All characters from The Vampire Diaries belong to L.J. Smith as well as all characters from Twilight belong to Stephanie Meyer. I own nothing except my version of events.

A/N: And the plot thickens!

Chapter 24 The Weight of the World

Paul and Embry had been here for a week already and everyone seemed to be getting along great, especially Damon and Paul. I knew they would, their personalities were pretty similar. They also had one very important thing in common as well, me. Damon realized how important Paul was to me and Paul was realizing how important Damon was becoming. At first he was a little jealous that Damon and I's friendship would be closer than him and I's since we lived near each other but when we all started hanging out together we turned out to be the perfect trio.

Another thing Paul realized was that I didn't trust Damon completely as I did him. Damon didn't know anything about the Cullen's or my past with Jacob. The Jacob thing I'd probably tell him eventually but not the Cullen's. I didn't want to be perceived any differently, I was already different all on my own. I had, however, told Caroline and Jeremy about them. After the whole revelations thing exposing them as supernatural to Angie and I, all three of us had sat down to discuss what happened. Since they knew about Edward already, I had decided to tell them the truth about how I really got injured. They didn't take it well to say the least, they also weren't impressed that I had dated a vampire. It got worse every time I had to admit it out loud but I couldn't change the past.

They then told me how they had become what they are now. I was still amazed by everything but accepted them as they came, just as they accepted me.

I heard a commotion coming from outside and ran downstairs, finding a moving truck in front of my house. Paul and Embry were helping Caroline and Jeremy with their belongings so I decided to help them as well. There appeared to be no regular humans outside so the coast was clear.

"What the fuck Bella?!" Jeremy yelled as he stumbled forward almost falling to the ground when I floated the boxes he was carrying out of his arms and into the living room. I giggled, "Well you guys are taking too long. It also would have been faster if you guys would have let me hire moving guys like I had offered."

"And miss out on the sight of Paul and Embry as they carry my boxes? No way!" Caroline pipped in, sitting on a lounge chair she'd brought from inside next to Angie who had done the same as they ate ice cream together.

I laughed at the sight, it reminded me of when Angie and I did the same when we left Forks. "Thanks for the invite, bitches." I complained feeling left out.

"I tried to wake you," Caroline said, not removing her eyes from the guys "but Paul said not to wake you, said you didn't sleep well?"

I frowned... right. I had forgotten about that.

Since I moved to Mystic Falls I've been having dreams that I don't remember when I wake up but no one had noticed it because I slept alone. Now that Paul's here, he noticed. That first night he got here, he tried to sleep in his own room but couldn't. So he sneaked into my bed that night and hasn't left my bed ever since. That first night we shared my bed he said I'd wake up abruptly, sitting up like a weirdo and then falling back into the bed still asleep. I don't remember any of it the next day. Honestly I was afraid I would become a sleepwalker or something, it was an unsettling feeling. For now, Paul could stop me from hurting myself if it became dangerous but after he left… I don't know what I would do.

"Yeah, weird dream I guess." I said, shrugging my shoulders in dismissal.

Paul made eye contact with me over the three boxes he was carrying, he was the only one that knew the truth. I wasn't ready to tell anyone else yet but I would probably have to after Paul left.

I turned back into the house and floated the boxes in the living room and up to the second floor. Stacking boxes in each of their rooms, at least the ones I could distinguish its owner. I could hear everyone downstairs, they were ordering food since we were all too lazy to cook. I didn't bother putting in my order, Paul would know what to order for me. I went up to my room and sat on the bay window looking out back into the garden, it was beautiful. There was a pond in the middle surrounded by a mini maze. I was thinking about adding a pool someday but it looked beautiful on its own. I didn't want to ruin the quiet of the garden but no one ever went back there except for me.

"What else are you planning on changing?" Caroline asked from my doorway.

I laughed, she wasn't wrong in her assumptions. It seemed like the construction crew was in and out of here all the time since I moved in. "I'm thinking about adding a pool to the back but I don't want to get rid of the maze."

"Hmmm… you did love playing there when we were kids."

I frowned, ""Really? I don't remember that."

