Marcus walked back into the main compartment of the jet and fell into silence with his brothers. Caius was the one to break it and not with what they had been expecting. "Someone told her Aro's powers included the physical feelings she had felt."

He looked at Aro, who's confused expression melted away as Caius continued, "She believed she was protecting you from pain by not letting you into her mind."

Marcus and Aro's back straightened as they followed his train of thought. Someone had planted that information with the purpose of Aro not seeing into Blue's mind, the questions were who and why?

Aro shook his head lightly in befuddlement "I did not see anything in her memories, some are still mixed up for me, I will need time to process first.

Marcus nodded but Caius wasn't finished, he had a point to make to their eldest mate. "It appears that both Aro and Blue were attempting to protect each other for themselves, I would hate a similar occurrence to take place simply because we did not communicate, as you so often suggest we should, Marcus."

Marcus' face crumpled at being called out and he couldn't help the pain that shone in them. "It was her first night with us- and she cried… I-"

Aro interrupted him not letting the rest of the sentence fall from his mate's mouth "I assure you, my mate." He flashed to the bond-seers side "I have read her thoughts and feelings of that night, they are very clear in my mind, she did not once think of the horrors she experienced, our newest mate felt safety with us that she has never experienced with any other. You did no wrong and she would be destroyed to think you thought as much of yourself."

Caius sat on Marcus's other side boxing him in and giving the comfort they all needed at that moment. Marcus seemed to accept the information Aro gave at face value, but they all knew it would take some time before he would truly forgive himself.

Caius gave a bitter chuckle at the thought and his mates returned it. What a joyous occasion to meet their last mate, what a saddening thought to find her past full of pain. Better to think of the future they would share.

-IMMORTAL-

I woke up surrounded by familiar back sheets, pushing myself up I just managed to stop from 'awwing' at the sight before me. I kept myself from making any sudden movements or noise that might disturb the tranquil domestic view my mates were providing.

Caius was lounging in front of the door on the floor with his long legs crossed in the air behind his back, he looked to be sketching in some form of journal.

Marcu had fit himself into the stone arch of the window, with his legs outstretched to brace himself he gazed at the city below, I could only faintly hear what sounded like the murmurings of Latin leaving his lips.

Aro was the most curious, unlike the usual fluttering energy I was used to seeing around him, he appeared truly at peace and was lying eyes closed on the armchair in the corner of the room. If I didn't know any better I'd have thought him asleep.

Suddenly his eyes snapped open and he was looking directly at me, the same familiar Cheshire smile upon his face. "You are awake dearest!"

At his call, Caius stopped his drawing and instead turned on his side to allow me the view of his face. Marcus jumped down from the window and approached the bed.

"It would appear so." I quipped back, my eyes lit up, "Hey we're back! That means Olly's here!" I jumped out of the bed only pausing long enough to give the sheer nightgown I was dressed in a strange look before running to the bathroom and into the shower.

I practically heard the eye roll from Caius. I'd spend plenty of time with them later, for now, I had a child to visit.

Once I was dressed in my regular black jeans and turtleneck I darted out of the bathroom and unsuccessfully tried to pass Caius who caught me and pulled me into a filthy kiss.

"Caius!"

He chuckled at my protest and released me with a smirk, "Worry not, we have to return to our duties as well."

Aro gave a nod of agreement "Alas we must. Don't let it deter you from a visit though dearest!"

I gave him a nod and ran out the door with a shout goodbye "I'll be back to you soon!"

Marcus muttered under his breath "Always on the move."

-IMMORTAL-

"Banana!" I found Olly unsurprisingly in the library.

I caught the mop of brown hair that flew at me and used the momentum to swing him around. "Olly!" I shouted back with just as much enthusiasm.

Once I'd placed him back on the ground he seized my hand and dragged me over to one of the tables within the isles, apparently he'd mastered navigating the gigantic library in my time gone.

Olly began telling me his findings by holding up one of the heavy volumes and passed it to me, "Archive of the Kings, it's Vampire history mostly covens fighting to rule the Vampire world, starting from when Marcus, Aro and Caius found each other."

I took it from him with a thanks, it was heavy but not as much as I had expected, "That's interesting, so there were other Vampire covens that ruled before the Volturi?"

