Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight


Chapter Fifty

*Abby's POV*

Everything was working perfectly. I thought we had enough time, well it seemed like we did. Liz and Iris were in peaceful states. Iris in Dru's arms while I tended to my cousin who was laying like a rag doll against the bars. Flashbacks to the last time we did this two years ago dancing in my head and butterflies nervously fluttering in my gut. The goal was to go as smoothly as we did last time. That's all I wanted.

"Come on guys," Lucas muttered under his breath, his hand tapping agains the side of his leg. "Come on, Rissy and Red."

"We're fine," Dru said, stroking Iris's hair. "It's going to be okay, Lu. Stop making me worried."

"Sorry, these kids of things push me on edge," Lucas replied.

"I can tell," Dru answered, raising her eyebrow.

"Well I think they're almost done," I mentioned, studying my cousin and noticing her hand was not empty. "The parchment Lizzy had is gone, so Renesmee must've received it."

"Let's hope she received what Lizzy wanted her to receive," Lucas added.

"She did," I answered confidently. I felt the excitement rush through my veins, "I mean, she just had to."

"She did," Dru whispered, smiling at me. "I know she did."

I looked at Lizzy and Iris with happiness in my eyes. Everything was working right according to what we planned. That's when suddenly, Lizzy cried out in pain and so did Iris. I looked at my cousin. Her chest was rising up and down rapidly. I could hear her and Iris's heartbeats beginning to simultaneously race in my ears.

"Iris?!" Dru yelped, clutching to her mate.

"Liz?" I questioned, touching her arm gently.

"Well, well, well…What do we have here, Alec?"

My blood ran cold. I then turned around to see Jane and Alec in the doorway of the room.

"Caught red handed," Alec crooned, walking forward.

"Oh, master is going to be so pleased," Jane exclaimed, her eyes blazing.

"What are you doing to them!?" I screamed, looking back at Lizzy and Iris who seemed like they were convulsing.

"Lizzy's shield is down. Jane's using her power," Lucas growled.

"Why I ought to!" I growled, standing up, however I immediately found myself being paralyzed by Alec's powers. I cursed myself. I couldn't see anything, but I could hear Lucas's faint shouting. All I could feel was regret, but suddenly, my sight returned.

I gasped, looking to see Jane and Alec were now starring at me with a dazed look. The two were frozen in their spots, their eyes eyes focused on my being. Dru was tending to Iris and Lizzy. Iris was waking up, but Lizzy was still out cold. I did notice that Lucas was hunched over, couching.

"Did she get you?" I asked frantically, pulling Lucas up.

"Yeah, but I'm fine," Lucas insisted, wincing. "I just…I forgot how painful that was."

"Are you guys okay!?" a new voice cried out. Alec and Jane's frozen bodies then collapsed to the ground and before them was the small figure of Bo. My little brother with his arms stretched out like some mighty beast. Fear across his face. "I didn't mean to- but they were hurting you! I got scared and I-"

"We're fine, sweetie," Dru promised him, gently placing Iris at her side so she could pay attention to our brother. "Are you okay?"

"I think so," he replied nervously. "Did...Was that fine? I..."

"You did good, Bo," I said, smiling gratefully at him. "Thank you."

"Bo!" Stefano cried out, rushing into the area with Wesley and Felix. He immediately picked his little brother up in his arms and hugged him tightly. Meanwhile, Wes and Felix scanned the area.

"They figured it out. We tried to hold them off the best we could," Wes explained.

"It's all fine. We're safe now," I explained. "And we owe it to you boys."

"Really?" Bo asked, his face lighting up.

"Really," Lucas confirmed, winking at him. This had all three boys, even stone faced Stefano, beaming proudly.

"Lizzy," Felix whispered, motioning to where my cousin lay. I cursed myself silently as the two of us ran towards her. I quickly brought her into my arms and scanned her body for any damage. Her chest was rising and falling while her heart beat echoed in my ears.

"She should be fine," Iris told us weakly, sitting up with support from Dru. "She made it out of the dream realm. She made it just in time, however that doesn't mean Jane's power took a nice whack at her."

"She's going to be out, but should wake up soon" Dru added softly, reaching over so she could touch Lizzy's forehead gently. "We need to take her to her room. She needs rest."

