and then Rosalie entered the room. She smiled happily towards us all, and then let her bright topaz eyes land on me. "You have a call, Renesmee. An Amelia?"
I'd be lying if I said I knew who Amelia was, for I'd never met one before in my life knowingly. So the look of confusion written on my face was genuine. I couldn't say it wasn't from the Hellix, for I'd heard the number identity; but I had been expecting Leopold to call with the news himself. Perhaps it is bad news after all? The recommendation had come back as a decline, and he could not bare to tell me himself? Despite this, I nodded my head and stood from the table.
Squeezing past my aunt, I entered the next room and picked up the phone laying on the table; wired to the wall. On the other end, I could hear typing. She was still on the line. Sucking in a breath, I put on the kindest sounding voice I could muster.
"Hello?"
"031095?" The stern sounding voice on the other end spoke. "Am I speaking to a miss Renesmee Cullen?"
I nodded. Oh, wait... "Y-yes. This is she. Who's calling?"
"This is 031103, receptionist from the red zone in Romania."
My heart was beating in surreal tempo. This... This was the red zone on the line. Literally. It was them, or one of them. I didn't know what to think, do or say. Thankfully, she continued so words did not have to leave my lips.
"I'm calling as a regard to 031928, a mister Leopold Hering. You recall of this man?"
"I do. I met with him earlier today."
"Indeed. He put forward your name as a recommendation in working here within the capital of Hellix. Our superiors read over this recommendation and took it to Vladimir and Stefan for further opinion. Your idea's, and your record in working with us appears to be spectacular, and they wish for you to join us here after all."
I feared that my heart would stop at any moment. I feared that my tongue had ran off and refused to come back. I could not breathe, I could not think, I couldn't do anything other than stand there, mouth agape as to what I was hearing.
"If you are open to it, you are to depart for Bucharest as soon as possible, where one of our employees will come and meet you to bring you to us. There, you will meet with your future superiors and fellow co-workers, be given a tour of our facility and brief introduction to our residents. Now, as for your departure; would tomorrow suit you at eight o'clock in the morning?"
I glanced towards the clock above our fireplace. It was only seven at night now. Thirteen hours...
"Miss Cullen? I must insist you give me an answer now so I can finalize it."
"... Eight o'clock is fine."
"Excellent. Well, I look forward to seeing you on your arrival, 031095. Until then, La Revedere."
The line went dead, and I was left with the small beeping of the telephone and my heart hammering violently in my chest. I had done it... Despite the odds being against me, I had been accepted to one of the most highly restricted facilities within all of the world. I had been good enough, and now I was one step closer to my dream of being free...
I set the phone back up, and turned to find my family all standing there. Their mouths closed and in thin lines, and their eyes portraying sadness. They had heard everything.
Despite them having heard, I said the only thing I could.
"I'm going to Romania."
A/N:
Hey there. Thanks for taking the time to read through this! This is just a little something I came up with after asking myself 'what would it be like if the Romanian coven were in rein rather than the Volturi?'
In Twilight, the Volturi did defeat the Romanian's, taking their throne. So I just... Wondered what it would be like if the Volturi hadn't of defeated the Romanian's? I have a small idea as to where I'm going with this. Hopefully it takes your liking, and you can follow me on this new journey of Reneslec.
Leave a review with your thoughts? Thanks guys.
-C.H