"Did you figure out their plane tickets?" Charlotte asked as Peter was getting ready to travel to LA and arrange for a 'mix up' at the travel agency her parents used, causing the family to be stranded in LA when the Volturi pass through New York. They took the precaution, considering with their luck, she would be the human they noticed while being stranded in New York City. "Who is her family there?"
"It is her mother's family and from what I hear it may be her grandfather's last Chanukah, so they could use the extra days. I plan to have them booked for two more weeks, that way Becky would still be in Los Angeles when the Volturi come back through New York, she would miss a couple days of school at the most. That won't really matter considering her future." Peter smiled at the excitement of actually having a coven.
"Alright, I will stay here just in case anyone questions, we don't want Amun or the Romanians' to suspect anything, do we?" Charlotte started.
"Yes, as much as they dislike the Volturi, they do have a lot in common," Peter responded. From what he gathered from his observations, Amun would take Becky in a bit, and the Romanians would certainly grin at the thought of using Becky's gift. "If they ask; say I went hunting, I doubt Maggie would really care."
"I doubt anyone left would," Charlotte agreed as they waited for Bella to pull out of the driveway, that was when Peter left. Charlotte went back downstairs to join the rest of the vampires, she notice the English one, Alistair coming from the attic in a rush.
"I can't stay here," He said quickly as the witnesses gathered around him. "They are coming, they are going to kill us all, they are going to find out all of our secrets, I can't stay here."
"Come on, he's your friend." Benjamin pointed out as the rest came in. "I have too much to protect." Alistair started.
"Like what?" Randall asked. "What do you have to lose?"
"Alistair, I am a nomad like you," Mary started, coming up to him, "I must point it out to you, we are free to do what we please, that is why we chose to be nomads. We live without responsibility, or obligation. Therefore have nothing to lose, but much to gain, right Charlotte."
"Right," Charlotte uttered unsure of what to say, right now her mate was on their way to make sure their valued object was protected. She thought of Aro, touching her or Peter, reading their minds about what they had seen. They did have something to lose. The picture of that girl with bouncing black curls in a black cloak, she couldn't bare losing that.
"I have my life," Alistair started. "I am sorry, I value your friendship, but you dug your own hole. They have their own attentions, I could feel it. I don't trust authority; they are never out for justice or the good of the people. I have my freedom to lose. I have seen how the Volturi take it, I knew Heidi before the Volturi. They killed her entire coven just to bind her. That is what they will do to you and any coven with talented members. Mark my words, Chelsea is like Aro's puppet and she will half your coven without a problem. Maggie is safe, she is the last member Aro wants, but that Egyptian boy is a goner, I am leaving."
The Romanians' were the only one's smiling as the rest became terrified over one question. Will it come to a fight? Charlotte felt a bit of fear, that was the last thing they needed…a fight with the Volturi which was the same as an execution. She couldn't help but feel a bit of anger at Jasper and Alice for giving them a death sentence while they were off somewhere in South America, roaming free in the jungle. They had no reason to stay here, they had no loyalty to these people, they had no reason to stay and stand for them.
~X~
"We have to get out of here," Charlotte prompted quickly when Peter snuck back through the window. "Now, we have to leave now."
"She's safe," Peter pointed out. "I didn't even try to find out her address, I just played around with her parent's account in the travel agency and booked them on a different flight. So they are stuck in LA, and won't be able to get to New York for a week. Aro won't find out where she is, even if he reads my palm."
"He will just track her once we're dead," Charlotte worried. "She won't even get a chance at immortality if they kill us to bind Jasper and Alice to them."
"What's made you so scared all of a sudden?" Peter asked, she was perfectly fine when he left.
"They think it might lead to a fight, that's why Alice and Jasper left, they are going to kill the Cullen's to get them. They want Edward for themselves and I am sure Aro will do anything to get Alice too, but they know they can never break the ties she has with Jasper. So they are going to just take him too and dissolve his loyalties as well. that means for Chelsea's binding to work they will eliminate us, Maria, whoever to get what they want." Charlotte gasped.
"Eliminating Maria would be a bad thing?" Peter joked.
"Peter," Charlotte huffed. "I'm serious."
"Who knows," Peter shrugged. "We could win."
"We. . ." Charlotte vented. "How about they, Peter, if it comes to a fight we are out of here. Do you hear me? I am not staying, we will witness, but we have already been involved in an escaped death situation once. If it comes to a fight we are leaving."
"It's the right thing, the child is innocent, we are not going to let these innocent people get killed," Peter shook his head.
"We are innocent too," Charlotte pointed out as they saw Bella drove up to the driveway, being greeted by Edward.
