Chapter 6: Forks Washington

I sat on the balcony right outside the bedroom window, the wind blowing gently through my hair. It was warm today, sunny. I couldn't help but feel lost, alone, and broken for some odd reason. Marcus had been treated me oddly since the incident with Xio, even though it had been nearly a month. It was odd, how my memory was starting to keep up with me, and Aro has been excited with my progress, hoping that my memory-loss stages were disappearing. But I had a feeling that it was just the start of something far more severe. Bringing my knees to my chest I gazed out over the newly installed pond in the court yard, the large bottom feeder fish that occupied it bobbed to the top to eat the cherry bottoms that floated across the top.

Wrapping my arms around my knee I rested my cheek against my thigh and closed my eyes, the sweet smell of the spring tickling my senses. I listened as the birds chirped as the sound of the people in the town carried up and over the walls of the fortress. It was strange, how vampires like Aro, Caius and Marcus were able to hide what they were, although they lived only a few hundred feet from a populated town. Human's adored them, cherishing them as if they were gods. Of course, the Volturi were what were keeping them alive. Without them, millions of people all over the world would be murdered. Everything would be in turmoil without their presence to keep the peace.

Behind me, the curtain to the bedroom opened and Nessunamir popped in, a smile on her face. She was beautiful, like always. Her hair pulled back into a curly ponytail as the red, glossy lip gloss on her lips shimmered like the pond below. She was in a red dress with white Chinese flowers on it. A cocktail dress, or so it seemed. I looked at her confused as she greeted me with a peace sign then took a seat next to me on the balcony. She looked out over the railing, her chin rested on her palm. I didn't say anything, instead, I closed my eyes and smiled, allowing the warmth of the sun to prickle across my skin.

"Mmmm!" She stretched, moaning. "Such a nice day huh?" She giggled looking at me. I opened my eyes and smiled at her. This had really been the first time I had spoken to her since Marcus's command on burning her alive. After, she had kept pretty clear of me. I let the silence fill in again as I closed my eyes, my cheek quickly warming my thigh. The birds sang a cheerful little song as blue jays landed on the railing. The vines that had grown around the metal were growing flowers in which bees flocked to. I had no idea what month it was, but judging on feeling, it must have either been mid April, early May. Looking at me, she smiled. "I wanted to thank you." She said at last. Opening my eyes, I sat up straight and looked at her confused.

"Thank me? For what?" I questioned, not understanding. She smiled at me, her pearly white teeth sparkling in the sun much like her flesh.

"For saving me, from Marcus." She replied and looked back out over the court yard. All happy feelings I felt, were gone. I looked down feeling a rush of guilt stretch across my heart as I looked down into the court yard as well.

"oh, I see." I whispered. She looked at me sternly. Hearing a door open and close below us, I stood and walked forward towards the railing, the birds that had choosen to roost there taking flight. Down below, amongst the secluded path, a white haired man in a light pink, almost white colored, almost a Japanese boy uniform. He held his shoulder and rotated his arm, his long hair tied back into a half braid, the upper part normal, then braided from halfway down. He took a seat under the cherry tree, the pink, reddish blossoms flying down around his shoulders. Relaxing under the tree, he gazed at the pond, his face focused on it, then his crystal blue eyes shot up to Nessa and I. Smiling, Nessunamir waved to him.

"Hello Xio!" She called giggling. I could see him jump as her voice disturbed the silence around us. He smiled and waved back slightly, his eyes making him look tired, exhausted. Giggling, she cupped her hands around her mouth to holler. A needless gesture on her part on account of how well Xio's hearing was. "What are you doing?" She questioned. I could hear him sigh as he looked from her to the pond, then back to her.

"I am taking a break from my studies. The brightness of my lab is killer on my eyes." He replied. She laughed and nodded.

