Turncoats & Salvation

"Bad business Aro, very bad business," Bella whispered velvety.

Aro's lips trembled noticeably as he took in the sight of the legendary eight immortals otherwise known as the Vampire Lords. What he had believed to be a deluded concept in the mind of Aeolus was incontrovertibly authentic. If these ancient gods were real then would it mean Elysium, the great vampire metropolis was real too?

Caius' mind furnished with fear at the sight of the wolves. The minutes spent defending against the elder werewolf Fenrir coursed through his brain. The lycan had toyed with him for several minutes showing Caius' absolute vulnerability to him. Had it not been for the miraculous sheer of dumb luck that had Fenrir mysteriously turning away and speeding off, he would have perished. Though Caius wondered why these wolves were more slender, and remained on all fours; their lineage to him was clear.

The Cullen's stood motionless near the edge of the forest. Carlisle had them huddled behind him. His arms were stretched to either side trapping his family in a circle behind him. Edward peered over Alice's head, his eyes rested solely on Bella.

Bella had her arms crossed over her lapis lazuli like dress, holding her elbows in each hand. The seven other vampires whose complexion and deep dark red eyes matched hers perfectly were smiling and grinning at the Volturi, victoriously. Bella inhaled and exhaled shaking her head. She took a step forward, closing on the Volturi.

The guards growled at the Vampire Lord, as did Victoria's newborns. Victoria stood behind Corin wrecked over the arrival of so many adversaries. However, the elite guard of the Volturi that included Jane, Alec, Demetri, and Chelsea did not. They seemed perplexed somehow. Their blood shot eyes moved over the faces of the lords, studying them intently.

"So after all these ages you staunchly believe it was all you. The ordinances, the chivalry, the hunt for the Children of the Moon, and all other ideas were yielded from ideas generated in your mind?" Bella asked pushing her eyebrows together.

Aro swallowed his nervousness and straightened up his stance, towering over Caius with a firm jaw. He folded his hands in an upside down triangle in front of him and answered gallantly.

"Of course, it was my vision that transformed our society into what it is presently." There was angst in Aro's tone that even the Cullen's couldn't help but notice.

A snorted laugh erupted from behind Bella's spear point.

"What a pathetic little loser," Pilirin's taunting voice echoed.

Aro gasped appalled at the insult as did the other Volturi.

Bella pressed her lips together inwards, and in her mouth suppressing a smile and laugh. A woman with straight silk corn hair that folded into locks amongst the lords put the top of her hand in front of her mouth; Conterra. Apotamkin lowered his head completely, his chest slightly shuddering with amusement.

Emmett wore a grand smile on his lips, pocking Jasper in the side. Jasper that sensed the sudden humor emanating from the lords couldn't help but smile back. Esme turned around with a scolding look but couldn't help hiding a grin herself. Alice cleared her throat and scratched her cheek looking to the ground. Carlisle stared off in the distance watching a leaf falling from an oak. Edward smiled slightly seeing Bella trying to hide a smile.

Bella rearranged her features to appear serious again. Pilirin stood in the back next to Tamula with an ornery grimace on his boyish face.

"Aro…" Bella's volume reemphasized the gravity of the situation in the clearing. "Aro it was never you sweetling. Do you candidly affirm that your actions were yours alone?"

"Yes," he said. Fear radiated off Aro though he tried to camouflage it.

"Ah…" Bella breathed out. "The ego," she whispered agitated.

"My dear sweet muddled little boy, its time you come to realize the truth. Behind your every activity it was us supplying your industry. Whenever your shadow moved we were there. Our will was made into reality through your providence. You were our pawn. You were selected out of hundreds of vampires to possess the most easily swayed character. It is time you came to terms with the reason of your existence. We are your masters."

Aro hissed. "You foolish woman," he growled. "How dare insinuate said statement. I have ruled the vampire domain without question for thousands of years. My will was never abolished. I forever had the best intentions to our kind and presented the Volturi to the world with pure royalty and cause."

Some of the Vampire Lords shook their heads disappointed in Aro's imagination.

"Truly then?" Bella asked. "It was you that banished the creation of immortal children? It was you that had the Children of the Moon, the sons of Fenrir hunted to the very brink of extinction? You alone set forth the unconditional secrecy that we waxed ourselves into?"

Bella exclaimed laughter and clapped only once. "My sweet, sweet boy these laws were carved in stone millennia before your birth. I, as an ancient, taught these policies when you were still suckling on your human mothers tit."

