A/N: Hello, wonderful people! I'm spending my last night before beginning studying for the mcat drinking, so this author's note is going to be short.
I told you lately how much I appreciate all of you? I'm so thankful for every person who stops by to read and takes further time to review. I tried replying this past week so I hope you got them. You all rock my socks.
2. Thanks to Sunflower Fran for her awesome work on this chapter.
Alrightio, enjoy!
PART III: SWAN
Chapter 25
The air around them is charged, prickling against Bella's skin. She hadn't known what she expected to occur after her proclamation, but it wasn't this stagnant air. Silent communication passes as she gazes into his eyes. There, she sees what's holding him back from speaking. The storm of emotions reminds her that not too long ago she'd revealed who she was to him, and though he might care deeply for her, he had yet to forgive her.
"It's okay," she says gently, "You don't have to say it back."
"It's not that …" he starts.
"You don't need to explain your hesitation to reply," she stops him, "I understand that you're still working to forgive me. I can wait for you."
"Bella-,"
"You are the vilest boy I have ever had the displeasure of knowing," Bella hears Charlotte seethe. Gradually, her voice draws nearer to the cabin door.
"Funnily enough, you haven't given me the impression you've met many boys," Peter's retort is heard soon after.
Charlotte releases a frustrated screech, "The moment I get back on my throne I am going to order for your head to be mounted in my chambers!"
Peter laughs lowly, "If you wanted me in your bedroom, Essa, all you had to do was ask."
Bella is sure that if the two hadn't reached the cabin that Charlotte might have throttled Peter with her bare hands. They look rather flustered as they enter, but Bella is more intrigued by the changes she sees in her companions.
For the first time, Bella notices just how much Peter has grown in the months since she's seen him. He seems to have undergone a growth spurt, reaching well over her head and near to Edward's tall frame. His blonde curls are more unkempt, his cheeks a little slimmer, and what had once been a wiry frame is now the body of a toned man.
Charlotte looks different as well. If Bella were to compare the girl before her with the one she'd met her first time in Cullenia, she would have believed them to be two different people. The exposure to the elements had darkened Charlotte's skin to emphasize her olive tone, and the deviation from her previous hair regiment had resulted in freer flowing curls. Constant activity had caused her to lose the remainder of her childhood weight and tone her figure.
Most noticeably, her demeanor around Peter is foreign. Bella realizes with some shock that Charlotte looks … bashful. Certainly not in the way she'd been firing back responses –scathing retorts seem to come as easily as air to her. It's more in the self-aware way she hugs an arm around her chest and the light dusting of pink on her cheeks.
"I don't believe that is an appropriate way for either of you to be speaking," Edward admonishes. His tone is reprimanding, but the twitch at the corner of his mouth alerts Bella to his jesting. He has picked up on the same observation that she has …
The two like each other.
"If I needed a substitute handmaiden to hen me, I would have asked for one, Edward," Charlotte bites, and then aims a sharp stare at Bella, "Why aren't you resting?"
As if Edward agrees with this question, he stoops to sweep Bella's legs from beneath her. Suddenly she's cradled against Edward's broad chest and being carried to the loveseat in the far corner of the room. Though the upholstery is rather decadent, Bella admits she prefers the feeling of Edward's warmth beneath her.
"Is there a reason you both came or did you wish to render me an infirm once more?" Bella asks.
"Alice told us we could find you here," Charlotte answers, "This ruffian has news for you."
Bella covers her laugh with a cough before turning to Peter, "Peter, my boy."
Peter blushes slightly, "Bella, I'm afraid my news isn't pleasant. The council of representatives has finally learned of your presence. They're demanding to meet with you today."
"Definitely not," Edward answers immediately, "Do you see her state? She's barely healed."
"With all due respect, Your Highness, I need an answer from Bella," Peter grimaces, "Bella is, at the very least, Princess of Forxx. Meeting with her is of national importance."
"If she is their royalty then she has the power to refuse," Edward challenges.
"She does," Peter agrees, "Are you refusing, Bella?"
Three heads turn her way, awaiting an answer. To be honest, Bella isn't surprised that she's been summoned. She's been in Forxx for approximately nine days, and it was only a matter of time before the council became aware of her presence. It's a wonder that Esme had been hidden from them for all this time, but the way in which Bella had entered the town (bleeding and strapped to a horse) was bound to inspire questions. The mere thought of facing the council is intimidating and exhausting, but she knows it must be done.
"I will meet with them," she answers finally. Before Edward can object, she holds up a hand, "But in my own timing. I am not yet well enough to take on a council."
Peter nods as he begins to stand, "I will deliver the message immediately."
"You are too good to me, Peter," Bella coos with a yawn.
"All right, you two, it's time to let Bella rest," Edward tells them.
"Actually," Bella says, "I was hoping to speak to Charlotte. Edward, why don't you accompany Peter?"
Edward doesn't look pleased, but he acquiesces, "I'll be back in an hour. I don't like either of you being here alone."
