AN: This is going to be a difficult chapter to read, I'm sorry if it triggers any of you.

S. Meyer owns all things twilighty

CHAPTER 10

PPOV

Edward was in the throne room. He was unable to hear, see, smell, feel or move. Alec had carried him in the same way I'd carried him to the 'visitor's quarters' two days ago; tucked under his arm. Edward had been in a bad mood when I arrived with his 'breakfast' this morning. He glared at me and the thermos and sneered "I'm not thirsty." I'd shrugged and left it on a table. When I turned and walked to the door I felt the thermos hit my back. The little shit threw it at me!

Alec had been waiting as back up. He frowned when he saw my anger, I nodded to him and watched him walk into the room. I'd heard a thud as Alec released his power and let Edward fall, not bothering to freeze him like he usually did when he used his power. I took joy in opening the bent thermos and pouring the disgusting liquid down Edward's throat.

Alec posed Edward's unconscious form and froze it in place next to Felix. The room filled up, the whole guard lined the walls. Me and the other Horsemen lined up in front of the guard on the east side of the hall, just like last time. The Healers filed in and stood behind the thrones. Charlie was in the middle. His silver mask hid his skin tone, his red irises scanned the room. He was otherwise completely hidden behind his cloak. He smelled of strongly of vampire. I wondered who's venom had been used in the creation of his cloak.

Emmett stood to the left of him, towering over the other two. His mask was coated in green enamel rather than made from anodized titanium. His eyes were bright red, it was an odd thing to see on him, even with the mask. Rose stood on the other side of Charlie, her mask was enameled green like Emmett's. Her cloak hid her figure well, she wasn't here to look beautiful, even though she was still stunning. No, she was clearly a high member of the Volturi; important and respected. Their pendants were proudly on display, the light titanium crest with emerald stood out against the deep green of their robes.

Hushed whispers flitted around the room, the Guard were curious about the people in green behind the thrones. Some of the whispers were about us, nothing malicious, just wondering who we were. Many looked at the Volturi rings on our little fingers. The Masters entered and took their thrones. The room fell quiet. Edward was still frozen in place.

Aro addressed the room in his usual creepy and cheerful tone "we have a long day ahead of us, dear ones. To begin, I'd like to welcome another elite faction of our coven. The Healers." He waved them forward. Dad, Em and Rose walked around the thrones and lined up as we had previously. The Master's stood up "we are very lucky to have you join us. You have already helped us and those close to us. We are grateful you're here." Aro said. They bowed. The Masters approached the line of Healers, took their hands and placed rings on their little fingers. They were small circlets of platinum, the V had an emerald placed within the letter, in the same position as the sapphire in ours.

The Healers returned to their place behind the throne. "We have a treat for you dear ones, the Healers have prepared refreshments for all of you. It's a secret recipe that enhances our strength, it is truly delightful."

Picia and Dora carried trays of small cups down each side of the hall. The guard bowed as they received their sample. The Masters had been smart to have the wives distribute the blood, the guard would feel honored and would be less suspicious. There were several stunned looks as they drank the enriched bear's blood. Jane and Demitri collected the used cups and put them on a tray just inside the door of the smaller throne room.

"As the name suggests, our dear friends are here to heal and look after our wellbeing. I hope you all appreciate their skill and welcome them warmly." He suddenly dropped his manic look and smiled genuinely at the room. This was interesting, he was showing his hand by dropping his facade. I could tell it worked, there were many surprised faces who all looked at Aro and the Healers in wonder. No one would doubt his sanity regarding this decision.

"Demitri" Aro called. His voice was his normal baritone, not the higher more manic tone. Demitri opened the door. Bella and J straightened, focusing their gaze on the wall opposite us. In the doorway were the Cullens. While the others stared I glanced at the healers, the three were frozen and looking at their old coven intently.

Carlisle, Esme and Alice walked into the room. As they entered Alec released his power over Edward and Felix frog marched him to the center of the room in front of the kings. He looked behind him as he heard their footsteps. Carlisle walked in with his back straight and a worried look on his face, Esme kept her head bowed and kept a step behind Carlisle. Alice was looking around the throne room, her eyes glazed over. She smiled dreamily at everyone.

Aro kept his face neutral, the creepy look seemed to be gone for good. Marcus and Caius had also dropped their facades. The Denalis filed in after Carlisle, they bowed to the Masters and moved to the stand in front of the guard on the western side of the room. Eleazar was watching Aro, amused at the change in him.

