Author's Note: I truly apologize for it being so long since I've updated. Between work schedules and me trying to write on a chapter I published and forgot that was the one I published already, I've been really sucky about updating. I am sorry about it. Although it apparently took me being on strong antibiotics and other medicine for pneumonia and laryngotracheobronchitis to realize all of this and come up with quite a bit of this chapter. I hope this chapter makes up for it!

*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*Godric*

Eventually the doorbell finally rang; Colin was on the other side with a quite unexpected group of guests. We quickly invited them in; drinks were quickly gathered and passed around.

"Are you absolutely certain the Volturi and this coven of Cold Ones are involved, Godric?" started Colin.

"I'm certain; we must merely completely reveal their motives; I have a direct source downstairs in immense pain and very well contained." I saw quite a few smiles at that.

"Do you need the paperwork to start filling out?" asked the Guardian of the Authority, Roman Zimojic.

I quickly handed it over and he, Salome Agrippa, Rosalyn Harris, Dieter Braun, Kibwe Akinjide, and Alexander Drew read through them. They deliberated for around ten minutes before coming to a decision.

"This plan laid out here forth within this document provides sufficient evidence of an uprising against our kind; the Authority, here as the Guardian and all its Chancellors, unanimously approves the decision to go forward and enact the plan set out in detail. You have the full support of the Authority, including the resources we may send. This includes needed and extra armed forces and even access to the vampire military units needed to enact the plan safely with no casualties from this side and full casualties on the enemy's side," the Guardian pronounced.

I stood and bowed formally towards the members of the Authority and the Guardian. "Thank you, Guardian; I gratefully accept this offer and any help is greatly appreciated. I can promise full casualties on the Volturi's side as they have grievously hurt my mate emotionally and attempted to do so physically." I stood back up. "As a forewarning though, I am letting you know that Death is going to make an appearance during this mission."

A shudder ran through the room, touching every single vampire, at the words and tone of my voice. Everyone knew they should fear Death, and he just so happened to be coming.

Roman spoke up first after a few silent minutes. "When do you plan on changing young Bella into a vampire? I hope it's before this plan is to be put into action."

I nodded vigorously. "She wants to be changed soon. I plan on turning her first. The prophecy they are so terrified of says if she is one of us, it will be their end. It will merely guarantee their defeat. I will put into action the plan shortly after so she is no longer in danger. I will need her to stay with you in your facility to make sure she remains safe during the attack so they don't get to her in case they launch another attack of their own. They will not get anywhere near her."

"I agree to take care of your mate while you destroy those things that call themselves vampires," Roman formally proclaimed.

"Thank you," I nodded.

Conversation carried on after that about specific details, such as number of teams for support during the attack, which of our group would be going, and what teams would stay at the Authority's base as a backup under the circumstance they attacked there or found Bella.

*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*Bella*

I woke up slowly, very comfortable in the fluffy bed. I laid there for a moment, noting the time of 9 am, before getting up and showering. I got dressed in dark jeans and a red t-shirt with red shoes. I walked out to the living room part to see when we were going to leave Seattle, and breakfast. Luckily they had some room service ready for Charlie and I. They said we were going to leave for the plane after we ate and packed, but also that Edward gave up all their plans but I'd have to talk to my mates to find out details. Charlie came out shortly after that. We ate quickly while watching a documentary about Ancient Egypt.

We headed out, taking a paid car from the hotel we were staying in. We arrived at the airport and boarded the waiting plane. Buckling up, we got comfortable for the take-off and six hour flight. Carmanos and I started playing cards again while Ben and Charlie talked sports. It was a long flight, filled with puzzles, games, snacks, naps, and even a semi-lunch. Everyone changed into funeral attire when we were getting close. Once reaching Jacksonville, we got the rental car and then went straight to a restaurant. After ordering drinks and food from the menu, the conversation started.

"We have a couple of vampires for the movers, Bella. It shouldn't take long to pack up the house and you can go through it in Louisiana. They know better than to put anything in their pockets or take them. They are terrified of us all. You just let us know which things furniture wise to pack or not; the rest is automatically being sent over," Ben told me.

I smiled. "Thank you."

I got a bright smile in return. The drinks were sat down in front of us and the appetizers came as well.

"Aren't you still high school age?" Ben asked.

I nodded. "I am; I would be in my senior year but I took a placement test to graduate early when I moved to Louisiana and scored high enough that was able to do so. I just have to go back in June to walk across the stage in a cap and gown."

"Bells, you're being modest. You scored a 97; you did absolutely amazing!" Charlie boasted.

I blushed brightly and smiled slightly. "Thanks, Dad."

"You're welcome, Bells," he replied chuckling.

"Congratulations, Bella."

"Thank you, Ben."

