Author's Note: Two chapters in one day? Whaaaaat? I was positively inspired. Please note that the changed story / relationship with the Cullens and Edward specifically has made it so that Bella never encountered James. She has never experienced the sting of venom. As always, I do not own the characters, I just play with them... consensually. All mistakes are my own. Now, on with the chapter!

Last Time...

"If I am to be of use, I must be turned. Immediately."

Aro's expression became slightly mournful as his hand raised to trace the outline of her jaw, stopping at her chin. "I will miss this."

Isabella sighed. "I know… But this way I will be stronger. Less breakable. It's time to call the Cullens. Something tells me we'll need Jasper to help my transition."

Chapter 11

Volturi Safe Room— Early Morning

Isabella ended the call and handed the phone back to Aro. Anticipation fluttered like thousands of butterflies in her stomach. The room had been transformed to a more hospitable area with various seating, desks, and bookcases as those present knew full well that they would occupy the room for the next few days. This environment, when combined with the most talented and the esteemed of the Volutri present ensured Isabella's safety and secrecy during her transformation.

The Volturi had deeply ingrained ceremonies when a gifted human was changed. Isabella was able to compromise with Aro on some of the traditions such as the formal chanting and overall ceremony, with the stipulation that there could still be overly gothic candelabras and the elite guard present. A red velvet cloth also adorned the oval table in the center of the room, which contrasted Isabella's fully black ensemble. She wore a floor length black dress, with a delicate lace overlay. She was glad that it was relatively comfy and cool, given that she would feel she was burning alive in just a few moments.

The guard members in the room— Felix, Demitri, Jane, Alec, and Renata wore deep black cloaks with black lining and gold trim. Compared to plain black cloaks as others wore, it displayed their premium status as part of the guard. Athendora, Caius, Marcus, and Aro wore similar cloaks, though with deep crimson lining and intricate trim.

Aro stood at the center of the room with Isabella. Taking her hand gently, he begun: "Isabella has chosen to join us in immortality. Your presence is your solemn vow to protect her until she wakes to this life." The guard bowed their heads, while Athendora and Marcus beamed. Caius looked quite neutral, which with his former expressions was equivalent to a wide smile in Isabella's book.

"Isabella, are you ready to begin?" Isabella nodded, following Aro's lead as he guided her towards the table. She sat on the edge and swung her legs over and settled a bit until she was in a comfortable laying position. She crossed her hands over the other across her abdomen, willing herself to be steely and brave in her resolve with what would come.

Aro stood just behind her head, his eyes never leaving hers as he brushed her hair back, fingers gently grazing his mark as he exposed her neck. Although it was tradition for Aro to change those entering the Volturi, she preferred him knowing how gentle he had been with her in the past. And, even if she didn't admit it to herself, she wanted to bear his mark as she met the end of her fleeting human life, and the beginning of an eternity.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as Aro regarded Isabella one last time, if not apologetically, before he lowered his mouth to her pulse point. She could not help but shiver as his cool breath fanned across her skin.

Placing a kiss to the column of her throat, his teeth pierced her flesh, causing an audible gasp from her and soft growls from the other vampires in the room. Isabella's hands found their way into his raven hair as her back arched— her body felt like it had come alive again, spectators aside.

Aro growled deeply, his eyes rolling back before closing entirely as he drank slowly, relishing again in its addictive quality. After taking a considerable amount of her blood, he paused, allowing the venom to pool in his mouth before biting harder, injecting her blood stream with his venom. Isabella instantaneously gave a pained cry, his lips soon moving to bite both her wrists and ankles before they were pinned automatically to the table by Demitri and Felix.

Her entire body tensed as the feeling of pure fire spread slowly from every bite, agonizing and unforgiving as it progressed through her veins. She was aware the she was unusually still— immobile even— by the concerned questioning around her.

"How is she silent?"

"Is there enough Venom, Master?"

"Is she dying?"

"No." Aro hissed, gesturing for Felix and Demitri to remove their hands, their constraint unnecessary with Isabella's still form. Marcus joined him at Isabella's side.

"Indeed, her transformation progresses. Look, brother. Look at her eyes."