Aro stood up and walked over to the Cullens. "Carlisle, it really has been too long. I wish we had met Edward under better circumstances." He said. Carlisle looked sad and replied "I apologize, Aro. We've been having some difficulty of late."
"So I've seen, Carlisle-" Aro said, Marcus approached Aro and touched his bare hand, he nodded and Marcus returned to his throne. Aro's eyes looked troubled. My heart sank, but my gift didn't send out any warning bells.

I glanced at Marcus for any hint of what had happened. Marcus's eyes were clear, the film of apathy and grief had gone. Now his eyes now held sympathy. "I've come across some disturbing information, Carlisle. May I?" Aro said as he held his hand out, it wasn't the polite request it had sounded like. Carlisle cringed, but put his hand on Aro's. A minute later Aro withdrew his hand and nodded.

"Esme, may I?" She looked to Carlisle who nodded sternly. Aro held Esme's hand gently, patting it with his other hand as if to sooth her. "Thank you, cara mia." Aro didn't let her hand go, he called out to Marcus who drifted over and stood next to him. Aro nodded and touched his hand, passing information to his fellow leader. Marcus nodded and guided Esme gently out of the room. The Healers followed behind them as Marcus waived them through. I was concerned. Very concerned. Caius turned around to his wife and Picia, he asked them to follow after Esme and the others.

Aro then moved to Alice, she seemed aware that someone was in front of her. When Aro held out his hand she put her hand in his with a bright smile. Aro's eyes turned sad. He turned to Bella, "Death, could you please take her to the Healers?" He asked her.

BPOV

I locked my muscles, things were bad. Really bad, Marcus had taken Esme away, all three of the Healers were with her as well as the wives. What the fuck was happening?! Aro turned to me and asked me to take Alice to the Healers. I nodded and guided her out of the room.

I followed the scent trail of the others and knocked on Marcus's door. Picia opened the door and smiled sadly, letting us through. Everyone turned to look at me. Esme was shaking, Marcus held her in his arms. Rose sat next to her on the bed. I felt a lump in my throat. "Aro has requested the assistance of the Healers for Alice" I whispered. Alice spoke for the first time "you sound like a doll I used to play with, but Edward took it away. Edward's a bad brother, he always steals my toys." She frowned slightly.

I nodded at Emmett, dad leaned over and whispered "you can do this, close your eyes and picture pulling out the part that hurts."
"You sound familiar too," Alice started "are you a toy soldier? I had one of them once, it was old and broken" her nose wrinkled in disgust and she continued "he made me feel safe, but then I saw him with the doll Edward took away. I got jealous and threw him out, he didn't make me feel safe anymore. I miss him, he brought me to my family and look at me now! I live in a castle, I'm a princess." She smiled, her eyes unfocussed. We froze in shock, Charlie tapped on Em's shoulder and they moved towards her.

Picia and Dora moved to Esme's side. "It'll be okay, Esme. The Healers will make her better. It might be unpleasant in a second, but she'll be okay. I promise."

Emmett and Charlie lay their hands on Alice's shoulders and closed their eyes. A white glow flowed from dad's hands and into Alice's shoulder. A trail of light moved up her neck, illuminating her skin.

Emmett's hands started to glow shortly after he touched Alice's other shoulder, a blue light moved through him and into Alice. Emmett frowned in concentration, his index finger twitched and he slowly pulled his hand back, the blue light stayed intact. He moved his arm back further, the blue light had caught onto something and his arm halted. He gritted his teeth and pulled. The blue light snapped into him bringing a yellow ball of light with it. It glowed in his chest and slowly faded. He sighed in relief and opened his eyes. I gave him a quick hug and he moved back to Esme.

Charlie continued to work. He shook his head, looking very angry and slowly withdrew the light. He opened his eyes and looked at me, he was heartbroken. "She will need a lot of work. The things that were done to her... I can't describe it." Picia came to his side "is she dangerous?"
"No, but she should stay in the healing room until she recovers. I think I need War's help." He looked at me apologetically. I shook my head "it'll be okay," I said. I paused and asked dad "this is more complicated than we expected isn't it?" He nodded and said, "Carlisle has a lot to answer for." I saw Esme flinch out the corner of my eye as dad said his name.