Aro's eyes broadened. Never had any vampire shown the courage to take such words with him. Caius looked to Aro dismayed over his idleness.

Bella's brows rose bemused. "Something I said?" She asked innocently. Bella shook her head again.

"You know, memories are so fragile. They can be bred in an instance but forgotten before you ever knew them intimately. Sometimes memories can change your entire persona. The devilry can be turned to virtue, and the foulness into graciousness. They become the building blocks on which you construct your personality. Imagine those blocks revamped, no pun intended, and organized to fashion a new individuality."

"You're mad," Aro snarled. "Let us see how well you will fare against the power of the Volturi." A dusky mien crossed his face. Aro glanced at Jane smiling deadly.

"Jane?" Aro asked dauntless. Jane stepped up and next to her master. She narrowed her eyes lethally at Bella.

"No…" Edward whispered quietly. Jasper threw his bulk around his body. Edward didn't put up much of a fight. In his horror his joints had frozen.

Bella cocked a crooked grin at Jane as she stared at her unrelentingly. The Vampire Lords burning with curiosity watched the scene entertained. Carlisle thought Aro had gone too far in using Jane against Bella. The rumor of the despicable pain she could ignite was merciless. Aro smiled splendidly awaiting the coming torment Jane would unleash unto the abomination he considered Bella.

"I can't…" Jane whispered. Aro's smile faltered. He blinked astonished.

"What was that Jane?" Jane shook her head looking at her master. A pitiful drawing of a face persisted on her marble features. "Why not?" Aro implored her.

"I-I just can't. It's not right." Angrily Aro heaved.

"Jane, I gave you an order. Is your power useless against her?"

Jane shook her head again naively. "I haven't even tried. I haven't even used it against her." Aro coughed tickled with panic.

"Might I inquire to why?" Jane looked back to Bella who prospered with an affectionate smile towards her. Jane managed a small smile before shaking it off; mentally asking herself what was interfering with her obedience towards Aro.

"S-something is not right. Something is stopping me from burning her, as much as I liked to for her affronting you."

Aro pouted infuriated. He looked over Jane and at her twin Alec. With his eyes he gestured at Bella. Alec's lips trembled. He shook his head, mimicking his sister.

"I can't either master," Alec muttered. With his dark brown hair swirling through the slight breeze he found himself in the same state of mind as his sister. "I've tried before master but I simply couldn't deprive them of their senses," he apologized.

Aro advanced to stand in front of his most prized possessions as they somehow became ineffective. "What is troubling you? This is not the first time you have been ordered to paralyze your opponents. What is keeping you AT BAY?" Aro roared at them. The twins cringed looking to each other for answers. Their angelic features held no disclosure.

Abruptly, drowning in his own rage and loss of control Aro raised his hand and struck across Jane's face. He waved his hand back striking Alec also. Caius showed no emotion against the twins. The other guard's mouths popped open startled.

A chill ran down Aro's spine forcing him to turn away from the twins as an ear shattering growl flew through him. Bella tore open her mouth unleashing the most ferocious growl Aro had ever heard coming from a vampire. Her eyes glowed with an indistinct hatred.

"ON YOUR KNEES SERVANT," she bellowed. Olokun stretched out his hand wearing a guise of disgust and the same hatred Bella advertised. Aro stiffened and grinded his teeth as his body buckled. His knees found the soil quickly as an oppressing and ghostly might forced him to the ground.

"I do believe it is time to illuminate the shadows," Bella whispered menacingly. "The power that was given to you to strengthen your resolve will be unmade. What we gifted to you we will now reclaim."

Caius stepped around his brother, feeling utterly useless. "STOP," Caius screamed. The lords ignored him.

Bella looked to Jane and Alec. A smile reappeared on her delicate features. "It is time to come home my dear children. Geneva and Ambrosio, return to Elysium. Your duty is fulfilled."

"What?" Caius hollered. The twins seemed confused. The Cullen's shared in the confusion.

"Who's Geneva?" Alice asked looking to Carlisle.

"Ambrosio?" Esme puzzled confounded. Carlisle shrugged his shoulders having no clues, knowledge or reasoning left in him. He only perceived that when Bella spoke those names she had looked directly at Jane and Alec.

Bella glanced over her shoulder at a dark haired woman wearing an elegant black gown with a purple scarf surrounding her waist and arms. A happy expression crossed her milky facet.

"Rusalka?" Bella asked expectantly. Rusalka tightened her vision, focusing on Jane and Alec. Yet, they weren't the only ones.

