A/N: I left the last episode on a cliffhanger and posted this one several hours late, so I'll just let you to it.

Song of the Episode: Monster by STARSET

EXT. VOLTERRA, ITALY – DAY

BEAU SWAN runs through a red-wearing crowd of PEOPLE, heading for a large clock tower. EDYTHE CULLEN stands in the alleyway to the right of the tower, her eyes closed. She wears just a white tank top and tailored black pants from the previous suit. Edythe steps forward into the sun.

BEAU
Don't, Edythe! Don't! I'm right here - Don't do it, Edythe!

Beau slams into Edythe. He starts to fall back, but Edythe steadies him. She opens her eyes. They are a deep black.

EDYTHE
Oh. I don't believe it. Carine was right after all.

Beau grips Edythe's shoulders.

BEAU
Edythe, you've got to get back. Right this second. Move, Edythe - move!

Beau swerves around her, wraps an arm around her waist and keeps one on her shoulder. He tries to drag her back, but she doesn't move. Edythe doesn't seem to notice, and she sighs. Edythe strokes the hand that's on her waist.

EDYTHE
I always wondered what death would be like. It was certainly faster and more painless than I expected. I suppose I have Sulpicia to thank for that. She seemed more humane than I expected...in some ways, at least.

Edythe reaches up to stroke Beau's face gently. She leans her head back against Beau's chest, and she turns her head slightly in his direction, breathing in.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Ah. And you still you smell the same as always. Perhaps this is hell after all - My own, specially prepared version. Eternal damnation to the fire and brimstone of your irresistible blood. Lovely. I accept.

Beau lets go of Edythe's waist and snaps his fingers in her face.

BEAU
Yo. Earth to Edythe. Wake up, I'm not dead, and neither are you - We've got to get out of here, your friends the Volturi could be here any second.

EDYTHE
Hmm? What was that?

BEAU
The Volturi. We're not dead yet, but we might be soon if we don't move it.

Edythe yanks Beau back into the alley so his back is against the clock tower. Edythe stands in front of him defensively. FLORA and DEMETRIA stand in the shadows, cloaks covering their faces. Flora is much taller than Demetria.

EDYTHE
Ah. Flora, Demetria... How nice it is to run into you again. However, as you can see, it seems there's been a bit of a misunderstanding. I won't be needing your assistance after all. But please pass along my regards and sincerest apologies for the inconvenience to your mistress, won't you?

FLORA
I'm afraid you will have to come with us.

EDYTHE
I have broken no laws that I'm aware of, Flora. But if Sulpicia wishes an audience with me, I will be glad to see her. Beau, why don't you return to the square and enjoy the festivities? I will find you later.

DEMETRIA
I don't think so. You know our full orders, mind-reader, and the boy shall come. These games do you no favors, especially when you are well aware that you have indeed violated our laws - the most important law of all.

FLORA
You must see that we are not your enemies. Cooperate, and no harm will come to you.

EDYTHE
And what about him? Does Sulpicia guarantee his safety?

DEMETRIA
We guarantee you nothing. You are a dangerous element, Edythe Cullen. A menace driven by overwrought, misplaced passions. If it were left up to me, I would say that one such as you should not be allowed to live - and your human pet either.

EDYTHE
If you're looking for a fight, Demetria, why don't you just say so?

Demetria HISSES and crouches into a fighting stance. Edythe also shifts her weight. Beau grabs at Edythe's waist.

DEMETRIA
Have it your way.

Edythe, Flora, and Demetria freeze and turn to the back of the alley. ARCHIE CULLEN walks to Edythe's side, his hands shoved in his pockets.

ARCHIE
Fight in the middle of a back alley? Really? Please, ladies, let's show some class.

FLORA
Please. There is no need for these theatrics. We simply request that you accompany us, and the boy as well. Lady Sulpicia bears you no ill will. She has no wish for us to fight.

EDYTHE
I will come with you. But he stays here.

