Hello everyone! Welcome to another posting of Heaven Sent. We are on the downward spiral, and the consequences for actions taken last chapter.
Thanks to Pien who helps me just by being my sounding board and giving me the proverbial kick in the pants when I need it. Thank you to Fran for taking her virtual red pen to this again this week, nice to have you back Fran!
SM owns Twilight.
Let's catch up and find out what happened after Edward ran off with Bella.
Chapter 32 – The Aftermath Part I
The following day we made our way back to the castle. It was time to work out what was to happen with all of the prisoners we now had in the dungeons.
But first, we had to talk about what I had heard previous to the battle and the 'conversation' that Didyme had with Carmen and Eleazar. That should prove to be very enlightening.
We walked into the ballroom to see who was still here. Looking around there only seemed to be Aro, Caius, Marcus, Didy, Charlie, and Samail.
"Daddy!" Bella squealed like she hadn't seen him just yesterday. She ran over so fast that she almost plowed him over in her attempt to give Charlie a hug.
"Hey, baby girl. It looks like you're doing much better."
"I am…"
"She is." We said at the same time, causing those around us to laugh.
"But what are you doing here Daddy?"
Charlie reached inside of his jacket and pulled out what looked like a scroll on old paper. "It's unfortunate, but, we have a list, baby girl."
"Oh. Is it a long one?"
He shook his head, "No, but you know how this works. A name could appear at any time."
She nodded at that. "But how do we go about executing those on the list? I can't allow my family to become murderers. It's bad enough that Granma has done what she did."
Charlie pulled her into another hug. "Sweetheart, Granma had to do that. He would have never given up, and as Gabriel said, it was time. Look at her, she needed that closure, anyone else doing it wouldn't have given her that." Bella turned to look at Didyme, she looked so much better. It was as if the world was lifted off her shoulders. "But following the rules of the law – even those of the mythical world – it is not considered murder. We do not punish the judges that order the death penalty in accordance with human law and we won't do that here. I promise, Bella."
Samail reached for Bella's hand. "You know how it works sweetheart. They won't be punished. It would be different if they enjoyed it, but do you think they do?"
She looked around at all the faces before shaking her head. "No." she pouted. "But who and how will it happen?"
This time, it was Marcus that pulled her to him. "Bella, the vampires have to be done by hand, there is no other way. They must be dismembered, then burnt. It's the most humane way of doing it. For any others, though, Raina has given us a potion to help. It will be quick and painless. We don't like it Bella but it is part of what we do. Didyme and I have had this conversation a lot."
"We don't expect too many, Bella," Aro commented. "Most of them, I suspect, were just told the wrong things and it'll take time to get through to them. Having Angels on our side can only help. I believe there's going to be at most ten; the others will be punished without death.
"Most will be let go, Bella, it's not their fault that they were led on a wild goose chase."
"Okay, I get it. So tell us what happened with Carmen and Eleazar?"
That got us snickers from everyone standing around.
"Let's sit down at the conference table and we'll go over everything," Didyme held up a finger when Bella was about to interrupt, "starting with Carmen and Eleazar."
Marcus rang a bell while we all walked and sat around the table. The ladies from the kitchen brought in some food for breakfast when were all seated. It looked like it might be a long day. The table was filled with delicious offerings and we all dug in.
Bella looked up at Didyme, trying to be patient but she wanted to know everything.
"All right, okay!" Didyme threw her hands up. We all just chuckled at them. "At first, they tried to hide behind the other creatures that were there. I think they were even going to try to sneak off. But that lovely vampire Benjamin, that was on their side used his talents to force them forward."
I was glad that they took note of him. Although, I thought that came from me pointing him out to Bella and she would have done so to Didyme, who would have told Marcus.
"After they were forced forward, Benjamin put them onto their knees and pinned them there. We started with something easy, well, at least, I thought it was easy. But how about instead of telling you, I show you."
Bella nodded like an excited child as Didyme lowered her bracelet onto the table. She pushed the button and the image shot up and started to play. We watched the scene unfold from after Didyme's yelled question, the last thing I heard when I ran from the clearing. We saw Benjamin use his powers, forcing them forward and making them kneel. All this was happening as the rest of those that helped win the battle started removing all of the prisoners and moving them to the dungeons.
"Eleazar, you sense talents, it is your talent, is it not?" Aro started.
We could see that he nodded but was confused by this question.
"Then you must have known that Didyme is an Angel. Didn't you?" Marcus watched as Eleazar shrank back from the force of his question.
