More "less than pleasant" reviews, but I think at this point I don't care anymore. They can bitch to me as much as they want and I can bitch to them as much as I want, it's not gonna change anything. But they're not going to beat me down or make me stop writing. I write this cause it makes me happy and I love it. This is my longest running series and no way in hell am I giving it up! So don't worry dearies! But for those of you who review and give me encouragement, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. So here's the next chapter of DFI 3! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters of Twilight or Naruto. They belong to Stephenie Meyer and Masashi Kishimoto. I merely own the OCs

Warnings: Slash/yaoi (malexmale pairings), mentions of M-Preg (male pregnancy), AU, violence, angst, sexual situations, Bella Bashing, etc.

Pairings: Edward/Naruto, Jacob/Gaara, Carlisle/Esme, Jasper/Alice, Marcus/?, Bella/Edward (one-sided), Sage/Naruto (one-sided), and Felix/Gaara (one-sided)

Chapter VI

Far Shall We Wander Into Depths Unknown

Blue eyes blinked slowly as if confused as to what they were seeing. Clawed hands reached up to rub his eyes carefully before gazing at the sight before him again. Yup, it was still there. Naruto wasn't sure how to react, his emotions warring inside of him as he gazed at his new home. It wasn't the original Cullen home that his family owned outside of some small Canadian town he forgot the name of. No, it was his and Edward's home, an actual house just for them and the children; another belated wedding gift according to his mate. Construction began after the announcement of his pregnancy, the design being one of Esme's old projects that was never used.

The house wasn't as large as the one in Forks or even the one the rest of the family was staying in. It was a moderate size with three bedrooms, two baths, a spacious living room and kitchen along with a basement that would serve as a playroom for the twins. But like their old home in Forks, the house had many large, open windows to provide plenty of light and air as well as a fireplace.

"It's…," Naruto trailed off, still in shock over the structure even as Lauren and Devon eagerly rushed around the yard in a game of tag. Edward smiled, "I wanted it to be a surprise. When I found out you were pregnant, I knew we would have to move and I thought it would be nice to have a home of our own. So I talked to Esme, we gathered the plans and hired the best contractors we could find. They were able to finish it a few days before we met with the Volturi."

Naruto walked up towards the door and touched it, as if unable to believe it was real. He knew he was being rather foolish, but it made sense in his head. Most of his life Naruto was hardly gifted with anything valuable except for the occasions on his birthday (although those gifts were usually from Iruka, Tsunade or Jiraiya). And while he had grown up in his own apartment, it wasn't the same. This was his first home, a home he was going to build a family in. A home where his children would grow and his mate would be by his side.

"Don't cry my sun," Edward whispered having moved to stand beside him. He reached out to brush away a tear a soft smile gracing his striking features. Shaking his head, Naruto lightly swatted his hand away, muttering, "I'm not crying you blind vampire. Don't take me for a woman just because I bore our children."

Edward chuckled placing a kiss on his forehead, "Of course not, my mistake."

"Well we should unlock the door before they decide to break it down," Naruto stated as he indicated to his children who were gazing at them impatiently. A grin curled on the vampire's lips as he carefully extracted the keys from his pocket and unlocked the door. The inside was decorating in a similar fashion to the house in Forks in shades of soft, earth tones and tasteful furniture. Everything was arranged in a style that accented the room and was appealing to the eyes. There was even a small chandelier hanging over the front door, the tiny teardrop crystals glittering in the light.

There was a mixture of wooden floors for the kitchen, foyer and stairway while plush carpets dominated the living room and bedrooms. There was also a carpet runner along the stairs and the upstairs hallway to prevent cold feet in the winter. Naruto immediately noted that many of the paintings that hung around the house were all Esme's works and it warmed him deeply to know she put such time and effort into her decorating. The house was absolutely stunning and breathtaking.

"Well, do you like it?" Edward inquired smiling warmly as he watched the twins climb onto the couch in the living room. Whirling around, Naruto grinned widely, "Like it? I love it! Kaa-san is totally getting the best Christmas gift ever this year!"

"What about me?"

"You have me? What could be better?" Naruto smirked smugly.

Gathering the blond into his arms, Edward replied, "You have a point there. What do you think my little stars? Do you like our new home?"

"Yes!" Devon chirped.

"It's amazing daddy!" Lauren agreed, bouncing on the cushions.