~X~
They went back down to see Amun arguing with Carlisle and Benjamin. Charlotte couldn't help but be on Amun's side even though it was none of her business. She agreed with the ancient. Peter seemed to be nodding with Carlisle. Edward was trying to comfort Bella while the rest just watched. Once Benjamin and the Irish coven made it very clear they were staying. They started asking the nomads, Charlotte knew her decision; if it came to a fight they will be gone. She thought that's what Peter would have said until they came and asked him.
"We haven't decided yet," Peter responded. She just stood there upset with her mate for making that decision. It was clear the others were still debating, but Charlotte was determined not to let Aro find out about that girl. Edward looked at Charlotte reading her mind as the wolf spoke up for the first time since their arrival.
"The packs will fight with the Cullen's," He said clearly, they didn't take time to remember his name. "We're not afraid of vampires," he seemed to find our fear amusing.
"Children," Peter said a little too loud.
"Infants," Randall corrected.
~X~
"You should have said no," Charlotte started when they left. "No, no, and double no."
"Not while everyone else is standing with them," Peter explained. "Besides, we still need to know more."
"Right," Charlotte agreed with him. "I still can't believe you said we are undecided, why is it when someone yells danger you're the first to raise your hand."
"You know what," Peter's voice rose, becoming a little irritated with his mate. "Tomorrow vampires are going to do normal hunting; we can tag along with either the Irish or the Egyptians to see how they operate." Peter suggested calming his mate down.
"How about we separate?" Charlotte asked, she was too upset to go out hunting with him. "I don't feel like talking to you, I am very angry with you. I need to cool off."
"Fine," Peter nodded. He needed some time too, she was being a little more controlling than usual and that was starting to irritate Peter. "How about I go with the Egyptians, since they might have information to train a talented newborn, and you can go with the Irish, get some confidence in our plan."
"Fine with me," Charlotte agreed.
~X~
"Alright, off to Portland," Siobhan started coming towards the yellow turbo, it was then that Charlotte chose to approach them.
"Excuse me, can I go with you?" Charlotte started as Liam gave her a sharp look clearly not liking the idea. At the same time Maggie stared at her curiously but both waited for their leader's decision.
"Sure," Siobhan smiled in a welcoming manner. "Come on in, you can sit in the back with Maggie."
"Thank you," Charlotte said grateful as Maggie opened the door for her.
"Excuse me," Peter went to interrupt the Egyptian coven as they gathered around a silver Volvo. He then noticed eight ruby eyes dart right at him. "But do you mind if I ride with you?"
"Why?" Amun interrogated instantly as Benjamin, Tia, and Kebi gave him strange glances, most likely wondering the same thing.
"I'm just looking for a ride?" Peter explained.
"Aren't the other nomads. . ." Tia started.
"The jeep is too crowded," Peter backed up.
"I heard Garrett's crossing over," Benjamin pointed out. "So it would just be the four of you."
"What about Charlotte?" Kebi asked, that had to be the first time she spoke since she came to the Cullen's. Peter couldn't help but jump a bit, as he heard her voice.
"We needed to separate," Peter said quickly, not wanting to explain much of it.
"Why?" Amun asked, as Kebi came to his shadow in an instant. "Something is not right about this."
"We needed to figure things out," Peter explained as Amun shot him a funny expression. "Get in, you will be between Benjamin and Tia they will be watching your every move."
"Yes sir," Peter answered as Kebi opened the door. They all stared at him, as if they were waiting or something, giving Peter's signal to get in the door.
"So where's Peter?" Maggie asked as Siobhan drove at a high speed, Liam's head turned to beam straight at Charlotte, waiting for answers.
"He's with the Egyptians'," Charlotte answered. Charlotte watched Maggie make a small nod towards Liam, then glanced her eyes towards Siobhan moving her head up and down.
"Convening Amun, I hope," Maggie started as Charlotte saw Siobhan slowly turn the car onto a dirt road splashing the car in mud.
"Well, no," Charlotte stuttered.
"Then why?" Maggie asked.
"Well, it is hard to explain." Charlotte sighed unsure what to say, Maggie nodded.
"It's personal isn't it?" Siobhan asked turning, instantly going over a stump.
"Yes," Charlotte said as Maggie's eyes shot at Siobhan, then towards Liam with her head shaking back and forth.
"What's going on?" Liam quickly turned around giving Charlotte a suspicious glare.
"Well, I need some advice," Charlotte finally answered. "Peter and I are thinking about starting a coven." The car stopped causing everyone to jerk forward.