He shook his head, "No, it starts then," He reminded me, in a duh voice, "And I only read some of it, it's hard cause it's all in Latin, I asked Heidi to help read some to me and I think she said that there was only one other Vampire family that tried to rule, no others ever before the Volturi."

I raised my eyebrows, that was also surprising, I'd never given it much thought how my mates came into their role as upholders of the law, hopefully, the book would provide some insight.

Olly pulled out a crumpled bit of paper and pointed to a few of the words, 'Romanian', 'Vlad', 'Dacian', 'Transylvania', "I could read those words in this book."

Probably because they were all places or names, it was a little shocking so many of the words I'd asked for were in one single book. I smiled at him "That's amazing kid, thank you so much."

He shoved another book towards me, it was significantly smaller and held no inscription or title but was bound in red leather. "It's another book I found," He answered my unspoken question.

I picked it up and examined the outside, "Which words did you find in it?" Opening the cover showed it was in English, Odd.

"Cut, and Rugged."

I gave him a confused look, "Not mountain?" I'd only put those words in because google had said the Carpathian Mountains were also called the Rugged or Cut mountains. He shook his head negative. Thankful he'd bothered at all, I pocketed the smaller book and pulled him into a hug. Half-jokingly I asked "No Dracula?"

He shoved me away with a laugh, "No I only found Marcus's books that he wrote about Dracula, did you know that Marcus likes to try and make people believe he was real? He tried to tell me that, but I'm not stupid."

I ruffled his hair. "Of course you're not, did you give him a proper telling off?"

He puffed out his chest, before deflating, "No, otherwise I think he won't let me ride on his shoulders anymore."

I scoffed, "That's ridiculous, I promise you kid if Marcus ever threatens to not let you ride on his shoulders, you send him to me and I'll sort him out for you."

He sniggered, obviously picturing my shorter stature trying to scold the Mr unimpressed and unmoved by anything facade he gave off. "Come on Olly, let's get some food."

I picked up the bigger volume and took it with me to read later on, for now, I needed to spend some time with Olly.

-IMMORTAL-

Back in my room alone and ready to follow up some suspicions I found myself procrastinating, the Latin was so tiresome to translate, eventually it occurred to me that I had heard my mates call me various pet names in Latin, and given their age it was likely they spoke the language, not to mention they had offered to tell me of Vampire history previously.

Deciding to go and pester them to read their own history to me seemed like a fantastic way to force my presence upon them, which I fully intended to do, so without any more hesitation, I sprinted down to the throne room.

I nearly ran straight into the doors due to my unfortunate habit of looking down when I moved but was saved at the last second by Demetri. "Going somewhere mi Regina?"

I pointed awkwardly to the door "In?"

Felix stepped up, "The Kings are holding a trial currently."

"Oh," I deflated a little before perking back up "Can I watch?"

He nodded heading over to open the doors "You may do whatever you wish."

"Great!" I followed behind him as he pushed open the doors and watched as all their heads turned to see me, I ignored the four Vampires in front of Aro and instead gave them a wave "Hi!"

I was abruptly moved and found myself sitting on Marcu's lap then he resumed his sombre look, but the hand tracing patterns into my spine let me know he was very much content.

Aro resumed as though nothing had happened and Caius threw me a single cheeky smirk before returning to his resting angry expression.

It was now the new vampires that proved to be interesting, I stayed quiet and watched, but every now and then their eyes would flicker to me with confusion and a touch of… fear.

The trial ended with Vampire pieces on the floor and Aro standing immaculately before the broken shards. I had very nearly prepared to jump up and try to protect him when two of the Vampires had lunged, he seemed to be completely unmoving as though he hadn't even noticed them. Before I could shout out a warning Caius had grabbed the first one and threw her across the room before decapitating the second and then finishing off the first.

It all happened within a few moments and once the other two Vampires had realised their coven mates were destroyed they too attacked, just as effortlessly being pulled apart by my mate.

Once Caius was standing before Aro, lazily tossing an arm aside I untensed. It was alright, they were fine. It had been captivating to watch. The act had far from disturbed me, the culprits had been declared guilty of recklessly feeding on children.

I think, in this case, the children part had been more the cause of their ultimate demise than the recklessness. It was interesting to see my mates take my suggestion, I think there may be a few more 'laws' enforced if I had anything to say about it. Judging from Marcus's adoring expression, I would.