"I bet. So why do you stay in such a bright room anyway?" She questioned. He looked back at the pond and shook his head. He said nothing more to her. Turning to me she smiled. "He's a good guy." She giggled. I looked at her, feeling the hints she was making. I don't think she wanted me to be with Marcus. Shaking my head I turned and sat back down in my chair. She pouted at my gesture and returned to her seat and got comfortable. I sat there and listened to the sweetness of the morning. The chirping of the birds. The music in town. Everything was just so...sweet right now. Everything, even the pain I felt was gone now, nothing left but serenity, and for no apparent reason either.

A few minutes pass by with nothing but the cheering from the square, the breathing of Nessunamir and the fluttering wings and heartbeats of the birds that pecked at the bowls of seeds on the railings. Sighing, Nessunamir starts to hum. The song is slow, with a beautiful rhythm, slowly picking up into a faster, more lively upbeat pace. A pace that reminded me of a song. The same one she was humming. My heart throbbed as I started to hum a different version, one I knew better, one with trills, and twice as long as the one she was singing. One that imbedded pictures into my mind and an instrument. The piano. Both pallid, and dark fingers skimmed across the white and black keys as the notes played out in my head, my voice keeping up the melody. Suddenly, I stopped.

I looked down at the floor, my lips parted slightly. Nessa looked at me, confusion in her eyes.

"What's the matter?" She questioned, leaning forward to better look at my face. Carefully I shook my head and pushed myself out of the chair. Turning I headed back inside and over to the wardrobe. I had been floating around in my pajamas for the past few months, this time, I felt like getting dressed. Opening the two wooded doors I pulled out a short sleeved satin shirt that wrapped around my stomach and tied off. Like an undershirt really. Crouching down I opened p a drawer and pulled out a clean pair of underwear and a pair of low riding leather pants. Shutting the drawer I turned and placed my clothes over the back of a wooden chair, then shut the wardrobe.

Standing in the doorway, she leaned against the doorframe as I started to shed my clothes.

"Where are you going?" She asked. I shook my head, sliding my shirt up and over my head. Her eyes burned at my flesh as I searched around for the wrappings to tie my breasts back with.

"I don't know, I just," I paused as I grabbed a long strip of satin and began to tie it around my ribs, making sure my breasts were tied flat to my chest. "I just want to get away from here, for now." I whispered. She nodded, her lips staying sealed. Tying the cloth off, I slid the loose, short t-shirt over my head and tied the sashes that were attached to the back around my abdomen. Grabbing the underwear, I slid the silk shorts off and inched my way out of my panties, then slid on the new pair. Grabbing the leather pants, I unbuttoned them and carefully -but quickly- slid my legs into them. Pulling them up I zipped and buttoned them, clamping my belt shut. She nodded.

"Something bothering you?" She questioned, stepping forward. I looked at her as I slid my feet into a pair of lace up converse combat boots and clamped the laces shut.

"No." Turning I made my way out the door and down the hallway. I needed to be alone, to think over what Caius had said a month ago, his words still burning freshly in my mind. Walking to the conference room, I stopped. A small conversation was being held between Marcus, Caius and Aro. I pressed my ear against the door so that I could hear better.

"What!" Marcus hollered.

"The Cullen's? Is that possible?" Aro questioned.

"That is what I heard from the girl." Caius replied.

"This is getting out of hand. Carlisle has sent spies to look over us?" Marcus snarled.

"Well, we did steal his daughters."

"That does not give him the right to send spies on us!"

"What should we do?"

"I say we burn the entire family!" Marcus snarled. I gasped, my hand clutching over my mouth.

"No! No! That is not a good idea." Aro pleaded.

"Why not! They are spying on us Aro! They have sent a pack of werewolves on us!"

"So, let us see their motivation through."

"Their motivation? I refuse to give her away! Not her!"

"They do not even know she is here? Not unless they came themselves, and keep in mind that even if they did come to retrieve them, they will never be able to recognize them, and they will never be able to recognize the Cullen's." I pulled away from the door and turned around, making my way down the hallway towards the main gate. A guard stepped in front of me, his arms crossed.

"Where do you think you are going Madame?" He questioned, his eyebrow cocked.