The two men cast a final goodbye and head outdoors. Bella shifts on the loveseat and pats the cleared space for Charlotte. Hesitantly, the younger Princess perches on the cushion, her hands folded primly in her lap. In a bold move, Bella takes one of Charlotte's hands and holds it in both of her own. The contrast between their skins is beautiful; olive brushes against ivory as Charlotte, quite surprisingly, reclines so that she can lie beside Bella, and rest her head against the latter's shoulder. This is the first time they've had to themselves since their tearful goodbye, and it is past due to speak of all that had occurred.
"I've missed you," Charlotte shares quietly.
"As I did you," Bella replies, "But I'd understand if you are still upset with me."
"I was never angry at you," Charlotte sighs, "Merely confused. If you remember, the first handmaiden I'd considered to be my friend turned out to be someone else entirely. You can understand why your deception would make me wary."
Bella nods, "I do."
"The difference is that all of Carmen's actions were to tear me down," Charlotte points out, "whereas yours were to protect me."
"I would never do anything to put you in jeopardy," Bella swears.
"I know this," Charlotte acknowledges, "Which is why I also need to thank you. You saved Edward and me multiple times, and fought for my parents until …"
Charlotte trails off, overwhelmed with emotion. It strikes Bella that this young girl has been braving the past few weeks not knowing whether her parents had survived the siege of the castle. Her heart feels heavy at the thought of Charlotte grieving, and hates that she's been exposed to mourning at this early stage in life. She tightens her grip around her friend to provide as much comfort as she can, but she knows that nothing alleviates the pain of thinking your loved one is no longer in the world with you.
"You have to forgive your mother," Bella is surprised to hear Charlotte's tear filled voice. The younger girl shifts so that she can make eye contact, "What she did to you was terrible, and if you were feeling for twelve years the way I'm feeling now,then I don't fault you for harboring anger against her. But the fact is that she is alive, and I would do anything to get my parents back."
Bella swallows thickly as she says, "You know that I did everything in my power to try and save your mother and father, right?"
"I know that," Charlotte nods, "Now do everything in your power to forgive Esme."
Even the sound of her name has Bella's throat tightening. It isn't that she doesn't want to forgive Esme –she wants nothing more than to cast aside her nearly suffocating feelings of betrayal. But the reality is that every time Bella looks at her, she doesn't see her mother. The woman might as well be a stranger to her. She doesn't say this to Charlotte. Instead, she draws the girl closer, and provides her with comfort. She strokes her hair and rubs her back, and wills her to calm her crying. She does all the things she needs to do to console her because Bella knows, all too well, what it's like to have lost a father and mother.
~SWAN~
"The Prince doesn't have jurisdiction in this area, but I'd rather not test whether he would order my execution," Jacob grumbles as he drags his sword across a leather board, "You shouldn't be here."
"Is that why you've been avoiding me?" Bella surmises, "You think Edward is jealous of our spending time together?"
"I do not think, I know," Jacob corrects, "I face his glare at every turn."
"He has nothing to worry about," Bella huffs, "You and I are merely friends."
"Never mind the fact that I am over ten years your senior, and rarely a conversation passes that I don't wish to throttle you," he scoffs.
"Furthermore, you're madly in love with Seth's sister," Bella grins slyly.
Jacob stops his work to serve her with a scathing glare, "Watch your mouth, Cora."
"Both respectful and audacious in the same breath," Bella muses, "Leah is her name, isn't it?"
"On second thought," Jacob grunts as he tosses a sword her way, "I wouldn't mind taking a few swings at you."
With glee, Bella stands, testing the weighted sword steadied in her grasp. Barefooted, she moves across the hay-covered floor and puts an acceptable distance between herself and Jacob. She takes in his towering height and hulking form, and reasons what would be her best approach. Obviously, size is not to her advantage, and using her powers is discouraged seeing as they're entering a sword duel. On the other hand, going on the defensive is what he'll expect from her. With these details in mind, she proceeds with her first swing.
He sidesteps her easily, "Ah, the direct approach is it? How-,"
She delivers three quicker slices, the third of which grazes his forearm. He raises a brow of surprise and nods approvingly. From that moment on, he knows not to underestimate her. Back and forth, they exchange jabs and blows, building up a rhythm. The sword feels like an extension of Bella's arm, striking at places before her mind has even given the order. Rivulets of sweat trickle down the nape of her neck, and she can see that Jacob is similarly wet from exertion. It's only when the throb in her side becomes nagging that she begs for a break.
"You've healed remarkably considering only two weeks have passed," Jacob notes, taking an oiled rag to wipe at his forehead. Bella tries not to grimace when he tosses it her way.
"The pain is still there, but it's tolerable," she shares, "And my wing is fully healed."
"Is that why you've folded them in?" he motions to her back.
Bella blushes deeply, "Actually, I'm a bit ashamed. Not only are they filthy, but I can't get off Seth's blasted colorings."
