The tricky thing
Is yesterday we were just children
Playing soldiers
Just pretending
Dreaming dreams with happy endings
In backyards, winning battles with our wooden swords
But now we've stepped into a cruel world
Where everybody stands and keeps score

Keep your eyes open

Everybody's waiting for you to breakdown
Everybody's watching to see the fallout
Even when you're sleeping, sleeping
Keep your eyes open

Taylor Swift- Eyes Open

"No!" I heard Edward call but he was already busy with Victoria.

Then heard a loud cry of pain and fell to the ground before I realized it was me screaming as the burning spread up into my head and my vision blurred. I tried to concentrate on anything but the pain as it took over and heard a cruel high pitched laugh.

'Had this been what she meant when Laurent said much worse."

Again another cry of pain escaped my mouth but this one was more shrill, terrified, as I curled up on the ground. It felt like I was being thrown into a pit of fire. Is this what it felt like being thrown into hell? If Edward's theories were right then I didn't have to worry about it surprising me one bit. I mean I'd have no soul to worry about.

I tried to curl up more inside of myself but that only caused more pain. I felt myself start getting hot, maybe I was in the middle of a fire, or hell. Then it got a lot worse, I could feel every time my heart beat because every time the burning raged hotter. I felt as though my organs and everything else should be melting, or just instantly turning to dust because of it.

I let out another loud scream of pain as my heart beat pumped the venom through my system, then suddenly felt myself being moved. Someone who was ice cold but it didn't help against the fire as an acrid smell hit my nose, like something was burning and quickly I wondered if it was me.

oOo

Edward's POV

I quickly picked up a writhing Piper and noticed that it was too late to suck out the venom. Bella was looking down at her friend in pain. And Seth, well he was tearing himself up inside, but I didn't have time to try and comfort either of them.

"Get every piece, I need to get her down to Carlisle," I spoke to Seth in a low voice. "I'll be right back," I promised Bella and she nodded slowly.

I ran as fast as I possibly could, trying to get her down to the clearing before the Volturi got there. But as I raced into the clearing regret and guilt washed over me as and saw one overjoyed face turn to one of terror. He took in the pained face of the girl he loved, who was trying desperately to curl up into my chest to escape the inexplicable pain I knew she was going through.

oOo

Emmett's POV

We finished and I reached up high fiving Devan, all of us letting out happy laughs and smiles, except for Alice who was scanning he future with a confused look. The idea hit that something was going to happen with the Volturi but that wouldn't dull this adrenaline running through my body; then Edward raced into the clearing. At first I thought it was Bella in his arms but then the smell hit me. My mind didn't want to seem to process the form in his arms as my vision actually blurred but then I took in the horror, seeing that it was Piper in his arms. A pained expression was on her face, no it was more than pain; it was pure agony. Her hand was gripped tightly onto his shirt, grasping for anything as she struggled to curl up into his chest, looking for a bit of relief. She let out a groan and twisted her head, trying again to move, but revealed the crescent mark on her neck.

"She's been bitten," he quickly explained to everyone and the wolves around us growled loudly. Immediately I walked forward and I took her into my arms the movement interrupting whatever comfort she could have possibly found and she let out another loud scream that turned to a groan as she curled into my arms. I could feel her heart pumping the venom that tainted her blood around her system.

"You need to get her back to the house," Carlisle's calm voice said.

"Isn't there anything you can do," I growled and he shook his head to what I already knew but wasn't will to except. "There has to be something," I pleaded and saw the pitied looks.

"Emmett, there's nothing that can be done," Rose looked like she would be crying if she could.

"You need to take her home," Esme tried to comfort and the fact that she truly meant home hit me. Then as I took in another breath I smelled the venom again there was too much there.

I raced back to the house while trying to move the least amount possible, and laid her down on what technically was her bed. Leaning down, I placed a soft kiss on her burning forehead and then tried to move away but her fingers gripped onto my shirt tighter as she gritted her teeth.

"I'm sorry," I whispered and just sat there letting her hand grip onto mine with a force I didn't know humans had.

oOo

Piper's POV

I felt the cold leave me as I was laid down, where I had no idea. I had quickly learned that screaming didn't do anything so I gritted my teeth to try and stop it but sometimes another flame would take me and I let out another blood curdling scream.

'God, someone let me die,' I cried out silently balling my hands into fists.

I'm not sure how much time passed but it seemed like my body got used to the pain, I was able to think clearer and I tried to remember why I was in pain and what had happen but mostly I just thought about Emmett. I tried to stay silent knowing that every scream would hurt him infinitely more than it would help me.

Along with my mind clearing so did my hearing. "It's done," being the first thing I heard from Jasper, who was speaking in a sullen tone as he had a conversation with the family.

I then concentrated on everything to my pounding heart to the footsteps beside my bed to distract myself. I especially concentrated on the soft voice beside me that kept brushing their fingertips over my face.

"I'm sorry," was all Emmett repeated and I didn't dare open my mouth knowing nothing but a scream of pain would come out. I just kept a grip on his hand as tight as I could possibly hold which helped also with taking my mind off to the pain. But soon the hand was gone too, yanking out of my grip.

