I stepped out of the shower, the air warm from the steam. It was nice to finally have a few moments to myself, it felt like forever since I was living in my dorm at college, just trying to survive. I backtracked through the days; it had only been a little over a week ago, including the change. I wondered what my story was, since I was probably reported missing by now. Were my parents looking for me? What about the few friends I had? Did anyone care that I was essentially dead, never to see them again?

I shook the thoughts out of my head. It was of no use lingering on them. They wouldn't get me anywhere. I wrapped a towel around myself, and walked into my new room.

It was then that I realized I didn't have any clean clothes, and the pair of clothes I had been wearing hardly fit me after my change, not to mention they were ripped in multiple places from training. I panicked, I couldn't just go wandering throughout the castle in a towel, searching for clothes. Maybe I could put on my cloak and no one would notice…It was then that I heard a knock on my door.

"Uhm, who is it?" I asked, my voice shaky. Wow, I'm probably the first vampire to be scared of a visitor, inside the Volturi castle. I sighed at my stupidity. It's not like I'm going to get killed here.

"Zayden said you might need some clothes, I have an outfit for you." The voice sounded nice, like wind chimes in the summer breeze.

"Oh, alright. Uhm…I can't say I'm decent, can you just leave them outside? I'll grab them in a minute. I only have a towel on."

"Oh, that's fine. It's nothing I haven't seen before." The handle turned.

"Really, I…" The door was already open, a medium built woman breezing inside. She had long, black hair, her skin the normal paleness, but you could tell, as a human, she was tan. Her eyes had a spark in them, she was intelligent far beyond her years. She radiated friendliness, she was someone you could count on to have your back.

"Uhm…Alright then, never mind." The woman set the clothes on my bed, then turned to leave.

"My name is Raine. I look forward to getting to know you. I think we will get along quite well. I hope you will come find me, when you feel like talking. I know that moving into the castle can be an overwhelming experience, and especially since you joined the guard at the same time. If you need anything at all, just ask." After her speech, she flashed a sweet smile, then left, shutting the door behind her.

"Well, that was unexpected…" I muttered under my breath. I had fully expected to serve my time here alone; I didn't expect anyone to try to befriend me. Hell, the first person I really met here jumped off a roof and attacked me, I couldn't have expected much.

I dressed slowly, concentrating on not ripping the one set of clothes I had. I would have to fix that, but I didn't know how. Would I get paid for being in the guard? I mean, the human military got paid, why shouldn't we? I had basic necessities I needed to take care of, and clothes were for sure a basic necessity. I needed to ask Aro about that. But how could I? It's not like I could just waltz in and start asking for money. I touched the bite mark subconsciously, trying to figure out a way I could find out without seeming too terribly idiotic.

After I put on the t-shirt and jeans, I went to find Raine. She seemed like she wouldn't judge me for asking.

After getting lost in the maze of hallways, I finally found a door leading out to a courtyard. I picked up her scent, then, she was sitting in one of the castles' gardens. She was sitting in the middle of the ornate garden, next to a small pond, watching the waterfall.

I hadn't thought this through. I'm not the type of person who just wanders up to someone, and starts talking to them. Maybe I should just go back to my room, and wait for Aro to summon me.

I turned to leave, when she spoke from behind me. "Please, don't be shy. Come, sit with me. I would enjoy the company. Everyone's out for Aro, I haven't had anyone to chat with today." I heard her lightly pat the spot next to her on the rock she was sitting on.

"Are…Are you sure? I mean, I don't want to bother you…" She laughed lightly.

"I promise you, you're no bother at all. And I'm absolutely sure you have questions. It's not like you woke up to this life with people around you to help you understand everything that has changed. Come, sit." I hesitated, warring with myself in my head. Should I get attached to people here? I was hoping to not have to spend too much time in this godforsaken place, it would make it easier to leave if I didn't have friends.

Finally deciding I would at least ask her my question, I went and sat down next to her.

"Sorry for barging in on you earlier. Although, you might want to get used to that. Around here, doors are only there as a semblance of privacy. People will come barging in at any time, so you might want to make sure you're usually decent." She turned and winked at me, making the conversation lighter.

I laughed softly. "I'll have to remember that. Speaking of clothes, well, this is awkward to ask…" I drifted off. I turned to look at her, I had her full attention.