"Lauren, you shouldn't jump on the couch. You're not only making it messy, but you could fall and hurt yourself," Edward scolded gently, "So why don't you either sit down or climb off the couch."

Lauren frowned, "But it's fun daddy."

"Listen to your father Lauren, he knows what's best," Naruto coaxed gently. Lauren looked between her parents while Devon calmly sat on the couch, his head tilted to the side curiously. Finally she took a seat next to her brother, murmuring, "Okay mommy."

Smiling gently, Naruto walked over and stroked one of her ears, "We're not angry at you or trying to be cruel in any sort of way. Your father and I just want you to be safe is all. If anything happened to you or your brother, we would never forgive ourselves."

Edward nodded in agreement, kneeling before his daughter, "Your mother's right. We love you and Devon very much so we'll do all we can to keep you from harm." Lauren nodded in understanding, holding out her arms in a quiet plea for a hug. Edward was happy to oblige as he gathered her into his embrace, kissing her forehead.

"I love you daddy," she whispered, ears twitching cutely.

"I love you too Lauren," Edward replied.

"Well how about we go and check your rooms? I bet grandma made them wonderful just for you," Naruto advised. The twins perked in interest before hopping off the couch and quickly making their way to the stairs, their parents not far behind. They made sure to hold hands as they guided them up, their balance still needing some improvement when it came to using any stairways. But luckily they made it without any problems.

"They're this way," Edward directed, leading his family down the hall to the left. The first door they came across was immediately opened revealing Lauren and Devon's bedroom. Like the rest of the house, it was tastefully decorated in shades of light, pastel greens with accents of white and faint crème. Grand windows faced out toward the front yard and driveway where the Volvo, the Vanquish and U-haul sat patiently. Yet the room was bare with the exception of two small beds on opposite sides of each other, one dressed in tropical flower sheets while the other was decorated with wave and surfer sheets.

Lauren and Devon let out shrieks of excitement as they quickly scurried over to their beds, climbing onto them while their parents watched. Edward chuckled, "And once they grow older, we'll move one of them into the spare room so they'll have their own space. But for now, we thought it was best they remain together." Naruto nodded in understanding, smiling as he watched his children roll around in their sheets, their little tails wagging in glee. A few more minutes passed before the blond sighed, "We should probably start unloading the U-haul. Sooner we get things unpacked, the better."

"You're right. It would be best."

"I hate packing, hate moving and hate unpacking. It's all evil." Edward chuckled as he placed a kiss on his husband's forehead, topaz eyes glowing with fondness. He murmured, "Why don't I remove the furniture and boxes from the truck while you keep an eye on the children and unpack?"

"I got a better idea!" Naruto chirped, grinning as his hands formed seals, exclaiming, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Ten clones appeared and once they received their instructions, they saluted and headed outside. Edward blinked in shock while Naruto openly laughed at him since the blond demon had never used the jutsu in front of his mate before. It was certainly worth his look.

"Careful, your face may get stuck that way," he teased as he moved over to pick up the twins, cradling them against his hips. Edward growled playfully before following his husband downstairs. Already the clones were bringing in items from the U-haul and setting them aside or taking them upstairs to be organized. The twins seemed to find amusement in the copies of their mother, some of the clones even pausing to ruffle their hair and dote on them.

And for the next hour unpacking was in progress Naruto being the instructor on what went where while Edward was left to babysitting duties much to his chagrin. But the moment he tried to argue, the blond demon gave him a look and mentally threatened celibacy if he protested. So the vampire found himself sulking for a moment before indulging his children in a game of hide and seek in the backyard that held a vast forest; certainly a wonderful spot to play.

Everything was nearly unpacked when Esme and Alice arrived bearing gifts in the form of groceries, which the couple had been sheepish to admit they forgot. Luckily they had family to take care of them so it made up for their forgetful moments. And of course it was a plus for Esme and Alice since it allowed them a chance to see Lauren and Devon. Said little ones were currently clinging to their grandmother's skirt while Alice chattered away with Edward and Naruto.

"Oh and before I forget! Gaara said that he wants to perform the ritual before the day is out. He felt it would be better for us in the long run," Alice chirped, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Naruto nodded in understanding as he instructed, "Sure, tell him to prepare everything and we'll get started soon. And you'll probably want to keep a close eye on everyone, especially Jasper and Marcus. The ritual involves some blood so just a heads up to you."