"I'm leaving for a few hours to go out and about the town, enjoy the music. Tell Aro and Marcus when they get out of conference will you?" I asked. He nodded and side stepped allowing me to go through. Nodding my head once, I walked by him and out the door. The sun was shining brightly, illuminating my face as I stopped, the large doors behind me shutting. I took in a deep breath and looked around, my eyes squinting against the glare of the sun. Stepping forward I traveled down the long, stone stairs to the front gate where the two guards that had been standing the night I spoke with Carlisle.

"Where are you going?" The rookie questioned as I approached him.

"I am leaving." I replied stopping in front of him and his friend.

"Where are you leaving too?" His friend asked.

"I will be taking care of an errand in town. I have already notified Marcus." He smiled lightly and nodded. Stepping off to the side he allowed me to go past him. Returning his smile I nodded and walked through the door, almost instantly being greeted by the forest. I stopped on the other side as the gates behind me creaked shut. Smiling, I started forward into thick trees, a dark shadow moved up beside me, his eyes glued to my face. "Ryuuen," I whispered, slowing down so he could walk beside me. He smiled. "How are you doing?" I questioned as we headed through the dense trees. He shrugged.

"I am doing fine. I have been spending most of my time along the outskirts of Voltaire, of course, I am not allowed back inside." He replied. I stopped and looked at him confused. He stopped and looked back at me.

"What do you mean?" I questioned. He smiled his eyes narrow with kindness. Sighing he shook his head and looked towards the walls.

"Your...Marcus, was royally upset with me for some, odd reason. He told me to never show my face around the castle again." He replied and headed forward. I followed. I shook my head in pure disgust as we stepped over roots and fallen limbs.

"I can't believe it. Why would he ever act like that?" I looked at him, he just laughed and shrugged.

"Maybe he's afraid that his secret will be let out?" he opted. I smiled at him cocking an eyebrow.

"Secret?" I repeated. He laughed.

"Yeah, the secret that he's really gay." I laughed.

Queen of Voltaire

We broke free of the woods a good fourteen minutes later, reaching the outskirts of the city. I looked around. It must have been a carnival or something because of the balloons and the music. Little kids ran everywhere wearing light colored clothes. Lovers held hands on the fountain in the center of the square. People gossiped about work and how appreciative they were that they were able to get the day off.

I looked back at Ryuuen and laughed, grabbing his hand and running out into the crowd. I have never been to a carnival within the whole time I was with Marcus. I had never been anywhere fun with him. I spent all of my time inside that castle like it was a prison, waiting for one day I could either sneak out, or Marcus would set me free.

Now it was different. Today I was free, I was free to experience what ever it was I wanted, and that was exactly what I was going to do. Laughing Ryuuen chased me through the crowd. We spun through the people, sampling the foods cooked and crafts made. Our discounts were fairly, large. Actually….all of our purchases were free on account of our connection with the Volturi. We were treated like royalty from the common people. Although I didn't really feel it to be necessary, we accepted without complaint.

In the large town, Ryuuen stopped, pulling my feet to a halt. Turning I looked at him confused as a slow song started. Pulling me into his arms, he gripped my waist and began to spin me in circles. We weren't the only ones dancing. I stared in his eyes as the music played my smile stretching, as he stared into my eyes. We were absorbed into the song completely as we spun around, his feet leading mine. It felt like forever as we spun, until the song stopped. Slowing to a stop, a faster song sped up the pace. I laughed as the intro sent a wave of cheers booming out into the open space.

I like big butts and I can not lie, you other brothers can't deny, That when a girl walks in with an itty bitty waist and a round thing in your face, you get sprung I laughed as the expression on his face changed. I swirled my hips close his as the song carried on. His hands rested on my hips as he stared down at me as I brought myself closer to the ground.

Such small things could make me act this way, the song causing a slight twinge of pain in my heart as the fun overrode that feeling. His eyes burned deep into mine as his face connected with mine at the lips. I closed my eyes, the hotness of his lips different. A rush of images filled my head. The final pieces to my final decision. Reaching up my fingers wound through his hair. He pulled me close to him, his lips urgent. Pulling away I gasped a name that was the last I had ever thought I would say.

