Author's note: Was anyone expecting Draven?! I sure wasn't! This story is writing itself. I notice some people really, really want to know what Edward has done that would he feels the need to repent for (Tandr23!). Since so many people have been begging, here it is; Edward's 6 month summary!

Disclaimer: One day, I will own a Caucasian shepherd dog. But not Twilight. Have you seen those dogs!?

Chapter 5

Off the Hypothetical Wagon

(Edward pov)

After Alice fabricated a complicated story about a fancy, free-trial spa, Bella was persuaded (thrown) into Emmett's hummer. We drove to the airport. Once Bella saw the small airport, she immediately started bucking and kicking, fighting to escape. Jasper was the only one keeping her complacent as we sat in an airplane, heading towards Vienna, Italy. From Vienna, we will drive to Volterra, the Volturi's headquarters. We will then be brought before Aro, Marcus, and Caius; the rulers of the vampire society. They would study Bella and help Carlisle determine the demon's name and, hopefully, divulge a way to banish it back to hell. Where it belongs.

Where I belong.

I thought back to my self-imposed exile. I was inconsolable the instant I left Bella. I ran as fast and as far as I could, trying to tell myself that it was for the best. I thought that with the more miles between us, the less my dead heart would ache. I remember stopping in a city somewhere in Canada. I was holding my chest, shocked at how empty I felt, when I heard a woman begging for help a few allies over. I heard her panicked and her attacker's debauched thoughts. I could see the woman in his mind. She had brown hair that fell past her shoulders and light brown eyes. She was smaller in the chest area than Bella, and her face was oval instead of a diamond shape like my Bella. The woman looked so much like my Bella that I couldn't think straight. I was so angry at the attacker for attack my Bella! I left her to be safe! I let the red haze of fury consume me as I sped towards them. I grabbed the man and slammed him against the brick wall he had cornered my Bella against. I couldn't stop myself as I sank my teeth into his paper-thin skin and drained him of his foul, intoxicated blood.

It wasn't until he was dry that I snapped out of the fog of bloodlust. I dropped the corpse on the ground and was surprised to see the woman still there. She was sitting on the ground, trembling. Her thoughts were swirling as she tried to decipher what happened. She thought me a dark angel, come to end an unholy man. She would never tell anyone about that moment, for who would believe her? She was just a secretary at a vet's office. She just wanted to get back to her fiancée, whom she loved dearly. I stared down at her. After our stand-off, I told her to tell no one of this moment and she readily agreed. On my out of the alley, she yelled after me.

"Hey… Mr. Dark Angel, sir?"

I didn't turn around, but I did stop walking.

I could hear her fiddle with her tailored skirt. "Thank you…" She whispered.

I stood-stone still. She should be crying hysterically. She should be running in the opposite direction, back to her loving fiancée. I do not deserve her gratitude. I didn't acknowledge her soft spoken words. I simply ran. I ran back into the United States. I ran past cities and towns. I ran past state lines. I didn't stop until any other thoughts but mine filtered through my head. I sat down on a log and wept silent tears. I could almost feel my eyes burning a dark red. I wanted to die. I needed to return to my Bella. I desired to hold my Bella and keep her safe.

Jasper's thoughts startled me. You killed someone lately, haven't you?

I couldn't form words, so I nodded. Jasper looked at my Bella. I was currently holding her in my lap, stroking anywhere my hands could reach. Every half-minute or so, I would place a kiss on her head, her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, her neck. I felt whole again. Complete albeit guilt-ridden. Every time you do that, her emotions spike. Jasper grinned at me. I did it again, feeling a little lighter. I have in no way paid for my sins to my Bella and the world, but a part of the burden on my shoulders has been lifted. I think she missed us all something sore.