"Can you hold that thought dear? We are stuck on a tree that is hanging over a cliff, so I think I am going to have to reverse the car." Siobhan said as the car rushed back.
Peter wondered if something was growing on him, as Benjamin and Tia stared at him in pure wonder as they drove at human speed to Seattle. Peter found it awkward having to sit between two mates, but it didn't seem to bother them nearly as much as their curiosity towards Peter's presence. They both just sat there watching him.
"So, why are you here?" Benjamin finally asked.
"Are we really that interesting?" Tia questioned.
"Benjamin, Tia, don't overwhelm our guest." Kebi said in a rushed nervous voice.
"No offense, it is a little rude that you invited yourself to come with us," Tia ignored Kebi.
"Benjamin," Amun started than went off in Arabic as they drove in the sunlight. That was when Ben rolled down the window, and did something with his hand causing the rain to start. Peter couldn't help but smile; this would be the perfect time.
"So what made you decide…?" Peter started, too nervous to ask.
"Decide what?" Amun asked as everyone jumped and started staring at him again.
"Well, people tell me you were looking at Benjamin before…" Peter started.
"What do you want from us?" Amun yelled in an ordering voice.
"I don't want anything." Peter explained quickly. "Charlotte and I are looking at a girl who we want to change, so we are seeking advice."
It was actually a sunny day in Portland so the Irish found themselves in sunglasses and umbrellas heading to the mall after their recent feed. "Liam, I believe Maggie needs a new pair of jeans, and then why don't you two go to the book store." Siobhan suggested as she came up close to Charlotte. Liam nodded while Siobhan gave him some money, showed Maggie the sales, and circled the specific set she was supposed to get for herself. Then she told Liam that he was supposed to take her picture with the cell phone when she tried them on before they made the purchase.
"When will we meet?" Liam asked after Siobhan gave her final instructions.
"The book store at three," Siobhan answered.
"At three," Maggie agreed as Siobhan went off with Charlotte.
They finished hunting in an ally in Seattle, then came out in the main road holding umbrellas with sunglasses. It was pouring out, which the coven was not used to. Tia picked up some sale ads, and started looking at them; then Kebi said something about going to a museum. Amun said he didn't want to go to the museum, but Tia insisted on going to the mall. Benjamin then asked Amun for some money, as Tia and Kebi got into an argument in Arabic. Amun then looked up at Peter and said, "You stay here." He proceeded muttering in Arabic and handed them money, informing Benjamin he was in charge. The three left, leaving Amun alone with Peter.
"So, tell me," Siobhan started so only vampires could hear. "What do you want to know?"
"Well…" Charlotte started. "What made you want to turn Maggie?"
"I don't know," Siobhan started. "It just happened. We were on the road to Cork to go hunting. When Liam and I found her dying of starvation from the famine, she started shouting instantly that we were not human. I know we should have killed her, but something about her was special. Liam was against the idea of me changing her, but I couldn't stand the idea of her suffering any more than she already had. Her parents abandoned her, left her for America, her grandparents died of starvation, and what really grabbed my attention was when she told us all the troubles she had from her curse. Something about her made me want to insure she would never starve again. It could have been curiosity to find what she could do to cause these troubles. I swear, Maggie was made for my heart." Siobhan smiled towards Charlotte. "That's how you choose them, its fate that decides who lives with you. You will find a human suffering; you feel something towards them, and something that tells you they are meant to be part of your lives. It is random."
"Tell me about this girl," Amun started as Peter gave him a nervous look, unsure if his intention was to help him.
"Well . . . my mate and I find her rather unique and something we have not seen before." Peter started.
"Are you sure she is . . . special?" Amun asked raising an eyebrow, taking an interest.
"Yes," Peter answered.
"Then what is postponing her transformation?" Amun interrogated.
"Well, we are worried if that is not what she wants?" Peter explained.
"Why do you care?" Amun pointed out to him. "You are vampire, you have a right to your pray and you have a right to change a human."
"She will thank you in the end, you saved her life." Siobhan went on. "It will be sort of hard at first, because this world is new to them, she will have to depend on you for quite some time." Siobhan went on. "You know Maggie was originally a meal, I am glad she wasn't though."
"What made you change your mind?" Charlotte asked.
"I just realized Liam and I needed her." Siobhan smiled.
"She may not agree with you, but over time she will understand why. She may be a little angry with you, but you must be there so she doesn't break the rules or become noticeable." Amun explained. "Once she starts to become comfortable in this life, make sure she's loyal to you, to insure that she stays in your coven."
"How did you not lose control during the change?" Peter asked, that was one thing he was worried about.