"I got her," Felix volunteered, picking her up in his arms bridal style. "Lucas, Abby, make sure Alec and Jane are put back in the feeding room. Hopefully they won't question what happened."

"They shouldn't," Stefano confirmed, examining Bo. "They'll only remember up to what Bo erased."

"Come on, Rider," I said, grabbing the stiff Jane by the armpits. "We don't have much time until they're unfrozen and question what happened to them."

"Couldn't agree more," Lucas said, joining me as he got Alec.

"In the meantime, we're going to get you into bed," Dru declared, helping Iris up. She looked towards the boys, "Stef, you and Bo head to bed. Make sure he gets rest, and Wes check Meredith quickly and then go into your room. We'll tuck you three in."

"On it, Dru," Stefano replied as he then ushered the boys out of the room.

With that, Lucas and I headed to where we placed Jane and Alec in the feeding room. The scent of human blood was strong and burned my lungs. Lucas looked at me funny as I struggled to breathe.

"I'm fine," I answered, trying to ignore the powerful urge taking over me.

"No. You're not. There's human blood in here and it's tearing at you," He said. Lucas looked back at Jane and Alec, the two of them frozen. "They should be fine. It'll take them about ten more minutes, if I'm correct, to realize what's going on."

"Alright, well, let's get out," I managed to spit out. However, in a matter of seconds, the scent overtook me like a tidal wave. I suddenly became more aware to my surroundings, the scent of human blood overtaking my nostrils. That's when I heard them- humans. Heidi was bringing dinner in. They were making their way through the hallway. I was going to run for it, to plunge my teeth into their necks, but, without even realizing it, Lucas began to drag me out of there.

I was struggling though. I deeply wanted the blood, but soon I found myself being smothered against Lucas. I cried out, clawing at him, "Let me have them!"

"Sparky! Stop! This isn't you!" he cried out. Suddenly, it hit me. Images of my mother and father. I paused, feeling the dread take over me.

"Aw God," I murmured, realizing my actions. "Oh no, oh no...Oh no."

"It's okay," he said softly, patting the top of my head. "You're-"

"No it's not!" I replied harshly, rubbing the bridge of my nose.

"We all do it at least once," Lucas said, rubbing my back. "I used to do it…."

"You killed people?" I gasped.

Lucas looked away from me. His voice strained, "I…I didn't know any better. For the longest time, it's how I survived here. But it made me unhappy. Then I discovered the animal diet and I changed, but I'm ashamed."

I nodded, not saying anything. "I'm sorry if that freaked you out or something," Lucas said, biting his lip.

"You don't freak me out," I said, grabbing his hand. He looked at me in surprise at this action of affection.

"Abby, I killed people. This isn't something to take lightly," He replied stubbornly.

"And I almost did. Like you said, we all do it, but we're better because we don't give in to the hate," I said.

"Words of wisdom from Sparks herself," Lucas mused. "Never thought I'd be alive to witness this."

"Oh shut up you moron," I said. I then reached out and wrapped my arms tightly around his waist. With everything that happened, I felt calm as I leant my cheek against his chest. I could hear his breathing and his steady heartbeat. Lucas relaxed against my touch, allowing me to rub circles on his back.

"Happy Birthday," He muttered into my hair.

"Birthday?" I questioned, looking up at him.

"It's midnight," Lucas replied, motioning to the clock. Soon, the bells of the Italian city rang in my ears and I laughed.

"Guess it is," I said.

"Here, I got you something," he said, shuffling into his pockets.

"Rider, you didn't have to," I said with wide eyes. "In fact, I'm surprised you got me something at all."

Lucas rolled his eyes as he then handed me a small box wrapped in newspaper, "I know. Shocking, I can be kind. But, here. Sorry the presentation isn't the best, but I hope you enjoy it none the less."

I chuckled, "Thanks, Rider." With careful hands, I then unwrapped the package. When I opened it, I gasped. Inside was a charm bracelet.

"Jewelry? I exclaimed with raised eyebrows.

"Check it out," he said, motioning to the charms with a smirk.

I studied them carefully. One was of a high heel, one of a horse, and one of a tiny pink rose.

"The high heel's for Alice because fashion, the horse is for Jasper because I'm pretty sure you said he was a cowboy, and finally a pink rose for you. Your middle name, Rosabella, beautiful rose," he told me.

"Lucas," I breathed, tears welling up in my eyes. "You shouldn't have."

