Disclaimer: I don't own 'Twilight' no copyright infringement is intended. I just love the world Stephanie Meyer created.
AN: This chapter is violent.
"One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love."- Sophocles
Lysander could see the surprise run through the Volturi court like a wave as the two golden-eyed vampires approached Aro and his brothers. Murmurs of the name 'Stregnonni Benigno' rippled and hung in the air. Marcus had taught him the Volturi histories and Lysander thought the tale of the 'Stregnonni Benigno' a good vampire was a myth. Besides the obvious shock the two visitors caused Lysander could read the incredulous thoughts of Aro and Caius.
"Carlisle my dear friend, I am surprised you would visit unannounced." Aro exclaimed with false enthusiasm. "What brings you here."
"You know why I am here Aro." The blonde vampire replied sternly. "And I was invited."
"Oh really," Caius sneered, "Who would invite you?"
"I invited them." Marcus stated stoically. A gasp ran through the crowd.
Marcus rarely spoke which made his simple comment astonishing to the court.
"I have come to take my son home." Carlisle said.
"Your 'Son" no longer exists my friend." Aro glowered, "he has no memories of you and he has joined the guard."
"I demand you release him, he has broken no laws." Carlisle stated.
"Aro, you can not keep Edward prisoner," the dark haired vampire named Eleazar insisted. "He belongs with the Cullen coven. He does not belong here."
"Demand! How dare you! And he is no prisoner, he is no longer Edward his name is Lysander." Aro scoffed in anger.
"He is too volatile to allow to roam freely." Caius informed, "He drew to much attention when he hunted outside of Volterra."
"He no longer follows your lifestyle Carlisle," Aro added gleefully, "He drinks from humans now you would not be able to control him."
"I need to see him." Carlisle insisted.
"Your whole coven is welcome to visit. How is sweet Alice?" Aro smirked.
"Aro please." Carlisle begged.
"Young one, come forward." Marcus commanded. Lysander stepped out from the crowd. Demetri and Felix walked besides him. Carlisle's eyes lit up when he saw his son walk towards him. Both Carlisle and Eleazar noted he wore regular clothes not the uniform of the guard.
"Lysander, attend me here." Aro demanded as Demetri and Felix led the young vampire to Aro's throne where they made him kneel. He flinched as Aro touched his neck. The Volturi leader could not resist having access to the thoughts of the whole vampire was upset at what he was learning he had no idea there was a way to survive without killing humans. He was full of shame and self-loathing; he could no longer stand to look at the visitors. But after hearing what Aro said and reading his thoughts he felt anger start to boil in the pit of his stomach. The Volturi knew his true identity and kept it from him by inventing this farce to manipulate and abuse him. Aro planned on using Lysander's gift to destroy his enemies. The young vampire tried to wriggle out of the Volturi leader's grip only to have Aro hiss at him.
'You will cease this disobedience!' Aro threatened in his thoughts, 'Or our visitors will pay the price for your defiance!'
Lysander stopped struggling and Aro continued searching the thoughts around him. The members of the Volturi court were becoming more nervous as their Master leisurely considered the cacophony of minds. Hoping to discover any secrets Aro decided to question Carlisle.
"Why have you not brought our dearest Isabella?" Aro declared sardonically, "Surely she would like to visit us."
Carlisle glared fiercely at Aro and replied, "She is too distraught to travel, and as coven leader I am here to claim my progeny." Aro took note that Carlisle's thoughts matched his words. He released his hold on the young vampire. Lysander stepped away from Aro and turned towards the visitors and spoke with a sad voice.
"You risk your safety coming here, it is dangerous to anger Aro."
"Edward, look at me." Carlisle asked softly.
The young vampire raised his eyes with uncertainty responding with regret. "You see my eyes Stregnonni Benigno, I am a soulless murderer."
"No, I see my son, whom I love dearly and intend on taking home to his family." Carlisle replied gently.
"Carlisle you waste his talents hiding among humans," Aro's voice was full of scorn. "Here he can reach his full potential."
"I disagree," Carlisle replied tightly, "beside joining the guard is voluntary and you took the choice from him."
"The law must…" Caius started
"Carlisle's claim as his sire is his right." retorted Eleazar "You must let Edward go free according to your own laws."
"I think I will be the judge on whether a young vampire with little restraint will be released." Aro said scathingly.
"He has no memories, he is almost defective, and he should be destroyed." Caius threatened.
"Enough! No laws were broken. You risk more exposure by keeping him from his coven." Marcus addressed his brothers and the court severely.
"Young one do you wish to join the guard?"
