AN: Sorry! I meant to post this earlier, but my boyfriend's selling his comic book at OzComicCon and needed me to bring him more copies to sell. We're hoping a publisher will be interested. *Fingers crossed*

This is a short chapter about the Horsemen's mission in America with Caius and a few of the guard. I wanted to keep it short because I've already written about how the group fight together and strategize. In Chapter 13 they'll be back in Volterra.

S. Meyer owns twilight.

CHAPTER 12

JPOV

Our mission had been grueling. We hadn't stopped or rested since we arrived in America three weeks ago. I knew it was going to be hard work, but I don't think anyone knew how out of control the Wars had become. They had to have started as soon as the Volturi left decades ago. It was heartbreaking to think of the needless deaths that had occurred as a result.

I was exhausted, the darkness was returning to my mind. Bella had been glancing at me worriedly for the past week. Char and Pete's eyes held a haunted look I hadn't seen since the bad old days. It felt like we were in a bad flashback we couldn't escape.

The armies we fought were smaller than the ones I'd encountered during my time in the wars. Many held as few as five newborns with one or two older vampire leaders. We had killed so many of them. Their faces swam through my mind, feral and angry as they had been when I tore them apart.

Mississippi and Alabama had been the worst. Those states had been swarming with vampires. They were feeding recklessly. Caius had taken me aside after we had cleared them. He looked older; a hardness glinted in his eyes. "We're doing this to save lives. It'll be over soon. I'm proud of you." He'd said to me.

We had reached Georgia, the armies weren't as prolific here, but they were still bad. We secured Atlanta and would be heading into South Carolina once we dropped Chelsea, Heidi and Afton to the airport. They were escorting the prisoners to Volterra. There were at least forty bags of disassembled vampire parts waiting for trial. Caius had stopped to buy more bags a few days ago. The dungeon in Volterra was about to become overcrowded. Hopefully Aro would cull most of the prisoners after he read them. I couldn't be bothered with this shit anymore.

Our plan was to clear South Carolina then follow the coast to Florida, clearing the state of newborns and their creators. Our final destination together would be Miami. From there Caius and the guard would return to Volterra and the Four Horsemen would double back and search each state until we hit the west coast.

I clung to Bella when we arrived at the tarmac in front of the private jet. I needed to be close to my mate, but the infernal mask kept us separated. I nuzzled my head against her neck as the others loaded up the plane. She gently pushed me on to the ground, kneeling beside me and holding me. I heard footsteps approach us. Bella was whispering in my ear "it'll be over soon, honey. We'll go on vacation and be by ourselves. We'll be okay I promise. This won't destroy us, I won't let it."

She was so amazing, she pushed aside her fatigue and sadness and did everything she could to support me. She was pushing determination and love into me as much as she could. The smell of death emanated from us. The smoke from hundreds of burning vampires had permeated our clothes, skin and hair.

I felt a jolt of surprise and relief in my mate's emotions, she kept stroking my back and whispering. I felt a warm hand on my shoulder and looked up meeting Charlie's gaze. He was wearing the red contacts and his mask. I felt love radiating from behind him, it felt maternal. I sobbed in relief as Esme stepped out from behind him.

I didn't realize how much I needed her. I hadn't had a real mother since my human days. Esme had always been a comfort, but now she was healing she was so much more. Her eyes shone with unshed tears as she looked at me; there was no pity, only love and concern. Her emotions were so pure. Esme knelt down and wrapped her arms around me. "I'm sorry sweetheart." She said. I leant my masked face against her shoulder, she stroked my hair and let me soak up her love and calm.

I felt Bella move away and I whimpered. She leant down and whispered "I'll be close. Nothing will ever separate us." I nodded and turned my focus to Esme. I heard Bella walk with Charlie, they stopped a few feet from us. I heard the swish of material as she hugged him and started sniffing. Her breaths were haggard. She was crying. Fuck, I should be comforting her. I felt so guilty. Esme cooed to me "shhhh sweetheart, I won't stand for you feeling guilty. You're both so strong and need a little extra help. That's why we're here. You've been so brave, all of you are so selfless to do this. We're all so proud of you." I just held her.

I heard Bella and Charlie walking and looked up, they headed to a cooler, Bella was clinging to Charlie like I was clinging to Esme. I looked around, each of our group had a thermos of blood. Evan and Mark were with Alec and Jane. The boys had arrived with Charlie and Esme. Mark was holding onto Alec for dear life. Evan was trying to calm Mark and show support to Alec and Jane.

I could feel Evan's gratitude as he spoke to Jane and Alec. "I hate that you're the ones who have to stop this war, but I'm so thankful for all your hard work. So many lives will be saved and others won't have to go through what me and Mark experienced." He said. Jane calmed down a little, but our collective anxiety was through the roof. It was hard not to keep looking over our shoulders for an approaching army.

Demitri was with Pete and Char, trying to help them in any way he could. Their emotions mirrored my own; hopelessness, sadness, anger, fear, determination. It was a shitty job, but we were the only people who could do it. Chelsea, Heidi and Afton were walking around to each small group and topping up the thermoses. Heidi came up to me and handed me a thermos. I could feel their guilt, they had shared the horror of our mission and felt guilty for leaving while we continued to fight.

