Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight

Chapter Thirty-Seven

*Lizzy's POV*

I fiddled nervously with my hands as the entire family gathered in the living room of the main house. It took me a week for Felix's warning to fully click in my head and I could feel myself wanting to vomit at the prospect.

"So, Lizzy, why have you called us for this meeting?" Grandpa Carlisle asked once everyone was settled in the room.

"Something happened the night the twins were born," I explained nervously. "I…I came in contact with Felix prior to the Volturi swarming our house."

That got the others quiet. Felix was still a touchy subject. Whenever I brought him up I could tell my family wanted to be supportive, but it still irked them. I could tell by their thoughts and mannerisms. However, they were attentive to what I had to say.

"What happened, dear?" Grandma Esme asked me.

"He told me something," I continued, my throat tight. "He gave me a warning."

"A warning?" Masen inquired.

"He told me the number 135," I said. "And I've come to the conclusion it's the number of newborns Maria has trained."

"135?" Uncle Jasper questioned immediately, wide eyed. "I mean, Maria's had armies of newborns but 135? Never that mass of an amount!"

"Can we even trust, Felix?" Aidan asked abruptly.

"Yes," I answered, my throat tight. "I don't see what else it could mean."

I looked towards Seth nervously. Surprisingly he seemed rather calm as I continued to speak. "Felix was warning me. I know he was, and that number…It has to be the amount of newborns they've created."

"Felix wouldn't lie to Lizzy," Abby spoke up, coming to my defense. "He wouldn't."

"Anyway why would Felix tell her such a high number if he was lying," Lucas pointed out.

"Well, if it is true, that's more than this family has ever dealt with," Aunt Rosalie said softly.

"Can we even face 135?" Renesmee whispered, her hand intertwining with Jacob's. The new parents looking as if they had just ran into a brick wall. "How are they even controlling such a high mass of newborn vampires?"

"Maria is the best newborn creator, trainer, and fighter there is," Uncle Jasper said. "But I couldn't see her controlling over a hundred newborns by herself."

"Well with the Volturi's resources I wouldn't be surprised," Robert chimed in. He sighed as he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "But that's it."

"What?" Grace questioned, frowning.

"Grace, you, me, Mom, and Aunt Ava are going to fly to the Russo and Sanders clan tonight and tell them what's happening," Robert said, grabbing his jacket. "They need to understand the severity of what's to come. We may have a ton of fire power on our side, but so do the Volturi. We need to one up them or many people will die."

"We have the Jones Clan on our side. Shouldn't that be enough?" Jen pointed out. "Not only that but we have the witch who created Vampires and Children of the Moon and her powerful daughter, who created Lux Lamia."

"No. We need more because the Volturi are always one step ahead," Robert said, shaking his finger. "Correct me if I'm wrong but this isn't the first time they've swiped us from under the rug."

"Robert's right," my dad spoke up. "We need to be one step ahead. With the Jones and the Russo-Sanders clans they don't stand a chance."

"Newborns will tear us to pieces if we're not ready," Aunt Alice added solemnly.

"We have to be prepared for the worst. Tell the others," Grandpa Carlisle ordered. "In the meantime, we'll retire for the night but tomorrow we're going to have to change up some of our plans."

We all nodded at our leader before being dismissed. I then turned to see Renesmee and Jacob sharing concerned looks. I could imagine that isn't the kind of news you want to hear after giving birth. I felt a guilty pit in the middle of my stomach as I turned away from them.

"Baby, are you okay?" I look to see my mother approaching me.

"I'm fine," I told her sincerely, grasping her hands.

"Wish I could read your mind on this one," my dad remarked, joining my mother's side.

"Really guys, I'm fine," I said, swallowing hard. "In the meantime, I think Ness and Jake are going to need you."

"Lizzy, I want you to talk to us if there's something wrong," my mother said, cupping my cheeks. "You've suffered in silence long enough."

"I'm fine, Mom. Really," I said tearfully.

"You take after your mother, so much," Dad said, chuckling a little. My mother frowned at this while I smirked.

"I guess so," I said, looking at my mom who had a small smile on her face. "Anyway, I'll be sleeping over Seth's tonight, so don't worry about me."

"You sure baby?" Mom asked again, cupping my cheek.

"I'm sure," I replied.

"She'll be okay," Dad chimed in, running a hand through my hair.

"I will be," I added, looking towards my mom with a look of reassurance. "I promise."

"Well, we love you, Angel. So much," my mom said, pressing a kiss to the middle of my forehead. My father also gave me a kiss on the head before heading over to where my elder sister was. She needed them more than I do right now.

