AN: I am SO SO Sorry it has taken so dreadfully long to update this. I have been extremely busy lately and I really don't get to work on this as much as I'd like to. We have spent the past week getting everything ready for my daughters 4th birthday this weekend and believe me it can get pretty crazy. Anyways I hope you all enjoy the next chapter. I just wanted to add also that for the purpose of this story, I have based my concepts of the different levels of hell mainly on Dante's account of hell in "The Inferno", the first book in his work "The Divine Comedy". Reviews and flames are most welcome! I love hearing your thoughts as always.

Disclaimer: Sadly, I do not own any of the books in the Twilight series or their characters, nor am I making any profit from the writing of this story.

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Previously: BPOV

I stood, squaring my shoulders defiantly as I gazed upon the blackened gate. Nothing, neither heaven nor hell, could keep me from him, our love would endure all things. "I'll be with you soon, my angel" My lips echoed his promise as I strode determinedly through the gates of hell.

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Chapter 5:

I stumbled my way through the fog, my feet catching over the large uneven stones that made up the road, my mind in chaos. I was slowly beginning to remember everything of my existence, of what I was, the work I had done, and my reasoning behind my "mission" to earth. The truth of it was that it had been more than intrigue that had drawn me to Edward and his family. I had observed the family closely after receiving the prayer, and if I was honest with myself, I had fallen in love with him, with all of them, long before any decision I had made to help.

The ground was swiftly sloping downwards, and I knew that soon the fog would lift, and I would find myself at the shore of the river. I could hear the din of voices around me in the fog, crying out their pain and sorrow. I ignored them; the only thing that mattered was finding Edward. I couldn't afford to get caught up in the emotions this place evoked; I couldn't lose my nerve, for his sake as well as for my own.

This place was already beginning to take its toll on me, the sadness and pain were overwhelming, and there in the forefront of it all, were the burning slashes I could feel across my back, arms, and shoulders, and the pounding I could feel in my head. My whole body shook with each wave of pain and my steps faltered, my legs almost giving out beneath me. It was his pain.

It was that thought alone that kept me moving. That was all I really needed to know, he was in pain, and I had to stop it no matter the cost. With every pain I felt, my determination increased. I pushed the pain aside as I felt a new onslaught of tears sting my eyes. I quickened my pace, nearly jogging over the rough terrain, and praying that my balance wouldn't suddenly fail me. The last thing I needed right now was to fall flat on my face. As the ground began to even out, the fog was lifting and I could see the faint outline of the river about twenty yards away. The multitude was making their way towards its edge in scattered groups to wait near the landing for the boat.

I pressed onward, my slow jog breaking into a run as I neared the landing. I was only a few yards away when my luck finally ran out. My foot caught on an overly large crack in the stone and sent me flying forward onto my hands and knees. I stayed there for a moment, regaining my bearings before attempting to stand. It was then I noticed that the clamor of voices and wailing had come to an abrupt end. I looked up suddenly, a deep blush flooding my cheeks. They stood frozen, their transfixed gazes resting firmly on my prostrate form on the landing. I lowered my face, hiding it from their intense scrutiny. The silence stretched out for several moments, when suddenly a hoarse, gravelly voice broke through.

"Tarry not here, the further shore awaits, come now, to your judgments."

I looked up to see Charon observing the crowd from within his boat. The crowd began at once to disperse, making their way quickly to board casting wary glances at me over their shoulders as they progressed. I pushed myself up from the ground brushing the dust from my scraped hands and knees as I walked over the landing to the edge of the boat. Charon was turned already to the crowd of souls aboard the boat, unaware of my presence, chastising them further for his wait. He paused his rant, annoyed, when he saw them looking not at him, but over his shoulder with fearful expressions lining their faces.

"What troubles you upon this shore? Tis the further that should grieve you so." He turned abruptly then to find me stepping into the small space that was left in the boat. His voice faltered then as his hood fell back from his face and he fell to his knees kneeling before me. My breath caught and I froze momentarily. His face was startling to say the least. His deep red eyes glowed luminously against the bleached white bones of his skull, and a thick mane of silver hair flowed down over his shoulders… I was reminded at once of the many descriptions I had heard of the grim reaper. He bowed his head then as he spoke.

"Forgive me lady; I was unaware of your approach. What grace brings you hither, to bless us with your glorious light? A rare hour is this. Tell me, lady, how may I serve you"? I was surprised at his gentle speech toward me compared to the ranting he directed at the others but then, I suppose he didn't see many angels around here.

"Nothing but to carry me across the river. You don't have to kneel, it isn't grace that brings me, my grace has left me. My fate is upon the further shore."