All eyes were on the Vampire Lord Rusalka. The males in the clearing saw her as a pure vision of beauty. Rosalie admired her from afar. In the mirror she saw her reflection as the perfect definition for the word beauty. But with Rusalka and another fair haired woman, and especially Bella around she immediately redefined the meaning of the word.

Suddenly a strange noise could be heart, like a low humming. Jane and Alec stared right back at her awaiting whatever conclusion that was approaching. Strangely, they did not for one fracture of a second consider defending themselves. They seemed hypnotized. Their features slowly turned from an innocent ignorance to a serious grimace. They looked almost flabbergasted and somehow a certain type of revelation became apparent on their faces.

Chelsea and Demetri shared in their characteristics. They both turned their heads to the side and bore their gazes into Rusalka's shimmering ruby eyes.

To the amazement of all Jane, Alec, Chelsea, and Demetri gripped their faces and foreheads with one of their hands. Jane swung from side to side touching her brother's shoulder with hers. Chelsea whipped her head from one side to the other her light brown hair swinging. Demetri blinked repeatedly while breathing strongly. He squeezed his eyes shut entirely, something the other three followed in suit.

Bella signaled Olokun with her index and middle finger pressed together. Olokun nodded and released Aro from his telekinetic grip. As if though in pain, Aro stood up shaking. His black suit was covered in dirt. Noticing the distress on his collections for the first time he half mindedly walked over to them.

"Jane," he asked troubled. Aro moved his long silver fingers to touch Jane's shoulder. Like a flash Jane's hand snapped away from her forehead and slapped Aro's away.

Aro puffed stupefied. Jane raised her head to meet Aro stare. With her lips parted she inhaled and exhaled seemingly exhausted.

"You don't touch me, ever piglet," Jane whispered bitter.

Aro fluttered his eyes struck, "Pardon me?" He asked.

Jane bared her teeth and hissed precariously. "I'll pardon you Aro," she growled.

"Pain," she sounded in a dark voice. Before Aro could intervene or stop Jane he already felt the blazing mental burn in his mind. Aro howled to the sky grasping his head. As much as he enjoyed viewing the displeasure of Jane's gift on the faces of countless scores of vampire over the ages; Aro had to look at his own complexion reflecting the same numbing and annihilating torture.

"Oh my God," Carlisle expressed horridly. Aro's own guards seemed to turn against him.

The two large bulky guards that were originally watching the newborns snarled and moved towards Jane. Alec turned his body towards them, his red eyes burning.

"Nothing," he sounded in the same dark voice as his twin. Suddenly the guards stopped and all emotion escaped their features. Like a leaky pipe, all they were was spilling out. They stood still like two marble statues as Alec's sensory deprivation completely cut them off.

"What do you think you're doing," Caius asked. When he went to take a step closer to Alec two hands appeared on either side of his head. The tips of the fingers squeezed into his head as the hands applied hard pressure to Caius' skull.

Demetri barked into Caius' ears, "You don't move. If you dare, I'll rip off your head where you stand." Caius flung his hands over Demetri's believing he could easily break his grip given his twenty century seniority over him. Unexpectedly Chelsea appeared in front of him with a loathsome expression on her face. With the side of her balled fist she punched Caius in the gut.

Caius spat venom to the ground from the impact. He coughed, his strength waning. "Ch-Chelsea, what are you DOING?" Caius yelled.

Chelsea planted her fingers in the back of Caius' head, his hair, and pulled his face out of Demetri's grip to hers. Small drools of venom oozed alongside the edges of his mouth.

"It's Charmion to you vermin." With the palm of her hand she landed a right hook in Caius' face, breaking his nose and cheekbones. Demetri relentlessly returned his grip on Caius' head as he withered in pain to the ground.

The newborns turned to flee but were confronted with Corin who blocked their exit.

"Now, now children that isn't a real wise idea now is it?" Corin asked them charmingly.

Abashed the newborns shook their heads. Corin smiled revealing two dimples on either side of his cheeks.

"I think the most prudent idea would be to sit and wait for the inevitable genocide. Yes children?" The newborns nodded again like they were under some sort of spell. They fell backwards hitting the soil with their bottoms, hard.

Aro's screaming continued. Jane flooded him with more heated burns. He felt like his head was about to implode from the torment. Alec, Chelsea, Demetri, and Corin watched in pleasure as Aro mentally melted. He ranted deluded and his words were mere gibberish. Jane never experimented with a subject's prolonged exposure to her power. What would happen she asked herself?

