I'm making this super short because I'm so tired my brain resembles the equivalent of soggy cereal. I'm going to apologize and thank you all like the beauties you are in the next, final chapter, but for now:

1. I'm sorry for taking so long to post
2. Your reviews are like perfectly done, sunny side up eggs to me.
3. Fran is my literary equivalent of salt. [Too many food analogies?]

and

4. Thank you so much for being on this journey with me.

Here it is, the second to last chapter of "Atmosphere".


PART III: SWAN

Chapter 32

The line of red sails mimics a bloody horizon. Aboard the ship, Bella and her soldiers prepare for the upcoming engagement by righting the sails and readying their weapons. In a minute, they will cross the boundary into Volturian jurisdiction, giving the guarding ships permission to fire at will. She crouches at the side of the Qui-leu where the passenger vessel is strung, while Alec stands by Claire at the center of the boat. Orders are shouted periodically to ensure that the plan is executed without any hindrances; as the minute comes to a close, it is clear that the Forxian forces are prepared to conquer.

It doesn't take long for Bella to spot the leading Volturian ship, Viccana. On the days she'd been allowed out of her cage, she often saw the guarding ship named the 'Conqueror,' and would track its bright red sail in the distance. The crest embroidered on the sail's face separates Viccana from the other supporting vessels. Slowly, the sail lowers, and then is replaced with a yellow flag. Universally, this symbol is understood to warn foreign vessels against continuing forward. Despite the caution, the Qui-leu surges on, sailing closer into combat territory.

The second flag, orange, is raised. If they proceed, they will be met with resistance.

The Forxian troops ignore the flag once more, determined to draw closer. All too soon, only fifty yards remain between the Volturian and Forxian convoys. Harsh winds whip around Bella's ears, but they do nothing to drown out the thumping in her chest. From behind her, Charlotte grips her wings, hands trembling with anxiety. Bella can't blame her –there is no turning back now. The last warning streamer will initiate the fight, most likely resulting in wayward cannon fire.

Except that, the last flag isn't presented.

"What?" Edward's exclamation of disbelief can be heard from the center of the ship. The seconds pass as the Forxian troops wait for their signal to fire, but the leading ship gives no further message.

Princess Isabelle Volturi …

"How shall we proceed, G-ia?" barks Michael.

"Commence the initial stages of the plan now, but do not fire!" Bella orders.

Alec grips Claire's hand tightly, allowing his enhancement to flow through her. The red of Claire's irises bleed into the surrounding white, as she focuses her blinding capability on the line of opposing ships. Once Claire is sure that she has disoriented the enemies in the immediate vicinity, she gives Bella a signal of confirmation.

Princess Isabelle Volturi …

"Are you hearing that?" Alec calls to Bella.

Bella nods and closes her eyes, blocking out the sound of the wind and waves so that she can focus on the foreign voice intruding into her thoughts. It takes but a minute for the beckoning to return.

I have a message for you from Princess Jane Volturi.

"Cora?" Jacob prompts.

"Someone is contacting me," Bella informs her crew quickly, "If you would please remain quiet so that I may concentrate, I will relay the information shortly."

"What if this is a trap?" Carlisle starts.

"We may be attacked in the interim-," Jasper joins.

"The next person to speak will be strung to the main mast, are we clear?" Bella shouts in frustration. Thankfully, she is answered with silence.

You are every bit the fighter your sister claimed you would be, the stranger chuckles.

Who are you?Bella demands to know.

Your Highness, I am Sola Renee, Captain of the water-based troops and head of the lunella coalitions in Volturia. Princess Jane sent me to your aide.

"How do we trust that she is whom she claims to be?" Alec responds.

Why should I believe you?Bella asks.

We haven'tattacked you as yet, have we? Renee remarks.

But you haven't supplied a flag of surrender. I need more, Bella replies unconvinced, If you are not forthcoming with your next response, I will unleash my forces.

Ask me any question you wish –something only Jane would know, Renee offers.

Very well, Bella accepts; what was my father's pet name for me?

Osen. Ask me something harder.

"Well, isn't she bold?" Alec murmurs.

What … Bella pauses, as she bringsup a painful memory, what were Jane's last words to me?

'I'm so very sorry.' Renee relays verbatim.

An odd mixture of relief and confusion washes over Bella, as she releases her stored breath. She now knows without a doubt that Renee had been sent by Jane to help. Once again, Bella is in awe of her sister's loyalty even though it surely would have meant execution had Aro learned of her betrayal. Now it is up to Bella to end this once and for all so that Jane, too, can be free.

"The naval fleets are our allies," Bella finally addresses those around her, "They have been sent by my sister."