Later that night, Seth and I headed back to his house. The whole walk there I pretended like I was fine, despite everyone freaking out over the warning. Seth didn't say much to me about it and neither did Jen or Aidan. We ended up watching a movie together before retreating to the bedrooms for the night.

I sleep over Seth's when I can. Sometimes when my parents weren't home he'd come over my place, but I often found myself over the Clearwater residence. I think it's because I found Seth's room cozy and it has always been his.

Despite having my own room now, I didn't really have a sole, stationary room to retreat to. We've moved most of my life. There was my room in Brazil, my room in New York, and then of course I was kidnapped. So, even though Forks was our constant, I never felt like I had a constant here. Sharing a bedroom with Nessie and Masen, then growing up and being the only one who lived in that bedroom. It didn't feel the same. Seth's bedroom has always been his home bedroom. The bedroom he grew up in. I found it rather comforting.

"Liz?" Seth finally spoke up, looking towards me. We had been laying in silence on our designated sides of the bed.

"Yeah?" I asked quietly.

"How are you holding up?" he asked me. "Truthfully."

"Truthfully?" I repeated. I sighed, swallowing. "I don't know…"

"Lizzy," Seth began, turning around in the bed so he was propped by his elbow and looking down at me lying on the bed. "I…Are you upset I asked Abby to talk to you?"

"No," I told him sincerely. "Actually I'm glad you did because it made me realize the whole thing with the newborns."

"Lizzy, talking about Felix won't upset me. I hope you realize that," Seth said. "I mean, it will make me uncomfortable. He's your ex…But I care about you. I don't want to watch you suffer. You've gone through enough already."

"I feel guilty," I confessed, gripping to the cotton sheets.

"About what?" Seth inquired quietly.

"That if I start sobbing to you about Felix you'll think I made the wrong decision or something," I rambled. "I don't know, it's stupid. I mean, you're not supposed to talk about your exes when you get in a new relationship. That's like the number one rule! If someone starts talking about your ex it's probably just a rebound and I don't see this as a rebound."

"I know this isn't a rebound for you, Liz. I also know you would never have ill intentions with me," Seth said gently. "Look, we're different. From a lot of couples. Not only that but you went through something very traumatic. Remember what I told you back in the woods? I want this if you want this…You shouldn't have to be afraid of me or scared of telling me something. That's what couples do. It's all about communication."

I paused, studying my concerned boyfriend. The way he truly wanted to know what happened, the way this whole ordeal must've been tearing him up inside. Seth never had ill intentions with me or anyone for that matter. He was never someone that wanted to hurt anyone and was just so damn hell bent on saving people. I think it's why I started falling for him…

"His memory loss wasn't permeant," I blurted out to Seth, taking a deep breath. "The night Ness was attacked…He knew. He chose me over Ness…And not only that, but last week we said goodbye. I…We said goodbye and I feel guilty about it because even though we said goodbye, I know I get to be happy with you and enjoy my life but I don't know what'll happen to him."

"You think you screwed Felix over so you could get your happy ending?" Seth summarized.

"Exactly," I said, my voice tight. "I'm happy and free while he's a puppet."

"Lizzy, Felix chose that life. You did what you needed to do," Seth said. "You knew, but also he knew as well. He knew that he'd have to let you go one day because of the path he chose. There was nothing you could've done to save him."

I nodded, looking up towards Seth who gave me a small, sympathetic smile. I could feel myself blinking back tears before moving closer towards him. Seth sensed this as he then wrapped his arms around me, allowing me to burry myself in his embrace. He proceeded to tuck my head beneath his chin so it was resting against the top of my head. Meanwhile, I rested my head against his chest, taking in his warmth and listening to the beat of his heart. The overall comfort he gave me suddenly feeling like the night of Jake and Ness's wedding when I danced in his arms.

"Seth," I spoke up quietly.

"Hmmm?"

"I just want you to know that being with you these past couple of months has been the happiest I've been in a long time," I whispered. "I don't want to loose this…I think that's what I'm more scared of."

"Lizzy…I'm never gonna leave you," Seth declared as he buried his nose into my hair and pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "No matter what path you chose in life, no matter where you go– I will always be here and I will always have your side because you're my best friend, my partner in crime…Just, I'm here. Okay? I'm here."

"I know," I replied as a few tears trickled out of my eyes. I gripped tightly to Seth's t-shirt and relaxed in the comfort of his embrace. Holding onto Seth, feeling safe knowing that he was mine and I was his as each other's presences lulled us to sleep.