"Why blood?" Esme questioned in obvious concern.

"The blood just helps to strengthen the wards. Our blood holds power and it'll help channel our chakra which fuels the shields," Naruto explained simply. Edward had gone still at the mention of blood and he growled quietly. He never wanted to see or smell Naruto's blood ever again if he could help it, never wanted to have anything or anyone harm his mate enough to draw his blood. He had already seen too much not long ago.

Rolling his eyes, Naruto elbowed him, "Stop being a pansy. It's not going to be too much so don't you start growling and brooding. Or you're sleeping on the couch Mr. Cullen."

"I don't sleep," Edward shot back.

"You know what I mean." Esme smiled fondly while Alice burst into giggles, amusement in her wide eyes. More pleasantries were exchanged before they left. By then most of their belongings were unpacked and put away thanks to Naruto's small army. Waving his hand, he dismissed them into a haze of smoke before making his way to the kitchen. Edward followed, the twins on his heels as they gripped his hands.

As Devon watched his mother pull out a small bowl as well as a kunai from his person, he questioned, "What are you doing mommy?"

Glancing down at his son, Naruto replied, "Preparing a ritual that will protect us from the bad people." Devon nodded in understanding while Edward gazed at the blade in disgruntlement. Lauren merely observed, accepting why her father was upset but believing that her mother knew what he was doing. Her parents always seemed to know what to do, that's why they were safe.

"Oh don't give me that look Edward. It's not going to be as bad as you think, I swear. You don't even have to watch if you don't want to," Naruto coaxed gently, trying to sooth his mate. He was sympathetic toward his husband, really he was, but it was a tad bit irritating how overprotective Edward was. The vampire had to learn that he couldn't keep the blond locked up in some sort of golden cage. After all, he had enough cages to last a life time thank you very much. Plus the blood was crucial to strengthening and maintaining the barriers and Naruto had promised long ago that he would do whatever it took to protect what was his.

"I would still be able to smell it. It would make no difference," Edward sighed.

Shrugging, Naruto continued his trek as he made his way out the front door, items still in hand as his family followed. Glancing around, he took in the area critically before he began to circle the yard sometimes pausing before moving on, his nose twitching as he sniffed. Edward and the children watched as he did this before nodding in acceptance.

Kneeling on the ground, Naruto carefully set the bowl down before running his finger over his kunai, testing the sharpness. He didn't even hiss or flinch when a bead of blood appeared on his skin, although he could sense Edward stiffening behind him. Licking it away and watching it heal, he brought the blade to his palm and made a clean slice, the blood quickly welling up and dripping into the bowl. Naruto made sure to keep his chakra from healing it, needing to fill the bowl half way.

A few minutes ticked by before he was satisfied. Standing, Naruto turned to his mate holding out his palm in offering, smiling gently. Edward was by him in a second cradling his burning hand in his own pale one. Dark honey eyes smoldered as Edward leaned down and licked the blood, shivering at the taste. He had to clamp down on the urge to sink his fangs into the delicate, tan wrist that teased him so.

When the blood was cleaned away, Naruto pulled his hand away despite his husband's protests and allowed it to heal, leaning up to peck those cool bloody lips. He murmured, "I'll let you have more later. How does that sound?" He purred at the end of his sentence, his eyes flashing crimson in seductive challenge. Edward growled back, but nodded.

Smiling, Naruto turned back to the bowl and kunai. Picking the items up, he dipped the blade into the blood before kneeling back down and began to carve characters into the earth, lettering that appeared to be oriental, but Edward had no idea what they meant. And this was repeated every five feet around the property until it came back full circle and the blood was gone.

Nodding at his work, Naruto set the items aside before going back around a final time, tossing away stones or rocks that were in the way of the chain of letterings. Any items that were in the way could prevent the characters from connecting and the barrier would not work. So Naruto was exceptionally careful for the last round in order to prevent any screw ups.

"Should probably call Gaara and see which house he wants to do first. Plus everyone needs to gather for this," Naruto stated as he dusted his hands off.

"Why?"

"Because we need to… register everyone I suppose is the best way I can put it. When we placed the barriers, it will recognize us as the only ones to be allowed in and out. Anyone else who tried to cross onto the property wouldn't be allowed," the blond explained as he headed back inside to call the main house. Edward nodded in understanding letting go of Devon and Lauren's hands as they rushed over to their mother.

