Dark Abyss
(Present)
"Master, Master! Come quick she is losing it again!"
"Stay away from me!" I bellowed, my own voice stinging my ears. "Away!"
I could feel the evil rising within me. The depth of it would be enough to wipe out this stupid place, but I knew that someone would find me and make it go away gradually. The feeling was utterly maddening! It was as if my insides were burning with such intense flames that it was impossible to die out. It was like becoming a vampire all over again.
"Bella," His voice managed to seep into my mind. "Please you have to calm down. I can't have you ruin my home."
His voice was only making it more unbearable. I clutched the sides of my head, both my hands clenched into balls with fists-full of hair. My screaming pierced through the stone walls of my cell.
"Please Bella, you are really making a fool of yourself." Caius chided.
My head snapped up at him. My eyes glared into his with enormous strength which should of gotten rid of him and his idiotic guard. But of course Renata was there to intersect my brutal attack.
"Look at her," Jane flowed inside with a smirk. "She's completely pathetic, Master. Why do you insist on keeping the monstrosity." I growled at her harshly. My teeth bared and anticipating to slice her into pieces. "Her eyes make me want puke! They are entirely black. So evil."
"Shut up!"
"It's a shame her little Edward didn't get to see what a true monster she had become. Bella is lucky enough that I granted her that favor, or else Edward would not have wanted to save the likes of something so disgusting."
"Stop it!" I shouted. "There is no Edward! I don't know this Edward, so stop mentioning his name!"
They both laughed together.
"Oh my poor little Bella. No matter how many times we tell you, you still won't get it through you're thick skull." Suddenly he grabbed my chin and jerked my head up to look at his face. His crimson eyes bore into mine with hatred. "As far as I'm concerned, we relieved your little Edward. If you became apart of the immortal under his bite, we would've had to search for you and kill you single handedly. But because Aro is so stubborn and refuses to end your life, I'm afraid you will have to endure your life in this prison. Edward would probably want it this way regardless."
I shook him away and reached up to curl my hand around his neck. "I could kill you quite easily if it weren't for your stupid servants! Oh trust me, when I get the chance you both would be the first victims on my list."
"Bella!" Aro shouted. "Have you no shame."
Automatically I let go of him and cowered into the far corner of my cell. I pulled my knee's to my chest and hid my face with my hair. If I wanted to get out of this place, I didn't want to upset Aro. He had complete control over me.
"Caius, Jane, Renata, please excuse us for a moment." Aro instructed in a soft manner.
"Would you like me to stay master?" Renata offered.
"No, I'm fairly sure I'll be okay." He assured her. A moment passed and the prison door slammed shut. I knew Renata and the others would be close by.
The monster hadn't left me just yet, but being in Aro's presence calmed things down a bit. He was like an antidote for my curse. He held me together somehow. Perhaps it was because it was his venom that made me this way, therefore we shared a close bond.
It was quiet, besides the sound of my ragged breathing. Being possessed with a horrid gift wore me out whenever I got distressed or angry. I didn't like to cause people pain, it wasn't something I did intentionally. If I were to become overly-anxious or worried, the demon inside me would fight to break free and take advantage of me. It would color both of my eyes entirely black. Anyone near me could die instantly. It happens slowly, a painful death. Like someone choking on fire, which eventually spreads through their whole body.
Aro came to sit beside me. His hand reached toward me but I flinched away from his touch.
"What's the matter my child?" He murmured, stroking my oily hair.
I closed my eyes, cautioning myself so I wouldn't speak cruelly to him. I took a deep breath. "I....I am a monster."
"You are a lost soul, is what you are."
"Monster's don't have soul's." I persisted. "If I had a soul, I'd be human."
He chuckled. "That is rubbish my dear, we all have soul's or we wouldn't be on this planet!"
I gritted my teeth. Aro was a good man, he just didn't want to listen to sometimes. "Why am I imprisoned here?"
"You aren't," He sighed. "You are free to come out and dine with us."
"I don't eat humans!" I snapped. "I want to be a human, not a meal for a fallacious vampire!"