The young vampire was astonished no one had asked him what he wanted since he was brought to Volterra. He shook his head negatively not sure he could speak but he finally managed to respond hoarsely. "No sir I do not wish to stay here or be part of the guard." His voice cracked, "Please don't harm these men." He pointed to Carlisle and Eleazar, "I am not worth the trouble."
Marcus's austere expression softened slightly towards the young vampire. The Volturi court was full amazed whispers. The onlookers had rarely witnessed the vampire kings in disagreement. Aro wanted to keep his reluctant prince while Caius obviously wanted bloodshed. Marcus was a pragmatist; he knew either of his brother's decisions would result in a vampire war. Marcus had enjoyed battle but he fought with the intent to win and saw no victory if war started when he was unprepared. His spies had gathered information on the Cullens and their allies but it was insubstantial. His collected data and instincts told him they were preparing an attack in addition he thought Aro's overconfidence would lead to heavy losses in the guard.
"Brothers, we must return the young one to his sire." Marcus decreed solemnly.
"You will be accountable for any transgressions Carlisle." Aro promised. "We must have assurances that he will not expose our kind."
"If he breaks the law or has not regained his faculties and memories, you will pay the penalty." Caius threatened.
"I take responsibility for his actions," Carlisle said confidently, "I will always care for my son."
"You may leave with your young one Carlisle, go in peace." Marcus ended the negotiations.
Lysander now Edward was in shock at the turn of events as he was led through the hall. He was confused at the ease of his release knowing Cauis wanted Carlisle's death. He could also read in Aro's mind that they were still in danger. Aro planned on sending the guard to recapture him. His anxiety and panic was building at the thought of confronting Jane. She would show them no mercy and he had no desire to see her use her wrath on the strange golden-eyed vampires.
Carlisle and Eleazar were walking at a fast pace towards gate of the castle.
"We must hurry." Eleazar stated, "Marcus's favor will not last long."
They did not wait to be escorted out the briskly passed the receptionists desk and barreled through the office doors. It was night time as they stepped out into the street a black van pulled up to the curb in front of them. A tall blond vampire jumped out and motioned for them to jump in the back. "Alice said we have to go to plan C." the new vampire told Carlisle.
"Fine." Carlisle started determindly, "We split up at the alley then."
"Garret hurry!" Eleazar called to another vampire driving the van. Garret to no time to reply he just sped away from the castle.
Edward was taking note of his company in the van. The blond haired vampire was tall with a muscular frame. He had multiple scars on his body and his stance was protective but there was no doubt he would be formidable in a fight. The driver of the van, Garret, had long sandy hair tied in back in a ponytail, he had a adventurous mind and seemed to be enjoying himself. Both vampires were on hyper alert and looking forward to a fight. Edward realized there were several layers of strategy to his escape. He could read it in the minds of his four rescuers. But he did not like the part of the plan he heard about separating from them. He turned to Carlisle in disbelief.
"No!" Edward balked, "I can not leave you to face the guard alone!"
"Son, trust me this plan will work." Carlisle replied.
"Jane has orders to kill you." Edward continued agony in his voice. "She plans on making me watch them torture you to death!"
"Edward, we have plans too." The blond vampire quipped. "It's called paybacks."
Edward watched them incredulous at their attitude towards their own safety. He also found it odd that a feeling of calm was washing over him, numbing his panic. He stared back at the blond vampire with suspicion, "What are you doing to me?"
"Jasper can control emotions, he is just trying to help calm you." Carlisle explained soothingly. Edward looked into the vampire Jasper's amber eyes and saw concern.
"Brother I swear to you," Jasper spoke softly, "the Volturi will pay for what they have done to you."
"You should not risk yourselves for me." Edward frowned in response.
"We're here." Garret interrupted. The van pulled into a dark alley and stopped at a dead end. The van would have to back out of the alley for any escape. The four stepped out of the van into the darkness. Edward could hear six other vampire minds, five females and one male. He did not hear any threats from them but he could hear the approach of Jane, Alec and Santiago.
A small figure blurred up to Carlisle it was a female vampire with caramel colored hair and a sweet face. Edward recognized her as the women from the photograph with him and Carlisle. She looked at Edward with loving eyes "Oh Edward I missed you son."
A large dark haired male vampire appeared with a blond female in tow. They were the two laughing teens from the other photograph. Both were smiling at him as they approached. "I'm happy to see you in one piece bro." the large vampire greeted him. His female looked like she wanted to cry with relief. But he knew from experience that vampires could not cry. Edward could read in their minds that they wanted to rush up and hug him but were afraid they would upset him. The petite women walked slowly up to him. She raised her slender hand to cup his cheek affectionately. He was still skittish of being touched but he fought the urge to flinch at her touch. He grasped her hand with his and rasped, "Mother it is good to see you."