FLORA
I'm afraid those were not Lady Sulpicia's orders.

EDYTHE
Then you are asking for a fight.

DEMETRIA
You take the one back there - I will take the girl.

FLORA
Lady Sulpicia will not be pleased...

DEMETRIA
This one has given us no choice. She will understand.

EDYTHE
Come and get me, Demetria.

JONATHON enters from the back of the alley, wearing a long black cloak. Jonathon is a very young boy with soft brown hair and deep red eyes.

JONATHON
That's enough.

Edythe straightens up.

EDYTHE
Jonathon.

JONATHON
Follow me.

Jonathon turns around and walks down the alley.

FLORA
After you, please.

Archie follows him at once, and Edythe wraps her arms around Beau's waist and pulls him after them. Beau goes with her compliantly. Demetria and Flora walk behind them.

EDYTHE
Well. I suppose I shouldn't be surprised to see you here, Archie.

ARCHIE
Sorry. Guess this one's all kind of on me. I had to do something to try to fix the mess.

ARCHIE (V.O.)
Speaking of chaos... You look terrible. When was the last time you ate? Mom and Dad won't be happy to see you so miserable looking.

EDYTHE
What happened exactly?

ARCHIE
Long story. He definitely did jump from the cliff. Apparently it wasn't suicide, though. Beau my man has developed a taste for extreme sports.

ARCHIE (V.O.)
Which is total idiocy. Adrenaline-seeking sports are just another alias for suicidal tendencies when it comes to Beau, if you ask me. Apparently, the werewolf gene is not dead. Julie Black saved him.

EDYTHE
I see.

Jonathon lifts a grate and falls through. Archie slides down after him. Beau and Edythe reach the grate.

EDYTHE (CONT'D)
Don't worry. Archie will break your fall.

Beau sits down and swings his legs into the gap.

BEAU
I'm not afraid. Archie, man, you there?

ARCHIE (O.S.)
Sure am. Any time you feel like it.

Edythe lowers Beau into the grate and allows him to fall.

INT. TUNNEL

Beau falls into Archie's waiting arms. Archie sets Beau on his feet. Edythe falls through the grate, landing agilely. Beau puts his arms around Edythe's waist, and she pulls him close to her. Archie, Edythe, and Beau follow Jonathon down the dark tunnel. Flora and Demetria jump down the hole and join them. They all walk down the tunnel. Beau starts shaking from cold. Edythe lets go of his waist but keeps holding his hand.

BEAU
(stuttering)
No.

Beau throws his arms around her. Edythe rubs her hand against Beau's arm. All six continue walking. At the end of the tunnel is a metal door, which stands open. Jonathon disappears through. Edythe, Beau, Archie, and Flora walk in. After Demetria follows, she closes and locks the door.

INT. STONE ROOM

Jonathon steps through another door on the other end of the room. Edythe, Beau, Archie, Flora, and Demetria follow him.

INT. HALLWAY

Jonathon stands at the end of the well-lit hallway, by an elevator. He holds the doors open. Archie, Beau, and Edythe walk down the hall and enter the elevator. Demetria, Flora, and Jonathon step into the elevator. Demetria presses a button and the elevator starts moving up. Demetria, Jonathon, and Flora throw back their hoods. Demetria and Flora have slightly olive complexions and black hair. Demetria's is long and straight, while Flora's is short and curly. They both have deep red eyes.

INT. OFFICE RECEPTION

ALI sits at a desk. He is a young, Middle Eastern, human man. An elevator sits at the back of the room, and there are pale leather couches in small groupings. ALEXANDRA [Alexa] stands near wooden doors. Alexa is Jonathon's twin, with brown hair pulled in a high bun with straight bangs. The elevator DINGS and the doors open. Jonathon exits first, with Flora and Demetria following him. Flora and Demetria wait by the side. Archie, Beau, and Edythe follow Jonathon. Flora and Demetria follow after them.

