The Experiment

Chapter 14 (Foolish Felix)

As it turned out Emmett had already seen Carlisle's medical documents even before I had. In fact it was Emmett who had so foolishly left them inside the very laptop bag where I had found them.

When Rosalie, Jasper, and Emmett had gone home to calm and comfort Esme. Emmett had gone into Carlisle's study and found the very notes that Esme had seen that morning on Carlisle's desk.

Like Esme he could tell these were very important notes and so he had confiscated them making copies and the placing the originals into Carlisle's old laptop bag for safekeeping.

However Emmett did not have the medical knowledge and intellect in order to figure out what the documents meant. He had shown the map of the Cathedral to Demetri in the hopes that they would be able to locate it somewhere in London. Demetri being a European based vampire was well aware of what a postal code looked like and they had headed off to Southwark Cathedral before Carlisle had even had the chance to reach it.

It was of course Demetri who had been clever enough to recognize that the stained glass window as something of significance. Luckily for us however he had not understood the full value of its importance. Demetri had allowed Emmett to carry around the glass piece until they more fully understood the connection it had to Carlisle.

As Emmett handed over the stained glass now to Carlisle I could hear my fathers audible sigh of relief. He finally had the information that he felt would allow him to successfully complete the process he had worked so hard at mastering.

" Thank you Emmett, this small piece of red glass gives me the crucial last piece of the puzzle, that I now feel fully confidant I can find a way to unravel."

Although I was certain that we we're not through with this whole disaster quite yet. In fact it almost felt as if we we're just beginning to get to the truly painful part of our trip. Alice had of course been right and the moment Carlisle said it I could see the look of intensity in Emmett's rapidly darkening eyes.

" Unfortunately we must first make a detour. I'm afraid we will not be able to travel directly home just yet anyways."

" We must first visit my old friends in Volterra in order to explain ourselves unfortunately."

I could see now that Carlisle condition was begging to improve and his eye colour was turning from the deep reddish brown it had been to the dark black pupil less colour of thirst.

Rosalie and Emmett also looked like they very much needed to hunt soon and as we would be unable to do so anywhere near Volterra it was decided that we would make our way quickly down to an old abandoned hunting grounds that Carlisle knew of right outside of London in Kent.

We headed directly from their to London's Gatwick airport located in the south a bit closer to where we we're than Heathrow.

As the plane sat on the tarmac I was fidgeting in my seat nervously next to Carlisle. He noticed my anxiousness and turned to face me whispering in so quite a voice that only I would be able to hear him.

" Don't' worry son, I believe they will see reason in this matter."

"I am only insisting that we go Volterra in order to spare us from the visit they might make to Forks if I we're to not explain my behaviour and actions in person."

" We don't want to be seen as slinking around or hiding what it is we're doing here Edward. You know as good as I do now that Aro will be able to instantly see through that with his powerful touch."

My father's calm and collected discussion of the matter was certainly helping me to feel a bit more hopeful. Although I thought I could sense something else in his presence. I assumed that like me he was worried about Emmett and Rosalie.

This would be their first trip to Volterra and tensions we're already high between Emmett and Demetri. I was certain that the rest of the guard would be well alerted to the weaknesses and flaws of my brother. I only hoped that Jane and Alec would be otherwise engaged at the moment and we might therefore be able to get through our visit with as little pain as possible.

The plane was about to take off now and was apparently Carlisle thinking along the same lines as I was. He now quickly switched seats with Rosalie in order to next to Emmett. I was sure he was probably briefing him on the customs and ways of the Voltuir.

I was left sitting next to Rose and felt I should try to do the same. After giving my best attempt at an explanation of what I knew to expect we sat the rest of the flight out in an uncomfortable silence. I was almost relieved when the plane finally touched down on Italian ground.

Since our trip was a bit last minuet we took whatever rental car was available to us. It turned out actually to be a black Volvo convertible. I was so distracted with my own thoughts though that I allowed Emmett to drive most of the way, which I could tell he very much enjoyed. He was in quite a jubilant mood at the moment actually. These thoughts were the best I had heard from him in a long while. He somehow felt that coming here to Volterra would to allow him the chance to repair some of the damage he had inflicted.

