Note:
The battle will be from many POV's. I will break all fighters up into groups, like The Denali's, The Cullens, The Volturi. In each of those chapters several characters will speak, maybe all of them, depending on the group. The ones who haven't had their turn yet will be up first.
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Music:
I see fire – Ed Sheeran
Undivided – Bon Jovi
This means war – Nickelback
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Chapter 36: The Egyptians – Getting ready
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Benjamin
We, from 'Camp Denali' were closer to the chosen battlefield, so we got there first. But before that, a stretch of water had to be crossed. Well, better call it ice, the temperatures were so low, it had frozen over. Still, it wasn't strong enough to drive a car on it. And here's where I come in. Breaking free a large patch of ice, I made it firmer, so we could stand on it, like a surfboard.
Then I hardened a path up to the island. The moment should be serious, we were going into war, but it was fun, travelling like this. Garret and Nick especially, had big grins on their faces. Tia had her arm around my waist. She looked beautiful with her hair blowing in the wind. When we set foot on land again, we gathered the supplies, which consisted mostly of coals. Lots and lots of bricks of charcoal.
Each of us took a big bag of the stuff and chose a part of the large central field. We dug holes everywhere and filled them up. All of our fighters packed lighters in their pockets. Main player to light those fuel deposits would be Patrick though. His speed added to this advantage.
Once we finished, Tanya got a phone-call, the others had arrived. I went back to collect them via ice-surfboard. Wow, our group was huge! And more had joined us then expected. The three real werewolves made me nervous, even in their human form. They would act as a trump-card, hiding in a nearby cave. I've heard about them and the stories weren't good. Could we really trust them?
Amun and Kebi walked towards me and my love. Not saying a word, both shot worried glances at our ancient enemies. When the reeking group had disappeared from sight, their full attention turned to us. Time to talk, for what time we had left. "Benjamin, Tia, Amun started, how have you been?" His voice was calm and uncaring. "We've been well, I said, seen many beautiful places."
It was a sneer, to remind him of how he hid me or should 'we' call it imprison. He was no longer someone I looked up to, regarded as a father. Tia and I had spoken about it a lot. She knew what his real intentions were, why he changed me. My love has good instincts. Amun nodded at my reply; "Good, I'm glad." His next sentence however made me angry. "I guess you're ready now to join us again, if we survive this?"
I gritted my teeth and Tia's muscles tensed. "No, I replied firmly, three years is nothing and you've lost my respect." He narrowed his eyes in disappointment. "I'll do what I want," I continued, meeting his stare, "you're not in control of my life anymore." Kebi clutched onto his arm and gave me a sad look. He took a breath. "Hmm, you think so, he said, well, we'll see, when Aro captures you."
I grinned at that. He still feared them a lot. Wait until he sees what I can do. How strong we all are. I glanced at my mate, a fierce fire burned in her eyes. She too was ready to take them on. "He can try!" I spat at him while turning away. I've had enough, he hasn't changed, so let him stir.
Tia voiced my thoughts; "You have to treat us as equals, if you want us to join you again." Kebi also, she's not a pet, she has her own mind, you know." Yeah, that last part was good, but never gonna happen. Her submissive nature made it easy for him, to let things stay the way they are.
We took our positions, spread out, the Quileutes phased. Not all of them were here, the two youngest stayed home to protect their people. I was in the middle of our army and focused on my gift. Not far behind me was Bella with her shield. A small group around her to protect and help. Nessie was one of them of course. The girl was here so no one would go looking for her and we knew she'd be guarded well.
And Jacob wasn't leaving her, naturally. Nahuel and Huilen backed them up also. Edward was somewhere to my right, listening for our enemies arrival. To my left was the other mindreader and her mate, the Volkodlak. Sam and his two beta's were right up front, the others flanked them in a 'v-pattern'.
The smaller pack also formed that shape. May was at Seth's side, a hand on his shoulder. All couples kept each other close. The ones with the most battle experience were also near the black wolf. The only sounds to be heard while we waited were the heartbeats. Then, in the distance, the first dark spots appeared. Of the cloaks of the Volturi, standing in stark contrast against the snow.
The three kings lead the growing party, their trusted guards at their side. As well as some new faces. Once they were all in view, it was evident we would match one another in numbers. Were there ever so much vampires in one place? At a hundred yards they stopped their advance, just like last time.
The eyes of a small girl with very dark skin darted around, assessing our fighters. She grabbed Aro's hand and hissed at me, Kate and the wolves. With our furry allies she backed away a bit, behind her 'master'. Then she became quiet, while staring at May for a second time. This must be the one with a gift like Eleazar. Jasper spoke of her during our meetings.
Aro seemed intrigued by what she was showing him. Caius' face was hard and cold, his red orbs shot daggers at us. Marcus was calm and collected as he observed. Something about him seemed different. Like someone breathed more life into him again. Gone was the listlessness and boredom. It felt strange, artificial, to see him this way.
