Another Friday upon us - HAPPY EASTER to everyone that celebrates, HAPPY LONG WEEKEND to those who don't. - Time now for posting of the next chapter of Heaven Sent.
Thank you to Pien for being my ever present friend, look out and pre-reader, just thank you. Thank you to Fran who beta'd this before going away. I can't say how much I appreciate it.
SM owns all, we just like to have them live on.
Enjoy...
Chapter 30 – Good Men and Women Go To War
"War?" we all shout.
"Just how long have they been planning this?" Aro yells.
We all turn to look at Constantine.
"I don't know. I never heard a word about it. I don't know how they hid all this from me." I could tell he was frustrated by the whole event.
"Calm down everyone." Didyme was the voice of reason. "Let him tell us what he knows before we all fly off the deep end. They were smart enough to rule the world before we took over so surely they are smart enough to hide their most devious plans from us all."
We all nod again sitting down. "Please, Constantine, tell us what you know."
"I can do one better," he says. "I can show you."
He took the communication bracelet off, placing it on the table in front of all of us. "It took a while but I finally figured out how to record with sound. The part that I don't understand is the foul smelling creatures that pass as humans and the lighter skinned human that is with them. They also have all manner of creatures with them, not as many as we have as allies but still…"
He reached over and pushed a button on the bracelet. The holographic picture shot up and we stared at some of the most interesting groups of creatures across the planet.
I growled low when I recognized one of the creatures that were featured in the video, but what stopped it were the loud gasp and then the sound of someone scuttling away from the table. It was the loud bang that made us all turn with vampire speed.
"No, no, no, no, no. It can't be, it just can't be." Didy had flung herself back from the table and curled herself into a ball in the corner. She was shaking and had tears running down her face, but she was still staring at the frozen image on the screen.
Bella ran over, trying to comfort her. We left them to it before turning back to the picture hovering above the table.
"Why did you growl, Edward?"
"Those dark skinned men!" I growled again. "We came across them in Washington State. They're on a reservation near a little town in the middle of nowhere."
"What about them?"
"They're Quileute. And they're shape shifters. Carlisle has a treaty with them. They stay off our land and we stay off theirs, we can coexist because their secret depends on the same thing ours does – keeping the secret. I don't know why they are helping out Vladimir and Stephan."
While we'd been talking, Marcus had made his way to Bella and Didyme, trying to help calm her. They weren't having a whole lot of luck. I could tell that Marcus and Didyme were talking in the way that Bella and I did. I watched as Marcus let go of the hold he had on her before clenching his fists so tight that it looked like the bones were going to burst out of his skin. He also let out a hell of a growl; it was so loud that it rattled the windows and brought in a few of the guard.
Constantine jumped up and pushed them back out the door assuring them that everything was all right and that Marcus had just gotten some shocking news. They were ushered back out as he got up and started pacing.
"Marcus, what is it? What's going on?" Caius asked.
"That man… the one surrounded by your Quileutes… It's the one person I promised to protect her from…" again he growled.
"Oh my Gods, it can't be! How is it possible?" Bella gasped out surprised.
I looked into her mind trying to figure out the cryptic remarks that they kept going on and on about. When I figured it out, my growl was just as loud as Marcus' had been.
"Balail…"
And that was when Didyme had a major panic attack from seeing the person who made her life hell. She was promised that she'd never see him again and here he was with the enemy.
~*~HS~*~
It took some time for us to be able to calm Didyme down. Dora had gone out to the reception desk and told Gianna that we weren't doing any more this afternoon and to change the appointments, to squeeze them in as soon as she could. Once we'd calmed her enough, Bella and the other ladies took her up to the tower here in the castle. At this point it was safer, we couldn't risk being out by ourselves at the villas until this was sorted.
"Edward, call Carlisle and get them back here as soon as possible. And call Samail and let him know. We need to strategize but we also need as much help as possible. We're going to call everyone else." Caius ordered. It was interesting to see him in his role as the military mind he is.