Caroline laughed, "I mean it was a long time ago and not everyone remembers their childhood. You and grandma Swan would hang out there all the time gardening. We also played hide and seek back there when she wasn't looking." She said with more laughter.

I laughed with her, "I don't remember playing hide and seek back there, only in the house."

Jeremy appeared behind Caroline scaring her and making her jump. We all laughed. For being a vampire, she wasn't very good at sensing people nearby.

"Jeremy used to do that to me all the time too when he'd catch me." Caroline said, rolling her eyes.

"And you fell for it every time." He continued to laugh as he sat on my bed. "Food will be here in 10 minutes."

"Great, I'm starving." I said, and then I turned away from the window to look at them. "I'm really glad you guys decided to move in."

"And I'm glad you invited us to live here. We're gonna have so much fun!" She exclaimed.

I laughed at her enthusiasm.

"Seriously Bella, we never expected you to want us to live here with you and it means a lot that you did." Jeremy added.

"Pshhh, as if I could move to Mystic Falls and not want to live with my family." I smiled lovingly at them.

We stayed silent for a beat longer just smiling in happiness until Jeremy broke the silence.

"Alright. It's getting too mushy up here so let's go. Food's almost here." Jeremy said as he jumped out of my bed and walked towards Caroline.

I laughed and got up to join them, he was so right. Caroline turned around to head down the stairs but stopped when she saw the door to grams work space.

"Have you remodeled that yet?" She asked and I shook my head. She walked towards the door looking curious. "Can I finally see what's inside?" She asked.

"I'm so curious too." Jer added.

"It's actually locked, I keep forgetting to ask Aunt Liz about it. I've been wondering what's in there myself and why it's locked too." I said.

But as soon as I had finished talking they sharply turned around to stare at me, frowns marring their faces. "What do you mean?" Jer asked. "You don't remember what's in there?"

"No, don't you remember Grandma Swan wouldn't let us go in?"

Caroline and Jer shared quick glances. "Uh Bella, grams never let us go in there…" pointing at himself and Caroline, "but she'd take you in there with her all the time."

I frowned at that. "What are you talking about? I've never been in there."

"Yes you have Belly, she would even interrupt our hide and seek games just for that. Sometimes she'd send us home, saying she needed your help for her crafts."

That's so weird. I don't remember that at all. I tried to remember but as I did I started feeling a strong headache coming on. I felt my body sway as I tried to recall those memories, this always happened when I tried. Jeremy held onto my arms to steady me.

"What was that?" Jeremy asked.

"I don't know." I said, grabbing my head. "Every time I try to remember something, I always fall into a dizzy spell."

"That's really weird Bella… maybe we should talk to Bonnie?" Jeremy suggested.

"For what?" I questioned in confusion.

"She's a witch." Caroline said simply, shrugging her shoulders. "Maybe she can figure out why you can't remember. She could try opening your mind."

"Food's here!" We heard Embry yell from downstairs.

We all jumped, and laughed. "Yeah maybe I should." I said, as we made our way downstairs.

Paul was setting up the table with Embry as we all walked in but his eyes quickly zeroed in on me as he heard us walk in without making a sound. I think we were all still thinking about the conversation we'd just had.

"What happened?" He asked immediately, stopping his movements.

I didn't know what to say really, I wanted to tell him but I didn't want anyone to make a big deal about it. "How about we start eating and we can all talk about it as we do." He narrowed his eyes at me but placed my food in front of me, my favorite turkey avocado sandwich on sourdough bread and a side of onion rings. I smiled at him as he took the seat next to me.

"Start talking." He simply said.

"Well, you know how I've always told you that I can't really remember my time with my grandmother?"

He nodded his head in acknowledgement. "Well I didn't mention that when I do try to remember I get a headache. Like something is blocking me from remembering," Paul gave me a sharp look. "Relax, it's not like I didn't mean to tell you. I just didn't think it was important to mention… Well, that is until now."

"What do you mean?" Paul asked.

"When we were upstairs we were all reminiscing about our childhood and how we used to play here as kids. They mentioned how they've never been in my grandmother's workroom but I used to go in there with her all the time, except I don't remember that. I was trying to remember and then I got dizzy and almost fainted. It was really weird." I confessed.

