I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.
CH. 5: (CPOV)
1663
My eyes fluttered open and confusion filled my mind. I found myself laying flat on a bed with thick bed curtains drawn. I was squinting in the pale light. What was going on? I wondered.
I pulled opened the curtain and glanced around only to be welcomed by cool air. My curiosity was racing as I checked my own vitals out. I actually had a pulse and could feel my heart beating. I was human.
I stood up and looked at my surroundings. The room looked vaguely familiar with the dark hard wooden furniture. I appeared to be wearing a very old style nightgown for men. I spotted a banyan on a chair by the four posted bed. Touching my head revealed a negligé.
Could it be possible?
I quickly walked over to the window in my room tripping over my own feet. I pulled back the curtain to see the familiar streets of London. But it wasn't the London of today, but of my youth, as I spied carts and horses and people in the period dress. Or was it current time London?
Where were my wife and my family? How could it be a dream and yet feel so real?
I was sure I was a vampire. I remember the thirst; changing Edward then Esme and then others. Why was I here and how could I be human again?
There was a knock on the door to the room and I hurried over to it. I opened it to reveal a servant. I waited for him to speak but then realized he was waiting for me to address him.
"Yes," I searched for his name in my mind but couldn't recall it.
"Your father is requesting your presence, young Master Cullen." He spoke softly. My father, he was alive?
"My father, where is he?" I asked. The servant gave me an odd look.
"The Master of the house is breaking the fast," he answered politely.
I hurried on down the hall without thinking twice. I had to see him myself for it to be true. I was vaguely aware of the servant calling after me. I entered the room bursting through the door. My father was sitting at the head of our table; he dropped his spoon when I entered.
"Son, are you feeling poorly or have you taken leave of your senses?" he demanded.
"I am feeling well, father," I answered awestruck to see him after all these years.
"What is the meaning of your attire?" he snapped harshly. I realized then I was wrong not to a dress appropriately in my haste.
"I beg your pardon, Father. I shall return more appropriately," I rushed back to my room to dress. I would have to pay attention more to my speech and mannerisms.
I tried to dress fast but I had to slow down. I no longer had vampire speed and I was fumbling. I dressed in clothing that Alice would have a fit upon seeing, I thought with a chuckle. The breeches and linen shirt was easy enough to put on. I didn't struggle much with the leggings either. I did have a bit of a struggle with the cravat though, but I haven't worn one in over three hundred years.
Thinking of Alice brought my family to my mind again. I missed them terribly and wondered if I would see them again.
I returned to the dinning room and took my seat. A server brought me my bowl of porridge, which I haven't missed.
"Son, do not dally. We need to leave for services. Due to your dallying we will have to discuss matters after services." He stood from the table.
"What matters?" I asked as he gazed at me sternly over his spectacles.
"I have found you a suitable wife. Her family is flush and attends our church. She is built for good breeding to carry on the family name. We will go to her family's house for dinner to discuss the wedding." He announced seemingly pleased.
I was appalled that he made it sound as if he was buying livestock. My heart also tugged at this being a betrayal to Esme. However, I knew I needed to keep my mouth shut. My father would not tolerate insubordination. I didn't recall being engaged in my human life, but I couldn't marry this girl if I had the possibility to be with Esme. In fact, with just the memory of Esme true or not, I couldn't make such a commit to another.
Through out the service I tuned out my father as I pondered what to do next. If only there was a way to confirm that vampires were real and I didn't make it up. Perhaps I could search out a few of my friends. Alistar would be too suspicious and would probably kill me before I could explain. Siobhan would be in Ireland, but Liam would be around by now and wasn't too friendly to strangers.
The Denali coven was another possibility. It was quite possible that they were already vegetarians too. Though tracking them down may be difficult. I wasn't sure when they moved to Alaska. Some of my vampire memories were fuzzy.
I could go to Voltura itself and see Aro. But I had no clue how I ended up here and if they would let me be changed rather than execute me for knowing too much on the spot. There were other reasons to forget the Volturi. For one, I couldn't be sure if it was a vampire that sent us back and why.
"My son, Carlisle, will be heading the hunt for the demons that plaque our streets in my stead. We welcome any capable man to assist us in ridding us of the devil's children. The hunting party will meet then separate into groups to scour the town the night after next an hour hence twilight. This concludes the services." My father spoke from the front of the church.
Of course the vampire who changed me in the first place. I remembered clearly that location. The only problem I was concerned with is whether my life will follow the same path that it once was on. What if the vampire killed me rather then changed me? But still, I had to try. Staying human was not an option to me. If I wasn't changed then I could change the others. Even with a slimmer of a hope I hade to try, if I died then so be it. I wanted my family back. My heart ached for Esme.
