(6) "Personal Affection Is A Luxury You Can Have After Your Enemies Are Eliminated"

There was a beat of silence before cheers erupted and deafening howls filled the clearing. Everyone celebrated except for Odessa. She felt a pull in the direction Alec left and a void in her chest. Instead of smiling and cheering, she frowned and remained silent. It felt like a part of her was missing, a part she had no idea was there in the first place. She couldn't fathom why something so trivial would appear in conjunction with the Volturi's presence. She was so lost in thought that she hadn't registered the small body next to her.

"What's wrong, Odessa?" Renesmee asked as she tugged on Odessa's hand. Odessa glanced down and pursed her lips. She sighed and gave Renesmee a shaky smile.

"Nothing is wrong. I am happy everything turned out okay," Odessa said. Carlisle and Esme walked up to her and engulfed her in a hug. She cringed from the contact and pulled away from their arms. Esme continued smiling at her, nonetheless.

"Thank you for all of your help," Esme said gratefully.

"Yes, thank you, Odessa. I assume you will be returning home?" Carlisle asked.

"Yes, although I do have some other business to attend to first," Odessa said as her eyes lingered towards Nahuel.

"Of course," Carlisle said. "It was a pleasure meeting you."

Odessa nodded her head and said, "You, as well."

"If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask," Esme said. Odessa nodded once again before she departed from them and walked over to Nahuel and his aunt, Huilen. They were talking to Edward, Bella, and Renesmee, and when she approached, they turned to face her. Seeing Renesmee with her family caused an ache to build within her chest. She never grew up with the kind of love Renesmee was growing up with. She was happy the child wasn't deprived of it as she had been, but at the same time, she resented the girl. If only she had been lucky enough to be born into such a loving family. She smiled weakly in their direction before she addressed Bella and Edward.

"I have some things to discuss with Nahuel," she informed them.

"We understand," Edward said with a tight-lipped smile. "Thank you for everything."

"I couldn't let my favorite hybrid die, now, could I?" Odessa asked amusedly. She pulled Renesmee into her side, giving her a hug and rustling her hair.

"Are you leaving?" Renesmee asked.

"This will be the last time you see me in a while," Odessa confirmed.

"You'll visit, right?"

"I do not know when I will be able to see you next," she confessed, "but I will visit as soon as possible."

Renesmee motioned for her to kneel and hugged Odessa, who wrapped her arms around the small hybrid. They stayed connected for some time before Odessa pulled back and rubbed the girl's arms in a comforting motion. Bella placed a hand on Renesmee's shoulders and pulled her back.

"Take care," Bella said.

"You, too. Try not to place the child in any more danger," Odessa said snarkily. Once Edward and Bella left, she addressed Nahuel.

"It seems we are siblings," she said nervously. Standing in front of him, she realized she was about the same height as him. His eyes were warm, and he didn't hold any hostility towards her at all. She wondered if being apart from Joham had allowed Nahuel to grow up without a skewed view on the world. He didn't seem as bitter or as duped as Odessa was.

"Yes. You must be the daughter that had run away," he said. "How did you get away from him?"

"I used my gift. I can control people, make them move -or not - however I please. I stayed with him for some time before I left. The things he did were horrible," she confessed. She shuddered at the memories and rubbed her arms with her hands to comfort herself.

"Your mother, is she alive?" Huilen asked.

"No. She died during my birth like your sister did," Odessa answered. "I would like to catch up with you, Nahuel. I know our relation is not through the best person, but it is still there. I must confess I am not used to the idea of family, but I want to get to know you as my brother. There is one thing that I must do first, though. Do you know where Joham is? You mentioned you see him from time to time."

"I am not sure where he is now, but he usually stays within the region. We can take you to our home if you want. We can talk on the way," Nahuel suggested. Odessa smiled and nodded her head. She was interested to find out more things about him. She could spare a few days of traveling and hanging out with him before tracking down Joham and going home. Her thoughts veered to a certain brunette and a shy smile graced her face. She hummed and followed Nahuel and Huilen into the forest. Perhaps she could visit Italy, too.

"I am curious about something," Nahuel said as they raced across the land. They were in Chile and were almost at their destination. Nahuel and Huilen stayed near the Mapuche people of Chile.

"What is it?" Odessa asked. She ducked her head under a tree branch and looked to her right at him.

"Have you ever seen yourself as a monster, an evil creation?" he asked with his eyebrows scrunched together. "I have always thought that about myself, but after seeing the hybrid's mother alive, I realize I cannot be inherently evil if she survived."

"Truthfully, I have never viewed myself as a monster. My mother's mother - my grandmother - lived with me while she was alive and human. Every day, she reminded me that I was special and created for a reason," Odessa said.

"What happened to her?" Huilen asked.

"She died. I was never told what happened to her, but I suspect Joham killed her or had someone kill her. She was perfectly healthy. Well, as healthy as she could be at the time. She should have lived for another ten years or so," Odessa said with an edge to her voice. Thinking about her grandmother upset her and caused her happiness, as well. All the memories she made with her grandmother were filled with nothing but happiness; however, her grandmother's death still caused her immense sadness. She had been the only person in Odessa's life to love her. They'd only spent a year together, but that year was the best one in her entire life.

