Lyrical Melodrama Story Contest

Edward's Punishment

By: MickeyandMinnie

Inspired by the song: Permanent

Artist: David Cook

Category: Newbie

Main Pairing: Edward and Bella

POV: Bella

Chapter 1

It had been a wonderful day. It started with me waking up in the arms of my forever companion. At least he will be someday. I just have to convince him first to make me immortal. He says he can't live without me, yet he refuses to change my human status. He keeps thinking about all of the human experiences I'll miss out on. I tried to convince him that I would actually have more time to experience everything this world has to offer once I am changed, but he just snarled something about them not being human experiences because I wouldn't be a human anymore.

I had hoped that the order from Aro would change his mind. I figured he would rather my soul be dammed than my existence terminated. But, like always, he said he had a plan. If Aro were to ever plan a visit, Alice would surely see it and give us time to hide. He is adamant that I will not be forced into his way of life. None of his family had a choice, and some of them are resentful because of it. He does not want that for me. Forget my opinion on the matter. Becoming like him was, after all, what I wanted. I dreamed about it constantly.

I tried to discuss it with him numerous times, but he would just crinkle his brow and make some comment about me not knowing what I was truly asking. I disagreed with him though. After witnessing the travesty that takes place on a regular basis inside that Italian castle and being hunted by first James and then Victoria and her army of newborns, I think I have a pretty good idea of what changing into a vampire would mean for me.

I'll admit the thought of becoming like one of the evil, red-eyed vampires of the Volturi terrified me. But the thought of being able to exist like the remarkable, golden-eyed members of the Cullen family did not frighten me. In fact, the opportunity to spend forever with my bronze-haired angel was very desirable. How this amazing individual could see himself as a monster was beyond my understanding. He was gentle, kind, loving, attentive…

My thoughts were interrupted by a low growl echoing throughout the car. We had just pulled into the driveway of the Cullen home and apparently something he heard was upsetting him.

"Edward, what's wrong?" I asked.

"We have guests at the house."

Immediately, flashes of my best friend Jacob and his wolf brothers filled my mind. I was worried that a confrontation between the two groups would leave me either lacking a best friend or a boyfriend. I forced myself to ask the inevitable question, my voice shaky at best.

"Who is it?"

He turned the engine off in the car and placed his long fingers against his face, pinching the bridge of his nose. This wasn't a good sign.

"Bella, I need you to listen to me. No matter what happens, you have to stay in the car."

I couldn't believe what he was asking me to do. No way was I going to stay here when the two most important people in my life could be hurting each other. I may not be as strong as they are, but I am definitely as stubborn. I shook my head as I reached for my seatbelt.

"Please, Bella, do this for me."

His voice had softened and his eyes had that dazzling effect. He leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my forehead. I hated when he did that; he knew I couldn't refuse him. I closed my eyes, released a large sigh from deep inside, and nodded in agreement.

I watched anxiously as he opened his car door and stepped outside. I noticed his trepidation as he slowly approached the front door. Suddenly, two figures as large as Emmett were standing at Edward's sides. Their burly hands were gripping tightly to Edward's arms. I saw him try to pull away, but the strong hands held firm.

"EDWARD!" I shouted.

Quickly, I opened my car door. I didn't step out, however, as a vicious snarl ripped through the night sky. My body was instantly filled with paralyzing fear, as I realized that this was worse than a visit from the local wolf pack.

"Shall we take this inside, gentlemen? We don't want to do this in front of the lady."

Edward's sneering voice was answered by a snort from the large one on his right, but they all began to walk up the steps to the front door. I watched as Edward walked along, offering no resistance along the way. As they entered the doorway, I quickly peered inside. I saw Carlisle conversing with a hooded figure, but I couldn't tell who it was since I was looking at the back of the individual. Emmett was standing off to the side of the front room, his body trembling. I looked quickly at his face and was shocked to see the playfulness that was always there, replaced with deadly anger. Then the front door closed.

I had to know what was going on. I had agreed to Edward's request to remain in the car, but that was when I thought I knew the visitors. Surely that commitment would be void now. I justified my actions the entire time I was sneaking slowly around the corner of the house. I was heading for the back entry door. I would just wait patiently in the kitchen. Edward couldn't be too upset at me for that, if I didn't endanger myself. He would understand that I was just worried about him like he worries for me, right?

I reached out for the door handle and squeezed slowly, trying to open the door silently. I stepped inside without stumbling and made my way to the wall alongside the entry to the front room. I tried to control my breathing, so I could listen to the words being said.

"Ahh…Edward, at last you have returned."

I recognized this voice from somewhere. I didn't dare peek around the corner to get a visual confirmation, so I just closed my eyes and tried to search through all of the voices in my memories to locate who this one belonged to.

While deep in thought, I heard Edward's velvety voice address his father. He was asking Carlisle what was going on. Emmett's deep guttural growls were making it hard for me to hear Carlisle's response, but I had the feeling this wasn't good. I braced myself, my muscles tense and my jaw clenched tight. I couldn't allow myself to react without thinking. I did not want to make this situation any worse for Edward.

