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 19

Kill or be Killed

Bella pov

I stood on the deck looking in towards the house and wondered what the future held. Descent and war were all I could see and it struck fear in me that all this was over a woman that had forgotten the ways of our people. Was this the future that I would bring them; was this the cost of my leadership? The clan should not have to pay that toll not for me.

"You are strong child but this has been coming since your mother birthed you. Any child in your place would face the same challenges." Tam said and I frowned.

"If I were willing to kill her all those years ago this could have been avoided." I told him my heart sinking; some much death faced us because I was not the type to kill my mother for power.

"If you were the type to kill her you would not be the needed leader." Tam replied and I looked at him in wonder. Could that be the truth that only one such as I was fit to lead and so this was merely fate playing out before us?

"And yet still the only way for most of our people to live I must now kill her. I have not changed and I still do not wish to kill her. The clan is life but I can't kill my mother for them. What kind of a leader would I be when this is truth?" I asked him desperate and aching with what I know I must do and how it would destroy me.

"You and I both know you will do what is best for clan, but perhaps you should think of your new clan child." He told me as he turned and re-entered the house.

My new clan, faced death and life together. I had joined them I could see in Carlisle and Esme's eyes, I was family. That meant they would fight to protect me and die along with me if I failed. They would all be in danger because of me, I could prevent it by killing Renátka. Kill my mother to protect those I love, it seemed to push her further from me when I think of it that way. She had let me fend for myself and I was honoured when I thought it meant she thought me strong.

I know better now, it was merely because she hoped I would fail and prove myself unworthy. Thinking of her false affection for me showed her callous hatred of me. For one that loathed me I would die to prevent war. I would let her take my life if it wouldn't destroy the Cullens. There were no options. I would face my mother and her warriors in battle and I knew I would loose. Was there a way to prevent this? I couldn't see it and tears ran down my face as I thought of these horrible events that the goddess was letting occur.

I would take my strength from her certainty that this would go well. If my death was the path to the future I could handle that, but I would hope that it would end better than that. In a few days I would meet with the wolves and tell them that they are not alone. Maybe we will have them as allies. Or perhaps I will make it a war on many fronts and I shall loose even worse.