A/N: Thanks all, Hot Damn, Charlie Swan just reached 10,000 hits xx Sorry it's a day late, R/L getting in the way as usual xx Alexis

Marcus

On the surface, all is calm in the vampire world and many are fooled because of it, but it's a well-crafted facade. Those who neither knew or understood tactics, see only what they are meant to by Aro. But here inside Volterra, a power struggle begins to break through, awakening after a long enforced sleep. We, three brothers, are now about to be pitted against each other, two knowingly and one only bent on rebuilding his beloved guard, he holds the casting vote. Caius' power comes from the older guards and they are loyal to a fault. Respect was a concept that didn't appeal to Aro, not like fear or subservience.

Aro had twisted the truth once again, telling the guard that Caius wearied of them and handed them over to him due to boredom, this now has returned to bite him. Caius may be under Chelsea's thrall, but he is a soldier first and last. As he reprimands and hands out punishments, much becomes clear to the men in his charge,

"How I ever let Aro convince me to relinquish command, alludes me and beggars belief as I stand here before this, pitiful display you all present!" He demanded of no one,

But many heads slowly turned to Chelsea and she stepped back, fear etching her face. Glancing wildly around herself, she sees me watching her with undisguised disgust marring my usually placid face. They all know and she is in serious danger, more are outwith her control than under it. Once more Aro had lied, obviously telling her no one would ever find out.

She for the first time makes a choice for herself and releases me from her grip on my mind. I shake the haze away and speak,

"Caius, May I borrow Chelsea from you?"

"Yes, yes, she's no fighter. I never understood why she was part of the guard anyway!" Caius growls and I beckon her to my side.

"Time to make reparation, don't you think Chelsea? I need to know who and why? Then one by one you will release them in my presence. Any mate bonds you broke on his behalf must be fixed first. Once all are free I suggest you run, take your mate and flee!" I tell her calmly.

F

Peter

Now it's time to have an semi-honest man do our biddin'. Felix Volturi had let himself be led astray. He was disillusioned by his hero, unaware that Caius was under Chelsea's spell at first. He'd let Aro's lackeys pull him into situations he would never have gotten into before, do things he was not proud of. But his own sense of honour was now his ultimate weakness. Jasper had allowed him to live, after his stupidity of attemptin' to hurt Bella, all for an insult to his pride and that meant he owed Jasper a debt of honour. So I have sent a message to him, we needed a spy within the Volturi and he was it. I assured him, we didn't want to move against the Volturi, just be ready if they were to move against us.

Caius had demoted him he told me mortified. This to him was a humiliatin' fall from grace and then Caius had personally taken Felix's place as leader of the guard. But most tellin' was Demetri was no longer in the elite guard at all. So Caius was no fool, he knew who was trustworthy and who was not. Even if his will was not his own, his innate soldier's psyche knew. Jane also was demoted and sent to watch the Queens as punishment for her many sins, but Alec was promoted to be Felix's counterpart. So two seconds and not just one, Caius was preparin' for war, maybe not intentionally for now.

But the best news was Marcus' takin' of Chelsea under his protection. She had been a key player in the past and now was on the side of right. Aro must be aware Marcus was now free of her control, he had to be worried. Now was our time to break free, informin' all the coven leaders in our part of the world what was happenin' in Volterra galvanised them. Freedom was within our grasp, they were preparin' to petition for independence.

This might just be a bloodless coup, the brothers needed to be together to hold us and that was not what was happenin' at present. Jasper sent word to all the other free parts of the vampire world and asked for witnesses and advisors. The only way for this to work and hold, was if it was done out in the open and without any hidden agendas. If we moved fast enough Aro would be unable to stop it in time.

Edward

As soon as Jasper warned me what was going on in Volterra, I switched off the thought wave interrupter and started to gather Intel. I had chosen my side and it was both Marcus and Caius that came out on top. For now, I would report to Marcus, once Caius was free then him too. I stayed as far from Aro as possible without being obvious, I still had secrets about Bella that needed to be protected.

