Damien and Donovan searched the garden following the footsteps. The grass and plants seemed to have grown unnaturally fast since Damien had first done the spell to make the grass grow. Vines caught their ankles and thorns clawed at their faces. It seemed to have become a living being, earth personified. The entire courtyard was saturated in life and energy. The footprints were slightly smaller than even Damien's. They ended in a bush near an open window. Running inside, the muddy prints led them through the hallways, a stark contrast to the sparkling clean tiles. Damien's heart was pounding, this was impossible. Jonathan was dead.

"What are you two doing out of bed?" they heard a voice growl. Demetri walked up behind them, hands folded behind him. He had been patrolling the hallways, still on alert for The Messenger. "Have you seen anyone come down these hallways?" Damien asked, breathing hard. Demetri looked at the boy. He seemed to have seen a ghost, which was actually not out of the ordinary for him. "No, I really should not even be seeing the likes of you. You two are violating curfew. You are to be reprimanded for that," Demetri scolded coldly. "Fine, I honestly don't care. But you are sure no one was here?" Damien pointed to the hallway window. Quickly noticing Demetri was distracted, Donovan smudged the footprints with his feet. Damien winked at Donovan. Demetri was sick of people questioning him, "Young man, I think you fail to see the graveness of the situation. There was a murder a couple months ago. Now there has been a second. Do you wish to be the next victim?" Damien didn't think Demetri would like his honest answer on whether Damien was partial to dying, so he blankly shook his head. Besides, he knew he wasn't one of the potential targets. The killer was standing right next to them. He had to fight not rolling his eyes.

Demetri sighed and let him go. Damien promised to go straight to bed. Donovan did too, but both exchanged looks. He would continue to follow the prints since he could not be tracked. Listening for every which sound, he slowly crept back to bed. The air felt cold and stale, tasting of death. "Hello?" he called, slowly opening his door. His room was the same as he left it, but it felt out of place. Someone had been in here. Damien's first instinct were to check to see if someone had read his journal. But everything was intact. He noticed the dirty clothes hamper had been partially emptied, as if whoever was doing laundry only took two or three articles of clothing. But that couldn't be just it. Checking under his bed, the only monsters he found were dust bunnies. Wincing as his closet door creaked, he felt around. There was no one inside the closet. Only clothes… and paper. On the bottom of his closet lay one of the pictures that he had hung behind the door. Now it lay shredded and ripped. It had been a drawing of Alec and Jane.

Climbing to the back of the closet, he went to retrieve the last of the pieces. He had worked hard on this drawing and it had captured the most important people in his life. He would find tape and put it back together again. The door quickly slammed behind him. Damien turned around and tried to open it. It was locked. Banging on it he screamed, "Jonathan! Let me out or I swear to God." He heard nothing. Not the pitter patter of feet. Not the flutter of a heartbeat. Just nothing. The closet was dark and cramped. The hanging clothes brushed against him like angry spirits. He couldn't move with the four walls incarcerating him. The air felt thinner and thinner as he fought to breathe normally. Stay calm, he pleaded to himself. The darkness and shadows suffocated him, slowly pressing against him. He was buried and couldn't break free. Clawing at the door and walls, he felt his nails break as bloody hands scraped against the wooden walls like a caged animal. He stared at his blood soaked hands rocking back and forth, the same ones that had written on the walls. Shadows seemed to fill his mouth. He couldn't breathe. Fear clutched his chest, forcing any oxygen out. His heart beat echoed off the walls. His mind was pure terror. This closest reminded him of a coffin, a wooden box trapping him forever. Images of being trapped in Alec's room as a baby. Images of being surrounded by dirt, fighting to claw his way out. Dying over and over again. Maybe he and his brother were not so different. "Please just let me out. Make the images stop. Please," Damien sobbed. He felt his knees give out as he slumped to the floor. His head hurt from screaming and lunges from hyperventilating. He couldn't tell if he was still awake or not anymore. "Please just let me out."

Forks, Washington

Today was Renesmee's first day of school. She would be starting seventh grade. "Middle school is the worst experience of many human's lives. Are you sure you want to go to school? We could wait a couple more years," her father frowned. He still thought sending her to school was a bad idea. She could get hurt. Something could happen that he couldn't control. His baby girl was too young. "I'll be fine dad. That's why I want to go. The full human experience. I can't spend my entire life with my hand held. I need to learn how to function and live normally," Renesmee argued for the fifth time during the short car ride. In the rear view mirror she saw him open his mouth ready to argue. But her mom stopped her, "Edward, remember what I told you about being a controlling prick?"