"Jacob." I whispered. Ryuuen looked at me confused as he straightened. I put my fingertips to my lips and stared at him, my heart racing.

"What?" He questioned, his head cocked to the side. Shaking my head, I giggled nervously and walked by him.

"We should head back." I told him, grabbing his hand. He didn't question me anymore; instead he followed me faithfully through the woods until we reached the gates to our prison.

"Why are we leaving?" he questioned as we stood at the gates. Stepping through the threshold I looked over my shoulder back at him and smiled.

"We've been away for too long. I hadn't told Marcus where I was going." I replied. He stopped, his eyes wide with fear.

"But I thought you told the guards-"

"I told the guards that yeah, but I didn't tell Marcus where I'd be face to face." I interrupted and walked by them, their heads nodded in greeting. I returned their greeting and continued on past them to the front door.

"You will be in trouble." He stuttered. I shook my head.

"Not rightfully. If they are allowed to the leave the fortress, why not me?" I questioned looking back at him. He stopped and looked at me.

"Possibly because Marcus did not cheat on you?" he opted. Sighing I shook my head and rolled my eyes.

"I wouldn't count my chickens before they hatch." I muttered. Shoving the door open I stumbled in and headed down the halls. Passing Xio's lab I could hear the sweet musical voice of Nessunamir holler my name from the end of the hallway. Turning I waited for her to catch up. Stopping next to me she bent over panting. I looked at her confused. She was a vampire, a creature who didn't need to breath and here she was panting like a human who had run a marathon.

"Thank god you came back." She said standing up as if she was never doubled over gasping for air.

"What happened I asked, her statement making it seems as if someone had died.

"Marcus has given you an assignment." She replied.

"An assignment?" I looked back at Ryuuen who had just caught up.

"Yes, you have been assigned to exterminate a small pest problem." She replied.

"Define pest problem." She sighed.

"I don't know the details, those you'll have to get from Marcus." I looked at Ryuuen. He didn't look too pleased, yet again, there was nothing to be pleased about. About three hours of partying and now I have to go risk my life in a strange part of the world I'd never even dreamed of going in my entire life. Sighing I shook my head and shoved by her to the conference room. Forcing the door open I walked in to find that Marcus, Aro and Caius were all gone. I looked around. That was odd. There was always at the very least one of them here and now no one was here. Nessa stepped up next to me, her face warped to confusion like mine.

"This is odd…" She commented clutching to the open door. Looking back at her I stepped forward to get a better look around. Nessa stayed in the doorway as if she were cowering.

"Where are they?" I asked, staring at Marcus's chair expecting to hear Caius laugh and see him step out from behind them. Nothing.

"They were here about an hour ago when they told me to get you." She replied, stepping forward just a little bit, looking around like what I was doing.

"People can go far in an hour. Especially vampires." I growled looking back at her. She shrugged her shoulders.

"I wouldn't know then. I'm sorry." She squeaked. Sighing I closed my eyes and listened. I could hear breathing, more than just three people. A faint sound of glass smashing could be heard from a door in the back of the room. Opening my eyes I looked back at it.

"I think I know where they are." I whispered. She looked at me confused.

"What?" She questioned. I smiled and turned my back on the small door on the opposite side of the room and made to leave. Suddenly, all of the noise I had been focused on stopped. Nessa moved forward at a fast pace. "Hello Marcus!" She sang, running to him. Turning around just in time I saw her leap into his arms, victimizing him in a large bear hug, her legs wrapped around his waist. At first he laughed, then spotting me, Marcus shrugged out of her grasp and came to my side, a smile on his face, his arms open wide.

"My love! I have an assignment for you!" he boomed, crushing me in his arms. Pushing him away I forced a smile and nodded, curious as to what Marcus's and Nessa's relationship was. I nodded.