"Joham was never my favorite," Huilen commented. "I am wary of him and wish Nahuel stayed away from him, but Nahuel wants to stay connected with him. It confuses me."

"Only for my sisters," Nahuel said. "They do not understand that the way Joham lives is not right."

"They travel with him?" Odessa asked.

"Yes," he confirmed. "Occasionally, they ask me to join them."

"Tell me about them," Odessa insisted.

"Serena is the oldest of them. She is much like Joham. She is sadistic and continues to try to persuade me to join them on their journeys. Maysun is the next oldest. She is not as bad as Serena, but she refuses to leave Joham's side. I am afraid she may turn out like Serena." He frowned. "Jennifer is the youngest. I like visiting her the most and am quite close to her. She is not as influenced by Joham as the others are and still retains some innocence."

Odessa mulled over the information he gave her. She'd never have a good relationship with Serena if what Nahuel said was true. Joham was the worst scum to ever live on the planet. Anyone who followed him and his teachings was just as screwed in the head as he was. Jennifer sounded innocent, which wasn't a dreadful thing. But Odessa was far from innocent and saw the world for how it was. While she wouldn't necessarily hate the hybrid, she wouldn't be able to fully connect to her. She was like Renesmee; Odessa would be able to build a protective bond at best. Maysun was her best bet, but even still, she followed Joham around like a puppy. Maybe after Joham was offed, Serena's, Maysun's, and Jennifer's sight would be clear. Then she could try to build a family, something she's always wanted after tasting the feeling of love and comfort from her grandmother.

The scent of allspice entered her nose and she slowed to a stop. Nahuel and Huilen gave her questioning looks, to which she explained her actions. The only explanation for the scent was Alec. When he left the field, the scent followed him. Not to mention the weird sensation she felt when she stared at him.

"The Volturi are close. They must have already caught up to Joham," Odessa commented. Nahuel and Huilen shifted uncomfortably next to her and tensed. It seemed they didn't like the vampire government. Odessa turned to them and smiled in thanks. "Thank you for showing me the way. If you are uncomfortable, I will continue the journey by myself."

"Please watch over our sisters," Nahuel said. "I wish for them not to be hurt."

"Of course, Nahuel. I want to get to know them as much as you have," she replied.

"We live just over that mountain," Huilen told her while pointing to a mountain situated slightly to the right.

"Visit soon," Nahuel said simply before he left with Huilen. Odessa took a deep breath and hunted down the cause of the smell invading her senses. She wasn't running for long before she came across them. The group of Volturi members had shrunk since the last time she saw them and only consisted of the three leaders and the four main guards. Aro, Caius, and Marcus were standing in front of four kneeling figures. Three were females she had never seen before, but judging by their racing hearts, they had to be her half-sisters. They were surrounded by black mist sprouting from Alec's hands.

Alec was standing to the side of Aro and next to his sister, Jane, who had a smirk upon her angelic features. Demetri was standing behind the four females with a neutral expression. Beside her sister was a familiar man who made ire rise in her figure. Joham was kneeling on the ground, put in place by Felix's towering form. Odessa sneered at his appearance and calmly walked forward, announcing her presence. All eyes, save for her sisters' eyes, turned to her and she couldn't hide the sickening gleam in her eyes at the hopeful look that graced Joham's eyes. If he thought she was there to rescue him, he had another thing coming. She grinned widely, displaying her pearly teeth. She couldn't wait until he finally realized he was doomed.

"What a lovely surprise," Aro said as he brought his hands together. "I was so hoping you would arrive in time, my dear."

"You knew I would search for him," she said in an accusing tone.

"I suspected at the very least," he responded off-handedly. "Now, please do proceed with manners. We are in the middle of a trial."

"Are you considering letting him live?" she asked incredulously.

"Perhaps," Aro drawled out. "His research is quite fascinating." He paused. "However, this world would benefit from his death more than his life, wouldn't you agree?"

"Whether you decide to kill him or let him live is moot. He will die today," she warned dangerously. Caius stepped towards her and grabbed her by the throat, lifting her slightly off the ground. Odessa clawed at his hands and struggled in his grasp. He watched her struggle for some time before he threw her to the ground. She coughed and desperately caught her breath. A rumbling grew in Alec's throat, but one look from Caius was enough to shut him up. Odessa stared at Caius defiantly as he looked down upon her. She clutched her throat with one hand and clenched the other tightly against her side.

"It seems you were not taught manners during your upbringing. I will remind you to hold your tongue and your insolence before we decide we no longer have any interest in you," Caius said calmly. "Do you understand?"

Odessa glared heatedly at him but nodded her head. It wasn't her plan to die today and defying the Volturi leaders, especially after the stunt she pulled to save Renesmee, would surely produce unfavorable results. She ignored the potent stare she received from Alec and set her sights on her creator, who was struggling in Felix's grasp.

