You've all been waiting for it— the much-revised, still imperfect, chapter 11, the ENCOUNTER the moment!!!! Aaaaaaahhhhhhh…..!

Disclaimer: I own none of the Twilight series, including the Volturi. (Off the record, though, and I saw this on a Flair on Facebook the person who leaked Midnight Sun should have the Volturi sent upon them…and the wives.)

Chapter 12: The Encounter

Jasper POV

Their entrance was just as majestic as their last, but with more…force. I sensed their emotions for a moment before Bella's shield went up; their emotions were all the same. Incredulous, determined, angry, destructive, confident…

The colors separated, and their formation finally formed. Caius and Aro both led. That was unusual, along with Aro's face. I could see sadness, mainly; he truly felt sorry for "Carlisle's decision".

Finally, they stopped, and the tension in the air nearly rippled. It was like that moment before an intake of breath; as if the breath you were exhaling, you feared, would be your last.

I was starting to get angry. They assumed Carlisle, of all people, would commit this unspeakable crime after our last encounter. They wouldn't even give Leo a chance, even though the felon was on their side. They would take that little punk's side? My hands nearly shook with rage.

Leo tore her gaze away from her incoming nightmare to squeeze my hand and look, almost frightened, at me. My anger subsided instantly. Her only emotion was concern. She was not frightened by the Volturi, or angry like me, but…concerned for my benefit. She sensed my anger, and she ignored her own problems to focus on mine. That was…very mature of her.

I smiled at her and squeezed her hand once. Calm, I thought, be calm for Leo.

I looked forward and saw as Edward looked to Carlisle. I noticed what Edward did.

We did not outnumber them as we had thought. They had accumulated witnesses and others along their way here. We were even.

This would be a close fight.

Edward nodded to Carlisle and my father figure stepped forward to speak.

"Aro, we meet again!" he said with a false smile.

Aro's hand touched Caius', and then they stepped forward in synchronization, Renata's fingers following their backs as if sewed to their long capes.

"It is so, Carlisle," Aro said. "With this company, can I assume you intend to destroy my dear ones and me?"

"Once again, Aro, none of us have any intention of violence."

"Unlike last time, though, Carlisle, I see very clearly that you have done something; something inexcusable."

"I, nor anyone in my company, have committed the crime you accuse us of."

"Then Carlisle let the ones responsible take the punishment. I would hate to lose any of your innocent family or witnesses."

"None of my company is guilty. The felon is not on our side—"

"Carlisle," Caius nearly shouted, "you may have proved us wrong when we came to deliver justice last time, but you cannot fool us now! We see the monstrosity of a child, and we hear no heartbeat! There is no other—"

Everyone paused as Leo's slow heart made a low thud. Three minutes had not passed, but her nervousness would have caused her heart to beat faster. She was very confused as everyone stared at her, frozen.

The mass of cloaks wrinkled as they turned to each other, murmuring. They looked to their leader, confused as well.

Aro's shoulders dropped, and I thought I saw relief wash over his features. Relief?

"It seems you arte mistaken, Caius," Aro cocked his head. How could she be the immortal child we accuse her of being if her heart still beats?"

Leo looked to me. She must still not know that her heart beats.

Carlisle held out his hand. "The young woman in question is more than immortal. Let me show you."

Aro frowned, as if trying to remember something. "Before, you mentioned that the 'felon' responsible for creating the girl is not on your side. Would you explain?"

Carlisle's mouth opened, but my young niece spoke. "May I show you, Aro?"

Renesmee strutted forward, Edward and Jacob instantly flanking her. After she took three steps, I no longer felt Renesmee, but still felt Jacob. I felt as Bella was…pained to leave her husband and her child out of her shield.

Aro bent down. "Why hello little Renesmee! You have grown so tall and beautiful since I saw you last."

Renesmee smiled widely.

"Now, dearest, show me what your…"

"—Granddaddy,"

"Was trying to say."

Renesmee stretched onto her toes, placing her hand on Aro's papery cheek. He stood still for a minute, long enough for Caius to grow impatient. Finally, Aro straightened.

"Marvelous," he muttered.

"What did the girl show you?" Caius demanded.

"Something we never dared to consider due to its seeming impossibility."