Our food came shortly after and we all ate every bit. The bill was paid and off we went to the house my mother and step-father settled in. The movers were waiting outside the house already. There was a cargo box that could fit everything in the house inside. I unlocked the house and they started moving at vampire speed to pack everything. It was only 5 pm and still light but they weren't the same kind of vampire. They all had a ring on their finger with a blue stone that allowed them to walk in the daylight; Carmanos said they were lapis lazuli rings that were spelled by a witch. He said they were all descended from one family called the Originals and were quite a bit different than our kind.

I left almost all of the furniture except a few cabinets that were very pretty and a rocking chair my mom had since I was a baby, much like the one in Forks. Everything was packed in under thirty minutes. They left the house with the last of my mom's things and then closed the cargo box. A transfer truck backed up to where they could slip the box in once the wheels were unlocked and it was attached to a rope. It fit perfectly in the long trailer and they started the long drive to Shreveport, planning on dropping it off at our home.

Locking the door and stepping out for likely the last time, since I wasn't sure whether I'd sell it or keep it for use as a vacation, we climbed back in the rental and left towards the funeral home. I wasn't sure what to expect since I know both of my mates can be extravagant and potentially simple tastes at time. When we arrived and walked into the parlor, I was surprised. I knew there would only be a thirty minute visitation at my request but I didn't expect the funeral room to be set up so beautifully.

Their coffins were side by side horizontally, Renee on the right and Phil on the left. Tears started coming to my eyes as soon as I saw my mother in the light blue and shiny casket. There was a fluffy pillow underneath her head that matched. She was wearing a pretty pale yellow sun dress that was perfectly her. Her hair and makeup was done lightly and naturally. Phil was in a white suit with a pale yellow tie; a nice sentimental tie-in that he was married to Renee. He was in a light blue casket as well with the same pillow. They were beautiful beside each other. There were flowers all around, many from Godric and Eric, one from Charlie, quite a few from Pam and Colin, some from the friends and coworkers of Renee and Phil, one from the team Phil played for, and then one from the funeral home.

Unfortunately, Phil's family had all died before he had, so I was the only one there for them to give condolences to. Charlie stood beside me the whole time, him getting some of the condolences too for the loss of Mom. Around one hundred people came through visitation and only about fifty stayed for the funeral, Phil's entire team included. They wheeled the coffins in, one after the other, and brought in a few of the flower arrangements to set beside them. The preacher began once the music softened and the caskets' wheels were locked.

"We are here today to remember Renee and Phil Dwyer, a wonderful couple together. Renee, a Kindergarten teacher and mother to an amazing daughter; Phil, a baseball player and caring husband. I had the pleasure of conversing with both quite often; Renee always talked about her incredible daughter and her own wild adventures as she was a free spirit that wanted to roam. Phil often talked about sweet Bella as well, though in a different way than her mother.

He had said that she took care of her mother wonderfully, keeping her from the dangerous adventures and guiding her to safer ones while preparing for the future. From my understanding, this young girl here in the front row has an incredibly kind soul and a heart of gold. Renee was very lucky to have a daughter like you."

I smiled as Charlie grabbed my hand, squeezing it while smiling brightly.

They had a man that sang wonderfully perform Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain"; I cried through the whole thing. It is just an incredibly sad song. Shortly after, they had the caskets rolling down the aisle to the hearses. We gathered into the car, following the hearses that had the police escort to the graveyard where they would be laid to rest. The pall bearers were all fellow teammates of Phil, having volunteered to help their friend's family. They were all incredibly kind. The set the coffins down on the metal supports and everyone took their seats. I had noticed the very beautiful headstone for them on the way by. Made of light marble and written in very elegant script, it matched the caskets well.

The same preacher from before stepped up the wooden stand and said a few of the same words as before and a few more things about Mom and Phil before saying the following:

"For as much as it hath pleased Almighty God of his great mercy to take unto himself the soul of our dear brother and sister here departed; we therefore commit their bodies to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust; in sure and certain hope of resurrection to eternal life, through our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body that it may be like to his glorious body, according to the mighty working, whereby he is able to subdue all things to himself."

It was very beautiful and left everyone fulfilled. There would be no wake so after thanking everyone for coming, and not waiting to see their bodies lowered into the ground and covered, we headed back towards the plane. I was ready to leave. The numerous flowers were loaded onto the plane and we followed. I was very happy to be going back to Louisiana. I know they planned on us staying overnight so I could enjoy the sun but I wanted to go home now. After everything that had happened, all of us were wary about staying an extra night when we could go tonight.

I called my mates while waiting for them to say we were taking off. They answered happily and I told them about us coming tonight.

"Are you sure, Bella?" Godric asked. "You're not going to be able to go into the sun once you are turned. You can stay and go to the beach for a few hours if you would like."

I'll admit I'm going to miss the sun, but I wanted to be near them more. "I'm sure. I'm ready to come home now; it's been a long couple of days."

"Okay; we'll see you in a few hours," Eric commented back.

