Chapter 4 - The Cullen House
"Isabella." Demitri said just before we prepared to exit the plane. "Are you sure you are ready for this?"
"I have no choice. I must be ready." I answered truthfully.
"You can do this. I have complete faith in you." Demitri said, and then he glanced out the window toward Carlisle and smiled a mischievous smile. "I have a way to make this more entertaining."
"Should I be afraid?" I questioned with a smile of my own.
"I'm going to go get our cloaks."
"Oh God. Demitri!" I whisper yelled, and then chuckled under my breath. It would be funny. Carlisle knew I was coming with Demitri, but if I exited the plane wearing the solid black cloak of one of the Elite Guard (which still faintly smelled of Aro) and the Leading General ensignea branded on my chest, he was sure to have a cow... or eat one, I guess.
Demitri returned in record time, his own cloak already around his shoulders. "Isabella, your cloak." Demitri said, giving me a mock bow as he handed it to me.
"Cut it out, Demitri." I hissed, yanking it from his outstretched hands. "You're making me nervous."
"My apologies, your Highness." He said, standing strait. The playful smile never left his face.
"Seriously, Demitri. To get through this without going crazy I'm going to have to be completely professional in the way I approach them."
"No problem." Demitri replied, nodding in understanding. "We will both address each other completely impersonally. We will approach this as the warriors we are trained to be."
"Thank you, Demitri." I said with a sigh.
"It really isn't a problem, Isabella." He said with a gentle grin. "I mean it when I say that I'm here for you."
"I know, Demitri. I trust you." I replied, returning the smile. I brought him into a tight hug then took a deep breath. It was time. "Let's get this over with."
"Good idea." Demitri agreed, and we both pulled our hoods up. Corin had been our pilot, and he open the door for us.
"Good luck, Generals." Corin shouted from the plane when we reached the bottom of the stairs.
"For the Crest." I replied formally. "Return home swiftly." The door closed, and Corin went speeding down the runway for take-off.
When Demitri and I reached Carlisle, he looked to be shocked to silence. I noticed that when he took a breath to speak, that his eyes widened. He must have smelled Aro's lingering scent on my Volturi cloak. "Bella?" He asked, as if he couldn't believe it was me.
"Aro sends his regards." I said with an inclination of my head, and I couldn't help the humored smile that escaped as I raised my eyebrows. The smile seemed to snap him out of whatever shock he was in.
"May I have a hug?" Carlisle asked, extending his arms. I took a single step forward, returning the hug only slightly, the way an acquaintance would. I stepped back and introduced Demitri.
"Carlisle, this is General Demitri Volturi of the Elite Guard." I said, indicating to him. "Demitri, this is Dr. Carlisle Cullen, coven leader of the Cullen Clan."
"It is nice to see you again, Dr. Cullen." Demitri said, shaking Carlisle's hand.
"Likewise, General. Were you not Leading General when I saw you last, sir?" Carlisle asked. He must have not noticed my ranking when he saw my Elite Guard cloak.
"Forgive my rudeness." Demitri replied, turning to introduce me. He was going to have way too much fun with this. "Dr. Cullen, this is Leading General Isabella Volturi of the Elite Guard, the youngest, yet most powerful, Child of Volterra."
Carlisle actually took a step back. His eyes were wide, and I could almost taste the absolute disbelief in the air. I straightened and looked Carlisle in the eyes.
I was a Child of Volterra, one of the few lucky enough to be changed by one of the three Vampire Kings. Of course I knew all this, but it was emotional for me to hear my full title spoken aloud. It felt good. I'd finally accomplished something great. I felt like I had finally lived up to my potential. My full title would definitely take some getting used to though.
"Are you alright, Carlisle?" I asked, doing my best to act nonchalant.
"Bella, I must ask you a question." he said, and I nodded, giving my consent. "Who is your creator?"
"I was changed by Aro." I replied, making sure my face stayed expressionless.
"My God." Carlisle seemed unable to say anything more for a full minute. Did he find it so surprising that I had earned the title? Did he really think so little of me?
"Carlisle, would it be alright to head to the house now? I would like to say hello to the others." I requested when I got tired of the silence.
