AN: This chapter is longer, but large bulks of the dialogue is taken from Breaking Dawn. I'm a little nervous because I'm not nearly as enthusiastic writing this as I was a few months ago. I hope my writing didn't go to complete trash. If it did, you'll tell me, won't you? *wink wink nudge nudge*

As emotionally draining as writing this is, I will try my best to never abandon this work. I believe in finishing things we start. Know that your reviews and enthusiasm goes a long way. In less than three hours I hit 200 viewers for the chapter five. You guys rock. Seriously. Ugh, okay, your enthusiasm has infected me, and so I am, churning out another chapter.

All the feels, team, all the feels.

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Twilight Saga.


"It's time to go to bed, Renesmee."

Looking up from her Anthology of English Poems, Renesmee pouted at her mother's hovering hands about to take her book away. She clutched to Tennyson a little more, eyes pleading to her mother. It was a familiar sight, a child in love with fantastical pictures and the printed language before bedtime. Like any parent, Bella felt conflicted with her priorities. Renesmee needed to go to bed, but she wanted to read. Entering the era of technology, it was so damningly hard for kids to willingly read. She remembers her high school classmates, and she didn't want to discourage Renesmee's behavior in the beginning of her development.

Giving in, Bella sat down, "Just five more pages. Don't think I'm not counting."

Renesmee nodded eagerly, nerd she was, and began to read out loud the beauty of falling rain.

Across the room, Edward tucked their youngest one into bed. Unlike her bookworm sister, Carlie was a hyperactive child, constantly seeking thrilling and exotic activities. Oh, she could be thoughtful and quiet when she wanted to, but she was a trickster at heart. Edward honestly didn't know where she got it from. He considered himself an introverted and reserved, more likely to listen then speak. God knows how social Bella was. It was fascinating to watch their little bundle grow into this creature. She had a budding humor so dry it left everyone reeling. She blushed like Bella and would smile crookedly like him. She was such a mixture of him and Bella, he felt entranced with watching everything she did.

Alas, their playful one was besotted with the fluffiness of her stuffed animals, squeezing them rather alarmingly around the neck. Carlie stifled a yawn against her octopus, and Edward had to hide a smile at the alarmingly cute picture it made. He carefully extracted the toy away and fixed her blankets just the way he likes them. Her soft breathing soothes some of his fears, she's okay, and they were going to keep it that way. His girls are unaware of the oncoming conflict, unaware that their Uncle Jasper and Aunt Alice disappeared into the night, unaware that the Volturi wanted to kill them all. Perhaps he didn't have a soul, but by God was he not going to let his girls be aware of just how bad the situation was. His greatest priority was covering up Jasper and Alice's disappearance.

Carlie would be devastated.

She was so close to Jasper and Alice, spending all her free time playing chess or dress-up with Alice. Edward feels a little resentful at the vampires he considered siblings. They stood with the family of James, they fought against a vampire army, but they flee when they most need them. He supposes that their previous encounters were not life threatening. Against newborns and one lone vampire, the Cullens were favored to win. Against the Volturi, the odds were stacked against them. Alice who could see thousands of future possibilities ran away. It did not bode well for morale that Alice could not find even one scenario that led to their victory. It was why she took Jasper and ran. Edward couldn't blame them for wanting to escape death, but feels the despair all the same. The odds truly are stacked against him.

He feels helpless and a little angry - a feeling that he has become used to when dealing with the Swan girls.

His fault, he thinks soberly.

His fault he was going to lose everything. His fault his family was going to pay the price. His fault for falling in love with a human girl, how did he think that was going to work anyway, everyone knew-

"Papa," Carlie says, interrupting his thoughts, "Are you okay?"

He jerks to reality, to Carlie's arms clinging around his neck. Little monkey, Emmett teased her. His daughter's eyes are boring into his, unwavering. Edward scowled inwardly, pushing the darkness away. It would do no good to let Carlie see his troubles.

"So perceptive," he murmurs, removing Carlie from his neck, "Papa is fine. He is just worried, that's all."

"Did you do something wrong?"