"Oh, Benjamin's blood tasted great," Amun smiled. "Kebi was there though, I almost lost control but she pulled me away. Take your mate with you, so if you do lose control she will prevent it."
"So you never planned a coven," Charlotte started.
"No, I didn't," Siobhan answered. "I guess you can say fate handled it for me. When you see a human that you have sympathy for, then you will know that he or she is meant to be more. So don't plan. Let fate decide for you."
"I was close to giving up on a coven; I lost one to Aro already." Amun explained. "Until I saw Benjamin, performing on the streets of Cairo. I knew he was too powerful to waste. I suggest after this trial is done, you go back and keep an eye on yours then make the change as soon as they are mature enough." Amun said as Peter nodded with agreement.
"She is too powerful to waste," Peter said. "We are memorizing what she can do as human."
"Then it is not only your right, but your responsibility to change her." Amun pointed out as Peter nodded
~X~
By the time Charlotte came back, she found Peter in Alice and Jasper's room with a letter addressed to them.
"What's that?" Charlotte asked.
"It is a letter, in case the Cullen's are guilty, so someone besides the Volturi will change Becky." Peter answered. "She shouldn't remain human, we have to change her and if we can't, I am insuring someone will."
"I don't think we should," Charlotte started.
"Why not?" Peter turned surprised.
"Because, it may not be her fate," Charlotte answered.
"We have been planning on this," Peter reminded. "She's been the talk of our conversions since we discovered her."
"But it may not be right," Charlotte shrugged. "Who knows, maybe she's not meant for us."
"We discovered her," Peter pointed out. "We have a right to change her."
"Fine, if we make it we will change her, but get rid of that letter." Charlotte ordered. Peter opened their bed stand and placed it in with a picture of Alice and Jasper along with their whole family. "I am doing the responsible thing here. So what did you learn from Siobhan?"
"She said we will know if Becky is meant for us," Charlotte explained. "It will be something about her that makes us not want to kill her."
"We have been around her several times, and not once were we tempted to kill her." Peter brought up. "Her parents are a different story, but we kept them going so she will be raised healthy."
"Well, that is what I learned. What did Amun tell you?" Charlotte asked.
"We have a right to change her," Peter answered. "Just like we have a right to kill her, we will know when she is old enough, and he suggested while one of us makes the change the other one has to make sure we don't lose control."
"Makes sense to me," Charlotte nodded. "When do you want to do it?"
"She will be sixteen in two years," Peter answered. "If we survive this, we will change her then."
"Agreed," Charlotte sighed. "I now agree with you, we will stay."
~X~
Peter and Charlotte joined the witnesses on New Year's Eve. They came to a strange clearing that had a tent where Renesmee and the dog slept. They couldn't help but be annoyed by the dog's loud snores. They stood holding hands among the vampires with gold and red eyes. They stood together, Peter and Charlotte tried not to think of Becky, wondering if her destined immortality will be filled, and if it was would it be an immortal life of freedom or slavery. The sun rose over the field, as they felt a harsh scent hit their nostrils, it seemed more of the dogs had joined them. They watched the girl get up and go to their parents. The two wished they would make it out alive. They saw Bella with some gold thing around her throat, they all wondered why, but hoped somehow it was to make sure things helped the Volturi.
They watched the animal drinkers form a line while Benjamin sat on the ground with his palms pressing against the dirt, making some fault lines. They crusted at the far left, as they found their place they noticed more wolves coming behind them. The tall russet colored one was by Bella's side with Renesmee on his back. They waited for the time to pass; it seemed like the slowest seconds as the time ticked until the scent of vampires filled the air, they were coming closer. Then from the depth of the dark shaded trees was a march of vampires in gray cloaks that stood tall and muscular. Peter and Charlotte didn't know such large vampires could exist, behind them was a line of dark black cloaks. Each of their faces where covered in black, unseen by the Cullen's and no sign of an identity.
They spread out as they came to the opening, showing the large numbers; they marched small but as they approached the gathering they spread out to different parts in the field each knowing their position they belonged. They made no hurry, just did their duty by going to their place. They were disciplined and emotionless as they each went to their rightful places. Maria's armies were nothing compared to these vampires, they had strategy, planning and prestige. They were far from newborns just attacking barbarically. They couldn't tell if they were fearful, or relieved, they had no expression on their faces. The member's barley acknowledged the dogs behind them. The fleet of thirty-two came out just drifted onto the field so fast that vampires had a hard time adjusting to the speed.
