DISCLAIMER: All characters and story world belong to SM. All lyrical references and quotes are property of their original artist. No copyright infringement intended.

[Beta'd by: UnBeta'd]
Special thanks to: Ocdmess

Last chapter I asked you what you often sang to yourself during random moments throughout life.
My answer: Nat King Cole – Unforgettable, 100 Monkeys – Keep Awake, Brian Eno – Baby's on Fire

Chapter Playlist:
No songs! I promise to make up for it in next chapter where there will be 18+ songs.

http:/ /www[dot]youtube[dot]com/user/BeautifullySacred

Chapter 25
EPOV
Saturday, September 2nd, 2006

"You're nervous, aren't you? About seeing Eleazar," Bella said to Garrett while she traced invisible circles on the palm of my hand.

The corner of Garrett's lips turned upward by a fraction and he shot a curious look at Jasper before arching his brow at Bella. "Do you need to really ask?"

Her gentle chuckle mixed with Jasper's, and I smirked as I thought just how much my life had changed in a few short months. Then, the thought of how much more could change in just a few short days erased the upturn of my lips, and I closed my eyes tightly. I won't let anything happen to her.

Bella squeezed my hand and I looked at her quickly, attempting a smile, but she knew better. She frowned and sighed quietly as she leaned into my chest.

We were headed for home at last. The last concert was scheduled for La Sangue Cantante, and we had worked on a set-list during the drive. We practiced Beautifully Sacred songs, and Bella and Garrett practiced Virulent Disease songs, and we decided on a rather interesting list. There was a mix of old and new, as well as personal and never played live before, but as a whole the songs flowed rather well.

I looked down at the end of the couch where Bree was sitting and gave her a reassuring smile. She had been worried about everything the entire way. Would she handle the scent of human blood? Would she mess up the song she was playing with us? Would the Denalis like her?

We passed the welcome sign of Cantwell, and I realized it was probably time to warn Bella, Garrett, and Bree of my extended family's gifts. I looked to Alice for approval and she nodded, knowing in only a way she could, what I was silently asking.

"There are a few things to know about the Denali coven," I said, breaking the silence.

Bella turned, furrowed her brows and leaned away from me slightly. "Okay," she said hesitantly.

"A couple of them have gifts as well, in fact, one of them has two," I stated.

"Two?" Garrett asked curiously.

"You know of Eleazar's talent, but Bree does not, so I'll start with that. Eleazar, the father figure of the coven, can sense talents in others – both human and vampire. It's particularly useful when crossing a gifted human, or newborn who isn't certain of their capabilities."

Bree nodded slowly, her mind working through the different ways that his gift could be useful.

"Kate, the blonde sister, has two talents. Her first is an electrical current that she can project over her skin. I wouldn't suggest touching her unexpectedly, or getting in a fight with her."

"So she can electrocute people? Can she control how strong?" Garrett asked.

"She can. It's taken her years to learn to control it, or project it over her body and not just her hands, but she can adjust its strength. She is also tied to a few myths and legends, like her sisters, Irina and Tanya."

Rosalie smiled as she turned off the road, leading us down a dirt road. Tanya and Kate had always been good friends of hers. She out of all of us had befriended them the strongest, besides Carlisle's connection to Eleazar, of course.

"You mean like Zeus myths, or legends like vampires and werewolves?" Bella asked with a smile.

"Interesting you chose to ask about Zeus. Kate is tied to the myth of his three daughters, Aoide, Melete, and Mneme. She's not really Zeus's daughter, but humans associated her with Aoide because of her second gift."

"Which is?" Bree asked eagerly.

"Aoide was the muse of song," Garrett said with a smile. "Interesting. She can inspire music?"

I nodded, surprised that Garrett had heard of the myth. "She can inspire alright. Her and her sisters are all tied to another, more commonly known myth as well, however it isn't a talent. The three of them enjoy their men, and have been linked to the myth of the succubus. That, however, is more about their personal lives than I wish to go into detail about. As a male, I felt it only fair to share the information," I said, directing my last comment to Garrett who chuckled and nodded.

"I appreciate that."