ALI
Good afternoon, Mr. Jonathon.

JONATHON
Ali.

As he passes the desk, Demetria winks at Ali. He laughs. The six walk to the wooden doors, where Alexa is waiting.

ALEXA
Jonathon.

JONATHON
Alexa.

Jonathon and Alexa kiss each other's cheeks.

ALEXA
(smiling)
This should be fun. Welcome back, Edythe. We should thank you, for breaking the monotony. We haven't had so much excitement in a while... It's good to see you in a better mood.

Alexa laughs softly.

ALEXA (CONT'D)
So, this has been the source of your distress? How peculiar.

FLORA
Dibs.

Edythe turns and GROWLS at Flora. Flora beckons her toward her. Archie touches Edythe's arm.

ARCHIE
Patience, Edy.

Edythe takes a deep breath and turns back to Alexa.

ALEXA
Sulpicia will be so pleased to see you again.

JONATHON
Let's not keeping her waiting.

Edythe nods. Jonathon and Alexa walk through the doors. Edythe, Beau, Archie, Flora, and Demetria follow.

INT. HALLWAY

The seven walks down the hallway. Doors sit at the end of the hallway, but Jonathon and Alexa ignore them and slide a panel away in the wall, which reveals another set of doors. They all walk through those doors.

INT. VOLTURI TURRET

The room is circular, and many red-eyed vampires stand around talking to each other. SULPICIA is one of them. Three thrones sit at the front of the room. Jonathon, Alexa, Archie, Edythe, Beau, Demetria, and Flora enter and walk to the center of the room. All look at the seven when they do enter.

SULPICIA
Ah, Jonathan. You have returned.

JONATHON
Yes, my lady.

Demetria and Flora walk to flank Sulpicia. Jonathon goes to stand in front of Flora, Alexa in front of Demetria. Beau tightens his arms around Edythe.

SULPICIA
This seems to be an agreeable turn of events. Very good work, Jonathan, you have brought them all. Young Archie...and dear Beau Swan, as well. Demetria. Would you please go and retrieve Marcus and Athenodora?

Edythe tenses.

DEMETRIA
Yes, Mistress.

Demetria leaves the room. Sulpicia looks at Edythe.

SULPICIA
Now, my child. Didn't I warn you? How hasty passions can lead to unpleasant consequences? You must be glad now that one of us maintained some clarity of thought, and I did not grant you what you requested.

EDYTHE
Yes, Sulpicia. I am.

SULPICIA
There was some mistake, I suppose. Some...misunderstanding. I suppose your brother Archie, even with his tremendous powers, can be wrong on occasion.

Archie glances at Edythe with confusion.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
But, I see I am being unpardonably rude. I think proper introductions are in order. Sometimes I forget...You see, your sister introduced me to you already yesterday, in a way I am sure you won't find too peculiar, given your sister's power. Sadly, I am limited in a way that she is not. I do not hear the thoughts of anyone standing here, as she does. I must have physical contact for my power to work.

EDYTHE
But you certainly get quite a bit more for your trouble. I just hear whatever happens to be passing through a mind at the time. You hear every thought a person has ever had.

SULPICIA
Yes, and that is useful. But there are many situations where your power would certainly be much more convenient. Ah. There you are.

Demetria reenters, MARCUS and ATHENODORA following him.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Marcus, Athenodora, look! Beau is alive after all, and Archie is here with him! Isn't that wonderful?

Marcus and Athenodora walk to either side of Sulpicia. Athenodora sits in the first of the three chairs.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Yes, you are right, Marcus. That is very interesting.

Marcus walks away from Sulpicia and sits in the far-right throne.

EDYTHE
(to Archie)
Marcus sees relationships. According to him, ours is a little...intense. Unusually so.