"How is she doing, Carlisle?" He asked at some point in my agony.

"Not long, you can see the changes."

"Bella you have to leave," I heard Edward urge downstairs.

"No," she replied stubborn as always.

Concentrating again on the touch on my forearm that had been in my hand I felt the pain start to fade from my toes and fingertips but it all seemed to go to my throat and heart, and I tried not to breath afraid it might hurt more but it remained. Then the fire in my heart increased beyond what I thought was possible as it beat faster.

"Carlisle," Emmett said and I heard his footsteps come up the stairs and into the room.

My heart felt like it was going to explode it was going so fast.

I heard more footsteps follow and could tell instantly the Alice was in the front. "Bella!" Edward shouted but I could tell he wasn't in the house anymore.

As my heart sped the fire flared more centering all on my chest into my frantic heart that was fighting to stay alive. I felt hands try to force me back onto the bed as I arched up and my strange high pitched snarl broke the silence in the room. Then it stopped and I dropped back on the bed motionless.

There was utter silence, the fighting had stopped outside and everyone had stopped breathing in the room except for me.

I was afraid to open my eyes and I reached out my fingers instead. Someone grabbed them in a soft grasp, as smooth as silk and the same temperature as me.

"Piper," Emmett called softly, "can you open your eyes for me?"

I shook my head slightly but it felt jerky.

Emmett chuckled and linked his fingers with mine. Slowly I peeked open my eyes and I could see everything clearly, and I mean everything from the colorful dust motes to the individual grains in the wood beam over my head. Sucking in a breath I was confused because I immediately felt weird as I could taste things. The thing I could taste most was the earthy but also sweet scent that came from the side and cautiously flicked my gaze to it. I felt a slow smile come to my face as I looked on in disbelief that he looked even more handsome.

I moved to get up and it was like my body reacted on its own and I hadn't realizing I moved until I had flipped off the bed and onto my feet, landing smoothly. I instantly stopped and paused looking around, surprised. My eyes caught movement and instantly they were focused in on it as Jasper moved in front of Alice and almost instantaneously figured out that he thought I was a threat.

"Piper," Emmett said cautiously and I realized they all thought I was.

"Yes?" I replied and immediately brought my hand up to my throat.

Looking at Emmett, I blinked confused, 'Was that me?' I saw the surprise increase in his face.

Suddenly I heard the door downstairs and quick feet coming up. 'Edward.'

As he came to a stop I took in a breath tasting a floral smell that made my throat burn even more and almost instinctively my hearing adjusted to pick up the sound of a heartbeat outside. 'Is that Bella?' I asked him in reference to the smell and he let out a low growl. My mind was firing as such a speed that I didn't even take particular notice to the sound though.

Looking down, I looked at my hands and watched the slightly shimmer of the pale almost luminescent, white skin. Slowly, Emmett walked around the table and took hold of one of my hands. My mind quickly registered that that he wasn't cold anymore. Then almost skipping thoughts I realized how my mind was registering everything quickly, all of my attention scattered.

"Piper, are you ok?" He asked and my whole thought process drained as I focused on him, "I know it's hard to get used to…" He trailed off as I looked up at his face and slowly reached up brushing my hand over his flawless cheek.

"I'm fine," I whispered and again I heard that chime that matched Alice's.

"Told you guys," Alice said I turned and saw her moving around Jasper.

"Do you want to see yourself?" She smiled walking around and holding out a hand. I felt my hair swing beside my face as I nodded and took her hand, but grabbed Emmett's arm pulling him along. She walked me over to a full length mirror and I realized that I was wearing a pair of black skinny jeans and a kind of kimono style silk shirt with a floral print and a deep v-neck.

"I hope you don't mind that I changed you, you kind of smelt like dog and I figured that it wouldn't be pleasant to wake up to."

"Thank you," I chimed and then took in my features with Emmett standing right behind me. The first thing I saw was the bright red eyes and I gasped slightly.

"They'll go away," Emmett smiled and I nodded. I noticed my hair next to them was so dark it was almost black just like Emmett's but thankfully I still had my natural wave that made the layers that Alice had put in stand out. Next, I reached up and touched my nose, and lips, everything seemed more symmetrical and defined, highlighting that inhuman factor. Looking down I also noticed that I seemed a little curvier, more woman, less girl.

'Is this really me?' I looked up at Emmett.

He leaned down and whispered in my ear. "You're stunning,"

I turned looking up into his dark eyes. "How long was I out?"

"About 3 days." He said and I took in another gasp catching Bella's scent and it set fire to my throat and I reached up holding it. "We should go hunting," He murmured.

"Edward needs to get Bella out of here first."

"I know, I thought she might attack when I first came up," Edward said out of the blue.

"Attack?" I asked and watched everyone's eyes go wide. "What?"

"I just heard your thoughts I think." Alice said.

"What are you talking about?" I laughed and was kind of shocked by the sound.

"You didn't say attack you thought it," Edward clarified, "trust me."

