Thank you all who reviewed, fav and followed. Chapter is about 3000+ words. With a Christmas extra further down. Merry Christmas!

Enjoy!

Chapter 21:

Mystlon stood beside Hellon while watching some of the warriors train. He as – of course – his sister had grown older. The situation between the different species were not changed. The hidden world was in danger of being exposed every day that passed, and the witches were slowly getting stronger, just as forces were gathering in secret. Chalai pressed him to practice on his magic every day, just as Naiyda pressed Leyria. He was no fool even if he could only be considered as a teenager in human terms.

Carlisle and Esme had joined the almost hidden community and started up a hospital – private – that also taught other vampires whom wanted to be able to heal. Of course, operating on a vampire was more difficult than on humans, but in some cases when dealing with magic, it was possible. The facility was mostly underground, though there was a part above ground that also worked as a cover. It was also good for minor cases. The couple had also taken to become part of the community much more than imagined, and almost all of the Cullen coven were gathered once again.

Mystlon cared for Carlisle and Esme, he found the doctor fascinating and Esme was kind beyond words. Her motherly affection showed towards everyone she met. Leyria had in this case bonded a bit more with Esme, like he had done Tanya. Now that their mother was pregnant once more it was important that they were considerate of her, even if she would never tell them to go away. Every day he felt the love from his parents strongly and it could at times overwhelm him. It was then that it was a relief to get a small escape. Hellon was often the one who took him places or gave him a different purpose. It was after all soon time for his own battle training to start. He used part of his time now to study and learn.

"If you see the way he moves," Hellon said and pointed towards a specific male. Mystlon nodded. "There! There, he miss-stepped. Did you see?"

"Yes, Hellon."

"And why did he misstep?"

"He lost the balance of his center. And lost focus."

"Why did he lose focus?"

"He caught the eye of a warrior female practicing over there," Mystlon answered and pointed subtly.

"Very good," Hellon said approvingly. "Quite observant."

Mystlon nodded.

Hellon looked Mystlon up and down and then shook his head with a nearly silent sigh. "Ok, let's be done for today. Go spend time on something else."

"Like what?"

"Learn kingly business, go talk to your mother, I don't know, but what I do know is that we are done here for today." Hellon saw the look of disappointment, yet he did not go back on his word. The boy needed a break and more time with his parents. He knew for sure that Derek and Bella wanted more time with their oldest son, where said son tried to escape them most of the time, however, these times required steady relations and trust. And not to forget love. Lots of it.

"They just smother me," he grumbled.

"Because they love you." Hellon raised his brows in challenge. The young vampire sighed and shrugged. "Exactly, you know what you need to do. Now go along."

Hellon watched as Mystlon left. His shoulders were if a little hunched and he did not keep a straight back while walking. Neither did he seem to want to meet anyone's eyes. The boy was too kind for his own good. A few words from him had made the youngling forget his training.

Derek noticed his son approaching his office door before he even knocked. That was one of the benefits to the bond. He also felt the unsurety his son harbored lately. Considering the stage of his age it was not unusual. But in this case responsibility rested more with Mystlon than other younglings. He knew that it was not easy on either of his children and now another one was on the way. He would not lie, he was worried, yet also overjoyed. Never in all his years could he have imagined getting a life as he led now. The downside of course the feud with the witches. Bella stood strong by his side and at times he felt that she was stronger than him. She had grown into the role as queen and did so greatly. His mate and children were growing up in the middle of conflict, which was not what he would ever wish for anyone. A conflict on such a scale that humans were indeed at this time a lesser species that were stuck unknown in an oncoming war. No, that was untrue, the war had started ages ago. It was a long and almost silent war where humans were concerned. For the rest of the species that were aware of one another, it was ongoing and tiresome. It had lasted too long and with too many losses.

Mystlon's brows were furrowed when he met his father's eyes. "I can feel your hard thinking, papa," he said and did not step further into the room.

"It is no excuse to not hug you," Derek answered with a smile and hurried to lift Mystlon up. He let himself take in the scent of him, and in his deep mind he could still see the first time he had laid eyes on him.

"I do not want to bother," Mystlon whispered against his father's neck.

Derek placed him down again and crouched down. He stroked him over the forehead and said, "You never bother me. Neither you or Leyria. Ever. I will always have time for my children. You are my world."

Mystlon sniffed and felt his father's bond. Warmth. Love. Truth. He did not want to cry, he was after all getting older, but his eyes had other ideas as they started leaking and trailed down to his chin and then dripped on the floor.