"Mmm…I was correctly informed I see. Isabella is still human."

My body shuddered in response to his words. Then it hit me like a rock wall. I knew that voice. I took some deep ragged breaths before stepping around the corner. I lifted my eyes from the floor and looked straight up into the eyes of the leader of the Volturi.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. I saw the grips on Edward's arms tighten as his captors sensed his sudden anxiety. As Aro approached me slowly, my eyes registered Edward's futile attempts at breaking free from the burly arms restraining him. Everything inside yelled at me to turn around and run for it, but I just closed my eyes and forced my feet to stay put.

I could feel his creepy presence in front of me, and I knew I would falter if I looked at him. I squeezed my eyes tight as I heard him inhale deeply. I wasn't sure what he intended, but my instincts were warning me that I was in a bad situation.

"My young Isabella, you and Edward have caused quite a disturbance by failing to obey the order of the Volturi. I wonder, is that your fault or his?"

Edward responded before I could answer.

"What business is it of yours?" he sneered.

Suddenly, Edward's body crashed to the floor. He was writhing in pain; his face grimaced in utter torment. I gasped as I saw a fourth member of the guard that had gone unnoticed earlier. It was Jane. She was smiling as she watched Edward's body curl in on himself in an effort to stop the searing torture.

Before I realized what I was doing, I ran around Aro and threw my body over Edward. I had to try to block Jane's wicked power from him. I could hear Edward panting below me. I hugged him tightly to my body, my tears bathing his back.

"That's enough, Jane."

I was grateful for Aro's interference, but I didn't trust her obedience so I continued to shield him as best I could. Carlisle quickly involved himself in the conversation, no doubt trying to de-escalate the inevitable disagreement that was coming. Emmett tried to step towards us, but was stopped immediately by Jane's warning growl. I was glad he listened and froze in place. I knew this was hard for him, but I didn't think I could protect them both at the same time.

I was startled when Edward began growling. All too soon, however, I understood the reason for his growls. Two strong hands grabbed me by the arms and lifted me up from Edward's body. Before Edward could react, a deep voice warned him of the consequences.

"Hold still, unless you want the human to get hurt."

I watched in defeat as the other guard grabbed Edward's arms and pulled them behind his back. Tears threatened to blur my vision as I watched the guard place silver cuffs around my true love's wrists. I didn't know what they were made of, but they obviously were vampire strength proof. Edward's deep growl of frustration vibrated from inside his chest as he realized he wasn't going anywhere for awhile. The burly guard pulled Edward to his feet and held him in place. Edward's eyes met mine and stared deeply as if searching for a hidden passageway into my mind. The gaze was so intense it caused my body to tremble. Finally, he gave up and broke the connection. His soft voice tried to comfort me.

"I love you, Bella. Please, stay with Alice. She will protect you. I promise…I will come back to you."

Aro was watching our exchange silently until now. He cleared his throat to get Edward's attention. I am not sure what Aro's thoughts were, but judging from Edward's reaction it wasn't good news. Edward began struggling again, and the guard that had been holding me changed his position and flanked one of Edward's sides instead. Aro waited until Edward's position was secure and then he walked over.

"I am afraid, Edward, that you are suffering from a grave misunderstanding. You see, we are each under the obligation of our roles. As your leader, I am bound to direct my subjects. It is also my job, unfortunately, to redirect those followers that have lost their way. Don't worry though, our training methods have proven to be very successful in helping those that are lost to find their way back."

Edward pulled against the strong hands that held him captive, twisting back and forth with all of his might. His voice was loud and unrestrained now, as he shouted his opposition.

"I WILL NOT BE FORCED TO JOIN THE VOLTURI!"

Aro's eyes narrowed at Edward's outburst. He reached forward and placed his hand on the top of Edward's quivering shoulder.

"Whether you join us or not is always your choice, Edward. But you will answer for your disobedience! Take him to the car."

I didn't understand at first. I watched in silence as Edward tried to resist their strong holds as the guards were dragging him out the front door. Then I heard Emmett's tormented voice.

"You are taking him to Volterra to be punished?"

Horror filled my eyes as I realized how much danger Edward was in at the moment. I watched his resistance grow stronger as his entire body was fueled with both his anger and his anxiety of what would happen to him if he did not get free. The guards must have sensed his surge of energy. Faster than humanly possible, one of them wrapped their arms around his chest trapping his arms at his sides while the other one grabbed both of his legs lifting him off of the ground. Edward twisted and kicked, but it was no use. He could not escape.

I tried to run after him, but Carlisle's strong arms wrapped around my waist, keeping me in place. I whimpered, wishing with all of my might that I had forced Edward to change me when we first returned from Italy. This was my fault. Carlisle must have sensed my despair, as he lifted me up from the floor and carried me outside to see Edward before they took him away. We were still on the front porch, but I could at least see Edward now.