*Lily's POV*

I woke up the next morning without much sleep. I kept thinking about the number Lizzy told us. Maybe also the fact that Volturi member guard Felix was helping us, but also the fact we would now have to practice extra hard. I could also tell Uncle Jasper was a lot more freaked out over this news being that Maria is his abusive ex-girlfriend. I don't think Aunt Alice seemed too thrilled either.

I think everyone was very on edge right now. I know Ethan's been researching all night about different techniques and things we might be able to use. I'm really worried about him, but more so Masen being we just learned this news and his wife had to make an emergency flight to Italy, which isn't too far away from the very castle that is probably holding all those newborns.

"She'll text you when she lands. She's still in the air, Mase," I pointed out. We just finished breakfast and my cousin was glued to his phone, waiting for his wife to respond. "Grace texted you last night. Everything is okay."

"Easy for you to say, your boyfriend is here and you can see him," Masen grumbled. He instantly caught himself and bit his lip. "Sorry."

"It's fine. I know you're scared," I said, taking a seat beside him. "Grace will be okay. She's strong and powerful."

"I know, it's just with everything that just happened I can't help but feel even more fearful," Masen confessed to me. "I need Grace. I need her to be here in case these are the last few…"

"Hey," I cut him off, looking to where Tyler was peaking at us now from the living room. "It's fine. We'll come through. Okay?"

I think Masen noticed his son listening now and instantly calmed, trying to keep his composure for his child. "Alright…Alright."

"Now, come on. We got practice today," I said. "Stef and Lexie are watching the kids today at Charlie and Sue's. We should get them over to the main house so they can pick up Tyler and Ella."

"Right," Masen said, swallowing hard. "Do you mind getting Tyler. I have to help Ella get ready."

"No problem," I said as my cousin went upstairs to get his daughter. I then turned to Tyler who instantly turned back to the T.V.

"I know you've been listening, Ty-Guy," I remarked, taking a seat beside my nephew. "What's the matter, bud?"

"I don't know," he said, biting his lip.

"C'mon, kiddo. It's Auntie Lily," I said, cupping his cheek gently. "You know you can talk to me."

Tyler studied me briefly before speaking. "I'm scared," he confessed. "All of this…I was talking with Lucia and she sees her parents acting the same way. Wes told us that it's because his birth father is coming to take us all away."

"He's not going to take you all away, Angel," I said to Tyler gently, brushing the hair from his forehead. "In fact, you'll all be safe. I promise…I won't let anyone touch a hair on your head."

"But they're coming, aren't they?" Tyler said. "The Volturi?"

"Yes, baby," I confirmed, my voice tight. "They are and it's going to be scary, but you're going to be fine."

"How can you promise such a thing Aunt Lily?" Tyler whimpered.

"I can't promise what's going to happen, but we're going to do everything we can to make sure you are safe," I said to him. "Your parents, your aunts, your uncles…They won't let the Volturi ever touch you without a brave fight. I'll ring Aro's neck before he even gets a chance to look at you."

"Isn't that how Aunt Lizzy and Aunt Abby got taken last time?" Tyler pointed out.

"Yes, but not this time. This time things will be made for the chance of a better future," I told him sincerely.

"But even Dad and Mom look scared," Tyler blurted out. "I'm terrified of losing them, Aunt Lily...Like you lost your parents."

"I know, baby. I know it's scary," I said, trying to hold back tears. "But we need you to be brave, sweetheart. You need to be the brave young man I know you are."

Tyler looked at me for a brief moment before throwing his arms around me. I took a deep breath, bringing him into my arms and holding onto my nephew as tight as I could. Suddenly, images of the small baby that was born in that Vermont home came rushing into my mind. That beautiful, baby boy.

"Now, c'mon," I said to him, pulling away and trying to hold back the tears. "Let's go get your dad and Ella and head to GG and Gumpa's. Okay?"

"Okay," Tyler agreed, taking my hand as we went to get the others.

When we got to the main house, I could see the others were starting their training sessions. I looked to see Ethan helping Jasper with one. When his eyes caught mine they lit up and he smiled at me. I smiled back.

"There's my kids," Grandma Esme cooed as Ella and Tyler came up the porch steps. "Ready to see Pop-Pop and Nanna Sue?"

"Yep, GG," Tyler replied happily as the two of them headed into the study with Grandma Esme. I could see the other kids were already there, eager to learn.

"I heard your conversation with Ty," Masen said as we walked away from the home to head to training.

"Really?" I inquired, raising my eyebrows. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," Masen said, shaking his head. "In fact, you said all the right things."

"I did, huh?" I said, trying to be light in the moment. "At least I did something right."