"Lysander what a touching reunion, to bad you can't remember their names." Jane sneered from the other end of the alley. "But it's no matter soon they will be forgotten again." Alec and Santiago stood beside her. The three glared at the group as they approached closer. Santiago had an evil gleam in his eyes, he was looking forward to killing as soon as Alec and Jane incapacitated their opponents.
"Yes my prince you will get to watch us teach this rabble a final lesson." Alec grinned with anticipation. "Master Aro wishes your return."
"His name is Edward you dipstick!" the blond female vampire spoke venomously, "and you are going to learn the lesson moron!"
Alec actually flinched at her insult, all three guard members were a bit taken aback. They were accustomed to being feared not ridiculed.
"Come on Rose." the large male tried to corral the blond, "we should follow the plan and get Eddie out of here." Rose scoffed. She was ready to rip Alec and Jane to pieces and use Santiago as a toothpick. She glanced over at Edward and her demeanor softened.
"You're right Emmett," Rose huffed, "next time we meet Alec I promise to use you as a hatpin." Emmett chuckled as she walked over to Edward to lead him away. Still in shock Edward was about to plead for Jane to spare their lives but Emmett and Rose were not going to let him stay.
"Edward go with your brother and sister." Carlisle insisted telepathically, "trust me we will be safe but you have to leave now."
Edward did as he was told but he was frightened for his rescuers. Emmett and Rose placed him between them and the three took off at a run through a hidden door.
They pushed him into a waiting car. Emmett squeezed behind the wheel and the car lurched forward at a high speed. "Don't worry bro, they'll be fine but if we stay you'll lead Demetri and Felix right to them." Emmett hated leaving a fight but he was all for playing cat and mouse with the Volturi guard members. Edward started to relax a little when he read the strategies in Emmett's mind. He started to think they might actually have a chance.
Santiago attempted to follow Edward but was blocked by Garret and Eleazar. Three female vampires dropped down from a top the adjoining buildings. The landed behind Jane and Alec cutting off any escape.
"Carlisle you are amazingly stupid to go up against the guard." Jane stated.
She glared angry fiery pain at him and waited for him to scream in agony. When Alec realized his and his sister's powers were being blocked he cursed under his breath.
"Sister we must leave!" Alec commanded.
"Not so fast, Huckleberry, we were about to start some lessons." Jasper responded dryly, "Allow me to make introductions." Jane and Alec were being surrounded.
"Tanya, Kate and Carmen you ladies remember Jane and Alec." Jasper crooned tauntingly as Santiago's screams were heard from behind him. Garret and Eleazar were slowly ripping Satiago limb from limb.
"Jane dear, I'd like you to have a taste of your own medicine." Kate said slyly as she placed her hands around Jane's neck. Bolts of electric current pulsed from Kate's hands throughout Jane's body. Kate enjoyed watching her convulse in agony. Jasper grabbed Alec by the shoulders and lifted him off his feet. "You kept torturing my brother for hours, mocking him as he screamed!" Jasper's fury was palpable, "You can feel his fear and agony!" Jasper sent waves of violent emotions through Alec's shaking form.
"Mi carida, I am Carmen." The dark brunette female glowered at Alec. "I despise hearing hateful words." She reached into Alec's mouth and ripped out his tongue. "You should hold your tongue before ugliness escapes your lips."
The third female of the group approached Jane. "I am Tanya, you watched as they killed my sister Irina." Tanya spat in disgust. "My cousin Edward is so beautiful and you chose to cause him pain." Tanya reached down and tore Jane's eyes from their sockets.
The confrontation only took five minutes and Carlisle called for an end.
"Enough! This does nothing they will never learn!" Carlisle shouted.
"My Son suffered for hours!" His voice cracked painfully, "You laughed at him as you tortured him for your own pleasure." Carlisle condemned them.
"Yes Jane I am stupid to think that your pain or death will ever be enough to pay for what was done to him. None of this will bring Irina back to us."
Carlisle's grief was wretched. "Tell Aro leave us in peace or I will end him."
"It's time." A slender figure called from above. She dropped from the building to the roof of the van her long brown hair flowing down her back. She glanced over at the pieces of Santiago as they squirmed on the ground trying to pull back together.
"We split up and rendezvous at the appointed time." Carlisle ordered. The vampires melted into the darkness leaving behind the carnage.