"I-I knew she wasn't a v-vampire." He stuttered. "B-but I didn't know what she was, j-just that she was extremely powerful. But I didn't know there was m-more of h-her, especially a g-granddaughter."
That caused Didyme to stretch her wings and flap them vigorously, just once, in anger. She was furious at what they did to Bella.
"So why did you think it was such a great idea to go against something that powerful?" Caius asked. But held up his hand as they went to answer. "Never mind, I don't want to know. It's clear that a high IQ wasn't a requirement to join your coven. It's obvious you didn't want them being smarter than you. It worked in your favor, didn't it? Look at you now!"
Both Eleazar and Carmen growled at that comment but didn't say anything more. Although their faces said it all, they were not happy in the least.
"What instructions did you give those succubae coven members of yours? Why did you condone the behavior that she persisted in using toward Edward? He made it clear that he wasn't interested in her. That she wasn't his mate. Does no mean no, only when it's being said to a male, in your eyes? Can't men be sexually harassed?" Aro posed next.
"Kate told us that she was his mate but he was denying the bond. We advised her to be persistent and that he would give in. The bond can't be denied for long. We didn't believe when Rosalie informed us that he had a mate, she didn't either. It must be a one-sided mate bond." Eleazar growled out in a belligerent manner.
"Hmmm, well we'll have to have that checked out now, won't we?" Marcus hummed. "So how does trying to murder a mate, an angel one no less – who has been announced to the entire mythical world – add up in your mind? What about the mating rules?" They remained quiet. I could see they didn't want to answer. "Huh, what about the rules you enforced? I expect an ANSWER!"
"She's not his MATE. HE BELONGS TO KATE!" Carmen shouted.
"NO!" Didyme thundered. "He is Bella's mate. It has been confirmed with the rules set forth by the Volturi that you upheld in all the years that you served with us. Obviously, being associated with the three most stupid and delusional succubae around has rubbed off on you.
"I want them out of my sight. TAKE THEM TO THE DUNGEONS! String them up like those delusional nobodies, and do it now."
That's where Didyme reached over and switched off the video.
"Wow."
We all nodded. Delusional was right. How were we going to handle this?
"Ruse, our resident empath, has agreed to come in and help prove that there is no such thing as a one-sided mate bond. I've never heard of it in all my years so I doubt that it exists. We'll show them and then go from there." Aro instructed. "He's been instructed on your power, Edward, so he'll be able to tell you what he's feeling. Then you can write it down and pass it along."
I nodded at the instructions.
Bella stood as she shook her head. "Well I think I've had just about all I can take of these people; I need to do something good. Are we going out to help the forest today, Granma?"
Didy nodded as she stood. "Yes, my sweet girl, but because you are not healed all the way, we will be taking some of the guards." Bella opened her mouth to protest, but Didyme was not to be ignored. "No, Bella. It is in your best interest to do this. You don't want Edward to worry, do you?"
Bella pouted, and crossed her arms over her chest. "That's below the belt." She huffed. But she walked around the table to kiss me before walking out the door. "Come on, Granma, I want to get started."
We chuckled as they walked out the door together bickering like siblings.
Marcus snorted. "It's never going to be dull around here. Let's get started."
~*~HS~*~
"Well, let's get started. Benjamin has a mate that is being held captive by giants and that was the reason he was with them? Furthermore are Seth, Quill, and Embry open to our proposition regarding the state of Washington?" Aro asked at the end of my monologue regarding what I heard before the fight had started.
"That pretty much sums it up."
"Okay then. As the newest member of this group, what should we do with this information?" Marcus asked this time.
"I think we should release Benjamin from the guarded rooms and send a contingent of guards with him to help him release his mate. If we work it right, he may just come back here to work with us. His talent is wonderful, but even if he doesn't, he respects the rules of the Volturi and would go live a quiet life. He may even be interested in living with the Cullens and adapting to that diet." I suggested.
The others nodded, liking my suggestion.
"I agree." Caius praised. "So what about those wolves that are interested in the deal?"
"I think our first port of call should be talking to them and getting their ideas on the matter."
"Good, Edward. Very good. You'll do well here or with anything you want to do." Aro complemented. He then pressed a finger to the intercom on the table.
"Yes, sirs?"
"Demetri, can you please bring in the wolves Seth, Embry, and Quill? They're in the guarded rooms."
"Certainly, sir. They'll be there in a few minutes."
We chatted about nothing consequential while we waited. Charlie and Samail weren't here for anything other than crossing them over to the other side but they wanted to see the process of how it was done. When there was a knock on the door, Aro told them to enter.
We invited them to sit down to discuss the proposal. After explaining our ideas, we opened the floor for them to ask their questions.
