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 II – Willing Innocence

It has been a few days, and already tensions were rising in the Cullen household. They knew that their time was limited. However, Bella and Edward were spending their time wisely. Renesmee continued to grow rapidly, from the fragile six month old child, she now looked to be an angelic four year old girl.

It fascinated Amara at how rapidly half-mortals grew, even though she had seen a few before this one.

"Edward, you did not tell me your wife was a Shield." That comment from Eleazar drew her attention towards the back door and to the small gathering. She made her way towards them, curious about the newborns ability.

"I never thought you would be. You are so different from others that I know of." Edward gazed at Bella intently, thinking about her mind blocking him out and all seemed to make sense.

"What's a Shield?" Bella asked, looking at the others.

"It is defensive ability." Amara replied, appearing a few feet away, wearing a long dark brown trench coat. "A Shield can work differently for every vampire that possesses it. For some, it can appear as a physical defence, while there are mental defences. Yours, however, looks to be a bit of both." She mused.

Suddenly Kate appeared and grabbed hold of Bella's arm. An electrical current surged through Kate as she tried to affect Bella, but nothing happened. "Oh, she's a Shield alright. See, she can't even feel it."

"Or your gift is exaggerated." Garrett pointed out with a smirk. Amara had begun to notice that he was following Kate around, and from what she could feel, it was a mutual feeling. Kate held up a hand to Garrett, challenging him to try and take what was given. Amara chuckled, shaking her head at the daring nature of Garrett.

"Garrett, I wouldn't." Carlisle warned with a small smirk.

Garrett didn't listen, merely touched Kate's palm with one finger and was sent to his knees in pain. Amara laughed hard, her musical laughter ringing in the air and the world seemed to brighten with life and happiness. It was a wonder what power Ancients possessed to be able to effect the atmosphere around them.

Amara calmed after a few moments, noticing the stares she was gaining at her laughter and smiled with a shrug. "You have an amazing gift, Amara." Turning towards Eleazar, she nodded thankfully. "I have never seen one with such a complex and fascinating ability. Truly, it is something else."

"Being born with a gift helped me become what I am over the millennia's."

"What is your gift, exactly?" Edward asked curiously, intrigued when he read Eleazar's thoughts.

"It is similar to the way Benjamin controls the elements." Amara smiled at the confused stares and looked at the ground around them. She focused her eyes on the grass, and slowly the grass began to grow and soon after, wildflowers bloomed at their feet and around them. All colours were splashed on the petals, and the grass had become greener. It was beautiful to see such a sight of flora. Her head titled to the side, and soon, the world around them glowed and shimmered. "The world around us is filled with life and energy, I merely nudge for aid, and it complies. Life is not easy to manipulate, but it becomes easier when you know how to use energy." She admitted, looking around them at the trees and forests, listening to the birds and wind.

"So, you make flowers grow?" Kate asked sceptically, not understanding like some others.

"I can make a lot of things do many things, including all of you." Amara replied dismissively, looking to the vampires before her, each one of them confused at her words. "Your lives are filled with energy. Some of you think that because your hearts do not beat that you are not alive. But you are. You all are living beings of this earth, and are filled with a cold energy that is powerful. It is your souls that make you who you are, and if I willed it, you would be on your knees in seconds." She could see the flash of fear and caution in their eyes, and feel the intimidation that they felt when near her. But it did not concern her, merely knowing that it was a fact.

"I do not have a soul." Edward spoke up from beside his wife, murmuring his belief quietly. Amara looked at the boy, no much younger and naïve that it was almost pathetic to look at. Bella glared at her husband slightly, always irritated at Edward's adamant belief on not having soul.

"Let me ask you something, Edward." She stepped forward until she was in front of him, staring intently into his eyes. "Do you care for your family?"

"Of course, I do." He answered immediately, a little offended that she would ask at all.

"Do you wish to protect your wife and child?" She pressured, calmly.

"I will always protect them." He frowned at her.

"Are you proud to be a son of Carlisle Cullen?" She accused, eyes narrowed and stance stiff.

"Yes, I am." Edward snapped back, not understanding her point.

"Do you have the nerve to say that all vampires here have no souls and are nothing more than mindless beasts that thirst for blood?" She raised a brow at the boy, daring him to agree.

"What? No, I would never think that."