Jacob lets loose a deep laugh as he motions her forward. The sound surprises her, but she's slowly learning that around those he's comfortable with, Jacob isn't as stony as he appears. The past two weeks have allowed her to become more acquainted with him –that is, when he's not steering clear of Edward. The notion of any sort of romance between herself and Jacob is so amusing she snorts at the thought of it. Jacob is certainly an honorable and attractive man, and she can recall the sinewy perfection that is his body, but there is no attraction between them. The only impassioned emotion that exists between the two is frequent ire from their clashing personalities. Bella's lighthearted jesting and naïve nature often annoy Jacob, and his gruff exterior and dismissive attitude regularly leave her bristled. Yet, by some odd workings of fate, they've become sturdy companions. Bella conjectures that it is because they both trust one another with their lives.
"Sit," Jacob points to the stool in front of him.
"I remember a time when you were polite and submissive," Bella sighs, "Your Queen requests it once more."
"I don't hold any pretenses of politeness with those who have seen me in the nude," Jacob retorts.
"If you truly want Edward to behead you then mention that piece of information to him," Bella snickers before jumping at the feel of liquid on her feathers, "What are you doing?"
She feels him wiping at her wings with what she assumes to be a cloth. Twisting around to look is impossible given the size of her appendages, and Jacob's firm grip on her left wing means she can't tug him forward. The longer he remains in silence, the more Bella considers treating him with a thump from her right wing.
"Jacob?" she tries again.
"Must you question everything?" he grumbles, "I'm removing the ink."
Bella perks, "With what?"
"Distilled resin," he answers.
"Is that not the material used to strip paint from carriages-," Bella begins to squawk. She's fully prepared to launch into a tirade about the delicate nature of her feathers, but someone bursting through the farmhouse door interrupts her.
Emmett enters with Edward close behind, baring a grim expression. It seems the jovial state that Bella had cultivated in the past hour will have to come to an end as the reality of their circumstances rears its disheartening head. Edward's expression is stressed as well, but she still catches the way his eyes narrow at Jacob's hold on her wing.
"You're needed at Town Hall immediately," Emmett informs Jacob, "There's a situation."
Jacob nods curtly in response, dropping the items in his hand and heading toward the door. Bella follows after him, only stopping to meet Edward's side. She gives him a timid smile, to which he grimaces slightly. Things between them had been odd since she'd professed her love. They still take moments to spend time together, but it's always in the company of other friends. For instance, Bella would read while Edward and Bree play chess, or Charlotte would braid Bella's hair while Edward debates with Peter. As glad as she is to be surrounded by her friends, she yearns to go back to the time when she and Edward would sit in their archway and interact effortlessly. Though she's tempted to, she knows not to push him. Yet still, nothing is gained if he won't get the silly thought of Jacob romancing her out of his head.
They travel by horseback to Town Hall; it is the same area where Bella had attended the bonfire all those months ago. 'Town Hall' is a misleading name for their location, as there is no official building in place. In the center of a wide stretch of land is a fire pit, regularly renewed with logs for burning; gleaming, ivory boulders delineate its perimeter. The surrounding area is dirt scattered with patches of grass, and the boundary of the 'field' is set with logs for limited seating. Lastly, at the front of the stretch of land is a slightly elevated platform constructed from wooden slabs. It measures approximately two feet high, and at its center sits a line of five oak chairs.
Two of the chairs are presently filled. Bella can identify one of the seated as Sir Billy Black, Jacob's father. They bear no resemblance; Jacob has an angular face and robust lips whereas his father is thin-lipped and meager. While Jacob's eyes are as dark as o'vrasi, his father's are grayer than her wings. Their only shared characteristics are their lengthy black hair and dark skin. The man beside Billy appears younger, but still middle-aged. His black wings match the inky markings that wind across his face; they're a startlingly beautiful collection of swirls and stripes that start from the upper right of his hairline and stretch diagonally to the curve of his chin. Bella tears her eyes away from the design when Jacob speaks,
"Caius," he greets. "Father, I didn't know you'd be here."
"I arrived last night," his father nods, "Caius was kind enough to host me."
"I would have gladly done so," Jacob says.
"I know," Billy answers, and expounds no further; apparently there is no love lost between the two. "Is this her?"
Billy gazes at Bella, and it's immediately clear that he doesn't hold a high view of her. His disapproval is unconcealed, shown in the way he upturns his nose as if he's smelled something foul. She holds his gaze; she is much too accustomed to the disdainful stares of self-righteous men.
"She prefers to be greeted directly," Bella speaks, taking a step forward and offering her hand, "Greetings Luna Black."
Billy looks at her hand with trepidation, his own twitching as he considers accepting the gesture.
Bella chuckles, "It appears my reputation precedes me."
"Greetings Sola Isabelle," Billy grumbles as he lightly wraps his hand around hers as if less contact will protect him from her dangerous touch. She doesn't miss how he pointedly avoids referring to her as Princess. She tightens her grip on his, taking silent satisfaction in the way he flinches.
"Don't worry, I won't harm you," Bella assures before grinning wolfishly, "Unless you give me reason to."