Marcus purred into my back, scolding Aro lightly "I may like to play with people from time to time Amore, but Aro also enjoys his games.

Aro waved off our concerns gesturing to Caius who had a glint in his eye coming from the rush of violence he'd partook in. "I find it is so much more pleasing to witness my mates let loose than simply imparting justice myself."

Caius chuckled appearing behind Aro to playfully nip at his neck. "Aro," His voice was low in warning "Our mate is still new to our world, you frightened her."

Aro looked rightfully abashed and I crossed my arms with a huff, "Maybe I don't like the idea of you getting hurt just as much as you don't like the idea of me getting hurt." I saw his jaw clenched at the thought and pointed at him "See!"

He chuckled, pulling away from Caius and stretching out in front of Marcus's throne, Caius leant against the back of Aros, all of them giving me their full attention. My mates sure did like lounging on everything they found.

Marcus ran a hand through my hair "Come to see us for a reason, my dear?"

I waved the giant book up drawing their attention to it, "You bet. I was wondering if any of you knew Latin?"

Caius had a mischievous look on his face, "Why of course dearest, it is our first language."

I felt a shiver go through me, god damn my weird language kink. Trying to ignore my own reactions I held out the book to him, "Can you please read some of it to me?"

Caius cocked his head as he read the cover, "Our History Amore?"

I nodded, and deciding to be completely open with them, I elaborated, "I've actually been looking into the strange death of Didyme," I felt Marcus's arm clench around me and say my other mates get a bit more serious. "I understand she was an important member of this coven and as such, I would like to put my skills to use to try and figure out what actually happened to her."

Marcus brushed his hand over my own, "That is awfully nice of you my dear, if your skills in your field found the answer to our centuries-long mystery, we would be most appreciative."

Aro gave a sound of agreement, "I do believe I viewed some of your memories as you searched for dear Didyme."

I reached up to play with Marcus's hair, "Yes, I'll be honest it's actually the reason I was in Italy in the first place. Remember those documents I mentioned, that talked about the 'angelic-beings' and the Volturi, who I thought was a cult?"

Caius nodded intrigued.

"Yeah well, they mentioned how the 'beings' appeared in mourning, I found some more connected with Didyme, and actually doing some more recent research on my translations, and google, I found a few keywords I wanted to research but I feel like I needed to know a bit more about the past before I can decipher any of it."

Aro stole the book from Caius, "Well I suppose we'd better read it to you then?"

Caius rolled his eyes allowing the thieving and settled into a seated position while Aro's melodic voice rang out.

Aro read for what must have been an hour at least until we moved into the antechamber sitting in the seats for more comfortable positioning, and this way I could write down notes as I listened.

By the end of the novel, it had been a good portion of the day and I understood a lot more about the world I would enter. I also had interjections from my other mates who would elaborate on a point in time or an action taken. Caius told of the outlawing of immortal children and the destruction they caused, Marcus talked of newborn army wars, and through that, I learned how newborns were very strong and dangerous Vampires due to their own blood remaining in their cells.

It was all incredibly fascinating but I was the most fascinated with the other coven that had attempted to rule, the Dacian coven. During the time of Didyme's disappearance, the Dacian coven had seized control of the Vampire world, with Marcus and Aro tirelessly searching for Didyme, it had been left to Caius to control their world.

The Dacian coven had 'ruled' for around 1500 years, over which time they undid all the hard work at concealing Vampirism from humanity the Volturi had tried to achieve, from the other covens time as rulers they flaunted their status and stories of Vampires spread remaining in tales of mythology to this day.

Caius had trained the guard and strategically battled with the coven during this time until Marcus and Aro had exhausted all possibilities of finding Didyme, announced as dead the other two were able to move on from their mourning and under Caius's guide they took back control and began to enforce the 'death' of vampirism to the humans. The Dacian coven never did attempt another takeover, the hundred or so coven members had overwhelmed the Volturi at the time however with Aro and Marcus no longer distracted they stood no chance.

My mates had destroyed their lands and castle setting fire to it all, a few of the members escaped but they were never hunted down as they never made trouble. It wasn't worth the effort. "What did they look like?" I questioned, "The ones who escaped?" My mind flickered to Agent Dacian, he was just strange, I really shouldn't be so unnerved by him, he had brown eyes obviously he wasn't a Vampire, but he did have the same name.