Smiling down at them and petting their ears, Naruto waited as the phone rang. Blue eyes watched him curiously before ears perked as the phone was picked up, a familiar voice answering on the other line. Grinning, Naruto chirped, "Hey Gaara! Just letting you know I'm done on my end so whenever you're ready to come over with everyone. Or maybe we should go there first?"

"It would probably be best that you come here first. Once we finish here, we will migrate to your home and re-perform the ritual," Gaara advised. Naruto made a thoughtful sound in the back of his throat before agreeing and hanging up with the promise that they would be there in a few minutes. Turning to his mate, Naruto grinned, "How about a run? Would be a nice way to stretch the legs and explore a little."

"Yeah!" Lauren shouted her arms thrown up in excitement. Devon mirrored his sister as he bounced before turning to Edward, "May we daddy? We want to go running!"

"I don't see why not. The fresh air will be good for us," Edward chuckled smiling more when the twins cheered louder before hurrying to the door. Snickering, Naruto followed with Edward right behind him. He called out quickly, "Don't stray so far ahead of us you two! Or we'll have to carry you!"

"Okay mommy!" They squeaked in union already rushing to the edge of the yard past the runes. Snorting in amusement, the blond demon gave chase with his vampire lover at his side. Their eyes remained locked on the young hybrids before them even as they dodged fallen logs, trees and various obstacles in their way. It wasn't hard, both having had much practice on such skills.

Grinning, Naruto hopped onto a boulder before launching himself at Lauren landing a few steps behind her before quickly scooping her up. She squealed in surprise and excitement, her soft bronze hair fluttering in a trail of pigtails and ribbons. Edward rolled his eyes before doing the same to Devon, gaining the same reaction from his son. Children secured in their arms, they picked up speed the world becoming a blur around them. As they drew closer to the house, a shiver tingled up Naruto's spine. Glancing to his left, he smiled when he spotted Alice, Jasper and Marcus moving to his side. The couple's eyes were a vibrant topaz while Marcus' still remained crimson although there were flecks of topaz beginning to emerge within their depths. It was obvious Alice took his advice to heart and they had just returned from hunting.

Reaching the yard, they immediately stopped and Naruto tossed Lauren into the air once before handing her over to Jasper. The blond vampire smiled as he hugged his niece before walking toward the rest of his family with his mate. Edward handed over Devon to Emmett who began to hold him in the air and spin him around although both Rosalie and Marcus stood close by to keep an eye on him.

Walking up, Carlisle questioned, "Is there anything else you and Gaara need?"

"No, we've got everything covered. You just all need to stand back and give us room! Come on Gaara, lets get this party started!" Said red haired demon snorted as he followed his brother to the outcropping of runes. As the vampires plus one shifter gathered, they watched as the pair murmured to each other quietly before nodding and stepping away from each other, but still within touching distance. Eyes locked onto one another, Gaara and Naruto took deep breaths as their eyes closed.

Lifting their hands, the Cullens and Jacob watched as the pair began to form hand seals while their lips whispered softly in a strange, yet soothing language. None of them had ever heard it before, but it held a smooth and enchanting quality to it with an underlying hint of power. It began slow at first, but soon their hands gained speed as their words grew louder. They could only watch entranced as crimson and gold energy gathered around the pair spiraling into the air, twining and mixing together.

Suddenly, as if sound was stripped away and they were left in silence, the pair stopped their hands frozen and breath rushed from their lips as their eyes opened; both were crimson and yellow-gold matching their chakra. Said energies ceased movement for a still second before spreading and creeping along the sky. Its movement was like the trickling of water as it carefully shaped a dome over the house all the while the runes glowed brightly in an astounding shade of green. The same green energy was quick to weave itself into the chakra glowing over them, forming a strong and protective shield.

The energies glowed and lingered for several minutes as they mingled and bled together before finally disappearing revealing a clear sky over head. It was as if it had never been there in the first place and even the runes carved into the ground were gone. Looking around Emmett questioned, "That's it?"

"Yup, that's it. The barrier's in place and nothing besides us can get in or out," Naruto explained while Gaara bent over to retrieve a stone. Tossing it into the air a few times, he suddenly cast it toward the house. Instead of sailing through the air as expected, it stopped and bounced off air. The area it came into contact with shimmered before fading. It appeared that their efforts were successful.