Seth sighed before speaking. "I know I'm new to this whole Alpha thing, but I can guarantee those in your dungeons and Sam, the original alpha at home will not follow me. These two will, and I'm sure that Collin and Brady, the two young ones at home will also, because they aren't jaded against vampires. What do we do about that?"
Aro hummed. "First, we will have to interrogate them, which is where we will be heading next. If that does not prove fruitful for our endeavor, then we have devised a way to strip them of their wolves and their memories of the pack. It also will strip the magic from their blood so the gene can no longer be passed along their bloodline. You will be safe, Seth, because we will also give you a vial for Sam."
The three wolves slumped a little at hearing he plan, showing how relieved they were that they wouldn't have any trouble from Sam.
"Okay, well that will leave me with five wolves, at most, I don't think we could cover the entire State of Washington. The Olympic Peninsula yes, but not the entire state." Seth continued.
"I'm glad you've thought about those things, Seth, that shows great leadership skills." Caius praised. "I'm sure that we can accommodate that exception. There will be rules that need to be followed by Volturi law. It won't be as simple as coming across a vampire and killing it.
"We will have a team coming out that you will need to let onto your lands. They will be building a vampire-proof cell that you can use to hold them if we are required to come out and give a verdict. We will have that team headed up by a vampire couple from the council of your choice."
"But we have a treaty that specifically says that vampires cannot tread on our land!" Embry exclaimed.
Seth shook his head at the outburst. "No, Embry, we have a treaty with the Cullens only. Not any of the Volturi and that now includes Edward. Besides, once Sam has lost his ability to be the Alpha and Chief of our tribe I can abolish the treaty. Considering the Volturi are different and I haven't seen one red eye on their side, I don't think we will have a problem."
"Do we have a problem, Embry? Are you willing to do this?" Caius prompted.
He looked around at the others at the table. He was trying hard to think about it and merge what he was told in the legends to what he knew then.
"Embry, can I tell you something?" I asked him. He nodded in reply. "I can inform you that while the story of your past is a tragic one; the vampires of today are much more civilized. There are some that are the red eyes of your legends, but more often than not, they will have golden eyes. I won't say that the stories have been embellished over the many years that they have been told, but I know for sure that Billy has done just that with your generation."
"So we won't be attacked every day without warning? Is it untrue that you are uncivilized blood drinkers that will take out everyone in sight?"
"No," I shook my head. "To be honest, with Didyme and Bella amongst us, do you think we would?"
He thought about it and again shook his head. He knew that the girls wouldn't accept that ever.
Charlie leaned forward, clasping his hands on the table. "You can trust these guys, Embry. The guard that they will send, drink from animals, it's the way the Volturi are run. And Edward, he has been blessed by the Gods and eats actual food. Don't you think that I'd take care of him for my daughter?"
"You did that for him? For Bella?" Embry asked.
"Yes, and if it makes you feel better, I'll send my son Seth along with them when they come. Peace of mind if you will."
All the boys nodded. After that, we hashed out the details needed for their part in the world. Things like what part of the state they'd protect and how much the Volturi would pay them. We also talked about how to talk to vampires and other creatures and what rules had to be followed. The discussion also covered when to secure a prisoner and when to contact the Volturi.
"How will we get in contact with any of you?" Quill asked at this point.
"With this." I pulled out a few of our Connection Bracelets and spent the next few minutes explaining the functions of them.
"So cool." All three stated with excitement.
"Now we'll have Demetri take you up to the guest quarters here in the castle until we have interrogated the rest of the wolves and we'll let you know the results. Who will go back wolf, who will go back as a human and who won't be going back at all." Aro stated.
The boys thanked us with enthusiastic handshakes before following Demetri out of the hall.
"That went well." Samail complemented.
"Yes, now for the hard part. Time to head to the dungeons." Marcus sighed.
~*~HS~*~
"I'm glad that after this mess we'll be talking to Benjamin and telling him the good news." I sighed as we entered the dungeon.
"Yes, that will be good news. I'm sure he'll be appreciative of it." Aro agreed. "Felix, please go up to the guard's rooms and ask Ruse to join us."
"Ooooo, he's so dreamy." Felix swooned.
We laughed at him. "Felix!" Marcus chided.
"Okay, okay, I'm on my way."
We walked through the last, sealed, soundproof door to a menagerie of just noise. There was growling, screaming, whimpering and all out begging. Plus one delusional voice trying to get my attention.
I was about to answer when Samail clapped his hand on my shoulder. "Let me handle this." He stated before cupping his hands around his mouth. When he spoke, his voice bellowed and echoed around the room. "Enough! All your queries and punishments are being handled now. I want Silence."