"Y-Yes, of course." Carlisle said with a shake of his head, turning to lead us to where his Mercedes was parked. Demitri seemed to be fighting off a laugh. One glare from me, and he was able to better contain himself. I took this time to cover Demitri with my shield. "Demitri, I never did hear, how did the raid in Siberia go?"
"The one in 1782 or the one in late 1836?" Demitri asked, smiling slightly.
"I wasn't aware they were separate raids." Carlisle replied with a laugh.
"Master Caius insisted they were, but we were constantly scouting for anyone associating themselves with those filth Romanians." Demitri spat, and I felt my own eyes flash in hatred. I knew from the thoughts I had gathered that one of the Elite Guard had been killed in Siberia, and the raid was to find out who had committed the murder.
"It was the Romanians for sure then?" Carlisle shook his head. "So much pain could have been avoided if Vladimir and Stefan would accept the fact that times change. The vampire race must stay secret now."
"The moment the Chinese invented gunpowder, a new reign needed to begin." Demitri said, nodding in agreement. "Humans could wipe us out now, if they knew we existed."
"Demitri, Aro told me that after your visit he was personally taking the Guard to the South, and our conversation just sparked a question." Carlisle seemed to be thinking intensely about whatever thought had come to him. "Would it be possible that the Romanians are supporting the Southern Newborn Wars?"
"To expose our existence..." I whispered, causing Demitri to look at me inquisitively.
"With the way the Wars have just suddenly begun escalating again... It's just a thought." Carlisle said, shrugging.
"It's a possible explanation." I replied, taking out my newly acquired Blackberry. "This, Carlisle, is why even Jasper takes your advise." I found the Volterra number and pressed talk.
"Already, Isabella?" Aro answered with a laugh. "Have you even landed yet?"
"We are actually on our way to the Cullen residence right now." I replied, a smile escaping automatically the second I heard my creator's voice. "Carlisle has a possible explanation for the sudden increase of activity in the South."
"I'm anxiously waiting." Aro replied, serious now.
"Could the Romanians be offering support to those with armies in the South in order to expose the vampire race?"
"That definitely has merit to it. I doubt they would personally get into the Wars, but they have other ways to get involved. We will have to keep out eyes open." Aro said in a hard voice, and I heard Caius using Italian curses loudly in the background. "Their possible involvement could also simply be to distract us as they come to attack the Capital. Either way, this makes your mission of the utmost importance. You must succeed, Isabella."
"I will do all in my power." I replied in my strongest voice. I heard something smash on the other end of the line.
"I know you will. I must go calm Caius down before he goes to Siberia looking for blood. Be careful, Isabella. My Crest cannot lose you now." Aro suddenly shouted 'stop him' in the language of his youth, and the line went dead. Hanging up, I took a deep breath and looked up to realize we were pulling up to a house. The Alaskan, Cullen house was painted white, and it really didn't differ much from their house in Forks besides the fact that it was even bigger. The front door opened, and the Cullens stood in front of the house to greet us.
Carlisle shut off the engine, and the three of us opened our doors. The second the door opened, Edward's ability hit my shield full force. It was so invasive! It felt like he was pushing to gain entrance to my mind. I begin absorbing and projecting his gift, and the onslaught almost made me flinch.
I waited for Demitri to take his formal place at my flank before following Carlisle. I was slightly nervous, and I didn't want to talk to Edward; however, I had a goal to work toward. That was making the dread more bearable. I didn't belong here, and I could feel that. This wasn't my place anymore, and I knew I would not be here if my mission wasn't so important.
Carlisle went to stand at Esme's side, and he gave his wife a nod.
"Welcome back, Bella." Esme said with a smile after giving me a hug."She's fed off humans. Oh, she must feel so guilty."
Rosalie just nodded. "I should have fought Edward harder. Being abandoned sucks. I feel like I failed her."
"My little human sister's not human anymore!" Emmett exclaimed, enveloping me in one of his bear hugs. "She's back!"
"Bella!" Alice squealed, flitting up and giving me a squeeze. "I wonder why I don't see us shopping in the future."
"Hello, Bella." Edward said, nodding his head in my direction. "I don't understand why she joined those monsters."
Edward's thought made me growl aloud. "It is your turn to filter your thoughts, Mason. 'Those monsters' are my coven now." I hissed the words. "I may be controlled, but I am still a newborn. Making me angry wouldn't be very smart."
"Bella, what has happened to you?" Edward asked, shocked by my outburst.