I walked away from the table calling Carlisle and Esme. I told them what was going on and they promised to be there in the next few days. Esme was booking flights while I finished talking to them; as far as I knew everyone was coming. I looked back at the hologram that was still up on the table, taking a good look at who was in the group around everyone else and realized I recognized some of the people in the background.
"Marcus?" I called.
"Hmm?"
"Is that Kate Denali in the background over there standing with a bunch of vampires?"
My question stopped them all in their tracks. We moved back over to the table to examine the still picture more closely.
We continued looking through all the vampires that were pictured in the background but we couldn't make out anymore that we knew. What we did know, however, is that where one of the Denalis went the others went too. We went back to making our calls to ask the heads or leaders of all kinds to assist in what we knew for sure would be bad.
I couldn't reach Samail but I did get in contact with Mikail.
"What can I help you with, Edward?"
"I need you to round up the family, and possibly some of the elders and make your way down to Volterra as soon as possible please, Mikail."
"Why, Edward? What could be so wrong that you need all of us?"
"There has been a threat made against the Volturi; granted there has been threats made against them since they took over in power, but this has become personal."
"Just spit it out, Edward. What is going on and why is it personal?"
"The Romanian vampires that were in power before the Volturi have teamed up with a group of other mythical beings, which wouldn't be a problem necessarily. Except this time, they've also teamed up with a human… this one being a reincarnation of… Balail."
"No. That cannot be right! We'll be there within the hour." She paused but I know there's more. "How is she, Edward?"
I sigh. "Right now I think she needs her mother. And the sooner, the better."
"See you soon." And with that, the hologram disappeared.
~*~HS~*~
It took a few days but soon enough we had the heads of groups from all over the world coming to hear what was happening. From what I could read from them, they were all happy with the way the Volturi had been running things. The fact that they had more than just vampires on their payroll was a big incentive for them. It didn't bother them that the governing council consisted of vampires because so far they had been fair. It was an amazing array of support from all mythical creatures.
Bella's family had come down straight away; in fact, Mikail was there before anyone else had been. From what I gathered, she had left notes at home and at Charlie's place before coming straight down. When she got here, she asked me to point her in the right direction before leaving us all in her wake. Her daughter was the most important at that time – as it should be. The others weren't far behind her, though.
The Cullens were the first to arrive and we got our first piece of the puzzle regarding the Denalis. Rosalie had admitted to talking to Kate about my 'mated status' as she had emphasized back then. She hadn't believed or didn't want to give up on having Kate as my mate and had gone into town to call her and let her know while nobody else was around. As time had gone on and she'd realized her error, she couldn't admit to anyone what she had done. But considering she hadn't heard from Kate – even after her epic tantrum on the phone according to Rosalie – she'd thought she'd given up and moved on.
Apparently, neither had happened.
There were quite a few murmurs of disgust at Rosalie's behavior. And not just from the vampires in the room. The mating bond was held in high regard with just about every mythical creature. To mess with it in any way was to bear some kind of punishment according to the thoughts I heard. It was a humbling moment for her.
As the others trickled in, we set them up in the guest quarters of the castle explaining to them that we would tell them everything once everyone had arrived. When they had, we gathered in the very same ballroom that we had celebrated our marriage nearly two weeks ago. We walked up to the dais, standing in front of our seats so as to better address the gathering.
"Thank you all for coming and on such short notice too. I know that we were all vague during the calls but we thought this information would be better shared in person rather than over the phone." Aro began.
"As everyone knows, since the beginning of our reign we have kept an eye on what we now call the Romanian coven of vampires. They had threatened to take back control of the mythical world and promised to rain fire down on the world because we dared to take it and try to make the world a better place.
"Even with our careful monitoring, it seems that fateful day is coming closer at an alarming rate."
There were shocked gasps and cries of rage among those gathered. Although, from what I could tell, none of it was directed at the Volturi or the fact that this had slipped by them. They all knew it was a matter of time and that it was all directed at those that thought they could try.
"What can we do?" a voice yelled from the back.
