EPOV
I walked down a dark alley and came upon a large metal door. I reached out and knocked on it twice. A slit opened in the door and a pair of beady red eyes stared at me.
"What do you want," a gruff voice called out.
"My name is Edward Cullen. I've come to speak with Vladimir and Stefan," I replied confidently.
"Cullen, huh? What business do you have with them," the voice behind the door inquired.
"I want to take down the Volturi," I replied venomously.
The door creaked open and the vampire behind now smiled grimly at me. He stepped to the side and waved his arm to indicate I was to enter the room.
"Well now. Why didn't you say that to begin with," He said, closing the door behind us.
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BPOV
Felix and I were working our way through the intricate tunnel system once more. The cattle prod was shoved into my back to get me to walk faster. As we turned right down another corridor, I noticed it was more decorated and there were several windows pouring light in.
"Where are we going," I asked.
"Aro would like a word with you," He replied in a bored tone.
We came to large, dark wooden doors. He reached around me and opened them shoving me forward into the room once more. Aro was sitting in a chair. I noticed the timid girl who clung to him. Renata. There were just a few others in the room and no one seemed interested in my arrival. Felix pulled me so that I was right in front of Aro and gave an extra shove with the cattle prod into my back as a reminder it was there.
"Aw, dear Bella. How are you enjoying your stay," Aro sang in a sickly sweet voice.
"My room is lacking proper accommodations, actually, Aro," I spit out, glaring at him.
He laughed at my response. "Oh dear child. You have a fiery spirit. Please, call me Uncle," Aro laughed.
"I'd rather not," I quipped.
"Now, now, Bella. I must say, I am quite upset about our last meeting. That was naughty of you to try to use your powers. To risk your mother's life like that! Tisk, tisk! I would think you more selfless than that," He chided me. I stood defiantly sneering at him.
"What do you want from me," I growled.
"Well, my dear. You are quite an interesting creature. I am amazed at your abilities as well as your make-up. I am going to experiment with you for a little while. I would like to study you," Aro answered as he rubbed his chin and looked into the distance thoughtfully.
"What type of experiments," I asked angrily.
"I am curious as to how much you can withstand as far as physical pain as your skin appears and feels relatively human. I would also like to measure your strength and speed, " he began, talking like he was a science teacher in front of class.
"Okay, fine. But what do you need my mother for. I will agree to said experiments if you agree to release her," I interrupted him. I was hoping this was my chance to get my mother out of this place.
He laughed and shook his head. "Why, Bella. Rest assured, we have no intention of keeping your mother around here," he exclaimed.
"Then you will let her go," I asked incredulously.
"Impossible, child. We will dispose of her when the time comes," he retorted. I could see red I was so angry. Before I could think or move I felt that sharp, electrocuting pain seer through my skin and my head once more, causing me to scream and fall to a heap in front of Aro.
"Interesting," I heard him murmur. I collected my senses and went to stand once more.
"Now, those things come later. First things first. You know I only want to best creatures for my guard. It's hard to come by vampires with impressive talents, much like yourself. I am interested in finding out if, being half-human, you would be able to bear a child," He explained. I felt bile rise to my throat. Like last time, I was hit with the cattle prod, sending pain and electric currents into my system before I could react to Aro's words. It was longer this time and I had a hard time catching my breath once the electric currents stopped.
"What…if…I…am…not…able," I gasped, still crumpled on the ground.
"Your mother was able to withstand the pregnancy and birth. We will go seek more females from her clan, of course," Aro replied, matter-of-factly.
"YOU MONSTER," I screamed and attempted to get to my feet when pain blinded me again. The blackness crept in once more.
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APOV
I was curled up and rocking in Jasper's arms. Our flight has nearly reached its destination. I had been bombarded with images of Bella in pain, Edward in secret meetings, and an unfortunate battle that was ahead of us. I tried to force everything out of mind as the fear and stress were working poor Jasper up as well.
I couldn't bring myself to speak, I just whimpered and rocked. Jasper hugged me tightly and whispered assurances in my ear.