"How can we trust that they won't fire the moment we continue past them?" Caius presses, "Are we willing to take that gamble?"

"I am," Bella insists, "but not without precaution. Continue forward with our cannons raised. If they so much as light a match, I want you to fire."

"C-a," Michael nods, transmitting the information to the other vessels through Athenadora.

What is your plan? Renee asks.

We will continue forward in a passenger boat, and our archer will target Marcus. We will then enter the castle. Are there ally troops on shore? Bella questions.

Only a few of the soldiers stationed are lunellas, others will see you as a threat to be extinguished. Furthermore, the ships at the farthest wings are not our friends. They are merely waiting for my command but are growing suspicious. Combat is ensured if they see your passenger boat.

Then you will take my comrades and me to shore while our ships engage; I'll know your true alignment if your ships fire against us, Bella informs, for precaution, I require that your crew detain themselves.

It is done. We must move quickly.

Bella stamps down her insecurity that she's wrongfully entrusting Renee, knowing that Jane would have never shared that intimate of a memory with someone untrustworthy. Everything about Jane's actions thus far had been calculated down to the smallest details –to allow for such a liability would be inconsistent with her character. This is why, despite the doubtful stares her soldiers cast her as they bustle in preparation, she holds fast to her decision. By the time their ship is alongside the leading Volturi convoy, her hands are slick with sweat

"You may now cross, G-ia," Michael tells her.

"Thank you," Bella replies before turning to her team of six. Jasper, Caius, and Athenadora linger behind the group.

"Trust me," she implores.

Gradually, the wariness slips from their features and is steadily replaced with resolution. Relief fills her as she sees Edward's unwavering gaze;

"With my life," he swears confidently.

Following his declaration, they head to the ship that is merely a few feet away from the Qui-leu. As Bella carefully climbs across the small plank connecting the vessels, she quickly scans the Volturi's deck. Tied with their hands around the masts and cargo of the ship are Renee's soldiers, just as promised. Bella can't help but feel slightly remorseful when she catches their displeased grimaces; she supposes she wouldn't like to be strapped to a warship either.

"Princess Isabelle," a familiar voice greets her as she steps aboard.

She turns to see a striking woman clad in bright red armor. Her features are bold and defined, the black, natural lining of her eyes complimenting her ash colored skin. When she speaks, she reveals teeth that appear sharper than the dagger Bella has strapped to her leg.

"We need to strike immediately, Rega," Renee warns, "We are approximately two-hundred yards from shore. My crew is beginning to turn so that we can draw closer, but I estimate those who are not allies will commence fire before we reach one-hundred and fifty yards. Will that be sufficient for your attack?"

Bella recalls the way Charlotte effortlessly hit every target in her competition. "Yes," Bella replies with conviction.

"Then I ask that you conceal yourselves as we head to shore, Your Highness," Renee advises.

Following Renee's instructions, Bella and her unit crouch by the bow, similar to how they had been positioned on the Qui'leu. Their faces betray no emotion, as theViccana streams toward Volturi Castle at a quick pace. To help their advance, Peter moves behind the sail and provides a healthy gust of wind. All too soon, they've traversed over fifty yards.

"The non-allies are questioning our course. I've informed them that Aro commanded our return, but they will soon act without my permission," Renee notifies.

"Charlotte, get ready," Bella instructs, understanding that the time to strike has come, "Captain Renee, you may release the rest of your soldiers; if you had wanted me dead, you've had ample opportunity."

"We will not fail you, Rega," Renee promises.

Lua, it's time.

With an excited chirp, Bella's companion passes overhead. She flies toward Volturi Castle, her small wings propelling her at maximum speed. Bella's gaze unsteadies as she channels Lua's perspective, locking her thoughts with her avian sidekick until the aronimale lands on the window of the cage room.

Through Lua's eyes, she watches Marcus reclined in his chair, eyes lulling as he fights sleep. Either he is unbothered by the current war state of the nation or vastly underestimates the imminent threat. Unconcerned with his post, he merely throws a glance at the window when Lua lands. His behavior is consistent with the lackadaisical countenance Bella had come to know over her years under his supervision. But if Bella had learned anything valuable from her time trapped with Marcus, it would be this detail:

Marcus despises noise.

"On my honor, they are me, they are me," Bella sings softly. Immediately, Lua parrots the anthem.

"I-I don't know if I can do this," Charlotte squeaks out.

Bella wants to comfort her, but she has already begun to instruct Lua. To stop could jeopardize their only chance of eliminating Marcus. Thankfully, she doesn't have to address her, as Edward turns to his sister.

"Charlotte, I am truly despicable for not telling you this earlier, but it's something I need you to know," Edward voices, speaking quickly given the time constraint.