"That is enough Geneva, release him," Bella after what seemed like hours finally ended Aro's suffering, for now. Jane blinked and withdrew her mental army of flames. Aro sighed relieved as the pain left his mind and questions entered instead.

"Why?" He whispered. The crown jewels of his collection had betrayed him.

"Why?" Jane repeated the question. "Quite frankly I'm sick of having to look at you each new day. And because I can."

Aro glared at Jane, "I gave you life. You would have burned at the stake had I not rescued you from that terrible fate." Aro's sentiment made Jane and Alec both giggle.

"You were only meant to believe that you saved us. We are children of Elysium after all," Alec said.

Aro shook his head distrustful of their spoken words. Jane countered by nodding.

"You are correct." A chill journeyed down Aro's spine once more when he heard Bella's bell like voice. "The time has come for the children of Elysium to return home and retake their rightful places on the pilgrimage to enlightenment. Geneva, Ambrosio, Charmion, and Demetri please join our circle. Your voluntary duty is accomplished and the Volturi are no longer a power."

With a last malevolent glance Jane or rather Geneva turned her back on Aro and glided across the field with her brothers hand in hers; Ambrosio. Charmion and Demetri passed Aro without a second look and followed the twins. Bella welcomed them with open arms. Geneva and Ambrosio smiled as they embraced her together. Bella smiled and cuddled both their faces underneath her chin.

They both moved off to the side as Charmion encircled Bella in her grip, gently. Demetri was next. In a gentlemen like fashion he brought Bella's hand to his lips and kissed it softly. Charmion and Demetri walked on past Bella and stood next to Olokun. Geneva and Ambrosio, formerly Jane and Alec remained next to the Vampire Lord Celest.

"TURNCOATS," Aro bellowed. "What's happening here?"

"Perhaps I should clarify a few things," Bella said.

"You see my dear friend and sister Rusalka has the unique ability to manipulate memories. She can create them, erase them, change them, distort them or bury them so far in the subconscious where not even your power can reach. Are you beginning to understand the trivial fact that most of your reign has been a lie Aro?"

Aro didn't utter a word.

"Geneva and Ambrosio were born during the 6th century B.C and not 1200 years ago as you were led to believe. They arose from Abingdon, England, and came to life during the Iron Age. They were brought to us by a vampire named Gabrielle after he found them starving near Ipswich. So you see your memories of them are folly."

Aro slashed the idea in his head. The possibility of being manipulated for centuries was absurd.

"Geneva, Ambrosio, Charmion, and Demetri volunteered to join your campaign. We needed to give you strength in order to cement your rule. While we hid in the shadows and performed our duties as the lords of old we had no time to administer the codes of secrecy. So, we had you do it. They consented in having their memories padlocked until the day Rusalka would liberate them."

"What you speak of is nonsense," Aro judged. "How then, how would you have controlled me? Was that wrench always at my side?" Rusalka laughed lowly at Aro's remark.

"Oh no Aro," Bella added. "The betrayal lies deep within your circles. Not always did we find the time to directly consort you about vampire business. So instead we chose to communicate to you through someone else; someone that could move in your shadow without ever being suspected."

"WHO," Aro roared. Bella smiled.

"Have you never wondered why you so diligently planned and executed ideas without having a true cause as to why you were plotting them to begin with? Did you not find it odd that you challenged the creation of immortal children even though until the idea crossed your mind you never knew of their existence in the first place? What about the uprising of the Romanians. You did not think of them as a threat and were sure they would eventually capitulate. The same mystery surrounds the Children of the Moon. Until Caius was almost torn to pieces by Fenrir the idea of hunting them into extinction never occurred to you.

And what I find most amusing is that the werewolf elder Fenrir perished before your birth. How then could he have almost assassinated Caius?"

Caius, on the ground, doubted her every word. No other werewolf could have been so powerful. But second thoughts flooded Caius' mind. Why did the werewolf suddenly disappear?

"WHO?" Aro screamed.

Bella shook her head snickering at Aro's outrage. In his eyes she saw that he finally believed her. "Corin, come home," Bella said seductively.

Both Aro and Caius shot their heads back to Corin who smiled at them innocently. "What?" He asked politely. Corin, with his hands in his pockets strode through the newborns confronting the ancients. Caius towered from the ground and glared at him furiously.

"You traitorous bastard," Caius hissed. Aro growled at Corin. The two ancients each raised their fists for a strike. Corin's brows rose playfully. He put his index finger up in the air, shaking it.

"Ah, ah, now that is not a very good idea now is it?" The ancients stopped in their tracks. Willingly they both lowered their arms. Corin glowed with glee.