Once Aro realised the America's were using this breakdown in Volterra to free themselves, he would fight back in some underhand way and I would be ready to help where possible. I told Marcus everything, he was my chosen leader and needed to know all that was going on. As a show of good faith, he let me see the phone call with Jasper and that helped me understand his stance, he wanted Jasper to succeed and was happy to hand over control of what he called the New World to him.

Every day a former tied vampire of Aro's was freed and they picked their own side, mainly Marcus and Caius. Those that chose Aro were sent to work as far from him as possible and their calls monitored. Marcus didn't want to kill them like Aro would have, he wanted this to be a power struggle only, as venomless as possible. The freeing of Caius would be the catalyst for Marcus to make their move, with the backing of the rest of the vampire world.

Jasper

We are on the brink of freedom, I am humbled by the faith everyone has in me. Many assumed I would wage war on Volterra to gain freedom, but this way was so much better. There would be no reversin' this decision. It had to be above reproach and ironclad. My only fear was for Bella, she was my Achilles heel and one that Aro would use against me if he knew how special she really was. Would I give this all up for her, hell yes! She is my everythin' and without her I'm nobody.

Peter, Char and I have to leave soon and I need to protect her, there is only one other person I'd trust her care too. The Cullens will be insulted but I know they wouldn't be able to kill first without askin' questions, but Garrett can and would. So once I arrange for him to move here, I'll have to explain this all to my love and pray she's not too angry with me for leavin' her with a stranger. I've kept her abreast of what's been goin' on since those two idiots were here. I've taken a leave of absence as Professor Whitlock and as Jasper said a family emergency has called us both away.

As I reach the house I here screamin', what the fuck? I rush forward ready to kill and come to a grindin' standstill in the garden. To find a very naked Tanya Denali rotating in the air above our lit fire pit screamin' her head off. The others are standin' around aghast and confused. Except for Peter and Char who are openly laughin'. Bella is livid and demands,

"I asked you a question bitch! What the fuck were you doing in my bed naked?"

Tanya whimpers as I approach, I doubt this was her plan.

"Hey darlin', I see you've met the Denali's," I say kissin' her temple and leavin' my arm around her shoulders.

"Is that who they are? I got home from classes to find this whore in our bed, waiting no doubt for you!" she seethed,

"You're the only woman, I want or need in that or any other bed darlin'. You know that" I say lookin' at the others with anger written all over my face.

"I know that cowboy, pity your friends can't accept it, can't accept you chose me! I heard their whole plan, bitch one was going to seduce you, while bitch two distracted Peter and Char and bitch three was going to restrain me, by whatever means. Oh, what exactly is her gift, cause it didn't work, obviously?" she said sweetly,

I let out a roar that knocked the rest of the Denali's to their knees. Fear was now on all their faces, as Peter and Char moved in to flank us growlin' loudly. How dare they treat my mate so callously, to use an offensive gift on a human.

"Eleazar what the fuck?" I demanded.

"I had no idea Major, I would never countenance that! Interfering between mates is not acceptable, no matter what the circumstances" he answered disgustedly.

"I assume you mean because not only am I human, but I'm blind. Well, guess what ladies, I don't need eyes to see how ugly you all are!" Bella said before throwing Tanya across the yard with ease,

"Get the fuck off of my land and don't ever come back!" she finished by sayin' and followed by throwin' her two sisters and their cases after her. They lay in an ungainly heap, shocked and defeated by a human no less.

"Fuck man! You throw awesome parties" a voice said from the trees,

I shook my head wordlessly, only Garrett could find amusement in this situation. Well him and Peter too.

"Hey Garrett, great timin' as usual," Peter said laughin'.

The rest of the night went much better, Carmen and Eleazar were most apologetic to Bella on their covens behalf. Garrett found the whole thin' hilarious, but was really impressed with Bella's shield and should I add her. Bella told me that she didn't even know she could do that, but she'd been so angry and it just happened. I was so proud of her but pissed that so many saw her as nothin' important, just another human. Totally disregardin' that she was my mate. I had to ensure that the laws we now made, changed that skewed view of human mates.