"What?"

"There is a vampire shape-shifter child among us."

Leo's annoyance peaked, and a little growl rumbled in her throat. She did not like being called a child.

Calm, I reminded myself, letting the thought alter Leo's annoyance and Alice's nervousness.

"Another mutant…" Caius muttered.

This time the growl was mine.

"What astonishes me the most is that her creator," Aro turned slightly to his crowd, "is indeed among us."

A pause.

"Lancaster, please join me."

Hisses, growls, and all sorts of noises from horror movies that made the hairs on the back of humans' necks stand on end erupted from the dark cloaks. Aro's hand rose, and they went silent.

Slowly, the colors undulated, parting. They made way for three figures in dark cloaks of the same dark gray shade, the two on the outside being Alec and Jane. I couldn't see the face of the slight figure in the middle, being that their face was covered with their hood.

The cloaks were all the same color… Alec and Jane were the "jewels" in Aro's collection, so the person in the middle must also be a jewel… That person was… Lancaster? The pieces fit together now. Lancaster was a jewel in Aro's collection! My anger began to boil uncontrollably.

Lancaster began to walk in strides that were rather ungraceful for a vampire. Alec touched his affectionately as he passed. When Lancaster reached Aro's side, he tossed back his hood, and I saw his terrible face.

He did not look seventeen, beautiful, or any of the things Leo saw in her dreams. His face was mature, shocking with his blazing red irises, maybe I would even describe his countenance as serious, but it was very obviously younger than even Leo was. He was just barely taller than Leo, but not the towering, lean monster we thought he would be. He was actually quite thin and meek-looking, as if he was Turned right before a growth spurt. Even vampirism could not fix his in-between proportions and flimsy muscles. I felt the need to pity him.

Leo's fear and horror penetrated my observations, and I felt as she shuffled, trying to hide in my shadow. As strong as she was for the time being and how easily she could have tackled any of us, she was rather terrified of the boy.

The Sam-wolf noticed Leo's movements and subtly shifted his weight until he was only a few inches from her and me. I ignored the disgusting smell, knowing his presence would comfort Leo. I looked to Alice, who glanced worriedly at Leo. I reached for Alice's hand with my free one. I knew it could not have escaped the Volturi's gaze, but I hoped that we didn't look too obvious and strange.

Aro took Lancaster's hand gently, as if afraid his grasp would break the boy's hand.

"Lancaster, do you recognize the accused?"

"I cannot see her, master."

I shook Leo's hand, and she scooted out from behind me. I never once took my gaze off the little punk. Leo didn't look up, but Lancaster smiled, as if pleasantly surprised.

"No, master, I do not believe I do."

My teeth clenched together noisily, and it took all my willpower not to hiss.

"Did you know, Dream Seeker, that she was a shape-shifter when you first came upon her?"

"No, master—"

"Liar."

"Renesmee," Edward hushed.

"Little one, I detect no lies in my young friend's thoughts," Aro said. "What is your argument?"

"All of us know he's lying. Let me show you more." Aro let go of Lancaster's hand and let the little Renesmee touch his flimsy skin again for twenty two seconds.

"Curious," Aro turned to the boy. "Lancaster, they believe that you not only abandoned your shape-shifter prey and she turned into a half-vampire, but they believe you to be her assigned mate from when you both were mortal."

Lancaster took a step away form Aro in false horror, his face a mask of… I could see incredulity, pleasure, horror, pride and certain…hunger. How I wished to know his emotions, or at least his thoughts!

"Master, do you really believe I would desire to kill my mate? I have not even met this child—"

"Have their observations and this little one lied, then?" Aro's eyes questioned things further than his words.

"No, master. They have a right to believe whatever they like, even lies. I only doubt where this story comes from."

Hisses and growls erupted from many on our side.

"True, there is only the accused and I Turned at this age, but truly; what are the odds that of all vampires on Earth, we would find each other and happen to have been part in each other's childhood?"

Caius moved to Lancaster's side, putting his hand on Lancaster's shoulder. "Tell them, son. Tell how you came to us in Italy and settle this ridiculous disagreement."

Who would want to claim that vile thing as a son?