"I heard." I Marcus's smile faded as he looked by me, his eyes on Ryuuen. He shifted, his eyes burning a hole into Ryuuen's face. I could see the disapproval as his upper lip twitched, starting to curl into a ferocious sneer. "Oh Marcus?" I started, catching his attention. He looked at me, his eyes narrow.

"Yes my love?" he replied dully. I smiled at him, some of the acid showing through my expression.

"Why did you tell Ryuuen he wasn't allowed in here?" I confronted. I could see Ryuuen hide slightly in the reflection in Marcus's eyes. Marcus straightened up properly, his face stern. I got him; cornered him.

"Why do you care?" He shot back at me. My face scrunched as his arrogance ripped through my lat line of patience.

"Answer my question slime!" I screeched, the wolf in me escaping. He jumped as my voice echoed off of the stone. His bottom lip quivered ever so slightly as he stared into my eyes.

"Because, he is an abomination." He replied. I nodded my eyes narrow.

"Fine, don't tell me the truth. I whispered. Stepping away from him I turned and made my way for the door. Marcus snapped his hand forward, his fingers clutching around my wrists tightly. I whirled around and glared at him.

"Where do you think you are going?" He snarled. Snapping my hand away I clenched my fist and slugged him in the face, knocking him to the floor. Aro and Caius stared at him shocked, their mouths hanging open.

"I'm doing what I had wanted to do for over a month now!" I snarled, standing over him my fists shaking. I could hear the crackling as my skull stretched out, my vision blurring, a chorus of voices penetrating my mind as my spine surged with pain. He looked up at me, his eyes wide with shock as I turned around and headed for the door. Ryuuen hesitated then chased after me. I was gone. I was out of there.

Queen of Voltaire

I headed through the gates, Ryuuen at my heels. I had to get far enough away, this was my head start. I knew Marcus was going to send someone after me I mean, he didn't love me that much. Not if he could laugh at the way Nessa had greeted him. I closed my eyes tightly as tears trickled down my cheeks. How could he do that? How could she do that! Although I had a feeling that I was supposed to be else where, I did love Marcus. I loved him more than I could ever express, it was just that, I had to go somewhere else. Somewhere where I could feel more loved than I did here.

What is going on? Eng questioned, his voice filling my head. All of the wolves were up and about, no doubt doing up a few more patrols.

I'm leaving. I snarled in return, heading for the town. Breaking out into the open I stopped, the crowd was still thick. Finding the opening out of the city I made a dash through the people, shoving adults and kids alike out of my way. The commotion set people buzzing with confusion as I broke through to the gate.

"Let me out!" I snarled. The guard looked at me like I was insane.

"Where are you supposed to go my lady?" he questioned.

"Just let me out!" I screeched, slashing at him. Dodging he signaled for the gate to be opened. I slipped out before it was even half way open. If I had my choice of actions, I would have bound the wall by jumping, but not the humans made that impossible. If it was one thing Marcus wouldn't allow was the expose of vampires to humans, and to an entire city like this, with my obvious connection to him, people would be frantic. There would be absolutely no way I'd survive.

Slipping out after me Ryuuen panted, trying his hardest to keep up. With being in my wolf form, my legs were longer, more durable, but when he turned, he was actually slower than in this present form. I took to the trees so that I could let my real speed take over. Not even a few feet from me the silhouette of a wolf could be seen, dodging trees, trying to stay caught up to me. But that wasn't all that was following. I could smell it.

What happened? Eng questioned, quickly stealing a glance at me. I could see the faint outline of the others traveling behind him, or farther into the woods.

I have realized that I am not supposed to be here. Some how, there is a forever looming presence in the back of my mind saying that I am supposed to be with someone else, someone in Forks, not here in Italy. I replied. He was silent.

So, you have a feeling? How did you tell Marcus? He questioned. I played the entire confrontation over in my head including the punching. He gasped, his even thudding paws against the ground missing a few beats. He stumbled, but then got his rythm back. You realize he isn't going to let you live right? He questioned.