As they approached the vehicle, I saw what was waiting for him inside. One of the seats was outfitted with strong, dark leather-like restraints. I knew once they got him into the car there would be no hope of him getting away. I looked anxiously back at Carlisle and Emmett, hoping that they had a plan. Instead I saw a pained look of defeat on Carlisle's face and the angry expression from earlier spread across Emmett's face. I knew Jane was still threatening Emmett, preventing him from coming to Edward's aid. She had allowed him to walk forward just a few steps to watch his brother be taken away.

"Carlisle, please, don't let them do this!"

His arm tightened around my waist as he looked down at me with sadness in his eyes.

"Edward will be alright, Bella." He raised his head and looked towards Edward. "Fulfill your punishment, son. Then come home to us. We will all be waiting for you."

The guards opened the car door and shoved Edward inside. One of them quickly removed the silver cuffs while the other waited with the dark restraints in hand. They wasted no time in strapping him in. Sobs racked through my body as I watched them tighten straps across both of his wrists and ankles, and then stretch two straps from under his armpits upward and across the tops of his shoulders forcing his back against the seat. Another strap was pulled across his waist holding his hips against the seat, and a final strap was stretched across his calves forcing his legs to remain in one locked position.

Deep, ragged breaths shook my body as I cried for Edward's torment. They were treating him like a wild animal instead of the truly intelligent and incredible being that he is. I watched as he continued to pull against the restraints even though he knew it was futile. His stubbornness wouldn't let him give up. I realized that was one of the traits I loved the most in him. He was never a quitter.

His glance caught my eyes and for a few seconds time seemed to stand still. We quickly memorized every detail of each other's face. I couldn't hear his thoughts, but I felt in my heart what he was thinking.

"Please, Bella, take care of yourself. Don't let yourself suffer because of me."

His gaze shifted to Emmett and I saw him nod as he responded to something Emmett was thinking. Then the guards pulled something down over his head and shut the door. I felt as if a knife had been stabbed into my chest at that very moment. I knew what I had to do. I couldn't live without him. I turned around and looked directly at Aro.

"Master Aro, may I have a moment of your time?"

Carlisle's body stiffened and he tried to intervene on my behalf, but I stayed strong. Aro raised his hand to hush Carlisle's objections and cocked his head towards me. One of his cold, bony fingers raised and curled back, beckoning me towards him. Slowly I approached, eyes cast down and head bowed. I was hoping that if I took the submissive approach, he would actually consider what I was about to propose.

I stopped just in front of him. A shudder passed through my body as his long cold fingertips curled under my chin and lifted my head up. My eyes met his and it felt like he could see directly into my soul.

At that moment, Alice and Jasper came running into the house. They had entered from the back door and rushed through the kitchen so quickly that it startled everyone in the front room. Aro shook his head at Jane who was about to unleash her evil ability on the two approaching Cullens. Instead, he returned his focus to me.

"What is it you desire so greatly that you would endanger your life in speaking to me?"

My body began to tremble from fear.

"Please…" my voice whispered, "Please let me accompany you."

Alice gasped and started to reach for me but Jasper held her back. Aro's sharp eyes caught every expression and movement of those around us. A sinister grin slowly spread across his face. I realized that I had just begged the master of all vampires to allow me to travel back to Italy with him. I basically had offered myself up and wasn't sure if I would become his next slave or meal.

I tried to calm myself by breathing deeply and closing my eyes. Edward's face immediately flashed in front of my closed eyelids. My deep breath was long and ragged. I could feel waves of calm rushing over me as Jasper tried to assure me that everything would be okay. I opened my eyes and nodded, silently thanking him.

"Isabella, you understand that because you have not followed the directions to be changed, that your precious Edward must be punished."

Tears rolled freely down my face. I was about to beg him to let me take Edward's place, when he continued.

"However, if you commit to obey my orders from now on, I do not see a reason to keep you apart. Maybe seeing his punishment will motivate you to comply with our earlier request."

My breathing rate increased as my mind realized that he was going to grant me this favor. I would be allowed to accompany my true love to Volterra. A small smile began to spread across my face as it became instantly easier to breathe.

Aro quickly ordered me to follow him to his car. My heart sunk when I realized that I wouldn't be riding in the same car as Edward. As we approached the second vehicle, I looked in front of me and could barely see Edward's outline through the back window. I decided to focus on that to keep from becoming engulfed by terror.

I briefly heard Carlisle's voice before my car door was shut. He was asking Aro when he could come to retrieve his son and daughter. A warm sensation flowed through me as I realized I truly was considered a member of this wonderful family.

Aro grunted, "His punishment will last for five days. Do not arrive before then."

I closed my eyes and said a silent prayer that Edward would be able to endure the five days of suffering. I was anxious that he might decide that I wasn't worth all of this. I wouldn't blame him if he did. I just wasn't sure how I would survive without him.

On the way to the airport, Aro began to define my role and instruct me as to my duties. I listened carefully as I knew that any errors on my part would mean more punishment for Edward. Aro was very clear on that point.

My duties were basically to serve Edward and treat his needs after each session. The difficult part would be that I was not allowed to speak with him and let him know I was there. I nodded quietly, letting him know I understood the rules.