Edward tenses at the innocent question. Did he? Was it wrong to love Bella? Was it wrong to have their little girls? A guilty part of him wants to say yes, all the upheavals in their lives were because of him and Bella. While he regrets this damningly depressing future, he cannot say he regrets the existence of his children.

"No," he finally says, letting go of his grief, "I did something unexpected, an accident, but it wasn't a mistake."

Carlie tilts her head, evidently confused by his words, but Bella seems to understand. She smiles at him rather smugly, reminding him of the days where he practically begged her to abort the children. Told you so. And honestly, he could have never predicted this result. He has two beautiful girls, and nothing could be better. He flashes her favorite smile, the crooked one, and she ducks her face, a reflex of trying to hide from his ability to "dazzle people." Carlie sighed in the distance, unimpressed with her parent's flirting antics. Were they flirting? Given Bella's hidden smile, they totally were.

Edward skillfully maneuvers his daughter back into the covers, "Get some sleep, Carlie, your mother and I will be here in the morning."

She yawns again, nodding in agreement.

"Papa, I want waffles"

Closing her eyes, she barely missed Edward's smile.


Carlisle rubbed his eyes in distress. While he didn't need to, it was a common human reflex he ingrained into his habits to appear more human. It's become a sort of comforting gesture. In the dead of night, the Cullen family was using their inability to sleep to prepare for the next few hours. They needed to reach as many vampires as possible to help them face off against the Volturi.

Esme was busy packing everyone's clothing. With Alice gone, Esme was the one to pack inconspicuous full body outfits to hide them from the sun. It was quite a feat, but she would always to figure out some way. For a long time, Esme carried a gloriously large umbrella to prevent the sun's ray from penetrating.

Emmet was working to arrange transportation. While Carlisle hated to abuse their wealth for a private jet, the situation demanded them to be discreet and fast. Trying to work airport security and flight itinerary would be a nightmare. Vampires tended to be nomads, and nomads tended to move a lot. Admittedly, they would be on foot after flying to the right continent.

Rose was working with him through their contact list. Through his three hundred-year-old existence, he has come across hundreds of vampires. Some, he knows, would rather kill him then side against the Volturi. They needed to be careful in deciding who to approach, who would listen to reason. Their alliance with the werewolves also had to be taken into consideration. Their future alliances would have to be understanding regarding dietary restrictions. They couldn't feed in the surroundings area. It would be unreasonable to ask them to forego human blood altogether, Carlisle prayed the werewolves would try to compromise. His unfortunate tendency to look at the best in people led Rose to work with him. Her fierce protective instincts, brutal honesty, and nitpicky personality shortened their list significantly. All they needed was to determine where they were. For vampires that never stayed in one place...it was going to be difficult.

For the nth time, Carlisle wished coffee had an effect on him.


Esme woke us up the next morning, our clothes all picked out, and toothbrushes with paste already on them.

"We need to hurry, girls."

With her help, we were out the door rather quickly and walking to the Cullen main house. Jacob was waiting for us with a stack of waffles and eggs. Pouring us our respective glasses of milk, I munched on my waffles with strawberry toppings as Renesmee chugged down her milk quickly. Twisting her face at the taste, she stuffed her face eggs to kill the taste. Even after all these months, my sister hated her lactose. Esme, the grandmother she is, kept piling our plates with more food.

Renesmee and I were bloated by the end.

Esme looked at us, wringing her hand in concern.

"Girls, we won't be home for a few weeks."

Looking around me, I realized the Cullens were not idle when we are sleeping. Separated from them for one night, and they were all ready to leave. Rose had switched from silk wrap dress for sturdy jeans and running shoes. She had a hitchhiker backpack reading to do. Esme They were clearly going to leave very soon.

Edward voice broke me from my reverie, "We're going to stay here?" He was clearly unhappy with the decision.

"Alice's last instructions were to show Renesmee discreetly. It's critical to be careful," Carlisle explained, "We'll send everyone here we can find back here. Edward, you have to be here. You're the best chance for fielding that particular minefield."