"How am I going to pay for that? I mean, do we get paid, because I'm assuming Aro isn't going to let us just wander out into the public and get a job. And it's not like I had any real money when I was human…I was just a college student, trying to get by." I looked down to the ground, mildly embarrassed about my question.

She smiled softly. "Did no one tell you? That bank card that you received when you first arrived here has access a bank account that the guard members share. Seeing as how you're a High guard, you might be on a different account, but the idea is the same. You don't need to worry about money. Aro knows you need clothes, shampoo, the necessities. He doesn't check the records though, so if you wanted to go out and have a little fun…" She winked then. "There's enough money in there for no one to notice if you took out a couple of million. And, even then, no one would probably care. I can't believe no one told you…"

Well, that was a relief, although I don't remember getting a card when I got here... "I don't remember ever getting a card. Then again, they had to literally carry me to the Throne Room, so that might be the problem. And I'm not sure I should go into town yet, I mean, I'm not sure if I have the control for it. I've only been a vampire for a week, I don't want to murder the entire town."

She laughed again. "Dear, the simple fact that you're sitting here, having a civil conversation with me, and not trying to tear me apart proves you have magnificent control. Didn't you pass through a town in the Americas to get on the plane here? How did that go? And I'm sure all we have to do is ask the girl at the front desk for your card, it's probably sitting there, waiting for you."

I nodded. "It was okay, until we got into the denser populated area. I was about to attack, if Demitri hadn't gotten me something to eat. But after that, I was okay."

"Well, it sounds like all you need to do is make sure you're well-fed. Speaking of which, dear, your eyes are little pieces of coal. How about we take you hunting for your first time?"

As soon as she spoke of it, my thirst came to the forefront of my mind. My throat erupted into fire, and I coughed, even though I knew it wouldn't help. I merely nodded, afraid if I opened my mouth the growl I was suppressing would be let loose.

I didn't know how we were going to mange to hunt, and me not taking out the entire villa surrounding the castle. She just took my hand, and started running into the forest, away from the castle.

I kept up speed, not breathing, for fear of running into a human. Suddenly, we stopped in a small meadow, the moon shining brightly above. I looked up, and gasped in awe at the sight. I could see so much clearer. The moon was absolutely beautiful, framed by little pinpricks of stars. I couldn't help but feel like there was someone looking up at the same scene as I was.

Raine smiled, and tugged at my arm slightly. "Focus, Isabella. Take a deep breath. Smell anything by chance?" I had barely inhaled, and I smelt it. Humans, about a hundred meters to my northwest. There were probably two, maybe three, judging by the different scents. I could feel the conscience part of my brain switch off, and my instincts kick in. I dropped Raines hand, and took off towards the delicious smell.

I came upon a small campsite, the one large tent facing southwest. There was one heartbeat coming from inside the tent, and I could see two adults sitting on the ground, a little way away from the tent. Good. I could silence the two outside, then take care of the one in the tent, without a problem. I circled around so I would catch the two outside from behind, and not give them the chance to see who was coming to end their life. As soon as I was out of their sight, I charged forward silently, grabbing the backs of their necks and crushing them in the same second. Their brain wouldn't have recognized anything happened until they were dead. The person in the tent was more tricky, though, as there was only one way into the tent. I shrugged, its not like he could fend me off. I ran straight into the tent, the man inside letting out a yell before I could silence him. There wasn't anyone around out here, so his screams went unheard. I drug the body outside, to where the other two were. I sliced through one of their necks with my teeth, the blood inside pouring quickly over my lips. The burn was cooled immediately, but the blood ran out too quickly. Frustrated, I growled and tossed the limp, empty body to the side, and moved on to the next. He too, ran out quickly, and I moved on to the last woman. Halfway through, I could tell the burn was sated, but I like the taste of the blood, so I didn't stop until she was empty also.

Looking around, I realized I had torn up the tent in my hurry to get inside, and I didn't know how I should get rid of the bodies. Spotting the small campfire a little outside the tent, I got an idea. I put the bodies inside the tent, as if they were sleeping, and then got a branch to set the tent on fire. Once the tent was unrecognizable, I put the fire out so it didn't spread, and went to find Raine.

She was perched on a boulder, examining her nails, looking like she had been waiting for me for a while. "Sorry I took so long."

She shook her head. "It's fine, dear. It was your first real hunt. To be honest, I was expecting you to take a little longer. It's no big deal, so long as you're full." She smiled at me.

I nodded. "Yes, I'm full." With that, she hopped off of the boulder.