After the guard made their entrance, they noticed three figures in black enter, one with a face of danger with snow white hair, skin whiter than an onion stared at all of them with pure hate in his milky eyes. Another leader had long black hair, with a miserable and annoyed expression at being here. In the center of the two, wearing the darkest cloak was a tall man with raven hair. Then behind them, came two female figures drifting in black cloaks that were flanked by two grey cloak guards along with a young girl between them.
"The redcoats are coming, the red coats are coming," They heard Garret whisper as he joined the Denali clan, while the two Romanians' muttered to themselves as the Volturi entered.
Then behind them were a large number of fourth-line vampires coming out with angry faces, some of them Peter and Charlotte recognized when they traveled Europe, Asia and Africa. They were various nomads who have come to stand by the Volturi as they executed the criminals. They came out angry that someone created an immortal child, and wanted to see the execution.
Charlotte wished she would have been more forceful with Peter in leaving, they weren't going to survive. They had been associated with an immortal child. Charge being real or false, they wouldn't care; they would just be destroyed with the rest of them. It was only one vampire that didn't seem to be on a side, she was a short blond haired woman with amber eyes. I notice the Denali's beamed at her as she was brought out; face blank looking at the coven.
It was Irina. She stood nervous, looking at her sisters, realizing her mistake.
"Alistair was right," Edward murmured to Carlisle as all the witnesses looked towards him.
"Alistair was right?" Tanya asked.
"They, Caius and Aro, came to destroy and acquire," Edward breathed silently so only our side could hear. "They have many layers of strategy already in place. If Irina's accusations had somehow proven to be false, they were committed to find another reason to take offence. But they can see Renesmee now, so they are perfectly sanguine about their course. We could still attempt defending against their other contrived charges, but first they have to stop, to hear the truth about Renesmee." Then, even lower. "Which they have no attention of doing."
Charlotte crossed her arms, staring at Peter. It was too late now; they should have left when they had their chance. Aro stepped forward, with Renata following him. Both their eyes lined across the Volturi, and their witnesses. Like everyone else, they realized they were hopelessly outnumbered. The couple was forced to rely on Edward.
"They aren't sure how to proceed. They're weighing option, choosing key targets - me, of course, you, Eleazer, Tanya. Marcus is reading the strength ties to each other, looking for weak points. The Romanians' presence irritates them. They're worried about the faces they don't' recognize - Zafrina and Senna in particular - and the wolves, naturally. They've never been outnumbered before, that's what stopped them."
"Outnumbered?" Tanya said as we all turned towards them.
"They don't count their witnesses," Edward breathed. "They are nonentities, meaningless to the guard. Aro enjoys an audience."
"Should I speak?" Carlisle asked.
"This is the only chance you'll get," Edward answered.
"Aro, my old friend, it's been centuries." The clearing was dead silent as Aro made assents to Carlisle's words. Renata remained stuck to him as Aro held one hand up.
"Peace," Aro's words rang out throughout the silent clearing; he then walked a few paces more. "Fair, words Carlisle, they seem to be out of place, considering the army you've assembled to kill me, and to kill my dear ones."
Carlisle shook his hand. "You have but to touch my hand to know that was never my intent."
Aro's red eyes narrowed. "But how can your intent possibly matter, dear Carlisle, in the face of what you had done?"
"I have not committed the crime you are here to punish me for."
"Then step aside and let us punish those responsible. Truly, Carlisle, nothing would please me more than to preserve your life today."
"No one has broken the law, Aro. Let me explain." Carlisle offered Aro his hand again.
Before Aro could answer, Caius, however drifted forward swiftly to Aro's side. "So many pointless rules, so many unnecessary laws, you create for yourself, Carlisle. How is it possible you defend the breaking of the one that truly matters?"
It was like watching a train wreck, things continually went downhill. Once Renesmee was claimed innocent, they heard a hiss from Maggie. Then poor Irina was killed, afterwards they continued to debate listening to witnesses on both sides saying let them live. It soon came time, Peter and Charlotte had their set target while they made ready to attack. They were going to attack Chelsea. Chelsea was the one who had been holding people hostage, Chelsea was the reason so many vampires betrayed their covens. If they were going to kill a guard member it would be Chelsea.
Fortunately, there wasn't a fight. Alice and Jasper finally came at the end, with another hybrid. That was proof enough; they left before another word could be said.
"You really came through," Peter said debating on mentioning the months of drama.
"Its something we had to do," Jasper answered. "I would give anything for this coven."
"You truly are happy here," Charlotte said again. It was shortly after that, they left setting a date to start their own coven. They decide to watch Becky until she was eighteen, when she was eighteen they set plans to change her.