Corin brought his index and middle finger together and kissed them before planting it on Aro's cheek. He walked past a stumped Aro and with a lustrous smile marched towards the Vampire Lords. Bella greeted him with a smile also. Like Demetri Corin took Bella's hand in both of his and kissed it. He walked on and joined Pilirin.

"Ornery as your sire Corin," Bella stated. Corin and Pilirin looked at each chuckling.

"If you haven't identified the obvious method we used to manipulate you allow me elaborate. Corin who has been with you for nearly 2000 years has supervised every large decision you ever made. We contacted him, told him our wishes, and he was so very kind to oblige. Have you never found it strange that the idea of reading his thoughts never once materialized to you?"

"H-how," Aro stuttered looking defeated at the ground.

"Corin's talent is very peculiar. It is weaker than actual mind control yet still potent. He has the ability to place ideas into the minds of vampires or humans. These ideas will eventually blossom and the subject will have no choice but to go through with them. Sometimes the ideas take minutes to be fulfilled. Other times it can take hours, even days, weeks, and months. However, Corin cannot control how someone goes about effectuating these ideas. Which was quite alright after all, we had to lend you some freedom otherwise vampires would have grown suspicious."

Aro fell to his knees, obliterated. Caius too felt grieve and betrayal sinking in his stomach.

"We chose you because you were a tyrant. We knew you would do our bidding without second guessing the means. Your cruelty and lack of sympathy was perfect for our strategies. We of course had doubts in the beginning but when you wanted to murder your own sister we knew we had made a befitting decision."

"Didyme?" Aro interjected.

"Yes, we knew you coveted to kill her in order to keep Marcus. That too my friend eventually became a false memory authored by Rusalka. We extracted Didyme and transferred her to Elysium. Marcus who confided your secret agendas to us was bursting with hatred towards you. We persuaded him to stay with you in order to influence policy. Didyme was safe in Elysium and he was welcome to visit whenever he pleased."

"How did he know?" Aro asked.

"Simple. Marcus can sense relationships between individuals. When your relationship to your sister became ravenous he grew concerned. Apotamkin visited you with Rusalka and read your thoughts. Once he discovered your agendas Rusalka erased the memory of your meeting and reported to Elysium. Rusalka then implanted you with the fake memory of your sister's untimely death at your hands."

Edward glanced down the lines of the Vampire Lords trying to identify which one of them was Apotamkin. Another mind reader he though curiously.

"Marcus…" Aro whimpered disappointed.

"Yes, Marcus. He is actually about half a millennium older than you. Earlier this day he granted five Elysium vampires entry to your underground facility in Volterra. I am cheery to report that the Volturi there have been exterminated. Marcus has made passage to Africa and should arrive in Elysium soon to reunite with Didyme."

"EXTERMINATED?" Caius shouted. Bella grinned evilly.

"Yes, though your words remain unspoken I see where you're trying to lead me. I confirm your thoughts of the deaths of Sulpicia and Athenodora."

Abruptly Aro and Caius exploded with growls. Carlisle moved his family back towards the trees sensing the final confrontation. The La Push wolves hissed through their teeth at the ancients.

Aro and Caius flew towards Bella. The news of the deaths of their wives was unbecoming and heartbreaking. They stampeded down the field; their claws were ready to strike. Tamula's wavy long black hair spun from side to side as he shook his head.

In a fraction of a second it took Aro and Caius to bolt towards Bella Jane stepped up defensively. Bella put her hand in front of Jane stopping her.

Edward ripped Carlisle's arm away in front of him to watch worrisome as the remaining Volturi catapulted themselves at Bella. Caius and Aro sprung off the ground and flew through the air at her. Their faces came closer and closer. Jasper snarled and jumped off the ground ready to defend. Alice, Emmett, and Rosalie smashed into him and brought him down.

With their fingers only centimeters away from Bella's face she said the last words they would ever hear.

"Burn in the flames of damnation, and I pray you will find peace in the life stream."

Bella blinked and fire consumed Caius and Aro's bodies. She tightened her focus and within a second the flames burned hotter, and hotter. Their fire enveloped forms evolved until only two extremely bright and hot spots could be seen. The very earth beneath the burning comets began turning brown and black. The Cullen's took cover and turned their back to the scene. The heat radiated off their skins. It was like two suns beaming on them. The thermal energy of the fire Bella started grew to such intensity that it incinerated both vampires instantly. The event took mere seconds.