"Look, I know it hasn't been easy for you. This being your second birthday without your parents," Lucas explained softly. "I just hope this made it easier. So you have a piece of them with you."

"Thank you," I whispered, bringing him into another hug. He chuckled, squeezing me tightly before the two of us broke apart. "Really, Rider. Thanks."

"It was nothing, Squeaks," he teased.

"You know…My dad still struggles with human blood," I mentioned to Lucas. He raised his eyebrows as I continued, "He spent a lot of time with an abusive relationship with some crazed vampire named Maria."

"Maria?" Lucas asked curiously.

"Yeah, I don't know," I said, shrugging. "He used to help her train newborns. They created an army or something together, like what Victoria did in 2006."

"Maria," Lucas repeated, his eyebrows furrowing together. "Why does that name sound so familiar…"

"She was part of a Mexican coven. Found Jasper in Texas," I explained, shrugging. "He didn't want to go to much into detail. I don't think he wanted me to be scared of hi, which I never could to be honest."

"Maria," Lucas said her name for the third time. "Maria, Maria, Maria…I know a Maria."

"Well, it's a pretty common name," I pointed out.

Suddenly Lucas cried out, "Maria!"

"Yes! Maria!" I confirmed, wide eyed. "What?"

"Maria. She created a newborn army in the southern vampire wars," Lucas said, his eyes looking lost as if he tried to remember something desperately from the past.

"Southern vampire wars?" I asked.

"It's where Victoria copied the newborn army tactic from. When a vampire named Benito tried to capture and control a bunch of covens in Mexico and southwest united states. It caused controversy," Lucas explained. "Because there was such a huge loss of human life. Since people were getting suspicious the Volturi had to go down there to end them all. Killed Benito."

"At least they are good at stopping something," I snorted.

"No, Abbs. You don't get it," Lucas said, grabbing me by the arms. He licked his lips, "Your dad must've been apart of the second war or what I call Maria's Revenge. They're still going on today, but more reserved."

"What does that mean?" I demanded with raised eyebrows. "You knew Maria?"

"Come on, we need to find the others. I think I know something they'd like to know," Lucas said. "You go check on Little Red and Felix. I'm gonna get Dru and Iris."

"Lucas," I started.

"I'll explain soon, Abbs. But I think you just helped me figure this all out," Lucas said, quickly pressing a kiss to my forehead before running away.

I then stood there, absolutely and positively stunned.

What was going on?

*Lizzy's POV*

When I woke up, my head was throbbing. It felt as if I let myself be vulnerable for one minutes and then someone decided to kick me around as much as they could. My chest felt heavy and so did my head.

"Elizabelle? Lizzy? Can you hear me?" The voice echoed in my brain. "Little Cullen?"

I blinked and found myself looking into a pair of red, but kind, eyes. I froze, taking a closer look to see it was Felix. He wasn't dressed in his normal Volturi robes- which I always told him were stupid. He was wearing modern clothing. A t-shirt, a pair of dark jeans, and his hair styled. I always liked it when he dressed like this. It made him more Felix and less another mindless Volturi guard.

"What happened?" I muttered, trying to sit up. However, Felix gently pushed me back into the pillows of what I assume is my bed.

"You did it," He said. "You got the message to your sister, but Jane and Alec found out and well, I think you get the idea."

"Oh jeez," I mumbled, rubbing my forehead. Felix sighed, shaking his head while I looked at him. "What? I know, it was stupid!"

"What?" he questioned with raised eyebrows.

"I know what you're going to say, Felix," I said, sitting up now and not giving him a chance to speak. "Just do it! Tell me how stupid it was and how I could've almost died and how you don't know how I lasted this long! Or how I give you vampire strokes or vampire anxiety attacks! And how you're surprised you don't have any gray hair because of me! I know, it was dumb, but I did it! I got the message to my sister and everything is going to fall into place! So don't lecture me on that because this might be my one ticket out of here!"

Instead of scowling or even growling, he laughed. I frowned in confusion as he looked at me with softness in his red eyes, "I was actually going to compliment you."

"Repeat?" I said in surprise.

"I think what you did was noble and even though I didn't like it, I should know by now that you get out of anything you put your mind to," Felix said.

"Really?" I asked.

