Chapter 18: Foreign soil

Alice had mounds of suitcases. I had a small carry on bag with passport, money and a change of clothes. Alice would be doing enough shopping to keep us in clothes for the next decade so there was no point in lugging stuff with us. She scowled at me when I informed her and told her to reduced her cases to two. After much glaring, huffing and inspecting visions of not getting away with any more she relented. Jasper giving the thumbs up when he saw just two cases,was just the icing on the cake!

We took my plane, no need to worry about leaving cars at airports. We just loaded up and set off. I had already done a flight plan. We had to re-fuel on the way and it's a long flight but even vampires can't speed this up.

We eventually arrived on a little field just outside Volterra, it may have claimed to be an airstrip but field was more accurate. We took taxi's into Volterra.

We had spent hours going over plans and visions. The visions gave us hints and starting points but there are too many variables. At last we were acting, I just hope all the decisions still to be made go in our favour.

We had just four suitcases between the eight of us. Carlisle was familiar with Volterra and led us to the human entrance of Aro's lair. The sun shone through the large plate glass windows of the entrance hall.

A pretty, dark haired human receptionist looked up in shock as we marched in cases in hand. I had human appearance shields up on all of us. I don't suppose she has to deal with visitors like us very often.

"We are here to see Aro," I announced with a smile.

We stood sniggering as a very confused Gianna, according to her name tag, rang through. We heard a dismissive 'send someone down' and 'they will make a nice snack if nothing else'.

As we waited, without a word, the men stacked the luggage by the back wall of reception. Gianna just sat and watched. They were back at our sides as a door handle moved on one of the doors at the side of the room.

I recognised the diminutive Jane the instant she walked the the door. The meeting with her in Phoenix felt like a lifetime ago but not something I would ever forget.

"Ah Jane, so nice to see you again. Can you please confirm to Gianna here that Aro did request I visit him, he even offered an all expenses paid trip, and more recently he offered to send one of his private jets."

"But that was for that Black Swan girl and the Cullen's," she said confused

"Correct, Jane dearest! Do you really think Aro would appreciate his invited guests kept waiting in the lobby," I could feel her anger building, she was trying to use her gift on each of us, "Now, now Jane you know better than trying to hurt me and mine with your little power, it didn't work before, why ever would it work now. Just take us to Aro before you get in any more trouble."

Poor Gianna was looking very bemused. Humans walking in through the front door demanding to see Aro then upsetting Jane without ending up in a ball of pain on the floor. I threw her a bone, "All is not as it appears, don't worry!" then I winked.

Jane showed us through the maze of passageways to the throne room.

We came across a couple of members of the guard on our way, while they gave us quizzical looks they didn't speak even when I threw a cheerful, "Hello!" to each of them; Jane's anger levels mounted every time.

Jane threw open a huge ornate wooden door, stepping in before us, "Aro, I have the visitors," her mood evident in her tone.

I walked in after Jane. Ignoring all protocol I skipped in straight up to Aro and gave him a one armed hug. The look of shock and confusion at my actions made it all worthwhile.

"Hello Aro, it's a long time since our last meeting. You two must be Marcus and Caius. I've heard all about you. Nothing from Aro but Carlisle here speaks very highly of you. Now who is who?" I listened in, "Ahh, You must be Marcus," I held my hand out to him. He just stared at me, "Oh, okay hugs all round then!" I sang gleefully. I threw him a one armed hug.

Caius looked like a deer in headlights as I headed for him, "Caius, so pleased to meet you," his hand shot out so fast, I don't suppose he wants a hug. "Aww, but I was looking forward to a hug!"

I must sound like a happy drunk, I was feeling quite self-conscious at my out of character actions. Even the family was looking slightly concerned. I sent a quick message, 'play along,' to them. I want to keep the three leaders off balance. I intended coming across as a guest having a fun visit, not a loyal subject that had been called for an audience.

I had spent ages going through visions on the best way to approach the three brothers, none quite played out the way I hoped. I just needed to come up with a different way to approach them. It was during the flight, my mind wandered to my childhood with my Grandparents; I remember watching the Wizard of Oz with Dorothy skipping down the yellow brick road, Grandma singing along. It was the inspiration I needed, the resulting vision taking that type of mentality gave the result I was hoping for, I was acting my heart out to try and make the vision come true.

I went back to Aro and perched on the arm of his chair, well a throne is just a fancy chair! I had definitely got them out of their comfort zone.

"So Aro are the sculptures to your liking? Would it be possible to see them in situ?" nice social visit questions, keep as far away as possible from treating them like royalty!