Aro seemed to ponder for a moment before turning to Caius "I do not recall, do you, brother?"

Caius shook his head "I don't believe we ever meet the two, although Demetri tells me they have spoken to others of their dislike for us." He grinned at that.

"One other question, the Dacian Coven, where did they reside? Where was their castle that you burnt down?"

Marcus piped up "Romania. Although it was called Transylvania at the time, the origins of Dracula, due to the lack of subtlety the Dacian coven ruled with."

Huh, Romanian, Transylvania. I didn't believe for a second that Didyme's disappearance right before the Dacian coven's takeover was a coincidence, but the question remained, how had they taken her? After all, Demetri could track anyone and especially remove her from within the castle, it seemed impossible to even consider. Still, I was living with Vampires so I decided not to draw a line, I'd figure it out, I was sure of it.

For now, I turned to my mates with a curious look, "It's okay if I keep looking into this?" I needed to be sure, not wanting to bring back bad memories or throw my mates into depression.

Aro pulled me into his arms reading my thoughts with a gentle smile, "Of course beloved, as Marcus said, it is sweet you care to solve this mystery."

"Can I also visit Daniella, Misham and the others?"

He sighed nodding again, clearly not pleased with me going back to America but also understanding my perspective. Caus gave a perplexed look, "I am unsure who you speak of."

Lighting up I elaborated, "Daniella is the girl who the nurse Sylvia introduced me to, the one who had been used as a feeding bag for a Vampire, and the reason I found the others, Misham's her brother, I need to check on their healing progress, Misham's in a coma at the moment and Sylvia's still weaning Daniella and the others off the drugs they were on, but they'll heal, I know it."

Caius looked uncomfortable with what he was about to say next, knowing what it was I beat him to the punch, "I'm perfectly happy to take any guard you decided."

Marcus shot me a curious look, I understood it had been a point I was most adamant on last time. "If! They only feed on criminals, regardless of how hard that is to figure out, and no more than two guards."

Caius nodded "That is fair, but we would like if these visits only lasted for a week at a time, at least while we are still beginning to get to know you Carissima."

"A week every month?"

He chuckled, "That is acceptable."

A look at Marcus and a gentle squeeze of my hand showed my other mates agreed with the compromise, "Awesome!"

Aro set me on the table and addressed another issue, "As your safety is our topmost concern, we would feel much better you going to America if at some point in the near future you considered becoming one of us."

I shrugged, not really fazed by what most would probably consider a big decision, it would happen at some point. I failed to see the reason to delay it, although… my birthday was in two months meaning I would be the same age as Caius physically, could be a good way to mark my turning. "What about the 7th of May?"

Caius cocked his head to the side, "Why then?"

"It's my birthday!" I grinned "I'll be as old as you, then we can be twin-oldest!"

My mates chuckled, enjoying my enthusiasm. Marcus flashed to grab a planner and noted down the date. "It's set then, the 7th of May your transformation.

Aro became serious "You are aware dearest that the transformation takes three days to complete and is a painful process?"

"Uh no, I didn't know that, but it's fine, you'll help me through it right?"

They flashed to my side. "Always Darling."

-IMMORTAL-

I'd asked after the Elite guard and found out they were back in Seattle getting rid of the newborn vampire army then they would be back home. I was glad I didn't actually want them away for long. I was starting to miss them and I knew Olly was as well.

I had been concerned about the Vampire that had been draining humans but conceded that if Demetri couldn't track them, there was little we could do for now. My mates had taken the task personally though and were researching their archives to find information on gifted Vampires as well as seeing if any other Vampires knew who hunted in the area.

I was glad more laws were beginning to be enforced, but my mind was mostly stuck on pondering another mystery, with the new information I had gained I decided to start working on my plan.

Ring Ring

"Blue?"

I felt a smile come onto my face at her voice "Hey Bells, it's Sunday so I'm guessing you haven't left Forks yet?"

"No, not yet, tomorrow morning, why?"

"Well you know the Vampires grave you visited while you were here in Italy?"

"Didyme's?"