The intercom crackled with the warning to buckle our seatbelts, they were beginning our descent into Italy. I clicked my Bella's belt due to her state of unconsciousness. I then buckled my seatbelt. I felt the plane tip forward as the plane slowly fell back to earth. After rolling around on the tarmac for unnecessarily long time, the pilot gave us permission to grab our bags and exit the plane, adding a 'thanks for flying with us'. I grabbed our bags as Jasper gave Bella an emotional, gentle, 'get up'. We all exited the plane with our carry-ons. Alice and Rose left for the baggage claim area, dragging an unwilling Emmett behind them. Carlisle and Esme went to get the keys for our rentals while Jasper and I stayed with Bella, who was not a happy camper. Bella very much enjoyed her naps, and plotted the demise of those stupid enough to rouse her from her slumber. Usually, she would never follow through with her threats, but with one of the side-effects of demon possession being volatile moods and vehemence, one could never be too careful. In fact, I do believe Bella was jotting something down in her notebook about Jasper's room. I'll warn him later.

We joined the others at the entrance. We needed three vehicles, two four-door bmws' and a hummer for all the girls extra luggage. Jasper, Emmett, Bella, and I (with my Bella and I in the back) took the hummer while Alice and Rose took of the bmws'. Carlisle, in the first bmw, led us out of the parking lot. We sped down the road to Volterra, ignoring speed limit signs. We got to the gates in a little under an hour and drove through the narrow streets. We parked in the Volturi's personal parking garage, noting the large amount of cars filling the parking spaces. We shrugged, thinking nothing of it, and parked into three reserved parking spots by the elevators. We all climbed out, leaving the bags, and forming a cage around my Bella. She still looked groggy and unsociable. We entered the elevator, the 'b' button already alight. The metal box descended. I wanted to rip the speakers for playing that annoying 'elevator music'. After eleven long seconds, the doors slid open, revealing a tall, muscular vampire with dark hair and a wide smirk.

"So where's the vessel?" He attempted to peer around Emmett, who was flexing his muscles.

Bella groaned, "What's a vessel?"

Felix tilted his head to the side. There she is… Huh. She's really beautiful for a demon's plaything. "My, my, Carlisle. Have you told her nothing?"

Carlisle hissed in a voice too low for Bella's human ears. "Last time a vampire upset her, she threw them across the room." Emmett rubbed is arm and winced at the memory. It was very painful and he did not want to go through that again. Ever.

Why is this guy rubbing his arm? Did that tiny, fragile human throw this guy across a room? "Aro is awaiting you in the arena. I will be the one to guide you there, safe and sound.

The arena? "Is Aro entertaining some guests?" Carlisle asked. I don't like this, Edward.

"You could say that." Felix grinned slyly. There will be entertainment.

Felix led us down a series of hallways before stopping at a set of large double doors. It had carvings of a raging battle. I could make out Caius' form stabbing a large foe while slicing at another behind him. I could hear the thoughts of thousands behind the thick oak doors and inched closer to Bella. Felix glanced at me, and pushed the doors open. We stepped into a sand covered pit circled by towering walls. Vampires from each corner of the world occupied the seats in the stadium. I could see the Denali's to my right looking concerned. Once Tanya spotted me, her thoughts turned provocative. She wiggled her fingers at me and blew me a kiss. Bella saw this and did something that surprised me, my family, Tanya, and Felix. She brushed past Alice and settled herself against my body. She smiled at Tanya and mimicked her finger-wave. Bella's arms then looped around my waist. I slung my arm on her shoulders, holding her close. I wasn't complaining.

Aro strolled over to us, his voice booming. "Carlisle! My friend, I am so glad you could make it." He reached for his hand. Carlisle's memories flickered through his head. How interesting. A mind reader, an empath, and a seer! How exciting! And what's this? A human who resists the mind reader? His gaze flicked to Bella. Fascinating!

He dropped his hand and moved to look at Alice. "I see you have gained two new members of your clan, Carlisle!" He stared longingly at Bella. "And a half! Oh how wonderful! A lady who can see into the future and the God of War! Where do you find them, my friend?"

He bent lower to study Bella. "Hello, my dear." Aro smiled warmly at her. "I have heard about your remarkable talent for resisting Edward's gift. I was wondering if I might try." He held out his hand. Bella stared at it for a moment. She let her arms fall from my waist as she stepped forward. She gently placed her hand in his. Aro bent his head, concentrating, yet nothing happened.

He laughed, "Wonderful!" He peeked at Carlisle. "Now down to business."