"We're hoping that you can help us strategize. We aren't asking you to fight in the battle that is upcoming. We have pictures of some of the creatures that are on their side and we were hoping for ideas on how to maintain what we have created." Caius advised.
"Bugger that!" An English werewolf exclaimed. "They want to take away our way of life. We've had good ones for the whole time you guys have been safeguarding our world, I for one, am not going to let them take that from us!"
"Here, here!"
That started the strategizing. We handed out photos so that they could all see what kind of creatures we were up against. I watched Samail talk with Uriel and Gabriel; I could hear what they were saying. Samail was adamant that they help in the upcoming battle, Gabriel agreed but wanted to consult with the Gods beforehand – he wanted to make sure that they were going to use their power for justice and not for revenge – and Uriel agreed as well, although he kept spouting about a destiny fulfilled. Whose, I wasn't sure.
Gabriel took off not long after that conversation, I presume to converse with the Gods. Jasper approached them to talk strategies with the technology that they had. Gabriel came back rather quick and told those in the know that they were in. We couldn't afford to lose because it would be a dangerous thing if a change of power happened.
Over the next few days, we continued talking strategies in between letting those that needed sleep and food, rest and eat. It was the following Friday that their letter of demand came in via courier.
Marcus read it aloud.
The Volturi Guard and Leaders
By now, you have no doubt heard about the fact that we are preparing for war against you. One that we have no intentions of losing. We have more information than you can fathom including the being that is currently Marcus's mate.
There were sharp intakes of breath from those in the know and also from those not.
Bella stepped forward at that to explain. "You have more powerful beings on your side than you will ever know. We have had to keep it quiet for this very reason. Someone in Didyme's past has hurt her and we were hoping that keeping this quiet meant he never found her. Now you need to know that you have several helping and even protecting you."
Without the light effects, every Angel stepped forward and released their wings. At that moment, we had twelve Angels spread around the room. Even without the light, it was a very dramatic moment.
Again, there were sharp intakes of breath around the room. And then there were shouts of joy and "I knew it!" and one "Yay!" It was an intriguing reaction that was for sure.
"Well, that will make things interesting." I heard whispered from the back of the group.
"Continue please, Marcus."
If you want to survive and avoid war, our demands are simple:
1. Hand over control of the mythical world
2. Hand over Didyme
3. Hand over the new sister to the Volturi
I released the loudest, most menacing growl I'd ever done at that demand. No one would be touching my Angel.
'It's okay, my love,' Bella whispered in my head. 'They won't touch me, they'll all die trying.'
Bella came to grab my hand after talking to me, trying to comfort me with her touch. "Please, Marcus, again continue."
If you do not comply with our demands, we will wipe you all off the face of the planet. If you insist on fighting and losing you should meet us on the battlefield where you stole the leadership from us.
You have one week.
Truly, it hasn't been a pleasure.
Stephan and Vladimir
Aro, Caius, and Marcus looked around to see what the faces were saying. The groups had selected one person to talk for all of them; they nodded to him to step forward.
"We are all at your command, sirs. What will you have us do?"
It seemed the others were at a loss because they never expected this kind of a response, so I took this moment to assert my place. Pulling on what I used back in the past, I instructed them all.
"Call your families, covens or groups. Call them in; we are not going to just hand over our lives." I told them, waiting until they nodded. "Demetri, inform the guard that we have five days to bring together everyone, including those coming in from all over. I want training sessions to prepare all. Gabriel, please gather who you can from where you come from. Ask for help, please.
"Everyone else, follow Heidi to the war room and gather as many weapons as we have available, we're going to need them."
With that, everyone scattered.
~*~HS~*~
A few days later, we were all gathered in the gardens surrounding the castle. Word had spread among the creatures and more and more were turning up to help. We had to expand our practices to the gardens outside the castle walls as well. This time, it was Bella who had called a meeting. She had a concern and wanted input from the group on how to resolve it. Nobody but me knew what that problem was.