Jacob's cough poorly conceals his chuckle, and Bella is certain she can hear a quiet groan from Edward behind her. Her message has been well received. The indication that she is not to be messed with is apparent as Billy removes his trembling hand from hers. As they pull away from one another, the sound of trotting alerts them to new arrivals. Bella isn't surprised to see Carlisle and Esme approaching, but she visibly reels when she catches sight of Eleazar running alongside them. In a blur of super speed, he appears in front of her.
"Essa," he bows his head slightly, "Glad to see you are in good health."
Are you really? Bella thinks, but she treats him with a smile all the same. Her life is beginning to look like a string of tense interactions.
"Now that Carlisle has arrived we can begin," Caius says, his voice a deep timbre, "There is no time for pleasantries, but I will say it is an honor to be in the presence of the Swanns once more. We've gathered here because Eleazar has come with news of the Iris infiltrating from Aryzonae."
"How long ago was this?" Jacob asks.
"At the eleventh hour of this morning, I passed through Aryzonae and learned of their plans. It has taken me six hours to run here," Eleazar answers.
"It takes at least half a day's travel by horseback from Aryzonae to the capital," Carlisle speaks, "Which would put their estimated arrival at nearly midnight."
"How sure are you, Eleazar?" Billy questions, "How did you come to learn of this?"
"You hear a lot of things when you can travel undetected," Eleazar explains, "I noticed a lot of suspicious activity, and followed up on my lead. They're coming."
"To overthrow the capital?" Esme inquires, "I understand overthrowing Cullenian cities, but they gain no political advantage by infiltrating here. Forxians have remained neutral, even upon Aryzonae's capture."
"It's no longer about calculated politics, it's about sheer domination and submission," Edward posits, "They won't stop until they've conquered everything."
"But that's madness," Esme continues, "The Iris can't possibly outnumber the citizens they're subjugating. The Volturian guard is large, but Aro hasn't deployed them. Iris is comprised of citizens acting on their own misguided accord."
"We can speculate about how dormant hatred becomes awakened from propaganda, or we can prepare for the inevitable infiltration," Billy interrupts, clearly annoyed, "I motion for us to evacuate the capital."
"No, Esme has a point," Bella joins, "Sans the Volturian guard, the Iris do not outnumber us. Cullenia was ravaged due to the element of surprise, and Aryzonae was occupied because the citizens did not fight. As neither of these disadvantages pertains to us, we have the upper hand."
"We're risking the lives of our citizens if we fail," Billy counters, "If we draw back to the outer villages and fortify our grounds we can remain removed from the conflict. Once the capital is captured, there is no reason to conquer the outskirts."
Caius scoffs, "Do you truly think they'll stop once the capital is taken? They'll simply continue to ravage and massacre until they reach the Pylae."
"I'm buying us more time," Billy shoots back, "Our men and women have just returned from attempting to assist Cullenia –they don't have the heart to enter another fruitless battle. There are only a few families that live in the capital, and others can host them on the outskirts. The rest are businesses that will have to be shut down, but it's a better alternative than facing a slaughter."
"And then what? We surrender?" Carlisle infers.
"We relocate," Billy answers, "Gradually begin moving families to L'Apush. There is more than enough land to establish homes. We can remain there until this conflict settles."
Bella can't help the laugh that escapes her, "How exactly are things going to settle? If the Cullenian troops are scattered, and Forxians remain neutral, then the only resolution to this war is with Aro as king of three nations. How much longer is Forxx going to lay dormant? We did not fight seven hundred years ago just to be subjected to the whims of neighboring nations. We are a nation ourselves."
"Cora is right," Jacob supports, "We must fight. If all of those who have been guarding and all of the lunellas band together, we can win."
"And after?" Eleazar presses, "When we've drawn the attention of Aro and the Iris to ourselves, how do you propose we proceed?"
"We continue fighting," Edward responds with fervor, "Forxx is not the only one lying dormant –I've been refusing the reality, but my parents are dead. By right of law, I am King of Cullenia. It's time I rally those who remain loyal to me and put an end to this war."
"And Bella must do the same," Esme interjects, "As Queen of Forxx."
"No," Billy objects immediately, "You cannot reappear and lay claim to a throne you abandoned. I will not stand for it, and neither will the council of representatives. They are the law now."
"Actually," Jacob counters, "The laws scripted by the council failed to delegitimize the initial laws set forth by the first Swann monarch. The choice of the ruling power of Forxx is still a choice that lies in the hands of the people. They must vote on it, not you."
"As we don't have the time for that and the other council members are not present, for now, we will vote on the decision to engage in combat or evacuate the city," Caius decides, "The only members with voting authority are Billy, Carlisle, and myself. Billy, what is your final motion?"
"I vote to evacuate," Billy answers immediately.
"I believe we must fight," Carlisle votes, "The Iris will not stop until they've destroyed us all."
All eyes turn to Caius, who is plainly conflicted. Bella knows he doesn't want to surrender, but to make the wrong decision could mean having the blood of innocents on his hands. He looks to her, his cool blue eyes imploring hers as if he'll find the answer swimming in her graphite gaze.