Beaming with pride, Naruto cheered, "Alright! One down, one to go!" Amused by his antics, the others couldn't help but express their delight by laughing or smiling. And while they knew that their protection wouldn't last forever, they felt it was best to enjoy the time they had to be at ease. They needed it.

x-x-x-x-x

Aro sat calmly on his throne, tranquil as a statue, his eyes fixated on the person before who quietly pondered his proposal. Not far behind his guest stood Felix and Demitri, both watching the man obsessively waiting to spring at the right moment should the other attempt anything. The rest of the chamber was empty and still as a grave, yet it didn't bother him. He much preferred the quiet compared to the constant chattering of his fellow vampires that resided within the castle. His pawns, a little army of toy soldiers all at his command for they feared and respected him.

Yet despite their apprehension and reverence, none could deny that their leader was greedy. Aro wouldn't deny it either for who knew him better than himself? He was certain he had been a glutton for power even as a human, his thirst for control and absolution burning within him through the centuries. And it was through his greed that Aro molded himself. After all, if you wished to control power you had to learn how to handle it, how to gain it and keep it locked at your side.

Aro was manipulative and cunning. His eyes could never fully hide his ambition despite how he smiled and appeared unassuming. He had learned over the years what fronts to project in order to force people to let their guard down, to allow them to have a moment of weakness. If he smiled, if he appeared soothing and benevolent they were more likely to relax and see him as nonthreatening. And in that moment, he would strike and watch them fall into the darkness all the while grinning viciously.

He would go as far as to say that exploitation was his skill, an art Aro had sharpened and perfected like a finely honed blade and he was quite proud of it. After all, it was due to his skills that he had gained his power and place in the vampire world. To live amongst a fierce and superior race, one had to learn to be cold and calculating if you wished to survive to see the next day. Weakness was not an option, neither was mercy. That was why he gathered power, held it tightly to his side. For creatures feared and respected power; if he presented a strong, unshakable front without compassion, his subjects were less inclined to disobey.

Yet for all his power, there were still those who dared to challenge his authority. Demons were such a race, on par with vampires in strength, speed and skill. And just like vampires, they hid away from the eye of man and were content to dwell within the shadows. But what had always irked Aro was the demons' disregard for his influence and power. They would merely look at him as if he were a child trying to fill a role too big for him; much like a son would wear his father's clothes in a foolish attempt to be an adult.

Naruto and Gaara were especially skilled at getting under his skin it seemed. For they were the oldest pair of demons to walk the Earth, their eyes having witnessed the rise and fall of many kingdoms and empires of man. Cursed with eternal youth and power, yet one only had to gaze into their eyes to realize that they were not as they appeared; blue and mint green gems that seemed too old, too wise for such faces. And their power, many demons worshipped them for their power and they were revered as gods, as lords. Aro had despised them for their fortune, working and competing to build himself to their level. But even now, he knew he wasn't there, not even close.

And the Cullens, they were just as bad it seemed. While Aro had respected Carlisle as a dear friend, he thought it was foolish and naïve of the vampire to force himself and his coven to feed on animals rather than humans. It was imprudent to be something you are not, to go against your very nature. And it seemed to do nothing more than make them weak and placid. Not to mention that such an experiment was precarious and could risk exposure in the end. One mistake, one slip up was all it would take and it would be over.

But Aro had remained silent, hoping that his friend would see reason and come back. Sadly he didn't, none of them did and this angered Aro. But he couldn't do anything for the Cullens had broken no laws. They kept quiet, their heads down and isolated themselves from the humans. Eventually, Aro's fury and anxiety began to wane for the Cullens were aware of their grizzly fates should they break any of his laws. They knew of his power, knew of his wrath and impassiveness should they anger him in any way. Their fear was his control, his way to leash them even from a distance. And it worked for a time.

Of course things were different now for nothing stayed the same as he had come to learn in his long life. It seemed his leniency over the coven of vegetarian vampires wiped away the fear that was previously in them. After all they had tried to hide such valuable information from him hoping that he wouldn't find out. Yet he did and despite his initial antagonism toward them, Aro had felt hunger rear its head once more.