I did battle in my mind about the others. Are they back to where they were human with memories of being vampires? Would they still want to be changed if giving the chance? Would not changing them affect the time continuum? Would everything have to be followed exactly as before? I wish I knew, since I was the one going to have to make the decision.
If I let everything happen as before, that would mean that I would have to let Esme be abused by her first husband. Rose be attacked by her fiancé and let Alice go to the asylum. Then there were the boys. Could I sit by and let any of that happen? What risk do I take by altering things?
"Son, have you brought shame to the family by falling asleep during services?" My father was beside me hissing in my ear.
"No, father, I was still contemplating your sermon." I lied smoothly. His eyes narrowed but he didn't question me.
"Come along, we need to meet with your future wife's family." I followed him wordlessly out of church.
BS&EC
The dinner the previous night was long and tedious. I tried to make conversation with the family of my father's choice for my intended out of politeness. The young lady was scarcely of appropriate age to marry. She was also plain and very timid.
I found myself bored when she didn't seem to offer anything to the conversation of her own. I couldn't fault her for it since I knew at the time women offend didn't speak to men and weren't always educated.
I found myself missing Esme even more. It felt as if there was a hole in my heart. I missed her intelligence, sweetness and beauty. I was more determined that I had to find a way to her.
Tonight the men will gather around me for my direction. They will all had weapons to 'kill' vampires, but if I knew what I was sure to be true, was that their weapons would do no good. The Holy Water, stakes, crucifix and garlic would do nothing. Humans couldn't kill a vampire.
I started to second guess myself, some of these men would die tonight. I could stop that from ever happening. Was I really this selfish to get my family back to let it happen? But if I did save them would I'd be altering time too much, would I even be changed?
I was walking on the streets of London, I wanted to make sure I remembered the location correctly before tonight. As I was walking, three women caught my attention walking in the opposite direction. They were dresses for too scandalous for the times, but it was their golden hair and eyes that caught my attention. I could hardly believe my good fortune. I knew for sure I hadn't made up my life. The one in the middle looked over at me and smirked at me staring.
"Tanya," I said bravely, my voice not much above a whisper with a nod of my head. Her eyes narrowed slightly and the other two glanced at me in surprise.
"Irina and Katrina," I added. The sisters glanced at each other before crossing the street to me.
"Do we know you?" Tanya asked curiously but was on guard.
"Yes, and I am desperate for your ladies help. Perhaps we can talk in private." I asked, hoping they were the answer I needed.
"I am not sure you would want to be seen with us privately, sir. If it is words from your father that we are damned you have for us; we already know and have no wish to change it." Kate seemed amused, but her voice was a bit cold. I chuckled a bit despite the situation, the sister looked surprised.
"It is not that lifestyle I wish to speak to you about, but your other lifestyle from which you have gained your golden eyes." I suggested hoping that they would still listen at least. I watched as they froze and lost all humor in their demeanor.
"I'm afraid I do not know what you are talking about." Tanya's voice was cold and they turned to leave.
"Please, I know about Sasha." They turned back looking unsure. I realize they could easily kill me. "I know this puts you in a difficult position, if I was not desperate I would not be coming to you. Just give me a chance to explain how I know about you." I begged.
The sisters talked in quite whispers, my human ears would not let me hear their words, which I found frustrating.
"Alright, we will give you a moment at a more disclosed location though." Tanya agreed. "Follow us."
I followed them through the network of street to a shady part of town. The house we arrived at looked to be a brothel. I glanced around the streets to see if anyone would see me go in. My father would be a force to be reckoned with if he were to find out.
"Are you joining us," Kate asked from the doorway. I turned to her nodding my head before following her inside. I followed them to a sitting room that was better furnished then the outward appearances would suggest.
"Have a seat and start with your explanation," Tanya gestured.
"Thank you," I sat feeling slightly nervous. I had to get them to believe me without making them feel threatened.
"My name is Carlisle Cullen. I know Sasha is your mother. I know that she was killed by the Volturi…" I started.
"You know of the Volturi?" Irina asked in surprise.
"Sister," Kate hissed to silence her. She looked ashamed by her outburst.