"Yep, she was the Vampire I was looking into the disappearance of. I found some information that hinted she may have been abducted to Romania when she went missing, are you still able to choose where you're going?"

"Really! You think she was taken to Romania?"

I nodded forgetting she couldn't see, "Yes, I thought you might be interested in doing some detective work of your own, obviously you don't have to bu-"

"-No that's awesome, I can definitely go to Romania, WorldPackers have some places where I can volunteer at. Any idea whereabouts in Romania? It's a big place."

"Transylvania was originally Romania, Central Romania to be specific, look around the west side of the Carpathian mountain range."

"Alright I'll put in my request, thanks for the call Blue, it's going to be quite the adventure."

"Focus on yourself first, but if you get the chance and feel up to it do some digging."

She seemed about to hang up when a muffled voice called out.

"Is that Blue?"

Bella handed the phone over and I brightened at the unmistakable sound of Charlie's voice, "Hey kid hasn't seen you in a while."

"Hiya Charlie. Kid really?"

He chuckled "I heard about you closing the sex club case, good job on that."

"Thanks, Chief, but I did have a good partner."

"Oh, I thought your office tended to avoid partnering you?"

I let out a genuine laugh, relaxing at the talk with the easy-going man "I was assigned the case by the feds, it was kind of strange actually, Agent Dacian seemed instant I work with them, took me off the Wonka case for it actually."

"I heard that the Serial Killer was caught, I didn't know it was your case?"

I sighed still feeling a little sting thinking about it "Yeah I didn't close it, Agent Asshole did, but caught the perp, so that's what matters." Maybe if I said it enough time I'd stop being bitter?

"Agent Asshole, quite the name? Take it you don't like the fellow much?"

"I get the feeling he doesn't like me, certainly took the time to rub my unfinished case in my face."

"The Wilsons's case? Don't beat yourself up about that Blue, the kid was found, sometimes you don't always get the loose ends, maybe the Wilsons got the meds from the manufacturer themselves, you could never track that."

I froze with the phone pressed to my ear, I hadn't actually been talking about that case, I had forgotten I hadn't closed it, sure Olly had been found but I had never figured out how the Wilson's acquired their drugs…

"Blue?"

"Oh sorry, Charlie. It's been really great catching up with you, and I'll call again soon I promise."

"Alright, thanks for looking out for Bells again. Catch you later."

I hung up and raced to my room, Marcus's words echoing in my head, always on the move.

I made it without running into anything and proceeded to upturn my satchel onto my bed, shoving papers aside. I nearly gave up figuring I'd lost it when sleek black caught my eye. Grabbing it I let out a sound of triumph. It was the voice recorder I'd brought on Olly's birthday in Forks, I'd used it when I had pondered various parts of cases allowed, I'd also had it on me during the Cullens trial, wanting to analyze Edwards interactions with Bella but never getting around to it later.

Something Aro had said had been bothering me and I couldn't quite figure it out. Clicking on the listen button I skipped through the recordings.

"...and the age of 18 reflects the kids wild nature-"

Nope. Wonka case.

"... oh for fuck's sake, how on earth am I supposed to translate this ancient language for stacks of stupid paper!"

Nope.

"...and in conclusion, I am a dumbass for thinking anything could possibly be translated into English."

I sure did like to express myself when no one else was around.

"...As for the other one, you are very lucky, very lucky indeed."

There it was, Aro's voice almost making me forget the purpose and I listened to the recording again.

"As for the other one, you are very lucky, very lucky indeed."

Other one. At the time I had been ignorant of the mating laws but now I knew them. I knew it was law to inform the Vampire if you were able to find their mate, as long as it did them no harm and they were overage. If you found the mate of a Vampire who was underage it did not have to be reported but it was expected that you watched over them.

I remember thinking Carlisle must have something against mates if he had prevented another for being with their mate, but Aro would have surely killed him for breaking the law, the only way Carlisle might have gotten around it was if said mate was underage.

My mind pulled up the only other mate to a Vampire I could imagine the Cullens knowing, without Bella as an option, it left Olly. Olly was underage.

I felt a spike of white-hot anger race through me and tried not to jump to conclusions. Carlisle might have known Olly was the mate of the witch twins and simply neglected to inform Volturi, however, I couldn't stop the connections linking in my mind. Carlisle was a doctor, a doctor who had access to drugs and was able to prescribe them.