On my honor, I am them, I am them …

"You are one of the strongest girls –no, women I have come to know in my life, and despite my previous objections I cannot deny how much you've grown," Edward rushes, "Do you hear the words Bella is singing? They are the ones our parents lived for. Our anthem fueled them until their last moments; they lived and died for our country, showing their unbelievable formidability."

For them I fight, I die …

"And I believe every ounce of that formidability lies within you," Edward finishes.

Tears are dripping down Charlotte's cheeks as she picks up her bow and arrow with a steady grip. Using the hem of her sleeve she scrubs beneath her eyes, and then gives Edward a firm nod.

On my honor …

"I'm ready," she promises.

It takes two more lines of the Cullenian National Anthem for Marcus to take an interest in the black bird sitting at the window. So that Marcus's melting gaze will not harm Lua, she changes position whilst continuing her tweeting. Intent on returning to silence, Marcus stalks to the window.

"I see him," Charlotte breathes, as she slightly adjusts her position. "But if he looks up …"

"Steady," Jacob cautions.

Marcus huffs as he searches the stoney sill, attempting to fix Lua with a fiery stare. However, Lua is too quick for his focus, and effortlessly slips past him into the room. She remains close enough to the window so that Marcus is in clear view, but darts back and forth to preserve herself. Finally, Marcus turns his back to the window.

"Now." Bella orders.

The command is barely out of Bella's mouth before Charlotte has released the bowstring. It takes a little over a breath for the arrow to cross the distance, and in that time Bella is aware of every detail in Lua's view. She notes each crack in the castle's black architecture and the humid, stale air of the room. She can discern every color in the blur of her shifting perspective, as Lua switches directions once more. And lastly, she witnesses how the glow of Marcus' eyes dims as Charlotte's arrow tip enters through the back of his skull, and exits through the sliver of space between his brows.

"You did it," Bella chokes out in relief, arms reaching out to grab Charlotte in an embrace. Her fingertips brush against the young Princess's curls just as Renee yells,

"Abandon ship!"

Every soldier aboard moves without hesitancy, scrambling to the sides of the ship where they dive off with abandon. Bella locks her arms around Peter and Charlotte and uses every ounce of her wing strength to distance them from the ship. Only seconds later, the blast of a cannon sounds before the Viccana shatters, and its passengers are submerged in the bay.

Briefly, Bella loses consciousness. The force with which the shrapnel knocked her, Peter, and Charlotte out of the air combined with the impact against the water steal a few seconds of her awareness. When she resurfaces, she isn't certain whether she has justly awoken.

The familiarity of the moment stuns her. Goosebumps prickle her skin as she faces the Volturian shore, and trickles of salt water sneak into her mouth. The cage room, the figure with its back turned in the window, the black bird … all of these had been elements in her recurring nightmare. Notably, aspects of the dream had changed over the months, but one event had remained constant, and it gives her all the instruction she needs. No matter the surrounding chaos and destruction, she must do everything in her power to get to shore.

It's her destiny.

"Bella!" Peter calls.

Bella is immediately comforted as she sees Peter swimming alongside Charlotte. More heads break the waterline, bringing Lucy, Jacob, Alec, and Edward into view. Despite the soreness of her limbs, she paddles over to her friends.

"It will be a grueling journey for you both, but the Qui-leu is not far away," Bella says.

"We're coming to fight," Charlotte insists.

"That's not what we agreed on-," Bella begins.

"Let them," Edward interrupts, much to Bella's surprise, "We started this together, and we will end it together."

"Then let us head to shore," Alec prompts.

Bella keeps her eyes locked on the shoreline, as she swims hastily. Another cannon sounds behind her, but she mustn't look back. For now, she must focus on the battle that has commenced on the sand between the exposed Volturian lunellas and Aro's soldiers. Those fighting in aid of the Guardians have stripped the red, Volturian emblems from their armor, and are attempting to fight off the opponents flooding to the scene.

Gradually, neck-high water turns to waist-high water, and Bella's toes brush against the grainy sand. The feel of rocks against the arches of her feet fuel her determination, and the undulating waves assist her forward. Clothes laden with water, and hair matted to her face, she arrives at the shoreline. The dueling around her instantly replaces her exhaustion with vibrating anticipation.

"Here," Bella pants as she strips her dagger from her thigh. She offers the weapon to Charlotte, "You'll be needing this."

"What about you … "

Bella selects an unsuspecting foe and drags them backward using her telekinesis. He struggles frantically until he reaches her feet, where she delivers a swift kick to his uncovered head. Mouth agape, Charlotte stares as Bella merely plucks the sword from the unconscious enemy.

