Disclaimer: I do NOT own Twilight or any of its characters. They all belong to Stephanie Meyer. I do, however, own my OCs and other mentioning's of character that don't belong to Twilight.

Pairings: OC/Aro/Caius/Marcus and canon-pairings.

Chapter I - Ancient

The Cullen household was silent and tense. The vampires within were all still and unmoving, lost in their minds.

How could it have come to this?

What was the fate that awaited them when the Volturi came?

Though they had gather all the witness' they needed to explain everything, would it be enough to convince them and judge fairly?

Carlisle was pacing slightly in the living room, his family and friends around him looking at him questioningly, his mate included.

It was the sound of a car pulling into their driveway that had Carlisle stop moving and rush to the door, with everyone following quickly.

A beautiful sleek silver Lamborghini Murcielago LP640 slowed to a stop in front of the house. A few people's eyes widened at the obviously expressive looking car. The driver's door opened up to reveal a beautiful red haired woman inside.

She wore a black leather jacket over a white tank top, skin tight dark grey pants and black combat boots. Stepping out, she lifted her sunglasses to rest on top of her head, and gave a lovely smile.

"Carlisle, good to see you, amatus!" She called, winking at the blonde vampire that smiled fondly at her dramatic entrance and attitude.

"Always a pleasure seeing you, Amara." He replied, stepping forward to embrace her tightly. She laughed, hugging him tightly in return. Her red eyes glanced at the surrounding company but paid them no mind.

"Oh come on, amatus, I bring presents." She sang lightly, moving to the boot of her car to retrieve the said items.

"You needn't do such a thing." He muttered, thinking of what she had brought him this. As it happened, every time Amara and he met, no matter when and where, she would always give him something valuable. But it was thoughtful and it was her way of saying she cared and always would.

Her arms were filled with small and large sized gifts wrapped in colourful paper, and had a few bags hanging on her elbows.

"Direct me to the living room, querido." She smiled mischievously, eyebrows wiggled playfully that only served to amuse Carlisle more.

He moved back inside with Amara close behind. A few offering to take a few bags from her, but she refused politely. And was quick to put them down on the available lounge. Everyone was gathered around the room, curious as to this newcomer that clearly no one has met before.

"Amara," Her attention was called and looked to see Carlisle gesturing to a beautiful caramel haired woman. "This is Esme, my wife."

Amara smiled brightly, squealing and embraced the woman gently. "Oh, it's an absolute libentia to finally meet you!" She gushed, "Carlisle, you old dog! You didn't tell me she was so gorgeous." She waved and slapped the doctor playfully, much to the embarrassment of Carlisle and amusement of everyone else.

"It's wonderful to meet you. Carlisle has told me many things about you. I wanted to personally thank you for being there for him when he needed it most." And Esme was gratefully. She knew firsthand how hard it was to be a newborn and trying to learn control. She had thought it was amazing that her mate had such strength and control over his thirst and had told him so. He had admitted that he didn't learn by himself, but had the support and guidance of an old friend.

"Oh believe me, this boy here has helped me more than he knows." She grinned widely and gave a sheepish shrug. "But on to the good stuff!" She declared and handed Esme a small blue wrapped present. Looking as if to refuse, Amara gave her a small pout. "It is close to Christmas, and where I come from, it's expected to give gifts."

She was quick to unwrap and open the small velvet box and gave a surprised gasp.

"Oh my…" Carlisle looked and almost gapped.

A pair of beautiful amethyst tear-shaped earrings, complete with silver lining.

Amara smiled knowingly and moved on to hand Carlisle his own present. "It would be best if you opened that in your study." She told him seriously, her expression solemn and a little grim. He merely nodded in reply and held on to it.

"Now, what is this Volturi business of being a witness? What crime has been committed?" She clapped her hands together, looking curiously at Carlisle.

The mood seemed to return to its severe intensity from before and all turned to the couple that stood by the fireplace. Amara turned to the couple, noticing immediately that the female was a newborn but had a good amount of control. But what was strange was the continuous humming heart beat that came from behind the woman. And soon enough, a child stepped out from behind the female, a little girl.