"I owe this to the Family."

" I've done so much to destroy my father's plains for our happiness. I will ensure that we leave Italy with the ability to continue his work. I want this to happen for our family more than ever now. "

" I'll do anything always for my Baby, my sweet precious Rose."

I chose to leave Emmett's thoughts now and turn my concentration over to Carlisle. I had heard something in the back of my fathers subconscious as we travelled out of London. I was sure of it now. He had overexadgerated the level of ease he felt we would have here.

I was certain that he had something else up his sleeve and this worried me greatly. I tried desperately to poke through the mental bubble surrounding Carlisle. Although I would not directly ask him of course whatever his plans we're they would soon be revealed. I knew better than to attempt to stop him at this point he would do what he felt was necessary in order to protect the family as he always had.

We're nearing the village already and I felt that it was as if the time had flown by in a whirlwind fashion. The way that it always did when one was dreading something greatly.

We made our way quickly through traffic leaving the rental car alongside an old abandoned shop.

Carlisle led the way towards the entrance to the Volturi's secret underground passageways. I listened closely for the familiar thoughts of our enemies. Therefore I was not taken by as much surprise as my brother and sister were when we found Felix and Demetri waiting for us at the entrance.

I was however just as troubled by their presence and because of my extra abilities I was even more disgusted by what I could hear in Felix's thoughts. I was certain that if they could hear what I could at this very moment Emmett and probably Rosalie as well would be extremely infuriated and sickened.

" Woooooooo yes, come here gorgeous!"

" Looks like Heidi will finally have some competition cut out for her!"

" How did Demetri not even mention that blond Cullen is such a sexy fox!"

I was tempted to start ripping Felix limb from limb at that very moment though Carlisle decided to introduce us just then and I regained my control momentarily

" Demetri, Felix" Carlisle nodded towards Rosalie and Emmett.

" I don't believe you have meet at least two of my children here. This is my son Emmett and my Daughter Rosalie. I am told that you have already meet Edward, recently in fact."

Too recently I felt. It was very unsettling to return so soon to the place that had almost very nearly been the scene of my own untimely demise."

Felix and Demetri both bowed their head cordially in greeting which would have been perfectly fine had Felix had the sense to leave the introductions at that. He apparently he had not noticed the connection between Rosalie and Emmett as that of a couple. Therefore he decided to make his attraction known in the subtlest of ways possible hoping to win Rosalie over with his manners and cordiality.

" My dear Rosalie Cullen at last we meet, had I known of your elegancy and beauty I would have most certainly ensured that we become acquainted with each other much sooner than this."

He bowed again extending his arm as if to lead Rosalie forward towards the door. Thankfully Demetri clued him in just in time to prevent Emmett from doing so in what would most certainly have been a more violent manner.

" She comes with him Felix" Demetri said as he nodded towards the now thoroughly infuriated Emmett.

My brother stepped forward between Rosalie and Felix pulling his arms around his wife letting a low formidable growl escape from his chest.

Thankfully Carlisle intervened before matters became any worse.

" Shall we continue gentlemen?" he said as if nothing at all had transpired.

" We are very much egger to speak to your masters and return swiftly home to the rest of our family."

I thought it quite clever of Carlisle to remind Emmett of the family in the hopes that it might allow him to focus and control himself even if only for their good. Although we could hardly blame Emmett he was just acting as all vampires did. Our race was fiercely protective of our mates. It was this fact that had initially landed us in this mess in the first place. I knew that Emmett did what he had done because he felt he was only protecting Rosalie. However I hoped very much that he had now learned his lesson.

We continued though to the disturbingly ordinary and clinical hallway that would lead us to the reception area. As the door locked shut behind us we walked towards the elevators. Seeing who waited for us there I felt my insides twist nearly doing a back flip.