SULPICIA
Convenient. Il suo cantante. I admit, I am amazed and perplexed...in your thoughts, I experienced for myself the effects. The strength of the call of his blood for you...I have never considered myself lacking in self control, but I admit, even I, in your place, I think I should not be able to...

Sulpicia smiles.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Do not fear, my self control is not inconsiderable. He is in no danger from me - not in that way. In no more danger than he would be with Carine, whose self-control I have never seen its equal. No... No, if I were in his place, it is you I would fear.

Sulpicia shakes her head.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
And yet you exert this tremendous effort, maintain such a tight control over yourself. I know what Marcus sees is accurate - Your passion must be of truly extraordinary proportions. Love is a powerful thing. It is a valuable thing, beneficial. Where there is no true affection, there can be no peace. I know that it is love that has allowed Carine to maintain her chosen way of life, and bring others into that life as well. I am...gratified by her success. I admit, I did not expect it to last. I believed those she brought to her peculiar way of life would eventually give in, and be the worse for their period of self-imposed deprivation. But, I am happy to have underestimated her. I believe it to be a worthy endeavor. However... Love is beneficial. But as you must see, it can just as easily become a force of destruction. Love engenders powerful emotions - hatred, envy, desperation, fear - and so can be the source of great injustice, of violence. A ship which will remain stable on calm waters can easily be capsized in a raging storm. I do not revile your chosen way of life. As I said, I admire it. Your discipline, as well your beautiful sense of right and wrong, of justice. But after these events, it's clear to me that something has gone terribly wrong. Your sense of right and wrong, your commitment to do what is most just - it seems that, most unfortunately, you have become...distracted. Fortunately, it seems everything has turned out for the best. The line between a happy ending and tragedy is often a thin one, and I am glad the balanced tipped toward the happy, this time. I will not interfere further, except to say that I do hope you will think on this, and consider the great danger your unchecked passions nearly thoughtlessly placed our kind. But. That is done now, and let us speak no more of it. I did not ask Demetria and Flora to bring you here for that. No...I'm afraid there is another point of contention that must be addressed. He must be changed. When I first learned of your telling a human our secret, and it seemed probably that he was no longer of this world, I thought I would simply let the violation of our laws slide this time. But as he still lives, something must be done. The law must be upheld.

EDYTHE
You keep humans here. Humans who are aware.

ATHENODORA
Yes. But we keep them close. We can make certain they are no danger.

EDYTHE
Beau will keep the secret. He's proved himself more than trustworthy. You know that as well as I do.

SULPICIA
For now. Humans may begin with good intentions, but their emotions are subject to constant change, and they often have little true understanding of a world that is not their own. As Athenodora has said, our humans are kept close, constantly screened for signs of weakness, but the same could not be done for yours. I know your mind, Edythe, that you are intelligent and in no short supply of sound judgment - but clearly, as I said, your mind has become clouded. You are incapable of clear and rational thought. He must be changed, or I will have no choice but to execute you both. And, if the rest of your coven support your rebellion, they as well.

Edythe glances up at Beau, her face constricted with pain. Archie steps forward.

ARCHIE
I'll do it. Here, I'll show you.

Archie holds out his hand and steps up to Sulpicia. Sulpicia takes his hand. Beat. Edythe hugs herself closer to Beau.

SULPICIA
Ah. It is so good to see that one of you is still in possession of some common sense.

Archie turns and walks back to Edythe and Beau.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Such an extraordinary gift. Such premonitions would be very useful. Imagine, if we could dispatch criminals before they committed their crimes. The great good that could be achieved.

ARCHIE
You already know it's not infallible. Here's some living proof of that. Sometimes the visions are just plain wrong, and people can always change their minds.

SULPICIA
Yes, I am aware of that. But still, such a useful power, with such far-reaching implications. I think you don't give yourself enough credit. If you ever wanted a place among my guards...well, you should consider the position is open.