A very beautiful and enchanting child.

Amara tilted her head to the side with a gentle and friendly smile, and the child seemed to relax.

"Well, it has been a while since I have seen someone like you." She murmured before taking a step forward and gestured to the child. "Come child, let me have a look at you." Amara noticed how the female tensed up at the approach and hand motions, red eyes narrowing and a small growl emitting from her, which Amara did not appreciate.

"Girl, you growl at me again and I will not be in a happy mood for long." She warned, red eyes seeming to darken for a moment. Everything around her suddenly screamed dangerous and dark, a few vampires moved away from her slightly, while males moved in front of their mates, including the male to the female before her.

"Edward, Bella, you both need to calm yourselves and introduce Renesmee properly." Carlisle scolded the two, frowning at their current behaviour towards their guest. And it was with his words to the two that made them move and allow the child to step forward.

Amara saw how nervous and fidgety the child was and kneeled down to her level. "Hello little one." She smiled.

"Hello," she replied, a soft and melodic voice echoing slightly around her.

"My name is Amara, what is your name?"

"Renesmee."

"A very unique name for a beautifully unique girl." The little girl smiled back shyly before she raised her hand towards Amara's cheek, but stopped by a hand held in front of her. "I am sorry to say, but you do not need to show me how you came about. I know very well how all this occurred." She smirked lightly at the child's parents who had the decency to look a little embarrassed.

"Will you help us?" Esme called from behind, and Amara looked intently at the distress and building dread on some faces.

"I have already said to Carlisle that I would help." That gained a few smiles at her words. "However, if it comes down to a fight, I will not be saving you all." Amara warned.

"What makes you think we need you saving us?" A beautiful blonde vampire asked scornfully, earning her a deadly look from the red head.

"You are aware that Aro, Caius and Marcus are very old vampires. The three around the age of two to three thousand years old, correct?"

"So?" The blonde scoffed.

"Times that by five." Amara commented causally, causing a dead silence to fill the room.

"You're an Ancient." Another breathe, causing a stir amongst others. Instantly, all the vampires were on guard and thinking of ways to escape this old vampire before them.

"Indeed I am. And let me tell you something, when you've lived for as long as I have, you learn a few things about battle and death." Her red eyes seemed to dull and become tired as she remembered all of her comrades and friends died, the hardships of wars and daily life.

"Amara," Carlisle called to her and she turned to him to see a pleading expression. "Please, will you at least consider saving my family. They have done no harm towards anyone."

"You're right Carlisle, to a point. But you see, had your son and his bride been smart, they would not have had sexual intercourse without protection." She shrugged, not seeing the shocked expression of said vampires.

"We did not think it possible for them to conceive in the first place!" Another blonde vampire spoke up with a sneer, standing next to a tall burly, dark haired vampire that Amara assumed was her mate.

"True," she conceded, "However that could have been easily rectified had Edward here merely consulted his decisions with Carlisle. He would have then contacted me and all of this would never have happened. You all wouldn't be here, looking as if you're about to be executed for a crime that isn't yours."

And those were the facts of it.

Edward and Bella looked ashamed, but not regretful. They had gained a beautiful loving daughter, but at a price of their family's safety and future well-being.

"How was the child exposed to the Volturi?" Amara asked suddenly.

"Irina Denali was coming to Forks to apologise for her behaviour at Bella and Edward's wedding, but then saw Renesmee in a field, catching snowflakes." Carlisle explained, sparing a weary and disappointed glance to his son, who looked more ashamed.

"I see," she hummed, "Tell me, why was she the way she was at the wedding?"

"Her dear friend, Laurent was killed by the Quileute Wolf Pack, after he tried to attack Bella when she was human."

"Well, that explains a few things." Amara hummed before smiling reassuringly at the child. "Have you allied yourselves with the wolves?"

"Yes. Renesmee is the imprint of one of the Alphas." Bella replied, keeping close to her child.