"Oh, good. The sun is rising. The shops around Volterra should be opening soon, then. Want to go shopping today, dear?"

Shrugging, I replied "It doesn't matter to me. Although, I probably need something to change into after I take a shower." She took my hand then.

"Shopping it is."

On the way back to the castle, I asked where everyone else was.

"They're all out on missions for Aro. Some are in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. North America, to be exact."

"Oh? Why are they in North America?"

"Do you know about the Vampire Wars in Mexico and Texas?" I faintly remembered Edward saying something about Jasper and the Wars…

"Not really. Why?" She then went on to explain when the Wars were at it's peak, and how everything was getting a bit out of hand down there now.

"Aro sent someone to assassinate Maria, the leader of the army, and a Jasper Whitlock if they could get to him. Apparently, he is back down there, fighting as Maria's second. But, Maria was the priority. They were instructed not to look for Whitlock."

Surely they didn't kill him. Jasper is smarter than that, he would run. He would save himself. Wouldn't he? Unless him and Maria were involved…

Surely they weren't though. Right?

The rest of the walk back to the castle was spent in silence, me silently pleading for Jasper to have made it out alive. Why did I care so much about this one Cullen? I supposed I just didn't want to see anyone I knew, anyone I once called family killed.

Yes. That was the reason I was going to go with.

JPOV:

"Damn it. You stupid fucking newborn. Why the fuck would you take off his leg? Are you fucking stupid? He will be beside you in battle, do you think he will remember that? You can bet your sparkly ass he will. This probably cost you your life, I hope you fucking realize that. I should kill you now, to save him the trouble." I picked the idiot up by his collar, my teeth at his neck.

"P…Please Major Whitlock, please don't kill me, I swear, I didn't mean to, he was just so close, and I was just so mad and I…" He was begging for his life. I loved it when they begged. I smiled an evil smile.

"And why the fuck should I spare you? You're replaceable. Don't think for a minute you're something special. Disposable. Just another body. Yet you beg for your life? What incentive do I have to spare you? You've proven you can't fucking think through your god damn actions, I don't need that on the battlefield. I don't need you on the battlefield." With that, I sliced through his neck. I didn't need him. There was no one I needed. Except her. I needed her more than I needed blood. And I needed that pretty damn bad right now. There was no way I could see her, I had no idea where she was, so I tossed the body roughly to the ground.

"Lopez!" I barked. He was in front of me in a second, waiting eagerly for orders. "Dispose of it." I pointed to the beheaded body on the ground. "You know how to do it."

Lopez shouted out an obedient 'Yes, Sir!' as I stalked away. I needed a break from these idiots Maria made me bring in. Shouldn't we be building an army of at least semi-intelligent vampires? These couldn't bite their way out of a human. I shook my head to clear it; I would leave all thoughts of the army, with the army.

I walked out of the camp, the two guards letting me by immediately. Of course, it wouldn't be so easy for any of the others to just walk out. I had privileges like that. It was one of my conditions to coming back to Maria and the Southern Wars. I was surprised myself when I ran into her, literally, while trying to get away from those fucking Cullens. I had long since thought that the Wars had died out, a victor crowned, and the entire deal settled. I was dead wrong. The Wars are going on stronger than when I left. To be frank, I'm amazed the Volturi haven't stepped in. I would have to make myself scarce when that happened. I couldn't get myself killed.

By the time I came to from my thoughts, I was in town. I inhaled deeply, the scent of human circling around my brain, making my thoughts hazy. This must be what humans feel like when they're drunk, I thought idly.

Did I want to hunt, or recruit? I needed someone to replace the idiot I killed, but, I didn't really want to mess with the screaming and crying. No, recruitment would be left up to Maria.

With that cleared up, I started strolling up and down the street. There were plenty of chances for me to take what was mine, but I felt uneasy. Something was pulling me back to the woods, beckoning me to lose myself in the branches and cover of the forest. Finally, the pull got the best of me, and I tore through the city, using the rooftops to conceal myself. Once in the woods, I maneuvered the trees easily, arriving to a meadow in a matter of minutes. The feeling stopped. That was when I smelt it.

The Volturi had been here.

I would recognize their scent anywhere. Dried blood, and the smell of a really old book. Of course, there were personal flairs of the individual guard members, Jane, Demitri, and Felix I recognized. It seemed like Aro and the rest of the kings weren't here, though. That was a relief.

