CHOICES MADE

Disclaimer: The Cullens, the Swans, and most of the characters mentioned in the story that are known from Stephanie Meyer's beloved Twilight Saga, are all hers and hers alone. I neither have nor wish to pass them off as mine. I do appreciate the fact that she did bring them to life and allows us to play with them in our imaginations. The only thing I will claim is the current storyline.

This chapter has been beta'd by dowlingnana who had taken on the task of correcting my errors and to bring all prior completed and other chapters into order for everyone. Her assistants is very much appreciated

Before anyone could say, do or ask anything else Bella came from the back moving a little slowly, but, steady on her feet and a smile on her face, but, not reflected into her eyes. It was noticed by everyone, but, no one seemed to know how to ask her what was troubling her. But, there has to be an exception in any crowd and in this one was Lee. "Isabella, what is the problem? You were having a rough time sleeping and now your troubling thoughts of sleep seem to still be with you."

"Yes. Jane and Alec seem to delight a bit in baiting Ria and Jason. Jane had gotten upset over some things Ria had said that with thinking she rushed her and tried to strike her." She saw that Lee was about to speak, so, held up her hand for him to be silent. "Ria stopped her by using her shield. However, after the twins left her and Jason alone things began to change and move forwards." Pausing for a moment as she adjusted her position to get more comfortable.

Carlisle asked what she meant to which Bella replied, "Instead of our continuing on to Volterra Marcus and three others will be meeting us in Florence. We need to get a hotel room for the meeting, but, Jane and Alec are getting ready to send the meeting coordinates and terms to Marcus."

"Do you know where the final confrontation will take place?"

"Yes. At the foot of Mt Kilimanjaro." She answered simply.

"Well, shit, that explains the heat and flames that Alice saw. The nothingness." Emmett commented to no one in particular.

CHAPTER 36: VICTORY WITHIN NEAR REACH

"My love, is all of this really necessary? I know what you have explained, but, is it really likely that someone would threaten me?"

"Charlie, my darling, the answer to your question is the same as each time you ask; yes. You are my mate and the father to one of the 'Prophecy Twins' as Ria and Bella are referred to. Having you under control by a threatening force would give them leverage. It might be enough to sway their choice of handling a situation of which they might be called upon to do.

"All of you in a manner of speaking are of royal birth within your own species. You are the direct line link from which they came. And, add to the fact that Lee was created by me, the Queen of the Vampiric species; he is my son, a prince, married to Ria, a witch princess, and claims brothership status to Isabella, another witch princess. You are intelligent enough to see where all of this comes into play.

"Besides, all of that, the babies are of your family and you more than anyone else needs to be kept safe in case something goes wrong. It could fall to you to take care of them and direct the necessary decisions that no one, not even Asia Charles, has the right to make. Only you. So, please, quit questioning me about this and just do as requested."

"So, nothing has really changed? As both Bella and Ria have anticipated things are moving to come to a head."

"Yes, in one sense: Only the part that has to do with the Vampire nation. I can't tell you about what has been predicted for the happening between the witch species. But, due to all things coming, both sooner and then later, we have to keep our beloved ones that are defenseless safe. That is what I am ensuring now by the suggestions of both Bella and Ria and what they have seen as necessary."

So, with this last conversation Ankarra saw to the final stages of securing the safety of the family before she left to meet everyone in Florence, Italy. They all needed to have a peace of mind about these four individuals to be able to act with freedom as the situation demanded without fear. After being assured that all had been done and was in place as much as it can be, Ankarra tells Charlie Swan goodbye as it is time for her to join the others for the meeting in Florence. She promises that she will keep him informed as often as she can that won't breach any security that has been put into place to protect him and the babies.

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The Cullen and du Toulouse families arrived at the villa that Lee owned and they all got settled and awaited for the arrival of Marcus and his party. It wasn't until the last minute that Bella knew that Ankarra would be joining them as well. She wanted to get to some place private and quiet so she could communicate once again with Ria to be updated as to any happening and changes that might be coming about.

They had only been in place a few hours when suddenly four vampires appeared seemingly out of nowhere. Their appearance didn't seem to startle anyone, not even the one human present amongst the group, but, the sharp intake of breath by Lee alerted the others very quickly to a strangeness about the new arrivals. Looking to see what had caused his reaction and glancing around at the rest of the families' surprised looks, Bella paid closer attention to the group. It was then that she saw what had brought about such a reaction. And, before she knew it smiles were seen on all faces with Lee being the quickest to recover and offer the genuine greetings to the new arrivals; one in particular.

"Damn, man, we all have wondered and worried about you, what might have happened to you, or, what you might have chosen to do with yourself. Glad to see you. Once we get the time I would be delighted to know what all you have been doing since last we spoke." Lee informed the man standing before him and had greeted him as if seeing an old friend that had been heard from in a long time. Everyone else quickly endorsed the same sentiments as what Lee had expressed.