Archie shrugs and ducks his head.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Very well. It seems then that is settled. I do take into account the concerns Archie has - of the potential for suspicion in your community if you are changed immediately - and I think there is likely to be little danger over such a short period of time. But once you have completed your human schooling, then you must join us. Until then, you are sworn to secrecy.

Beau nods.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
And, speaking of great talents...I admit, I see potential. If you are able to block Edythe's power, I wonder if you are perhaps immune to other talents. May I...?

Sulpicia holds out her hand. Beau steps forward, pulling Edythe with him. Beau puts his hand in Sulpicia's. Sulpicia's brow furrows.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Nothing. Not a single thought. You will be a prodigious talent, I think, once you are turned. Such potential. I wonder what else you may be able to block...

Sulpicia glances at Jonathon.

EDYTHE
No!

Archie grabs Edythe's arm.

SULPICIA
Just a little test. It will take but a moment to see...

Edythe lets go of Beau and moves to hide him from view. Jonathon smiles widely. Edythe runs toward Jonathon.

ARCHIE
Don't, Edy!

RENALDO, a young black-haired vampire, runs and throws Edythe across the room. Edythe falls to the ground.

BEAU
Stop!

Beau goes to help Edythe, but Archie restrains him. Edythe tries to stand up slowly, but Flora picks her up and slams her head against the floor. A crack runs down the left side of Edythe's face. Flora kneels next to the unconscious Edythe and stares at Beau as he slowly lifts up Edythe's skirt. Beau struggles and yells at him as he does.

BEAU (CONT'D)
Stop! Please -

Sulpicia lifts her hand.

SULPICIA
Renaldo.

Renaldo sighs and stands.

RENALDO
That's a shame. She's so pretty once she's quiet.

Renaldo walks over and stands next to Marcus. Edythe, having not heard Renaldo's statement, stands slowly. The crack still runs down the side of her face. Jonathon smiles widely at Edythe. Edythe collapses onto the ground, in suppressed pain. Jonathon continues to smile at Edythe.

SULPICIA
That's enough.

Jonathon looks at Sulpicia. Edythe is still. Sulpicia inclines his head toward Beau. Jonathon smiles at Beau. Beau does not meet Jonathon's eyes, but continues looking at Edythe while he sobs.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
I'm sure that will more than suffice as a lesson for future reference. As you can surely see, Edythe, these irrational acts of defiance out of your passion do no one any good. Least of all this boy. He will suffer no permanent harm. Only a second, I promise you.

Edythe gets up and looks back at Beau, her expression horror-struck. Then it changes to relief when she sees that Beau is fine. Jonathon glares at Beau. Edythe walks back to Beau and Archie. She touches Archie's arm, and Archie steps away from Beau. Beau wraps his arms around Edythe again.

SULPICIA
Extraordinary. Truly extraordinary. If this power has manifested itself to this degree while he is still human, imagine when he is turned.

Jonathon HISSES.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
Beau...Once you are changed, if you are interested, you may consider coming to see me again. If you do not find my dear friend Carine's way of life to your liking, I may be able to find a place for you among my guards. You could do great good for us. Such a power would be quite useful. Yes, very useful...

EDYTHE
And is that all?

SULPICIA
Yes, I see no reason to detain you further. However, I must ask that you remain within the compound until after nightfall. After all, with what almost happened today, I'm sure you can understand our wanting to be a bit on the cautious side.

Edythe nods.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
I think it will be best if you wait below. We are expecting a - ah - shipment in at any moment, and if he is too close...well, I can't be responsible for what might happen then.

Edythe nods.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
One last thing. It is a little cold out for the humans today, so take this. It may make you a little less conspicuous.

Demetria unfastens the long grey cloak that she wears and throws it to Edythe. Edythe clasps it around her neck.

SULPICIA (CONT'D)
You, too, would make an excellent guard. Beyond your extraordinary power, you have a satisfyingly strong sense of justice. If you were able to overcome these inconvenient passions that have recently possessed you, I would also offer you a place on my guard.