Paul was frowning now, he knew I wasn't prone to dizzy spells, unless I was actively using my shield excessively which was not the case here. He was looking really thoughtful, as if he were trying to figure out a puzzle. "Do you think it's related to your dreams?" He finally asked.

Everyone frowned at that.

"What dreams?" questioned Caroline.

I sighed, I guess I'll have to tell them sooner rather than later as I had previously planned. "I've been having these dreams, I don't know for how long but Paul's been sharing my bed since he's been here. He says I sit up in bed every night, still sleeping. I stay like that for like 10 minutes and then I fall back onto the bed going back to sleep. The thing is, I don't remember doing it at all."

"That's really weird, Belly, even more of a reason to go see Bonnie." Jeremy concluded.

"The witch?" Embry asked.

We all nodded in response and I looked to Paul to see what he thought. I trusted his judgment and if he said I should or shouldn't do it, I would take his answer into consideration. He nodded, holding my hand. "If you want to do it I'll support you, but I have to be there with you."

He looked slightly concerned but he figured that if it got us some answers, it was well worth it. He was right of course, I couldn't stay this way, especially if he was leaving next week. "Ok, how about we eat and then we call Bonnie over?" I questioned everyone. They all nodded their heads in agreement and we all continued enjoying our food or at least as much as we could.

"Ok, that's a lot of information you guys just threw at me but I think I got it. Good news is, that's one of the spells my grams has taught me how to do." Bonnie said, looking confused but excited as well.

"Is it dangerous for Bella?" Paul asked.

Bonnie smiled at his question, "Not at all, it's a basic spell. We don't need much, only some candles to form a circle around us. Everyone can stay in the room and watch. Though there won't be anything interesting to see." She said, shrugging her shoulders.

"Well it's a good thing I just moved in today cuz I've got a box full of candles." Caroline laughed.

We all looked at her in amusement, why does she need so many candles?

"What? It sets the mood." she explained nonchalantly as she got up. I'm assuming to get the box.

"I don't even want to think about what kind of mood she's trying to set… thank god you decided to soundproof our rooms Belly." Jeremy stage whispered as Caroline yelled from upstairs to shut up. We all laughed but I totally agreed with him. There were just some things I didn't want to know about my cousin.

Caroline handed the box to Bonnie, who then proceeded to place them in a circle big enough to fit the both of us. "Alright." Bonnie said as she clapped her hands together. "I'm gonna need you guys out of the circle and a few steps back. Bella, you're with me."

I entered the circle, copying the sitting position Bonnie was in. I was just about to ask her if she needed a lighter when she whispered some words under her breath and all the candles turned on. Cool.

"Ok Bella, I'm gonna need you to close your eyes and let your mind clear of all thoughts." Bonnie instructed.

I nodded my head and did as I was told, I felt Bonnie's fingertips touch my temples and I heard her whispering words in another language. I felt a warmth flow into my body. At first it wasn't painful, until I felt it concentrate in my mind. I couldn't explain it, it was like a ball of heat putting pressure against my brain until I couldn't take it anymore.

"Bonnie!" I yelled, as I tried to open my eyes but I couldn't… I couldn't even move. "Bonnie stop!" The pain was becoming too intense.

I heard her grunt in response "I… c-cant…" she stuttered out. I could hear the voices of Paul and everyone else yelling my name interspersed with Bonnie's name, but it felt like we were trapped. The pain was so overwhelming I felt like I needed to release it or else I'd explode. I felt my head fall back and my eyes finally opened, but I couldn't see anything. My vision was blinded by a bright white light and I let out a loud scream as I felt something shift within me.

I was suddenly not in my world anymore. The bright light receded but everything was still white, except for the women who were standing around me in a giant circle. I looked straight ahead and saw a woman standing inside the circle with me, she looked vaguely familiar but my mind was too disoriented to completely focus.

"Don't you remember who I am, Sweet Pea?" The woman asked.

I frowned at her, that name sounded so familiar too but I couldn't…

"I'm sorry Sweet Pea, it's my own fault you don't remember me but I'll fix the problem soon."