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Tia
Though we were thoroughly prepared, they still intimidated me. It was such a large group and now everybody counted. No more witnesses who just watched, all were here to fight, when necessary. Yes, because there were some which were weaker and they were present only as it was their best defence. On both sides. We had Nessie and Nahuel, they had the wives and the three sisters.
Well, the hybrids would be left to their own devices probably, but the fact they were way in the back, at the edge of the field, said enough. I breathed in some of the freezing air, taking in all the scents. Happy to note the absence of real werewolf, ours dominated everything. Oh, those bastards were in for a surprise!
Though I feared The Children of the Moon somewhat, I was also exited to see what they looked like. The clouds parted for an extra effect, letting the moonlight through. It washed over us all, giving everything a pale blue glow. The orb in the sky seemed huge! Really, you wondered how something so heavy could rise up to meet the stars. Overwhelmingly beautiful, the wonders of mother nature.
The spell was broken by Aro's sickly sweet voice. "Well, well, he said, here we are again Carlisle, I wish I could say it's good to see you." He paused for effect. "But it's not, is it, you've really broken the laws this time." He belittled us by waving his finger 'uh, uh, tsk, tsk' and sighing. Like we were children. The Cullen clan leader didn't respond, it was useless.
The Volturi king was disappointed. "Nothing to say?" You want to get started right away?" That's no fun!" Ugh, I wanted to puke! Evil psycho! He went on however, with his small talk, after Marcus briefly touched him. "Ah, you've added another member to your coven, how delightful." And she's gifted too." What a shame to know, your bond with these wolves has grown even more."
He pulled a slight face, turning to address May. "Especially you my dear, he questioned, why are you so attached to the one beside you?" Seth is his name I believe?" Wolf-girl only bared her teeth in response, hissing low. "Oh, you're a bit of an animal yourself, huh, that's why he suits you."
Caius huffed; "Disgusting!" We should make a law against such relations, if they survive." He seemed to suppress a gag. I couldn't help the corners of my mouth curling up.
The young Australian girl was nice, I like her a lot. Her energy and cheerful spirit inspired me from the moment we met. She helped Benjamin to become stronger, in ways Amun never could. I learned to be open-minded, it enriched your life. Why hold yourself back from experiencing something new, because of old beliefs? No, it was clear we've been closed off from things in the past.
Fears others instilled in us, kept us from discovering for ourselves. Hah, the vampire world should be ready for a change. The basic rules still needed to be upheld, but by someone fairer. Not out for power and gain. Who would be suited for that? Hmm, this is the 21snd century, maybe we could elect a government? I would think about that later.
Now Aro felt the need to speak to more people. Amun was up next, followed by Charles and Makenna. He also remarked on more yellow eyes in the crowd. I could tell he didn't like the fact, that Carlisle got more of our kind to stray from the natural diet. Sure, that's not the whole truth, but it looked that way. So it was as if we already scored against them.
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Amun
When I saw them all coming, I feared we were once again in over our heads. I know we had trained a lot and gathered much information, yet, right now, it felt insufficient. The others didn't see that, they were confidant. Benjamin especially. His time away from me had corrupted his mind. I shouldn't have let him go, but how would I have stopped him?
During our previous encounter with The Volturi, he learned how powerful he really was. Aro hadn't dared to start a fight, because of him and Bella. And he had improved, under the guidance of the Cullens. I was told this. Well, let's hope it is true, seeing we're going to need as much advantage as we can.
The new additions to the guard worried me. A giant one stood out to me, real intimidating. He knew it too, as he smirked at me. I let my eyes wander over all our enemies, assessing them. Wishing I could tell which ones were gifted, I reluctantly chose some targets. The small girl with the dark skin, she didn't seem much of a fighter. If she strayed from Aro's side, she'd be mine! Maybe, if she surrendered, I'd offer her a place within my coven.
Then, Aro addressed me, out of nowhere. "Amun, he stated, old friend, good to see you again, though I'm surprised to see you going against me once more." The tone in voice was threatening, telling me I wouldn't be free to leave this time. Still, I knew this already and I've also decided not to choose his side ever. At least not on my own accord, because he could of course force me to join him. Even without Chelsea.
At this moment however I felt less afraid, with our matching army surrounding us. So I responded with some confidence. "Don't pretend to be something you're not, Aro," I started. "We've never been friends." You've only taken things from me and I've had enough." Carlisle has been a good friend however, always and he's gathered some strong allies here." Admit you feel threatened, even more so then before."
That was the most I've said to him in a long time and without showing fear. He knew this and narrowed his eyes. The cold look in them gave away his displeasure. "You sound confidant, he said curtly, hopefully for you, your trust in Carlisle won't be misplaced." He turned away towards Charles and Makenna, asking them pretty much the same thing. I didn't care for their answer.