"Prepare our people," Caius says, "We are going to fight."
~SWAN~
With roughly textured cords pinched between her fingers, Bella struggles to lace the thick tunic around her. It's made out of a reinforced animal hide, the outside baring shaved fur while the inside has a leather feel. There isn't enough armor to fit everyone, so those who are left without wear thicker clothing to guard against slashes from blades. Her legs are fitted with fur-lined stockings, and her feet are tucked into clasped boots. She's nearly about to call for Bree's help when a knock sounds at her door.
"Enter," she permits.
She wishes she hadn't answered. Esme slips inside and timidly makes her way to Bella's side. They share a tense glance as Bella decides what to do. Though it would ease her spirits to dismiss Esme from the room, she knows she can't avoid confrontation forever. It seems she will be fighting two battles tonight.
"May I?" Esme motions to the cords trapped by Bella's fingers.
Bella nods slowly and relinquishes her hold.
They're silent as she strings the tunic. Bella keeps her eyes fixed on her lap, not wanting to meet her mother's gaze. It only takes a few moments to finish, but Esme doesn't leave. She simply gathers Bella's hair in her hands and begins to braid the silver locks. Bella doesn't turn her away, because as much as she's loath to admit it, part of her craves this contact.
"I had been shocked when you came out with your hair," she speaks, "It's so silver … you're Aro's replica."
"Your point?" Bella questions; she doesn't bother to hide the annoyance in her tone.
"The only thing you got from me was my wings," Esme continues, "But … you didn't get rid of my singing."
"I thought it was the only thing I had from you," Bella explains bitterly.
"I held onto something of yours as well," Esme murmurs, undeterred by her daughter's hostility.
She steps away from Bella and extricates a pod-shaped locket from beneath her dress collar. She clicks open the silver piece with her delicate fingers and carefully reveals a small, dusty gray feather. The emotion on her face is devastating and causes Bella's stomach to churn with discomfort. Esme lays the feather tenderly in the palm of her other hand, and cups it as if it's the most precious object to her. She holds it as if it's her lifeline.
"I mourned for you too," Esme shares, her voice unsteady, "Every day I grieved being separated from you. Please don't believe I don't love you with every ounce of my being."
Bella stares, as she's unable to respond to Esme due to the tightness of her throat. Her mother takes her silence as rejection, and in an action that shocks Bella, falls to her knees in submission. She bows her head as sobs begin to pour from her, and reaches her trembling hands toward Bella. All of her desperation and distress is translated in her tight grip.
"I can't let you go to battle without being sure you know how much I love you," Esme cries, "Everything I have done has been for you. You never have to forgive me, but know that I will always love you."
Bella reaches her threshold. She stands from her chair and catches the way Esme's face crumbles at the thought of more rejection. But instead of leaving the room, Bella lowers herself to her knees in front of her mother, and reaches an arm back to her wing. She winces slightly as she plucks out one of her glossy silver feathers, and unclenches the fist Esme has closed around her old one. Her mother only stops crying once Bella has placed the new feather in her palm.
"The hurt will never go away," Bella whispers, "But I love you too, Aya-ma."
When Esme draws her close, Bella sinks into her embrace. She doesn't cry, but the breath she releases equally dispels the cloud of emotion that had been building in her chest. She means what she said. She is still angry, and the thought of all the years she spent grieving over her mother still leaves a gaping hole in her chest. But she won't lie and say some part of her doesn't love Esme. It's a part that lays deep within her, buried under twelve years of bitter despair, and mental strife caused by her father. It hides beneath nights of nearly debilitating bouts of hysteria and days of drowning numbness. It had nearly been ousted by the shock of betrayal, but it exists all the same.
"I have to let you prepare," Esme sniffles as she pulls back, "But I do have one more thing for you …"
An hour later, Bella arrives at the great hall Jacob owns to host gatherings. Many men and women bustle around, strapping themselves with weapons and sharpening their blades. However once she enters, all eyes turn to her and remain fixed on her face. She can't blame their intrigue. Not only is she the long lost Princess of their nation, but also, her face bears quite the statement. Black paint surrounds her eyes, the bridge of her nose, and extends in a swirl to her temples. Esme had informed her that it was a symbol her ancestors had worn when entering the war of independence, and is meant to imitate the masked face of a swan. Although, Bella is sure that her unsettling black eyes liken her more acutely to the bird than her ancestors before her.
"We depart soon," Jacob calls as both an announcement and a warning for the stares to cease. He then turns his attention to Bella and bows his head to her, "Cora Swann'eya."
Your Majesty, Queen Swan, he addresses her. She's sure that were it not for the heavy paint, her blush would be more visible. She nods respectfully at Jacob, hoping her eyes can express the gratitude she feels toward him. Truthfully, she wouldn't be here without his help.
A few minutes later as she is cleaning her dagger, she catches sight of herself in its surface and studies her appearance. Months ago, she would have been revolted at the sight of her black eyes staring back at her, but now she feels swelling pride. They're beautiful in the most unnerving way –a terrifying splendor.