Such a rare treat he found, children born through the union of a demon and a vampire. It was practically unheard of. And not just any ordinary vampire and demon either, but Edward Cullen and Naruto Uzumaki who both commanding and skilled in their own rights. Aro could only begin to fathom their children's power and the twisted, greedy part of him wanted it for himself; wished to control and tame it to his will. And he would have it no matter the cost. It was through the elaborate lie of offering congratulations and well wishes to the newly bonded couple that Aro was able to convince Carlisle to invite him. Of course they didn't really have a choice in the matter. All he had to do was lightly imply the Cullens' deceptive attempt to hide such news from him and they were compliant to allow him to visit.

Unfortunately Aro had forgotten that Naruto and Gaara had never been fooled by his words or charm. He wasn't sure if it was due to their age or their previous occupation as shinobi, but the pair were remarkably perceptive. It was easy for them to read between the lines, to find the hidden meaning to his words and actions. It was another thing he despised about them, their ability to read him like an open book while he still had trouble understanding them and their mindsets.

So he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised when Naruto blatantly denied his request to have the Cullen twins brought to Volterra. But Aro was smart and always planned ahead when necessary in order to prevent any unsightly surprises from popping up. After all, one could never be overly prepared and the occasion seemed to call for it. Bringing a few of his more vicious guards was an astute and calculative move on his part for they proved that their presence was useful in the end.

The Cullens certainly fought hard to protect the children and for a moment Aro felt triumphant satisfaction when he beat them into submission. Even Gaara and Naruto were not immune to Jane's treatment which made his victory all the more sweeter. For that moment Aro felt he had reached the pentacle as he gazed down at the two most powerful demons to walk the Earth. Finally, he had brought them to their knees and soared to a level beyond even their grasp.

Then it went wrong in a way Aro had never thought possible. One of the brats was within his grasp and the other was to be fetched by Alec, but Naruto had always been good at surprising others and defying odds. He had broken free of Jane's torture and used his own killing intent to subdue her. And to make matters worse, Marcus, his brother in all but blood, betrayed him; had stolen the child from his arms and defected to the Cullens, claiming that he would protect his mate and his friend.

For the first time since he could remember, Aro had never felt such vehemence. It seemed to burn through him hotter than the venom that changed him had. It washed over the sting of betrayal and sadness replacing it with righteous fury. After all the time spent together, the three of them ruling as equals. After all the effort he went through to keep Marcus at his side going as far as to kill his wife, Aro's own sister. And yet it was for not! All of it wasted!

And now Aro wanted revenge. He wanted to crush the Cullens, to destroy Naruto and Gaara. He wanted to tear their world apart and paint it in shades of blood, death and despair. He wanted to give them agony and see them suffer, breaking and remolding them for his own needs. And he would have his way! He would not be denied his retribution!

But Aro knew he could not fulfill his revenge on his own. His guards were formidable but in the face of the Lords of Wind and Fire, they would not stand a chance. Aro realized he would have to even the odds, to give himself enough of an advantage to conquer his enemy. It was after hours of thinking that he finally uncovered a solution to his problem and once more Aro had to applaud his brilliance. After all, none of the Cullens would expect it and the element of surprise was always a welcomed benefit.

"So… let me see if I understand you correctly. You wish for me to help you track down the Cullens and kidnap the children. What do I get out of it?" a deep voice inquired as the owner gazed steadily into Aro's red eyes.

He had to admit, the demon before him was audacious as he gazed upon Aro with blank, violet eyes. His features gave away nothing of what he was thinking with the exception of a raised eyebrow. Something told Aro that he would get along quite well with Sage. From what he observed through Demitri's memories, they shared a few common traits. After all, should either of them want something they merely took it and killed any who opposed them.

Realizing his guest was growing impatient, the vampire merely smiled, "Whatever you wish. I believe you have your sights set on Naruto yes? If you help me with my task, I'll give him to you."

"Give him to me huh? You drive a hard bargain, but I have an even better idea. I help you with your little battle on three conditions; one, I get to call in my own reinforcements; two, I get Naruto as my mate and finally three, I get to kill the scum known as Edward for touching what is mine," Sage growled. He briefly reached up to right eye, claws caressing a nasty and jagged scar that traveled from his brow down his cheek. The eye itself seemed perfectly intact, but it still wasn't a pleasant sight.

Aro glared darkly. Oh yes, Sage certainly was a bold if he thought he could demand something from one of the great Volturi leaders. Letting out a low snarl in warning Aro hissed, "You will not touch Edward Cullen. He's much too valuable to be destroyed."