The boat began moving across the waters as he looked up again, rising to his feet startled and deeply saddened at my reply. "A rare day indeed. It has been an age since one of your kind crossed these waters, and never one with such acceptance. You are cast from heaven, yet you do not seem to grieve it. What, lady, may I ask do you seek yonder? No evil have you done, your light has not completely faded, only dimmed. You come here by choice, not by deed."

It was then that I noticed the faint glow that still emanated from my body, a small stab of light in the otherwise dreary atmosphere.

"I have come to save one whom I have loved greatly, and who loves me. He is punished unjustly for my own indiscretion."

"Ah, it is love's light that you bear. A strong love it must be to endure even here where there can be no joy. Though I have doubt you will succeed in freeing him,

I bid you good speed on your task. May your light serve as some small comfort to those within, however fleeting." He said to me, as the boat came to a halt upon the further shore.

"I won't fail, I can't. We will be together for eternity, whatever fate we share." and with that I turned to climb the steep, rocky path to where Minos awaited.

Much of the crowd had already dispersed when I arrived at the top, sent to whatever fates their deeds had earned them. I waited patiently until the last of them had gone, before I approached. I knew from what Chamuel had shown me that Minos was against Edward's punishment, but whether or not he would help me was another thing entirely. Even then, there wasn't much more he could do than allow me to pass freely into the next level. I knew already that I was to be permitted to go no further than limbo. All of my kind that were doomed here were destined to remain in limbo, the outer circle. Our punishment was not physical; it was merely to wander for eternity unable to ever be in the presence of GOD or heaven.

As I approached, Minos looked at me with wonder.

"My lady, It has been an age since I last greeted one of your kind. Your light betrays you, what evil has befallen you that you should come here of your own will? For no fallen angel can bear light."

I looked up into his awestruck face as I replied.

"I turned from heaven to follow my own heart. It has led me here, and to the distance beyond. I seek my love, I have to free him. He shouldn't be here, the sin was mine. I cannot leave him to them, he has done no wrong."

He started, his shock turning quickly to understanding.

"You seek the one the furies have in keeping, the demon that cries with remorse for his deeds, the vampire."

I drew myself up to my full height, anger flashing in my eyes at his words.

"He is not a demon! His heart is good, and pure. Do not speak badly of him, he has done nothing wrong!" He took a step back as he replied.

"My apologies lady, I meant no disrespect. Indeed, that he can feel such emotion is remarkable for one of his kind. I was against his going to them, though in this matter I have no authority. I wish I could have been of more help." He looked down in defeat and my voice softened.

"You can be." He looked up at me then, shock and fear filling his face.

"No! I dare not. This judgment I cannot break, there is naught I can do. I am sorry."

"I'm not asking you to save him yourself, but there is something you can do." He looked at me questioningly as I continued. "Let me pass through the gate beyond, let me go to him. You fear the furies' wrath, but I have no fear of them. It is my wrath they will suffer for harming my angel."

He froze his eyes wide, his hideous face twisted into an awed expression. He reminded me momentarily of a deer caught in headlights. "You would be willing to brave such horrors? The lands within are filled with suffering and vile things, you would have to pass undetected by the watchers of the gates, a difficult task for any, though more so for you. They will know you do not belong, and they will try to stop you."

"I am not afraid of them; my only fear is that he should have to endure this pain any longer." It was only a half truth, I was afraid of them, but the fear merely strengthened my resolve. I had to be strong, if not for myself, then for Edward. "Tell me where they took him, and let me pass through. I have to help him."

He gave me a long, searching look before stepping aside. "I shall allow it. The furies have taken him to the depths within the city of Dis, to the ninth circle to be frozen in the Cocytus where he will endure his punishment. You should avoid flying if you can help it, though I doubt your presence will go unnoticed for long either way. You may have to fight your way through. I can be of no further assistance to you; you will be on your own once you pass the gates from limbo. Fare you well." He turned then to face the lower bank of the river allowing me to pass unseen by his eyes through the gates.

"Thank you." I whispered softly into the stillness as I moved swiftly away, knowing he could hear me. The second I passed the gate into the second circle I was met with a gale force wind that nearly knocked me off of my feet. It swirled about me sending a hail of dust into the air making it difficult to see or breathe. I leaned forward into the wind pushing my way towards what I hoped was the path to the third gate; it was difficult to make out anything in the swirling dust. . My going was slow, though the ground here was relatively even, smoothed over time by the force of the sands blown by the wind. All around me I could hear the moans of those punished within the storm, the lustful souls tossed forever in the torrential winds never gaining satisfaction.