"Help me, Odessa," Joham pleaded, a slight accent slipping through his voice. Felix pushed him and his hands hit the ground, his head bowed and his long dark hair shielding his face. He sat up and pleaded with his eyes. He gestured to the girls beside him and said, "These three are your sisters. I can introduce you and let you get to know them. Isn't that always what you wanted, Odessa? A family, people to rely on? I can give it to you now. You finally deserve it."

Her eyes steeled and she spit out, "You took that away from me when you killed my grandmother. Whatever punishment you get today, you deserve."

"And a punishment you will receive," Aro cut in. "We discussed it and we feel your efforts are unnecessary."

"I can do so much more!" Joham shouted. "Allow me to show you-"

"You have shown Aro enough," Marcus said raspily. "Let us end this quickly."

"Anxious to get home, brother?" Aro asked. Marcus's lips twitched and he gestured for Felix to finish off the job. Odessa had other plans, though. She shouted for Felix to halt his next actions and addressed the leaders, respectively.

"Please allow me to kill him," she requested politely as she bowed her head slightly and submitted to them. She had to be the one to kill him. While his death would bring her some semblance of satisfaction, nothing would fulfill her more than ripping him apart herself. It had to be her to do it. He had caused her too much pain, too much sorrow. She would never find closure if she didn't do it. She closed her eyes tightly, awaiting their decision to her request. She sensed someone stand in front of her. She opened her eyes and met Aro's curious eyes.

"May I?" he asked. He held a hand out and she hesitated before she placed her hand in his. She closed her eyes again and stilled as he watched her memories. After a moment, he let her hand go and stepped back with a realization. Odessa opened her eyes and met his eyes once more.

"You have been through much because of his actions. It would be a disservice to allow someone other than yourself to bring him to justice," Aro said. She untensed as Aro gestured for her to start. The leaders stepped back and gave her room. Felix waited until she was directly in front of Joham to release him and step away. Joham watched her walk up to him, and as soon as he was free, he tried to use his gift on her. Unfortunately for him, Odessa was quicker and took ahold of him. Panic showed through his eyes as she forced him to remain in his place.

"I want to play a little game. Do you want to play with me?" she asked him deviously. His head nodded on her accord, and she smiled cynically. "Great! We are going to play pretend. You know how to do that, do you not?"

She made his head shake in a disagreeing manner, and she feigned a pout childishly. She brightened and reassured him.

"That is okay! It is really simple. Promise! I am going to pretend to be a one-year-old Odessa, and you are going to pretend to be Cecile." At his confused look, she elaborated. "About this high." She raised her hand until its height reached her hips. "Beautiful dark skin a few shades darker than mine." She tapped her cheek. "Coily hair braided against her scalp." She twirled a finger in her hair. "You probably remember her as the third experiment."

His eyes widened but he could do nothing but stand there. Odessa thought for a second before she pretended to realize they were one person short. She looked around the small group of people and landed on Alec. She pursed her lips. She wanted to pick him; she wanted to have him join in so she could show off, but he was already occupied with something. She smirked and made eye contact with Jane. The blonde met her gaze unwaveringly and waited for Odessa to say something.

"Jane, would you like to play the part of Joham? His part is easy enough. All you have to do is tell me to use my very fragile and unstable gift on Cecile. When I refuse to do it, use your gift of persuasion by looking into my eyes and order me to use my gift," Odessa explained light-heartedly. A deadly leer graced Jane's face and Odessa took the expression as an agreement.

"You're allowing her to play games, Aro?" Caius questioned harshly.

"Patience, brother. Enjoy the show," Aro said with a devious smile. Odessa motioned Jane to step forward and join her in front of Joham.

"Okay, everyone has their part down, right? Let us begin," she said. "'Joham', you start first."

Jane faced Odessa, lifted her chin, and narrowed her eyes. 'Joham' gestured between Odessa and 'Cecile', and said, "Take control of the girl."

Odessa glanced at 'Cecile' and shook her head frantically. She took a step back and dramatically said, "I cannot, father! I do not want to!"

"Do as you are told or there will be consequences," 'Joham' said.

"No!" Odessa shouted. 'Joham' smirked and stared directly in her eyes.

"Use your gift on the girl," 'Joham' ordered. Odessa couldn't hide the amusement and sick pleasure she felt as she steadily raised her hand in the direction of 'Cecile'. She took control of 'Cecile' and her smirk maneuvered into a grin due to the amount of struggle Joham was putting up. He knew she was going to kill him, and it thrilled her to know that in his last moments he would feel pain.

"I am supposed to apologize now," Odessa said, "but my grandmother always told me lying was bad."

She focused on Joham's body and began pulling his body in different directions. She allowed him control over his mouth, letting him scream in agony at the torture he succumbed to. After slowly pulling him apart for a minute, she grew tired of his noises and stopped. He breathed hard and fell to the ground in a heap. Joham realized he was still in one piece and looked up at her gratefully. Odessa smiled gently before she hit him with her gift and made him explode into pieces.