Dora came forward "Picia, if you take her to the healing room I'll go to Aro and let him know what's going on. He'll have to pause the trial. There's too much information we need to sort through." The wives left with Alice.

I sat near Rose and Emmett. Dad had gone into the other room and poured out a cup of bear's blood for Esme, I saw him add a clear liquid to it. He handed it to Rose who gently lifted Esme's terrified face and fed her slowly. Esme's eyes relaxed and her body slumped slightly as the calming tonic began to work, Marcus kept her cradled in his arms.

Aro, Caius, Peter, Jasper and Charlotte came into the room. They kept their movements slow and stayed to the back of the room trying not to startle Esme. Jasper and Aro moved forward. Aro touched my hand and I dropped my shield to let him in. "She's Marcus' true mate. I think it'll help her to know she's among family. Peter says it's safe to show her your identities." He said through his gift. I nodded and he continued. "You should know she blames herself for this mess and she hates herself for your death. She feels so much guilt, we agree you'll be the best to help her."
"What's happening with Edward and Carlisle?" I thought to him. His eyes darkened as he replied; "We'll take Emmett with us and have him remove Edward's power. Jane and Alec will take them to the dungeons."
"The situation's that bad?" I asked in surprise. Aro nodded and turned. He left with Pete, Char and Caius. J stayed standing close to me.

I moved in front of Esme and looked to Marcus. I pulled my hood back and removed my mask. "Esme?" She wouldn't turn her head from where it was buried in Marcus' chest. I smiled sadly. At least she's with her mate. I wanted her to heal, I needed her to heal. She's like the mom I always wanted.

I decided to try another tactic. I looked to J who nodded, he'd felt the fluctuations in my emotions. "Mom?" I spoke quietly. She stopped shaking, but didn't move her head "Mom, it's Bella. I'm here with you. I love you and miss you-" she started sobbing, I looked to J, I was feeling so helpless. He nodded at me to continue, he was feeling her pain.

I looked at Emmett and felt a burst of love as I remembered the mantra he had said to Rose and J when they were trapped in their emotions. "Mom, you're safe, I'm safe. We're here with you and we'll get through this together." She slowly turned and peeked out from Marcus' chest. I caught her eye and smiled "Hi mom."

Her breath left her as she turned to stare at me. Her hand moved shakily towards me, I slowly moved mine to meet hers. She hesitated before touching it. She sighed, her eyes widened and she looked from me to her hand disbelievingly.

"I'm here, you're safe. I love you." I moved forward and sat on the bed next to her. I gently hugged her, she let out a sob and clung to me. She had started shaking again. I looked to J who stood in the corner, he was smiling. I crooked a finger, beckoning him over. He took a deep breath before taking off his hood and mask. He ran a hand self-consciously through his hair. I smiled, he was so fucking cute sometimes.

He walked slowly over to us and stood just out of Esme's line of sight. I started talking to her. "Mom? There's someone here who loves you very much and has missed you." I felt her freeze, she gently nodded. J moved slowly besides me and knelt in a submissive pose "hi Esme." He whispered. I felt her move her head up and look at him "Jasper?" She breathed. He nodded and smiled, she held her hand out to him, he took it and let out a breath. "I've been healed" he whispered to her "the people in green are very important, they're healers. I was split into three" he swallowed heavily "the man in the silver cloak put me back together with Bella's help." He looked at me as he said "she's my true mate." He turned back to her "you're going to heal too. You're going to be so happy." He smiled and moved back and let Rose take his place.

"Mom, I want you to meet the healers, you'll love them" I said. Rose knelt, leaning into me. She pulled back her hood and slowly lifted her mask off. Esme leant back in shock "hi Mom" Rose said shyly. Esme smiled shakily, "Rosie" she whispered. Rose slowly stood up and kissed Esme's forehead. "I'm here. We're going to help you."

Rose moved back and let Emmett have his turn. He moved slowly, removing his hood and mask just like the rest of us "Mom! Guess what?" Despite his words his tone was gentle and quiet. She giggled slightly "what Emmett?" She played along. "I'm a super awesome healer" he said gently and smiled. He looked to dad "there's a man who helped us, he taught me and Rose how to help people. He's related to me. He's my great grand-nephew and he healed Jasper." Esme nodded nervously, Charlie stayed where he was, not wanting to crowd her. He lifted up his hood and turned around. He took off his mask and took out the red contacts before turning back and smiling sheepishly at Esme "hi Esme, it's Charlie" she gaped at him and looked to me. I nodded "yep, my dad's a super healer."
"I'm confused" she admitted looking guilty, I felt J send some calm and love to Esme.