"Yes, sir," Lancaster turned to us. "When I was young and mortal I was unhappy with my family, and so I ran away. I ran far, reaching New York in a month or two. I came across a stranger there, a man of royal disposition who promised me riches, food, clothing and shelter. He also promised me a throne, with a true, loving family and an extravagant life. The only thing he asked in return was a pint of my blood, and he would give me all these things and more, giving me eternity to enjoy them. I agreed hastily, being young and hungry.

"Once I arrived at the man's home, I was introduced to his monarchy. The men took on the family name Lancaster, their first ancestor, as his direct Blood Brothers turned them. Therefore, I too took on this name, but eventually dropped my first name altogether.

"In truth, it was a very good life. I had maiden slaves to work for me, bathe me and feed me their 'life liquid' every day, willingly. I was given whatever whenever I wanted it. I was never spoiled in this manner when I was mortal, and I so I appreciated everything placed around me."

Oh, of course you did!

"As time went on, I realized that the other boys and men in the royal family were heirs to the many thrones that controlled much 'Blood Territory', or sole right to territory for hunting of prey, and I was in tenth place as an heir to any of those thrones. I became very angry, and I ran away once more. I found the Volturi, and they confirmed the rumors amongst the monarchy that they were true royals of our world.

"They, unlike the last family, were delighted with my ability, and I was given a wonderful position, in which I have been able to enhance my talent and grow to care for this Family."

Fool. Didn't he know that the Volturi don't care for anyone who…cares for them?

"It is unfortunate what happened to this young one, but I had no part in putting her in her current state. I have grown fond of the home I have in Italy, and I do not intend to let one child's word to sentence me to death or lose what I—can truly—call home."

Aro sighed. "It seems we are word-against-word. Both the little one and Lancaster believe their own word to be the truth. I suppose I must now take testimony from the one in question."

His papery, wrinkled hand snapped towards me—no, not I, Leo—in vampiric speed and style, outstretched before he ever so slowly turned his head.

"Aro," Caius huffed, impatient, "we see the child. She may have a heartbeat; it beats slowly, but it will keep her a child forever. Children cannot be expected to have the ability to retain our secret!"

"Caius," Aro cooed, "the girl has kept her own secret and that of her tribe and race from the humans, from my understanding." Aro's blazing red eyes looked to Leo with a tilt of his head. "Come, my darling. Let me have the pleasure of knowing how you kept your secret, and thus that you are able to keep this new, immortal life a secret."

I swallowed, not completely convinced on letting her step forward.

"Darling, you know that I hold the power to take you away from your family if I see fit."

That earned him a rumble in the back of my throat.

I thought Leo squeezed my hand before walking away from our formation, right into enemy territory. All right, the space between the Volturi and company and our families and witnesses was technically neutral. It didn't matter; anywhere for Leo to be but by my side was dangerous.

So she wouldn't leave my side. I kissed Alice and then quickly flanked Leo. I was almost surprised to see the tall, lean black wolf also flanking her.

When we reached Carlisle, Aro and Caius, Renesmee took the moment to scurry back into the arms of her mother and father. I turned to Bella and nodded a signal to drop her shield. I hated the thought, but it was necessary.

Aro bent slightly, dropping his hand to his knee. I thought he was bowing, but he didn't rise. He was leaning over, as if he were talking to an infant. My anger stirred.

"Of course the mutant mutt accompanies her…" Caius hissed between his teeth.

"Hello, Leo darling." Aro smiled his teeth bright between thin, dry lips. "It is an honor to finally meet you."

"The honor is mine, Aro." She was charming and polite as well as mature. Could there be a better girl?

"Leo, would you mind terribly showing your thoughts on this matter?" He offered his hand.

I could feel her emotions playing with her self-control. There was the terror of dying, trying to make her flee. There was pride, wanting to slap Aro's face. And lastly, there was uncertainty, trying not to look to me for answers.

I gave her hand a squeeze, and she took a short stride to place her hand on Aro's palm. Her private thought were no longer her own anymore and I could no longer feel her emotions. I no longer had any way to foresee a threat.

I peered behind me at Edward, but I could not feel him. I could not feel him or Leo, or Aro. I was stuck in this…rut of helplessness. I had to depend on Edward now to warn us of any danger. Although I could see no shift in Edward's countenance, I saw the annoyance building behind his eyes.