"This young man was generous enough to loan me his," Bella explains.

It doesn't take long for more of Aro's soldiers to notice the newly arrived invaders. They swarm Bella and her comrades with unrelenting force. However, Bella is now more than acquainted with the gruel of dueling, and much like two nights prior, she slices through the enemies with ease. The only difference is her hyper-awareness of Charlotte and Peter. Anytime she suspects their opponents are overwhelming them, she jumps to their aid.

We need to get inside. Once Aro is down, this all ends, Alec urges.

"Lucy!" Bella calls, "What is your status?"

"It is best to move before reinforcement comes, Essa," Lucy advises.

"Then we will proceed to the planned entrance," Bella affirms, "Charlotte, you are first."

Charlotte nods, kicking off her final attacker before Bella swoops her into her arms, and flies toward the cage room. They make it to the window without issue, and after a few cautionary checks, they enter. The two avoid looking at Marcus's slumped corpse as they secure the locks on the door.

"I'll be back momentarily," Bella promises Charlotte.

One by one, she shuttles the remaining five from the water's edge up to the cage room. Captain Renee assures that more lunellas will arrive at the shoreline for assistance so that the loss in numbers is not detrimental. Once the six are all crammed into the nearly uninhabitable room that Bella had called her home, she gives them a final note for preparation.

"I've picked a route through the castle with the least patrollers, but given the circumstances, Aro will have doubled, maybe tripled, his security. Be on your best guard, and no matter what greets us in the throne room, you all have already served me immensely. Now, let us go."

Bella turns her back quickly on the group, not only because there is no time for responses, but also because she can't bear to think that this might be her last moment to speak to them. She unlatches the locks placed on the molding door and leads her unit through the damp, narrow stairwell. The stench of mildew and sour water elicits a few choked gasps, but otherwise, they travel silently. They pass undetected down the stairs until they reach the first open hallway.

No one is aware of the unknown soldier until he swings out his sword in a wide sweep. If it weren't for Peter using his ability to deflect the blow, Lucy would have faced a possibly fatal wound. A swift stab from Jacob sends the attacker to his knees, and the group is able to continue. He is the first of many adversaries to come.

Initially, the lack of soldiers is misleading. It's only as Bella is fighting off her fifth unexpected assault that she realizes 'stealth' is the chosen strategy. Slowly, but surely, the guards appear out of the shadows, providing a persistent force. These fighters are noticeably more trained than those that had been on the beach, but it doesn't surprise Bella to know that Aro had kept his best protectors near to him. The unpredictable bursts of confrontation mean that Bella is unable to pair her absorption with Alec's enhancement in order to wipe out their opposing force entirely. Instead, she alternates between using her sword and other abilities to protect her and her unit.

They are nearing the throne room, and the increasing number of combatants emphasizes this. All quietness has been lost as swords clash and persons cry out from being wounded. The unit has split, each engaged with their own adversary.

"Charlotte!" Peter cries out.

Bella turns just in time to see the Cullenian Princess take a powerful crack to the face that sends her crumbling to the ground. After sinking her sword into her opponent's stomach, Bella hurries over to the unmoving girl. Peter quickly finishes off his own rival before scrambling to their side.

"Charlie, please, you have to wake up," Peter begs.

"Peter," Bella says.

"We're supposed to grow old together," he chokes out, his gentle shaking of Charlotte's shoulders turning desperate.

"Peter," Bella nearly shouts, "Do you see that door there? Take her, and lock yourself inside –do not come out until we come back for you."

"But we're meant to fight-,"

He has no time to finish his sentence. A Volturian soldier advances on them, but Bella's feather-light touch against their exposed wrist stops them immediately. Serving as a protector, Bella continues to ward off any guards as she escorts Peter and Charlotte to Sulpicia's office. From her recollection, the room has many locks and should provide adequate fortification. It is the best they can do until this battle is done.

With Peter and Charlotte inside, she continues to fight, all the while drawing her opponents out so that she can head to the throne room. Her friends do the same, taking measured steps so that they are still engaging in combat, but also advancing through the castle. When the number of soldiers reaches its climax, Bella finally has the opportunity to use her absorption. She mentally establishes her link with Alec and then unleashes her net of darkness. The breaths of relief are audible once the Volturian guards, at least twenty of them, drop to the ground.

"Charlotte?" Edward pants.

"Breathing, but unconscious," Bella tells him, "If you want to go to her-,"

"No. We need to finish this," Alec intervenes, "We continue as planned."

Edward is silent, but he nods his head in agreement.

