Disclaimer: If I owned Twilight or Charmed, I'd be rolling in vampires and magic... I mean money! Alas, I don't.
"You have until midnight to find Leo, de-possess him, and kill his invader."
"What?" I exclaimed. "I can't possibly do that in twelve hours."
"You can and you must," he continued.
"Why?"
His next words had me gasping for breath, on the brink of losing consciousness, darkness clouding my vision and threatening to drown me in its bleakness.
"Because if you don't, Bella, Edward will die."
Chp. 18
I fell to the ground on my hands and knees, shaking violently. The unrelenting pain wrapped itself around me in a violent embrace. Even now as I felt my mind shutting down my body, I could not escape the agony that accompanied the thought of Edward's possible demise. I could vaguely hear Alyssa calling my name, but it didn't matter. Nothing mattered to me anymore. Nothing mattered except saving Edward. I had to save Edward no matter what the cost. I could not let my power shut my body down now. This was not the time to be fainting or losing consciousness. Time was of the essence and I was losing it quickly.
I fought terribly to break through the oppressive waves pushing me down. There was no worse pain than the thought of losing Edward and even in this haze that pain was not stifled or numbed. I continued fighting to retain consciousness because I knew that if I was dragged under this time, I would never resurface.
Armed with the knowledge that love is the most potent magic in the world, I conjured up images of Edward. I remembered when he saved me from the van, the day he asked me to go to Seattle with him, all of our talks at lunch. My life was flashing before my eyes because he was my life. I saw our first kiss and I saw him tell me that he loved me. And that was enough.
I was able to surface, panting heavily. Carlisle was by my side, the picture of concern.
"How are you feeling?" he inquired.
"Barely alive," I answered, honestly.
Now that I was fully conscious and coherent, my mind was working furiously to come up with a plan.
"Carlisle, I think it would be a good idea to relocate to your house for the moment, until we can figure out a strategy. There's also a smaller chance of interruption by demons or warlocks. If you don't mind?" I added, not wanting to seem rude.
"Not at all," he agreed, not looking at me.
I followed his gaze behind me and immediately wished I hadn't. Carlisle was looking at Edward, his son and first companion. I could see the fear and anxiety in Carlisle's eyes and felt horrendous. It was my fault that Edward was in this magical coma. If I hadn't insulted him, he wouldn't have left the Cullen house. My mind wandered as I moved on to the reactions of the rest of the Cullens when they found out. I shuddered heavily when I thought of Esme.
"Maybe you should call Esme and have her prepare the others as to Edward's condition and everything else that's been going on," I suggested, never letting my gaze leave the floor.
Carlisle took out his phone to call Esme and I left the room, signaling to Sean and Alyssa to follow me. We went down the hall and into the kitchen and sat on the stools around the counter. We sat in silence for a few minutes, each of us lost in our heads.
"I'm finished," a voice behind me said.
The three of us jumped at Carlisle's quiet voice. It had been a while since I had to be aware of the stealthy movements of vampires.
"Alright," I responded.
"Alyssa, you take Carlisle to the house. Sean and I will take Edward with us," I choked out.
Everyone agreed and Alyssa set off in a dramatic gust of wind with Carlisle by her side. I grabbed Sean's arm and we walked into the living room. Taking a deep breath, I grabbed Edward's hand in mine and Sean flamed us out.
I took a moment on our journey to the house to study Edward. He seemed so vulnerable, fragile even. Those were two words that I never thought I'd associate with Edward. He was always strong and fast and sturdy. It was unnerving to seem him now, in this state. I couldn't possibly look away, though, no matter how much it bothered me. He didn't look peaceful, but appeared to be deeply disturbed. I wondered if he was dreaming or a form of magical dreaming.
We arrived inside of the Cullen house quickly. I dragged my feet into the living room, dreading the expressions that I'd see when their eyes turned on Edward. Sean was pulling Edward into the house, sweating slightly from Edward's weight. If he had tried carrying him, we'd have never made it into the house.
It was almost my worst nightmare realized. I heard Esme's stifled gasp, though, I knew that she did not mean for me to hear it. I heard it anyways and flinched. Emmett and Jasper were sober, examining their brother. Emmett stepped forward and set Edward on the couch. Rosalie was serious and quiet. I saved the faces that I knew would be the most heartbreaking to look upon, for last.
I could not postpone it any longer and looked at Alice. I was surprised to find that she was not looking at her brother but at me, her eyes pleading. I turned my gaze towards Esme and felt my heart break. She was in such pain; after all, Edward was her first son in her vampiric existence. I returned my gaze to the floor, wincing.
"Carlisle told us what happened," Alice said softly.
I merely nodded to show that I acknowledged her words, not looking up at her. I couldn't bear to look at her eyes, knowing that it was my fault that her brother was in this condition. I had understood her pleading gaze. She wanted me to do whatever I had to in order to save him. As if I wouldn't do it, anyway.
"Bella," the subject of my thoughts began.
"I know, Alice, you don't even have to ask," I interrupted her.
"Thank you," she whispered. "How much time does he have?"
"About five and a half hours," I murmured. "Can you See anything?"
"No," she shook her head, clearly disgusted with herself. "Nothing; it's almost like I don't have my power. I can see what the weather will be like, but I can't see your future or anyone else's."
"I figured as much," I sighed. "He was really clever and knows a lot about magic; he's obviously done his research. He must have performed some sort of spell to block your power."
We all remained silent, pondering.