"It's a long story, Esme. Are you okay?" Dad asked her. She nodded "I don't understand what's happening" she suddenly realized she was sitting in Marcus's lap. She jumped up in shock and started apologizing. He held up his hand, smiling "it's okay Esme. You've done nothing wrong, caused no offence. You looked like you could use a hug, so I hugged you." Marcus said, looking like he would be blushing if he could. "Oh" she said "thank you." She looked equally as embarrassed.

"Mom?" Emmett started to speak "I need to run an errand, I'll be back soon" he chuckled "official healer duties" he winked at her before putting on his mask and pulling his hood over his face. He was off to deal with Eddie, Rose smirked and winked. J laughed lowly and sat down on the floor next to Rose. I joined him forming a semicircle in front of Esme.

Esme smiled and cupped her hand to J's cheek "you're really whole?" She asked him. "Yep, I stayed with Pete and Char when I left, Pete nagged me into trying something. He had the Jasper side of me write letters to the Major side, creating an open dialogue. It feels like so long ago, but it was probably within the last few months. So much has changed for the better, Esme."

He paused to collect his thoughts and continued. "Pete and Char taught me to meditate and made sure I kept in communication with myself. This is really weird to explain." He took a deep breath in before struggling through an explanation. "Jasper started to realize the Major wasn't out to slaughter everything that moved. He started feeling grateful for the Major who had only ever acted to protect him. Jasper went shopping for new clothes and found it didn't affect his thirst as much as it did before, he kind of enjoyed it too. He decided to let the Major have a day to himself to pick up some new clothes that fitted his personality since Jasper now had clothes that fitted his personality.

"The Major taught himself to drive, it was pretty funny. The Major had fun and shopped, but when he returned home and tried to give control of the body back to Jasper he couldn't find him. He meditated and he and Jasper were released. The barrier between the two personalities broke. " I looked at Esme as J continued his story, she was gob smacked.

"Jasper, the Major, Pete and Char drove back to Forks. Victoria had decided to go after Bella, it turns out that while I was going through my identity crisis" he rolled his eyes and I giggled "Pete and Char had been in contact with Bella, they got her to befriend the wolves in La Push and through them she found out Charlie knew all along about Vampires. The wolves, Pete and Char formed a friendship and defeated Victoria and Laurent together. Peter got Charlie to train with the spirit healer at the Res, Charlie and Bella both moved to La Push before the attack.

"Anyway, after the barrier between Jasper and the Major broke Pete sent the letters to Bella. Neither Bella or the Jasper part of me knew we were mates until later. She accepted me, all of me. Charlie and Bella moved in with us in Texas, Bella got Jasper and the Major thinking in sync, closing the gap between us. Charlie continued his training on the Reservation near our house. He healed me and found that the fracture between myself was kept open by the darkness that formed in my past. He took away the darkness and closed the gap, binding me together.

"After that Emmett and Rose joined us, Rose and Bella were out shopping when they were attacked by a newborn army. I had to turn her, we killed the newborns. We faked Bella and Charlie's death and ended up working with the Volturi to search and destroy any newborn armies we came across. That lead us here."

"You've been busy" Esme whispered, her eyes still wide. "J gave a very brief version of events" I admitted. "We've been working almost constantly, but I wouldn't change anything" I kissed J's cheek. "Oh! We're getting married!" I added lamely. Esme laughed "that's wonderful, you both look so different; comfortable and confident. You make a beautiful vampire, Bella." She looked at our hands, spotting our rings "they suit you" she said. I nodded and whispered "I actually proposed."
"I honestly wouldn't have guessed. I'm glad you did, you're strong, selfless and deserve to get what you want." She said. I hugged her "same with you. You have all of us standing by you."
"Oh, you're going to make me cry again." She laughed. Marcus smiled at us gratefully.

Charlie came over "do you need anything, Esme? I've made another batch of bear blood if you're interested."
"That was bear?"
"Yeah, I learned a lot on the reservation and was able to make a recipe to help Bella with her first feed."
"You were there?" She asked. Dad nodded and explained. "I'm not human anymore, I'm a spirit walker. You see, Emmett's not our only uncle. Peter's an uncle to the three of us." He chuckled. "Pete was born into a tribe in Texas. He's Native American. After his birth, his mother fell in love with another man and moved into a new tribe with him. Like the Quileutes, they had a deep connection with the spirit world, only they don't turn into gigantic wolves. They are bound with the spirits of their ancestors and become immortal, like me. We're called Spirit walkers."
"Oh. You weren't kidding when you said you've been busy" she laughed.