"Yes," he confirmed. "Lizzy…You've grown up. You're not some kid anymore- you're an adult. I know you're not fully grown yet, but in the last two years you've grown up tremendously and I don't know how you keep proving to me how courageous and daring you are. The way you are willing to put your life on the line for your family…It's honorable."

"Who are you and what have you done with the real Felix?" I questioned lightly. The two of us chuckled and he shrugged.

"You don't need a protector, Elizabelle Cullen," he said, nodding his head at me. "But that won't stop me from trying to protect you."

"And why is that?" I inquired.

"Because I protect the things I care about," he said softly. My ears perked up at that statement.

"You care about me?" I asked softly.

"I do," Felix answered, running a hand through my hair. "Very much."

His touch felt nice. I looked up at him and smiled, "Well…Good." I then wrapped my arms around his neck while he held me tightly. Even though his body was cold stone, I couldn't help but feel myself melt against him. It was weird what I felt for Felix. I wasn't sure.

The two of us pulled apart. Our lips were inches away from one another and…And I don't know what happened. I let the space between us close and I pressed them firmly against his. My heart fluttering in my chest.

It was my first kiss and it was a member of the Volturi.

I thought of my family in that moment. I thought of Ness and her first kiss. She told me hers was technically Jake, but there was one time when she was little and kissed one of Claire Young's cousins that was visiting LaPush. Lily's was with Austin (unfortunately) and Ethan with an old girlfriend. Aidan had his with Carly that one time she kissed him, but Jen said hers was with some boy back in Ohio. Masen was Grace while Grace's was a neighborhood boy when she was eleven. I don't know about Jacob though…Let's hope it's not my mother.

My mind wandered to Seth automatically after that. I felt immense guilt course through me. I missed Seth more than anything on this planet and I loved him…It's just…I'm physically sixteen. I was going to be fully grown in two years and well…I liked kissing Felix. I didn't want to stop. My hands gripping to his black locks while his hands rested on my mid back. It felt good. It didn't necessarily feel right, but it felt good. It made me feel alive, probably the most alive since I got here.

Felix and I then pulled apart, causing me to look at him with curiosity and intensity. My chest heaving up and down as I now cupped his face, our foreheads resting against one another. My mind was spinning and I was basically sitting in his lap at this point.

"I've been wanting to do that for a few months now," Felix confessed against my lips.

"Me too," I whispered, breathless. "I don't…I don't know why though…This…"

"Don't," Felix said softly, running his hands through my hair. "Just…I know. I know this could end terribly. We can stop if-"

I shook my head, cutting him off, "Oh screw it." I then pressed my lips to Felix's again and the two of us kissed. My hands resting against his still, stone chest.

"Hey is Liz-"

The two of us stopped right away and pulled apart quickly. I looked to see Abby was standing in the doorway. Her mouth was wide open and she looked at us in shock.

"What in the world?" She cried out, looking at me wide eyed.

"Abby, I can explain," I squeaked as Felix and I pulled away from each other quickly.

"A huh?" Abby responded with raised eyebrows. "Wow, some birthday gift you've bestowed upon me."

"Happy birthday?" I said nervously, sharing uncertain looks with Felix.

"Guys!" Lucas exclaimed, interrupting as he ran into the room with Dru and Iris following close behind him.

"What?" I groaned, falling back into the pillows quite dramatically.

"This is much more important than whatever was going on with you right now," Lucas said, looking at me wildly. "This is something I figured out because of Abby. Something to do with Maria and the Volturi brothers."

"Maria?" I questioned, looking at a still shocked Abby. "You mean…The vampire who changed your father?"

"Yes," Abby answered, shaking her head.

"The Volturi were going to Greece this weekend, like many of you know," Lucas said, pacing back and forth. "Last time I checked Maria was still in Greece. Long story short I think the Volturi are visiting her."

"That is correct," Felix said, raising his eyebrows. "They're visiting Maria, but to check on her. She was stirring up some problems there."

"I don't think so," Lucas said, shaking his head.

"Why would they want to visit Maria if they're not visiting her?" Dru asked.

"Oh no," I whispered, sharing a look with Abby who put it together right away.

"It's because they are going to make a newborn army," Abby stated grimly.

Oh no.


A/N: Hey guys! Long time no updated! Well, I've been really busy but I'm glad to know people are still reading! Thanks for the reviews and keep out on the look out for the next one! Whenever that'll be lol!