"Are we there yet?" Emmett asked, and we all laughed.

"As a matter of fact," Rosalie said as she stepped on the brake slowly. "We are."

Garrett took in a deep breath and closed his eyes briefly. His mind flashed with the last moments he had last seen his longtime friend and his newly acquired wife. He repeated a mantra in Spanish in his head to calm himself before he stood. Bella had agreed to stop shielding any of us, unless she was using our talent for some reason, because Alice needed to be able to see our futures in case Victoria made any quick decisions. Alice was also watching the Volturi's decisions, and keeping an eye on Charlie when he wasn't in the presence of the wolves.

Carlisle led the way off the bus, followed by myself, Bella, Garrett, Bree and my four siblings. Tanya was already stepping off the front porch with her arms opened wide and a bright smile.

"Carlisle! It's been awhile. Enjoy getting down with the in crowd?" she joked.

Carlisle chuckled and hugged her, kissing both of her cheeks. "Indeed, I did."

"Esme," Tanya said before wrapping her arms around her, and sharing a similar greeting as she had with Carlisle. When they pulled away she looked me over. "You look much better, Edward. Who knew a little love could fix everything," she said with a smirk. "You must be Bella. I've heard so much about you over the past year or so. It's a pleasure to meet you at last."

Bella smiled shyly and bowed her head. "Likewise," she said quietly.

Tanya hugged her gently and smiled when they broke apart. "Welcome to the family, I suppose." She turned and looked at the rest of the faces, noting two new ones. "I don't believe we've been introduced, I'm Tanya, and you are?" she asked Garrett, extending her hand to shake.

He bowed his head respectfully and kissed her knuckles. I chuckled slightly and Bella nudged me with a dark look.

"Garrett, ma'am, and this is Bree," he said as he released her hand and motioned to his left.

Tanya's thoughts were filled with curiosity about Garrett's age in comparison to Bree's and their relationship. I couldn't suppress my laughter. Tanya turned and scowled at me. "What? Can't a girl be curious?" she asked.

The front door opened again and Eleazar, Carmen, and Irina exited the house. Eleazar froze on the top step the moment his eyes connected with Garrett's.

'It can't be,' he thought.

"Hello, old friend," Garrett said softly.

"Garrett?"

Garrett nodded, smiling faintly.

"I can't believe it. Of all the families to come across… destiny has brought us together once again." Eleazar crossed the front yard swiftly and embraced him tightly, patting his shoulder. "I've missed you, querido amigo."

Garrett's mind was racing with old memories of Eleazar training him, speaking to him in the middle of the night about life, and philosophy. He truly viewed Eleazar like a father figure – there was no doubt about it.

"Carmen, come. You remember Garrett, of course."

"It's good to see you again, mi hijo," she said politely.

Garrett kissed her hand and smiled the widest I'd ever seen. "That it is," he said quietly.

She patted his hand gently and smiled back. "I see you've met Tanya. This is Irina, and Kate is still inside, talking to Maurice on the phone. Who might this be?" she asked, looking to Bree.

"Bree Tanner," she replied quietly, looking down quickly.

"A newborn, Carlisle?" Eleazar asked curiously. His thoughts were focused on where the girl had come from, and her relationship to us all.

"Edward came across her while tracking Victoria. She was part of her newborn army in Vancouver, and Edward could see that she didn't want to fight and be there, so he brought her back with him. We've been teaching her of our ways. She's become a daughter to Esme and I," Carlisle said, his voice tender as he squeezed Bree's shoulder.

She smiled up at him quickly before looking back down at the ground.

"She is skilled in connections," Eleazar said calmly. "Similar to Chelsea of the Volturi Guard, I imagine, but different. Her connection emphasizes patience, unity, and trust. Have you practiced this, young one?"

Bree looked to Carlisle and then back to Eleazar, her eyebrows knitted together and her mind racing with confused thoughts. "Practiced what?" she squeaked.

"Your talent, child." Eleazar smiled.

"But I don't have a talent," she stuttered. I could hear in her mind that she was being truthful – she was utterly confused.