Bella

I had never been so angry before, that bitch was naked in my bed. She thought I was so irrelevant, that I could be erased by a quickie with the likes of her! Did they not see that it isn't me they were disrespecting, but Jasper. Every attack on me, every insult says they don't accept or agree with his decisions. They want him to rule over them, but don't respect any of his personal choices! Char says with the Volturi it was ignorance and the Denali's plain jealousy.

But it's more than that, they want to hide behind the Major's name and reputation, but they don't accept him or they would respect his life is his own to do with as he sees fit. It's not all vampires clearly, but that's the second time and I don't like it one bit. I know Garrett is here as my babysitter, but I've decided we have to do this together or we don't stand a chance. I just have to convince Jasper of this.

These people need to show my mate the respect he's due. So I'm going with them, he has to realise if I don't they will take it as he's ashamed of me and keeping me hidden. Everyone who's of any importance will be at this next meeting, so it's imperative we show a united front. I wait for a lull in the conversation before stating my case. I can tell he's conflicted, but he also knows I'm right and Garrett now has been elevated to my bodyguard. Both Char and Carmen agree with me, I need to be seen and prove my worth as his mate.

F

Bella is correct in her assessment, actions truly speak louder than words and if some don't truly accept Jasper as their leader then this venture is doomed to fail. Much of the opposition is just sour grapes, females from the stronger covens who'd hoped to align themselves with him and gain their covens power. Truly proving they knew nothing of the man, he had no need of the trappings the Volturi had. This would not be the kind of government he would build. Then there were the older vampires who would rather he had a vampire mate of stature than a human.

But Bella would prove them all wrong soon enough. This was almost it, the culmination of our long ago, laid out plans. Jasper's destiny was at hand, but only Bella could ensure he achieved it. They were nothing alone but together a formidable team. If she was this special now, what talents would she have as a vampire? Even we the fates were unsure as she kept evolving all the time. History was about to be written and Jasper and Bella's names would be immortalised for all time. Maybe not in the history of humans, but in a more enduring one.

F

Garrett

I never expected to have a front row seat at the signing of a new declaration of independence. My life has now come full circle so to speak. I was proud to stand behind the mate of our new ruler, she would be just as important as him, once she became a vampire. Not that she really needed a bodyguard, this girl was awesome in her own right. I was happy to give the Major a measure of comfort though. I walked tall and proud, looking every inch the protector, a mere illusion, but an effective one. I introduced Bella to other nomads like myself and any covens I knew well.

There were only a few snide remarks and sneering glances, thankfully not from those I called friends. When both Eleazar and Carlisle greeted her by name and Esme and Carmen with hugs, others started to pay attention. Emmett swooped her up in a bear hug when they met and Rose kissed her cheek. Edward arrived as an emissary from Marcus and Caius, this caused gasps as did his courtly bow and kiss of Bella's hand. His firm handshake with Jasper did not go unmissed either.

The witnesses from the Orient and India came over to introduce themselves as did the delegation from Australasia. Human mates were more prevalent in those countries and they saw nothing amiss in her presence at her mate's side. Her sightless eyes caused a few double takes until it became apparent that she actually saw in her own unique way. It didn't take long for her to win over many of the vampires present. Her total lack of fear and her grasp of accents made her many friends when she asked them questions about their places of origin.