"Thank you, everyone, for coming to help our world in a time of need." She started. "I have come across an issue with the area where the battle is about to take place in. Even though it is not far from here, the problem that arises is how to keep the human population unaware of what is about to happen on their doorsteps. With the array of creatures about to step outside the castle walls, we'd set everything back thousands of years if we were to be found out.
"There are little towns and those that live isolated lives out in the woods, not to mention campers and holiday makers, and those that will travel through while it is taking place. How are we going to keep it a secret if anyone can see it happening?"
Discussions broke out across the gardens as everybody tried to think of a solution. There were talks of knocking them out and guarding the roads but that seemed impossible. There were talks of relocating them for the time and having their memories erased although that seemed more trouble than it was worth. It was a member of the fairies and a member of the leprechauns that came up with the most advantageous ways to do it.
Bailey, a little rainbow colored fairy stepped forward. "Ma'am Bella? We have an idea that may be able to help. We, that is, the fairies and I could go now and lay down layers of sleeping dust over the entire area that will aid those living there to sleep for days. We could only affect the humans or those that have animals living with them as well. That way there are no ears listening in and you'll have time to help the earth afterward."
Ah yes, that had become known too. Some brave souls came up to ask how it was possible for Angels to be mated to vampires so we sat down and had a question and answer session. They were all very happy for Bella and Didyme, not to mention Marcus and me.
"Thank you, Bailey. That will be most appreciated. But now how to keep people out of the area?"
This time, it was a leprechaun by the name of Seamus. "Lady Bella," he'd picked the habit up from Constantine. "We leprechauns can make a perimeter around the battleground." He called out in his Irish brogue. "It's something we can do to keep our rainbow gold safe. Can't have those pesky humans taking it now can we?" The leprechauns all laughed at that. "We lay a perimeter that makes people confused about what they were doing there and they turn away and head back the way they came."
"Excellent Seamus, thank you for your assistance. If you lovely ladies and gentlemen could head out and get started, we can begin preparing for what is coming."
"Aye, Lady Bella. Just have someone show us all the area on a map and we'll be on our way." He nodded before bowing to her.
I nodded off to Felix and Demetri, who led the leprechauns and fairies into the castle to show them the map of Italy.
"Before we all move off," Jasper called. "I had an idea that I'd like to run past some of the Angels if I may?"
"Of course," Gabriel answered. "What do you have in mind?"
"Some of the Angels that are going to be helping us on the day are going to be Cupids, are they not?"
"Yes." He nodded.
"Are they going to be on the ground or in the air?"
"Both Jasper, why? What are you getting at?"
"Well, their love potion dipped arrows, could we use those as an offensive weapon? Have them hiding in the trees, shooting at the enemy and have them stop fighting and fall in love? It might minimize the amount of people that die that day."
We all thought about that suggestion for a while.
"I may be able to do you one better." A voice called out from the crowd. "Lord Edward, Lady Isabella, it truly is a pleasure to meet you. Constantine speaks quite highly of both of you."
We watched as this beautiful, dark-haired, Snow-White type woman came to bow before us, similar to what Constantine always does. She must be from a similar time frame as he is to have such similar manners.
We both shot Constantine a look because he hadn't mentioned her before. He looked quite bashful but there was also a stunning look of pride on his face. I knew that look; I had it every time I looked at my Bella.
'Oh, he's mated, Edward!' Bella squealed in her thoughts, making me wince. 'But why hasn't he told us before now?' I could hear the pout in her voice.
'There hasn't really been time, my love. Let's do the honors now.'
'Okay. I'm so happy for him.'
I nodded to agree with her because it was excellent news in this dark time.
"I can't say we've had the same pleasure. It seems with all that's been going on Constantine has been quite tight-lipped about you." Bella replied cheekily with a wink towards the man in question. "Although, he has never been one to talk about his personal affairs."
"No," she laughed. "He was very shy and quiet when I met him, too, so I am not surprised. Seems I shall do the honors for him."