I had previously found him suspicious when learning about Vampires I had put my suspicions down to that. What if it was more, what if Carlisle actively tried to prevent the union of Olly and his mates by providing the drugs necessary to incapacitate him to his mentally sick caregivers.

I drew in a sharp breath and exited the room, well there was one way to find out. Aro would know.

-IMMORTAL-

My back went rigid and I turned narrowed eyes on him, my voice deadly "What?"

My mates were in the library working and I had just asked Aro if Carlisle had been giving the drugs to the Wilsons.

Aro realised I was very close to angry and seemed to believe it was aimed at him, which I also noticed, not wanting them to think me mad at him I took a breath "Let me get this straight, I wouldn't want to be mistaken in this. Carlisle Cullen, the Doctor sworn to protect and do no harm, provided medication with the knowledge it was being used unethically to immobilize and control, also slowly killing a 7-year-old boy?"

"That is correct." He said warily

I drew air in sharply through my nose. "Because he recognised Olly as the mate to the 'Volturi twins?"

A nod.

Oh, this was not a good day to be Carlise Cullen.

"Should have let that army kill them," I muttered darkly.

Caius chuckled, but gained a slightly guilty look at my withering glare, "Darling," He placated "I understand your anger, however as he had technically broken no law it would be unwise to destroy him for it." He flashed to my side pulling my chin up to face him.

I narrowed my eyes, not bothered that they weren't doing anything about it, I definitely understood, besides this was a personal issue, Carlisle had made an enemy this day, but I was patient, revenge would come. "I don't intend to destroy him" I pulled out of his touch with a flick of my hair over my shoulders. I exited the library, "But I assure you, we will not be friends."

I felt Aro's fond look and scowled at the floor, Carlisle would not find my rage quote so adorable.

Marcus shot his brothers a look, he did not think it was wise for Carlisle to anger their mate so thoroughly at the very beginning of her eternity, she would make a powerful enemy.

-IMMORTAL-

I made my first visit back to America three weeks later, taking Demetri and Felix with me. They mainly stayed in the background but I could tell they found the kids adorable.

There had been progress on their healing. Daniella was now able to communicate but still unable to move, she had been swapped from her wheelchair to a hospital bed which could be moved into a sitting position. Misham had also woken from his coma and seemed to be doing better than his sister with moving, but besides the initial adrenalin that had helped him to push his sister through the forest, it was still a very difficult process, their bodies were incredibly weak and fragile, I had overheard Felix comment he was afraid to look too hard in case they broke.

Misham had been moved into Daniella's room once he had woken and all the other survivors also were placed in the spare operating ward, it was still very sparse with only their beds and each other in the room.

I was frustrated to learn that Sylvia was one of the few taking care of them but Alli had arrived in time to talk me out of yelling at the Hospital.

"Hey, hey, hey, Blue it won't solve anything." She looked imploringly at me and I sighed returning to the room with her by my side.

"Hey Misham," I knelt beside his bed, considering he might not remember me.

"Hi!" his enthusiastic response proved me wrong. "Are you going to name my friends too?"

I looked out over to the other beds who were watching our interaction and blushed "They probably don't want that buddy."

Sylvia gave me a gentle smile, "I think you'll find they have been eagerly awaiting for you to give them their names."

I glanced at the girl in front of me, her eyes were haunted and it wasn't really fair to call her a girl, she was probably around my own age, maybe older. She nodded "Please?"

A little unprepared I glanced at Alli, who was no help only grinning. So I dragged a chair in front of the door, all of them in my sight and placed my hands under my chin, an imitation of Aro that I pulled on for strength in this emotional moment. "Alright, but you're going to have to tell me about yourselves first."

It was hard hearing how little each of them had to share, their lives devoid of many experiences and most of them unable to put their personality into words, never having had the opportunity to discover themselves. Alli sat beside me and Sylvia moved around ensuring all of them were comfortable while we listened. Felix and Demetri guarded the door.

There were eleven in total including Misham and Daniella, I had been correct in assuming they had been in situations where they wouldn't be missed, Daniella and Misham had been in the foster system along with the three youngest, a boy and girl at 13 and another boy Daniella's age at 16. The oldest was a man at 36, another at 22 and a woman at 27. They had all been taken from rougher parts of the state, but I was horrified to learn the 27-year-old woman had been the first taken, at 16 years old. She had been there for 11 years.