"I'm no longer the girl you left alone in the forest, Edward." I replied, attempting to keep my emotions in check. Everyone was silent and looked guilty. Jasper didn't though. He was looking at me with a sort of understanding. I turned my attention to his thoughts.
"She found herself in Italy when she was placed as Leading General in the Elite Volturi Guard. Edward's plan worked, maybe not the way he'd wanted it to, but it worked. He'd wanted her to move on and be happy. She found her place in Volterra the same way I found mine with Alice."
I smiled at Jasper and tried to send him my thanks. I was glad someone seemed to get it.
"No problem." Jasper said without expression, but he sent me some calming waves. Lord knows I needed them to not kill Edward for his next words.
"What does Jasper mean you found your place? If you had to join a ruling class, you would have been better off with the Romanians."
I actually felt my eyes go black, and my vision went red. Then something happened that I doubt anyone expected. Jasper didn't even think before he attacked. One moment, Edward was ending his sentence. In the next, he was pinned to the ground by the feared Major of the South.
"Were the Romanians still a ruling class, the pyres being lit in the South would have made your lifestyle ash before you were even a toddler. Speak of them in high regard in front of me again, and I will set your legs on fire after removing them from your body. Are we clear?" Jasper said all this while sending out huge amounts of fear and submission. Edward was barely able to bring himself to nod. Jasper was standing and next to Alice again before Edward even got to his feet. "My apologies, Generals."
"No apology necessary. I'm sure your gift was able to knock the message into him faster than if I'd done it myself." I said, not able to keep myself from smiling as I watched Edward stand up, his legs shaking. "It looks like you've still got it, Mars." At my last words, Jasper's head snapped to me in surprise. I got a flash of Maria calling him that in his thoughts.
"Excuse my asking, but how do you know me by that name?" He asked, barely staying composed.
"Aro informed me that you and the infamous Major of the South were the same person." I smiled warmly at him. "It definitely explained why you are so skilled in combat."
"The Volturi know I'm here, and they send only two Elite Guard members?" Jasper asked in shock.
"I might not be a problem for you, but I believe Isabella here would give you a run for your money." Demitri spoke up, nudging me in the side.
"Very funny, Demitri." I said with a roll of my eyes and turned back to Jasper. "Am I wrong to give you the benefit of the doubt? Does the Volturi not have your loyalty? After your little display I figured I'd been right to trust you."
"No, no!" Jasper said quickly. "I am loyal to the Crest. I'm just not used to being trusted by anyone outside those who never knew my history the way you seem to. Alice and Carlisle only know the things I've been able to tell them out loud. Edward even only knows so much because I've learned to not think on it."
"Well, you now have the Volturi's trust." I informed him, giving him a slight bow, and Demitri followed my lead automatically.
"Thank you." Jasper replied, bowing back. "You have no idea how much it means to me." He thought.
"My pleasure, sir." I said with a nod. It took everything to keep back the smile. He smiled at me slightly, and I knew he understood why I kept myself from showing happiness. I was trying to stay professional, and the Major understood why. "Oh, and Edward. If I detect any disloyalty to the Crest, even in an errant thought, I will turn you into a tiny purple bonfire. As the smoke filters through the trees, I will attempt to sell your soul to the Devil using old, Latin incantations. After the flames die out, I will collect your ashes, stuff them into a dead barn animal, and throw the animal into shark infested waters. Get the picture?"
"You paint a vivid one, Leading General." Edward replied with sarcasm.
"Do not test me." I said through my teeth. I was nearing the end of my rope.
"You're a newborn, Bella." Edward replied with a smirk. "You would be nothing against my experience."
"I smell a challenge." Demitri put in with an excited smile. "You must say the magic words, Edward."
"I challenge you, Isabella Swan." Edward said, a cocky smile on his face.
"Get my name correct, and I might consider it." I replied without emotion.
"What is your name then?" Edward asked with a roll of his eyes.
"I am Leading General Isabella Volturi of the Elite Guard, the youngest, yet most powerful, Child of Volterra." I spoke with all the authority I could muster. I saw Jasper's eyebrows shoot into his hair, and he sent me waves of pride, confidence, and surprise. "Do you still wish to challenge me?"
"I do." Edward replied without hesitation.