"Bella?" Peter's voice from behind breaks her speculating, "There's someone here to see you."
"Surely you can't leave me here with him," Charlotte whines, as she throws a glance back at Peter.
"It's for the safety of both of you," Bella chuckles as she tucks an arm around her waist, "I couldn't stand it if something happened to you."
"You're saving me from the war, yet casting me to the lions," Charlotte gripes, "Why can't I fight?"
"You've been practicing sword fighting for all of a month. Regardless of your superior learning skills, you don't have the experience," Bella tells her not for the first time, "Stay here with Peter and Lua, and try to get along."
"Getting along with Peter is like getting a toad to act intelligently," she huffs, "It simply doesn't happen."
Bella catches sight of Edward passing nearby so she hurries to end her encounter with Charlotte, "You'll be fine, Charlie, you'll see. I'll be back before you know it."
"Sans arrows preferably," Charlotte calls to Bella's retreating form.
She weaves her way through the bustling Forxians, tucking her wings close to her so that she can move agilely. The cold night air hits her as she follows him outside, quickening her steps so that she can catch him before he disappears from her sight. She's only able to reach him once he turns the corner.
"Edward," she breathes as she extends a hand to latch onto the back of his arm. "Are you truly so upset by my relationship with Jacob that you won't bid me well before we fight?"
He scoffs, "Well that was not the source of my anger, but perhaps it should be."
"Absolutely not!" Bella objects, "Why are you ignoring me then?"
"Because you're foolishly going to fight when you've only healed for two weeks," Edward huffs, "You don't need to do this."
"Yes, I do," Bella sustains, "We spoke about this already, Edward, you don't need to worry about me. I am the one who insisted on my people engaging the Iris, and I will fight alongside them."
"Your people saw you skewered and bleeding not too long ago, I'm sure they can give you a reprieve," he insists, "You're not ready."
"I'm not ready, or you're scared?" Bella counters.
"Both," he fires back, but somehow manages to calm himself after. His voice is softer as he says, "I don't know how I'll fare should something happen to you."
"I feel the same way for you," Bella responds gently, reaching for his hand. Her body immediately relaxes once she gets a grip on his heated skin. Edward is encouraged by the contact, and tugs her closer; only a slip of paper would be able to pass between them given their proximity. "But we are royalty, and as a wise King once told me in his final moments, "my place is with my people.""
"I know," Edward sighs, "My head knows that, but the rest of me hates knowing you'll be out there. Are you sure you're okay to fight?"
"I gave Jacob quite the challenge …" Bella begins before she catches Edward's flinch, "You are jealous."
"I am not jealous, but it doesn't mean I enjoy watching the two of you snicker around like schoolgirls," he reveals.
"Edward," Bella laughs gently, truly amused, "I love you and only you. Stop pouting like a schoolboy and accept it."
"I-,"
"Cora Swann'eya, Arc'a Cullen'aye," Jacob appears behind them, "It's time."
Bella gives him a nod before pressing a kiss to the gruff of Edward's cheek. Though she is perfectly able to fly, she mounts a horse to ride to their destination. It is pertinent to conserve all of her energy for the night ahead. Truthfully, Bella doesn't know what to expect, but she has faith in the Forxian people to subdue the Iris. If she'd been able to take on fifteen Iris alongside Jacob, then she's sure the fifty or so personnel they'd acquired would make a formidable army.
She glances to the horses at her left and right, pleased to see that Bree and Claire are flanking her. She sends a silent prayer for their safety in the battlefield, but also knows that the girls are a force to be reckoned with. She notes that Quil and James are absent, which makes sense considering their position as healers. It is best if they, along with Rosalie, stay to receive those injured from combat. Edward sits atop his steed alongside Emmett and Carlisle, the three conversing lowly as they discuss their upcoming tactics. At the head of the convoy is Jacob, his broad shoulders bound in armor.
The plan is quite simple. The Iris have no choice but to enter through Aryzonae, which means they'll be infiltrating through the northern border. Efficiency narrows their span of entry down to a few kilometers across, which the Forxians will guard. A second fleet of lunellas and civilians will guard the entrance to the capital while a final group will patrol the perimeter where the population is denser. Jacob had been very clear with his instruction for what to do when the Iris arrived; use all necessary force and take no survivors.
Though Bella is no stranger to dueling until death, the thought still churns her stomach. When she's not in a 'darkness' induced haze, she dreads even the notion of taking a life. However, if the choice of who to save is between the innocent and the despicable Iris, then she knows whom she'll pick. She begins mentally preparing herself for the violence in which she is about to partake.
It is half past ten when their convoy departs. They intend to intercept the Iris an hour outside the capital entrance. Any further would mean entering the denser forest, which would not be beneficial to either side. Instead, they'll remain a few yards away from the tree line so that they can still have the cover of the flora while also not being submerged in complete darkness.