Only fifty more steps separate their unit from the throne room. Once more, they travel quietly, but this time, it is not for inconspicuousness. If the reality of their situation hadn't been impressed upon them before, this was certainly the moment. As they stand and face the exorbitant, golden doors of Aro's domain, the blood of Bella's veins becomes replaced with ice. It's as if she can feel his evilness seeping through the cracks, already invading her body. Something about the room feels even more insidious than usual, but she ignores the emotion. No matter what lies on the other side, she knows she has to face it.

She plucks a piece of jewelry from her pocket and grips it between bloodied fingertips. Sulpicia had warned Aro not to give Bella the ring-key, but Bella is sure Sulpicia hadn't expected thisoutcome from the gift. With a final, shaking breath, she presses the engraved crest against the indented mold on the door. Her other hand encases Alec's in preparation; they would end Aro swiftly.

Except, once they enter the throne room, they can't.

The first thing that registers to Bella is the stinging pain beginning at her feet, and radiating upwards. Instantly, she feels lethargic, as if several weights have been strapped to her limbs. Through her mental connection, she knows that Alec is experiencing the same sensation. As his pain intensifies, he relinquishes Bella's hand and stumbles onto his knees.

Yet, this feeling isn't the most jarring aspect of the moment. What is more apparent is the horror that trickles through her spine, as the entirety of the room is revealed to her. Nothing has prepared her for the nightmare she is seeing.

Almost every inch of the room is covered in Aro's darkness. The black, oil-like substance is embedded between the cracks and crevices of the castle walls, winding along the sculptures and penetrating the windows. It pulsates as if it were living and breathing itself, hungry for more surfaces to infect. The guards that line the room stand erect, but Bella doubts it is of their own volition. In fact, she believes that if it weren't for the tentacles of the darkness winding around their torsos, their corpses would be strewn across the marble floor. These same extensions wind around Bella's ankles and those of her friends, slowly draining them of their energy.

Finally, she tears her eyes away from the surroundings and focuses on the platform in the back of the room. Seated on a smaller throne is a shadow of a woman, her blue eyes washed to a lackluster gray. Her skin is sallow, nearly translucent, revealing the network of veins lying beneath. The only feature of her that remains colored are her black tresses, and they perfectly match the inky slime that is wrapped several times around her neck. The slight rise and fall of her chest indicates that she still lives.

Jane …

"Isabelle?" Aro barks out a laugh of disbelief, immediately standing from his throne. "My Osen, is that you?"

He stands to his full height, appearing taller than Bella last remembered. He glides to where she's rooted by the darkness that trickles from his palms. Only when he is a foot away does Bella finally makes eye contact with her father. His onyx irises contrast with his glistening white skin, while his silver hair lies against his shoulders in lustrous waves. He is glowing with the energy he's stealing from those around him –it's feeding him. The smile he wears is frighteningly saccharine. Bella has no doubt that some sick, twisted part of Aro is actually pleased to see her.

"The rat is the one causing all this trouble?" Sulpicia scoffs from her place at her throne. She sits primly, a platter of fruit on her lap and a glass of wine resting between her fingers. There is no indication that she is even bothered by her dying daughter sitting only a few feet away.

"When the soldiers came back telling me of a great warrior on the battlefield, I had thought them to be under a spell," Aro murmurs as he circles around Bella, "But I can see how they were blinded. You are radiant, my bird."

Though Bella is prickling with anger, she bridles her tongue. Showing any more emotion to Aro would only please him, and she would die before playing into his vile games. Instead, she answers levelly,

"Esme sends her warmest regards."

Sulpicia's wine glass shatters under the force of her grip. Bella cannot tell if the red that slips over her skin if from the wine or from trickling blood. Aro's reaction is less explosive but just as satisfactory. The movement is infinitesimal, but the corner of his smile wavers.

"Another pleasant surprise," Aro replies; the word 'pleasant' causes his lips to twitch. "Now to test the rumors."

Nails embedding into Bella's chin cause her to inhale sharply. Both instinct and realization of her opportunity spur her to release a wave of her absorption. Unfortunately, Aro is untroubled, pursing his lips as if tickled by her attempt.

"Ah, I see now," he clucks, as he releases her face, "It does pack quite a punch. However, I admit I was hoping for more of a challenge. Pity."

"Is that it?" Sulpicia chortles, "Our forces retreated because of that?"

"I imagine it was the infamous Cullenian army from which they were retreating," Aro turns his attention to Edward, "A pleasure to meet you, King Edward."

"The sentiment is not mutual," Edward grunts out.

"I suppose I deserve that," Aro shrugs, "Yes, I was quite disappointed to hear that your assassination and the siege of Forxx had not gone as planned, but I wouldn't be the great ruler I am if I couldn't deal with a few surprises. In fact, it makes warfare all the more entertaining. Except for Jane's betrayal –that was rather disheartening."