"Let the challenge commence!" Demitri shouted, backing off from my flank to stand beside Carlisle. I slipped my cloak from my shoulders and handed it to Demitri. He draped it over his arm and turned to Carlisle. "Is Edward aware that a challenge ends only when the first head is removed?"
"He knows. I warned them all what it meant in the beginning. I am surprised by my son's foolishness." Carlisle replied, watching as Edward and I circled each other with a sad look in his eyes.
Edward circled in a slight crouch, where as I circled in one so low I could touch the grass. From my human memories, I knew that Edward wasn't very skilled in combat. He, like Alice, relied heavily on his gift. His ability was ineffective against me, so his combat skills would be extremely limited. I was determined to beat him without using my own gift, and I would try to make it look as easy as possible. Plus, it would be satisfying to watch Carlisle reassemble him afterward.
Edward dashed forward, and I sidestepped at the last second. As he passed me, I grabbed a hold on his arm and shoulder, pushing his shoulder and pulling his arm. His arm tore clean off, and his roar of pain and disbelief echoed through the trees. The pain made him pause. Dropping his arm, I dove to tackle him, making sure his other arm would be pinned underneath him. As we hit the ground, I sat on his back and reached behind me. As his legs automatically came up to kick me, I griped them, pulled, and threw them forward all in the same motion. I shifted to stand with one foot still holding him down by stepping on his back. Bending down, I firmly placed my hands on either side of his head and twisted. His head came off easily with the swift movement.
I walked over and handed Edward's head to Carlisle. I held my hand out towards Demitri. He placed my cloak into my waiting hand with a proud smile. I tied my cloak around my neck and turned to look at each Cullen in turn.
"Anyone else?" I asked in a cool voice that sounded bored even to my own ears. When they simply stared back open-mouthed, I nodded and pulled on my hood. "Good." At that, I let myself into the house with Demitri on my flank.
"Anyone else?" Demitri mocked, using the same cold tone I had. He started laughing. "You sounded exactly like Master Marcus."
"This is not the time, General." I said in a harsh voice, but gave him a pleading look.
"Right, sorry, Isabella." Demitri apologized, giving me a smile. "You were amazing, by the way. You made the mind-reader's skin look like paper."
"Leading General?" Jasper asked from the doorway, causing Demitri and I to turn together.
"Oh." Demitri said with a short chuckle as he sat on the couch, his feet on the coffee table. "I forgot that wasn't me anymore." He picked up a magazine from the table and started flipping through it, making himself at home.
"What is it?" I asked Jasper, truly curious.
"Would it be alright if I spoke to you alone?" He asked, regaining Demitri's attention.
"Yes, of course." I said, walking toward the back door which faced the woods. As I opened the door, Demitri called my name.
"Isabella." he said, and continued when I was looking at him. "Be cautious." he sent a large amount of his gift at me, and I absorbed it automatically.
"What's that for?" I questioned.
"It's just in case your creator's isn't enough." Demitri replied. He was giving me a surplus of his gift for protection, just as Aro had done before I'd left Volterra.
"Thank you, Demitri." I replied sincerely. He simply nodded and returned his attention to his magazine. Smiling slightly, I opened the door and walked out. Jasper followed, closing the door behind him. Jasper and I went pretty far before he stopped.
"I feel it would be better to simply cut to the chase." He said. "You feel an underlying guilty everytime you look at me, Leading General. Why?"
"First off, Jasper, call me Isabella. I would never admit it in front of the rest of your family, but it's one of the things making me feel awkward. They need to learn their place, but you and Carlisle already know yours." I took a deep breath and decided it would be better to tell him the truth. "I am here on a mission that is far bigger than to prove loyalty. Ask me any questions. I will answer all I can." Knowing we were still in Edward's range, I shielded Jasper's mind. I knew from Aro's thoughts that some gifts could even work when the vampire was in pieces.
"What is your mission?" He asked.
"I must gain information along my way, but more importantly, I must convince a powerful vampire to help the Volturi." I said, finding it a lot harder to spit out the whole truth that I thought it would be.
"Who do you need to convince to help?"
"You." There was silence.
"Why do you feel guilty asking for my help? What does the Volturi need my help with?" He inquired, trying to hide his shock.