Then it hit me, "Grandmother?" I asked in disbelief. The woman smiled at me and nodded, I started to smile back until I processed what she said. Wait, did she just say she'd fix the problem? "You took my memory?"

She looked down at me fondly, "Yes, and I'm sorry I did but it was the only way to protect you."

"Protect me? Protect me from what?" I questioned, completely confused.

She sighed. "I should start at the beginning, we don't have much time. You, Bella, are a witch just like me."

My eyes widened in surprise. "A witch? ... Like Bonnie?"

"Oh no Sweet Pea, we're a different kind of witch, much better than Bonnie. We're not limited to spells and books, though those do help. We gather our powers from nature, well not just nature but from every living organism around us. We can use our magic at our own will, we just need intent."

"Ok, so how will I learn to use my powers? Wait, is my shield one of those powers?" That would explain so much if it were.

"Kind of… you're actually more special than any other witches before you Bella, including me. When James bit you some of his venom was released into your system, which activated a part of your powers before time. The venom also altered your powers in a way I cannot begin to explain, it's made them different from past witches, it's made them stronger. However, the venom is also inhibiting the rest of your abilities from coming out. You were supposed to become a full-fledged witch on your 18th birthday and you would have received all of the memories I had erased but that never happened. The dreams you've been having is your subconscious trying to be released. I erased your memories and bound your powers to protect you. I knew I was dying before my time and I wouldn't be there to guide you so I tried to teach you as much as I could. However, no one would be there to protect you had you had your powers since childhood. There are creatures out there who covet the powers of witches, especially one as powerful as you. I wanted to keep you safe, to enjoy your childhood and deal with being a witch until you were old enough to protect yourself which I have seen you do, even without all of your powers. I'm so proud of the young woman you have become Sweet Pea. I know you will use your powers for the greater good and not for your own greed. All witches here trust you with this gift."

Woah, that was a lot to process… I'm a fucking witch and a powerful one at that but how was I supposed to use them if the venom wouldn't let me? "But you said the vampire venom won't let me access my powers. So I'm not as powerful as you seem to think." I said, doubt coloring my voice.

"Oh don't worry about that Sweet Pea. That's why I have brought you here. All the witches present and I will use our remaining powers to begin your transition. I'm sorry to say it's going to be more painful than the process it took for us to get you here." She stayed quiet as she finished speaking, she looked to her left at another witch near her and she nodded at her.

I frowned at the interaction. "What? There's something else you haven't told me." I said with worry.

She looked at me once again and sighed. "Your powers were not the only thing altered by the venom Bella… it has also altered you biologically. You're not a hybrid in the real sense of the word because your body has integrated the venom into your system and has made it a part of you but you are different from humans. I cannot tell you the specifics of the changes your body has taken but you will not grow old Bella, that is one thing about your new anatomy I can tell you with certainty. I'm afraid once we change you into a full-fledged witch you might see other changes as well."

I frowned at her in worry. "What kind of changes? ... What will I turn into?"

She smile fondly at me, "You'll still be you Bella. I don't even know if your body will even change all that much, it might stay the same but I don't want you to leave here without telling you as much as I can. I also want to warn you that something is coming, you have to practice and prepare your powers, but don't worry once you find your mate it'll be much easier for you."

There's more?!

"Danger? What kind of danger?" I asked.

"A war between two species, Bella. You might think their war does not involve you but the repercussions could be cataclysmic. The victor of the war will change the world around you and not everyone will be safe, especially humans. They are the weakest of us all and completely defenseless. You have to protect them Bella, not only them but those you love as well. No one will be safe."

"Why me? That's too much responsibility grandmother, I can't do that alone."

She smiled lovingly at me as she spoke. "Oh you will never be alone Sweet Pea. There are so many who love you and would follow you to the ends of the earth. You are one of a kind Bella. Your kind soul pulls others in like the sun and your love is unconditional, those you meet cannot resist loving you. That is why it us up to you, you are the only one worthy enough to change the outcome. Everyone here believes in you."

