Disclaimer- Sadly, i don't own Twilight! I wish i did. I can dream! :)
Sorry if some of this isn't the right "American" words- I am English! I don't know them.
Bella's Perspective
PREVIOUSLY..........
Jasper was about to ask me something, but stopped immediately, when every one of the vampires i had fought before stood in front of me, looking very pissed. I saw Aro among them, with his usual evil smirk on his face. Without thinking about it, i slipped into a crouch, ready for any attack. I knew that it was every vamp for himself, and they were no longer listening to Aro, that was obvious.
"Bella, i told you that one day you would be over powered, and you would belong to us. That day is today" he sneered as growls aminated from within the mass of deformed bodies.
I growled deep in my chest, a feral, animal like growl, and slipped lower into my crouch, leaning forward slightly, a smile played on my lips.
"Bring it"
NOW........
Since when was i so confident? I have never felt such a mix of emotions in my entire life. Worry, relief, determination, happiness, exhaustion, protective, and overwhelming anger.
Even as i issued by taunt, none moved. I heard muttering and whispered conversation from within the mass.
"What are the Cullens doing here? They could ruin everything!" I heard an angry voice whisper.
"Dunno, but this is perfect!" Whispered another voice that i knew to be Alec.
"And how do you see that?" Snarled the first voice, Jane.
"You know how long Aro has wanted to get rid of the Cullens for, they're freaks! So, this is the perfect opportunity, and we have motive" He whispered excitedly.
"But she's shielding them...we'd have to.....so.......we kill her.....the shield drops.....and we kill the Cullens" He voice grew as she reached the end.
I growled loudly, startling several people.
"You will not touch the Cullens" I said, careful not to reveal my close relationship to them. Silently, i told them-
Act like you don't know me, don't say my name at all. Say that we ran into each other as i was running home, and you were off hunting. In fact don't say anything at all. But don't mess up, it could mean the end for all of us. I said darkly at the end, hoping they recognised the severity of the situation. In front of me, none of the vamps had noticed our exchange, and kept on going.
"Oh, and why's that? How do you know their name? Not friends with them i hope, you know what that means don't you? Or haven't you learnt your lesson yet?" I heard Felix say with a smirk on his face, leering at Rosalie. I heard Emmett growl behind me.
"No, i aren't friends with them, but some of them go to my school, and i know of them." I said nonchalantly.
"Then why are you protecting them?" I knew he was trying to make me slip up, but i wouldn't let him corner me.
"Because, we ran into each other when they were on their way hunting, and i was going home. Then you lot busted through the forest and i knew that you wouldn't hesitate to kill them. They haven't done anything wrong, and you can't punish them for simply running into me. They haven't broken any of your stupid little rules, so leave them alone!" I said forcefully, though i knew they would anyway.
"We shall see" Was all Felix said before he stepped back and disappeared among the crowd.
"You know why we are here Bella, and you won't escape a second time" Aro said, shaking his head in mock sadness. I sneered at him.
"So, give up now. Surrender, and we won't harm you. If you resist, well, there are a lot of vampires here who would like nothing more than to end your life" Was this his form of intimidation? I knew that would get some of the Cullens growling, so i warned them before they did so. I couldn't afford any slip ups.
"I know that Aro, i aren't stupid. But i won't surrender, it goes against the grain so to speak" I said nicely, acting friendly and relaxed. I knew the Cullens weer confused at my behaviour.
"Then Bella, you are stupid. I no longer control these vampires, not even my own guard. I have given them a free pass when it comes to you" He lowered his head, an evil smile on his face.
"Do what you want, but try to get her alive" I heard him say as he turned and walked away. The response was instantaneous.
All fifty vampires ran, and jumped at me. I managed to knock most of them off, throwing my shield at them. it made a good offensive weapon as wall a defensive one. Never the less, some, i missed. They crashed into me, clawing and biting at any part of me they could. Their teeth like razors, cut through my human skin easily, the venom burning where it entered. We crashed to the floor, and i managed to get them off me. Throwing them across the other side of the clearing, they landed with a thud, but before i could even think, i was thrown into the air by another vampire. I heard my back crack before i felt it, and i was smacked into a tree. That hurt!