"Hmm, the sculptures fit beautifully in their setting. You can see them later. Err, could you introduce you friends first?" yes I had him off balance.

"I'm so sorry, how rude of me. I thought you knew Carlisle Cullen and his family. This is Carlisle and his wife Esme," they each stepped forward.

"It has been a long time, so nice to see you all again," Carlisle greeted them.

I jumped back in before Aro could start asking his questions, "And Carlisle's family, Emmett and Rosalie, Jasper and Alice, and last but by no means least," I winked at Edward and he grinned back, "Edward."

Aro was getting a bit frustrated now, "But you are all human, you came in the front door in the sun."

"So sorry. It's so much easier travelling incognito. Would you be more comfortable seeing us without our camouflage?" I said in faux concern. I dropped the disguise aspect of the shields ensuring we were all still protected from both physical and mental attacks. "Is that better?"

They all gasped as our appearance went from human to vampire

"Carlisle old friend, I'm sorry I didn't believe it was you," Aro stood from his throne and walked down to Carlisle. Aro raised his hand in greeting for Carlisle to shake.

Carlisle smile widened as he placed his hand in Aro's, "Understandable old friend. I found the disguise surprising when I first saw myself. Quite impressive is it not?"

Aro was straining and looking at Carlisle perplexed, "I can't read you? What is going on?"

"I can't see their bonds either," Marcus revealed mystified.

Caius annoyance finally broke out, "Enough of this, explain or your lives will be forfeit."

I jumped up and ran over to Caius, "There, there. We intend no offence. Let's go outside for a walk. It's too nice outside to be in this gloomy room. I will explain everything. We didn't intend to upset you. You may want most of the guard to join you so they can test me, it will make explaining easier, if it pleases you."

Caius stood and glared at me, I had picked him knowing of his reputation to kill first, ask questions later. "Would you walk with me?" I smiled sweetly at him. He scowled darkly at me but didn't speak, "I'll take that as a yes!"

I heard Aro chuckle. I linked arms with Caius and headed for the door, "Which way to your gardens?" he continued to glower at me but pointed towards a corridor. Yes, he's softening!

I whispered quietly to him, "Now we are out of their ear shot would you like to experience a disguise, I would like to surprise the others if you are agreeable. Is there a mirror en-route?" I felt a flicker of intrigue in the malevolence and disinterest that appear to be his base line emotions.

I gave him the guise of the slightest of tan and slate grey eyes with hints of green and blue flecked in them. We drew alongside a mirror mounted on the wall. I smoothly bought him to a halt and invited him to take in his appearance. His face remained tight but I had him captivated. I felt his reluctance to break away from his reflection but he was trying not to let me know it had affect him. He led me forward to a door opening to a flight of steps down into a beautiful walled courtyard garden.

"Such spectacular gardens, do you use them much?" I asked politely as we descended.

I noticed he had all his attention focused on his hand, making the smallest of movements but still twisting it to try and catch the light. The lack of sparkle pleased him immensely, I could see the start of a smile in his eyes.

The formal layout of the garden had an open area in the centre with seats. I gestured to the benches, "Shall we?"

He needed no more encouragement and guided us to a seat in full sun. We sat and he inclined his face to the sun. Closing my eyes I did the same, "Mmm the heat on my face, I love basking in the sun."

He scrutinized me. I blocked the sun from myself just enough to prevent the sparkle. We sat in contented silence until the sound of voices alerted us to the imminent arrival of the others. Caius put slightly more distance between us and sat in a stiffer posture. I internally smiled to myself.

The guard entered the gardens, filing in from different entrances. They lined up on the paths bordering the open centre where Caius and I were seated. They were all radiating shock, their thoughts amazed at Caius sat so relaxed out here, then awareness that neither of us were sparkling.

"Caius is there an open area that I can demonstrate my fighting techniques later?" I queried him so softly only he could hear my words.

He responded in kind, "Yes," He indicated a door furthest from where we had entered.

I smiled in thanks. His face softened, not a smile but I'm getting there!

Aro and Marcus strode towards us, the Cullen's following them with a carefree step. We had succeeded in changing dynamics. We had planned to try and get them out of the throne room or great hall (call it what you will!) to change the perceived power base. The guards need to be here to give them the false sense of security.

Astonishment at Caius's lack of luminance was evident on their faces. They had been told of our arrival but seeing it on one of their own rocked them to the core.

As they entered the central area Marcus turned to Aro touching his arm, I heard his shocked thoughts as he showed Aro the friendship and ally connections that were forming towards me from Caius. It was better than I hoped.