And you realize that they know about you and your pack and who sent them right? I replied. I stopped suddenly remembering that Marcus had an assignment for me, and if I knew Marcus as much as I thought I did, I knew what my assignment was. Ryuuen skid to a stop and so did the wolves, a few of them running into each other.

What's wrong? Eng questioned. I shook my head and reached inside my pockets to see if I had packed my phone. Gently my fingers slid across the aluminum. Pulling it out I flipped it open and went to the address book. Carlisle's and Jacob's numbers were gone.

"Heh, I know what my assignment is now." I sneered spitefully, my hands clutching onto the phone tightly, the screen cracking. "And I know how they know I am talking to the Cullen's." I looked at Ryuuen.

"What assignment is that?" Eng asked, turning back. I looked at him. Him and Brock were both human.

"To take care of a couple Pest problems." I mimicked Nessa's sweet voice. Grabbing his book bag from Brock, Eng opened it up and grabbed his phone. He tossed it to me. Sliding it open I went to the address book and located Carlisle's number. Pushing talk I let it ring a few times, the cold aluminum numbing my ear. The forth ring a girl answered.

"Hello Cullen residence." She cooed. Alice.

"Alice it's Valeria." I barked into the phone.

"Oh hey what's up?" She giggled.

"I need to talk to Carlisle now!" I snarled.

"Carlisle? I'm sorry he's not here right now."

"Where's Jacob!" Suddenly she broke out in laughter.

"I'm just kidding! Please leave a message after the tone!" She screeched. My jaw dropped.

"YOU STUPID FOOT EATING WENCH!!! I HOPE YOU SUFFOCATE YOU BLOOD DRINKING LEECH HOW COULD YOU SIT THERE AND CREATE A ANSWERING MACHINE TONE LIKE THAT!! THAT COULD GET YOU ALL KILLED YOU DUMBY!!" I screamed into the phone. I knew that it was recording. Good, I wanted her to hear it. I wanted her to realize just how much of a retard she was. Clicking the phone off I scrolled through the phone book and got to Jacob's number. Clicking the phone on I put it to my ear and waited, hoping that there wasn't going to be some retarded answer machine. About the third ring he grunted, swearing.

"Yo, ouch." My heart jumped as his voice seeped into my mind. I never thought that he could sound so good.

"Jacob?" I questioned, although I didn't need to ask to see if it was him. I knew it was.

"Yeah, who's this?" He asked, the sound of rustling in the background.

"This is Valeria, where is Carlisle?" I looked at Eng.

"He's working, what's up?" A ripping noise sounded through the phone.

"It's the Volturi. They found out that Carlisle sent Eng and now he will be ordering some of this generals to eliminate the family." I replied, I shifted, my voice sounding more...love struck than usual.

"Ouch, that's not good. Where are you going?" The noise in the background stopped.

"I'm taking Eng and the others with me, evacuating the area. I'll be in Forks in a few hours." I whispered.

"Good, you come here, and I'll hook you up with a place to stay." He chuckled. Everything seemed surreal, the way he spoke to me, I caught myself smiling.

"Jacob, thank you. Oh, I asked Aro and Caius about Renesmee and Mayella." I smiled, the smugness stretching across my face. I could feel everyone staring at me, but something wasn't right. It was that feeling again, the feeling of someone who wasn't supposed to be there, who wasn't on our side, staring at my back.

"You did! Did you get anything out of them?" He questioned, his voice sounding astonished and desperate.

"Not much, Aro said 'They are closer than you think,' then he told me, 'to find Mayella, look into your reflection closely'. I truthfully have no idea what that means, so if you have any idea, lay it on me." He snorted.

"beats me. Ok, what did Caius say?" He pressed.

"Well he went on this whole spiel about me not knowing riddles and crap, telling me about Marcus's wife, but nothing really about the children. But he did say that I should leave Marcus and go to Forks to join the coven of Vampire's who feed on animal blood and have befriended werewolves. I think he was talking about Carlisle." I mused.

"Yeah, but the real question is, why is he telling you to leave Marcus?" I shrugged as if he could see it.