Sage snorted, "Sorry old man, but that's my offer. Besides, I can tell you already that these kids are going to be powerful. They are Naruto's after all, he's the Kyuubi no Kitsune, the Demon Lord of Fire. Plus they're half vampire too, they'll have untold amounts of power. Compared to them, your little Edward is a dime a dozen."

Aro frowned but pondered over Sage's words. The demon did have a point. Compared to the twins, the Cullens and even most of his Guard seemed insignificant. Perhaps the only one who was indispensable was Alice for her gift of foresight was certainly a rare trait that was beneficial to those who harnessed it. And while Edward's ability was just as valuable, Aro realized that trying to control the other vampire would be a challenge considering the circumstances.

It certainly was a delicate decision. After all, the Volturi had been after Edward and Alice for some time now despite their refusals to join. But now it seemed new players were added to the game board in the form of two hybrid children of incalculable skill. Such a tempting prize it was for Aro, like a ripe and delicious low hanging fruit. He would merely have to reach out and pluck it. For it truly was a mystery as to what their powers would be as they grew older and the possibility of their gifts could be endless. The blood of vampire and demon flowed through the Cullen twins' veins, blood of two very deadly predators. They would be the perfect weapons if sharpened and honed correctly.

"Well?" Sage interrupted arms crossed over his chest, "What will it be?"

Aro's frown deepened yet he could not deny what the darker part of him wanted, lust for. In the end it always boiled down to power. Closing his eyes, he waved his hand, "Very well, I accept your conditions."

Sage smirked his tails swaying behind him expressing his pleasure. Red eyes narrowed as Aro hissed, "Don't think to feel so smug over this minor detail. There is still the matter of finding the Cullens and disposing of them. So I would suggest you hold off your victory."

Shrugging, Sage hummed, "I suppose you have a point. And since we're on a bit of a tight schedule I suppose I'll have to head out and gather my companions."

"Take Demitri, Felix and a few others with you. Demitri is my best tracker, he will be able to find the Cullens no matter where they are," Aro ordered.

"How thoughtful to loan out your guard dogs to me, although I have no need for them. Naruto is clever and he'll go to extreme lengths to protect those he shields. So chances are they have left their rainy little town and have fallen back to another safe haven. Also there's the fact that Naruto has most likely already erected protection barriers, an old demon trick that practically makes the user disappear."

Aro's hand twitched slightly as he held in the urge to break off the arm rest of his throne. Instead he raised an eyebrow as he drawled, "I see."

"But don't worry," Sage reassured, "I have just the man for the job. He'll be the first I get and I hope that your guard dogs have manners when it comes to resisting the blood of comrades."

"Yes, no harm will come to your companions and you are allowed to use whatever resources the Volturi has in order to complete your task," Aro explained casting a brief warning glance at the pair behind Sage. Both Demitri and Felix stood a little straighter not wishing to fail their master or act in a way that reflected badly on him. Sage smiled, "Oh good. Well then I suppose we'll be off then won't we boys? So much to do, so little time to do it all. Come on, we're burning day light."

Turning, Sage walked out with Demitri and Felix following once they bowed to Aro. The ancient vampire watched them go his features devoid of the emotions he felt stewing inside. While they held a few common traits, Aro could honestly say that he hated Sage as much as he respected him. The demon was rather infuriating with his attitude, acting as if they were equals; acting as if Aro wasn't a threat. He certainly knew how to get under his skin metaphorically speaking.

But once Sage's task was complete and he delivered the children along with Alice to Aro, he would be on his way never to darken Volturi's door step again. At least Aro could only hope so. Because if not, then he would relish killing him with his own hands and perhaps drain him dry. But for now Aro would wait for his plan to fall into place; wait as he silently obliterates the Cullens' world and sacrifices them to the darkness of death.

Dun dun dun! Sage has joined the game again! Gasp! I hope I shed some light on Aro's feelings toward Gaara and Naruto concerning their past together. And I also hope that I conveyed the appropriate relationship between Aro and Sage. I just think that those two would like and yet hate each other at the same time. They would work well together but would try to kill each other given the opportunity. But it seems like Naruto, Gaara and the others are safe for the time being! Please let me know what you think by reviewing! I appreciate it!

~Seth

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