Ever since talking to Carlisle, Saphira did not feel any better than she had before talking to him. He meant well and she knew it, but she could not let go of the pain she still carried. Her nightmares still raged every night and they seemed to get worse. Unfortunately, caffeine is not something that affected her the same as humans as it gets burned up in her blood before it can help her. Saphira's solution is simply to meditate deeply and it gives her body the energy that it needed to get through the day, even if she wished for a good night's sleep. She did not even know if she would get a good sleep at in the future. But there was always the possibility of her life becoming good again, the past six thousand years barely had good times for her and all she desired was for a peaceful, rewarding life. Five days after talking to Carlisle, Saphira was in the cave behind her house. It was here her most treasured possessions were kept. A bow that Aro crafted for her when she was eight as they both lived in a small, Greek village that was poor and she wanted to help by hunting. And Saphira had learned to create traps and crab traps the year before, and Aro had decided to made her a bow to catch more food. And Saphira thrived on helping her father, the stress she remembered that he was under to keep food on the table went away when Saphira brought home a hare, crab or, occasionally, an entire deer almost everyday along with the wild fruit, mushrooms and grains they used to make into flour. It brought her joy. There was also a necklace that Aro had given her on her tenth birthday, he had made it himself from silver and a ruby that did not make the cut for royalty, but it was precious to her. It was a locket with the ruby in the middle and on the inside was Greek words of how much Aro loved her. It was precious to her, and the last gift Aro had ever given to her. Her baby blanket that Aro wove himself before she was born was still here, along with some dresses, wooden swords and a crown wreath that she had kept preserved. There were other items she treasured, but none of them were as treasured at the ones her father had made. He was a blacksmith at the time, so he had handy, crafty hands at the time. Those simple times were the best years of her life, and it was something that she was grateful for. She was sitting on the floor of the cave, staring at the locket as she considered wearing it. She stopped wearing it a long time ago to keep it from being destroyed or lost, and she still did not want to wear it even if battles were not a concern to her. The other item she did have of Aro was a very old Volturi cloak. She had found it two thousand years ago, it was her second attempt to reach out to Aro and he had dropped it. He never came back for it, so she kept it. She wore it several times as his scent brought her comfort, and she pretended he was there with his arms around her, protecting her from all the enemies around her. It was not as treasured as the personal gifts she had, but she did treasure it too. Staring at the locket made her feel sad and angry, but for the first time in a long time, there was the feeling of hope. It was a small feeling, but it was there. She could not help but feel upset about it, but she knew there was no going back after Carlisle's visit. Sighing deeply, Saphira decided she would pay the Cullens a visit.

She left the cave and changed into a robe that you do not see in this day and age. It was an ancient Roman robe, but it was black with a purple sleeve over her left shoulder. She put a silver belt around her waist to keep the robe close to her body. She slipped on the black cloak she has been wearing as well and stepped into some boots. She did not need directions to the Cullen house as she knew where to go. She did not want to use a car, although she had one, a Mercedes SUV that often sat in the carport, so she made her way through the forest. There was no snow on the ground today as it was pleasantly warm, but there was still a slight chill in the air and the smell of dew was pleasant to her nostrils. She did not know if they were still going to be training or not, but she would arrive at the house anyway. And when she did, she walked up the stairs slowly to knock on the door when a human girl stepped out. The brown-haired teenager jumped back in fright when she saw her, but she breathed out a sigh of relief rather quickly.

"I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else," She said as she gathered herself. Saphira's eyes scrutinized the girl as they narrowed slightly at her. "You must be Saphira, Carlisle mentioned you to us sometime ago. I'm Bella Swan, girlfriend to Edward Cullen."

Bella extended her hand to Saphira to shake her hand, but Saphira simply smirked at her. "I apologise for scaring you, but I can definitely confirm that I can be just as bad, if not worse than Aro if you disrespect me. There is no need for formalities Bella Swan, I do not shake hands with anyone."

The girl curled her fingers with a confused expression. "I am sorry, I did not mean to disrespect you. I am not really sure how to behave around a wise creature such as yourself."

"Oh, Carlisle told everyone about my scales and wings huh? I suppose he had to." Saphira chuckled softly. "Are they home by any chance? I came by to meet the rest of the family."

Bella opened her mouth to speak when the front door opened behind her and Carlisle stepped out with a smile. "It is nice to see you again Saphira, I had worried that our interaction was the last time."

"It seems my heart might be a little foolish Carlisle, but I am willing to hear what you might have planned to help me," Saphira said gently. "But I also would like to meet the rest of your family. If my father chooses to not be in my life this time, I would like to know the family who would take me in."

The vampire nods and stepped aside, gesturing for her to enter the house. "They are excited to meet you. We have about thirty minutes to meet up with some acquaintances for training against the newborns and preparing to have Bella out of the way of the fight, but that is enough time."