"Ah. You were unaware. That makes sense then." He turned toward Jasper and lowered his head. "Have you not felt it coming from her this entire time, friend?"

'She's always shown patience and projected trust. It's grown by the day. Why didn't I notice?' "I suppose I have, but thought nothing of it," Jasper replied.

"I have a talent?" Bree asked, still confused.

"Yes, niña. You do. Chelsea has been with the Volturi Guard for a long time, and she has the ability to change bonds between people, weaken them, or make them stronger. She affects their love, and loyalty, while you seem to project patience, and trust. I would imagine with time you would be able to sway a person's trust, and influence their unity similarly."

"I… I never knew. How do I learn?" she asked eagerly.

Eleazar chuckled, clasping a hand on her shoulder. "In time, dear. In time. You, however," he said, turning toward Bella, "have one of the most extraordinary gifts I've ever come across; a powerful mental shield with the ability to shield others separately. You can ditto talents, as well?" he asked to clarify.

"Only if I bring them into my own mental shield," Bella replied calmly.

"That makes sense; you would have to have access to their mind directly in order to feel their essence, and mimic their talent. Fascinating." 'She's even more than Aro had ever hoped for, and she's standing before me, completely unaware of the power she possess.' He glanced at me and gave a nod. 'I mean her no harm, Edward. Her talent is hidden here. We shall not speak of it.'

"Thank you," I murmured and Bella looked to me curiously.

"Where are my manners. Come. Come. Inside, we have much to discuss, and you have a show tonight if I'm not mistaken," Eleazar said with a smile.

Carmen hugged Garrett around the waist, and followed behind Eleazar, arm and arm. Garrett's thoughts were overflowing with eagerness to catch up with his friends. Irina greeted Bree and they walked behind Bella and I toward the house discussing the drive over, and if Bree liked the weather. I was thankful Irina was making an attempt to help Bree feel welcome. Rosalie and Emmett locked up the RV and joined Alice and Jasper at the back of the group, and we all made our way inside.

"Hello! Hello!" Kate called from the other room as we walked inside. "I just got off the phone with Maurice, and he's looking forward to your show tonight. He said sometime around three in the morning is fine – it's when they get the busiest, so you should have a decent crowd." She came around the corner and smiled at me brightly, her eyes lingering before they traveled to my right. "Bella! How good it is to finally meet you!" She flew across the room and squeezed her tightly. She nodded at Jasper and Alice, and waved at Emmett and Rosalie as they headed for the living room.

"Heya, cuz," Emmett said, waving over his shoulder.

Kate smiled as she turned to scan the rest of the line. The moment her eyes connected with Garrett, her mind went blank. I arched a brow and stared at her curiously.

'She's beautiful,' Garrett thought.

"I'm Kate, a pleasure to meet you," she said after an awkward silence.

"Garrett, and the pleasure is all mine."

Kate smiled brightly and bowed her head in a partial-curtsy

"Kate, I'd like you to meet Bree," Carlisle said. He had noticed Kate and Garrett's exchange as well, and was trying to not chuckle at the obvious sudden attraction.

"Oh, yes. My manners. Hello, Bree. Nice to meet you. Won't you all come in and have a seat. We've never had so many guests at once, but there should be enough seating if we don't mind getting close," she said with a subtle teasing tone.

We followed her in and sat. Bella was on the edge of my lap, and Jasper leaned against the armrest with Alice in his arms.

"Where is Laurent?" Carlisle asked.

"He thought it best to not be here when you all first arrived. He wanted to give us time to talk before diving into more serious discussions. He should be back in an hour," Irina replied.

"So, tell us about these concerts," Carmen said, clasping her hands on her lap.

"They've been wonderful. At first it was difficult to try and act like human musicians, but as we continued it got easier. Some of us have been writing more songs while on the road," Alice said excitedly.

"Really? I'd love to hear it," Kate replied, her eyes glowing with interest.

"Of course," I said, looping an arm around Bella's waist.

"Who knew there was so much musical talent amongst you all," Eleazar said with a grin.

"Indeed," Carlisle agreed.

"Oh, Bella. Did you receive the cover art from Maurice yet?" Irina asked.