"You're a good aunt," Masen said. "And one day you're going to be an amazing mother."

"Thanks, cuz," I said softly, trying to hold back tears.

"And I'm glad they have you. That I have you," Masen muttered, looking out at the others.

"Stop, you're going to make me cry, Mase," I said with a scratchy throat. Masen gave a watery chuckle as he hooked an arm around my shoulders and brought me in for a kiss on the tear. I smiled as I embraced my cousin briefly.

"Now come on," I said, rubbing his back. "We got some intense training to do."

"You're right," Masen said, giving me a gentle smile before we ran to join the others.

"Are you alright, mo ghràidh?" Ethan asked me as I head towards his training group. The others were currently battling it out to notice us.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I told him. "I…I just…I love you, okay?"

Ethan seemed perplexed by this, but nodded and wrapped his arms around me. "And I love you too."

"Good," I said, smiling up at him and holding back the tears. "Now, are we going to fight or what?"

"You sure about that?" he teased.

"I'm sure," I replied, feeling a bit more of myself as my boyfriend and I began to practice our different fighting techniques. Even if it was to prepare for a war, I took in that moment with Ethan and knew everyone on this field is what I would be fighting for.

*Renesmee's POV*

I swallowed hard as I looked down at my infant daughters in their cribs. They've grown tremendously over the last couple of days, but also they were still my babies. My little girls. I've only had them for a week I've had with them and they've managed to capture my heart like no beings been ever able to capture me.

It'd been an entire day since Lizzy warned us and I could feel my heart breaking at the thought of all those newborns. If we managed to survive that, we could definitely survive anything. Truthfully, we've never actually won a battle against the Volturi. It's all been stand offs and them taking and taking from us. The Volturi are scared of us, clear as to why they need the 135 newborns…But would we make it? What would become of Forks if those creatures were not all destroyed? There's no way the town would be safe after that…

I thought of Grandpa Charlie and Nanna Sue and the entire tribe. I worried if the Volturi would decide to hurt us elsewhere. I thought about Jacob's family, about the other families. The battle itself would be far away, but who says the Volturi wouldn't try tormenting others. Knots formed in my stomach as I tried to settle myself.

"Hey," Jacob said to me before looking down at the two girls sleeping in their separate cribs. "How…How are you holding up?"

"I want him dead, Jake," I spoke grimly. "I want the whole lot dead…I…."

"I know."

"We've only had them for a week and they're about to be taken from us," I whispered hoarsely. "A week. I knew what was going to happen, I just…So fast?"

"I know, love. I…I know," Jacob said, swallowing hard as he gripped to the edge of Izzy's crib.

"And I'm worried," I muttered. "Ever since they've been born and now with this…It's like everything has become so polarized. I feel like I can't even breathe, Jake. Just the thought of losing the girls or even our nieces and nephews….It's just so twisted and I'm tired. I'm tired. I just want to be their mother."

"Then that'll be your drive," Jacob told me, grabbing my arm and pulling me towards him. "You were my drive for the longest time. During all those battles. Now I have you and the girls. That's my strength– my family. That's what's going to keep me going. Unlike those Volturi jerks, we have something they'll never understand. It's why we're so much more powerful than them."

"And what's that?" I inquired weakly.

"Love," Jacob said simply. "I know, it's corny but it's so true. So true. Love is one of the most powerful forces out there. It makes you do things you never thought you were able to do. It's why we're going to fight them for our daughters. For our future. They won't have that because this family is one of the most powerful forces I've ever seen."

"I'm glad you think so," I said lightly through some of my tears.

"I know so," Jacob said, chuckling. He paused. "In the meantime, we're not going to keep doing this."

"Doing what?" I asked.

"Acting like we're about to be put on death row. It's bad for the girls," Jacob said. "I remember how it was like with you…When the Volturi were coming when you were a child. Your parents did everything to make it as normal as possible."

"It wasn't perfect," I pointed out. "But it worked."

"Which is what our girls need," Jacob said. "They need normality and for us to love them. Until then we'll give them the most normal childhood as possible until it's doomsday. We're not going to sit here and wallow, alright? It's not the Cullen way."

"I think you're right, dear," I agreed, closing my eyes and leaning against Jacob's forehead. "We'll give these girls the best we got."

"That's my girl," Jacob replied softly. He then gently brought me into an embrace as we then looked down at our sleeping little girls, wanting to savor as much as we could about them.

All we could do is prepare. Those next couple of months would just be used to prepare and to ready ourselves for the final battle to come.

A/N: Hope you enjoyed that! Be on the look out for the next update, please review, and thanks for reading!