Unhappy but understanding, Edward tilted his head in understanding, "It just seems like you have a lot of ground to cover."

Understanding that Edward felt like he was being useless, Carlisle attempted to reassure him. "The challenge is when they get here. You're going to have your hands full. Tanya's coven will be here in the morning, and they have no idea why. You have to persuade them to not react like Irina. What did Alice mean about Elezar? Will they stay to for witness for us? Their coven has been friends with us for decades." If they don't say yes, who will, was the unspoken question. Carlisle sighed, "In reality, your job is the hardest. We'll be back to help as soon as we can."

Carlisle put his hand reassuringly on Edward's shoulder and kissed Bella's head. I reached out my arms to be picked up. His eyes softened and he reached out from my cushioned chair. Carlisle didn't say anything but bounce me a few times before I kissed his cheek. He smiled fondly before placing me in Esme's arms. Esme gripped a little tightly, her face pressed into my neck. It felt like she was shaking from emotion, but I couldn't be too sure. Rosalie held me next, telling me to be a good girl for my parents. Emmett didn't hold me, but he did leave me a rather provoking phrase.

"Try not to raise hell, squirt"

I grinned in response.

"Challenge accepted."

He tried to send me a disapproving look, but his wagging eyebrows gave him away. I laughed and waved him goodbye.

"Good luck," Edward told them, Renesmee and Bella already had their parting exchanges.

"And to you," Carlisle acknowledged, "We all need it."

We watched them walk down the house sidewalk at a human pace. It was only until they reached the black asphalt did they break-out into vampire speed. Renesmee twisted in Jacob's arms, reaching to his face. As he murmurs his reassurances, I couldn't help but wonder what the next few months for us. Edward and Jacob hashed out the details for the incoming vampires and Jacob's werewolves. The werewolves would have to deal with the vampire's feeding habits, unhappy as Jacob was.

Renesmee and I sat on the living couch, my fingers playing with her hair. She reached out to me, clutching my hand.

She showed me my face, Bella's, Edward's, Jacob's, Rose's, Esme's, Carlisle's, Charlie's, Alice's Jaspers, flipping through their faces so quickly it became a blur. Over and over again. She was scared. Worried.

What's going to happen?

All I remembered was Renesmee's meetings with the covens, some brief interactions with the vampires, and Bella's quest for J. I didn't know what the next few weeks meant for us. All I knew was that Renesmee became some type of freak show. They used her gift to convince the vampires of her mortality. She served as proof that she grew. Any vampire could witness the results. While Bella was running around and thinking, I knew Renesmee was entertained by Jacob, the Cullens, and some of the more friendly vampires. With my existence, how much would change?

What are we going to do?

I could see Edward tense in the distance. He clearly didn't want us doing anything. At my withdrawn silence, Renesmee hugged me fiercely, as if trying to reassure me for my insecurity.

I miss Aunt Alice. She always knows what to do.

Yeah, I miss her too.


The next day, Bella shook me gently awake.

"C'mon, we have to get up today"

"Uwaa," I groaned.

She shushed me and hurried me into my clothes. Edward was getting Renesmee ready. When we walked back to the main house, Edward talked game plan.

"Renesmee, you will be with your mother in the dining room. Carlie, you and Seth will be working on Grandma Esme's upcoming birthday present. I'll come and introduce you later. We want to ease the Denali's to the idea of vampire hybrids," Edward squeezed my hand, knowing I hated to be separated by Renesmee.

Reaching the main house, Jacob nodded in acknowledgment to my parents. Seth fist-bumped Edward and grinned at Bella. Jacob hovered protectively over Renesmee, and Seth ushered me to the farthest room from the dining room. Edward, you stupid overprotective vampire. With a flourish, Seth produced a pack of paper and some markers.

"..."

Did Edward really think I would make a card? It felt so trite. This was really not the time to focus on such trivial things.

But it's the small moments we find happiness.

I thought about Esme's joy at Renesmee's first drawing. I imagined her overjoyed and teary face at receiving a handmade card from her grandbaby. Edward, you sneaky manipulative vampire. With a sigh, I plopped myself on the chair and grabbed a forest green marker.