After a short time, I began to see the outline of another large archway. It had to be gate into the third level. I could make out a large figure standing to one side of the gate. As I got closer I saw just exactly what the figure was….the watcher of the third gate, the Cerberus. I had never seen anything more hideously frightening. The dog was nearly as large as the archway he guarded. Thick oily black fur covered his massive form, his three ferocious heads growling and snarling as they sniffed the air; their large yellow eyes searching me out. They had already caught my scent. Blood and saliva dripped endlessly from their razor sharp fang-like teeth and a mound of fleshless bones was piled at its clawed feet. Suddenly, it stiffened as all three heads snapped my direction, a deep menacing roar issuing from each of its three heads.

I froze as the creature lunged toward me and I stumbled back several steps. I was immensely relieved when I saw it come to an abrupt stop and be jerked back roughly; the sound of metal clanking rang out into the silence. Each of the beasts necks were adorned with a large iron collar, and to each of these was attached a heavy chain that was fastened to the stone wall next to the arch. There was no way I could get past this thing, it would tear me to shreds if I came anywhere near it. "Come on Bella; think….there has to be a way around this." I paced softly back and forth trying to think of anything I could possibly do to sneak by this thing without being mangled. I remembered reading something once, a story in Greek mythology of how Orpheus had lulled it to sleep with music so he could enter the gates of Hades to free his wife.

'It's worth a shot I guess' I took a deep breath and began to hum softly the most beautiful song I had ever heard, my lullaby. After what seemed like hours the creature began to visibly relax resting its heads down over its massive paws, its eyes slipping closed as its breathing evened slowly. I continued singing, wanting to be certain it was sleeping heavily before I attempted to sneak past. Once I was satisfied that it was soundly asleep, I tiptoed slowly past its sleeping heads toward the archway, still humming softly. I was a single step away from the door when, wouldn't you know it, my foot caught a loose stone and sent it skipping loudly down the path. All three heads snapped up instantly, their gaze fixed solely on me as it readied itself to lunge at me. I moved as fast as I could leaping the rest of the way through the archway, its hot breath blowing at the backs of my legs as I narrowly escaped its jaws. I sighed in relief as I heard the clang of chains against the walls behind me. I had made it, just barely, but I had made it.

I looked out beyond the archway and cringed. A vast expanse of swampland stretched out as far as the eye could see, a sea of sludge littered with slime covered rock and in it, a sea of faces writhed. The gluttonous in life were punished here, buried in the mud to their necks, doomed to endure the stench as they were forced to eat vile things. An icy rain fell in torrents accompanied by large hail stones, the wind gusting heavily. I steadied myself, taking a step forward into the foul scented waters. The viscous gray mud squelched between my toes and around my foot, I quickly took another step sinking to my ankle now. The viscous mud was creating a suction on my feet, pulling me down further with each step. I was sinking. It was like quicksand, the more you struggle the further you sink and soon I was stuck. I had to find a way out of this and fast before I ended up like the rest of those trapped here. 'Maybe I could fly myself out'…it was the only option I had left…

I stretched my wings to their full breadth and fluttered them experimentally. The mud was just passing my hips now; I would have to do this and soon or there would be no getting out. I lifted my wings once more and flapped them down hard, creating a strong wind that echoed across the dull landscape. I hadn't budged, I flapped harder. The mud was creeping up my torso, when suddenly the pull began to lessen. It was working, I was pulling myself out. I flapped my wings as quickly as I could, breaking the surface of the viscous muck and stumbling back onto the dry hard ground just outside the arch. I would have to find another way across, I couldn't fly because I would be seen by the watchers and I wanted to avoid having to fight my way through for as long as possible, I still had a long way to go after all.

I sank to the ground catching my breath as I struggled to come up with some way across. The mud and slime clung to my body, the reek filling my senses and making me gag. I retched then as a new surge of pain overtook me. It was getting worse steadily. It would increase to a point and then back off only slightly, engendering a faint hope that it would stop, only to increase exponentially a moment later. My poor Edward, the agony he was in.

I stood up abruptly, scraping the mud from my body as best I could and ventured towards the murky waters once more, this time approaching the closest of the heads. I stepped one foot lightly onto the top of the head, trying my best not to add to his pain and hopped lightly up, my other foot landing not so gracefully upon the top of the head a few feet away, their owners protesting loudly. This could work; I wasn't sinking anymore at least. I focused my eyes towards the distant horizon where I could faintly see the outline of the next archway looming and continued my hop-scotching, hoping no one could see me. I could only imagine how ridiculous I must look, a newly fallen angel all glowy and covered with stinky mud hippity hopping across a sea of heads in the pouring rain. The image sprang to my mind and I would have laughed if not for the blinding pain I, we, were in.