We hung up as we were taking off. With a short and mostly silent three and a half hours, we were back in Louisiana and I couldn't be happier. We walked through the airport after getting off the plane, the flowers being transported by Eric's day man Bobby, and found a welcome surprise of Godric, Eric, Pam, Colin, and Nicole. She was vibrating in place, ecstatic to see Ben again. They rushed into each other's arms, vampire speed and all, landing with a passionate kiss. I wasn't much different with Godric and Eric; hugging Pam after and smiling at Colin. Charlie met Godric and Eric and was immediately impressed.

We all walked to the waiting cars to take us back home, avoiding Fangtasia for tonight. We were told there were important guests staying the day and that we would need to give a first-hand account for the encounter with the Volturi guard and the Cullens. I felt glad I was still in my black, lacy dress that was a bit classy from the funeral with merely a sweater over it. We were home in no time, and I smiled merely at the sight of the house. I was surprised with how strongly I felt about being here right now instead. I had this feeling that I needed to be here now and it couldn't have waited to come home until tomorrow.

Before we walked in though, Godric and Eric stopped me on the porch.

"We need to ask this now, and it's important because it'll be happening soon I know. I know you want it to be as well. When we turn you, who do you want to be your maker? Either Eric or me?" Godric asked quietly.

I was stunned. I hadn't thought about the who; just the part of actually turning. "I haven't thought about it." I paused while I thought.

"It can be either, or in an emergency, whoever is closest will turn you." Godric tried reassuring me, likely so I wouldn't feel bad about potentially hurting the other's feelings.

"Can I let you decide?" I suggested.

They looked at each other, likely having a silent conversation before nodding. "We can decide, yes," Godric answered.

"Thank you very much." I smiled and kissed them both.

"You're welcome," they responded in unison.

We walked into the living room then, a whole group of people in dress clothes sitting and standing around.

"Guardian, Chancellors, this is Isabella and Charlie Swan. Bella, Charlie, this is the Guardian Roman, and Chancellors Salome, Kibwe, Dieter, Alexander, and Rosalyn. Collectively, they are the heads of a group called the Authority. They decide vampire laws, help control vampires, and so much more. They are here now to listen to your accounts of the Volturi guard and the Cullens. As I understand, there is one more witness on the way from Washington and the other is currently figuring out where to go from here."

He pointed out each person as he went, ages ranged from thirties, maybe late twenties though, forties, and even a small child. It took a few hours to go through each account and story, luckily getting a break to eat for us humans and Nicole and Ben. It was a long, drawn out process with hundreds of questions. I was glad when we finally got done. We were just sitting there relaxing now. Nicole and Ben disappeared with their bags to a hotel to 'reconnect'. I was hoping that my mates would agree to the same thing. I made my body feel a certain way and they both requested if we could retire for the night after showing everyone their rooms. Thankfully, the vampires agreed. A few minutes later, we were unclothed and under the blankets having quite a bit of fun.

After many rounds of fun, we went to get cleaned up and showered. We got dressed in comfortable clothes to sleep in. Half-way between the bathroom and the bed, I got dizzy all of a sudden and my vision went blurry. I collapsed partly to the ground, being caught and held in a pair of strong arms. I was set gently on the bed, soft sheets and blanket beneath me. They called my name and I weakly answered.

"Do you want us to turn you now, little Bella?" Godric asked.

"Yes," I managed to eke out.

"We will; I swear. When you wake up, you'll feel better than you have ever felt. We love you, Bella," Eric told me.

I managed a small smile before I started falling asleep, even though it felt like it would be for good. I heard a slight talking then sharp fangs pierced my neck. I felt my blood leaving my body in massive amounts. I knew the vampire was feeding, but I couldn't tell who it was. My body was not in its normal state and I felt disconnected, like I was starting to float away. After much of my blood was gone, I felt a warm liquid in my mouth, and knew it was blood. I swallowed as best as I could. Once they had enough in me, I guess, the blood stopped flowing.

I slipped into a dreamless sleep, but still aware of every second passing. It felt like I was trapped inside my body, unable to move and unable to see, but still felt my body encasing my soul. There was a pressure there that surrounded my whole body, different from the other part, which made me feel like I was being held under something. I counted the seconds until it got boring, which wasn't all that long. But I couldn't even hear a clock or even a sound. I recited as much Wuthering Heights in my head as I could remember, but I knew almost the whole thing by heart so it kept me entertained. I know I stayed like this for hours, and it drove me insane, but I knew that I was changing somehow. Everything just felt like it was near suffocating.

Eventually, I became more aware of the surroundings near me. I was in something compressed around me, a warm body next to me, holding me in a comforting way. My chest was to theirs. Once I was alert enough, we were suddenly free of the pressure and I was lying on the cool grass. It took a few more minutes but everything felt so different. I got to the point I could open my eye and I was stunned when I did. Every single star and galaxy in the sky was enhanced. I could see them as if I was looking through a telescope. It was so magnificently beautiful and breathtaking. I could stay and watch the stars forever.

Suddenly a body came into view and I saw my wonderful mate and now, I'm quite sure based on everything I'm feeling, my new maker.