Derek smiled softly and wiped his son's eyes. Then he pulled him against himself again. He closed off some of his own emotions to the bond so he would not feel his worry and regret. Had he been a bad father? Had he been too focused on his life as king? Bella's emotions rushed through him as she could feel him. It was her no nonsense feeling. You have no reason to doubt! Her voice echoed in his mind.

"You're talking to mama." It was a statement. For then neither of the children could feel them.

Derek nodded.

You are wonderful, and we have both tried to spend a large portion of our time with our children. We are also blessed to have so many loved ones around us. They have all given them a family. A large family.

You are right, he answered and shook his head with a smile. The bonds opened up again.

"What did she say?" Mystlon asked.

"That she loves us very much," he answered and kissed his forehead. "Now, what do you say to that we both go and find Emmett, and then we can play some games?"

"Uncle Jazz too?"

"Of course."

Mystlon nodded happily.

Bella stroked over her belly while Naiyda sat in a chair beside Leyria while she studied. Oh, how she was grateful to the witch for teaching her children. Especially now that it neared a new meeting with the merfolk as well. The meetings in their self were not so bad, but the strain between the species were painful. There was no seawater around this area and they had to turn the underground pool into a pool with seawater while the merfolk stayed, if not, it could cause the merfolk to dry out and die. It was then easier with the elves whom just needed a lot of plant life to make them comfortable. No, not flowers in pots and the sort, but for example a grand garden. Esme had worked hard to fix up the garden so it would suit the elves. For they liked to spend as much time outside surrounded by earth when they could. Some even preferred sleeping under the stars. At least they would not die from lack of nature around them.

She fought hard to keep her snort to herself while she closed her eyes for just a moment. Leyria noticed almost at once and made sounds to get the attention on her again. "Leyria, I am allowed a moment of rest."

"But then you won't see if I make progress!" she complained.

Bella laughed lightly and stood. "Well then, I call this a day. Let's go take a walk." She held her hand out for her daughter. "Thank you so much, Naiyda," she then said and smiled towards the witch.

Naiyda too stood and stretched. "No problem, Bella. I think a walk sounds perfect. It might clear her mind."

Leyria stood and took hold of Bella's hand. "Where will we go mama?"

"The garden of course. At least there it will not be too many guards around." She regretted the words when they had plumped out and Naiyda laughed.

"Oh, Bella. It is just to keep you safe. Especially now," Naiyda said, though the last part was whispered.

"I know I know, and I am grateful. I also know that this is how it works in this world and in this community. I mean, when has there ever been truly peace?"

"The start of creation?" Leyria suggested, butting in.

"Good thinking there," Naiyda commented.

Bella nodded. "Indeed. Even probably. Most likely. If only Derek could remember, at least then we would not have to wrap our brains around this from time to time."

"Papa has led a very long life." Bella nodded. "I dreamt about some of it once."

Naiyda met Bella's eyes and both their eyebrows rose. "How was the dream?" Bella asked.

"Sad. He was lonely. I could feel it."

"Do you think it was the creator?" Naiyda asked to Bella.

"You mean that she sent the dream?"

Naiyda nodded.

Leyria balanced on her toes while her mother and Naiyda talked. It did not interest her that much. She was now focused on the walk she was promised. She loved to feel the grass between her toes and smell the flowers, as much as she loved swimming. Both she and her brother shared these traits as they had got a very special gift from the creator. They could understand all species with these gifts, for they felt what they would feel in their own environments. They also had a bit of fairy magic, but as fairies stood for a lot of mischief it was also because they tried to help the nature survive in a man-made world. They wept with all fallen trees. With all animals that went extinct. And they laughed when they caused a human a bit of bad fortune. Loving dancing and singing were also in their nature, and at times she only wanted to dance and spread happiness. She would try to sing in quiet before her parents bid her good night, but had learnt that her voice was still too childish, not reaching the beautiful tunes like the fairies. The ancient songs echoed in her mind, almost constantly. Just like chanting for rituals that the witches held power over.

"Leyria?" Bella asked again, feeling that her daughter had become focused inside her mind. She could not get a clear grasp on her thoughts as they were always a jumble of so many things. She blinked.

"Mama? Did you ask me something?"

"Are you ready to go?"

"Oh yes!" she answered excitedly and started to drag her after. "I can't wait to see what new flowers Esme has planted!"

Naiyda stared after the two and furrowed her brows. The young girl was almost sparkling where she went. It was no question that her powers were great.

The merfolk had finally arrived and it was not too soon. Tension was high with the mer-warriors standing around bare-chested, glaring at anyone whom dared take one look too much on the females. The females did the same though for the ones whom stared at the males. One in particular held a ball of water swirling over her hand. Her glare was fierce as she sought out her competition. It was no secret that the merfolks were jealous by nature. Especially the unmated ones.