Although they were firmly shut, her pupils seemed to be going back and forth behind the lids rapidly. Truthfully, once the venom had spread and her body was paralyzed, vivid images flashed incessantly— too quickly for comprehension. It overwhelmed her, making her feel nearly mad as the burning continued. Minutes blurred into what seemed like hours. After an undetermined amount of time within her mental prison, cool hands stroked her cheeks. "One day gone, piccola." Came Aro's soft voice. Memories and flashes sparked with renewed fervor surrounding the raven haired vampire, making her internally curse him for contributing to this incoherent hell.

What she could only guess was the second day was worse. The flames that had spanned across her entire body now tormented her across her abdomen, her remaining humanity kindling the white hot embers.

The blurs took familiar shapes now— she realized that what she saw must have been her life flashing before her eyes, at least partially. The young pixie darted around her rattled mind just as she did in reality, reminding her that they would arrive the day before she awoke. She begged unknown entities that it would be soon, as she felt that her initial resolve had broken ten times over.

Her family's voices were like a cool wave of serenity; Isabella figured that Jasper must have been influencing this too, with his gift. She made sure to thank him for that later.

"One more day." Came Esme's motherly voice. Oh thank God.

Hours passed just the same as the burning grew closer to her heart, before encapsulating it completely. No other pain could compare, even within the last days. The strangled beat thundered in her ears painfully. Finally, her first heart wrenching scream became one with the inhuman screams only she could hear. Then as quickly as it began, it stopped.

Everyone remained still as the newborn vampire before them. They waited for a single movement… a twitch… anything from a typically wrathful and emotive newborn vampire. But, nothing, to an observer. Jasper, however, knew the newborn vampiress was likely assessing her surroundings, especially with the gifts she would most likely possess.

Slowly, Isabella's eyes opened, revealing the deep crimson orbs that revealed the last clutchings to her human life. She inhaled, stiffening immediately and moving from her vulnerable position in a flash. What Jasper had not expected, however, was her creative use of her space with her defense tactics. Looking up, the vampires regarded newborn Isabella crouching upon the central beams above the table— a superb vantage point for scoping out the room and its many inhabitants.

"Isabella…". Jasper drawled slowly. He felt no aggression or worrisome emotions— just mild curiosity with a dash of apprehension. "We will not harm you. Do you think you could come down?" He flashed a small smile at her.

Isabella cocked her head, shifting just slightly in her crouched position from above before straightening and dropping with a gentle thud to the ground below. "Jasper." She smiled before hugging the blond vampire. "It's good to see you."

Jasper chuckled, pulling away from her to watch her intently with a mirthful expression. "After all this time, you still manage to surprise me. How are you doing it?"

"Doing what?"

"Not cowering or snarling at me, darlin."

"Why on earth would I do that?"

"Well… for one, you're a newborn. It would be easy to perceive anyone as a threat, especially with my visible scars."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "I wanted you here, remember? You're no threat to me. None of you are."

"Awesome!" Emmett's voice boomed before he scooped her up from behind, hugging her tight. "Immortality looks good on you, Bells."

Isabella giggled, punching his arm playfully once he set her down. "Thanks Emmett." Glancing to his mate, she waved. "It's good to see you Rose."

"Emmett you have to be more careful." Carlisle interjected, moving over to Bella slowly before hugging her as well.

"Why? I felt him coming. If I had an issue he'd be flat on his ass. Oh, uh… sorry." Isabella smiled apologetically at her long-time father figure. Carlisle shook his head, smiling at her. Esme followed suit, hugging her closely in a motherly embrace. "You look beautiful."

"That she does!" Alice couldn't help but squeal, launching herself at her long time best friend. "I missed you! You didn't get into too much mischief while I was gone, did you?" She teased.

"Define mischief." Isabella shot back, glaring with mock sass. She glanced to the looming figure just behind Alice. "Edward." She acknowledged, before moving on to more important, and interesting people.

She received a nod from Alec, Jane, and Demitri, and Renata as she expected. A fist bump from an elated Felix, though he tried to keep a straight face.

Athendora was beaming, quickly hugging her newfound friend. "I must agree, you are absolutely stunning, Isabella!" Caius still looked neutral, which was a great compliment. "Welcome to the Volturi." He said somewhat uncomfortably, seeming to want to look anywhere else soon after.

"Thank you, Caius." There was that uncomfortable expression again. Call her evil, but it made Isabella smile.