"Well, any plans yet?" Alyssa broke the silence, startling me. Though Piper was the only one who could read my mind, I sometimes wondered if Alyssa could do the same. Ideas had been intruding my thoughts, unbidden. A dangerous plan had formed. A plan that relied on luck, magic, and time.
"I've been thinking," I started.
"That's never a good thing," Sean quipped.
I forced a small smile at his attempt to lighten the dark mood that had descended upon us.
"I do have a plan; it is, however, dangerous," I responded.
"Well?" Rosalie demanded.
"We have no idea where Piper is, but it's probably safe to bet that wherever she is, the place is heavily concealed and protected. Using the "To Find a Lost Witch" spell will not work. So, since we can't go to Leo's location, we'll get him to come to us," I finished.
"And how exactly do you plan to do that?" Emmett asked.
"We set a trap with bait," I answered.
"But he's already got one of the Charmed Ones, what makes you think that he'll come to us?" Jasper asked, confused.
"Killing us three would automatically make him the Source of all Evil. That's what he would stand to gain. The Underworld has the three of us categorized by power. Piper is not considered the most powerful. If he kills her, there would be rumors saying that the only way he was able to destroy the Charmed Ones was by killing one of the "weaker" witches. This would lead to a questioning of his power and authority. When you're the Source of all Evil, the last thing that you'd want is to have your power questioned," I finished.
"So killing Piper would actually make him seem weak?" Jasper inquired.
"Yes. My two-part plan is quite simple, actually. You see, his authority would be unquestionable if he were to kill the most powerful witch in-"
"No," Alyssa cut me off.
"It would work," I answered quietly.
"Sean, tell her that this plan is stupid," Alyssa shrieked.
Sean remained silent. I could see the indecision in his features. He was stuck between his sister and his lover.
"Sean, you know that it's the only way," I encouraged.
Sean turned towards Alyssa.
"Alyssa," he sighed in defeat.
"No way. We're not doing this. It's absolutely crazy. She could die," Alyssa cried.
"Either way we're all dead," I argued.
"There has to be some other way," Alyssa countered.
"Have you got a better idea?" I snapped.
"Would either of you like to explain what the hell you're talking about?" Emmett interrupted.
"Bella wants to offer herself up as bait," Sean explained.
"It's the only way," I insisted.
"Only because you're stubborn," Alyssa retorted. "He'll probably be expecting you!"
"That's exactly why it'll work!"
"What if you killed the imposter's body?" Alice burst in.
We all turned to face her, stunned at her suggestion. I felt my face flush.
"Are you feeling as stupid as I am right now?" Alyssa muttered.
"Possibly more," I agreed. "His body is probably with him/Leo right now, though. The whole: 'If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.'"
"So you'll still have to see him," Sean realized.
"Yes, but at least I'll have more of a chance."
"You still haven't told us the second part of your plan," Emmett said.
I kept my features carefully composed. "Oh, haven't I?"
"No," he replied.
"Oh, well," I started lamely.
"This is worse, isn't it?" Sean closed his eyes.
"It depends on the way you look at it," I defended myself.
"What is it?" Alyssa demanded harshly. I remained silent. "Bella?"
I turned to face Edward and tightened my jaw at the sight. I couldn't let him die. I couldn't let his family go through that. I couldn't go through that. Deriving strength and comfort from the magnificent creature that was Edward, I turned back to face my furious, anxious sister. I knew that my next words would anger her even further. Piper and Edward would also be incensed, but I had to save them no matter what. Edward would probably never forgive me for this.
If Edward and Piper were not in such terrible danger, the thought would have never entered my mind, much less would I have been foolish enough to speak it. I would probably go to Hell for even suggesting this, but I had to... for Edward and Piper. Knowing the intense range of emotions that would circulate the room within seconds of my proclamation, I shook my fear aside and answered,
"I want to make a deal with the Devil."
AN: Hey guys, I'm back from Australia. SO cool. So here I am thinking, I'm going to write the next chapter because my friend already posted the two that I left her. Isn't it great that I looked before I started writing the next chapter and realize she only posted one? My sincerest apologies. That's not all, though. I woke up extra early-I'm talking 2 in the morning, people- to do this chapter and the previous one... on the day of my flight! Since, I was so rushed, I just sent it to her without saving. So I had to rewrite this one. -Sigh-
Oh well, only 5 and something hours until Breaking Dawn!! Woohoo! I'm staying up all night and having a nonstop junk food party!!
Also an interesting question was raised, by a person who shall remain anonymous because I don't want them to think that they're being put on the spot (they did send me a personal message, after all).
Alyssa believes in love, people. I repeat Alyssa believes in love. She's just not into the mushy, ooey, gooey, chocolatooey stuff. (And don't tell me that chocolatooey's not a word.) She's just a bit more cynical. Besides, Edward doesn't really like the classics, either, yet he's romantic and dreamy... and did I mention romantic? I'm also like that, yet I'm a hopeless romantic. Alyssa loves her sisters and Sean. I assure you, Alyssa knows what love is and she definitely believes in it. I'm glad I was pm'ed, because some of you may have had the same thought. Hope this was cleared up.
I love you guys and I hope that you have as much fun as I will reading Breaking Dawn, the final installment to our obsession-inducing series. I'll also understand if not everyone gets to read this chapter because of reading Breaking Dawn. Thanks for all your great reviews. It feels awesome.
Oh my goddess, I have to get ready for the Midnight Release Party!!
Bye!!
Read and review, please!
-Lola422