But then raised the question, why were they here in the Americas, in Houston? Surely they weren't watching the Wars…

Were they?

If they were, I needed to report back to Maria. Quickly. Hell, for all I know, they could already fucking be there, setting fire to the compound.

That idea spurred me into action, and I tore, once again, through the forest. I noticed, after a few yards, their scent veered towards town, but a newer, fresher scent kept going towards the compound. Fuck.

I ran into the compound, relieved to see it still standing, to see those stupid, useless newborns milling about the yard. I rushed up to someone who was watching over the newborns in my absence. "Maria! Where is she?" I said quickly, with an edge in my voice. The fresher scent had gone around the compound, to the back, where Maria's tent usually was.

"I…I think she's in her tent. Have you checked there? If she isn't there…" I ran off, not letting whoever I was talking to finish their sentence. There wasn't anyone guarding her door, which was odd. Not spending any time on the thought, I opened the door. Nothing could have prepared me for what I found.

Maria was reduced to a pile of ashes.

However they set her on fire, it was quick and containable. Nothing else showed any signs of fire. I walked fully into the room, and kicked what used to be Maria, just to make sure it was real. I recognized a scrap of the blouse she was wearing today, singed on one side, proving that the ashes were indeed hers.

I mourned briefly for my sire, partially mulling over how I was going to handle the mess she left me with. How could I tell the newborns, hell, the officers that their maker was killed, right under their noses, by the Volturi?

I would just have to tell them. It's not as if they would be able to argue that I was now in charge. Everyone knew I was second in command, the only problem would be the fighting over who my second would be. I knew who I would choose immediately, but he wasn't a fan favorite.

Putting my thoughts back to the task at hand, I brushed her ashes into a bowl that was on her dresser with a broom, and went into the woods outside.

I walked, instead of ran, to a small lake in a meadow nearby. I poured her ashes in the water, just like she had once asked me to. I figured it was the least I could do for her, for providing for me when I wasn't in the right frame of mind. I thought back on our relationship, which was nothing but platonic. She was more like a sister to me, one who I could talk to when things got rough. She wouldn't judge me, even when I came back to her with yellow eyes and a heavy heart. She looked over the fact that I had abandoned her, and put me back in my old position. It was like I finally knew who I was again, being in the thick of battle, issuing orders, working towards a goal. I would never be able to thank her enough for showing me who I really was again.

I turned away from the lake, and found my way easily back to camp in the pitch blackness of night. I figured that now was as good of a time than any, and went up to the guard at the entrance of the compound.

"Yes, sir?" The guard, who I forgot his name, asked.

"I want everyone, and I mean everyone out in the commons area in ten minutes. Attendance is mandatory, don't let anyone out to hunt or otherwise."

The guard nodded, and went off to inform the others. I decided to kill the little time I had in my tent. It was a rather large tent, with a cot I would never sleep on, and small tables with mementos perched atop them. I sat down on my cot, and put my head in my hands. I would have never thought I would have found myself in this position. How do I tell these newborns their creator, the sole person they looked up to, worked for, was killed? How do I keep them from rebelling, and overthrowing me? The sheer numbers were not on my side, so if they decided to attack, I would be dead. Granted, I would go down with one hell of a fight, and probably take a couple dozen with me, but down I would go.

I picked my head up, and looked around my tent. On the table, next to my bed, was a picture of Alice and I. Alice was wearing her signature designer clothes, her hair spiked up in a way that looked deadly if you happened to touch it. Her arms were around my waist, and she was laughing at Emmett, who was behind the camera. I was dressed in slacks and a polo, which looked odd on me. Nevertheless, I was smiling down at Alice, happy because she was happy.

Bitch.

Little did she know that her leaving me would set forth the vision she had strived so hard to maneuver around. Little did she know that leaving me would send me straight in the arms of Maria, back to my red eyes and cold heart. She believed she was suffocating me, which she was, and that eventually it would cause me to do something rash. Like run off and kill a human. Which would set off the memories from my 'past life', and I would go back to Maria. She seemed to have forgotten that she was the only reason I was sticking to the 'diet'. In the end, the future she had tried to avoid happened anyway.

Fate is a motherfucker like that.

Either way, I don't miss her. Not really. Miss someone to hold, to talk to, sure. But miss her? Not at all. My bank account is finally back to where it should be, and I've gotten over the shock.