By the time I finished doodling a flower at the back of my card, I heard an angry shout.

"How could you, Edward? Do you not know what this means?!"

I couldn't make-out the rest of the conversation, but Seth seemed to be listening intently to the conversation. Based on his facial expressions, nothing dire except the introduction of a new species.


Renesmee was scared.

She knew she didn't need to be scared. Mama was holding her, Papa was here, and Jacob was with her. Nobody was going to hurt her, but she was so scared. What if they didn't like her? Then her family would be in trouble. Jacob didn't tell her what kind of trouble. She had to do her job! Otherwise, her family was going to be hurt. It would be all her fault, aLL hEr fAuLT, ALL HER FAULT

Papa was by her in an instant, shushing her tears.

"It's going to be okay, Renesmee, don't be scared."

Sniffing away her tears, Renesmee nodded in consternation.

"It's all my fault," she mumbled, "I shouldn't have went hunting that day."

"No," Jacob, Papa, and Mama said in an instant.

Then there was the sound of someone pulling up in the driveway. Papa left quickly to see their guests, and she just shuddered into mama's arms. She was so scared.

"Baby girl," Bella soothed, "be strong for me. Be strong for Carlie."

Jacob chimed in as well, "Carlie will tease you forever if you keep crying."

Carlie.

Carlie, her little sister, born eight minutes after her. Renesmee was a big sister, and big sisters took care of little sisters, so she had a responsibility to put on her big girl shoes, and MAN UP! She inhaled deeply, I can do this.

(Somewhere in the other room, Tanya inquired why Edward Cullen was laughing out of the blue. Clearly, the situation was more serious than she thought. The Cullens were going crazy.)

After a while, Mama picked her up and moved toward the living room. Inside were four vampires. They were all very pretty. Not as pretty as Mama, Renesmee thought loyally.

The vampires reacted badly to her. They were afraid of her. If only you know, Renesmee thought wistfully, how much I am afraid of you.

One of them approached her, leaning into her face. Renesmee fought the urge to bury her face in Mama's hair. She had to be strong.

"You have your mother's eyes," she said, 'but your father's face," she smiled at her gently.

Renesmee beamed back, "Mama's the best," her eyebrows furrowed, "but I don't have mama's eyes. Her eyes are yellow." She pouted, she wanted to be as pretty as her mama.

The other vampires had flinched at her high soprano voice, but at her words, they approached a little closer.

"Can I show you?" Renesmee asked, raising her hand to the brunette's face.

Papa explained her gift, and one of the vampires stepped toward her, standing next to the brunette. His eyes peered at her intently, as if trying to analyze her.

When the brunette nodded, Renesmee pressed her hand against her face.

Ba-dump. Ba-dump.

Awareness, that is all she knows. There is another next to her, and she cuddles close to it. It is warm. She kicks her leg out, and there is a sudden snapping noise. She is unhappy. Someone else is unhappy. It is shaking. The other one nudges her, and she stops moving.

Her mama's haggard face.

Aunt Rose and Jacob cooing at her.

Pride at her first steps.

The scenes of her life are played faster: milk and blood, Papa playing the piano, Grandma Esme braiding her hair softly. The scenes flash faster-going to visit Grandpa Charlie- dress up with Aunt Alice-going hunting with Jacob-the blonde vampire shrieking at her-everyone leaving to travel-the sound of gravel as the Denali's car approaches-

She pulls away.


Bella watches Renesmee convince the Denalis of their cause. She watches as her husband explains their death sentence. Will they stand by them? Will they support their cause?

When Tanya agrees to fight for them, Bella nearly sobs out in gratitude. Carmen is besotted with Renesmee, cradling her in her arms.

Eleazar is pacing the floor, marveling at their gifts.

Bella is thrilled to learn of her shielding ability. She was immune, she could take down Alec/Jan/Dimitri that terrorized her family. She could project, and shield her family.

Carlie came in, dragging a reluctant Seth behind her.

She waved at the rest of the bewildered vampires.