I lay on the floor a moment, trying to move my back, but a new pain shot through it. I saw three vampires running at me, and i struggled to get up. This time i succeeded, and caught and dismembered them quickly, scattering their body parts so they wouldn't join the fight again. Next was six vampires, and i did the same. I kept this up, and soon, the ground was covered in white arms and legs. Only twelve vampires were left standing, but i was on the floor.
I could hardly move. Keeping the shield around the Cullens was sapping the little energy i had, and i could barely stand anymore. The vampires didn't attack me, they just stood smiling at me from across the clearing. The Cullens all had identical looks of shock and horror on their faces.
"Surrender, Bella." Said a booming voice that echoed off the trees.
"Never" I nearly whimpered, getting up. My legs could hardly support me, but i stayed up.
"Look at you! You're weak, pathetic" he sneered
Gritting my teeth, ran forward and in front of the shield that encased the Cullens. I could feel it weakening slowly, and i needed to be there to defend them when it does. Crouching low again, i growled warningly at them.
"When the shield drops get the Cullens. Don't leave any alive" he whispered to the person to his left, though they all nodded.
"You will never touch them!" I said quietly, my legs trembling.
"Really? If you refuse to kill us, then how will you ever stop us?" He smirked. He was right, it was the only way.
I didn't reply, just shaking my head in denial. I knew what i had to do, but i wouldn't enjoy it at all.
"You and your holier than thou attitude" A woman laughed nastily while shaking her head.
We stood staring at each other for a while. They waited for my shield to drop, and i waited for them to attack. I didn't care if it took all my energy and killed me, they would never get to the Cullens! Not while i was alive and kicking!
We must have stood there for a while, because slowly, the group grew as vampires healed themselves and returned, glaring at me with renewed hatred. I didn't try to stop them, knowing that as soon as i moved, they would attack the shield. Soon, every vampire was stood in front of me again, nursing healing wounds or holding limbs.
"This will be a piece of cake! She's already weak, we can take her down easily" One whispered, his voice carried by the wind. They planned to repeat their first attack strategy, sending people in waves. But there would be more people to a group- eleven to be exact, seen as there was 55 vamps all together, the most there has come after me. Seconds later, the next would go, then the next, then the next. Taking a deep breathe, i waited for the inevitable to happen.
Bored a little, i looked around discreetly. I wondered where Aro had gone, usually he watches us fight, but he seems to have fled. A movement in front of me brought my eyes back to the group of vamps. They had moved into a sort of huddle, speaking fast and quietly, even though i could hear them. They were whispering strategies, and plans, totally unaware that i could hear every word. The thought nearly made me laugh, nearly. They had no idea what they were dealing with.
They moved from their huddle, lining up in tens. That didn't make it obvious what they were planning at all. I didn't really know if i could do this. My arms, legs, stomach, neck, they all stung with venom. My legs trembled as they begged for relaxation, and my eyes desperately wanted to close. But i wouldn't let them. I kept myself on edge, not letting myself relax in case i fell asleep. That would just be my luck! About to be killed by a mass of vamps, and i fall asleep.
The first wave of vamps ran forward. I had about three seconds before they got here, i judged the distance. A pang of fear ran through me. Could i do this? I could barely keep myself standing, let alone fight. I felt a renewed sense of confidence, determination, and energy, and i knew where it came from.
Thank you Jasper I said silently.
Two seconds left........
I nearly forgot what i had to do. I cringed away from the idea of doing something so barbaric, so heinous, but i had to.
One second left........
Taking a deep breathe, i ran forward, something they weren't expecting at all. Shock lit their faces as i neared them. As i reached the first one, the closest one to me- Cameron i learned his name was- i didn't hesitate at all. i jumped on his chest, grabbed his head and pulled. It came off easily in my hand, and i saw and heard his body fall to the floor. The vampires around me stood transfixed as i threw away the head, silently apologizing.
I quickly killed them all, encountering no resistance at all. As i killed the last, i looked down. All around me were the bodies of people. People i had just killed. An overwhelming sense of shame and self hatred rose up in me, but i couldn't dwell on that now. I pushed it down and looked up, expecting the next wave of vampires to be running at me. But none of them had moved.
"You.....you killed them" Felix stuttered, looking whiter than usual.