Another girl at 19 was the sister to the 22-year-old boy, she too had been stolen from the streets. The last two girls were 20 and 17, they didn't talk much but seemed very close, they had been beside each other in the line, one taken after being left to die on the street after a mugging and the 17-year-old didn't remember anything before the room.

They spoke a bit about what had been done to them, mostly they only remembered being in a haze, but occasionally it cleared and they were left staring at the wall in front of them unable to move or do anything except see.

"He used to talk to us." The youngest boy whispered, almost as though afraid the Vampire would appear at the mention of him. "If he didn't know our names he would call us one he made up, he always seemed nice when he was talking but it scared me for some reason."

The girl who had been taken first let ou a bitter sound "Yeah because he was a creep, he'd brush our hair and say 'nice' things like, 'Aren't you looking lovely today?'" I winced at the image her words gave, not only were they in hell for years, but in a constant state of confusion and fear, but they also had to deal with being looked over by a sick fuck.

"Would any of you like a hair cut?" I abruptly changed the conversation and was met by a baffled silence. A moment passed before the 19-year-old girl gave a yearning sound "Please." Her brother was quick to agree wanting his beard removed and hair cropped short, soon I was writing down what they all wanted while Alli rang a hairdresser.

The rest of the day was spent styling and making each of the kids feel a little more in control of their own lives, a few of them like the 17-year-old girl and the 16-year-old boy, who didn't remember much of their lives before also hadn't seen their own appearance, when they were shown themselves in the mirror the look of wonder and shock had been heartbreaking.

I stayed into the night not needing sleep, while they rested and Sylvia's shift ended. I went and spoke to the physiotherapist, wanting to learn as much as I could to help the survivors recover.

The first step would be to introduce them to parts of the world, things that might grab their interest and help them recognise more of who they were, then help them gain some independence. This week I will definitely be busy.

Alli filled me in on all I had missed since I'd been gone since the Lincoln police had found nothing, the case had been taken up by the FBI and Agent Dacian had taken the case, he'd also insisted Alli be his partner on it. I was a little concerned Alli was looking into a Vampire affair and resolved to keep an eye on her.

Everything seemed to be going rather smoothly, and by the end of the week, my names for the remaining 9 survivors had been approved.

The neatly shaved 22 year old along with his red-haired sister were called Alder and Blossom respectively. Blossom had a rather strong feel to her, a leadership quality in the 19-year-old and her resemblance to the power puff girl was unable to be overlooked, mainly because as soon as we'd turned on the screen and the show came on she had declared, 'that's me!' Her brother was a little more reserved and tended to act as a sort of protector and calmer version, Alder seemed appropriately wise and fitting for the tall lad.

The two shy girls had requested to be named after jewels as they had found my necklace captivating, I had explained it was a ruby and given it to them, happy to see something else brighten the room, the hung it between their beds, which had been pushed close together, no doubt by Alli. The 20-year-old, who had suffered a mugging I graced Soraya and the younger girl who remembered nothing else of her life Esmeralda, a name she took excitedly too after watching the hunchback of Notre dame.

The girl of 27 chose her own name, needing her life to be her own after losing so much of it, she called herself Janis after Janus the Roman god of new beginnings and the transition period from war to peace.

Alli and I had raced to the town and went on a shopping spree, Demetri happy to join, we pulled many books off shelves and heaps of clothing, despite knowing they would rarely see their clothes under the sheets of the hospital beds, we grabbed random nick-nacks from dollar stores and Felix carried up small bedside tables to fill their room.

Among our stuff the 16-year-old foster boy immediately latched onto Shakespeare granting him the name Ferdinand, Janis had tried to shorten it to Ferd or Fred launching a staunch defence by Ferdinand, insisting that he would only respond to Ferdinand nothing less, resulting in Blossom calling him F.

The oldest man of 36 had a very gentle soul, he had pitch-black skin and a look in his eyes that screamed he was tired, the same look I had remembered seeing in my eldest mate when speaking of Didyme. I thought long and hard about his name, he had smiled whilst I pondered apparently finding my concentration endearing. I finally suggested "Ewan?"