She stood from her bow. "My name is Raina and I hail from what you would now know as Bulgaria. I had just finished learning from our Medicine Man there, when we were attacked by vampires. Constantine came to our rescue but was unable to save very many. I had been bitten during the attack but was aware enough that when Constantine picked me up, I knew I was destined to be his.
"I have continued to hone my craft over the years and learned many more amazing things from all the people we have come across. I would have been here sooner had I not had to travel far and wide for the ingredients that I needed."
"Ah yes, you said you had something that may be of help with the Cupid Angels?" I asked.
"Yes, I do. Instead of dipping or embedding their arrows with a love draught I have here one that will put them to sleep. Far more helpful I think. This sleeping draught will help them sleep for a few days, long enough to transport them from the battlefield to the dungeons here in the castle for interrogation."
She handed the mixture over to Isabella for her to look at.
"Thank you, Raina. This will be most helpful. You have just saved many lives and I thank you for that." Bella gave her a hug before handing off the mixture to Gabriel to take to the Cupids. "Okay people, unfortunately, we do not have long until the battle. Let's continue to practice and prepare before we leave for the battlefield the day after tomorrow."
~*~HS~*~
We stood there on the field that would once again become a battleground.
I released my gift out as far as it would go.
I could hear no wakeful minds; all those in my range were sleeping and dreaming happy dreams. I could see ones of flying, of running and of falling in love. There were children playing with unicorns or other mythical creatures using all the imagination that kids have.
I sensed when someone approached the edge of the barrier put in place by the leprechauns and saw how they'd go from focused on where they were going, to confused, to turning around and knowing that what they wanted was in the other direction. It was an interesting thing to witness.
I heard when Stephen, Vladimir, and their army got in my range. They had plenty to fight with, including the wolves, but they still had no idea the number that we had. We had easily three times as many and we've strategically placed them so the majority was hidden. We couldn't give away our secret too soon. I did hear of one, in their minds, that can control the elements much like our little Earth Angels can do.
'Bella,' I call.
'Yes, my love?'
'They have a vampire that can control the elements, please advise Didy.'
'Of course baby, but it will have no bearing on what happens here today.'
Didy and Bella would use their Angel language to communicate what each other needed to know because we hoped that it's the one thing that Balail had forgotten.
"They're here everyone," I say, prepared for what will come. I doubted the diplomacy would last long.
We were ready for them when they stepped through the edge of the woods. We were standing tall and proud with the leaders and the Volturi guard.
As a surprise for those in their army, Bella and Didyme had their wings out, showing proud. It's obvious to me that Stephan and Vladimir had not told their underlings the truth about what they were going against because a few of them stopped and stared, some even tried to retreat realizing that going against a creature such as them, would be the wrong thing to do.
I watched, as their so- called leaders didn't even realize they were losing people left and right and as the few Cupids in the trees that were hidden, shot their sleeping arrows at the ones retreating. They all have to be questioned.
We waited for them to finish their, oh so dramatic approach, and when they had, we were ready to begin.
Hmm so what do you think will happen? I can't wait to hear your thoughts.
My recs this week are going with the darker side of the world we live in Mafiaward.
First is a WIP that updates almost daily: The Dark Prince by Autumn Butterfly Lives. FFN ID: 11706505
A mafia prince wants to change the world, but to do so he must find a princess. Will the princess make or break his plans, and at what cost? Contains mafia/dark/slavery/abuse. Not for readers under 18.
Second is one I love: Training the Swan by Erica's Twilight. FFN ID: 5037413
Edward is the retired right hand man for a mob boss, Charlie Swan. When asked to train a woman to help to protect herself and her daughter, he had no idea the trouble he'd find himself in. She's the boss's daughter. Can he keep his hands off?
The third is also one I love: Unexpected by RockRaven. FFN ID: 7037151
An unexpected event throws Bella into the hands of the Chicago mob. Can Bella accept the path her new life is taking? And how will Edward come to terms with the idea that he is responsible for Bella's safety? AH
There is a sequel being written to this but it's fantastic as a standalone.
Let me know what you think. See you next week!