"Well, that certainly helps you in numbers." She paused, seeing the forlorn faces around her, before she sighed heavily. For too long she has seen many of her friends and comrades die, while she remained alive and powerful. And now, looking at this child, her parents and the family that surrounded her, it would be a painful and dishonourable burden on her conscious if she allowed these people to die. It was very hard to come by good vampires in this day and age.

"Alright, I will lend my support if it comes to a fight. I'm not an Ancient for nothing." She grinned at Carlisle, seeing the utter relief.

"What is an Ancient?" Bella asked curiously, trying to see what made this woman so different from other vampires.

"An Ancient is a vampire of old age, and unlimited power. They're said to be the first vampires that walked the earth. They're stronger than any vampire, even a newborn, faster and are supreme fighters. They're built for war." Edward explained, watching the red haired vampire cautiously, but also in wonder.

"While that is true, it is not entirely accurate. I admit that we are the ultimate fighters and have powers that even the Volturi would fear and want for themselves, there is something else that makes us different." She sighed sadly, a tired smile on her face. "We are near impossible to kill."

"What?" Someone breathed out fearfully.

"While the most common and precise way to kill any vampire is tearing them limb from limb and burning them to ashes, for an Ancient that's not possible."

"Then why aren't there more of you?" Edward questioned.

Amara was silent for a moment, her red eyes glazed over at the memory. She seemed to be haunted by these memories, and from the look on Edwards face and the sorrow he expressed, they weren't really fond ones.

"Because the only way for an Ancient to die, is by being killed by another Ancient." She murmured, her head slightly bowed.

"So you have killed others like you." Bella stated accusingly, and it was something that Amara did not appreciate.

"Girl, before opening your mouth, it would be in your best interests to think rather than assume what you say to be correct." She snarled darkly at the newborn, reminding everyone in the room what she is. "I do not take any sort of pleasure out of taking the lives of my kind, especially when those people happen to be my family!" Her voice was raised loudly as she finished.

All was silent in the house.

"I think that's enough now. Amara has proven herself to be an ally, and she so happens to be a dear friend of mine. Please Amara, come with me." He took a hold of her hand before leading her away from the crowd, but not without sending one last disapproving glance to his daughter-in-law.

Bella was conflicted. After having met this new vampire that's come to witness, she wasn't at all content with this new stranger being here, let alone near her daughter.

"I would take Amara's advice if I were you, Mrs. Cullen." Garrett, another vampire witness warned. "While it is not any of my business, I would like to point out that you are in fact, a child in this new world and race." He reminded, raising an eyebrow at the small glare she was sending him. "You will have to put aside your human frame of mind and come to settle for the new rules and lifestyle that we all live by."

"I was merely asking to make sure she wouldn't do anything suspicious." She defended herself.

"And that sort of behaviour is what will get you in a lot of trouble." He retorted, not all amused at her attitude, especially when her half human, half vampire child was standing right next to her.

"I have to agree with Garrett. You are a newborn, and this impulsive attitude would get you killed in the upcoming battle." Alistair, an old acquaintance of Carlisle's spoke up from the staircase, his red eyes narrowing in scorn and accusation of the new Cullen. "Did you ever think for a moment what the circumstances were for when she had to kill other Ancients?"

Bella's silent was all the answer that was needed.

"This world is filled with vampires that think themselves above others and humans. They think that just because they have power, they can do whatever they want and get away with it. Well, that's where the Volturi come in to open their eyes. They keep track of Covens and Nomads whenever they can to make sure they are following the rules. And even if I don't agree with some of their rules, they are there to protect our way of life for a reason. And given that there is now an Ancient in this house and posing as a witness on your behalf, I would consider yourself lucky that you now have an unstoppable force against the Volturi, should things go south for you and everyone else." After explaining it, Alistair walked away from the crowd and back up to the attic for solitude.

Meanwhile, Bella seemed to want to shrink in on herself after wondering about a few things, but now had to rethink about how she would live as a vampire. Life as a human was not easy, but it would have been far easier than what she would have to live with now. And it only after she was turned into what she desired that she now realised this. There was no going back.