"So, you think that it is only you that has no soul?" Amara asked incredulously, looking at Edward as if he was a new breed of stupid. And judging by the look of insult and glaring anger on his face, he heard her thoughts; not that she cared. "Well, congratulations Edward Cullen, you are now officially the stupidest vampire I have met." She stated cheerfully, taking pleasure in the muffled giggles and chuckles from inside, and the loud burst of laughter from Emmett, who was clutching his sides and bent over in a fit.

"Amara," Carlisle scolded, but she saw the flash of amusement.

"Well, it is true. Edward, you do not know what a true monster is. You have no idea what sort of evil this world holds." Amara chuckled bitterly, "You think yourself soulless? Boy, Carlisle has protected you from true evil. There are monsters that would kill their friends without remorse, use others for their own gain and there are those that would kill children without a second thought if it were to save themselves. Innocent life is nothing in the eyes of those who think themselves great and powerful.

"I have seen true monsters and killers, and they were not even vampires." Her words were met with silence. "I have seen men leave their families to protect themselves from disease and battles. I have seen women grieve for the loss of their children because their husbands had killed them so that it was less mouths to feed during the winter season. I have seen and heard the pain-filled cries… the screams… the sobs of humans with hardships so great and dark that it would make your newborn years seem like simple murder disaster."

Amara spared a glance to look at the horrified expression of Edward's, knowing that he had read her mind and saw her memories. "You are merely a boy with misguided thoughts and emotions in a world filled with monsters and evil things. True nightmares are not what we are, but what we choose to become. In this world, those who win, live and those that do not, die. If I were you, Edward, I would thank the Lord and Angels that you have such an extraordinary life. And be grateful for the family and loved ones you have that cherish you in return." And with those last words, Amara walked away from Edward who had much to think about after that conversation… and scolding.

It was all a blur as he ran in panic. He could hear them chasing him, keeping up with his speed and knowing where he would run next, whichever route he took, they knew how to follow and keep up. Such was the gift of trackers. It wasn't long before they caught up and stopped him, pushing him and throwing him down. He could see them, all four of them. Two in front of him and two off a few feet away. And couldn't have been more terrified.

He saw the darkness approaching him, slithering and swaying. It was a black cloud of misery that continue to expand and pursue him. He couldn't fight it, no matter how much he wanted to. "No, please… I refused him." He spoke in his first language, hoping for some mercy in this situation, no matter how hopeless that sounded.

And then he heard them.

The three kings.

The Volturi kings.

He first saw the leader, Aro Volturi. He walked with the grace and certainty of a king, a ruthless king who knew no sense of morality. He was followed by his brothers and fellow kings. Caius, the blonde and bloodthirsty ruler and best strategist there ever lived. He always seemed to have a scowl on his handsome face thought right at this moment he was merely expressionless. Marcus Volturi was close behind, looking as young and bored as usual. He merely stared at him like he was merely disinterested with being here at all, not really seeing him or the situation around him. Though after the death of his wife, no one could blame him.

"I would never betray you." His voice was shaky, and his body stiff from receiving the cruel treatment of Alec's ability.

"Of course not, my dear Toshiro." Aro spoke softly, reassuring him. He gently took Toshiro's hand into his own and closed his eyes to see every thought Toshiro had ever had. "It seems Carlisle is still expecting you." Aro stared at him with an unreadable expression, before he smiled and moved away while sharing a look with his two guards, Felix and Demetri.

The sound of snapping and breaking was loud as Toshiro was killed that night, while the Kings left with plans in mind, completely unaware of the blue eyes that watched them from above in the darkness.

A phone was placed to an ear, the ringing sounded and soon after someone answered.

"Salve, Amatus,"

"They're on the move." A deep baritone voice replied and could hear slight shuffling.

"How close?" The voice demanded, pleasant tone gone.

"Close enough. They're gathering witnesses of their own. You might want to prepare yourselves."

"We are ready."

"I will join you, it's not safe with you being the only one capable."

"Are you worried, Amare?" They cooed softly, eliciting an annoyed hiss.

"Of course I am worried!" He snapped back.

"Sweetheart, I will be fine. But if it makes you feel better, than by all means come along. It has been a while since I have seen you, dear heart." His expression softened when he heard her say that. It had been a while since he had seen her, and he would be lying if he said he didn't miss her a lot.

"I will be there soon. I am not leaving you there to fend for yourself against an army of self-righteous assholes."