Emmett had already passed through several towns and was making good time. He had started out on a highway when he spotted a black SUV following a mile behind them.
"I was wondering when they'd show up." He whistled as he watched them through his rear view mirror.
"Demetri and Felix." Edward sighed in confirmation. "The are planning to corral us several miles up the highway."
"No worries little bro." Emmet reassured him, "They don't know it yet but they're going to be part of my plan."
Rosalie was painting her nails humming to herself. Edward look back at the approaching SUV with dread. "Emmet they're speeding up to ram us." He warned.
"Emmet, turn now." Rose ordered.
Emmet made are sharp left and barreled of the highway. He drove the car through the county side leaving the SUV behind. "Lost them." Emmet chortled.
"You know that's not the plan." Rose chastised him.
"Oh, come on Rose, they'll catch up Demetri has that GPS juju." He replied and she rolled her eyes at him.
"You want them to capture us!" Edward realized. He could hear Emmet want to fight them. "You can't fight them, bad idea!" Edward argued.
"Yes we can, little bro and you're going to help." Emmet grinned, "Easy Peasy you'll see." Edward shook his head in disbelief he could see the plan in Emmet's mind and still was nervous. They drove into an abandoned warehouse and Emmet parked the car in the center of the empty assembly floor. "You okay with the plan?" Emmet asked giving Edward a worried look. "You don't have to do anything."
"I know, I just sit and wait." He answered.
Rose smiled and ruffled his hair. "Just let us do the work." She told Edward as they blurred off and disappeared. He could still hear their thoughts and they kept him updated on his location. The chemicals smells in the old building masked their scents.
It was an hour before he heard Demetri and Felix advance on his location. When they were ten minutes away from arriving he signaled Emmet and Rose by waving his arms.
He heard Emmet's thought "Roger Dodger!" and Rose's affirmative.
Edward sat on the hood of the car drawing his knees up to his chest. He tried hard to relax but couldn't help slightly rocking back in forth with unease. Demetri and Felix took their time slowly entering the warehouse vigilant of the surrounding area. They approached cautiously, noting Edward's anxious posture.
"Lysander, where is Carlisle?" Demetri asked.
He did not answer but continued to rock back and forth staring into space.
"Come we will take you back to Marcus, you'll be safe there." Demetri spoke softly.
"No! I'll never go back there!" Edward's brow furrowed as he moved away from them retreating behind the car.
"You can not stay alone, unattended." Felix said sharply.
"He's not alone." Rose retorted from behind them.
Felix turned to look at her and smiled. "And I can't think of more beautiful company Angel but Aro specified he remain in Carlisle's custody."
Emmett came out of the shadows on the other side of Demetri. "Oh look Rose it's Burt and Ernie here for a visit." Emmet mocked, "What are you two muppets doing away from Sesame Street?"
Rose snorted, "Shouldn't you to be counting something somewhere."
"Aro insisted Lysander be supervised at all times outside of Volterra." Demetri informed. "We are under orders to return him safely to our Master if Carlisle fails in his responsibilities."
"Listen up Punch and Judy, my brother's name is Edward." Rose said dismissively. "And you can tell your Master, Edward stays with us."
"We can do this the hard way and he will still be coming with us." Felix responded threateningly.
"I told you I'm not going!" Edward yelled as he jumped on Felix's back. Felix flung Edward into a wall of crates. Emmet picked Felix up off of his feet and slammed him into the ground creating a crater in the floor. Rose tore Demetri's arm off and used it to knock his feet out from under him. Then she proceeded to club him over the head with it. Demetri kicked out at Rose sending her flying into Emmet. Edward recovered and started sparring with Felix. Emmet caught Rose and placed her gently on her feet next to him then jumped on Demetri and ripped his other arm off. Felix was slowly starting to gain advantage over Edward with his brute strength but Edward was able to hold him off with his mind reading talent and physical speed. Emmet jumped into the melee and kicked Felix into the ceiling. Then he slammed Felix down on the ground and began pummeling him with his fists. Emmet was enraged he started to tear Felix apart but Edward stopped him. "We can't kill them." Edward pleaded. "Why not?" Emmet growled, "They can track us anywhere! Aro will keep sending them!"
"They saved me from a burning house." Edward explained, "And they tried to protect me in their own way."
Emmet's eyes narrowed "A favor for a favor, this time I won't kill you. But if we meet again I will turn you both to ash." He promised the two vampires that lay in pieces at his feet. Rose kissed her husband and took her brother by the hand. "We have to meet the others." She told Emmet as she led Edward out of the warehouse. Demetri and Felix were left to put themselves back together.