I downed the enriched bear's blood, we'd had few opportunities to feed while fighting. "Okay sweetheart, today is a day of rest. Aro's orders. Demitri has been keeping him updated on everything, including the wellbeing of all of you." Esme said. She helped me up.

Charlie came over to me while Esme headed to Bella, he held my shoulder and searched my eyes "you're doing well, kid."
"I don't feel well, I feel darkness clinging to me" I whispered to him. I felt guilty, he'd worked hard to heal me. "I can see that, but I can also see you resisting it. You may not feel it, but you're stronger than you realize. You and Bella hold each other together. She resists the darkness clinging to her as well. You make each other stronger." He said. He guided me over to the cars; everyone else was sitting in them already. They smiled at us as we joined them. Charlie drove the car Bella and I were in and Esme drove the other.

We arrived at a day spa, there was no sign of life within the building. I looked at Charlie who explained; "you guys need some pampering. The Masters booked this place for us to use." I nodded, I could use a shower. Charlie and Esme led us into a changing area. We separated and went to the men's and ladies bathrooms.

We undressed and headed to the shower cubicles. I saw Demitri open a cupboard and pull out a stack of bathrobes leaving them on a bench for us to wear. He bundled up our clothes and carried them out. A smile grew on my face as I heard Esme scold him. "Demitri! What do you think you're doing, young man? You drop them this instant and join the others."
"But-" he tried to argue and was cut off by Esme. "No buts mister! Get back in there and get pampered or I'll call Aro and tell him you're disobeying direct orders." I laughed lowly and heard the others join in. I felt his guilt spike, Esme's tone softened "Demitri, you need this too."
"I don't, I haven't been the one fighting-" Charlie's voice cut in "you need this Demitri. You've been looking after them and taking care of their needs. You're exhausted. Now get in there and relax."

Demitri walked in, his shoulders slumped. I heard the rustle of material as he undressed and got into the cubicle next door to me. "They're right, you know. You've worked just as hard as the rest of us. Enjoy the good times while you can." I said. I felt his gratitude and sent him back some calm.

The showers were amazing, jets were placed evenly along each wall. The water was boiling hot, I felt the tension bleed out of us. The smell of death and the ash that had clung to us drained through the grate in the floor. I got out and saw a pile of towels beside the stack of bathrobes. They were so soft. I quickly dried, put my wet towel into the laundry basket in the corner of the room and slipped on the bathrobe. The others were drying off and putting on the bathrobes.

I was surprised by how many scars the others had. Caius was covered in them, he had at least twice the amount I had. He caught my look and smiled "we cover our scars when together. We're not ashamed of them, we cover them so we don't intimidate and scare others of our kind. When we're alone or with our mates we uncover them, they tend to appreciate them." He smirked, his eyes softened when he saw my surprise "they judged you for your scars, didn't they?" I knew he was talking about the Cullens. I looked down and replied, "only Edward, Alice and Carlisle. Esme and Rose haven't seen them and they didn't bother Em." I spoke softly and tried to shrug it off. He just nodded as if I confirmed something for him.

Felix threw an arm around my shoulder. "Forget about those idiots, you're with us now. You're mate doesn't seem to mind them. She's pretty cool." He said. I smiled and confirmed "she's amazing."

The ladies came out of the showers not long after us. Esme and Charlie led us to a room with yoga mats lined up on the ground. Charlie directed us through meditation while Esme left the room with Evan. Mark was hugging Alec as he meditated. Alec was slowly calming in his mate's arms.

Emotions swirled around the room, each held the flavor of their owner. I saw the room lighten through my eyelids as the pressure that had built up was released. Calm and relief swirled around us. There was love and happiness joining the emotional climate. I enjoyed the warmth that flowed through me, it was soothing. Charlie's voice lead us back, he looked exhausted. He had healed a whole room full of vampires all by himself. I looked at him and sent my gratitude his way. He nodded at me.

Esme and Evan walked in carrying a tray of mugs. Steam rose from them, venom pooled in my mouth as the scent hit me. Esme handed me a mug and I drank more of the enriched bear's blood. I felt recharged. I looked at Bella and sent her a wave of my love. Her eyes sparkled with happiness. Caius stood up and thanked Charlie. We returned to the changing rooms, I waved to Bella as she entered the ladies room.

New cloaks hung on hooks around the change room. Below each cloak was fresh, clean clothing and our pendants. Our names had been labeled neatly on each pile of clothes. Masks lay on my pile of clothing and Pete's. The smell of sandalwood and pine oil emanated from the pendants and masks. Esme and Evan had cleaned them. Venom welled up in my eyes, I looked to Pete, his eyes were glassy too. It was such a thoughtful gesture. I felt appreciated. There was no smell of death, the smell of the fragrant oil calmed and energized us. I dressed, loving the feeling of cleanliness. We walked out to the foyer, dressed, hooded and masked. I hugged Bella, she smelt like jasmine and magnolia.

We were beside ourselves as Charlie and Esme entered the plane with Chelsea, Heidi, Afton and the boys. A new determination entered our emotions; we would finish this and go home. The castle in Volterra had become our new home. We headed to our next destination, ready to tackle the battles before us.