"Alright darling. I will see you soon. Be sure to eat before you come, the food is scarce around here."

"I love you, Mère. I will see you soon."

"See you soon, Amatus." And with that, he hung up the phone and disappeared into the shadows.

Renesmee was confused, and very curious. She had listened to the beautiful lady with red hair when she spoke to her father, reprimanding him like a child in trouble. It was a wonder why her father didn't retaliate or return the insult. But her father wasn't like that, and for that she was grateful. But even so, Renesmee was a very curious child. She had questions about the world she now lives in and the family she loves. And though she did get her answers, they were still not the ones she was seeking or wanted answered.

And as she walked through the house and out into the backyard with her Jake following her, her eyes went to the red haired lady. Jake seemed to sense her indecision and began to discourage her in talking to the red haired bloodsucker. She frowned at him and shook her head, disagreeing before approaching the red haired beauty and staring at her. The lady in turn, stared back at the child, intimidating Renesmee before dismissing the child and walking away. But Renesmee wanted answers, and followed the woman.

"Why are you following me, child?" Amara question, wondering about the hybrid's sudden interest in her. Renesmee didn't answer, merely raised her hand to the woman. But Amara shook her head. "If you wish to ask me something, you use your words. I have no time nor patience for your small mind pictures."

"Mommy says that I can. She says that it's a gift that should be practiced."

"That's a matter of preference. She's your mother, and will do anything to please you because she loves you." Amara stated with a roll of her eyes, ignoring the Shapeshifter's growls and stance. "I do not care for your power, and what it shows. It is an ability of the mind, and not something that I want inside my head."

"Why?"

"You ask 'why'? Tell me something, child, have you lived for thousands of years?"

Renesmee shook her head.

"Have you ever thought over the moments in your life that sometimes, sacrifices have to be made in order for many to survive?"

Again, she shook her head.

"Do you sometimes think that being here, existing, is more trouble than it is worth?"

Renesmee paused, thinking on her time from birth, to the present where she stood before the red haired lady.

"That hesitance is answer enough. And honestly, I do not blame you for thinking the way you do. It shows that you do care about those around you, and that your happiness may come at a price." Amara knelt in front of the child, watching the girl intently before seeing something inside of her that made her smile slightly. "Such innocence in this world should experience the joys and pleasures of life, and the hardships that will be waiting for you along the way." She murmured, "You remind me of someone dear to me. He too thought about the world and what it would hold for him when he put his mind to it. It is truly inspiring to see such potential inside of you. The lengths you are willing to go to protect your family, and wanting them to be safe and happy." Amara had a dazed look on her face, remembering a distant memory that were of a previous life, one of her favourite years pretending to be human and normal. It was brief, like every other few years, but it was some of the best she had lived in her long years as an Ancient. Being immortal, especially someone like her, was difficult to live and feel normal amongst others, especially when you feel as if you are the only one left. However, she endured in her years, and began to live like any other woman of her stature. Sometimes she lived as a Lady of a House, a Governess, and sometimes a Baroness. But they all ended the same way somehow.

In heartbreak and despair.

Until she finally met someone worth her time. She smiled as she remembered those years and what she had gained from it all.

Turning back to the small beautiful hybrid child, she smiled kindly. "Do not live thinking the worst of life. Live knowing that this family, and everything you love is worth fighting for. You have a strong will to protect those around you child, you merely have to have faith." And with her parting words, Amara left the child and walked off into the forest.

Renesmee didn't follow her. She merely stood there, thinking on the red haired lady's words.

Jacob, having listened to all the conversation Amara and Renesmee shared, was in a thoughtful daze. He never knew a vampire like that could possibly know anything about human life and what it held. He still believes that all vampires are blood thirsty, sadistic monsters and that wouldn't change anytime soon. But maybe there was at least one or two good vampires in the world. The Doctor Cullen and his wife being included. It was hard for him to accept that any vampire would know what it's like to live normally. They weren't normal themselves. And truthfully, no vampire was ever normal.

Salve – 'Hello' in Latin

Amatus – 'Darling' in Latin

Amare – 'Love' in Latin

Mère – 'Mother' in French

Okay, I know that this chapter was a little bleak and a mere fill-in, but it will get better when the confrontation comes around. Thank you to those who are reading, and please leave a review to tell me what you think. I want to know how I'm doing with this story.

Until next time!

-lostfeather1;)