"Immortal life suits you well." Marcus complimented, flashing a knowing smile, eyes darting between her and Aro. She had left him for last, almost nervous to face him in her new state. When she finally did turn, she couldn't hold back the radiant smile that reflected his own. He walked to her, capturing both of her hands and bringing them to his lips. "Bellisima." He hummed, stroking the tops of her hands indulgently as they rested between them. "Amazing. Still, I cannot read you, piccola. Your gifts have followed you into immortal life…. Allistar will soon aid us in understanding them further… but let us first sate your thirst, hmm?"

A dull burning flared up at the back of Isabella's throat, causing her to reflexively swallow the venom that began to pull in her mouth. She nodded and began to walk with Aro from the room.

"Carlisle, are you really going to allow her to become a murderer? Like them?" Edward spoke disdainfully, making Isabella turn with a dark glare.

"Edward…" Carlisle warned, though his son did not seem to back down in hostility. "Isabella is capable of making her own choices."

"Or to follow their ungodly path it seems." Edward sneered, earning a growl from the Volturi guard in the room.

Isabella cocked her head, moving from Aro's side to walk over to Edward. She was not visibly tense, but instead smiled sweetly at him as she neared. "Edward." She purred. "I am so happy to know of your concern for me. It really shows how much you care." Her hand found his cheek, something that made Edward's eyes widen before he leaned into it fractionally.

"I've always cared for you, Bella. You must know that." He said earnestly, his attitude having shifted altogether as his unrequited love finally paid attention to him. He hoped, dearly, that her newfound immortality would change things for them.

"I know." She smiled again. "You know what would make me really happy, Edward?" The hundred year old vampire had adopted a puppy dog expression, hanging onto every word she spoke as she hovered closer to him.

A sharp crack sounded. Edward hissed in pain, clutching his cheek where Isabella's hand just was. "Get that stick out of your ass, and don't you dare insult my friends again. Are we clear?"

Edward swallowed, blinking in disbelief. His face contorted to defiance, though it wilted as he glanced at the guard and kings surrounded the room. "Crystal."

"Great." Isabella said apathetically, turning again to Aro who beheld her with smug satisfaction and pride. "Now, how about that drink?"

Throne Room— Afternoon

Isabella withdrew from the man with a soft sigh, letting him drop to the marble floor at her feet. She felt no remorse, seeing the light fade from his eyes— something about him had let her know he was absolutely despicable.

Pivoting, she found Aro watching her as he lounged on the central dais. "Enjoy the show?" She purred, stalking towards him slowly with a tantilizing sway to her hips.

"Immensely… You did very well." He responded, moving to stand and offering his arm. Isabella visibly deflated, a look of frustration clouding her features. "Oh come now, cara. Do not mistake me for not wanting you…. I only desire to respect your wishes."

Seeing her eyebrows furrow further in confusion, he took her arm and guided her to a mirror in an adjacent room. It was the first time she had seen herself in all her immortal glory— and it understandably took her breath away. He stood behind her, watching her as her eyes studied her new form. Isabella was already beautiful in her human life… where immortality had enhanced what was already there. Her skin was now luminescent and pale— free from any flaws and smooth. Her hair had grown a few inches to the middle of her back, still a deep chocolate brown with a few highlights of mahogany. Her heart shaped face now held sharper angles, though none took away from her immaculate beauty. Her lips were fuller, and were now a cross between delectable dark pink and red. Dark lashes framed her startling crimson eyes, adding to her allure.

There they stood, motionless in front of a large looking glass, as they called it in earlier centuries. Isabella's beauty defied description, Aro noted, a satisfied smile gracing his lips as his eyes met her own in the glass.

"Seeing you this way…". His fingertips ghosted up her shoulders. "I desire you more than I can say. My earlier imaginings do not compare to your ethereal grace within this life. Even more radiant… though I doubt it is even possible, cara."

Locking eyes, she lifted her left hand and pressed her palm against his cheek. "What is it, then?" She questioned.

His voice lowered to a whisper, his nose skimming down the column of her throat, placing a single kiss to the mark from his bite. "Feeding can spur lustful frenzies, void of rational thought. I do not wish to take advantage, as tempting as you may be. I still desire to earn your trust and affections, the honorable way."

Isabella sighed, knowing he was right. Slowly, her reason was coming back to her as the high from feeding began to fade. She turned to him with a small smile. "And they say chivalry is dead."

"Never."

Author's Note: Just some fluff at the end. What did you think? :D