"You need a heart for something to be disheartening," Alec pants.

Aro laughs gaily, "It is wonderful to meet you as well, young Prince."

"Aro, please, I am growing rather bored," Sulpicia sighs, "Kill them, and be done with it."

"Oh, I plan to," Aro clucks. He returns his gaze to Bella, "How does that sound to you?"

"If it means I will not have to listen to your grating theatrics for another moment, then I welcome it with open arms," Bella spits.

Aro merely chuckles, "Dear Osen, surely you don't think I will kill you first? Your death is ensured, but it will only happen after I have painfully and slowly drained all of your loved ones."

His comment sparks her ire, but unfortunately, she is unable to move while her feet are entrapped. Furthermore, Alec is hunched on his knees, just out of her grasp. She tries establishing a mental connection, but the spark dies out as easily as a match dropped into water. Aro's darkness seems to be dampening their mental connection, and Bella realizes that they will only be able to defeat him if they are joined by hand.

A labored breath from Edward warns Bella that Aro has increased his absorbing effects, and she winces at the thought of the pain he must be enduring.

"Isn't it peculiar that I am not affected by your absorption," Aro observes, "But you are affected by mine?"

Momentarily, his statement confuses Bella, until she realizes that Aro has misconstrued her reaction. He had taken her wince to be from physical pain, not the emotional agony that threatens to overwhelm her at the prospect of losing all those she loves. Despite her immobility and lethargy, Bella is mostly unaffected by Aro's power. Granted, her skin stings where his darkness makes contact, but she isn't losing her faculties like the others under his hold. She casts a look to Alec, panting on all fours with a sheen of cold sweat at his brow. Lucy is leaning against Jacob, who looks as if he needs support himself. And Edward, beautiful Edward, is ashen. Bella can tell from the look she shares with him that his strength is withering.

"Is that my gift to you?" Aro picks up Bella's hand to inspect the ring-key. "I remember I gave this to you when we played our little game –oh! That gives me an idea."

The childish glee with which Aro exclaims this is chilling. One would think he is discussing festivities at a ball rather than the execution of his second daughter. Bella is once again in awe by his blatant lack of remorse. There is truly no good remaining in Aro, and Bella is starting to wonder whether he ever had any morality.

"Now, I've seen the way these Cullen men look at you," Aro begins, tapping his chin, "In another life, I might have gone the route of marrying you off to join our kingdoms, but this route is much more titillating. The real question, is which do you care for more?"

To Bella, the question seems ridiculous, but only because she knows the magnitude of her feelings for Edward. Nothing could replace the bond or friendship she shares with Alec, but in terms of all-encompassing love –Edward wins unchallenged.

"Being the kind person that I am, I will let you pick or choose," Aro grins devilishly, "Pick or choose which Cullen you will kill."

"You're going to release her?" Sulpicia objects, "The moment you lessen your hold on that rat-,"

"I have already felt her absorption. She is no match, and neither are any of the pathetic friends she's brought along with her," Aro silences his wife, "I will release one for her to kill quickly, or I will kill both of them slowly."

She is no match. The words spark the same sentiment that they had when Aro had misinterpreted her reaction to his absorption. Suddenly, Jane's words come crashing into the forefront of her mind:

Do not underestimate your abilities.

All this time, Bella had assumed this encouragement to be applicable solely to her supernatural gifts… but there is one power she possesses that she has underestimated during her encounter with Aro –her mind. She is just as guilty as Aro in undervaluing the strength of her intellect and cunningness. From crawling out of the Pylae to facing bloody battle after bloody battle, her mental fortitude had only increased, whereas many would have crumbled under the pressure. Furthermore, the years of isolation and confinement had provided enough traumas to render her catatonic, but she'd survived. She'd made in through the years and thrived.

Best of all, Bella had come to know Aro better than anyone else.

"Which will it be, Osen, King Edward or Prince Alec? Who will you kill?" Aro asks, inching closer. "Pick or choose? And don't forget –I know what your heart really wants."

She looks to Alec, gaunt and quickly expiring. His features now make the dimpled, easy-going man Bella had come to know a distant memory. She remembers each laugh and jest they had shared in Cullenia, and how he had been the first to accept her at the castle. Through their connection, she can feel a lesser extent of his pain, reminding her that as soon as he leaves the world, she will soon follow.

She then looks to Edward, keeping her gaze measured. Inside, her stomach churns with the force of her despair. Every embrace and treasured kiss play in her mind, making the current reality that much more painful. She doesn't need a supernatural bond with him to know that he feels the same for her. He is her partner in every way, just as they had proclaimed with their hearts and bodies. If she dies, she dies as his wife.