I looked around me and everyone gave me smiles of encouragement and love but the idea of the world in my hands was… frightening. I was only 18 years old, how the hell could I hold so much power and responsibility? It was terrifying.

"You worry too much." My grandmother said, breaking the downward spiral of my thoughts. "It will come to you naturally. Do not fear what you are and what you have to do."

"Ok." I finally said, not knowing how else to respond. She couldn't possibly think she could throw all of that at me and I would just be ok with it… it was a lot. I just hoped she was right, it was more terrifying to think I would have to do this alone but she said I wouldn't. My friends, family and mate would be there to support me and I wouldn't be alo-… wait a minute… mate?

"My mate?!" I asked in completely awe and surprise. I knew I felt like I had a mate out there, but one thing was having an inkling about it and a whole other thing to have it confirmed.

She laughed at my late response. "I was wondering when my words would register in that pretty little head of yours. You do have a mate Sweet Pea and let me tell you, he's one handsome man… but you have to be careful. His past is not as clean as you'd want him to be. He's had a rough life and you're going to have to bring him into the good side."

I frowned, my life really would never be easy. "How will I do that?"

At my question she smiled fondly at me. "By being yourself. You are the most selfless, kindest soul the world has ever seen. You'll bring love into his life and that alone will be enough to bring him into the light… but don't worry about your mate just yet, it'll take him a bit longer to find you."

I smiled at that, I was eager to meet him but I guess I'd have to continue to wait for him. Knowing he was out there though filled me with so much joy and excitement for the future.

"I hate to say goodbye but we have run out of time and your friends are very worried about you. Remember that I'll always be with you Sweet Pea. I love you."

"I love you too, grandma." We smiled at each other and then she walked closer to me, caressing my cheek with her knuckles. She lifted her index finger to my forehead and gently pressed it against my skin. Everything turned into a bright white light again and my grandmother and all the other witches were gone. It felt like my whole body was encased in this bright light, I could feel it hitting me on my skin until it suddenly melted into every part of my body. It hurt like hell, my grandmother was right, this was 10 times more painful than before. My whole body was zapped with an intense energy from the light, searing my insides and every single particle of my body.

I let out the loudest scream that had ever left my throat and I heard an intense explosion around me. I fell back onto what felt like the floor and then within seconds I felt strong arms encasing me into their embrace.

"Bella, wake up Bella. Please tell me you're ok." It was Paul's voice he sounded so rattled, I could feel the heat of his arms and the shaking of his hands as he caressed my face, rubbing his thumbs along my cheek. "Please Bella." He said again, almost in a whisper.

I couldn't stand to hear him that way. I fought with myself to open my eyes. Finally I felt my body come to life and I was able to blink my eyes open, looking up into the worried face of Paul.

"Hey," I said quietly, as I cupped his hand on my cheek. "I'm back."

He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead down to mine. "Don't ever do that shit again Bella." He said seriously, we stayed like that for a bit longer until he leaned back, allowing me to sit up. I was still on the floor and I looked around me, everyone was looking at me like they couldn't believe their eyes. Not only that but the whole living room was destroyed.

"That was you… you both went into this trans," Jeremy began to explain. "Then you both opened your eyes and a bright light came out of them. Bonnie looked like she was being pushed out of the circle by some force. Maybe your shield? Anyways, Embry caught her in time before she flew back into the wall and then you suddenly threw your head back and screamed. We all tried to reach you but we couldn't get close. Then all of a sudden your arms lifted up from your side and this energy burst came out of you, throwing us back and destroying everything around us... It was all so crazy."

"What happened Bella?" Caroline asked, she looked so worried. Everyone did, and Angela was shaking in Embry's arms silently crying into him.

"I'm sorry I did that, I have so much to tell you but first…" I paused, waving my arms around the room, rebuilding the windows as if they'd never been broken. I placed everything back in its place mending everything until it looked like nothing ever happened. "That was cool." I said surprised at how automatic it had felt, like I've had my powers all my life. Meanwhile everyone was looking at me in complete shock.

I smiled at everyone, filled with the most excitement I have ever felt in my entire life. "Oh right… I'm a witch!"