Their hasty pace allows them to arrive early. Quietly, they settle their horses and dismount. With eyes glimmering in the moonlight, Bella surveys the Forxians around her. Persons of all ages, sizes, and origins crouch behind plush greenery as they await those daring to overtake their nation. Her heart swells as she sees the determination set in their features. The Forxians have been rather complacent in the outbreak of violence, and she knows it doesn't come naturally for them to be so involved. But now, as she watches them grip their swords and arrows, she knows that they are ready.
They will not be defeated.
"They are here. I can sense it," a deep, smoky voice announces.
Leah Acu'lita stands to Bella's right, her muscles visibly tense with anticipation. She closes her eyelids for a moment before revealing luminescent, yellow eyes, and then bearing her sharpened teeth. Not more than second later she transforms into a light gray wolf, signaling that the Iris have arrived. If it weren't for the sounds of galloping horses, Bella wouldn't have known they were present. She slips her dagger from its holster and grips it in preparation; when she looks up once more, she sees them.
They outnumber the Forxians; this much is plain to see from the start. The sheer number of bodies that pass through the trees with lit torches tell her that they have double the force. However, it comforts her to know that the Forxians have further support closer to the city. This way, those who slip by can be blocked.
In the meantime, she quickly finds herself engaged with an attacker. As much as she would like to reach out and instantly drain him, his armor makes it difficult to make contact with any point of his skin. Instead, she focuses on dodging blasts of ice he emits from his palm. In a move she is quite familiar with by now, she sends her dagger flying through the air, allowing it to loop behind him and return through the rivet at the back of his neck. Another Iris instigates battle with her before she can even see him drop to the ground.
Her next perpetrator isn't fooled as easily. She moves with an agility that frequently causes Bella to miss her target. The dagger thuds to the ground as Bella decides to take a more hands-on approach. Punches and kicks are thrown in quick succession, only half of them meeting the Iris's body. Yet, one, high-aimed kick is all Bella needs to dislodge the woman's helmet and expose a wide plainof skin from which to absorb. When Bella's fingertips brush against the attacker's cheek a few punches later, she rids her of life.
Now alone, Bella strides over to where Claire is struggling to fend off three Iris. She's able to blind two out of the three with her red-vision, but the third has her neck gripped between their hands. A flap of Bella's wings brings her behind the third assailant so that she can press her fingers to the back of their ear. After the attacker instantly becomes slack, she repeats her actions with the other, two floundering Iris.
"Thank you," Claire coughs as she accepts Bella's extended hand, "We need to go to the capital; a fleet of Iris continued past us."
"Then hold on tight," Bella warns as she tightens her grip on Claire.
They soar through the cold night air, the frigid winds whipping against their skin due to Bella's speed. Approximately half an hour later, they land at the boundary of the capital and notice the lack of Forxians at the perimeter. The two exchange a perplexed glance.
"Where is everyone?" Bella whispers.
"Perhaps it's been enough time for them to have settled everything?" Claire supposes, "Let's go to Town Hall."
This was the agreed meeting place when the battle was finished, and for any who needed medical help. In order to give her wings a rest, Claire and Bella run to the meeting grounds. The town is eerily silent, a great contrast to its normal boisterous activity. The inhabitants have been temporarily evacuated to stay with those on the outskirts while the others fight outside the capital. The absence of persons and lit torches result in a dark passage through the streets. Only the soft glow of the moon guides them.
They are about to round a corner to reach the main area of Town Hall when hushed voices make their way to Bella's ears. The hairs on her arms stand on end when she realizes one of them is the man who had heckled her in the bar. With an outstretched hand, she stops Claire from continuing and puts a cupped hand to her ear to signal her intentions.
"What are we doing?" one of the foreigners growls, "We should have slaughtered them already."
"I want to know where she is," the man from the bar spits back, "One of them knows."
"The longer we wait the more you risk reinforcements coming," the first responds, "You're deviating from the plan, Riley."
"Do you see Victoria over there? She has it under control," Riley, Bella finally has a name for the heckler, replies.
"Not if another five people join," the first rebuts.
"Have faith, Laurent," Riley encourages smoothly, "We have time. All we need is one person to crack, and we will have found the whore that tore through Aryzonae."
"Then at least kill one to speed up the process," Laurent bids.
"Very well, my friend," Riley acquiesces, "Start with the blue-skinned one."
The moment Claire hears this, her eyes widen with panic. She reacts so quickly that Bella isn't able to restrain her. With abandon, she sprints into the clearing the Iris occupy. Eyes cast towards the heavens, she sends a fleeting prayer and then races into the unknown.
Two things happen upon her revealing herself: firstly, Bella catches sight of about six persons bound together on the ground. They're separated into pairs, and though their restrictions are invisible, she knows they're unable to move because she is now inexplicably bound in the same hold. She struggles, but to no avail. Realizing that she won't be moving anytime soon, she studies her captors. The sole woman sits only a few meters away from the captured, her fiery red hair piled high atop her head while her cloudy eyes remain transfixed on her prisoners. The other two are men, one of which is Riley, and the other, Laurent, has feline-like features. Secondly, as Riley approaches Quil, Claire lets out a cry of objection. Suddenly, Bella's vision is engulfed in red. She's blinded by an intense wave of Claire's ability, the world around her washed away in a crimson wave. If Victoria is disturbed by this change in sight, she doesn't reveal it; Bella's restraints are still tight as ever.