"Ahh," He cooed. "No my sweet one, you're wish is not to be a human, I can tell you that."
I couldn't help but look at him. "What do you mean?" I asked, puzzled.
He smiled and bent down to touch his soft lips gently to my forehead. "There are those beautiful eyes I've been waiting for."
My eyes must be back to their original color. Aro said when I was human my eyes used to be a lovely shade of chocolate brown. I was changed by Aro, who insisted on hiding me in the darkness for such a long time that it had become my power. I was sightless for an endless count, fire burning through my veins. Changing me, destroying what was left of me. Even after my transformation, I was locked up. I had inherited my power from the blackness that constantly surrounded me, and for that, I had become something utterly revolting. Aro stroked the hollow beneath my right eye. Being hidden away had caused my eyes to change to an astonishing pale gray, as Aro described. I had never seen my reflection before, but given the chance, I would immediately refuse.
I shuddered silently to myself and quickly pressed on. "So what do you mean? About my wish not being of becoming human?"
"When you were human Bella, you're wish was to become a vampire. You also had a lover, just like Sulpicia is to me. His name was Edward Cullen, but he did not like the idea of you becoming one of us."
I stared at his face for a moment, trying to remember what he was telling me. My mind came up blank. "This Edward.....he is the person whom Caius speaks of?"
He nodded. "Yes. The way you felt for each other was something I could not even begin to understand, Bella. I met you before, in your past life. You let me see your entire thoughts. It was quite amazing. You two were so passionately in love that not even Chelsea could break the spell."
It took me a while to register this, though Aro had already spoken this story to me once before. "But if Edward loved me, he would have refused to let me become something that would later destroy me. He would've protected me.....right?"
Aro smiled in a way that I didn't understand. He pulled my head to rest on his chest, while he brushed the knots out of my hair. "I'm afraid it was quite more complicated than that, Bella. If Edward refused to change you, you both could've died. By us. There was only three of you, but you begged Edward to come to terms, because it was what you wanted at the time. You desperately wanted to be apart of our world just so you could stay with Edward forever."
It was hard to believe that this was my human life he was explaining. Me? Wanting to become a vampire? Nonsense. It would've been nice to remember my past so I could get the proper perspective on things, but now I found that impossible. Edward seemed like a descent guy for wanting to keep me human.
"Hold on a sec. You said there were three of us?"
"Yes," He said. "Yourself, Edward and Alice."
"Alice?"
"Alice had the gift to see into the future. A very useful gift if you ask me, and we would have appreciated it if she joined the guard but she declined. Edward also had a talent. He could read minds."
"Just like you?"
"Similar, yet very different. I can only read minds with physical contact which allows me to see every single thought in a single head. Your Edward could read a passing thought, without the touch. Yours was the exception of course. It is believed your brain was some kind of shield. Even Jane couldn't use her power on you. She still can't achieve that goal." He smiled at a distant memory. "However, Alice was a very close friend of yours and also Edwards 'recreational' sister. They belonged in a family of seven. All vampires, but very different from the way we live."
I raised one eyebrow. "Really?"
"They thought it was more necessary to feed on animal blood instead of humans, like us." He stated.
Animal blood? I had never heard of such a theory. Why would vampires drive to such extremes to feed on foul blood? Was it because they preferred it rather than people, or were they trying to protect the humans. Aro's explanation answered my questions.
"They cheated fate." He stated. "They would rather protect the human race and suffer mere pain as they grounded themselves in a living environment. I've seen the effort it takes to hold back their vampire side. It takes a lot of guts to do what my dear Carlisle has achieved."
I shook my head, trying to shake his confusing words. "Who is this Carlisle?"
He chuckled once and took my face in his hands. He looked into my eyes fiercely. "You must eat child. You are weak."
"Not humans." I whispered feebly.
He sighed. "Bella you are being unreasonable. To maintain a healthy life, you must exist with us. You are apart of this family weather you like it or not."
"I want to hear more about this strange life of mine."