Aro arrived with Caius and the wives. "Is it okay if we come in?" He asked gently. Marcus looked to Esme who looked down and said "I'm sorry I've been so skittish." Aro moved forward "do you know what my gift is, Esme?" She shook her head, keeping it bowed. "I'm sorry for the intrusion. My gift allows me to see every memory you have with a single touch." She looked horrified. Aro continued; "I know it was a huge violation, I assumed you'd been told." He said gently, careful not to name Edward and Carlisle.

"I saw your pain. Esme, we do not tolerate cruelty. That's why you're here, you've been hurt badly. We're here to help." She fell to her knees and started sobbing, Aro looked guilty, I felt J blanket the room in calm. Rose and I moved to Esme, holding her. Rose talked softly to her "I know it hurts, I know that holding onto a secret like that burns, you have no reason to feel ashamed or guilty. Please Esme, let us help you. You've been so strong for us, comforted J and I when you could. You deserve so much better."

Charlie came up to Esme and slowly handed her a cup "this is a special tea I make to help vampires relax, I've used it a few times with Char. It's gentle and easily tolerated by vampire digestion." Her hands shook a little as she sipped the warm liquid. She soon stopped shaking and thanked dad. He took the cup back after she finished.

Aro sat on the bed in front of her. "I'm so sorry to be the bearer of bad news." He said, she nodded and returned his gaze "I understand, thank you for being candid. I'm not used to honesty." She replied, her tone grew bitter. Aro nodded in understanding "if you would like answers, I'll gladly tell you."
"Can you tell me what's really going on?"
"Of course. Edward came here after learning of Bella's death. He asked us to kill him, I saw his memories. It alerted me to some severe issues within the coven. He offended Marcus who decided to call Carlisle, believing the coven leader would set Edward straight. I needed to see what was really happening. Truthfully, this was meant to be trial. We'll have to hold a proper one soon.

"I gleaned a lot of disturbing information through my gift. Alice is currently being treated for severe mental illness; she completely devolved into a fantasy world. Edward and Carlisle are in the dungeons. It is better than they deserve, trust me my dear.

"During his studies Emmett developed a latent gift. It's part of the bloodline he inherited, like Peter, Bella and Charlie. Emmett has the ability to remove gifts. I had him remove Alice's gift because the others abused it and it was slowly turning her insane. At the moment Emmett's with Edward, removing his telepathy." Aro gave her some time to think everything over.

Esme finally spoke "Carlisle's not my mate, is he?" Marcus answered her "no. Mates would never be able to treat each other the way he treated you." She nodded and said "I spent a lot of time with Irina and Carmen, they were trying to help us communicate. Carlisle resisted, refusing to change. Don't get me wrong, he never hit me or anything. He's just a perfectionist." She tried to explain.

"I'm sorry Esme, but you're wrong. Psychological abuse is still abuse, I saw how hard you worked to keep your thoughts and decisions positive and in line with their wishes. I saw how Alice and Edward would become unbearable when your thoughts slipped. Their actions and motives go beyond perfectionism."
"I thought I was going crazy sometimes." She whispered "when we went to Denali Tanya and Kate took Alice shopping. Carmen and Irina talked with me a lot. I started having unapproved thoughts, considering divorce. I even broached the subject with Carlisle. He refused because we were married, he'd vowed to stay with me 'in sickness and in health' he said. He thought I was ill. I thought I was ill."

"You're not." Aro reassured her. "I'm afraid the image he portrayed of being a good doctor was a complete illusion. The real reason you couldn't stay too long in an area was because the human hospital authorities were getting ready to strip Carlisle of his qualifications. He was negligent, Edward would learn of Carlisle's impending trouble and concoct a story about a human becoming suspicious. He and Alice even orchestrated Jasper's 'slip ups' as an excuse."
"Why?" She gaped "Why would he do that? Why would Edward cover for him at the expense of the family?" Aro glanced at Marcus before returning his eyes to Esme "Edward is Carlisle's true mate."

AN: Sorry for the cliffy, I'll update again tomorrow.