I saw what he had planned. Oh, no.

(Bella pov)

I stood in an arena, next to the Cullen family, wondering if this Aro had lost his marbles. I considered asking him, but inquiring a vampire about his mental state might be considered rude. They really need to make a book of etiquette for humans surrounded by vampires. That thought must have slipped out because Aro started laughing hysterically. He gained control of himself before patting me on the head. "Oh, Carlisle! She is a delightful little human! Where ever can I find myself one as charming as Piccola e dolce Bella! If you ever tire of her, I would be happy to take her off your hands!"

"I was actually serious about that etiquette book." I said flatly.

Aro pulled me into a tight hug. "Oh, she is so charming!"

"Aro, I must inquire as to why we are standing in your arena, surrounded by spectators." Carlisle distracted Aro.

"Of course, my dear friend." Aro strode to the center of the arena. "A demon has rare, nigh unheard of, in the vampire society. Our strength in mind and body, along with certain gifts are enough to keep demons away. Usually, a demon isn't stupid enough to approach a human that is under a vampire's protection. However, you abandoned Bella, therefore removing any protection she had from you. Now Bella is thought to be possessed by a demon. To determine if she is truly possessed, using the preferred method of demon hunters, would take too much time. So my brothers and I thought up a way to draw the demon out." Aro waved his fingers, beckoning Caius forward. "Once a demon has chosen its vessel, it will do everything in its power to keep them. Since Bella seems to be resistant to mental intrusions, then we shall physically attack Bella in hopes that the demon will rise and defend itself."

Jasper glared at Aro. "And what if it doesn't?"

"At ease, Jasper. For Bella's sake, Caius will hold back on the first round. If, by then, the demon has not responded, we will try to contact the demon another way."

Felix and five more vampires wearing the same 'V' pendent guided the Cullen family to the closet set of seats to what I supposed were Aro, Caius, and the third brother's seat. Aro his depressed-looking brother jumped into two of the ornate seats. "Marcus, would you do the honor?" The sad vampire, Marcus, picked up a stick with a ball at the tip and hit a giant gong. The crowd hushed as I faced the blond vampire named Caius. He sneered at me before taking off his robe. He spread his legs shoulder width apart and lifted his hands from the elbows. The gong was hit again.

And I flew back.

I skipped on the ground twice before hitting the wall. I pushed myself up on my feet, only to be thrown towards the center of the arena. I could feel the anger and humiliation building in me as I got myself back on my feet again. Caius appeared in front of me. He hissed down at me before round-house kicking me back. With each of his hits, I could feel my vision growing darker. I mentally cried for Z. For Cerberus. For anybody to come save me. The bruises ached and it felt like my bones were ready to snap.

I got back on my feet after Caius' last blow and could see Marcus lifting the stick. I could see Caius coming at me through the black haze. All of a sudden, the feeling of being disconnected came over me. I was inside my head but I didn't have control. Now Caius didn't seem as fast. I could see the fist aiming for my face. I braced myself for the final blow, but it never came. I opened my eyes and was stunned to see my hand gripping a fist that was centimeters from my face. Shock lit in his eyes as he stared my hand. I saw my arm flex, and then Caius was on the other side of the arena. He crashed into the wall before landing on the ground, leaving a huge cracked dent in the stone. Silence ruled the arena as my body sauntered towards Caius, as if I was at the park enjoying a sunny day. My body stopped a foot from Caius. My foot lifted on the ground and slammed on his back. I heard a crack as my hand grasped a bundle of his hair and pull. My body bent so I could look into his eyes. His eyes were colored with astonishment and discomfort, making the red much darker.

"You had better have a good reason for harming someone of my line, you insolent, little parasite." My voice was strong and clear as it rang through the heavy air. "Speak now!"

Caius hardened his eyes and pulled away from me. He flew to the center of the stadium. "Give us your name, hell-dweller!" He shouted angrily.

"Why should I, parasite? You believe to force it out of me by wounding one that is under my protection?" My voice turned icy as it stood against the eyes of every vampire in the stadium. "You shall receive nothing from me! No one injures anyone from my line and is rewarded!"