"I did, it's fabulous! Thank you, Irina. Your talent is amazing," Bella replied.

"I know we discussed a phoenix rising from the ashes, but I thought you might like the play on your stage name and decided to try it out."

"I'm eager to see it," I said quietly to Bella.

"You haven't seen it?" Irina asked.

I chuckled and shook my head. "No, not yet."

Irina made a tsk noise and left to get it. She returned quickly and held it out. I thanked her as I took the CD mock-up and kissed Bella's arm before looking down at the cover. Air rushed into my lungs as I gasped loudly; it was amazing. The overall tone was reds and oranges with subtle gray flakes scattered around the bottom to represent the ash. A drawn image of Bella, arms out and head back, filled the center with flames and smoke surrounding her. The ground was cracked and dried, and the sky was pitch black. Her hair was spread out behind her and it reminded me of when she would sing The Kill and throw her head back during the bridge, causing her hair to arch above her and glow in the stage lights. The fire around her looked like wings, and her gown was golden and shining from the flames.

She had literally made Bella look like a human phoenix being reborn from flame and ash.

"This is amazing, Irina. I'm speechless," I mumbled. I could feel Bella's eyes on me as she twisted to stare down at the case in my hand. When I finally managed to pry my eyes away from the image, I handed it to Carlisle beside me. They passed it around the room, commenting on their favorite part, or the symbolism behind the image that humans wouldn't understand such as the burning of being reborn into a vampire, or the cracked ground being the symbol of the imperfections we are as humans.

We talked for close to thirty minutes about music and Irina's artwork, and Alice mentioned our set-list and our plans for the show. Everyone had made plans to attend and they were eager to hear us play. As it grew closer to the hour mark, Irina grew nervous, constantly glancing at the window.

"Should we discuss Laurent before he returns?" Jasper asked, picking up on her nervousness.

"He's afraid you will think that he is still working with Victoria," Irina said quickly.

"But he isn't?" I asked.

"No. He is committed to being here. He wants nothing to do with her. If he ever had any loyalty to his previous coven, it was to James – not her – but he holds no grudge or ill feelings toward any of you over what you did. He understands most of your decisions, and I'm sure once he sees Bella is one of us and how much you care for her, he will understand why you protected a human so fiercely." Irina's thoughts didn't stray from her words – she was being truthful. Bella was tense on my lap, but I stroked her arm gently and she slowly relaxed.

"What about his diet?" Carlisle asked.

"He's been abstaining from his old ways. It's been hard, and he slipped once, but he's doing better now. That is where he is now – hunting. He was concerned about being around the human blood tonight at the bar, and wanted to make sure he could contain his thirst in front of you all." Irina's eyes were pleading for us to understand and give him a chance. She truly loved him, and I had little doubt in my mind that they were mated.

We all agreed to give him the benefit of the doubt, but mentioned that Jasper and I would be keeping an eye on him. We got talking about everyone's talents, and Bella was in the middle of showing how her shields worked when Laurent arrived.

"I hope I am not interrupting anything," he said quietly from the archway. His accent was just as thick as I remembered, but it held more guilt and sorrow than the last time I had spoken with him. Bella was immediately tense on my lap and I continued to stroke her skin gently.

"Not at all," Carlisle said as he stood. Laurent slowly walked into the living room, lowering his head to the room in a greeting. Carlisle took a few steps toward him and offered his hand. "It's good to see you again, Laurent."

"Thank you," he said quietly as they shook. He looked around the room and spotted Bella. He turned, took a couple of steps and dropped to one knee. "Bella," he said as he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He opened them slowly, sorrow etched across his face as he held out his hand. She slowly put her palm in his and held her breath. "I am so very sorry for the past. I hope that we can move forward, and perhaps become friends one day. I know that an apology means very little, but I hope you can accept mine, in time."

She tugged on her lip ring and slowly exhaled. "I forgive you Laurent. You warned the Cullens about James and Victoria, and for that, I'm grateful."

He kissed her knuckles and stood, clasping her hand between his. "Thank you, and might I add that immortality suits you magnificently." He smiled down at her before turning to join Irina.