All the noise stopped, even some of the thoughts stopped too. I sighed out in relief. We walked to the end of the dungeons where there was a smaller version of a judge's bench. Beside it had been placed a couple more chairs for Samail and Charlie. We took our seats and waited for the circus to begin.
This area was Heidi's domain; she was the master of ceremonies in this room.
"For those who are new here today, I shall conduct introductions. Sitting at the bench are our unequivocal leaders, the ones who have managed to maintain the mythical world in peace for the last four thousand odd years: Aro, Caius, and Marcus. We also have the newest leader to join our ranks, Edward. These four are the ones that will decide your fate.
"Next: sitting here on the side to watch the proceedings are a couple of Angels. They will watch, suggest and interfere only when needed. They are Samail and Charlie, and as you can see they are Angels of Death." She smirked because those two had wanted to make an impact with their appearance and were sitting there in complete cliché getup. They were in long, black hooded cloaks, wings and of course had their scythes.
What made everyone snap their attention to them was Charlie pulling out a scroll, flicking it out and picking a self-inking quill out of a fold in his cloak. I had to stifle a chuckle at not just Charlie, but the thoughts of those in the cells. I would have to show Bella this later.
I looked around all the cells and could see, prior to our coming here that anyone who had been chained had been released but kept in the cell. Someone had also managed to put rubber gloves on Kate's hands before releasing her and then using some cuffs to keep them on so that she couldn't shock anyone.
We went through all the minor cases on the docket. Most of them being released to the guard for an explanation of the rules. Most were surprised that we were willing to train them and either let them go to explore the world or stay on and become worthy members of the guard. It wasn't hard after most of them had seen the Angels and knew that the mythical world was bigger and better than what they thought. I had a feeling the guard would be growing because most of them liked the way they ate and wanted to have a sense of purpose and family. The Volturi would give them that.
It was unfortunate that there were a few who would not be able to conform to the quiet of our world. Stephan and Vladimir had managed to turn a couple of awful people and they were on Charlie's list to go to purgatory for cleansing. The other vampires in the room watched with intensity as Samail walked to one of the vampires in question, tapped him on the back of the head and took hold of his soul before leaving the room. The body was then dismembered and disposed of. Bella would be happy at least, the soul was gone before the vampire was destroyed, so it became a technicality. Nobody would become a murderer, not even a sanctioned one.
The majority of the other mythical creatures had been talked into, brainwashed, bribed or scared into serving the Romanians and were let go with a pardon. Those that were brainwashed were sent to the medical wing of the castle for help.
And now we were down to the ones that needed dealing with, starting with the wolves.
Jared, Jacob, Paul and Leah were led to the middle of the room. We had them seat themselves on the chairs facing the judge's desk. They had been surprised by the chairs, expecting us to have them kneel on the floor before them. The only ones that looked remorseful were Leah and Jared. I had a feeling that just those two would be leaving the room that day.
It was at that point that Felix and Ruse walked into the dungeons. They placed themselves with the other vampires standing around the walls. It might have been helpful to have him here earlier as he sampled the room around us. But with my skill, we managed okay.
'Lord Edward?' I raised my eyes to him to show I was listening. 'The two in the center are oozing disloyalty and dishonesty. They show no remorse, and even have lingering feelings of lust. Although there's more control than anything else.'
I nodded to let him know that I understood what he was saying about Jacob and Paul. I used my eyes to ask about the other two. He nodded showing he understood my question.
'The girl on the end is filled with so much remorse and worry, it's filling this room.' He tilted his head at that wondering himself who she had to worry about. 'The one on the other end is remorseful as well. But is curious as to what is going to happen to them.'
Again, I nodded before writing down what he had told me and passing it along the table. The others nodded after reading the information gathered.
'Edward?' Charlie called. I looked at him through the corner of my eye showing I'm listening yet again. 'There's two of these wolves on the list, unless we can get them to honestly want to change.'
I sighed, nodded to Charlie and then wrote another note to pass it along. It had three more mental sighs attached to it, as it made its way down the line.
"So what do we have here? Four wolves on the wrong side of the mythical laws. There is a whole world out there besides your tiny little corner of it. Surely, there had been other vampires that had mentioned us before? I wonder if the Cullens ever mentioned us in the little treaty they made with you."
Caius was laying it on thick. We'd shared all the details of the treaty when I'd told them about it after we had discovered they were with the Romanians. Including the bit about how there was a group of rule makers running the mythical world.