"Mom!" Renesmee gasped. Her mom never swore in front of her. "Well look at that. We are already here. Have a good day at school," Bella rushed her out of the car before Edward could protest, handing her a new backpack with school supplies and a lunch bag. In it was just a simple sandwich that she could easily rip up to fake eating. But her mom also packed her a thermos of blood. Taking a sniff, her mouth watered smelling fresh grizzly bear.

A pack of skinny blonde girls strutted past her, looking her up and down. "So you're the new girl," one tutted. Renesmee had seen countless movies with this cliché. Popular blonde girls swarm the new kid. "Yes, my name is Ness Cullen," she held out her hand for them to shake. She only received eye rolls. "A Cullen? I didn't know there were more broken freaks to adopt?" a girl with an ugly nose snorted. Renesmee let the insult slide. She didn't want to create a scene and draw more attention to herself. "I really like that bracelet," the one who seemed like the leader stated, "Give it to me."

Renesmee was in awe. It was the bracelet Jacob had made her for her first Christmas. It was a symbol of the friendship. He would always be there for her when she needed him most, but he also helped to give her strength. Protection did not only mean locking her in a glass tower, as it did with her father. Protection was also him being someone she could rant to. Someone to explore the endless trees and forest with. Someone to believe in her and help her be a better person. Even when Jacob wasn't there to give her one of his signature warm hugs, this bracelet was. This thing meant more to her than anything in the world. She wasn't going to just handed it over to a mean girl she barely knew.

"I bet you say that every night, Slut!" a dark haired girl laughed while fake moaning, "Oh give it to me. Oh, Oh".

"Go back to hell, freak!" The leader screamed, blushing. "Where do you think I do my homework after school?" the dark haired girl cackled. Ness liked this girl. The girls stormed off with many a hair-flips. Ness couldn't believe how childish this girls were.

"Hey New Girl!" the dark haired girl called, "Welcome to the worst years of your life with the worst people on planet earth."

"My name isn't New Girl, its Ness Cu-."

"Cullen, yeah I heard. My name is Star," the dark haired girl laughed. Looking closer she realized the dark hair was dyed black and her natural hair color was dark blonde, but the red and purple streaks were cool. Her clothes were primarily ripped up black clothing and safety pins. Her black converse had red ribbons as laces. Her hazel eyes had thick black eyeliner and mascara. Her first friend.

"The skanks over there are Marissa, Megan and their supreme overlord Macy. They literally suck," Star demonstrated sticking her tongue in her cheek suggestively. Well, so did Ness but in a different definition. But that was her personal business. "Well thank you for sticking up for me. Do you mind showing me around?" Ness hoped to get to know her new friend more. Star snorted in a rather unlady-like manner, "You probably should not be seen with me."

"Why?"

"You will find out soon enough." And with that Star disappeared into the school leaving Ness alone on the sidewalk in front of the small middle school. Boys watched her with puppy eyes. With her sharp hearing she could make out conversations that tastefully ranged from "check out her boobs" to "I wish that skirt was shorter. They we could tell if her bra matches her panties" to the ever more classic "I'd tap that." Ness really wished Alice had not been given control of what she wore. Her worn out jeans and oil stained flannel that smelled of Jacob would have been her personal choice. She hated the designer pink dress that costed more than her school books and three inch heels. Who the hell wears heels to school? Her styled curls and perfect make up. It made her stand out and seem so perfect everyone was intimidated to go near her. They just stood in awe as the word "Cullen" echoed the middle school gossiping halls. "I heard Edward was her brother. Didn't like their family die in a car crash?" Other stories were even more shocking, "I heard their real family were drug lords and they are in witness protection." Teachers didn't know what to do with her either. On her fake transcripts it said she had been homeschooled. Since they didn't have a definite base for what her level of education had been, they refused to put her in honors classes because other students deserved those spots. Ness quickly learned how much more advanced she was than many of her classmates. In English two kids were holding the book upside down while others drew dicks and boobs in in. In math kids needed a calculator to do simple addition. She could have taught the history class better than the teacher who looked fairly hungover. The science teacher reeked of the sweet herby scent that she later learned was pot. The day went by slow. Luckily she was able to prove that she was at a higher level and was transferred into higher level classes.

When her parents came to pick her up, she was surprised by even more shocking news. "We need to talk when we get home," Bella grimaced as she buckled her seat belt. These were words every person hated hearing from their mom. When they arrived home, Jacob greeted her with one of his classic warm, bear hugs. His hugs always made her feel safe. Looking over his shoulder, she saw Sam and a couple members of the pack. "What's wrong?" she wanted to know what had happened.

Her family was gathered around the house phone. The screen read one voice mail. The caller ID said it was a long distance call from Italy. "Have you guys listened to it?" she asked.