Hiding my shame and resisting the urge to cry- "Yeah, i did. Never- underestimate- me" I said, the anger i felt more myself seeping into my voice. I saw them all flinch, and once again i couldn't believe that i was so scary.
"But......you....i..." Jane stuttered.
I couldn't do this much longer.
"Anyone else?" If anyone else wanted a fight, they had better come now. I am on the mood to rip people to shreds, better them than me.
None of them moved or said a word. Slowly though, they started to back up, several turning and running away. One by one, they disappeared into the forest, moving as fast as they could. I could hear all of their footsteps as they all went their separate ways. I can't believe i scared away 51 vampires! wow, that's a new record!
Felix, Jane, Alec and Chealsey remained, but i saw them backing up.
"Tell Aro this- No-one threatens me, my family, or my friends. You pushed me, and you can see what happened. Next time, i will not hesitate. You have been warned" As i said it, i waved my hand at the body parts, causing them to catch fire. I didn't look at the fire, but stared at the four remaining vampires who looked scared out of their minds.
"We will" Felix whispered before they all turned and ran away, leaving me alone with the Cullens and the remains of the vampires that were burning. The horrible stench filled the air, that usually does when you burn a vampire.
All the shame and hatred came forward, unable to supress it any longer. I dropped to my knees as the grief overwhelmed me. I had just destroyed peoples lives! It didn't matter that they were vampires, they still had lives. And i had ended all of that.
I let my shield drop, not really paying attention. I knelt before the fire, tears streaming down my face, silently apologizing. I had become what i hated, the very thing i fought against. I was a murderer, a monster, something to be feared and ran away from.
What about the Cullens? What would they think? In one day, i have gone from being an abnormal human, to being a weird supernatural thing, to being a killer. They know how strong i am, and now that i have killed, would they fear me too? I would understand if they just ran away now, and never spoke to me again. I was a threat to them, after all.
What i didn't expect though, was a pair of cold arms wrapping around my waist. I froze, thinking it was one of the vamps coming back and attempting to kill me again, but then his scent hit me, and i carried on crying. Edward.
I cried even harder, if that was possible, knowing i didn't deserve to be comforted. I was a monster. Nothing else.
"Bella, shhhhh....... come on, it's okay" Edward said softly, pulling me onto his lap. I aren't really sure how, but he laid me across his lap, and i leaned my head on his chest. I knew my tears were staining his shirt, but he didn't seem to mind. The tears wouldn't stop, my trembling wouldn't stop, and the images would stop. Their faces of pure shock and horror before i killed them, how they didn't even fight back.
"Bella?" Edward said. I knew he deserved an explanation for my outburst, but i didn't know if i could say it.
"I'm....sorry. It's just....i can't believe that i........i........I'm a monster" I whispered into his chest, sobbing.
"Bella, you are the furthest thing from a monster i have ever met" he said sweetly, stroking my hair gently.
"I killed them Edward, i destroyed them. I've become the very thing i hate and fight against. I am no better than the Volturi" I said, feeling the shame weigh down on me heavily.
"No, Bella. The Volturi kill for their own gain, or no reason at all. You did what you had to do, when you had no other options available. You were protecting yourself and my family. Thank you" he said kissing the top of my head.
"Besides, monsters don't have a conscience" he murmured into my hair.
I knew he was right, but it didn't really relieve the grief. The tears stopped after a few minutes, but the trembling continued. Only Jasper would know the full extent of what i was going through. Edward may feel it through his mind, but he will never know.
A sudden burst of heat brought my attention to the fire burning hungrily beside me. Gasping, i got out of Edwards lap and knelt in front of it again. I can't believe i forgot about the fire! I mean, the stench was pretty overwhelming, and it was releasing huge plumes of black smoke into the night sky, making the sky appear foggy. Of course the Cullen's couldn't help, the fire could hurt them, so it was up to me. I wasn't really enthusiastic about using anymore of my powers, but, desperate times call for desperate measures.
Using my control of water, i put out the fire. It took a lot out of me though, even more than usual thanks to my weakened state. I saw the ground coming closer to my face and was glad that i was knelt, it wouldn't be that far down, and it wouldn't hurt as much. Before i could make contact with the ground, i felt cold arms wrap around me.
"Bella!" Edward sounded frantic. I screwed my face up in irritation. I wanted sleep!
