Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

To all readers I am sorry but I am considering dropping this story as I do not give it the time or effort it deserves

Chapter 9

BPOV

Today everything would end. The reign of terror that Victoria held over me would be destroyed and I would be released. Her torment had been endless and I was silently counting down the days for her demise yet also counting down the days until the agony of the unknown battle.

Alice kept seeing different futures which each had devastating results dependent on which side you fought. Her uncertainty of the future made me anxious, believing that there must be an ever-changing component reliant on the day. However no one knew who or what this was.

Moments were precious, as my family members were preparing to fight to the end; we each singled off into couples to share possibly our last time together. Jasper and Alice were in each other's careful arms staring endlessly at each other as though recalling each detail was vital for survival. Emmett and Rosalie were locked in a passionate embrace, sharing fiery kisses. Carlisle and Esme were murmuring tender words too fast and quiet for me to hear fully as they wrapped themselves around each other and kept stealing silent, long kisses.

Edward and I were stood close with his arms around me waist and my arms around his neck. We gazed into each other's eyes which were both filled with pained anguish at what was about to come; his eyes were the brightest shade of golden topaz I had seen which only emphasized the enormity of the battle and the importance of strength when competing against human blood. I knew Edward hated the idea of leaving me so close and had originally wanted to send me to live with Renee for a while. Fortunately, I managed to persuade him this would be unwise as Victoria could discover this, therefore leaving me helpless. Yet the main reason for me wanting to stay I couldn't tell him because I knew he would send me as far away as possible; I want to know what has happened as soon as it happens. I want to see his face once this is all over. But most importantly, I want to help if something goes wrong.

"I love you." Our final words together are short and simple yet direct. We both cannot live without the other so we do not mention the possibility of death. If one of us dies we both die. At this all of the Cullens' turn in my direction, smile, then turned and walk out into the battle which I feel I created.

***

EPOV

With our last departing words of "I love you," I took a deep breath and turned away. The thought of Bella so willingly close to danger terrified me. I kept trying to focus on the fight but my mind constantly kept wandering back to Bella. Her chestnut brown hair that fell to her shoulders with slight waves which created a unique look each time she moved. Her skin was almost as pale as mine so that sometimes I often forgot she was human as she was more beautiful than any vampire I had ever seen. My fragile glass doll, I would never let anyone break her.

We stepped into the clearing and I listened intently for the voices of the opposing minds. At first their voices were muffled and mingled together making it difficult to distinguish, however as they moved ever closer I recognised the opposition. They were newborns; constantly lusting for blood. Their thoughts ran red with past feasts and what they were hoping for here. Finally I heard Victoria's mind. She was still calmly plotting and kept changing her plans which was creating the indecisive futures for Alice. As they stepped through the last wall of defence of the woods and into the clearing we growled in response. The newborns were sniffing curiously as though disappointed by the lack of humans; as this realisation sunk in they began to join our growl against Victoria. However she held her hand of authority and they immediately silenced as she stepped forwards.

"You know what I want. I can spare each of you now if you had the human over. As you can see, you are clearly outnumbered and will surely all die if you naively accept this challenge." Her voice dominated the clearing and the newborns shivered away from her. The power she held over them was weak, only the promise of blood kept them loyal.

"Newborns," addressed Carlisle, "there is more to this life than Victoria shows you. You are not monsters. Look into my eyes; notice that they are golden, this is due to my diet of animal blood which has enabled me to control me thirst so that I can interact with humans. They are my friends. Many of you are recently changed therefore some of these humans are family."

"Stop your nonsense!" screamed Victoria, "He lies. I can promise you all an endless feast yet he wishes to refrain you from your true nature and desires." The newborns had just begin to mutter amongst themselves but the possibility of endless blood strongly enticed them and re-strengthening their loyalty. "Make your choice Carlisle."

"You know our decision. There is no choice."

"Good. I love to kill."