"Yes, I know Aro, Marcus, and Caius personally, or at least I did." They looked skeptical and I didn't blame them since I was human and the Volturi would never allow that. "I once was a vampire like yourselves, for over three hundred years. Like you I turned to animals for my feeding source. I had a family, a mate named Esme, and five others that I considered to be my sons and daughters. I am not sure what happened, but one day I woke up back here and was human again, but with all my memories of a vampire. I am not sure of how this occurred unless another vampire was involved." I was pleased to see the sisters seemed intrigued rather than deputing my claim.
"How would a vampire do that?" Kate seemed skeptic.
"How do you shock others with use of your hands?" I asked back. The surprise on her face showed she didn't expect me to know that.
"You seem to know quite a bit about us," Tanya spoke up for the first time in awhile.
"I do, we had met in the future and our covens were close. You eventually move to a place called Alaska that has not been founded yet in America. I know that two more join you in another century or so. Their names are Eleazar and Carmen." I answered.
"You do have an interesting story, Carlisle Cullen. What I do wish to know is what you want us to do for you?" Tanya asked, voice staying blank.
"I wish for you to change me, please. I want my family back. Taking the risk that I would have luck finding that same vampire again and have him change me, rather than kill me, is too great. I beg of you, of your sense of compassion, to help me." I asked, holding my breath.
Tanya looked thoughtful for a moment before turning to her sisters. They had a quiet conversation that I once again I wished I could hear.
They turned back and Tanya had a grim smile on her face. My heart sank a little in my chest.
"We do believe your story and realize that leaving you with knowledge as a human puts us in a difficult situation. That is why we decided to honor your request." Tanya announced.
"You have. Thank you, ladies. You don't know what this means for me. I am in your debt." The three of the smiled more genuinely.
"Perhaps we might find a way?" Kate smiled more seductively. I swallowed a gulp.
"Although I may be in debt, I can not betray Esme, even if she is not alive yet." I explained apologetically.
"That is understandable. If things are as you say, then she is your mate and we honor those bonds." Tanya answered. "You are welcome to stay with us until you need to separate for your family if you wish." She offered next.
I considered it briefly. It would be nice not to be alone. I was thinking it may not be prudent to go to the Volturi this time and risk Aro seeing what was going on.
"I will take that into deep consideration." I smiled.
"I am the oldest, so perhaps it is best that I change you. When will you like me to do it?" Tanya asked.
"Tonight, if possible. I will separate from my group and come back here." I suggested standing up.
"I will hunt while you make your preparations, so I do not make any mistakes." Tanya stood with me to show me out.
BS&EC
I spent the hours leading up to meeting with the men writing everything I remembered about being a vampire and meet the others downtown. I didn't want to change forgetting them after I was changed again. I was confident in my decision.
I purposely sent the groups in the wrong direction tonight. Once it was dark enough I escaped down the alleyways, due to the low lighting I hoped it would be awhile before I was missed.
I knocked on the ladies' door once I was sure no one was around. Tanya opened it with a smile.
"Come in." She let me pass her into the dark house. She closed the door with a thud behind me. "
"If you are ready, I will bring you upstairs and you may lay on one of the beds." She led me upstairs by a single candle's light to a room on the right. I sat nervously on the edge of the bed.
"I have never done this before. You mentioned that you have, so I appreciate if you could advise me." She stood before me.
"With others I inserted venom at the arteries at the neck, wrists and ankles." I explained feeling slightly nervous. She was a vampire after all and my human senses would react so. It made me wonder how Bella was so at easy with us all the time.
"Lay back then and I will start." She directed and I obeyed. I closed my eyes preparing for the first bite. I felt her sharp teeth and the venom started to course through my body.
A/N:
As you can see this chapter was about Carlisle since he was first changed. If he wasn't changed then others wouldn't. I know some were worried about them staying human, but if you knew your true love(mate) was in another time wouldn't you do anything to get back to them? Would you try and change anything? Carlisle did but still was determined to be a vampire to get his family back. The others will have similar decisions to make.
Some terms from 1663
Banyan is like a robe
Negligee is nightcap (hat)
Flush is rich
Why the Denalis? Well for most of the reasons given in the chapter. He had to find someone who might trust his story and not feel threatened. Were they in England at the time? I don't know, but why not, it is fiction. They are not a threat.
Thank You For All Reviews!
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Preview Alert!
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Preview:
"Dismissed." I told him. He left the tent and I noticed through the flap that it was sunny out. I grimaced then realized that I didn't have to worry if I was human. I checked my exposed skin quickly for bite marks. My skin seemed smooth with no marks.
I took a step outside into the sun preparing for screams. They didn't come and I let a breath of air. I surveyed my surroundings.
(I am sure this POV wasn't hard to guess)