My mind wandered a moment, letting my life pass by in memory. Was I satisfied with the things I've done? What more did I want? Hmm, I decided to go search for gifted people again. My coven had lost two members, I needed replacements. And then some. How had Carlisle managed to get a clan this large? Ten members, not including the stinking spirit-wolves.
Was it the diet, that got them to join and remain close? Non of them ever talked about leaving. I haven't even seen them argue. So, besides creating new members, I should also think of something to make them stay. What could I offer? My thoughts were stopped by a sudden silence. Looking around, nobody talked anymore. The tension in the air started to build.
On both sides fighters started to get ready to attack. Even Kebi struck a pose, slightly in front of me. She wanted to protect her master. Or mate? I've found it hard to see her as an equal, because of her submissive nature. And because she used to be my servant. However, the past few years, I interacted with her more. Out of necessity of course, there was no one else around most of the time. Subconsciously I have given her more leeway. Not a big deal, I could always reign her in again, when I wanted.
Seconds ticked by slowly, as we waited for someone to make the first move. The battle could begin any moment now. With the slightest twitch of a muscle. Combatants chose their targets, growling, exposing teeth. The red alpha wolf, Jacob, chose to give a sign by howling loudly. Behind us an answer followed. A different and eerie sound, sending chills through everyone who knew what it meant.
Heavy footfalls came next, crushing the snow. Three giant shapes flashed by through the middle of our group. The sound of their big hearts thundered in my ears. I didn't look at them, but at Caius. His jaw had dropped and his widened eyes showed fear. Something I've never seen on him. I liked it, a lot, it felt so good! Yes, I thought, look at our allies and feel afraid, Really afraid! Not so cocky and arrogant anymore, huh?!
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Kebi
Though I have missed Benjamin and Tia these past few years, I understood why they wanted to go. But, on the positive side, I've been getting more attention from Amun because of their absence. He's my world, I love him so much, kiss the ground he walks on. I know he doesn't feel the same for me, but I don't mind. He's the stable factor in my life, the person I can always depend on. Without him I would be lost.
So I would protect him, no matter what. Sacrifice my own life if need be. With the Cullens I've trained as much as possible. Amun let me, while he too improved his skills. I watched him with admiration while he moved. He checked on me also, with his ever brooding frown. I hoped I pleased him with this.
Hmm, I'm guessing I did, because he never reprimanded me, the whole time we've been in America. He even allowed me to have small conversations with the women. Bright days those were.
Now we're here, on this freezing, snowy field, facing our enemy. They look impressive with their cloaks. Aro, the king, talks for a while, trying to get under our skin. He's the main threat in my mind, though there are so many others. My master and love holds his ground when addressed. The words coming from his lips make me proud. This is my rock, I'm with him.
When the king moves on to another, I see he's getting lost in thought. This is the time to be on guard. I step in front of him, focused to defend. They have to get through me if they want to get to Amun. My eyes wander around the battleground, assessing the enemies first. I can't tell which of the new ones are gifted, so I check the known and the physically strong. Renata could be a target. If she gets distracted, I'll try and take her down. Without her, Aro's weaker.
Secondly I look at our group, so diverse. They all appear to be strong and ready.
The spirit-wolves stand out, with their fur and dagger-like teeth. For a long time I've called them werewolves, but I've realised they're not. The three real ones are significantly different. Just in their human form alone. I feel apprehensive about seeing them in their animal form. The drawings people have shown me probably won't do them justice.
They're going to cause quite a scene when they arrive. Still, I think the Quileutes are far more beautiful and equally imposing. The moment everybody falls silent, I wait for any sign, the sign, for the chaos to begin. It doesn't take long …, until Jacob lets out a howl. The response makes my skin crawl. Sure they're on our side, but I can't help feeling a little afraid.
The enormous bodies flashing by me have me flinching back. They have joined the other wolves, if you can call Children of the Moon that. All of them walk on their hind legs, towering above the rest at ten feet tall. (give or take an inch) Shaped half men, half wolf, they're a sight to be seen.
Especially in the light of this full moon. The leader, Lucian, has a pitch black, glossy coat, which has a blue sheen to it right now. His friend Boris is the most heavily muscled one. A dark-brown coat covers his massive frame. It has a red sheen, like it's on fire. Finally Pjotr brings up the rear. He's leaner and definitely the youngest. His charcoal fur is complimented by a silver sheen. All of them have green-yellow eyes.
When they've reached the frontline, they growl. Leaving Caius terrified and gaping like a fish. I can't help a small smile forming on my face. Many others around the blonde king also seem afraid. However, the tallest Volturi guard doesn't know how dangerous these creatures can be. A gleam in his eye tells me he sees a challenge. Hah, that guy's in for a surprise!
Too eager, he charges, not stopped by hands trying to grab him. So, the oaf turns out to be the stone, that sets off a ripple effect.
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Surprise you with this? (hehe) Like it?
Any ideas on which group should go next? I'm open for suggestions.