"I knew I wasn't crazy before," Emmett chuckled. "I thought your lips didn't move but I heard you're voice so clear."

"But they didn't hear that," I protested.

"We can figure this out later," Carlisle stated calmly, "I'm sure you're thirsty."

"Edward needs to get Bella out of here first," I protested, again.

"How can you control that?" Jasper wondered but I saw the look on everyone's faces.

"It's Bella," I glared, "I couldn't dream of hurting her."

"Go on Edward," Carlisle insisted and he gave a small nod before racing out. I heard his feet go all the way down and the sounds of opening car doors just before the Volvo started and he began reassuring her that I'm fine but need to hunt. She reluctantly agreed and they were speeding down the road.

"Alright babe, you ready?" Emmett smirked leaning down.

"I guess," I muttered.

"It'll come to you." He smirked.

"Here you go," Alice held out a pair of flats and I giggled slipping them on before Emmett took my hands and pulled me down stairs. I felt my hair whip out behind me with the sudden movement but saw everything as if going a normal human pace, if not better.

"Are you excited?" Emmett asked opening the door.

"Very excited actually," I smiled and he let go of my hand and hopped over the railing disappearing the 15 or so feet below. "You know…" I started and hopped over too, falling right to his feet in a little crouch before standing, "you always were afraid I was going to fall that distance and right there you expected me to jump it."

"You're not as breakable now," He smirked and I quickly looked up in his eyes before reaching up and pulling on his t-shirt making sure to be gentle. Catching on to what I was doing, he wrapped his arms around my lower back and bent down kissing me. This was so different from every other kiss; it was hard and full of passion.

'Wow,' I muttered and he pulled back suddenly.

"That is going to take some getting used to," He chuckled and I figured I must have put the thought in his head.

'Sorry,' I tried again with a smirk and he chuckled once more.

"Come on let's hunt," He grabbed my hand and we ran through the backyard to the edge of the river.

"This is a little harder than jumping over a rail," I frowned.

"It's easy," He smirked and I watched intently as he took a couple steps back then ran and simply jumped over landing in the trees.

"Well what's the worst that could happen? It's not like I can drown," I muttered and heard his laugh on the other side along with a couple back at the house.

Concentrating I walked backwards a bit before running and jumping into the air feeling every muscle work, every pull and contraction within my body. It was like the most natural thing in the world as I leapt over the water and then him. I landed a good ten feet from Emmett in another crouch. Smirking, I stood up straight and took note as my lean muscles moved.

"Well you've got jumping down but how about running?" He challenged and took off. Laughing, I pushed forward and quickly caught up; I smiled and looked around seeing every single thing as clear as I had been just standing there. Looking ahead I saw a downed tree and quickly jumped on it before flying into the air I didn't even stop as I hit the ground keeping pace with Emmett.

"Piper," He called and I skidded to a stop at his side looking at him expectantly, "I want you to close your eyes, listen, take in the scent."

Doing as he said I stilled and listened until I found something that made my throat burn even more, a thudding of a heart beat.

"To the northwest?" I asked and he gave an almost proud smile while nodding. Next, I waited for the scent that connected with the heart. It was warm, rich, stronger than the other little animals around, but there was something off a almost mossy taste and I cringed slightly earning a laugh from Emmett.

"Carnivores are better," He explained as I still had my eyes closed, "that's an Elk. Now tell me how many."

Concentrating on the hearts I singled them out, "Six?"

"Excellent, now trust your instincts." Instantly my eyes snapped open and I took off running and jumping silently over the obstacles until I was at the edge of the clearing. I smelled Emmett watching behind me and I singled out the largest one, the male. Without even thinking I knew what to do as the blood called and I sprung taking down the large Elk. He fought kicking trying to break free of my grasp. Instantly felt sorry for the animal and quickly sank my teeth into its neck, the blood touched my tongue, coating it then ran down my throat soothing it slightly. But as the Elk died and I pushed it away, I was still thirsty. Before I went to the next one I noticed Emmett had joined and watched him jump onto one of them. It was hard to describe him as graceful but it was really they only way.

He was clean and perfect when he returned to stand beside me after my second Elk. Standing up I licked over my lips and felt the last bits of the unsatisfying blood run down my throat. Looking down at my outfit I was rumpled and dirty from the fighting animals but I'd saved it from the blood.

After tracking down a few more deer I felt like I was going to be sick from the sloshing, and decided that I was full. The feeling went away as we started running as we closed in on the river I again let instinct take control and jumped flipping high in the air as Emmett barreled right through the water. I let out a laugh which sounded more like singing as I flipped once more before my feet touched the ground.

I couldn't help the smile as I hopped up the 15 feet to sit on the railing. Emmett jumped over landing on the other side and I remembered the dim human memory as he wrapped his once cold arms around me.

"Are we going to go tomorrow?" I asked hopefully.

"Umm…" He hesitated, "maybe at night. I've got to go somewhere tomorrow morning and afternoon. Actually…Alice, Edward, and I do."

"Where?" I furrowed my eyebrows.

"You're funeral Piper," He whispered solemnly.