NOTE: So thanks to the demand, I've written a prologue of sorts depicting the aftermath of the fight in 'The End Result'. If you've not read that first, I insist you do now, otherwise this story is no good =(. I'm not entirely sure what path I'm going to take with this story if its good it might continue as a fanfic... –shrugs you tell me what you think. I want to thank everyone who actually reads and comments, thus fuelling my writing. xD Also while I'm here check out my other twilight fanfics, 'Some Things Are Never Forgotten', 'The Girl's Guide To Dealing With The Dark Side' and a newbie that I might consider changing into a fully fledged fanfic, 'A Glimpse Into The Genius Mind That Is Jacob Black'.

Aftermath

"Edward's.... Dead?" Bella questioned, her voice small and empty. Slumping on the ground, she hugged her knees, mimicking a child. "He can't be dead, he just can't!"

A shaken Carlisle resumed his fatherly ways, although his son had just been announced dead, he had yet to lose his temper.

Looking up with teary eyes, she stared at him as he spoke.

"Bella?"

"He's not dead!"

"Bella. It's alright we're here for you."

"But he isn't"

Cradling her head in his arms, he hugged her tightly as she sobbed.

As she cried, she noticed that the Cullen family themselves were in tatters. Emmet had lost Rosalie; Esme was mourning the loss of two of her children and Alice ad Jasper appeared to be blaming themselves for the deaths. Choking on her sobs, she forcefully stopped herself from crying. Wiping desperately at her cascading tears, she stood up, breaking away from Carlisle's hold.

I need to be strong, for my family. They need me, she thought. With her insides replicating a shattered mirror, she knew that her intentions were going to be easier said than done. Desperately wanting to cry and mourn for Edward, she pulled herself together, no more pathetic Bella, she concluded. There'd be time for crying later, in the safety of her room.

"I want to see the body" she said to no one in particular.

A steady silence followed.

"Of course you do" murmured Esme. "Alice?"

"See... that's the thing, there is no body.

"What?!" Bella shrieked.

"Have they burned him?" Esme inquired.

"I haven't found any other fires other than the one we used for the volturi."

"Did they make any fires?"

"No. Not that I recall. They never thought of burning any of our dead... well except from parts of Rosalie" Alice replied.

Another icy wind ripped across the battlefield. Carlisle finally joined the conversation, his eyes exhausted, suggesting that the battle had affected him more than he would like the rest of them to believe.

"So what you are saying is we are not certain if Edward is dead?"

"Exactly" Alice answered.

"So he may be missing or taken prisoner?"

"That's a possibility."

Turning to a sombre Emmet, Carlisle inquired, "Were there any Volturi alive at the end of the battle?"

"Aro and a few guards fled."

"So he may be alive?" Bella cried, her words enthusiastic.

"Bella, I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but the reality of my son being alive, is slim to none. Even if the Volturi had taken him prisoner, they're bound to kill him."

Defiant, she rejoined, "No. There's a chance, even you admitted that."

"Bella-"

"I don't care. Say what you want but tomorrow I'm leaving. I'll search for him and I'll find him" she said, interrupting Carlisle.

"But you don't even know where he is!" exclaimed Emmet, releasing some of the emotions he had withheld since Rosalie's death. "You think you can just leave this mess, find him alive and well and bring him home! You're so naive! He's dead! Face it, he dead just like Rosalie! And if by some twisted miracle the volturi have him, he'll still be dead!"

"No you listen! We're in this mess because of me and I'll fix it. He's alive I know he is! And I'll find him! No matter what!"

"Bella.."

Choosing to ignore Carlisle's warning, she turned to Alice, a smile breaking across her lips.

"Can you see anything about him?"

Concentrating, Alice focused on Edward. Shaking her head she replied, "I can't find him. I can't focus. It might be because Jane's attacks have worn me out or..."

Not wanting to hear another fake proclamation regarding her husband's death, Bella addressed her family.

"I'm leaving tonight. Alice are you coming with me?"

"Bella I'm not sure if that's such a good idea."

"Then I'll go on my own. First any signs of Jacob and Renesme?"

"They left. Bella-"

"If I'm lucky they may still be near Forks."

"Bella!" Jasper yelled, grabbing hold of her.

"Look I get it. You don't want to come with me but don't stop me either."

"Actually both I and Alice are coming with you."

A broad smile swept across her pale face, the family didn't believe Edward was alive; they didn't appreciate her efforts of retrieving him either. Well by the time I'm reunited with Renesme, I'll have Edward back with me, Renesme will see her father again, she vowed...

So... what do you think? Review! Immediately! -please