As they burned the two lights still came closer to Bella before they both vanished. Soft ashes flew through Bella's hair. Her expression was blank and somewhat sorrowful. The ashes blew past Geneva and Ambrosio who were uncaring to the fate of their former masters. Aro and Caius were both gone, turned to ash. The Volturi were no longer a power. They never were to begin with.

Carlisle couldn't believe his eyes. He witnessed the destruction of Aro and Caius both. He had seen the very crippling of the Volturi and their dismantlement. They were nothing but an illusion. Their only purpose was to enforce the laws their civilization was built on.

Bella's eyes moved as she heard an annoyed sigh behind her.

"Yeah, not as though any of us wanted to have at least one of them to ourselves," Pilirin pouted.

Bella smiled slightly. "There are still six vampires standing in front of us brother," Bella declared.

"Yes, but not one of them is one of those I wanted." Pilirin countered chagrin. Bella groaned shaking her head.

She noticed Victoria standing next to three of the newborns she had created. Bella looked into Victoria's eyes both heavy with a grudge. The remaining two Volturi guard felt unsecure with the deaths of their masters and turned to flee. They swiftly escaped through the forest leaving no sign of them behind.

"Go ahead," Bella whispered. The Cullen's watched astounded as the seven La Push wolves took off, their steps causing minor tremors in the earth. They were lead by a large black wolf followed by a reddish colored one. They disappeared into the green following the scent the vampires had left behind.

The newborns trembled as they saw the wolves jump over them. Like ravage beasts they made chase after the remaining Volturi. Out of all the eyes that followed the wolves into the jungle there was only one pair that didn't. Victoria's eyes were consumed with pure hatred. Her waves of despair pulsed towards Bella. Bella returned her gaze to Victoria sensing the density in the air.

Bella took a step closer to Victoria who hissed at her. "There was nothing I could have done for him, he was beyond my skill to heal."

Victoria shook her head vigorously, "You're a liar," she whispered despairingly.

"SHE'S RIGHT," Edward yelled. Edward stepped out from between the lines of the Cullen's. Carlisle looked worried when Edward walked towards the middle of the clearing. He stepped through the ashes of Aro and Caius to join Bella at her side. Bella's eyes grew wide with surprise as Edward stood next to her. Victoria glared at him wickedly.

"Victoria, listen to me, I was there the day we were attacked. I saw the beast mutilating him. There was nothing left of him. I have a talent, much like you do," Victoria narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"I can read the minds of others, I'm a telepath. When I saw into James' mind there was nothing left. All I saw was darkness. I'm sorry but he was dead before Bella even arrived to safe us. Whether you like it or not she saved your life that day too."

Victoria threw her finger at Jasper, "BUT SHE SAVED HIM!" Jasper locked eyes with Victoria. He felt the sorrow and madness rolling off her.

"That's because Jasper was still with us. He was hanging on but only barely. We almost lost him too. Bella didn't even want to save him in the beginning. If it's any consolation to you we had to literally beg her to bring him back. But that too only happened because he was still alive."

"Lies, ALL LIES," Victoria pronounced desperate.

"We are not lying Victoria," Edward denounced. "Why are you even trying to avenge someone that could have cared less for you?"

Victoria flashed her view at Edward. "Excuse me?" She asked unnerved. Edward nodded, sadly.

"I first saw it the day we all met. James was attracted to you physically Victoria but that's all you were for him. He only kept you for your ability to determine escape routes. Your talent was the only thing that kept him by your side. If it hadn't been for that he would have never followed you."

"NO! YOU DECEIVING PILE OF GARBAGE," Victoria flared. She kicked herself off the ground and much like Aro and Caius had flew towards Edward and Bella.

Edward hastily stepped in front of Bella ready to defend. The Vampire Lord's watched the scene. They all drew smiles as Edward threw his life in front of Celest. Victoria had her claws ready to strike and within a fraction of a second would dig them into someone. Edward made himself ready to strike back when he suddenly felt a hand on his lower back.

Within less than a millisecond Bella had thrown Edward over her shoulder making him land on his feet behind her between Geneva and Ambrosio who were battle ready also. Edward hadn't noticed his relocation until he saw Bella's head in front of him.

Victoria flung herself at Bella. The Cullen's watched terrified and useless to find one of their own in the turmoil. The events that had been moving so fast in moments became frozen. Victoria dangled off her feet in the air. Bella's index finger was underneath Victoria's chin steadying her and holding her in place. Victoria's arms shook at her side as she became mentally incapacitated. Her feet scratched the burned soil beneath her trying to wiggle free.