"Hi"


Twins?" Tanya's voice broke in disbelief, "You certainly do things by half, Edward."

Edward rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "we didn't want to overwhelm you."

I plopped myself down next to Renesmee, raising an eyebrow at her.

"You omitted my existence?"

She shrugged nonchalantly, "what if they didn't hybrids?"

Oh Renesmee, you fatalist.

Rolling my eyes at Renesmee, I batted my eyes at Carmen, "Señora es muy bonito,"

"Bonita,"' she corrected, laughing at the blatant compliment.

"Gender pronouns are hard"

Carmen patted my head, "perhaps I can teach you some Spanish in the short time I am here."

I beamed up at her.

"Awesome sauce."

"Awesome sauce, Edward?" Tanya remarked.

"You can see why we planned to introduce her later," Edward commented dryly. I pouted but agreed with Edward's assessment. I did come off a little strong. Edward turned to Eleazar, "Like her mother, I cannot read Carlie at all. No talent ever manifests the same way...can you shed some light on the situation?

Eleazar seemed to hone on me.

"Fascinating," he murmured, "absolutely fascinating." Edward's head snapped up. Eleazar continued on, staring at me with fascination. I was a little concerned at this point.

"She's shielding me, but there is an….artificialness to the shield."

"Artificialness?" Bella interrupted.

"Yes," Eleazar nodded, "she has a shield wrapped around her, but it's not as snug or protective as yours. It protects her adequately, but the feeling of the shield," he grimaced in exasperation, "I don't know to explain the feeling. If anything, the shield doesn't seem to belong to her."

Edward held me in his arms, "What does this mean?"

"I don't know."

The disappointment was evident on Edward's face. I was angry, I had a gift, but didn't know what it was. I stared at Eleazar, hoping he would say something, anything, to better explain the situation. Hell, even his thoughts could be enlightening. I clutched onto Edward, I wish I could read minds. I wish-I wish-I wish-I wish-

Like something out of a horror movie, I felt a numbing sensation in my head. I groaned into Edward's shoulder. I felt like someone banged on my head, there was an overwhelming amount of sensation in my brain. I could see the room for different angles. Memories flashed across my mind. People's thoughts blurred across my mindscape

Must talk to Carlisle when he gets back, he could provide some insight-

-Is Carlie okay-

-Never had this happen before-

-Mama mia, the beblinda is muy bonita, estoy-

-Wonder what Carlie made for Grandma Esme-

The information overload was too much. Everyone was thinking at the same time, and it wasn't just thoughts. It was the memories, the sensations, hearing multitude of sounds. Vampire senses were much more acute, and my head felt ready to explode from the detail and information.

"Papa," I sobbed out, "It hurts. It hurts so much."

"What's wrong, baby?" Edward soothed, "Tell me what's wrong."

"IT HURTS! IT HURTS! EVERYONE IS THINKING TOO LOUDLY," I wailed.

Eleazar gasped in surprise. Edward, piecing together the information, quickly whisked me away. The green scenery passed us like a blur. Edward was evidently running to ou cottage. When we got there, he jumped through the window, laying me in bed.

"Sleep, Carlie," he murmured. It was jarring to look at him. It felt as if I was him. I could feel his concerns, his thoughts, see from his point of view, see my ugly face, and feel his thougt process dance at lightening speed. Everything he thought mingled with mine, and I could no longer tell the difference between reality and his. Edward's thought quickly turned, becoming a musical composition.

"Shh…" he soothed, a lullaby tinkling in the back of my brain, "Sleep."

I closed my eyes, mentally exhausted from today.


Author's Note: Ta-da! If you couldn't catch onto Carlie's gift, it will be better explained in the next chapter. My only hint is that she is the reversal of Bella's gift. Bella protects, Carlie...? That being said, Carlie's gift will have limitations, I would hate for her to become a Mary-Sue. (Then again, the entire existence of Bella & Renesmee seem to be Mary-Sue). Alas, thank you for reading. Leave any comments regarding what vampires you want to see bond with Carlie, what you want the next few chapters to be focused about, etc. I have a hankering for her to learn self-defense. ;)