"Yes, but once you have feasted." And by the tone of his voice, I could tell there was no point in arguing with him. Aro was a man of influence. He was perhaps the only being on this planet who cared about me.
He lifted my enervated body without effort and wrapped one arm around my waist to keep me straight. My limbs felt broken, my bones frail. The lack of blood I had been depriving myself of was finally taking its toll. I couldn't even walk properly without Aro's support. He towed me out into the bright light outside my confinement. I had grown so accustomed to everything being dark that now, seeing the brightness was frightening. I quickly hid my face into the soft material of Aro's cloak.
"Don't be afraid." He whispered to me. "I don't want you to be scared."
He continued to guide me until we were in a room with two others present. I could smell them. It was Felix and Gianna. I knew it was her because of the sound of her pumping heart. I could almost taste the blood that flowed beneath her delicate skin. Her warm radiance embraced me as we neared them.
"Ah, Felix and Gianna. Thank you for being here." Aro greeted them kindly.
"Is there something we can do for you master?" Felix asked, though he sounded a bit disturbed. I could imagine why he sounded like that.
"Actually yes there is. Before Heidi returns with our dinner, would you mind making Bella here, a bit presentable? It's quite relevant that she be bathed and especially taken care of."
I tensed as I felt myself being shifted into a different set of big missionary arms. I kept my eyes shut as Felix pulled my legs up from under me, and cradled me against his buff chest.
"Please, she is much vulnerable to the light." Aro cautioned.
"Of course master, we will take good care of her." Gianna assured him. A moment passed, and I knew I wasn't in the same room as Aro anymore. A faint breeze brushed against my skin as Felix carried me to an unknown destination.
Suddenly we came to a brief halt.
"Ugh, your smell is gut-wrenching. How do you put up with those horrible conditions in that rotten jail cell?" He demanded in a disgusted tone. He placed me on my feet, but I was to much of a coward to open my eyes.
"What is it?" He asked gingerly. "Does the light hurt your eyes?"
I nodded. I could feel the luminosity stinging my face and my bare arms and legs. It was an unpleasant feeling, something that I wasn't going to get used to right away.
I heard the sound of a door creaking open, and then light footsteps entering the room. The door slammed shut. "Felix! Why do you run off on me like that? Not all of us have the power to run at blinding speeds." Gianna growled. She stomped inside and I heard her place clothing on a nearby surface. Her movements were easily audible so I could almost picture where she was walking to.
She came and stood right in front of me. I froze, locking my muscles. Her scent was like an atmosphere now, closing in around me. I stopped breathing, and squeezed my eyes tighter.
"Well now, its been a while since I've seen you Bella." She smiled. I heard the soft fabric of her clothes rub against each other as she reached out towards me.
I took a step back and tensed my body. "Please," I brokenly whispered. "Don't touch me."
"I won't hurt you Bella."
"I know. But I can hurt you." I told her honestly. The truth in my words rang with intensity, and I knew she could not escape if I were to slip up. Even though I wasn't very familiar with Gianna, I knew what kind of person she was. She did not deserve to die because of me.
She sighed. "I have to follow orders. You've been stuck in that chamber for so long. Please, it is my duty to look after you now."
I wanted to refuse, but I knew she would cop it if she didn't do what the Volturi asked of her, especially because the demand was from Aro himself. I had no choice but to let her take care of me. If I wanted her to be safe from Aro's strict pressure, then I'd have to do whatever she told me too.
Reluctantly, I nodded.
"Felix, you may leave." She commanded. There was a gentle passage of wind as he left the room.
She turned on the faucet, letting the water run forcefully. She came over to me, but hesitated. "May I?"
I nodded. She lifted my shirt from over my head and then began undressing the rest of me. When she was done, and I was completely exposed, she carefully pulled me to the bathtub.
The water was unexpectedly pleasing. Despite my icy skin, I was unbelievably warm. A feeling I had never experienced before.
"Please relax, Bella." Gianna soothed.