"I can answer both these questions at once." I replied, feeling worse than ever knowing I was actually about to ask this of him. "We need the feared Major of the South. We need you to help us blend into the Southern Newborn Armies so that we can stop them forever." I couldn't look him in the eyes. "I feel guilty asking this of you because I know how horrible it would be for you to go back. I know it's the last thing in the world you want to do."
"You are right. It will be horrible going back." It was my turn to be shocked, only I wasn't stupid enough to bother trying to hide it from an Empath.
"What do you mean?"
"I will help you." he replied simply. I took a moment to make sure he was serious.
"Thank you! " I was surprised, relieved, and overjoyed. I hadn't failed my mission. Jasper was actually agreeing to become the God of War once again.
Just then, Jasper's cell phone rang. He barely even glanced at the caller ID before pressing the talk button.
"Perfect timing, par usual." Jasper answered.
"Charlotte and I are in. Don't even bother trying to talk us out of it either, Major. We'll be there tomorrow." A male voice said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Peter." Jasper replied with a smile.
"We've got training to do. Even I'm a bit rusty. Also, you might want to change your diet now so that no one sees any discoloration by the time we head South."
"Sure thing. See you soon, old friend." he hung up and turned to me. "It seems that Peter and Charlotte are determined to help as well."
"Annuit coeptis." I said as I exhaled, and then I translated the Latin saying to English. "God has favored us."
"Do you believe in God, Isabella?" Jasper asked, his eyes full of true question.
"Yes. Don't you, Major?" I asked.
"After all I've seen...?" He ended it at that with a shake of his head, and I understood what he meant.
"I do not blame you." I replied, looking passed his shoulder into the trees. "I can not tell you exactly what I know, what I've seen, or what I've heard. I can tell you one thing though. I've been shown more of your experiences than you expect. I understand your doubt."
"I have failed at so many things, so many times." Jasper whispered, glaring at a spot above my head. I had never seen him show such raw emotion before. I respected him in that moment more than ever.
"Jasper, 'We failed, but in the good providence of God apparent failure often proves a blessing.'" I quoted, knowing he would recognize the words. "Do not forget the wisdom of your General, soldier."
"Lee." He was silent for a long time, and it was amazing to watch the emotions flash through his eyes. He looked at me then, and he repeated a quote that I will never forget. "Andrew Jackson once said, 'You must pay the price if you wish to secure the blessing.' Must I fail to be blessed?"
I shrugged. "Sometimes." I said with a nod. "We must all surrender something at some point."
"That is true." Jasper said, and then he smiled at me. "You will make a fine leader, Isabella."
"Thank you, Jasper." I said softly. "I still have doubts."
"Don't we all?" He replied with a chuckle.
"I suppose." I returned his smile and clasped him on the forearm. "I will be eternally in your debt for your service to the Volturi, but you don't have to go back South."
"No, I feel that I do." Jasper said, and then he clasped my forearm through my cloak. "I cannot run from my past forever. I must go back for closure sometime and doing so under yours and Aro's command sounds like a wonderful way. Peter and Char will be an amazing help as well. Do not worry about me. I survived there for ninety-two years, and I'm feeling stronger than ever. I'll be fine."
"Good." I said, and we both removed our arms. "You know, I'll need training as well as the rest of the Guard."
"I can handle that no problem."
"I don't know. They can be a bit of a pain at times." I said with a smile. There was a slight pause before Jasper replied.
"I don't think the whole Elite Guard should go undercover." Jasper confided.
"Why not?"
"They'll be recognized." Jasper said with a shrug. "Especially Aro. I'm amazed he's going anywhere near the South."
"Who do you propose go?" I asked. Jasper was right, and I was amazed no one else had thought of this. If the Romanians were truly helping those with armies in the South, the newborns would know all the Volturi names, gifts, and faces. The mission was hopeless. Aro and the Guard would be slaughtered, and I would never let that happen. "They must be stopped, but you're right. The Guard cannot go, and I would never let Aro go if it meant his death."
"You wouldn't let him?" Jasper asked, looking caught between shock and awe. Suddenly, Jasper's eyes widened. "Never mind, Isabella. It's none of my business."
"Ask your questions." I allowed.
"Is he your creator?"
"Yes."
"Is that it?" Jasper asked, giving me a knowing look.
"I know what you're thinking." I replied with a smile. "Master Marcus even said our bond was the strength of a mated pair. My loyalty to him surpasses all."