I noticed the necklace with the Cullen crest Carlisle had given me a week after Alice and I showed up. 'To prove you're one of us' he said. 'You will always be my son, no matter what.' I was touched that he would extend that kind of kindness to me then. Right now, I just found it really fucking annoying. I grabbed it and tossed it under my bed with more force than was necessary.

There was a knock at my door then. "Major, sir, everyone is in the commons area, just as you requested." I nodded absently, and rose to face my new army.

Everyone was standing in formation, which was a feat in and of itself. Maybe they were feeling cooperative tonight. Excellent.

"Everyone, I have some bad news." I started, clasping my hands behind my back. Dread crossed some of their faces, but I ignored it. "Maria was found, turned to ashes, earlier this evening." I started pacing then, hands still behind my back. In control, but relaxed. "Any idea of how this happened?"

Shaking of heads followed. I closed my eyes, focusing on the emotions swirling around me. None seemed guilty, everyone was properly shocked. Couldn't be too careful now days.

"I have my own theory of how this happened. I caught the scent of Volturi guards in the woods east of Houston. Fresh. Maybe a few hours old, if that. I think it's a bit too much of a coincidence, don't you?" I stopped, looking at the soldiers in front of me.

"Yes, sir!" Came a chorus of shouts. Good, maybe this would be easier than I thought.

"Unfortunately, there is not much we can do in the way of revenge. Volterra is heavily guarded, with guards who know what they are doing. Even I wouldn't go rushing the castle, more less should any of you have that idea." Some faces fell, I ignored them. This was not up for debate. "But, what we can do is keep an eye out. If they took the time to come here once, they will be back. I promise. In the meantime, we will train. There will be no messing around anymore. No bullshit injuries caused by someone who got a little too mad. I do not have the time to replace anyone anymore. You all need to grow the fuck up and learn how to get along. If the Volturi come here again, we have to face them as one unit, unbreakable. If we don't, we will surely fall. You don't want that, do you?"

"No, sir!" Came a chorus of shouts.

"Good. You are dismissed." The crowd started to dissipate, making finding who I was looking for even more difficult.

"Peter!" I shouted, hoping to get his attention. I saw his blonde curls, so much like mine, turn and look for the source of his name.

"God damn it, Peter!" I started pushing my way through the crowd that was left, wondering if my choice for second in command was sound.

He finally turned, but I was already face to face with him. I took a step back, feeling like I was a bit too close, and punched his shoulder. "God damn Whitlock, why the fuck couldn't you hear me? You're a fucking vampire for fuck's sake. Almost didn't get to you before you went and disappeared again." Ever since Charlotte left him and he came back down south, he would disappear for hours upon hours at a time. I never asked where he went or what he did, because I didn't really want to know. I knew he was trained extensively, so he need not show up for training. I only really saw him when we were about to fight, or when we had large meetings, like this one.

"Sorry." He shook his head as if to clear it. "I was zoned out. Won't happen again, Major. Anyway, why did you need to see me?" I was questioning again whether or not my choice was sound.

"Well, I need a second in command. What do you say, Captain?"

"Uhm…Are you sure you want me as your second? I mean, I wouldn't be offended if you wanted someone who has been here more than I have."

I shook my head. "Nope. There isn't anyone that I trust more than you. You will have to be more accessible, though. I need to be able to quickly find you if something happens. You can't be off in the woods doing whatever the hell you do out there. You would have your own tent here, though."

He nodded. "Well, what the hell. Sure, I'll be your second, Major."

"Thanks, Peter. I didn't know what I was going to do if you refused." I shook his hand.

"Well, I'm going to go into the wo…find the new tent. Where did you say it was again, Major?"

I smiled, glad he was making an effort. I pointed him in the right direction, and I didn't see him the rest of the night, which was fine.

I spent that night, and the majority of the nights following, supervising the training that was going on. We were steadily improving, there were far less fights between everyone. I was impressed, and I rewarded them for their good behavior. I let them hunt more often, and let them hunt longer.

I had groups running patrol around the compound, and I finally got the elaborate video surveillance system up and running that Maria had installed, but never set up. We were ready to fight at a moments notice.

I would not be caught off guard if the Volturi came again. This I knew.

Hello there, guys. I'm so sorry this has taken me so long, you wouldn't believe how busy I've been. With starting a new job, and I recently discovered the awesomeness that is The Hunger Games, those two things quickly took over my life. I'm back, though! I figured it was time to let you all know where Jasper was and what was going on with him, so tell me what you all think!

-Blaize