As everyone settled to begin the reading of the document, to smooth out any finer points and then sign it, Bella cleared her throat saying,

"I'd like to raise two points before you all sign this important declaration. First, to Aro's emissary Afton. Please uncloak yourself. We have nothing to hide and your embarrassing yourself. I can see your aura, Edward can hear your thoughts and Jasper can feel your emotions"

Emmett flipped a switch on his portable disrupter saying,

"Peek a boo! We can all see you"

A snigger went around the gathering. Afton stood to one side looking foolish and just reiterating why they no longer wanted to be under Aro's control. Unlike the other two brothers who sent a legitimate envoy, he sent one to spy on them. Bella nodded and continued,

"Now to the other point, Please do not sign this document if you don't believe Jasper has the right to find his own mate. Yes, I'm human, but that does not make me any less his mate than my being blind does. If you don't respect his right to choose his own mate, then you can never fully respect him as your leader and this will all be a waste of time. I'm going nowhere and one day I will be one of you. But that day is not now!" she said resting her sightless gaze on them all one at a time,

" Do this because you want to be free of Aro's machinations. Do this because you want a better life. If any of you do this, to then later have a go at Jasper's leadership, I will personally make it my mission to destroy you. Do not sign now and later change your minds, using me as your pathetic cowardly excuse!" she extolled in a loud firm voice.

Bella resumed her seat to a stunned silence and then suddenly applause rang out. She may be human, but she just spoke like a true and deadly vampire mate. This was the kind of woman they knew Major Whitlock needed, not to fight his battles but to back him up to the hilt. He had picked wisely and everyone now knew it. He was unable to stop himself from projecting his overwhelming pride for the woman he loved on to everyone.

The signing by all coven leaders, their seconds and all nomads, myself included began. It took several hours and finally, it was done and the witnesses now added their weight to the document. Once completed, it was photocopied so all covens held a copy and then one was handed to Edward to give to the Volturi. It was over and we were technically free, only two of the brothers needed to agree to it and then it would be legal and binding, they did not need Aro's signature. He always maintained they were a democracy, thus shooting himself in the foot.

F

Marcus

The minute Edward text me, the declaration was signed I had Chelsea free Caius. He was beyond livid and ready to kill Aro for all he'd done, but I talked him down. This was a better punishment, having him lose everything little by little. We had only a small amount of contact with the New World anyway so it was no loss. Plus they got to deal with the Southern covens and not us anymore. I was happy with this outcome and Caius agreed to also sign, giving us the majority vote.

Next would come our own takeover bid, but we would let him sweat for a while. I had over the years monitored Aro's removal of Volturi funds and returned it to its rightful place. He would be in for a shock when he found he had nothing. That was the flaw in Chelsea's gift, yes we couldn't kill Aro, but we could work against his rule. It was all in the wording you know and if anyone understands words it's me. He was always worried we'd attack his person, that's why he had Renata, but I went after the money and Caius held the people, without those things, Aro was once again a nobody.

F

Jasper

I was so proud of Bella, her speech proved how right she is for me. It was both inspirin' and carried enough menace to prove to the others she was more than capable of bein' their leader's wife and mate. Her spottin' Aro's spy in the crowd helped too, showin' her dedication to our cause. The tide of emotions had changed from distrust and disgust to cautious interest and some awe. There was envy too, mainly from females, but overall she had cemented her position at my side.

Freedom at last, well freedom from Aro's tyranny. But we now had much to do. Headquarters to set up, where I am not sure. That might have to be the first thin' we vote on. Positions to fill on the council of advisors, takin' everyone's concerns into account. We would need Emmett expertise with technology to keep us safe and to watch the humans closely. The need for secrecy was still paramount.

Also, a guard of our own to create. A member of every coven would become the guard for five years at some point, then swapped out for another member. It would be a staggered system so not everyone was new except for in the beginning. Plus those who served first their coven might not be called upon again for a couple of decades.

But first I needed to see to the needs of my mate, arrange our marriage and talk to her about our future and her impendin' change. I want us to be married when we take over as leaders of this part of the vampire world. I need her by my side, she's my rock as much as I am hers. More than anythin' I want to show her the depths of my love for her, without havin' to hold back due to her mortality.

I feel her presence then, it's as if she knows when I need her,

"I love you darlin', more than I will ever be able to say" I tell her as I lift her into my arms and take her to our bed.