"Very well." Whether or not he had more to say on the matter, I couldn't tell. He changed the subject. "I believe you should come South alone. You would not be recognized. You are new enough to be completely unknown. Plus, it wouldn't be hard for me to simply say that I changed you and decided to return to reclaim my empire or something since you're a newborn."
"I will consult Aro. You should return to the house before Alice gets worried. Could you have Demitri come find me?" I asked, growing worried. Perhaps Jasper was right. What if I had to go into the South without my new family? It made sense, and that scared me. "Oh, and if you stray too far from me, my shield will be lifted from you."
"Of course." Jasper replied, running back to the house. The moment I could no longer hear his footsteps, I sat at the base of a tree. Jasper's thoughts had all been completely sincere. I'd been using Edward's gift the whole time to ensure loyalty. I felt it was necessary, even if I truly trusted Jasper.
Demitri came into view and saw me with my head in my hands sitting under the tree. He was kneeling at my side in the next second.
"Isabella, what happened?" Demitri's voice held only concern. "Should I call Master Aro?"
"I will do it. There is much to tell him." I said, pulling out the Blackberry. "Please stay."
"I wouldn't dream of leaving you in this state." Demitri replied.
"You can't dream. You don't sleep." I pointed out as I hit the Volturi number. Demitri smiled, shaking his head, and took a seat on the grass beside me.
"Isabella dear! I was going to call you in an hour, but the sooner the better." Aro cried in relief. "Jane and Alec's mission went bad. The Russian Saava Clan was allied with Stefan. The other clans were loyal, but the Russian coven leader, Al'fons Saava, has a powerful talent we didn't know about. Jane and Alec barely made it away. I'm leading the Guard there instead to remove the threat. I won't be able to make it there until we stabilize the situation. I would send others, but I cannot leave Volterra unguarded."
"Do what you must to protect the Crest." I replied.
"I'm glad you understand. What is your news?" Aro asked. "Tell me all that's happened."
"Carlisle is loyal and was updated on the raids, Edward was punished, and-" Aro's laugh interrupted my laundry list.
"Delightful! What did he do to anger you so?" Aro sounded absolutely gleeful.
"I might break the phone if I tell you, so I'll pass it to Demitri. I'm sure he'd love to explain."
"Very well." Aro said, laughing again. Once Demitri gave him a play-by-play, he returned the cell. "I wish I could have seen it with my own eyes. Continue please. Sorry for interrupting you."
"It's no problem. I spoke with Jasper. He is completely loyal, and the feared Major has agreed to return." I reported.
"Wonderful, Isabella! Why do you sound disappointed?"
"He brought up a good point, Aro. If the Romanians are helping the armies like we believe they are, then the South will recognize every Volturi member... except me. I haven't been formally introduced to the vampire world yet." I took a deep breath and continued. "Jasper also pointed out that since I'm a newborn, I'd be accepted without second thought. He could say that he changed me to gain an advantage and retake what was his."
Demitri was looking at me with a horrified expression, and he shook his head slightly.
"I see." Aro said, his voice betraying no emotion. "Is there another option?"
"I can think of no other." I replied, trying to keep my voice from cracking.
"I don't like it, but it makes sense." Aro admitted. "At least let me go with you."
"No!" I practically shouted before I could stop myself. "Please, don't even say things like that. They'd know you right away."
"Yes. You are right, of course. Are you sure about this?"
"Peter and Charlotte will be coming also. I'll be alright." I said with more confidence than I felt. "Could you send Corin with the plane for Demitri?"
"Right away." Aro confirmed, and I heard him pass on the instructions to Master Caius. "I will get back to you in a short time. Do not leave for the South before then." We said our good-bye's and hung up.
Demitri started to argue before I put up a hand. "You are needed in Russia, Demitri. There is no more you could do here anyway."
"Isabella..." Demitri pressed.
"Please Demitri, don't make this harder than it has to be." I pleaded. He hesitated only a second before nodding. "Thank you."
"I understand. I don't like it, but I understand." Demitri said, and we both got to our feet.
"I don't like it either Demitri, trust me." At that, I led the way back to the Cullen house.
A.N.: Wow... Bella is going South with the Whitlocks, and without the Volturi! Are the Romanians really involved? When will Aro and Bella ever catch a break!
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