"What?!" I moaned at him, opening my eyes. I heard several sniggers around me, obviously at my behaviour.
He didn't reply, but pulled me to my feet, steadying me when i swayed a little. I gave him a tiny smile, too tired and ashamed to try for anything bigger.
"Errr.....what time is it?" The idea of a bed was becoming harder to ignore. I looked up at the sky, like it would tell me.
"It's half twelve" Edward said normally.
"What?! Oh my god! Charlie will be flipping out, i bet he's already called the police and everything. Ugh!" I said to no-one in particular.
I heard a chuckle, and turned to glare at the person. Emmett. Figures.
"What, may i ask is so funny?" I said angrily.
"Well.....you could be the...only person who......kicks vampire ass no problem, without worrying about it.......then goes ape when she is home late!" He said between his fits of laughter. I had to admit, it was quite comical, and i rolled my eyes at him, cracking a little smile.
"It's not such a big deal for those of you who don't have to sleep, and don't need curfews!" I said, earning a few agreeing nods and chuckles.
"Well, i guess i should be going home then..." I said walking away from Edward. Well, i say walking but as soon as i stepped away from him, my legs gave way.
"Maybe you should stay ay ours tonight Bella" Edward said as he caught me.
I raised my eye brows at him as he set me on my feet.
he sighed "Well, judging by that display, you need to be helped, no matter how much you hate accepting it" he added like he anticipated my interruption. I crossed my arms angrily. And you're hurt, and Carlisle can take a look at you. Besides, you can't exactly go home looking like that can you?" he asked waving his hand at my body. I was confused, until i looked at myself.
I jeans were torn, bloody and covered in dry mud, the same for my shirt. I dreaded to think what the rest of me was like. I knew he was right, Charlie would go nuts if he saw me like this, and i don't really want to get a head ache from trying to find an excuse to fit.
"You do have a point there" I said picking a twig out of my hair. Even that little task was hard. My arm was so heavy, and it stung from the bites, like the rest of my body.
"Bella? Are you okay?" Carlisle stepped forward. I had actually forgot they were there.
"Well, no not really, but as good as can be expected" I said cheerily. He smiled at me, but it faded.
"Errr.....Well, i am a doctor" He said
"I know" I pitched in, and i had a few questions about that as well.
"And i saw a few of them get their teeth and claws into you. So, would you let me see to them?" he looked like he was actually asking permission. Usually when an adult asks, you have to say yes but they like to ask you anyway. I actually had a choice here. But, i wouldn't turn it down.
"Sure, but there really isn't any need. They will heal in a few days" I said leaning back on Edward as another wave of exhaustion came over me.
"Still, i will do what i can. It...."goes against the grain"" he smiled, and i returned it when he quoted me.
"Shall we go then?" Carlisle said motioning to the direction of the house. I nodded, and stepped forward, but Edward stopped me.
"Bella, are you okay to run?" he looked worriedly into my eyes.
I laughed. Running was one of the least energy consuming things i can do.
"I'm sure i won't slow you down that much, beside, i like to run" I smiled at him. Carlisle turned and ran, taking Esme's hand as he went. None of the others moved, but i took Edwards hand in mine and pulled.
"Come on!" I was now eager to get running.
"I thought you were tired?" He laughed a little at my childish behaviour. I was towing him, dragging him along. I was nearly bouncing.
"I was, but when you mention running..." I shrugged, and he laughed some more.
"Alright then" He said as he set off. He was fast, and very graceful, i was momentarily memorized by him. I still hadn't moved, and he was nearly at the fringe of the forest. Alice, Jasper, Emmett and Rosalie were all behind me, watching. Looking behind me, i winked at them before setting off.
It took me less than a second to get to the forest. Edward froze when he saw me there before him, confused about how i could have gotten there before he did. A small smile crept on his face as he ran and grabbed my hand.
"I'm sure i won't slow you down" He smiled as he mocked me, shaking his head a little.
I laughed i set off. I was slow compared to my normal speed, but i liked it. Maybe it was because i was holding Edwards hand, or the fact that i had been welcomed by a family that i felt instantly connected to. The run was too short for my liking, but it was fun anyway. We reached the edge of the forest that led straight to the humongous front garden and ran onto it. This was the furthest i had ever gotten. Usually i had stayed hidden in the trees or branches. It felt great not to have to hide anymore.