I sighed gratefully as I leapt back onto solid ground again having passed unseen. I was feet away from the next archway. I crept forward stealthily, though from what I could tell there was no guard placed at the entrance. I could hear thunderous crashing coming from the other side along with fierce shouting. I peeked through the exit and beheld a series of stone bridges that spanned deep pits, all connected at some point near the center by the path that ran under the arch. At each end of the bridges stood a group of men and women struggling to push a large boulder towards its center. When the boulders would collide and fall into the pit over the edge of the bridge, the laborers would return to their respective sides and start all over again with another boulder.

There was no way I would get across unnoticed, I suppose I would have to risk flying over it and just hope no one saw me. I tiptoed silently back through the archway, turning to the face of the wall and began to climb steadily upward. When I reached the top, I stretched my wings out, leaning over the edge to check for any guards that may be watching and, finding none, I pushed off with my feet as I flapped my wings steadily and rose into the air. Thankfully, the wall was high enough that the sound of my wings went unheard below and a thin layer of cloud hovered just below me, hiding me from view. I was amazed at how fast I could fly, in mere seconds I was standing atop the wall over the arch looking out across the fifth circle to the walls of the city Dis.

I dropped softly down onto the ground below, avoiding any guard that may be at the entrance. Walking slowly forward I could see a wide river, the river Styx. In its midst were hordes of people engaged in violent battle with one another upon the surface of the water, the avaricious, slashing and clawing mercilessly at one another, tinting the water red with the spilling of untold amounts of blood. Weaving carefully around the battlefield was a small skiff with a lone man standing in it. Phlegyas, guardian of the fifth circle. It was his task to ensure passage across the river Styx, or to insure one found their place in it. I walked down to the bank and waved him to me. His approach was slow, the battles raged to either side of him and he had to change course often to avoid being caught up in it.

Finally, after what seemed an eternity of waiting he approached the shore. He said nothing upon his arrival, merely beckoned me onto the vessel and pushed off from the shore. I studied his face intently. He wasn't hideous as most of the guards I had seen here had been, though he wasn't handsome either. His face was ghostlike and utterly ordinary, blank of any emotion or thought, his eyes black pools of onyx. He seemed to stare unseeing into space, moving slowly, almost mechanically. The fighting around us was closing in and I was getting nervous. I stared down into the water below, trying to avoid the sight of the blood being spilled, forgetting that it stained the waters red. Below the water I could see many bodies lying, gurgling deep beneath the surface of the waters, the slothful.

I looked back up again; the further bank seemed no closer than it had before I had looked down. This meandering path across the waters was taking too long. I had to get to Edward, NOW. I couldn't endure this pain much longer, and I knew he wouldn't last much longer without breaking beyond repair. I took a deep breath, and stepped out onto the surface of the waters using my arms and wings to shove my way through the battling warriors.

As I went I managed to acquire a shield to fend off the blades that were becoming increasingly directed at me. I was mostly successful; though a few well aimed strikes had slashed open my left shoulder and hand, as well as the many cuts and slashes to my wings. I screamed in pain with every stroke that hit me, each falling almost in time with the burning pain my Edward was even now enduring. I was running by the time I reached the far shore, my mud covered, blood smeared, body throbbing not only with Edward's pain, but also my own. I staggered forward to the wall before me, having emerged from the river a good 10 meters to the left of the great gate of the city, and leaned against the cold stone, drawing comfort from its coolness as I caught my breath.

I knew at once that trying the gate was no good, it was heavily guarded. I would have to go over the wall and find more indirect route to the center of the city. I turned to face the wall, my fingers scrambling to find a hold in the smooth surface of the stones. Slowly, I pulled myself up my tired aching muscles straining under my weight, pain stabbing through me with every movement. Time seemed to slow as I climbed, minutes stretched out for what seemed like days as the pain only increased with every step until Finally, I reached the top.

I slowly lowered myself over the edge of the wall and dropped down to the paved ground below. The stench that greeted me was overwhelming and I fought to breathe without retching, the smell of burnt flesh. I was in what looked like a large mausoleum. Stone tombs lined the path on either side shrouded in flame. The screams of the burning heretics within echoed thunderously in the passages intensifying the pounding in my head. I quickly turned toward the center of the city and began to weave my way through the scattered maze in as straight a line as I could staying clear from the path and whatever watchful eyes might be upon it. As I neared the arch I could hear heavy footfalls against the pavement. I shrank back from the sound, peering carefully around the end of the tomb behind which I was hiding.