Bella seemed concerned by this distraction, but she said nothing. Saphira calmly stepped into the house and removed her cloak, looking around curiously. Her own house was not modern like this house, hers was two stories sure but it was more medieval in appearance with the stonework and the roofing, you would mistake her house as something you'd see in Europe. But Saphira did like the style, and she kept with it.

"This is really nice, it isn't my style, but I guess you like keeping up with the modern styles." Saphira put her cloak on the coat hangar on the first floor. "I suppose when you first arrived your house looked rather different than this?"

"It did yes, we actually had it knocked down to build this house," Carlisle smiled as he walked to the staircase. "And I see you like Roman attire. I am curious, were you living in Rome at one time?"

"I did, and that was during a very dark time. They needed a dragon at the time, and I lived in one of the many castles for at least eight hundred years before I was no longer needed. It was a time I sort of regret, I made way too many enemies in that time that has followed me for a long time." Saphira made her way up the stairs, curious about the Cullen family.

"Do you still have those enemies now?" Bella asked curiously. "A lot of people today don't believe dragons exist, but I am curious."

"You would be surprised there are still humans that are looking for me, but their leader was killed a hundred years ago so they only know about me through his texts. But they cannot find proof of my existence so while they want to find me, they can't. I blend in way too well now, and it would draw too much attention to themselves. Honestly, this is the most peaceful time of my life at the moment, but I just hope it is not coming to an end."

Carlisle frowned and placed a hand on her shoulder gently. "It will remain peaceful Saphira, there will be no more wars for you to fight."

"Except one." Saphira breathed deeply as she knew exactly what it was. It was an emotional and mental battle that she had, and it was a pain to deal with every day.

"I might be a surgeon, but I will try my best to be your therapist as will my wife," Carlisle said to reassure her. Saphira rose an eyebrow at him before chuckling. "It is nice to hear that, I am sure laughing is not something you do often. But I will try my best to keep you laughing."

"You are too nice to me. But thank you, I will look forward to our sessions." She indeed has not smiled or laughed very much in a long time. It felt nice, but it also felt confusing as it was something she was not used to. Upon reaching the next floor, she was met with six other vampires and they were smiling when they saw her. A female vampire with brown, caramel hair walked forward with a kind smiling and was stretching her arms to hug her. Saphira quickly raised her hands. "Please, do not, I know you want to welcome me as family. But I am not comfortable with hugs, I have not been in a long time."

The vampire was surprised before relaxing her arms. "I am sorry, I did not mean to offend. I am Esme, Carlisle's mate. I hope maybe one day you will allow me to hug you, I think it is something you might need at some point. And this is the rest of our family."

Bella walked past Saphira to go over to a tall vampire with short, brown hair with the fringe combed up slightly. He hugged Bella before speaking to Saphira. "I am Edward, it is a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to having another sister."

Saphira smiled at him politely. "I appreciate that, thankyou Edward. It is nice to meet you, and I assume you and Bella are a couple, right? Not yet married I presume?"

Bella looked somewhat surprised that Saphira presumed they were married, but Edward just smiled and nodded. "We will be, but we have to deal with the newborn issue first before we can get married."

"Ah yes, the Seattle issue. I wish you good luck on that one." Saphira glanced to the other four curiously. "And I see two other couples before me, it is a pleasure to meet you."

The blonde vampire smiled at her kindly. The vampire next to her was very muscular, it was easy to tell he had a lot of strength, and he resembled a bear in his appearance. "I am Rosalie, and this is my mate, Emmett."

"I hope my appearance is not that intimidating, I am really just a teddy bear underneath all this muscle," Emmett joked sarcastically.

"You are talking to a dragon Emmett, it really is hard to scare me. But I believe you, usually the muscular guys are big softies unless they need to fight." Saphira glanced at the other two, she could sense the short, haired female had seer abilities. It was a very important, rare gift and she knew her father would love to have her in his coven.

"I am Alice and this is Jasper," The vampire said ecstatically. "I love your outfit. I am someone who loves dressing up, and while I love the clothes of today, you are rocking that outfit very nicely." Saphira tilts her head slightly at the comment. "I wish I was born in Rome at that time, the clothing is very nice."

"Outfits do not make the time they were designed good Alice, but I appreciate the compliment." Saphira smiled and turned to face Carlisle. "Now if you don't mind, what did you have in mind on getting my father's attention? I know you have limited time, but could you tell me?"

"I can, the others can leave to start their training, I have not fully finished the plan so I will just give you a rough idea. Follow me to my office." Carlisle gestured with his arm and Saphira followed him up another flight of stairs. Just outside the office was a large painting of the Volturi, Saphira stopped and looked at it, her eyes lingered on Aro who was standing on a castle balcony with pride and intimidation. Carlisle noticed and stood beside her, looking at the picture. "Unfortunately, Aro is not here as Alice has not seen him coming. She has a gift of seeing the future and has been watching his movements since an incident in Italy. If he had come, then I would have a different plan."