Esme and Carlisle were standing at the door, beaming at us as we climbed the steps that led to the front door. Without warning, Esme pulled me into a big, bone crushing hug.
"Thank you so much. You saved my family, there is nothing i can do to ever repay you enough" he said nearly sobbing into my shoulder. I could tell how much she loved her family, i must admit, i found it odd that a vampire could be so loving, but i liked it.
"Esme, you don't owe me a thing" I said as she pulled back and pecked me on my cheek and released me. I saw the others running up the garden, all holding hands with their partners. Carlisle was next to hug me.
"She's right you know, we are in your debt" he said as he squeezed me slightly, being careful of my many injuries.
I laughed as he pulled away. "And i have already told Esme, you don't owe me a thing" I said as the others climbed the steps and stood beside us.
"You know they have a point Bella, we should-" Alice said
"Are vampires deaf or just stubbon?" I said jokingly, not trying to be rude.
"Just stubborn" Alice said smiling a little before running up to me, hugging me and whispering her thanks in my ear. I hugged her back, but she pulled away with a concerned look on her face.
"Bella, you're shaking" Alice said putting her hand on my trembling shoulder.
"I know" I said. Obviously i would be aware of my own shaking.
Edward grabbed my hand, probably wanting me to get somewhere warm. The night air had become chilly in the hours we were out there. Of course the Cullens didn't realise at all. He pulled me inside his house, the others trailing behind us. All i could do was gape. I had been here before, but it was still amazing to see.
"Wow" I said looking at the ceiling.
"You've seen it before" Edward said, laughing a little though i heard his confusion.
"I know. It just never looses it's "wow factor"" I said, causing a few more chuckles to break out.
He pulled me onto one of the sofas, while the others sat on the other seats with their partners next to them.
"Bella, i think now would be a good time for me to look at that" he pointed to the dry blood that stain that was on my shirt, beneath it was the huge claw marks that ass of a vamp gave to me. Nodding, i got up, Edward holding my hand in case my legs gave way again. They didn't, thankfully, and i made my way over to Carlisle with my dignity intact. There were no partitioning walls, their huge dining table stood at the end of the room. Carlisle was there with his bag, and pulled out a chair for me to sit on.
As i sat down, Carlisle asked if i would lift up my shirt again, and i did so. I didn't really mind that six vampires were staring at me, i had bigger problems.
"This is going to sting a bit" Carlisle warned as he got a bottle of clear liquid out of his bag and dabbed it on cotton wool.
I nodded, and he proceeded. It did sting, a bit. But nothing like the venom sting, so i sat there and looked at the paintings on the walls.
I heard him say "It's all clean" vaguely. I have to stop spacing out so much.
"There you go" he said, and i looked down at the side of my stomach. There was a big white piece of material pressed there, with "doctors tape" securing it in place. I lowered my shirt, and took a deep breathe. I knew what was coming next, and i wasn't looking forward to it at all.
"Bella, where are your bite marks? Carlisle said sounding concerned and confused. I heard the creak of sofa springs and fast footsteps and the rest of the Cullens crowded around me. I had closed my eyes when i saw Carlisle looking for them. I opened them again, slowly and sighed.
"They're hidden" I said quietly, hoping they wouldn't hear me, but when you are in a room full of curious vampires, they are bound to hear you. The others had gathered around and were peering at me confused. Edward held me left hand, while Carlisle was still holding my arm.
"Hidden?" Emmett asked, as clever as usual. I just nodded.
"Why are they hidden?" Alice asked.
"It's instantaneous. It's...something i do to my skin to hide them"I said looking at my lap
"Them?" Jasper said. I knew that he, of all people, won't judge me.
Sighing again i said sadly- "It'll be easier for me to just show you". Everyone froze, waiting for me to "show them".
I closed my eyes, ready. but opened them again. "Just.......don't judge me, 'kay?" They all nodded. If only they knew how many bite marks i have.
Closing my eyes, i concentrated. I knew i had done it when i felt a sap in my energy, and when a chorus of gasps echoed around the room.
"Oh my god. Bella!" Alice cried, but i didn't open my eyes. I didn't want to see their horrified, disgusted faces. I had never shown anyone my scars before. No-one.
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