Suddenly a new image appeared. It was of Forks. A group of hooded, red-eyed Vampires were driving through. I watched them look at maps. I looked hard to see what they were pointing at. La Push Indian Reservation.
My eyes popped open and I sat up straight. Leaning forward to where Carlisle sat in front of me, I called to him.
"What is it, Alice," Carlisle responded.
"You need to call Billy Black, immediately," I exclaimed.
"What do I tell him," Carlisle asked as he picked up the receiver to the air-phone in front of him.
"The Volturi are coming for them," I replied simply.
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BPOV
I awoke with a start. I was back in my room, well cell. I could see a large dark figure sitting across from me. Remembering the last words Aro had said to me, having someone in my room with me sent a shiver down my spine. I sat up and pulled my knees into my chest.
"What do you want," I hissed.
The dark figure got up and came closer. I could see his face clearly as he stepped into the ray of sunshine beaming into my room now. Demetri. He knelt in front of me. I curled my hands into fists, ready to defend myself at a moments notice. I studied his expression. It was cautious, almost anxious. He put a finger to his mouth as to indicate for me to be quiet.
"I was sent by Aro regarding an experiment he discussed with you," he exclaimed. His voice was load and caused me to jump. His eyes looked at me pleadingly and nodded his head towards the door. I was catching on.
"Tell him I decline the offer," I replied defiantly. I heard a booming laughter outside the door. I recognized it as Felix's.
The door cracked open slightly. "He's the prod if you need it, Demetri," He said, offering the cold metal object. Demetri got up, crossed the room and grabbed it, smiling a dark smile to Felix.
"I appreciate it," Demetri replied coldly.
"I've got some things to do. I don't think she'll be a problem for you," Felix explained.
"No, she wont be a problem at all," He chuckled. Felix laughed along with him.
"Good afternoon," Felix sneered, pulling the door shut. Demetri waiting at the door, listening to the footsteps as the grew fainter. He turned to me and put the cattle prod down at his feet. He smiled tenderly and took a seat next to me.
"You alright," he asked, looking at my head. I nodded silently. He sighed loudly. "Aro thought it best if I 'give it a try' as I have the most powers he has known a vampire to have. He thinks I could produce quite the heir," he explained.
"Oh," I replied, unsure of what was next.
"Don't worry, Bella. I wont harm you," he said softly. I looked into his eyes and saw the compassion. He meant it.
"Thank you," I replied, softly. He smiled and nodded his head.
"Now, we must talk strategy, Bella," He whispered. I stared at him in shock. He must be part of the resistance Father was talking about.
"What are you planning on doing," I asked breathlessly.
"It's time for power to change hands, Bella. These three have been ruling for centuries…no offense regarding your father. Of the three, he has always been the most decent, the one with the head on his shoulders. Years ago when they first took power, the idea behind it was understandable. Keep our secret. Create a list of rules, a code of ethics, if you will," he explained.
I laughed humorously at the mention of "ethics".
"It is important to have vampires abide by rules…but when someone is in a position of power for a significant amount of time…it's harder to keep the boundaries of right and wrong. Aro and Caius have been living with so much power at their fingertips and it is never enough. They are so far from where they began," he explained, staring blankly at the wall in front of us.
He took and breath. I nodded for him to continue.
"What good is immortality if you are forced to live forever as a slave," he exclaimed. This statement shocked me.
"I hadn't really thought of that…It seems some guards are pleased with their positions," I commented.
"Some are, don't get me wrong. They enjoy the power that Aro offers them. Take Felix for example. Others, especially those with 'abilities', well, we were not given a choice. Join or die," he grunted.
"How come you haven't tried to overthrow the current leadership," I wondered.
"I'm strong, but I can't take on the majority of the guard that is loyal or those who are under Chelsea's control," he explained.
"Chelsea," I questioned.
"She has the ability to break bonds and connect them. So, a majority of the guard don't have control over their own feelings," he indicated.
"So we take her out first," I asked. He looked at me and grinned. I returned his smile.
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A/N: Thank you, thank you, for reading this story and a biiig thank you to the wonderful reviews. You guys are the cheese to my macaroni!!!