"I know, I have seen the four guard that are here watching the Seattle situation unfold." Carlisle was surprised by what she said. "Oh, I guess you did not know. The blonde female, her brother and two other guard are here watching this situation. They have not stepped in yet, but I think they are waiting to see if there will be a battle with your family."

"I am shocked they are here, but thankyou for that information. And you are probably right. Have you met them before?" He was curious about her history as he knew Saphira has seen a lot in her long life.

Saphira nodded. "Several times. They know my scent too, but they have not seen my human or dragon form, they just get confused as my scent has been around for as long as they have lived. I have a plan to let them see one my dragon forms but say nothing to them."

"And you are hoping that they will tell Aro so he might think you are here. That's a good plan, though I suspect you feel it won't do anything. At least it is a start. I have planned on inviting Aro to see our family sometime after Bella and Edward are married, by than she might be transformed into a vampire and he will come here to ensure that has happened. During his visit, I will tell him I have found something he would want to know about and take him to your house. I would tell you to not be there so he finds things that he might have given to you in the past and that may make him realize that you are still alive. And then you would face him at the front door when he comes out to talk to me. Hopefully he will take your hand and see your life to know who you are. I have not worked on the finer details, but what do you think?"

Saphira listened while staring at the picture. It sounded like a good plan, however something in her gut told her that is not exactly how it will go. "It is a good plan. I hope it works. I cannot tell you how scared I am."

Her shaky voice surprised Carlisle, the strong-willed girl was showing her vulnerable side to him. "I know. I wish it was me who was your father, I never would have abandoned you."

Saphira turned her face slowly to him with tears in her eyes. "I know, I did not choose my father. But I will always love him, even if it hurts." She sniffled softly, bringing her hand up to bite her finger slightly.

The vampire watched her silently before turning his body to face her. "I know you said you did not like hugs, but can I give you one? I think you could use it, and a shoulder to cry on."

His gesture did not surprise her, but she hesitated. Hugs were from people who you count on, and Saphira was scared she would lose the Cullens the same as she did her father. Carlisle extended his arms slowly to her and she felt her wall fall away as she fell into his arms. She let out soft sobs as she cried into his shoulder. She felt his arms wrap around her tightly, he placed a hand on her head to rub gently to comfort her. For the first time in a long time, she felt safe. She felt she could be protected, and she also wanted to run away from it.

"Let it all out Saphira, you have bottled it up for too long," Carlisle cooed gently, swaying gently as he held her tightly. "I will not let you go until you are ready." Saphira began sobbing harder, his gentle words filled her soul with a warmth she almost failed to recognize. She has never allowed herself to be vulnerable in front of anyone, so this really was the first time she has ever allowed anyone else into her life. "My family have left to go train with the Quiluetes now. But I will stay here for as long as you need."

Saphira remained in his arms for at least thirty minutes, crying all the tears she had bottled up inside. She felt a lot better, a weight on her shoulders was gone. It felt good to cry, her eyes were puffy and red from crying when she finally stepped back, sniffling as she calmed down. "Thank you."

"Anytime, and you can use a bathroom to wash your face," Carlisle said with a smile. Saphira nods as she appreciated his comfort. "And can I ask you one thing? I know you said you won't get involved, but if the fight with the newborns goes really bad, could you influence the weather in our favour?" She blinked in surprise. "The fight is tomorrow, and we are getting things sorted for it along with final training. I don't want you to actually get involved, but just a slight weather event is all we would need."

Saphira pondered for a moment. She was surprised he asked her help even though the fight was not hers. She breathed deeply and let out a sigh. "No, I am sorry, I am done fighting even using the weather Carlisle. I do not believe you will lose tomorrow, but I cannot get involved. I am sorry. I have been in wars for too long."

"I understand, I will not ask again," Carlisle said with an understanding smile. "I hope another war does not come to you."

"Me too," She said, glancing back at the painting of the Volturi. "At least, not another physical war. I still battle with myself everyday Carlisle. It will not go away easily, even if my father decides to extend his hand to me."

"We will help you as much as we can." He placed a hand on her shoulder and gaze it a squeeze. "I promise you that we will."

Saphira believed him. Carlisle has not let her down yet, but that fear of being abandoned was still there. It never left her ever since she was a child. "I better freshen up. You should go and get your training in, I just wanted to come around to meet your family and see what plan you had. I am sure it can be altered if needed."

"Yes it can, and feel free to stop by anytime. This home is your home now." He walked around Saphira. "I will see soon." And he was gone in a blink of an eye.

Saphira's eyes were able to pick up vampire movements easier than a human could. She smiled when he left, her eyes fell upon Aro again. She wished she could just stare into his soul right now, to let him know how much he has hurt her. She could not help by reach her hand out to place her fingers on his cheek, imagining that she was touching him right now. She almost crumbled into tears again, but she did not let them out at this time. She kissed her fingers and placed them onto his cheek before walking away to a bathroom to wash her face. She had to plan the right moment to give a little show to the Volturi guard.