(A/N) Chapter number 3! BTW this is all from Didyme's POV. Also this was the time where the Volturi was something to be proud of...
WARNING: this story does not have a happy ending.
The joy I felt did not stop growing. My tell-tale lips did not stop smiling. My silent heart did not stop beating, and faster it would go each time Marcus came within my happy little bubble. Though Marcus and I were perfectly content, we silently acknowledged that not everyone was as happy. The closer we got, the more irritated Aro would get. He reminded me of a tantrum throwing toddler the way his lips would pout, his arms would fold across his chest and he would attempt to 'cure' us all with the 'silent treatment'. It made me laugh, at first but when I realized Aro seriously didn't like the thought of Marcus and me, I grew worried. Aro was my brother, through faded blood and everlasting venom we were linked. I didn't enjoy seeing him upset and knew I would have to take action. There was no one better to go to than the most compassionate man I knew.
Eleazar's room was warm and welcoming, a metaphor for the man himself. He seemed engrossed in a large novel when I knocked timidly on the open door and at first I felt guilty for interrupting, reasoning that I could come back at a different time, but Eleazar told me it was fine, that I worried too much.
"What is it you would like?" he asked kindly, gently, his forehead creasing in a concern only a friend can display. It was not fake and shallow like Aro's. It was not deep and overprotecting like Marcus's.
"Well, you must have realized Aro's discomfort as of late, since Marcus and I became comfortable if I remember correctly. It bugs me, Eleazar, what can I do?" my original plan had not been to just dump all my worries on him, but it was too late to take it back now.
"I see. It is a difficult situation you are in, Didyme. I want to help you, but all I can give is advice - advice I can only hope you'll hear." his knowledgable eyes were troubled as he looked up, silently pleading me to take what he could give and not push for more. Mentally, I accepted his terms and, as if he could sense that, he continued.
"There is one thing Aro thirsts for over all others. Not blood, not love, but power. He dreams of being the most powerful and I guess he see's your relationship with Marcus as some kind of threat. Aro is a proud man, but in the last few weeks he has lost fractions of his dignity. He doesn't do that for anyone, or anything. My advice would be to just let him cool down. Show him he is still in control."
It made sense now, and I kicked myself for not seeing it earlier. In this short discussion my perspective shifted and focused. I thanked Eleazar for his help and sprinted back to my room to mull over this change.
As we grew up, Aro's primary concern had always been competition. I enjoyed watching him thrive from the feeling of a new award to add to his collection, because back then, thats all it seemed. Self-satisfaction at his achievements. Now I see that it never was the certificate, trophy or medal from which his joy derived. They just made it final and reminded him whenever he forgot. It was the sickening pleasure of beating others that kept the twisted smile on his lips. Being the best was almost a hobby for him and it was a skill he had bought with him to this life.
As this new knowledge settled in my head a nauseating feeling settled in my stomach. Was that all the Volturi was then? A team not made for justice, but for defeat? Had I been feeding myself and others a lie when I said we should be proud to belong to this society? The fact that I could not answer these questions in defence of the Volturi made the feeling in my stomach swell. There on my bed, with Marcus waiting for me in his room, I began to cry tearless cries. My dry cheeks reminded me that no matter how human Marcus made me feel, Aro had forever changed me. I never asked to become what I was, but because my selfish brother had been consumed with greed I was this. I didn't particulally despise Aro's decision, because it had given me Marcus, but what I did despise were his motives.
Feeling sick, I made my way to Marcus's room, knowing he would be anxious. I knew that he would comfort me without asking questions, and for now, I couldn't answer any questions. I had to let the idea settle for me before exposing it to anyone else. As I would.
When I arrived Marcus's eyes were filled with a million emotions. Shock. Anger. Relief. Concern. Curiosity. I had seen each one before and foolishly matched them to the image of the Volturi. I could see what a mistake I had made, because now, as I swam in them, they were so much more. They didn't stand for greed, bad deeds and shame. They were love, respect and commitment.
(A/N) If you found this chapter slightly confusing please do tell me in a lovely review! OR you can tell me how amazing it was! *hopeful smile*