"Sounds wonderful."

I gave him a baffled look, "You don't even know what it means, yet."

The indulgent smile returned "What does it mean?"

"Young warrior." I was proud of my choice.

He gave a deep chuckle, "Wonderfull."

Lastly were the two 13-year-old kids they seemed rather fond of each other also, but they retained the exuberance of youth a few of the others had lost after everyone had sat through my favourite move the Addam's family the two had tried to insist on being called Saturday and Sunday, Blossom had not been shy declaring it a stupid choice, while Jadis had tried to suggest other options, all of which were refused.

Eventually, Aldar turned to me with a desperate look "Got any suggestions?"

I cocked my head to the side examining the youngest of the group, "Dusk and Dawn?" Their eyes lit up and Blossom breathed a sigh of relief.

I couldn't regret taking on the case, even though I knew I grew too attached, I was thankful I wasn't the only one, Alli had visited the kids every time she could, unfortunately with her on the job, she wouldn't be able to as often.

I couldn't stay away from my mates for longer than a week it was unfair and I was worried about leaving them all in the hospital with only Sylvia really caring for them, but we figured out a solution with Sylvia offering to set up skype on the TV, I promised to call every night, looking forward to getting to know the group of people I would have missed.

-IMMORTAL-

The next month passed in a blink, getting to know my mates and watch how they handled the law was intoxicating, I couldn't get enough of it, between spending time with all the people I cared about, catching up with Charlie, checking in with Alli and Skyping the group I had taken to calling Orphics.

It was difficult to address them all without saying my hospital friends and I'd brought it up to them where Ferdanaind had suggested just calling them the orphans. I had been opposed to that, but as Orphic meant beyond ordinary understanding, I thought it was more fitting.

They were progressing well, but Sylvia had said the physio had all but confirmed their inability to walk ever again. It had occurred to me that changing them into Vampires might cure them, after discussing it with my mates they agreed so long as none were children, and as the youngest were 13 they technically aren't, my mate's other condition wad that when they were changed they would be done only a few at a time.

Marcus had also said that it would be best if I turned them as I had a strong connection with them which would only strengthen if I was their sire. Which leads to another point, my birthday.

It was in a few days and after the transformation was complete I would be unable to be around the Orphics for a few months at least, I would need to learn to control my bloodlust and get over my newborn phase, during that time my mates would be with me and helping me to learn their world.

I was excited and actually a little nervous, so I chose to seek out one of my mates. Being closest to Aro's study I made my way down the hall and peered through the doorway. My eyes landed on him sitting cross-legged in front of an old television screen like a child. Further examination of the scene provided the answer why, beside him, Olly was in much the same position and a voice came from the screen "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind."

A cheer came from Olly and Aro leaned forward, his voice showing his excitement as he rapidly explained the events from his perspective when it had first happened. "I knew they would do it, we were all listening to our radios Olly. Humans on the moon! Isn't it exciting!"

Olly nodded his head enthusiastically, "Now we can go to other planets and find the Aliens!"

Aro gave an absentminded nod back "It is still a fair bit away from that, but technology is heading there, we'll be exploring the stars before you know it!"

I carefully crept away, letting the two bond, a feeling I couldn't name settling in my chest at the sight.

I sort out Caius next, wanting to be distracted from the thought of the pain I would endure in a few days, understanding he simply pulled out a chair and reset his chess set. "Joining me, my dear?"

I sent him a cheeky smile "Only if you think you can handle the loss."

"Darling, I never lose." I didn't doubt it. Still, a challenge had been issued, and if he believed I was about to play by the rules this time, he was mistaken.

Around halfway through he slumped back in his chair with a puzzled look on his face as I knocked his pawn away with my rook. "Where are you getting all these pieces?" He gestured to my side which was now composed almost entirely of rooks and bishops.

I sent him a smirk, not about to tell him of the hours I had spent with Marcus carefully sculpting exact replicas to sneak onto the board whenever he was busy concentrating, especially when I had done it with the sole purpose of getting the adorable confused expression I was being shown now. "Must be magic."

He narrowed his eyes trying to look stern but failing as the utter bafflement returned, "Curious."

I giggled to myself making sure to remember to tell Marcus how it had gone later. So far the last few days of my life have been good.