Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight; it is the property of Stephenie Meyer. The original characters and plot are mine. I am in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Italics for thoughts (Edward can hear it if he's present)

Stages of forms

Tiger: first form (actual tiger)

Tigris: second form (were-tiger, like werewolves, larger than actual animal)

Taiga: third form (cat ears, tail, more tiger musculature, fur, full canines, paws)

Tigam: fourth form (half and half, humanoid form, light fur, tail, nearly full canines, paws)

Tegamen: fifth form (mostly humanoid, no fur, stripes marking the skin and claws and longer canines)

Higar: sixth form (human but with cat senses and scent, regeneration and able streak mind)

Human: seventh form (completely human)

Chapter 16

Reunion

Bella POV

Daniel's grip was tight and for a moment suffocating but he pulled back with a huge smile on his lips. Tears streamed down his lovely face and I wept with him and the pain I had caused. Going up on my tiptoes, one down side to making myself short, I brushed the tears from his eyes. Grabbing me again he swung me in a circle before putting me back on the ground.

"A happy surprise I see." I said giggling and he smiled at me waving his finger in front of my nose.

"Not funny and you scared the crap out of me." Daniel stated as a grin destroyed his attempt at disappointment. Finally I noticed Tam was standing behind him and smiled my greeting to him.

"I am glad to see you well child but I am curious as to how your mother could think you dead." Tam said and I looked at him and felt a deep weight add to my shoulders.

"She sent you to collect my remains telling everyone I am dead." I asked and he nodded as we moved inside. "She sent two others, though they are to kill me." I told him and the elder looked knowing but saddened.

"I fear that is so. I have felt nothing of them so they are her guard. This is not going to end well." He said and I nodded my agreement as he looked at each vampire and finally rested on Demetri. "It is good to see you again old friend." Tam greeted Demetri as they embraced and smiled.

"It has been far too long since the last time we were fighting together." Demetri said though it was clear he wished for any other path but the one we were on.

"War is coming Meira and many will fight behind you." Daniel told me and I looked at him confused and unnerved.

"I don't understand I am not popular within our sect." I told him baffled by his claim. Why would any fight for me when my mother is so well favoured?

"Do not be so blind child, you are well loved and greatly missed by your people." Tam stated coolly and I looked at him knowing his words were true but wondering how I could have missed that.

"You lead and care for all Bella, it is not hard to think that many of your clan would love that in you." Edward said and I nodded. I care for each and have died on behalf of quite a few of us but the clan is above self.

"All are to be protected and so I act to protect all from harm." I said trying to sort through this new position.

"Your mother has long forgotten that." Demetri said and I nodded that I knew but she has led for so long and seemed so well loved that it has never been apparent.

"I feel as though I have been blind for a very long time." I said realising that many of the people I thought disliked me helped me in many subtle and meaningful ways. Letting my mother's lies and words shape my view was as harmful as Kari and her direct anger.

After a moment I sat down and Edward wrapped his arms around me. I rested my head against his chest and sighed. Daniel smiled wistfully and dropped down on the furthest edge of the couch. Demetri and Tam spoke softly in the corner catching up on old times. Most of the Cullens were standing around not knowing exactly what to do. I had felt Daniel's approach and in my haste hadn't told them much of anything.

"So how are you alive?" Daniel asked breaking the some what awkward silence that had filled the room. Instead of answering verbally I looked at him and he shift to Higar and I replayed everything that had happened recently and his eyes popped out a little before he spoke again. "Wow, and congratulations." His voice twisted slightly and I wondered how I had hurt him but he shifted back to human and I couldn't ask without everyone hearing.

"So what's going on in Kodiak?" I asked and he just looked at me for a moment.

"Your mother didn't mourn you and so the people came to me. The whole of the clan is saddened deeply by your loss. Maia thinks that what your mother forced into future is wrong and suggests a war to reset the balance and future of clan." Daniel said and I nodded.

"Each queen has a length in which it is best for them to rule after that time they must step down or be killed so that a new queen will strengthen the clan in new times. Renátka was our queen to end the wars but now it is time for peace and restabilising the balances that have become destructive." I answered and he nodded.

I was surprised that the clan would want a weaker queen more focused on balance than winning our fights. It seemed odd to me but Bast and all cats have led us well these traditions made sure that when man began to destroy the world that we did not end the line of the species. It was for the best that was all that we needed to know in order to make it so. I suppose it's not weakness so much as a very different outlook. I wonder what it is that we shall face that I am the best to lead.