"There is no need for this unjustified vengeance child. I believe in the words of this dear one," Bella cocked her head at Edward behind her.

"To sentient beings such as us love is an obvious emotion displayed in eyes, movement, and aura. I did not sense this the day I first met the both of you. I felt strong emotions radiating from you child but not from the one you adored. This confused me when you swore revenge on me," Bella stated.

Victoria puffed and chocked under Bella's single finger grip. "Kill me then," Victoria said broken.

"There is no need for death. Why die for someone that expressed no true love for you?" Bella asked.

"It's too late. He was my consort for a century. I won't ever be able to forget the times we shared together. Even if it was all an illusion," she whimpered.

"So you knew he never truly cared for you?" Bella asked baffled.

"It was about having someone in my empty life. The Volturi killed my sisters and my mother. I had nothing left and longed for someone's warm embrace. What would you have done?"

Bella lowered Victoria to the ground. She stumbled breathing heavily. Jasper felt the pity steaming off Bella. For nigh a century Victoria was James' whore and tool. Only allowing him to use her because she wanted someone to love and depend on but always knowing that he never really returned her feelings.

"You are in need of letting go of the past and restarting your immortality," Bella said.

Victoria shook her head, "It's too late for that." Bella placed her hand on Victoria's shoulder. "It is never too late. All you have to do is want it and I can give it to you."

With bewilderment in her crimson eyes Victoria looked at Bella. "You would do that? After all I've done? Why?" Bella smiled at her.

"Because I have no resentment towards you and because it is the right thing to offer. Always is… "

"How?" Victoria cried.

"Forgive me, and then forgive yourself for being so angry Victoria. And all you have to say is yes and your new journey can begin," Bella whispered.

Victoria covered her mouth hiding her mournful expression. She held back the sobs and tears. She looked about herself at all the faces looking at her in the clearing. She was uncomfortable with being the center of all attention. The person that she perceived as her enemy was offering her a new shot at life. How wrongfully she had accused Bella. All the time knowing how James really felt about her or rather how he didn't. Endlessly driven by anger and the hunger for the kill blinded her from the things she really wanted; family, a lover, and friends.

"Y-yes," she murmured in a broken tone, and weeping. "Oh God yes, please!"

"Very good," Bella beamed at her. "Then the first step of the journey will begin. This will be our gift to you Victoria. Rusalka?"

The gorgeous black haired vampire narrowed her eyes looking at Victoria. "Let it go Victoria," Rusalka whispered in a gentle voice. "No more pain, no more sorrow, fill the hollowness inside." Rusalka concentrated on Victoria sweeping through her memories erasing a century of darkness by the side of James. The atrocities she committed willingly by his side and for him became dim until they disappeared all together. Rusalka didn't hide the memories away like she did with the former four Volturi but instead decimated them completely. Rusalka threw a swift glance at the newborns on the ground too.

Victoria blinked repeatedly and squeezed her eyes shut. The Cullen's slowly glided down the field interestingly watching Victoria's salvation. Victoria opened her eyes after mere seconds with her eyes less dark.

Rusalka smiled, "Finished." Victoria looked around at the faces staring at her. Until finally her eyes met Bella's again.

"Why am I here? What's happened?" Bella shrugged her shoulders.

"I'm not sure. You were passing through with your children over there," Bella pointed at the three newborns on the ground. Victoria had no memory of them. The three remaining newborns got up off the ground blank and confounded.

"From the looks of it they are newborn vampires. You should take care of them wisely," Bella suggested. Victoria eyebrows pushed together amazed.

"Do I know you?" Victoria asked. Bella shook her head, "No, sure don't. But maybe one day you will."

"Oh," Victoria voiced. "Then maybe I should go. I feel like I'm interrupting something."

"Yes, teach your children comprehendingly. They are your family after all." Victoria nodded agreeing with a hint of uncertainty in her demeanor.

"Thanks," she uttered. Victoria left Bella's presence to join the newborns that were as ignorant as her over what had transpired. She huddled them up and motioned them over to the edge of the woods. The newborns followed her instruction and made themselves ready to leave. Victoria looked over her shoulder and at Bella for one last time.

Bella smiled at her, "Goodbye." Victoria didn't respond but pondered with the voice within to why that vampire seemed familiar. Victoria waved at Bella and took off into the woods with her newborns. One day her journey will lead her to pilgrimage to Elysium Bella thought.

Bella sighed and turned to her fellow Vampire Lords.

"It is done."

"About time, if it were up to me there would have been no explanations," Olokun said smiling. He threw a glance at the Cullen's several meters away and waved them over. "Please join us; I would like to hear about you."