"I don't mean to turn the conversation sour, but I think there are some things we should discuss before the day progresses much further. We have no idea of when things may take a turn for the worse, so it is better to be prepared," Jasper said.

"I suppose you are right," Eleazar said. "Where shall we begin?"

"Well, let's start with the visit Victoria made here a few days ago. Is there anything you can tell us about it? Was she looking for something or someone or did she say anything strange?" I asked.

"She was looking for Laurent, but he, Irina, Tanya and Kate had gone out to hunt. We had no defense with Kate gone. Victoria surprised Carmen while outside, and threatened to kill her if I didn't give her answers. At first I lied, but she suspected I wasn't telling the truth, and gave me one more chance to answer her. She knew that Bella was still alive, or had been turned, but she didn't know which one. Carmen's life was on the line and I wasn't feeling particularly up to tempting fate, so I told her you were changed, but that I didn't know where you were, just that you were with Edward. She seemed to panic after that, told me to tell Laurent that he still owes her, and she fled," Eleazar said.

"I don't owe her anything," Laurent said coldly. "She and James chose to make a game of things after the quarrel in the field, and I told them that I was done chasing my food and left. My place is here, with Irina and the Denalis, and I have no plan on ever speaking to Victoria again."

"Well, I tracked her down. She is building a newborn army southwest of Kamloops. So far her numbers are under a dozen, but she could have more camps, or others with her. She wasn't at the base, and from what Bree has told us, she is keeping her identity secret to them all except the two in charge of the newborns. She's searched Forks a few times, and the Quileutes ran her off before she managed to hurt anyone, but she's looking for something," I said.

"What doesn't make any sense is how she knew about Alice and Edward's talents, why she is keeping herself a secret from the newborns and why she came here," Jasper said.

There was an awkward silence and then Laurent cleared his throat. "I can answer one of those, but I'm not pleased to admit it. After I came up here and got to know the Denalis, Irina told me about your family's talents. When Victoria called with the news of James, she was a rambling mess. Victoria didn't think I had meant what I said about leaving the coven, and asked me to help her get revenge. I told her no, I was done living that life and that I wasn't crazy enough to face seven vampires with extreme gifts. She asked what I meant, and out of fear of her safety, I explained." He closed his eyes and lowered his head – his thoughts filled with regret and shame.

"You told her about our talents?" Alice shrieked.

He opened his eyes and frowned, sighing heavily. "I had no idea that she would continue to hunt Bella or form a plan to seek her revenge. I thought that by telling her of the dangers, she would see that her life was not worth it. Clearly, I did not understand the power of losing a mate at the time because I myself was not mated. I see now that what I did was give her information to be more successful in her endeavor, not deter her from following through with it. I am sincerely sorry, and I wish to help in any way I can," he pleaded.

"I guess that explains all three of the questions then," Jasper said quietly through gritted teeth.

"We all wish to help. I know I was upset and refused to track Victoria down on the phone, Carlisle, but I was still panicked over Carmen being possibly injured. If there is anything that any of us can do, we shall see that it gets done," Eleazar said as he pulled Carmen closer.

"Thank you for your offer. We could definitely use as many friends by our side as possible; which brings us to the next topic – the Quileutes." Carlisle looked to Bella and Garrett and waited for one of them to speak.

"The wolves aren't very pleased with the Cullens right now, but they do love Bella dearly, and I seemed to have gained their trust when things took a turn for the worst the last time we were in Forks. Sam, the leader of the wolf pack, has offered half of his numbers to assist in bringing down the newborn army," Garrett explained calmly.

"We don't know how many they have amongst them right now, but a few wolves will definitely give us an edge – the newborns won't know how to attack and the element of surprise is always a good thing to have," Jasper added.

"When shall we begin?" Laurent asked.

"I will call Sam shortly and arrange for him to send as many wolves as he can spare. Hopefully they should be here within thirty-six hours after the call, but it may be longer, depending on how they travel. We need to decide if we want to lure Victoria out or attack at the camp, and we need to train the wolves and our younger members how to fight," Garrett said.