"Listen, I'll have to let you go, I'll contact you in a bit." I whispered. He sighed.

"Alright take care." He replied.

"I love you." I muttered. He stopped, his breathing rough.

"What?" He muttered. I stopped and recalled what I said.

"I'm sorry!" I barked, my face flushing with embarrassment. "I don't know where that came from! I'm sorry!" He chuckled.

"Don't be," He whispered back. "Do you know how long it's been since I've heard someone say they love me?" He paused, it was silent for a few moments, then he sighed. "I'll let you go." I just simply nodded, not trusting my mouth to come out with a proper goodbye. "Oh, and Valeria?" He added, I listened, letting go a faint laugh he replied the four most wonderful words I had ever heard. "I love you too." Then he hung up. I gasped as I took the phone away, the temporary heaven I was in disappearing as the cold seeped back in, and the uncomfortable, stalked sensation that I witnessed before deepened. Turning I handed the phone to Eng, my breath caught in my throat.

"What did he say?" Eng asked, seeing the look on my face. My cheeks were hot, so very hot. I shook my head and started off through the woods again.

"He wants us back, all of us." I said, stepping over the boundaries, the eyes burning my back. They fell back a bit, their chatting muffled, then it stopped as they phased back into their wolf forms. This was it, we were going somewhere where we'd belong. But maybe, I should stay behind, with my stalker.

Queen of Voltaire

I ran as fast as I could, the feeling of being watched never surpassing. I wanted to get away from it, away from the feeling. I pulled out into the parking lot of the airport and slowed to a more human run. Ryuuen followed me in as the others stopped to change into their human forms and put their clothes on. They chased after us. I pulled up to the desk, my heart racing. The girl looked at us all with confusion as the crazy skinned Ryuuen and I ran up, followed by a crowd of Asian's dressed the same.

"We need ten tickets to Forks, Washington please." I panted. She stared at me and nodded stiffly. She produce the tickets, the moment they were in our hands, we made a dash for the gate, me of course, leading the pack. We ended up the first ones on the plane, and seated first only because we refused to get off and wait till boarding time. Sitting back in the chair I sighed, my eyes closed. Ryuuen was on my left, Eng was on the right. I was finally free of those haunting eyes.

"Why did we run?" Eng questioned, looking at me, the smile on his face was extra large today.

"I had a bad feeling, in the pit of my stomach." I replied, my eyes still closed. I listened to the idle chit chat amongst the wolves as they spoke about how excited they were to be going back to Forks, and some arguing about how they'd rather go back to Arizona. Ryuuen stayed quiet, looking out the window. After about thirty to forty minutes of sitting there idly, the other passengers got on board and claimed their seats. A blonde stood up in front and grabbed a walky-talky, holding to her mouth she announced over the loud speakers.

"Welcome a board everybody, my names Janet and I will be flying with you this evening. Please remain seated until we have landed at our destination. I would like to remind people that all electronics must be shut off. A movie will be playing in the front of the plane, anyone who wishes for a headset may only need to ask. In the mean time, enjoy your flight." She shut it off and disappeared behind a curtain. I sighed again. No phones. Which meant no calling Jacob. Looking at me Eng smiled, his eyes sympathetic.

"I'm sorry that this happened to you." he whispered. I shook my head.

"No, I deserve it." I replied looking to the front of the plane. The plane roared to life, and in a few moments began to pull out. I looked past Ryuuen and out the window as we began to move forward, then start to lift off the ground. Only a few hours until we got there. Only a few. I looked up to the front of the plane as a movie clicked on. It played through the commercials until it got to the opening scene. It was rainy, cars drove by as the opening credits scrolled through. A man was walking in the rain. He had darkish looking skin, his hair was long and black. He was on a bridge, close to night time. Stopping, he looked back. There were no more cars despite the fact he was on a highway. Grabbing the railing, the stepped up onto the metal bars and launched himself off the top. A graceful figure floating at least sixty feet from the ground. Suddenly, he hit, blood gushing out over the rocks, his eyes rolled back in his head.