EDYTHE
That could be a long time.

SULPICIA
Oh, I am fully aware of that. You had best be going now. Flora, please escort them below.

Flora gestures to the door. He follows Edythe, Beau, and Archie out of the room.

INT. HALLWAY

Edythe, Beau, Archie, and Flora walk down the hall.

ARCHIE
Not gonna make it.

BEAU
What? What's happening?

Flora motions for Edythe, Beau, and Archie to move out of the way. They do so. A large group of CRIMINALS, all chained together. Edythe pulls Beau tightly against her side. After the crowd passes them, Edythe, Beau, Archie, and Demetria continue walking down the hall.

SULPICIA (O.S.)
Welcome to Volterra. There is no need for alarm. You have all been specially selected... Your entire lives, every choice you have ever made, has been leading up to this moment...

HEDEON walks through the doors at the end of the hall and stops before the four.

FLORA
Welcome back, Hedeon. A successful trip?

HEDEON
About the usual.

FLORA
Any with clean blood this time?

HEDEON
A few. But that makes them more troublesome. The power doesn't work quite so well on those with clear minds...I was forced to render the two serial rapists unconscious several times. Very irritating.

FLORA
Jonathan will be happy. He prefers clean blood. Don't bother about which ones you save for me. I'm not particular. I think cocaine in the blood gives it a bit of flavor.

Hedeon nods and walks through the doors to the turret. Edythe pulls Beau down the hallway. Archie and Demetria follow. Loud SCREAMS are heard from the turret.

INT. OFFICE RECEPTION

Beau, Edythe, Archie, and Flora walk into the reception. Ali sits at his desk.

FLORA
You won't be leaving until after dark. Someone will be sent to inform you when you may go.

Edythe nods. Flora turns and leaves.

EDYTHE
Beau? Beau, are you all right?

ARCHIE
Let's get him sat down. I think he's going to...fall to pieces.

EDYTHE
Shh, Beau, shh.

Edythe pulls Beau over to one of the pale leather couches.

ARCHIE
I think he's having hysterics. Maybe you should slap him.

Edythe throws Archie a frantic glance. Beau sits on the couch, pulling Edythe onto his lap. Archie sits next to them.

EDYTHE
It's okay, it's okay. Shh, it's going to be okay, Beau, it's going to be fine.

BEAU
All those people.

EDYTHE
I know.

BEAU
It's so horrible.

EDYTHE
Yes, it is. I wish you hadn't had to see that.

Edythe rests her head on Beau's shoulder. Ali stands and walks over to Edythe and Beau.

ALI
Is there anything I can get you?

EDYTHE
Nothing, thank you.

ALI
Please let me know if you need anything.

Ali goes back to his desk.

BEAU
Does...he know?

EDYTHE
Yes. He knows everything.

BEAU
Isn't he afraid? Doesn't he know it could be him next?

Edythe rubs Beau's arm, then reaches up to touch his face.

EDYTHE
Yes, he knows. He isn't supposed to be killed, at least so long as his genuine loyalty toward them remains intact - but he knows accidents have happened before, and are likely to happen again.

BEAU
Why does he do it then?

EDYTHE
He's hoping they'll decide to let him join them.

BEAU
He...wants to become one of them? One of the Volturi?

EDYTHE
Yes. Or at least - a vampire. He lost his entire family to a terrorist attack, his wife and two young children. When he discovered that such a power existed...he dreams now of having the power to someday tracking the ones responsible down and making them pay.

BEAU (V.O.)
Revenge - I wondered if that was a legitimate reason to want to become a monster. Maybe it was. Maybe every time Sulpicia brought in a group of humans to eat, Ali imagined them to have the faces of the people who had murdered his family, and that was why he didn't care. I wondered if he had found my horror disgusting.

A/N: Only two more episodes left in this season, then we'll move onto the season that I've altered the most. Well, not counting the fourth one, but I'll talk about that a while later.