Leah and Jared seemed to try to shrink into their chairs even further while Jacob and Paul smirked, none of them answering the questions.
"Did you know that the most important rule in our world is 'Keep the Secret'? How many of those in your tribe know about you or us? Do they tell the world or do they keep it to themselves? How many each generation…"
"Please?" Leah pleaded. "Please stop. The Cullens did fill the elders and the wolves of the tribe in on you when they signed the treaty…"
"Shut. Up. Leah!" Jacob shouted. But she just kept going.
"Please, don't hurt the tribe. Only the elders of each generation know as we promised and only those that turn – after they turn. Please don't hurt them, my mother…" she broke down into sobs.
I couldn't handle her pain so I stepped down from the podium and approached her. "Leah, I'm only coming closer to help you, is that okay?"
She nodded, frantic, and fell into my arms as she continued sobbing. "Shh, shh. It's okay. You're fine, you're fine."
Jacob and Paul were fuming at her display. Jared was interesting, he seemed to have more to him but something was blocking it. He felt something for her.
"My mother, my brother. Where's Seth?"
"He's fine. He's upstairs in a suite thinking over the offer we made. Are you okay?" I asked as she settled down. She nodded, looking down and thanking me before I settled her back on the seat. Charlie and Samail looked on proud, as they watched.
"What deal are Seth and the others contemplating?" Jared asked.
We explained what we outlined to the others. There was outrage from Jacob and Paul about vampires being on their land but Leah and Jared were interested.
"Now, punishment needs to be dealt. You broke many laws in regards to the mythical world. First Leah and Jared. Seeing as you didn't want to do this, we have options for you. You won't be taken over into the afterlife at this stage; you both have long lives ahead of you." They both sagged at Marcus's words. "Your options are: a) we can strip you of your wolves and make you forget everything about them. b) you can keep your wolves and have something to make you forget everything you've been through with the Romanians but you'll be following Seth as the new Alpha. c) you can carry on as you are with promises of keeping the secret and maintaining the integrity of the Volturi from now on.
"There will be regular checks for at least the first couple of years if you chose option c, though. Just so you know, Sam will be stripped of his wolf and be given the potion to forget everything, bar the people he loves, as he is not a strong enough leader. Brady and Collin will be given the options, but I think Seth will lead them well.
"We'll give you some time to think about it."
It didn't take either of them long; Jared stood up and moved to the middle of the room.
"You gentlemen are right; I didn't want to be here. I came to protect some of the members of my pack." Now I knew what it was, his wolf was trying to imprint but couldn't because Leah was hung up on her ex, Sam.
I wrote it down and handed it along the line. The others agreed with me that we'd wait and see what she said. I'm hoping she makes the choice on her own; I didn't want to bring it up.
"I'll take option c, please. I want to remember and I'll follow Seth as he's much more level headed than the rest of them." That particular comment elicited growls from the other two.
We nodded, and allowed him to take a step back but he never went very far from Leah. She stepped up next and looked straight at me, she was the most nervous of the other three.
"I want to take option b, but is there a way I can make amendments to the forgetting part?"
"What do you want to forget, Leah?"
"I want to forget the man that broke me. I need to remember the rest but I want to be able to move on. I can't do that while still being torn up over what he's done. I promise to follow Seth; I have no problems with that or with having you and Lady Isabella checking on us. Please?"
Bella walked in through the door with Didyme as Leah started crying softly. They both came forward to help her as the others thought about her options.
"Raina?" I called. She stepped forward in response. "Is this possible? Can you alter the potion to help her?"
With a wink to Bella, Leah and Didyme she answered. "With a little bit of magic, I believe anything is possible."
I looked down the line at the others and they all gave me a nod as they looked back at me.
"Constantine, I want you to take Felix, these beautiful ladies, and Jared up to the room where Raina makes her potions and other things. Keep an eye on them and after it's done, take them to Seth and the others. They can all stay together and talk about everything until it's time for us to take them home."
'I love you, Edward. You're the best.'
I nodded to my stunning wife. 'I love you too, my Bella.'
We waited until they were out of the room, with Jared hovering on behind trying to be helpful without being obvious.
"And then there were two…" Caius sang.
Hmm what's going to happen to them, I wonder?
I'd like to thank those that wished me well with my health, that meant a lot to me. It's nothing that I won't be able to handle, it's just something that will be life long now.
I don't have any rec's this week because I was struck by inspiration for a one shot thanks to a few songs my daughter has had on repeat this last week. I'm hoping to have it ready to go sometime soon, but who knows with how RL goes sometimes.
Thank you for reading and I can't wait to hear what you think!