With this in mind, she makes her decision. Aro had said to pick the one she loves the most, so that they will be released, and she can kill them. The man she doesn't pick will be subjected to the full wrath of his siphoning capabilities, and left to a horrific death. But if Bella stays true to herself, then there is no need for further deliberation.

"Edward," Bella answers. She looks to him, as she translates every ounce of passion she can into her gaze, "I love Edward the most."

The nefarious glint in Aro's eyes tells Bella that she's made the right decision. It pained her to no end to say his name, but she'd done what she needed to do. This is further compounded when a sinister grin festers on Aro's face, and he turns toward Edward. Instead of releasing him, Aro intensifies the ribbons of darkness crawling across his body, pulling a tortured shout from Edward's lips. Bella wants more than anything to ease his pain, but she has something more pressing to focus on –like the fact that Aro had released Alec.

All it takes is one touch.

With a weak hand, Alec reaches up to brush his fingertips against Bella's. The moment he does, Bella's absorption erupts in a blinding ray of light. No longer is it a slithering entity similar to Aro's substance; it is orange beams of brilliance penetrating the leeching darkness.

It pours from her hands, eyes, and mouth, washing over the black that had overtaken the room. The guards in the perimeter clatter to the ground as they're released; Jacob and Lucy moan as they are freed; Jane startles awake with a gasp, as the black darkness is ripped from her skin; and Alec climbs to his feet. Lastly, Edward stumbles backward as the streams of Aro's power are seared away.

"NO!" Aro screams in a fit, reaching out a hand to close around Bella's neck. Immediately, her light ceases. "Do you honestly think you can defeat me? I made you."

"You are nothing to me! You do not know the desires of my heart," Bella gags under his grip, "And I have never been your Osen."

Then she feels it, the full extent of his wrath. His darkness latches onto every inch of her and Alec's skin. It cocoons them, blocking all sight and sound of the outside world. In a second, Bella feels as if she's aged a hundred years. Every ounce of energy and light feels unreachable, though she tries desperately to push against the insidious force.

Bella?

Yes, Alec.

We can defeat him, but

This is it for us, is it not?

The lands must persevere.

The lands will persevere.

It starts at a tingle at the base of Bella's insignia, much like the first time she had experienced her joint power with Alec. The ember then grows, following the path of her design, while simultaneously igniting the matching etchings on Alec's back. The light crawls across their skin, burning every inch in its path until both of their bodies are alight.

Like the sun on a cloudless day …

Like the moon on a starless night …

They unleash it all; all of their losses and all of their joys. Every passionate emotion they've felt is released into the blinding light they emit. Slowly, but surely, Aro's darkness begins to crumble away. His yells of defeat transform into screams of anguish, as the Guardian's power scorches his skin. The light continues until it is all that Bella can feel. It spreads, and shines, and blazes until gradually … she doesn't feel anymore.

Drip.

Drip.

Bella opens her eyes to see Alec standing above her, clothes sodden. She's about to speak when a gurgle of seawater spouts from her mouth, evoking a violent episode of coughing. Desperate to sit up, she clutches the coarse sand beneath her to help right herself. Gently, Alec pats her back until she is breathing regularly.

"Steady now," Alec soothes.

"We're on these blasted shores again?" Bella exclaims as she looks around at the sandy beach of Volturia Bay.

"I had to swim you to land this time," Alec grumbles, "Why can we never be in my consciousness?"

"Where would you have taken us?" Bella asks.

"Ida Flor," he answers, "At least there would have been oranges."

"Of course, you would worry about oranges in our afterlife," Bella rolls her eyes.

"Is that where we are?" Alec questions, "Well then, this is horribly disappointing. Why do you suppose we keep returning to this beach?"

"Maybe because we were destined to die here," Bella guesses, "Or perhaps our souls are stuck."

"That is utterly macabre," Alec shudders, "It's a good thing you have me here to entertain you."

"I've always loved that about you," Bella admits.

"Speaking of love …" Alec trails.

"You're not going to mope for the rest of our eternity because I picked Edward, are you?" Bella groans.

"No, no," Alec raises his hands in defense, "I was merely going to ask you, how did you know that Aro would go against his word?"

Bella hums in understanding, cupping sand in her hand as she chooses the right words to explain. "We played 'pick or choose' when I was a child –quite often actually. Over the years, I started to notice that whichever option I picked, he would take it away from me. Aro used to say that he did it because he knew my heart's true desires, but I now know it was another way he exerted control over me. He wanted me to have what he chose, not what I picked."

"So when you chose Edward …"

"I knew he would do the opposite of what I wanted," Bella finishes. "He claimed he knew my heart, but I knew his.