Jane was standing at the elevators facing our company with a mischievous grin spread wide across her countenance. I nearly recoiled disgust as she reached out to shake Carlisle's hand with her eyes scanning the group almost as if she was lining us up and assessing each one in turn.

Her gaze finally rested on Emmett and stayed there for the entire trip inside the Elevator. She was however obviously not invoking her power on him because Emmett was not writhing on the floor in pain just quite yet. Although her eye contact did not even leave him as the doors opened wide and she led us past the reception desk.

I noticed that a tall dark man was now attending to the desk and I wondered wither Gianna had been disposed of or allowed to serve in the wicked army like guard that protected this long held ancient city.

At that very moment my thoughts were completely distracted from this matter by my brothers sudden alarming assumptions about Jane and the threat she presented.

" This one looks rather small and most certainly weaker than the others." I wonder why it is at all that they bother to keep her at all."

This was incredibly dangerous thinking. If only Emmett could hear my thoughts for once. I attempted to convey some of this by nudging him in the back and relaying a significant glance but he ignored my signal obviously not understanding the importance behind it.

As we made our way through the small antechamber and into a larger Chamber where the three founding fathers of this evil organization were gathered along with their wives.

Carlisle strode around the room embracing each of them as if greeting his rarely visited brothers. It was Caius who spoke first to my father.

" My dear Carlisle it has of course been far to long since last we meet, although we would like to have a more pleasant reason for seeing you again it is truly a delight none the less. "

Carlisle maintained the air of courteousness introducing Emmett and Rosalie to the Volturi with pride.

Caius eyed the two of them with the same calculating glance that Jane had given Emmett earlier.

" Impressive the family that you seem to have acquired here Carlisle."

" I must admit I was sceptical that you would be able to convince others to practice your unnatural path of self denial."

Carlisle looked towards the three of us with an admiring glance and simply nodded ending the formalities and allowing us to get down to business. He had decided it was best to cut strait to the point, as he'd said we did not want to appear to be shying away or hiding anything. There would be no point as they had the ability to see through this if they wanted anyways.

" I am certain news has reached your ears of my involvement and a most interesting and revolutionary experiment as of late."

" Though I most certainly understand your disposition to not approve of my latest actions. I would remind you of course that I have never been an orthodox vampire in any sense of the matter."

Each one of the ancient Volturi looked suddenly very uncomfortable with the way this discussion was turning and I could sense from their thoughts that they suddenly felt this was a matter for more private discussion. However it was Aro, always the diplomat, who suggested they retire to a smaller private chamber in order for Carlisle to explain himself more fully in detail.

The three of them and Carlisle made their way of to the left through an ornately carved wooden door leaving Rosalie, Emmett and myself in with their wives and the guard of course.

I began to instantly pace nervous for my father though I knew it was irrational to fear for his safety. I could not help but wonder if the plan that I greatly suspected he had been concealing was now being revealed and discussed.

As it turned out I would not have to wonder any longer at that moment Marcus opened the door gesturing towards me with a great deal of his unenthusiastic character he addressed me in a very lacklustre tone.

" If you would care to join us now young Edward."

I felt like asking who me? I thought better of it though just in time. My legs carried me forwards as if independent from my body. The elegantly carved wooden door echoed loudly as it shut behind me and I heard a small metal lock click into place.

--

Hope you guys enjoyed that and it was at least worth the wait ?

I have indeed made my decision and things are now set in motion although none of it really ended up in this chapter, now that I think about it!

Sorry not going to confuse you any more. You'll find out soon enough! heheheheh

Small note maybe you might not know but Lacklustre means dull.I think that might be another English word there are so many I know now I've forgotten!

I'm sure you'll all let me know what you think of Felix's totally ridiculous behaviour.

I'd also be curious again to see if your up on what Carlisle is planning? Yet again with the planning and secretes does this guy ever learn? !

The next Chapter is sooooo nearly finished I just have to fix a few things and polish it.

REVIEWS keep me going always … well that and Dark Chocolate! LOL!

XXXX

Ashkey