Nylana, the leader of the merfolk warriors that had her mate amongst them, stared unconcerned at her hosts. She could smell the saltwater from the pool that was underground and appreciated the gesture. The king and queen and their children stood tall, but also seemed quite relaxed. The queen especially had a certain glow to her with her swollen belly.

"Congratulations are in order," Nylana said and smiled. "Children are a blessing."

"Indeed, thank you," Derek said and smiled, if ever so small.

Bella nodded her thanks.

Nylana knew there was no reason to drag out the welcome and gestured for her warriors to make themselves scarce. They also knew perfectly well to behave. There was no reason to make conflict when it was not wanted or needed. The vampire race had after all been quite helpful and the losses were not many, but enough to pain them all. The merfolk had battled fiercely, and without mercy. Dangerous times led to fear. And there had been so much death. It was enough. It did not help that humans were poisoning their waters. Fish were becoming less, and the underwater life was wilting. They were dependent on the good witches that could help with spells to keep life alive and create barriers to protect, but with the war it was no way to have help. No way to protect themselves. Some few of the merfolk had sought to land. Houses with pools where they could stay alive and off the radar, but it was painful and not a sought-out life. Less mermaids had children in the fear. They did not want to condemn their children.

She was led to a room that would be hers while they stayed over. She saw the young princess in the garden from her window. She was sniffing flowers and then she was staring at one that was wilting. Green sparks appeared around her hands and she held the petals delicately while it blossomed. Then she created water out of thin air and gave it to the flower.

Nylana's eyes felt like they wanted to pop out of her head. She had powers from both elves and merfolk! She was incredible to watch. And without a doubt a great ally. She briefly wondered if her brother harbored the same powers. It was strange to hear of younglings in the vampire species have this power. With an ancient father, maybe it was not so strange at all. It seemed that the creator had chosen well.

Christmas extra:

Carlisle and Esme came in the door with bags filled with gifts. Emmett and Rosalie sat by the fireplace and kept an eye on Mystlon and Leyria. The two younglings stared at the packages that had been laid under the tree and with no doubt wanted to tear into them. Alice and Jasper sat close to them and smiled at the two, while Bella and Derek sat on the couch watching tv, happy for the break. Hellon had pulled Tritania close, while Alvana and Treylon had gathered together in a very comfy chair. The Denali coven were at the time not present as they were out. However, they would come Christmas day.

A knock on the door startled the vampires as they were not expecting any more guests. Naiyda and Chalai had taken to their room, so it was certainly not them.

Hellon shrugged and stood. He opened the door to find Edward on the other side.

"You got my invitation," Derek then said.

Edward smiled carefully. "Yes, a bit late, but I ran here. Thank you."

"Oh, Edward!" Esme cried and went to hug him.

"Glad you could make it, son," Carlisle said and smiled.

"I hope you don't mind, but I brought someone along."

"Who?" Rosalie asked, curious, and a little on edge. She would not allow anyone to disturb the peace in this home.

"This is my mate, Amethystra, she's a mermaid."

When Edward stepped to the side a tall female stepped inside. Her eyes were the color of amethyst. Her hair had the shade of very light blonde, almost white, with golden strands. She was dressed lightly like many of the merfolk, as the cold never bothered them.

"Mermaid and vampire, interesting," Derek muttered. "And congratulations."

If Edward could blush, he would have.

"Congrats?" Emmett asked, a little confused.

"Amethystra is with child. A mix of vampire and mermaid," Derek answered.

"Oh!" Esme hugged Amethystra and welcomed her to the family. Then she turned towards Edward. "Why have you kept her a secret? Why have you stayed away for so long?"

Edward shifted on his feet. "I was not…" he trailed off.

"He was not sure if he was so very welcome," Amethystra finished for him and shrugged. "I told him that he was overreacting, but you know him."

"That we do," Carlisle said and hugged the mermaid. "Welcome to the family."

"Thank you," Amethystra answered. "I hope you don't mind that we are planning to stick around, we just need a place to live first."

"You are staying with us, and that is final," Esme said, her voice firm.

"And we can install a saltwater pool in no time," Emmett said with a grin.

"I can see the little one on the way, she will be a beauty!" Alice said excitedly, and Jasper tried to calm her emotions.

"Congratulations indeed, and welcome to the neighborhood," Bella said and hugged the mermaid, her own stomach pretty much in the way.

Mystlon and Leyria listened to all the merry christmases that were going around in the room and they stared at the light around their mother's belly and Amethystra's. A great friendship would form out of this.

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