The screen flashed black as the same man who had jumped, sat up quickly in his bed, the blankets wrapped around his waist, sweat dripping from his forehead. He gasped, although it was silent. He looked back at his alarm clock that read 8:12 am and shoved himself out of bed running to the bathroom. The words "The Pack" scrolled up. The title of the movie. Looking down the isle I caught one of the stewardess handing out headsets. I raised my hand slightly to get her attention. She smiled and came to me.

"Can I help you ma'am?" she asked. I smiled.

"Yes, can I have a headset?" I questioned. She nodded and handed me one. It was a cordless, and on the side of the television was a box. She pushed a couple buttons, the sound flooding through. Putting it on, I stared at the television.

The man brushed his teeth, and washed his face, splashing the water against his flesh, then dried it off. In the bed room the cordless phone rang, a red button flashing, he picked it up and held it to his ear.

"Hello?" he spoke. The scene changed to a woman sitting behind a desk, her lips ruby red, her blonde hair perfect, her suit flawless.

"Where are you? You're late!" She hollered into the phone. They man pulled at his long hair a bit and grunted, his eyes shutting tightly as you could hear her screaming at him from over the phone.

"You know, I know I'm late...I know...No my alarm..." She hung up. He gritted his teeth. Cranking his arm back he smashed the phone off of the sink repeatedly, pieces of plastic chipping off and flying everywhere. He stopped and let the phone slide into the sink. He stared down at it, his muscle tight. Walking out he turned the bathroom light off.

He walked down the street, fully clothed now with a set of keys in his hand. A young boy was sitting on a wall, looking at him as he passed. I stared at the TV, getting more absorbed into the movie than I thought I would have. I even shed a tear when the man cried over the death of his female werewolf friend who died later on in the movie. Before I knew it, it was the end of the movie and I only had about thirty more minutes to go before we reached Forks. Taking the headset off I looked at Ryuuen -who was still staring out the window- and then over at Eng -who had fallen asleep, his lips parted slightly. I smiled and thought about the movie, and how much like the girl who the main character Matt had fallen in love with. She was as shy girl, Rachel was her name. She was shy, and an outcast. I didn't know how I related to her, I just felt like I did.

"Now landing in Forks, Washington. Please remain seated until the plane has landed." the pilot announced. Looking over, I saw the rain, the green everywhere. I felt a tear trickle down my face as I stared at it, a feeling in my gut screaming that I was home. Landing the plane, the pilot stopped it and the passengers departed. Turning to Eng, I shook him awake as his pack stood and cluttered around in the front. He stirred and grumbled sleepily.

"Eng, wake up." I cooed, a motherized tone in my voice. Slowly he opened his eyes and blinked a few times, then flashed me a smile.

"Are we there?" he questioned, looking around. I nodded. Sighing, He sat up all the way and pulled himself out of his chair, stumbling. Getting up I stepped out into the isle behind him and looked back. Ryuuen hesitated before he got up, his eyes still focused on the window.

"What's wrong?" I asked as he shoved by me. He looked back at me, his eyes narrow with dullness.

"Nothing, I just...was thinking, that's all." He replied and went to get off. Grabbing his arm I turned him around.

"Ryuuen." I whispered. He turned his head, but his eyes were looking at me at all. "Ryuuen, what's wrong?" I asked again. He just stood there and shook his head.

"Nothing, I was just thinking over my chances, that's all." He whispered. My eyes narrowed with pity.

"Chances with what?" I wondered. He looked me in the eyes, his face stern.

"My chances with you." He whispered, then turned around and walked away. I stared at the floor, where he was standing and pondered his words for a few moments, my thoughts eventually being interrupted on by a stewardess. I looked up at her as she touched my hand. She flashed me a concerned smile.

"Are you alright?" she questioned. I nodded and stepped around her.

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you." I replied and stepped off the plane. I looked around the airport. It was smaller than in Italy, much smaller. Here we were, finally. I was home, back where I was born and raised. Forks, Washington.