"As long as she still stands, I will swear not to harm Bella if you give me your name!"

He is occupied this plain too long! I shall bring his soul with me to my domain!

Z? I asked. Is that you?

Yes, little Bella. It is I.

Please do as he says. I know he will keep his word.

I cannot allow his continued existence, Bella.

Please, Z? For me?

There was a moment of silence on his part. For you.

"Azazel."

Aro froze. "Say again?"

"Azazel" My voice repeated. " I am known as Azazel."

Z's heightened hearing picked up whispers from the vampires in the seats above us.

"The Azazel?"

"I thought he was just a story!"

"I read somewhere that he is a Fallen!"

"You mean like an angel that fell from heaven?"

"Why is it this girl?"

Why did you choose me?

You are valuable. Z stated softly. You do not see your worth.

Only because my mind is broken.

He chuckled. You do not know how desirable you are, Bella.

Aro stood up from his overstuffed seat. "You used Bella's body to ambush, destroy, and burn a vampire. Our source says they saw you use black fire to burn the pieces."

Z tensed. "I did no such thing! I have killed many parasites, but I did not kill one recently. I especially wouldn't use Bella's body for such an attack."

"Bella certainly couldn't have done it by herself!" Caius scoffed. "So that leaves two options: our source is lying or you are not telling the whole truth. Either way, someone is not being honest."

Wait, did he say black fire?

Yes, I believe so.

"It could not have been I, for I cannot wield black fire. I manipulate fire and air. Black fire is associated with ice and spirit." Z was vibrating with rage.

"So…" Emmett crossed arms. "If it wasn't you, then who was it?"

Z clenched my fist. "Not me. It couldn't be Cerberus either. He wields earth and fire."

Jasper gripped the edge of the metal banister, leaving dents. "You're saying that there is another demon possessing Bella's body?"

I could practically feel waves of heat coming off of Z. While he was in my body, we were separate entities. We were in the same space, yet different. "It would seem that way."

Who dares to touch what I swore into my safekeeping?

Z? Tell me! What's wrong?

I felt Z's essence brush against mine. A demon has defied the law of lineage. He claimed your soul when it is under my protection. And if he crossed that line…

What is it, Z?

Bella, Z's spirit enveloped mine. This is a declaration of war.

Fear skittered down my spine. Why?

Someone wants you for their own, Bella.

Can't I leave or stop it from happening?

No, Bella. This war will happen, and you're in the dead center of it.

(Draven pov)

I punched a wall in my domain. If it weren't for those damn vampires, no one would have found out until it was too late! I looked back into the mirror. My black fire circled it, frosting the edges. I could see into the stadium full of those parasites and Bella. Azazel, or Z, was currently inside her body. He made no move to harm her. No indication that he would reap the benefits of such a pure soul.

I snarled curses at Z. I had chosen this girl the moment she was conceived! I marked her like any demon should mark their vessel. I watched over her for years using my mirror and those from my line. I kept her healthy. I kept her sane. I made sure she remained a virgin! Does she know how many times she evaded rape because of me? Doesn't she wonder why no boy has ever asked to court her? It's ridiculous how many suitors I had to chase away! I mean seriously! This woman is a danger magnet on, what do humans call them, steroids! She is the quintessence of beauty and femininity! She embodies the fucking Damsel in Distress (D.i.D)! I've been counting the moments to my freedom!

And Azazel thinks he can strut in and steal her away!

Not now! Not EVER!

I have worked too long and too hard for some conceited, egotistical, glitzy, all-powerful Fallen to take it all away! He has always been a pain in the arse! Flaunting his power like a pompous dragon, flashing his shining scales at anyone who would look. I am tired of his meddling with my affairs! I will personally see to it that the almighty Azazel is taken down from his precious pedestal! I peered into the reflective glass, portraying the souls of a frightened Bella and infuriated Z, curled around her.

My face stretched into a wide grin. "And I will use your ward to do it."

Well shit! This is looking a little grim. I have the outline of how this story will go, but the characters are evil, nasty bitches! They're in control. I'm just along for the ride. Anyone have an idea of what should be in the next chapter? Assistance would be pleasant.

-SPN :3