"You think your blinding will deter us?" Riley cackles, "One word from me, and Victoria will tighten her binds around their necks."
"Do not harm them," Bella speaks, "I am the one you're looking for. Let them go."
"I'll consider negotiating once your friend has returned my sight," Riley answers.
"Claire," Bella urges.
Slowly, her sight clears to reveal their predicament once more. She takes a level breath as the cat-featured imprisoner walks over and stoops to sling her over his shoulder. She charges herself with absorption, but unfortunately, she isn't in contact with his skin. Effortlessly, he loads Claire onto his other arm, and then, quite ungracefully, Bella might add, he drops them to the ground near the other captured persons. Now in proximity, she can feel the tension that hums between them –she can only imagine how long they've been sitting here, awaiting their fate. Amongst the captured are Quil, James, Billy, Jasper, and an unknown couple.
"We've complied," Bella begins again, "allow the others to leave, and I will remain with you."
"You were so quick to dismiss me in Aryzonae, and now you're begging to stay with me," Riley laughs.
"He's not going to let us go," James croaks from behind her, "They won't risk it-," A swift punch from Laurent ends his words, a groan falling from his lips instead.
"He's lying, Bella," Jasper says immediately after, "I can feel it."
Riley unsheathes his sword and bares it at Jasper's neck; "The next person to speak will get a blade through their insignia."
"Riley, we don't have time for this," Laurent warns.
"I am in charge here," Riley growls in response.
"I don't care about your position right now," Laurent shakes his head, "We never should have broken off from the troops."
Bella takes the moment to plan a possible escape. The binds around her mean that she can't physically move, but her telekinesis is fully functioning. She thinks about using her dagger or some other item around her to break Victoria's concentration –it would be effective, but she couldn't ensure that Riley or Laurent wouldn't slice at least one person's neck. She needs something as quick as her absorption, but there's no way she can make skin-contact. She's about to think down another avenue of possibilities when suddenly, her eyes roll to the back of her head.
She's more prepared for the scenery she's transported to this time around, but it doesn't mean she arrives gracefully. Instead of being submerged in the sea, she wakes up spluttering at the shore. The moment she's able to remind herself that she's not actually floundering in the water, she rights herself.
Standing in front of her is Alec.
"This is the worst possible time for you to do this," Bella crows, "Send me back!"
"Bella, listen to me," Alec says quickly, "Open up your mind to me and I can help you."
"What are you talking about? You're hundreds of miles away," Bella cries, "Alec-,"
"Do you know what my ability is?" Alec stops her, "I'm an Enhancer. I can magnify anything that you can do. If you keep our connection open, I can help you. You need to focus."
"But you're thousands of miles of away-,"
A sharp pain blooms across Bella's cheek as she's dragged back into reality. She groans as she looks to the hilt of Riley's sword and instantly knows she'll have a nasty bruise in the morning.
"What were you doing?" Riley demands to know.
Though Riley is in her view, her mind is elsewhere. She conjures up Alec's face in her mind's eye to help focus, but the sensation is odd. It feels as if part of her is still in a lofty, dream-like state, while the other is anchored to this world. Her body begins to hum with an intensity she's never experienced before.
"Answer me!" he screeches.
Keep our connection open.
Focus.
Her hands begin to shake as her breathing stops. As if a thousand pins are pressed against the surface, her skin tingles with prickling pain. For the first time, the orange of her absorption bleeds into her own vision. Much like Claire's red haze, the world around her is colored. Except in this state, she can still see. Her targets are clear before her.
"Kill them all," Riley suddenly commands, realizing that a change beyond his comprehension is occurring in Bella. "Do it quickly!"
Laurent only moves but an inch before three streams of an orange substance shoots from Bella's hands. The colored water crawls across the ground at lightning speed until it ensnares the three captors' legs and begins to worm across their bodies. The effect is instant; Victoria gasps as her concentration is broken and the invisible shackles are released. Laurent lets out an anguished cry as he drops to his knees, and Riley's eyes bleed orange before he collapses to the ground. It takes no more than five seconds, and once it's over, the three lay dead on the ground.
Bella gasps as her connection breaks and the orange streams retract. She looks to her palms in wonder, completely amazed at what had just occurred.
Two feelings overwhelm her at her recently discovered power; one is elation at being able to protect her friends from a grievous fate. The other feeling, the one that resonates with her the most is that as a Guardian, she's no longer alone.
Terminology
Cora Swann'eya -Your Majesty, Queen Swan [Forxian]
Arc'a Cullen'aye –Your Majesty, King Cullen [Forxian]
Arc'a –King [Forxian]
Aya-ma –Mom [Volturian]
I know some of you might be upset by Bella even speaking to Esme, but I hope you're not too angry with me. Review/PM me if you'd like to discuss anything or have any questions. Thanks for reading!
~CH
"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." ~Helen Keller