There guarding the seventh gate, was the Minotaur. I decided then and there that, once again, I would avoid confrontation and sneak over the wall. Just like with the Cerberus, I didn't stand a chance against the strength of the Minotaur. I backed away as slowly and silently as I could and crept to the wall, climbing swiftly despite my straining body. From the top of the wall I could see the blood filled river Phlethegon boiling over its banks. A short way up the bank were the beginnings of the forest of suicides, the harpies flying low tearing at the branches releasing the screams of the souls trapped in the trees as the profligates were chased through the thorny undergrowth by ferocious dogs. The farthest reaches of my vision touched lightly upon the burning desert where the blasphemers, false prophets and would-be gods were punished in the scorching sand as flakes of fire rained down upon them eternally.

I dropped unceremoniously from the ledge to the ground, landing in a heap with a dull thud on the rocks below me. I heard rushed footsteps coming from the arch to my right and I quickly climbed to my feet, flapping my wings as I ran towards the river. I took to the air just as the Minotaur emerged from the gate chasing after me in his attempt to stop me. He ran as far as the edge of the river and stopped, there was no crossing the river right now, the ferry was nowhere to be seen. I was safe….for the moment anyways. Just before me loomed the forest and either way I went about crossing it, by foot, or by air, I was going be noticed. I would have to fight now, there was no going back.

I landed quickly at the edge of the tree line making my own path through the thorny undergrowth gaining more nicks and scratches as I ploughed my way through the close knit branches. I had traversed nearly half the distance across the forest when I could hear the barking of dogs followed by frightened screaming. The harpies were flying low now having marked my location, clawing at me as they went past. The screams and barking were coming closer, I had to act quickly. It was clear now that my chances were better in the air where I would only have one type of creature to fend off. I thrust my wings out and took to the air once more dodging my way through the highest branches, doing my best to avoid the clawed talons of the harpies.

I had cleared the forest. I could see the vast expanse of burning desert below me and the flakes of fire that rained from the sky burned into my flesh like a thousand needles. A short way ahead I beheld a vast chasm, deep and devoid of light, the entrance to the malebolge. I was just beginning my descent when my shoulder was pierced with a sharp pain and I was knocked to the side, nearly falling to the ground. The harpies had caught up with me. I dodged them quickly, many of them turning back as I descended into the ice cold depths of the pit.

Only one of them remained, she thrust herself downward onto my back digging her sharp talons into my shoulders where my wings emerged causing me to spiral downward out of control. I whirled around then, taking hold of the creature as it clawed at my face slashing my cheek. We grappled for control as we plummeted, the ground quickly making its way up to meet us. As we neared impact I grabbed the shoulders of the harpy and rolled hard to my right so that the creature was between my body and the fast approaching earth. We slammed hard into the ground, the sickening crack of bone echoing loudly as the creature was crushed against the stones beneath us and lay unmoving beneath me.

I lay still for a moment catching my breath before crawling weakly to my feet. I could hardly stand, by body bruised from the impact, swayed unsteadily as I attempted a step. There was only a short way to go until I reached my destination, until I found my Edward. It would be a short lived happiness I was sure, in my present condition; I was no match for the furies. It didn't matter though, whether I was to rescue him or share in his punishment, either way we would be together. That's all that mattered. I stumbled forward, each step more agonizing than the last as the full brunt of his pain and mine crashed into me full force. The tears that couldn't flow before fell freely down my mud covered, blood stained face. I could hear his screams and sobs becoming louder, the pain so intense I could do scarcely more than crawl towards him. Suddenly I heard a bone chilling screech, followed by three loud hisses and then there was silence. The screaming stopped, so did the pain and I was able to move more freely again. I looked up defiantly from where I was crouched in pain into the terrible faces of the furies, staring into their cold hard eyes challenging them to make the first move. A slight whimper caught my attention and I turned my eyes to my beautiful angel trapped in the frozen waters, his head hung in defeat, eyes shut as his sobs wracked his body my tears still flowing endlessly from his eyes. My heart swelled with my love for him, the emotion bursting forth in blinding rays of light emanating from my entire being. The furies shrank back in fear covering their eyes at the brightness as I rushed forward to embrace my only love.

AN: Sorry for the cliffy! I have already started on the next chapter; it will be in Edwards POV. It is coming along very well I might say so It shouldn't be so long before I have it posted. The story will be ending soon; there will be the next chapter in Edwards POV and then an epilogue. I already know how I am ending it, it is just a matter of finding the time to get it all typed out. I apologize once again for the delay in posting this chapter. Life kind of downward spiraled on me for a few days, and my lil sis and biggest motivator to get writing was away at band campL Anyways, please review as it gives me even more incentive to write faster! And thank you to all of you who have sent me reviews already!