"Aro called. He wants to speak with us. There had been an incident that occurred a couple days ago and they think the culprit was a shield. They think Bella might be the one responsible potentially," Carlisle explained. "That is insane! She has been here in Forks. He has to know that," Renesmee was aghast, "It has to be just another bull shit reason for them to justify killing us. He just wants our gifts. This is complete bull shit!"

"Language," Esme warned. "She's right. It is pretty fucked up," Emmett grinned as Esme lightly wacked his arm. "What do they think you did?" Ness asked confused.

Everyone took a deep breath. Edward hissed through bared teeth, "They think she may be responsible for the deaths of two Guard members, Santiago and Renata. They want some of us to go to Italy. Carlisle, your mother, and I are leaving in a couple hours to go and prove her innocents."

Renesmee could not process what he had said. Her mother murdering two of the Guards? Even the idea of someone being bold enough to kill a member of the Volturi was shocking as it was. "Can you see anything Alice?" Bella asked. Alice shook her head no, "I can't see them at all. Their future is completely blank. I thought at first it was someone interfering with the visions, but now I have to wonder if it is a sign that the Volturi are soon to end their reign."

Throne Room Volterra

Aro had just made the call to Carlisle. They had a shield and the Olympic Coven was now seen as their enemy. Isabella could have killed Renata. He almost wished it were true. Then he could be rid of the Cullens for good. He didn't need them anymore. He had a shield. And now he had someone who could see the future and potentially read minds as well as many other useful things. They were dispensable and no longer served purpose to him.

He looked up as he heard the door open. "Ah, Chelsea my dear," he welcomed her.

"You need to be more careful. This coven is falling apart," she crossed her arms.

"It is not my fault you are not strong enough. You have a very simple task. Keep this coven contained and blindly loyal. Last I checked I have my fighter and tracker at each other's throats. My torturer is turning on me due to teenage girl hissy fits. And don't get me started on her brother's naïve idea that we should 'make friends' with our enemies when we could easily snuff them out. The most powerful weapon I have does the exact opposite of what I order it to do and better yet it wants to be friends with humans. And now you are giving me orders?" Aro ranted, unsatisfied with her.

"Well it doesn't help that you are a dick to everyone. They won't want to serve you if you continue to treat them like shit. People are starting to reevaluate the Volturi's leadership and position. In case you have been asleep the last couple thousand years, you should know that no one likes us. We need to stay united and as a whole family. Not broken up. You need to fix what you have done or Renata and Santiago won't be the only Guards you lose. Even though I hate the twins, we still need their abilities if we want this coven to have any sort of leverage or power. We lose everything. One more incident and Jane might just leave. Along with Alec and Donovan and even Damien. Are you willing to lose the only weapons you now have? Those four could kill us all if they were to turn on us. Please keep that in mind next time you want to pull rank because you don't like that she might have a mate. I bet you are just jealous. I see the way you look at her. You like her still innocent and pure. And the idea of her being defiled by someone other than you disgusts you."

"That is preposterous."

"You need your Guard miserable and dependent on you. If the twins were to find people who made them happy other than you, they would switch loyalties in a heartbeat. They now despise you. I have been keeping secrets for you for years. Sweeping all your shit under the carpets and making every chaos disappear. They already are pissed you cheated on Sulpicia, my best friend I may add. What if I were to tell them more? That you and Caius have had fun 'disciplining' Damien. I bet those two have a very high tolerance for abuse, given their history."

And with that Chelsea strutted away with the click clack of her designer heels.

Aro needed to find Corin. He needed her to calm Chelsea down. To make Chelsea happy with the situation. He found the waifish young lady starring out a window numbly. When he had found her as a human, she had been a drug addict living on the streets. This transferred over to her immortal life in the form of an ability as well as a constant look of being lost in a daze. "I need to you make sure Chelsea stays calm and content to say here." She nodded smiling lazily. It had to work. Corin was his last hope for keeping Chelsea loyal and in doing so, his Guard under his control. If he lost her…he couldn't finish that sentence.

Marina was woken by the tingling feeling that a vampire was entering the city. She needed to warn her father and the others. In her white nightgown, she raced to find him. "Someone is coming. A vampire," was all she needed to say before Demetri bolted up. "Go find the other children and hide in the training room downstairs. I will alert Aro and then try to intercept our new guest," he ordered hurrying.

Aro jumped when Demetri entered his throne room. "I wish to warn you that someone is approaching. I had Marina gather the other children to hide downstairs," Demetri spoke quickly before turning to delay this vampire. Aro assembled Caius and Marcus. Already it was exciting enough that Carlisle and some of his coven would be here in a couple days. But a possible informant and case. This was what he needed. Another opportunity to prove that his Guard was not to be questioned and through any trial will still fight to uphold the law.