I took charge to maintain the impetus I had attained, "If you will all be seated, I will begin," I made it sound like children's story time! I ensured I stood to lead the proceedings, all subtle power plays.

Eleazar, Carlisle and I had spent hours in Carlisle's study going over the best way to introduce me to the Volturi. Alice still can't see me clearly in her visions, so her power is of little help. My intuition helps to a point but the fine details still rest on other's decisions. Of all the alternatives I looked at, a story time approach gives the most promising outcome for all concerned, not just us. The fine tuning I had done on the journey here needed all the Cullen's to be taken off-guard in the throne room for it to play out as the vision showed.

"It seems the circumstances of my change gave me more than could be expected. I have the power to show you my thoughts and memories, if you are willing, I can show my story easier than tell it," here I go again, how can someone that hates being centre stage end up there as often as I do!

Aro glanced warily at the guard, "Who will see your story?"

"I will leave the choice of who sees the story up to you. I expected the three of you would want the full story. I can show everyone here but would prefer to fill in the others at your discretion," the dance had begun.

Aro nodded, "Just us for now."

I need to give full disclosure or they will assume deception. I have to tell them carefully to stop them from panicking. The plan to show them clips then verbally filled in more details gives the chance to show the full story but edit enough to soften the impact.

I started showing them how James came to bite me. I got Felix and Demetri to collaborate details.

I brief explained why I left Forks to travel and why I rushed home. I let them see my fuzzy human memory of my capture and how the multiple bites came about.

I told Aro he could confirm my memories with the memories of any of the Cullen's but would he mind waiting until I gave him all the story. He consented.

"We are still not sure that it refers to me," I started nervously. "As you know, Carlisle is friends with Eleazar so he asked him to visit to confirm my gifts, let me show you."

I showed them our meeting and then of Emmett when he realised I had the five powers of the five vampires that bit me, pushing on to Eleazar's revelations of the pentacle prophesy.

I paused then to give them chance to accept that possibility.

"So you have six powers?" Aro asked in astonishment.

"It's not that straight forward, there is more if you are ready to continue," I replied instead of answering directly.

Next I showed Eleazar's conjecture from memory.

Aro stared at me apprehensively, "So how many and what about your control?"

"Eleazar believes my shield protected me during the change and protects me from the powers, I can block them totally or use them at will. I control them not them me," this reaction could be a catalyst.

"So how many powers do you have?" Aro asked with authority this time.

"Honestly, I'm not sure. The powers combine and merge on the shield according to Eleazar. I can show you and tell you what I have found I can do so far. Eleazar could see the seeds of powers from the venom within the venom, the seeds don't usually activate until I happen on the right stimulus, they can take me by surprise before I can switch them off," here goes, I have to show them what happened with Kate.

"So roughly how many?" Aro demanded.

"Let me show you a few more relevant memories then I will give you some demonstrations so you can decide how to count for yourself," I wish it was as easy as picking a number.

I showed them how I got Kate's power and poor Jasper as he suffered from it. I then showed Eleazar's reaction as Kate's power merged with Jasper's, becoming one more powerful power rather than two, "That's why I struggle to tell you how many powers I have. According to Eleazar, Jasper and Kate's powers are one within me. It is easier to show you what I can do. I'm not trying to evade your question, I just honestly don't know how to count."

I turned to Caius now, "Carlisle told me some of your history, about the werewolves. I'm sorry for bringing it up but I need you to know what I am about to tell you next has no connection to the creatures you dealt with."

I told them of the wolves, never making the mistake of calling them werewolves, always shape-shifters that transform into wolves. I told them of the treaty and got Felix and Demetri to confirm details of them. They had reported back to Aro before and Caius had not been involved, it was all new to him. Caius's anger got directed at Aro for keeping him in the dark.

I showed them the memory of Jake and how I got bitten. As they came out of that memory I told them, "We think that bite gave me the ability to be unseen in Alice's visions, the telepathy that I have used to show my memories and the shape-shifting."

"Shape-shifting?" Caius asked with some alarm.

"Yes," I did some simple changes; lengthening my arms and changing my face, "I can do more but changing form tends to shred my clothes so can I give a full demonstration in a larger area."

"Any more memories we need to see or do you want to give your demonstration now?" Aro asked more respectfully this time.

"I think a demonstration would be a good idea now. I or any of the Cullen's will do our best to answer any questions during or after the demonstration. If you don't mind Aro I will keep you from reading all their thoughts until after the demonstration. I think you will enjoy the demonstration better first hand rather than through disjointed memories," I smiled at him.

"As you wish, I understand why you presented your story as you have so far, so I will let you continue," Aro smiled and nodded his understanding.

So far, so good...