BPOV

After dad and Esme had left we set out with renewed vigor. It had been two weeks since they had healed us. South Carolina hadn't taken long to clear out, it was a small state in comparison to the worst ones. The southern parts of Georgia were difficult, but it was sheer stubbornness that drove us on. We wanted to go home, we wanted to finish this. Vampire Wars would not be allowed to rear up again.

We had reached Miami, the last army had been destroyed, it's leaders were scattered between bags with their enemies. There were only ten bags of miscellaneous body parts. The mood had lightened. The guard were going home and I would be with J, Char, Pete and Demitri. We needed the time to ourselves.

As per Aro's orders we took a week off in Miami. Pete and Char stayed at a hotel on the other side of the city from us. Demitri was enjoying the nightlife; going to clubs, walking the streets and exploring the area. He would be our comms officer until we returned to Volterra. The week passed in a haze of lust, flesh against flesh and tenderness. It was just what we needed.

We set off, doing a run through each state, ensuring there were no ambitious vampires looking to start an army. Demitri drove behind us, keeping Aro informed and carting around our luggage. He stopped us regularly to ensure we were well fed. The private jet that had taken Caius and the guard back to Volterra had arrived with fresh supplies from the Healers. There were coolers full of enriched animal blood, human scent changing blood and a few bottles of elixir that would disable the gifts of vampires we captured. It was the newly designed Volturi first aid kit. Demitri would hand us a cup of animal blood and flask of human blood daily. He had become an honorary Horseman.

The week in Miami had also helped our mission, it gave potential army leaders time to regroup and let down their guard. We encountered pockets of rebellion while running through the states, they were easy to pick off.

A few times we'd come across humans in the process of turning, we'd snap their necks and burn their bodies. It was a better fate than letting them be turned into tools for greed. Where there were humans in the midst of changing there was an aspiring leader close by. Demitri would tap into their mind and give us the co-ordinates. We missed nothing. We'd occasionally come across a nomad and Demitri would talk to them, telling them of an elite Volturi guard called the Four Horsemen who enforced the Volturi law in the USA. Hopefully word would spread and no one would dare create a newborn army.

By the time we got to California the boot of our car held seven bags of vampire parts. Most likely these prisoners would be executed, but the Masters were clear on our orders; they wanted us to bring rebel leaders to them.

We arrived at the airport. We carried our luggage to the tarmac and packed the plane. We had brought souvenirs for our friends. The Healers would each have a small collection of souvenir tea spoons from each capital city we visited (Pete thought it was hilarious to give human feeding implements to those who didn't eat.) J and I had bought a case of Rainier Beer for dad.

Pete had also bought the wives and Esme a collection of tea towels with prints relating to each state we visited. We all pitched in to buy more appropriate gifts for the queens; a pink Morganite pendant for Dora, a Californian Jade pendant for Picia and a rose gold pendant in the shape of a phoenix with a red tourmaline stone clasped in its feet for Esme. All of the gems had been mined locally.

J had come across two ceremonial confederate army sabers, he bought both; one for himself and the other for Caius. Pete bought Aro some cowboy boots and a set of John Wayne movies. I added the DVD of 'Little Big Man' to the John Wayne collection. With Demitri's help I bought Marcus, Em and Rose a collection of seeds for plants indigenous to the southern states. We bought t-shirts for the Guard, some of them were a little inappropriate; Peter had bought the ones for Felix, Afton and Alec and threw in some ostentatious belt buckles.

We'd each secretly bought a gift for Demitri; Char and I bought him platinum dog tags with a large sapphire to mirror the stones in our Volturi pendants, Peter bought him a large collectable plastic figurine of Shredder from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Demitri said that he suspected Aro had used the character as inspiration for our uniform.) Finally, Jasper bought him a copy of conspiracy theories relating to the end of the world, he was helping the Four Horsemen bring about the Apocalypse after all.

The flight was both relieving and tedious. We couldn't wait to get back to Volterra. Demitri loved the gifts we gave him, "You're one of us now, man." J said. He immediately put on the necklace with the dog tags Char and I had bought him and said he'd get titanium replicas. He and J were flying the plane, Demitri had put the Shredder figurine on a bench near the controls.

Demitri had bought us gifts as well; he'd had made four black t-shirts with the slogan "I started the Apocalypse and all I got was this crummy t-shirt." I loved it!

We landed at Pisa International Airport and sighed in relief, this was the official end of our mission. I didn't want to go back to America for a while, the wars had changed how I saw my home country. The Volturi had become our extended family and I looked forward to seeing the Masters and the Guard.

We were surprised when Aro, Esme and the wives met us in the Arrivals lounge. Aro hugged and congratulated us on a mission well done. We were surprised by the affection, Demitri was especially so. They had hired a minibus to take us and our luggage to the Castle. The wives gave us thermoses of their latest creations. We were effectively given a three course meal on the ride back. We entered the bat cave with amused relief. The whole coven was waiting to welcome us, we handed out the presents and excused ourselves. We just wanted to lie down in our beds with our mates.