Just as Bella started to speak to their newly arrived guests she felt a jolt of awareness indicating that Ria wanted to speak with her. Excusing herself and going up to her room, Bella entered, locked the door so she wouldn't be disturbed, got comfortable so she could talk with Ria.

Everyone downstairs was curious as to why Bella had suddenly excused herself and left the room in a bit of a hurry. It didn't take much thought for the family to know what was happening and they explained it to Marcus and his companions. While Bella was getting what information she could the rest of them continued weighing all of their knowledge and options, but, each of their thoughts would stray from time to time as to what was being learnt in another part of the villa.

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The pros and cons of the plan that Ria and Bella discussed took time; a large amount of time; enough time that it had the rest of the group starting to get edgy about why Bella was missing for so long. What could be the reason, or, more to the point, the problem? It has been explained to the ones unfamiliar as to the process of what was taking place between Bella and Ria and answered questions as to how it worked.

"So, the stories about twins being long distance from one another, but, still able to feel what the other is feeling, or, to sense what the other is sensing is all really true?"

"Most definitely, but, with Isabella and Ria it goes further. It just happens to be one of their many gifts. It makes no difference where they are the two of them can talk through their thoughts to each other. The conver-"Lee is explaining when he is interrupted by Edward to finish what Lee was telling them.

"Their thoughts passing back and forth are as clear to them as what you are hearing from us at the present time. It is a regular conversation but only one they are able to conduct. No one has any idea when and what is being spoken between them, but, they are able to communicate under any circumstances. Anyway it is something that has come in very handy from time to time." Edward finished

More questions were asked as to how this gift worked and were answered by the family members. Then the conversation turned to questioning as to what other gifts the two young women might have. The one answer to all of these questions was given a surprise by the one person that wasn't a member of the family. Marcus explained that the gifts were numerous, but, for anyone to have knowledge beyond that wasn't necessary. "But, keep this in mind; these two women are five hundred year old prophecies come true of the witch community. And, any further explanation other than that I don't believe is necessary for any of you to know." the tone of voice he used stopped any further questions from the two vampires that had accompanied him of the Volturi guard. Of course, the third vampire was a friend and wanted to help with what Jane and Alec were trying to do by disrupting the order of things in the vampire world.

Conversation downstairs turned to other avenues while Bella and Ria continued theirs upstairs and were coming to a comfort level of knowing they were going to be prepared for what was about to come. They were pretty confident that Jane and Alec would be stopped before they could do some serious damage, and, that a war amongst the vampire species would be avoided with the results of no one being injured.

The next morning Bella descends down to the ground floor heading for the kitchen to fix her something to eat. Edward hears his wife's movements and joins her while she is cooking. "How did things go between you and Ria? Did you both come up with plans that would enable us to win?" he quietly asks while smiling at her.

"Yes, actually we did. But, I would prefer to go over the details after I get some rest and when everyone is together. That way we can deal with all of the questions at one time."

"Sounds like a plan. But, are you telling me that you haven't slept any during the night? That you and Ria have been planning all of this time?"

"You understand correctly, love. There was a lot to go over and decide what was workable and what wasn't. We finalized our main goal and how to achieve that goal. That is what I will need to explain to everyone. It will have to be understood that no one can change the plans in anyway, but, it won't be an option. We are determined to do things our way." Bella informed her husband. It was during that discussion that Lee entered and was followed by all of the other occupants staying at the villa.

"Well, Mrs. Cullen, it is indeed a delight to see you again. Although, the last time we met was only a brief encounter and under dire circumstances. It seems that we are destined to constantly meet under such conditions." He concluded with a chuckled.

"I think I have to agree with you. But, Ria had more interchange with you than I did. I mean since you wanted to kill her husband." Bella remarked back with a smile.

"I agree. And, if you will, allow me to congratulate you and your husband upon the birth of your children. Also, to you Lee and your lovely wife for the birth of your second child. I hope that you will have many enjoyable years with them." Both men thanked him for the acknowledgment and during the conversation turning to other topics Bella rose, left her bowl in the sink then excused herself to go rest for a bit. But, upon her exit she commented, "When Ankarra arrives then it will be time to tell all of you what is about to transpire and how it is going to be counteracted. I will at that time tell you what positions you will need to assume and what acts you can or can't do. Otherwise, you will risk causing great harm and damage if you act in a manner other than what is explained. If you have any doubts about our methods I would suggest you consider talking with our family, Marcus and Ankarra, upon her arrival, to get the reassurance you might feel that you'll need." And with that Bella left to go get some rest.

Unbeknownst to anyone Ankarra wasn't that far away and would be arriving within the hour after traveling for near fifteen hours.

A/N: Next chapter Bella will tell everyone the plan and answer all questions concerning the coming actions. She will also explain the goal that she and Ria have agreed upon, but, will all be in agreement with that goal? And, who is the third member of Marcus's party, but, isn't a member of the guard?

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