"Well then, let's not waste any time," Irina said as she stood. "We will need to make room for the wolves to stay since they may be here a while."

"The wolves can stay at our home. It's not too far from here. They may feel more comfortable with a family of vampires they are already familiar with, and have made a treaty with them to not harm them," Esme said as she counted in her head how many spare rooms the house had.

"That's a good point," Carlisle said, nodding. "Garrett, let us know how many Sam plans to send, and what kind of accommodations they would like made for them so we can prepare the house."

"Will do," he replied and stood, walking out of the room with his phone in hand already.

"We should probably work with Bree the most. She will need to learn to fight, but also how her talent works. It can come in handy during the fight if she learns enough by then. Perhaps we can break down the trust Victoria's minions have." Eleazar smiled at her warmly, but she looked scared and confused.

"Eleazar, no one has asked her to fight with us. She has the option to say no," Carlisle said as he went to stand by her side.

"I see. You're right; she does have a choice, of course. I'm sorry my dear. I did not mean to make assumptions."

Bree was silent, but her mind wasn't. She was afraid of the fight most of all, but she was also concerned that she might get in the way, or not know enough to be useful. I almost laughed out loud – she was the exact opposite of Bella. Even when Bella was a human, she wanted to help, and when we told her she would only get in the way, she took it upon herself to do something that she thought would help.

"I'd like to help, but I don't want to be a problem," Bree said very quietly, her eyes focused on the floor.

"We'll think of something," Esme said assuredly.

"Alright," Garrett said loudly as he walked back into the room. Everyone looked up, their attention on him. "Sam said he can spare five, including himself. The four youngest to the change will stay behind and guard the reservation, and Charlie. It's been over a week since they last caught Victoria's scent in the area, so they aren't so concerned, but they have a duty to uphold to their people. They will be leaving tonight, and expect to be here sometime Monday night. They are going to cross through Vancouver so they don't get too close to the encampment, and they are going to avoid crossing your trail," he said, looking to me and Bree.

"What can we do to prepare for them?" Esme asked.

"Food and lots of it. They eat a lot. They won't be very comfortable around so many of us, and Sam asked for us to not take offense to them staying in their wolf form most of the time. Perhaps as they stay here, they will get more comfortable with shifting around us. Try not to provoke their tempers. One of them is still a little temperamental, but he's a strong fighter."

"You told him how many of us to expect, right?" Bella asked. "As well as… who?" I squeezed her to me tightly. I knew she was worried about Jake not accepting her as a vampire, and she was probably afraid that he and I would fight. She was right, but the newborn fight would come first.

"I did. Don't worry about it, Bella. They have their motives for doing this, and you're one of them."

"Well, Carlisle and I will return home to get the place set up, and do some shopping to accommodate for them. We will see the rest of you at the show tonight," Esme said with a smile. Carlisle took her hand and they said their goodbyes.

"We should probably practice. Kate has a studio downstairs we can use, and I'm sure she would love to hear the new songs," Alice said excitedly, bouncing on her toes. She was worried about the wolves showing up because once they were here all visions were blocked, but she was trying to stay optimistic, and the excitement over the show tonight definitely helped with that.

"Definitely. Follow me, I'll help you guys set up." Kate waved us downstairs and just before the door closed behind Bree, I heard Rosalie whining to Emmett.

"I don't understand why we can't just buy them dog houses and be done with it."

CD cover for Beautifully Sacred: http:/ /bit[dot]ly/bFXIEO take out the space, and put in the period.

So, this was supposed to be the chapter where they play at La Sangue Cantante, but by the time everything that needed to be covered was out of the way, I was already at 5000+ words. SO! Next chapter is all concert! If you have a request for the concert, speak now or forever hold your peace! (All requests must be songs either band has already written, but it doesn't have to be something they've played before.)

Have questions about Bella's talent, Bree's talent, how I write chapters, my methods, favorite bands, or anything else related to me or fanfic? Ask me questions at www[dot]formspring[dot]me/ailisraevynx

Song question of the chapter: Rec me a really rare band, and your favorite song by them. Think of the most obscure band you know (but can still be found on youtube!).