She began lathering me, being very careful. The light pressure she used was almost funny, like she was afraid I would snap because she was being to rough with me. I rested my head back into the water and sighed.
How did it come to this? What had I done to possibly earn this life? Why is the darkness now apart of me? So many painful questions ran through my mind. I needed answers, but they were impossible to find. The only way I could find them would be to remember my human life, but I couldn't. No matter how hard I tried, even with the endless days and sleepless nights I had as an advantage, I felt I still didn't have enough time to search for those answers.
Time was meaningless to me now.
"I never would have thought that you would end up in a place like this." She murmured quietly.
"Excuse me?"
She was uncertain if she should continue. "I-It's just that, you were so human before all of this. Just like me in fact, caught up in all this vampire stuff. Wishing to become a vampire also."
"Wait, you knew me when I was human?" I asked in disbelief.
"Not really. I've only ever seen you once, but we didn't communicate."
"But what do you know of me? Of the old me?"
Her fingers began massaging some liquid substance into my hair which smelt floral. "You loved someone, named Edward Cullen."
I sighed in frustration.
"What's wrong?" She asked anxiously.
"The man's name pops up everywhere. I'm irritated because I don't know who he is, and he's supposed to be my lover?"
"It's much more complicated than you think."
"How?" I spat through my teeth. I was sick of being told that my life was complicated! How did I survive if it was so complex?
"I think there are certain people who can answer that, Bella. I am not one of them."
I sat up so she could rub all of the extravagant-smelling stuff into my hair and then lay back down to wash it out. I could already feel myself changing. I smelt differently, and I was no longer covered in dirt. Perhaps if I opened my eyes, the water around me would be completely gloomy.
"That's it Bella, you can hop out if you want."
I followed her instruction. She welcomed me into a fluffy cotton towel and wrapped it around my naked body. I let her dry me and dress me in unfamiliar clothes, all the while my eyes securely shut.
"It's almost time," She told me, finishing the braid in my hair. She had insisted on making me the most remarkable I can be, seeing as this was my first dining experience. "That should do it."
"Can I leave now?" I urged.
"Well don't you want to see yourself?" She insisted, tugging me toward a certain direction. I swiftly pulled away from her, but kept a tiny smile on my lips in case I hurt her feelings.
"I'd rather not." I breathed, keeping my voice even.
"Bella, don't be ridiculous. You must see what you look like before the banquet."
"Ugh, do not call it a banquet." I groaned.
"Oh c'mon, it won't hurt. If you ask me, you look extremely gorgeous. I feel proud of myself." She spoke with great smugness, I could picture the grin on her face.
"No."
"Open your eyes Bella."
I hissed, but it was to low for her to hear. What made her so significant to make me change my mind? I made a vow never to look at myself. I was a monster, hideous and unworthy of being glanced at. I took so many lives whilst in the process of handling my powers.
Gianna took a step toward me and placed a hand on my shoulder. I tried not to acknowledge the burning thirst that suddenly exploded in my throat, but her scent was driving me crazy.
"Bella," She said softly. "You are beautiful, Bella. Believe me. On the outside and inside. You just need to forget about everything around you and think about yourself for once. Please, open your eyes."
Who knew why her words stunned me so much. Why they unlocked another part of my mind that was hidden away before. I took a deep breath and for the first time, I saw myself in a way that I would never have suspected.
I don't know why this chapter is longer than the others, I guess I just got into it. Bella has a power that is almost indestructible, and it only comes out when she becomes overwhelmingly stressed, sad or angry. She got this power out of the influence of the darkness that constantly engulfed her while Aro had her in that cell. Her eyes turn completely black and creates a agonizing atmosphere that can kill someone painfully slow if they were anywhere within a mile from her. Aro insisted on keeping her in that prison because he was afraid that her gift would get out of hand and kill all the Volturi put together. He thought hiding her away would cure things, but Caius and the other guard are intent on taunting her and testing her patience. Aro is very fond of Bella and protects her sometimes from their banter.
Just to explain things more clearer in case my description in the story was hard to understand. xx