"If he had one," Alec mutters, "The lands can persevere now that he's gone."

Bella releases a full laugh, "Only Prince Alec of Cullenia would tell the most dangerous villain in the realms that he has no heart."

"I am quite pleased with those being my last words," Alec shrugs.

"My last words were that-," Bella stops as her throat constricts. Her last words had been pledging her love to Edward. "Alec? We'll never see them again."

He opens his arms, allowing her to fall into his embrace. As she cries, she feels his hot tears against her neck. She doesn't know how long they sit on the shore, expelling their emotions, but she knows it must be for hours. Emotionally and physically spent, the two fall into a slumber. When Bella finally awakens, she lifts her head to a darkened sky. What she sees above, elicits a gasp.

"Alec, look up," Bella shakes her companion.

"If all of our eternity is going to be spent with you pestering me, then-,"

"Alec," Bella gives him a thump for good measure.

Finally, he opens his eyes to the sight above him. The sun and the moon are moving at impossible speeds, drawing closer together with each second. They had started on opposite sides of the sky, but an invisible attractive force pulls them toward each other at an alarming rate.

Suddenly, the ground starts to tremble. Volturi Castle rumbles, its infrastructure beginning to crumble due to the unsteady foundation. Alec and Bella scramble to their feet to avoid the raining bricks.

"They're going to collide!" Bella shrieks, pointing at the sun and moon.

"This can't be it … this can't be our afterlife," Alec shakes his head, "We can't die again."

"Then what's happening-," Bella's words are cut off as a sharp pain sears across her back.

"Bella?" Alec rushes to her, "What's wrong?"

"My back," she cries as another burning sensation arrives.

"Let me see," Alec instructs. Carefully, he raises the back of her shirt to peer at her insignia.

"What is it?" Bella prompts, wondering why Alec has stayed silent for so long.

"Y-your insignia," Alec starts.

Alec is greeted with the same pain. He drops to his knees, as the fire spreads across his skin. As the two suffer through the discomfort, the world around them begins to end. One by one, stars lose their luster before spiraling out of the sky. The sea recedes, leaving behind desiccated land and floundering fish. Volturi Castle collapses into a pile of rubble, with clouds of dust rising from its grave. Bella sees the fear and confusion in Alec's features and knows it must match her own, as she looks back at the celestial bodies racing toward each other.

Finally, in an unfathomable explosion, the sun and moon meet.

...

The first thing Bella is aware of when she wakes up is the smell of citrus. For a moment, she believes she's woken in another afterlife destination with Alec and refuses to open her eyes. However, curiosity wins the best of her, and she forces herself to inspect the premises. Groggily, she peels open one eye to examine her surroundings. She groans when she catches sight of Alec, bare-chested and smiling at her side.

Of course, he's eating an orange.

"That's no way to greet your former Guardian," Alec snickers.

"Bella?"

At the sound of Edward's voice, Bella opens her eyes fully. It takes less than a second for her to realize he's flanking her other side, hands gripped tightly together. She leaps into his lap with such force that she knocks his chair back.

"Oh, Edward," Bella cries as she showers his face with kisses.

He breathes shakily, "I've been waiting for you to come back to me."

"How long have we been asleep?" she asks.

Alec pops his head over from the side of the bed, "About a week. I woke up this morning."

"And we're … home?" Bella looks around at Jacob's surrounding cabin.

"I thought that's where you'd want to be when you awoke," Edward explains.

"What about Aro and Sulpicia? And Jane? And Charlotte," Bella gasps, "Is everyone okay? Where is everyone?"

"Dead and dead, alive, and alive," Alec lists, "They're in the general cabin, waiting for you. Everyone has been given a clean bill of health by the Ateara's –including ourselves."

"So we didn't die?" Bella mutters even though she realizes how foolish the question sounds aloud. Then another thought occurs to her, "What do you mean by former Guardian?"

Alec gives Bella a weighted glance, as he pulls the mirror over. With one hand, he holds it in place, and with the other he motions for her to lift her shirt. Though her cheeks heat with discomfort, she follows his instructions. Once she catches sight of her reflection, she drops the fabric of her shirt out of shock.

Her insignia is gone.


Terminology

Viccana –The Conqueror. Head of the Volturian naval fleets. [Volturian]

Rega –Princess. [Volturian]

G-ia–Queen. [Flor-idiaan]

Osen –Songbird. [Volturian]


A/N: Fun fact, Aro's original words to Bella were written as "I am your father" instead of "I made you," but I couldn't take the original line seriously. Thanks Star Wars.


"It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves," –Edmund Hillary

~CH