Fifty-seven seconds ticked by like this, and everyone was uneasy. Aro finally opened his eyes and muttered "Curious" in a dazed sate.

"What did you see in the feline's mind?" Caius spat the word feline as if it were a curse.

"No, Aro." I turned to Edward. I still could not feel him, but he was clearly agitated. Aro's distant gaze lazily focused on my brother. "Leo is under the same conditions as the wolves from our previous meeting. She is not under our command and we do not intend to force our will upon her. She is not our guard...cat."

"Again, simply a thought. My dear Caius," Aro turned to him, "Leo showed me her mate, L, and Lancaster and I must say the resemblance is fascinating. However, whether Lancaster is her mate or not is no question of the law, and thus, no business of ours. The real question is this: Can this young one keep our secret as she has her own her entire life? If so, then we must turn our attention to the Dream Seeker, assuming he is lying and he actually did give Leo immortality."

Aro turned to his chuckling audience with one long glance at Lancaster. Leo was embarrassed and more nervous then ever.

"What is the crime of children giving immortality to other children?"

Leo's back went rigid. She started scooting away from Aro, very, very slowly, towards Sam and me. I tried to stay still and look tough, but how can you really, when your child is trying to run to you, terrified?

Aro continued. "Even among humans, there is no punishment when children have children. Among us immortals, it is unheard of, and so we too have no punishment. What prevents these two from giving immortality to other children, maybe younger than they?" Aro turned to our group.

Leo froze, realizing she had moved two feet from the ancient, a very noticeable distance.

"This is assuming she is venomous, of course."

I thought about it. This wasn't like Renesmee's case. There was so little time between then and now, I guess we never thought to test the whole venom thing. Renesmee bit Jacob so many times that her lack of venom was obvious. But what about Leo? She hadn't bitten anyone. Vampire venom was lethal to werewolves, but what about Pumas? Aaaargh! This was so complicated!

"We have not confirmed that and we have no intention of experimenting," Carlisle said, calmly. Always calm.

"Another uncertainty…" Aro mumbled. "Dear brothers and sisters, we must confer."

The black cloaks swallowed every green patch of grass, becoming a clump like a varied night sky.

Leo took two long strides backwards, and I quickly took her shoulders in an embrace when she was close enough. Relief pulsed through me. She was safe again, in Bella's shield and my arms. Her hand rested on Sam's head. I released her shoulders but kept a hand. Sam departed, and the three of us sprinted to our positions.

I looked into Alice's gold eyes. She didn't have to say anything. I took her hand with my free one. There was no time to speak. The invaders wanted to speak. We had to let them.

"Why take so many risks?" Caius retorted. "Why rely on chance to keep our race safe? Do we really place our secrets in the hands of the feline child?"

"I see no imminent danger, from the girl or the boy," Marcus countered rather tiredly. "I do not even perceive the two young people as threat because of their age.

"The manner in which these two were raised clearly taught them the importance of secrecy, and they were given a…heavy responsibility simply being born into this world.

"They seem to be mature, very self-aware and very capable of taking on this adult burden. In other cases, many might retaliate, declaring that a child of their age does not deserve to carry this important role, but I believe these two special people are perfectly of keeping the vampire secret.

"The answer to the question of these children 'making' other children is another question: When is a child no longer a child but can accept the challenges of adulthood without being an adult? If you believe the answer comes with age, then these two are very much children. However, then almost all of the Olympic coven are also children, and they have proven themselves repeatedly.

"If you believe the answer is neither, then I ask each one of you for your answer; for these special people are the most valuable, unique beings of us all.

"I am afraid that, as the humans, we also cannot have a law prohibiting these two from creating other immortals. That is a personal decision and not of our concern. It might happen, and when and if that occurs, we will deal with it then.

"Let these young, unique being live their lives how they so desire. They are entitled to that."

Marcus' voice had become alive with hints of passion, and as his face fell, returning to it's bored expression, I marveled at the zealous soul that lay inside that old, frail body. It was also the longest any of us had ever heard Marcus speak, I realized, looking around.

This meeting had become truly legendary.