Marina violently shook Tiago awake, "Run downstairs to the training room. I will explain there." She did the same for Olivia who at first swatted her away, but eventually realized the direness of the situation and ran downstairs as well. She sensed Damien was in his room. He probably was safe and didn't need to be woken up. As long as the four of them were downstairs, they would be safe.

Demetri ran to the city gate to find a young woman with brown hair and rather plain features. "My name is Ekaterina and I wish to report a crime," she announced. Her tone was non-threatening and body relaxed. Demetri let her through the gate, careful to walk slowly as she followed him. "What crime do you wish to report?" he wanted to make conversation. He also hoped it was a minor offence that would require only one or two of the Guard. It was selfish, but he didn't want to leave his daughter. But it also wasn't fair that the last two missions Damien had been the one left alone without a parent and if anything, Alec should be the one held back if it was minor. "I observed that a friend of mine has created two immortal children. He was misinformed on how to create a half-vampire child and hastily turned two young children," she explained. A simple crime.

Demetri quickly searched and found all the children were safely hidden down stairs. Then their tenors disappeared indicating Donovan was down with them shielding them for added protection, just in case. He would thank him later. Ekaterina blindly followed him to the throne room, unaware of the experiment going on below. Aro welcomed her with open arms as he read her mind learning of the situation. Her friend was currently living in the rural lands of Eastern Europe near the Ukraine and Russian border. "I will have two of my Guards go see to that violation," Aro smiled warmly, "Demetri, can you please tell Jane and Alec to come see me."

Alec wanted to protest. He had been spending day and night researching and searching for clues. It was on the tip of his tongue. He was so close. Things had finally gotten smoother with his son. He was happy as he could be given the situation. He couldn't just leave. Jane was livid once she found out Aro was having Donovan stay behind. Once Ekaterina had left, he explained, "The Cullens are coming in for investigation for Renata's murder and I need him here to shield the children since Edward will becoming. Besides I think you two could use a little distance."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you two have spent too much time alone in your room unsupervised and I want to be a good parent and make sure my daughter-."

"Cut the crap. I understand the whole 'have him stay behind to watch the kids part' but you need to stop it with the 'loving father' act. I will be with him alone in my room if I want."

"But you two could be inappropriately fornicating-."

"Oh my God! I am the last virgin on the Guard. Happy?"

Aro was.

"One more thing. I want you two to bring the immortal children and their creator back alive. We will sort them out here. I think they will be useful 'toys' for the children and increase our training curriculum." Why waste a kill on two people who do not need more training. He could see if Marina was just lucky killing the newborn and use the immortal children as target practice. He needed more subject for Damien to read. Perhaps he could have them fight the older, more skilled vampire.

Alec was disturbed by the idea, but it was what his master wanted, "Fine. Can I say goodbye to Damien before we leave. The last couple times hadn't gone over so well with me leaving without seeing him." Aro rolled his eyes but allowed it, graciously as he reminded Alec. He made his way downstairs while Jane followed him hoping to find Donovan. They let the kids know it was safe to come out now. Jane ran and gave Donovan a quick hug saying she had to leave but would be back soon. "I am coming with you aren't I? We are a team," he asked. She told him Aro wanted him to stay behind. Holding hands, they went upstairs so he could help her pack.

Alec found everyone in the Combat Room but his son. "He's in his room," Marina explained. Alec opened the room to find the bed empty. Confused, he slowly began to leave when he heard a small whimper. "Please let me out."

It came from the closet. Alec froze when he realized he smelled blood. He ran to open the door to find Damien curled up in a ball, finger bleeding, black eyes wide in terror, gasping and struggling to breath with blue tinted lips. Blood and claw marks marred the door as well as broken finger nails. Alec pulled him out as he felt him go limp in his arms. How long had he been in the closet? Alec felt Damien wrap his arms around his neck, burying his face in it. He slowly began breathing normally, calming down from his panic attack. Alec held him close, shushing him lightly. Damien hadn't realized his eyes had been closed until he opened them. He saw something as he looked up from the crook in Alec's neck. A small golden hair boy with silver eyes sitting on his bed. "I have to leave now, but I will be back as soon as I can," Alec spoke. He couldn't leave, not after finding his son locked in a closet. But he had too. It would be selfish to ignore the greater issues at hand and abandon the Law.

His son was frozen, staring at something behind him. Alec turned to look and saw nothing. The boy glared at Damien, jealously tinting his angel smile. "I promise I will come home this time."

Damien couldn't believe that both Jonathan was in his room and Alec was leaving again. The last two times he left, Damien wasn't sure he would ever see him again. "Okay, just stay safe for the both of us."

"Jane and I will," Alec smiled. By 'us' he thought Damien meant himself and Donovan.

Not his two sons.