'At least I have Edward, Renesmee and Jacob, and the rest of my family.'

But how long would that last now that she was one of those responsible for sentencing her family to death.

Amara gazed at the window into the forest, her mind lost to the memories that the previous arguments had brought. She never seemed to be rid of the guilt and heart break of the past, but really, she wouldn't be able to erase the pain even if she tried. Even now, she could never forget from the moment she opened her eyes to the world as the most dangerous and powerful predator, to now where she was alive and living with the past pain.

"I cannot do it." She cried out, anguish and pain induced sobs tore from her throat. Her figure hunched over as those of her kind stood around her, watching her with pity and understanding.

"I know it will be hard on you, but…"

"No! I will not do this! I cannot do this!" She refused to end it all for them. Just because she wanted to live on through the years, while they wished to die, did not mean they could request for her to be their executioner.

"Amara," a deep soothing voice spoke to her softly. She felt someone kneel beside her, taking hold of her hands gently, and one hand tilting her chin up to meet the very familiar gaze of her beloved brother. The mere sight of his handsome face served to upset her more, drawing more dry sobs from inside her.

"You promised me, Samael." She choked, her shoulders trembling and red eyes pleading. He smiled back at her sadly. And the dam within her broke.

Tears of venom fell from her eyes, a seemingly impossible feat for any vampire but now possible. Samael red eyes turned pained, knowing that her tears were a sign of extreme sadness.

"My love, you and I have been in this world for a very long time. We have watched silently as humans wage war, build colonies and become more advance through the ages." He paused when his voice began to waver, "I know that even now, as you grieve, that someday it will get better."

"Please…" she pleaded.

"Do not cry for me, my heart. It pains me enough now to see you in such a state." He held her tightly, rocking her slowly as she wept and begged for him to not do this to her.

But he did.

She watched as another of her kind killed him before her and finally shattering a piece of her heart that now passed on with the soul of her brother and only family she had left in this world.

It was only a few hours later that the rest of her kind that once stood around her, laid dead on the ground. She had killed them all in her rage and grief.

"Amara?" She heard Carlisle call out to her, concerned at her present state of mind.

"I am fine, old friend." She assured, a smile on her face that never reached her eyes. She could see he wasn't convinced. "Please do not ask."

And he didn't.

She looked around the office to distract herself and caught sight of the present she had given him earlier. "Ah, since we are presently alone, why not opening that?" She gestured to the gift and he sighed in exasperation.

"Oh very well," he muttered, seeing her grinning face before tearing away at the wrapping smoothly and freezing at what he saw. She watched him closely when he opened it, knowing that this would be important to him. He held it closely, a sling tremble in his hands and opened the cover to read the front.

"Property of Pastor Abe Cullen."

It was the journal of his biological father.

"I know that you felt terrible after everything that happened in the past. That you could not leave your home and family on different terms. So, I did a little digging and thought that you might need this. It took me a while, but I managed to find this." She gestured to the journal. "But Carlisle, I want you to know something. Your father was proud of you, and had been proud of you till the day he died. His one regret was not being able to find you and tell you that himself."

Carlisle, in a rare moment of weakness, bowed his head and allowed the emotions run free. His shoulders trembled if only for a moment, and his gold eyes darkened.

She walked to him and wrapped her arms around his waist, and he immediately returned her embrace.

"Thank you," he whispered, smothering his face in her hair, holding to her like a lifeline.

"Always, querido, always." She had promised him that she would always be there and she would keep her word on that.

And if the Volturi were going to say otherwise, well, she'll have to simply bring them all to their knees and teach them of what power truly is.

Translations

Amatus – 'Darling' in Latin

Querido – 'dear one' in Spanish

Libentia – 'pleasure' in Latin

It's a little different but I hope it's an okay chapter. If you haven't noticed, I am not a fan of Bella. She was a real disappointment in the books/movies and could have been so much more had she been portrayed that way.

Anyway, I hope you liked it.

Please review!

-lostfeather1;)