Carlisle, Esme, Rosalie, Emmett, Jasper, and Alice smiled and wandered over the lord's where they were met with friendly smiles and handshakes.

Conterra shook Rosalie's hand to her surprise and she laughed. "Hello," Rosalie whispered carefully. Conterra patted Rosalie's hand in hers encouragingly. Tamula swiftly made his way to Carlisle shaking his hand. Carlisle smiled brilliantly and friendly at the ancient.

The Elysium vampires Geneva and co. joined in the greetings being courteous and the exact opposite of what had been described of them. Geneva shook Alice's hand reintroducing herself and her brother. Demetri introduced himself to Emmett and Jasper excitedly.

Bella watched joyful as her brethren mingled with the Cullen's and making acquaintances. She glimpsed over her shoulder finding Edward staring at her, pained. A shadow danced over Edward's face as Olokun interrupted the tension between the two of them.

Edward swallowed nervously as the bulky vampire stood in front of him. Olokun had a serious expression dazzling his features. Olokun's hand found Edward's face. He gently gripped his chin turning his face from side to side examining him. Edward stood still allowing the vampire to do what he wanted with him. Olokun patted Edward's chest while talking to himself, "Strong."

Edward risked a small smile at the compliment. Olokun walked around Edward looking at his every frame. His eyes traveled up and down determining the worth of Edward, and to induce whether or not he was good enough for his sister. Olokun graced his finger between Edward shoulder blades making him stiffen. Olokun began nodding. He walked back around standing between the pair being Edward and Bella.

He smiled at Edward showing his teeth, "You'll be fine," he announced. Olokun retreated and walked over to join in Tamula and Carlisle's conversation. Edward stalked his pace smiling, the feeling of acceptance soaring through him. He looked back to Bella only to find another Vampire Lord standing in front of him; Pilirin.

Expecting the same treatment Edward loosened up. But Pilirin didn't walk about him or tested his body. He folded his arms over his chest looking at Edward up and down. One of Pilirin's brows rose and his lips pouted.

"What?" Edward asked. Pilirin exhaled a frustrated sigh. "I imagined you taller."

Bella covered her eyes with her hand shaking her head embarrassed. Edward chuckled.

"Oh well," Pilirin declared. Pilirin brought his hand down on Edward shoulder giving him a quick and welcoming pat. As soon as Pilirin's hand slammed down on Edward's shoulder he sank to the ground.

Pilirin stood in shock over Edward's frame. Edward covered his shoulder painfully. Pilirin looked at his hand and back to Edward. He glanced over his shoulder at Celest who glared him menacingly. "Oh," he whispered. "Right," he remembered Edward's few years.

Edward managed to stand back up still feeling the sting and sudden immobilizing wave that flew threw his body. He secretly marveled at the strength of the small notion that had almost cost him his shoulder. The strength of the Vampire Lords was monumental he thought. His shoulder began to numb under the pressure of the simple "pat".

Innocently Pilirin stood where Olokun had, between the pair looking from Bella to Edward and back. He folded his hands behind his back throwing mischievous looks back forth between them. "Hmm…" he began. Edward massaged his shoulder trying to extinguish the ache he felt. He was barely aware of Pilirin's stance.

One last time he looked from one to the other before assessing what he had learned.

"Intimacy should be interesting," he said smiling. "Ah," Bella squeaked. Pilirin winked at her and with his chin up in the air pranced over to the group composed of Cullen's and Elysium vampires.

Edward stared after him dumbfounded and looked to Bella. Bella's lips were moving fast and silently as she eyeballed Pilirin with a foreboding omen of ill will in her eyes. Corin who had overheard Pilirin's statement walked past Bella snickering.

"What?" Bella threw at him icy like. Corin's smile deteriorated and he shook his head rapidly. "Good. Go over there and tell them to go to the Cullen's home, and wait for me there.

"Yes milady," Corin consented quickly.

Bella shed the embarrassment Pilirin caused of her and eyed Edward. Edward returned her gaze but only half heartedly shifting his sight from her to the ground and back. Bella placed her fingers underneath his chin and poised his head towards her. She traced his lower lip with her thumb making him breath heavy.

"I think it is time for you know who I really am."

(Authors Note) – According to my calculations, there are only three chapters left. After which I'll do some extras like summarizing all the vampires and giving a little insight into their history. I'll also do a Vampire Lord profile, but only one, and that would be Celest's. I'll to the others in the coming sequel to the story. I hope you liked it and as always please REVIEW.