Chapter nine: Let the war begin.
I shouldn't put all my trust in her. After all, there was no proof that what she had shown me was true. The only way I could even clarify her 'memory' is to confirm it with Demetri. If he had indeed caught a scent when he was with Renesmee there; he would be able to match it with hers; right?
Well, there was that option; but I presumed the only true way for me to find out if it was true was from Renesmee herself. I wasn't going anywhere near there until we knew for certain. If this didn't involve the Cullen's like she had said it did, then there was no reason to involve them in our matters. It was that simple.
Explaining things to Jane, Demetri and Felix would be troublesome, especially if it turned out this was indeed a lie. If it were some ploy of Lilianna's. I couldn't put that off, seeing as she seemed happy enough to push her 'sister' into deep water and make me vow to kill her. Loyalty didn't seem to be their strong point; did it?
I hadn't told them anything. I wouldn't do that until I had this girl at my side to tell her tale. Instead, I had spread my suspicion that I had a suspect in the waiting. I was to meet her where I had planned, and she was to follow after me. Eventually, Demetri and Felix would flank out after her; boxing her in somewhat. It would be full proof, especially if she was being watched. With this plan, it would look innocent more or less. Nothing too obvious that she was following me through the crowd.
The only downside was the attire I had to wear. I was meeting her at noon; and thus it would be prime time for the human's roaming around the city. The crowd would be used as our disguise, but in order to blend in... I had to wear normal clothing.
Felix and Demetri were in the same boat; but they didn't seem as irritated as I was by wearing these clothes. Well, the last time they wore normal clothing wasn't with the love of their lives, was it? No. These clothes were bringing back memories that I, quite frankly, didn't wish to relive. Jane downright refused to wear the clothing; thus why she was to wait at our little hideout for the suspect and our return. She wasn't happy with that, obviously, but eventually she agreed to go along with it and stay with Corin.
"Noon was the time, right?" Demetri asked as we filtered through the crowds. He was keeping his usual trend up, more or less. Black dress pants, a white shirt and his waistcoat. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up, giving him a more 'casual' look. He had tried to go with a tie, but decided against it. Instead, he had the two buttons undone and ruffled apart.
To say that we were turning eyes would be an understatement.
Demetri had his sophisticated, casual worker look. Felix had his... Well, I don't even know how to explain his attire. Jeans, a white shirt and a leather jacket. Was he trying to go with the 'bad boy' look, or whatever they called it? It seemed so, since he walked with some kind of sway in his step. I stand by my usual insult of him. Moron.
Then there was me. I wore the my clothes, only slightly different. Instead of the cloak hiding my underclothes; I had them on display... Exactly the same as I had when I hit Renesmee with the 'I'm coming to school with you.'
My black shirt left unbuttoned completely, a white shirt underneath, and my black jeans and belt. Out of all of us, I was the only one who kept my necklace on; but had it hidden under the white shirt.
Despite how much of a moron I believed Felix to be, he had made it a whole lot more easier for us with the 'eye' problem. Instead of the effort of having to put up with the contacts, Felix had suggested we wear sunglasses. Although I was fully aware it was just so that he could add to his look, it was more endurable than the blurred vision of contact lenses. I had worn them far to many times in the past already.
"Indeed," I answered in a monotone way, my eyes narrowing on the alley I had come face to face with the girl in. "However, I think it's a possibility she may be late."
"Why's that?" Felix asked, his head turning towards me as we walked along.
"You'll see."
I couldn't exactly let the bomb go off straight away. They'd find out sooner or later.
"Remember to keep back until you see myself. That's when you assume there is someone following, and you make your move."
The both nodded in sync and split off their separate ways while I weaved through the people and stepped into the alley. Making my way down it more once again, I came to a halt the moment I came to the area I'd found the flakes of blood.
Looking down to the watch on my wrist, I nodded to myself.
11:59.
We had one minute until she was scheduled to come. If she were to come. Of course there was doubt lingering within me. She was going against her coven in order to help us. She had made a wise choice, however. Going up against the Volturi was suicide. It would never end well; the Romanian coven were the perfect example of that. We had slaughtered them. We had left only two remaining vampires, who had to live with the blood of their coven on their hands because they had the nerve to go against us.
We were the justice in our world. We don't, nor will we ever, tolerate incompetence. If this girl had indeed wasted my time; she'd pay severely. I was in no mood, nor did I have the patience anymore, to deal with these sort of games.
Felix was the one who enjoyed games. I on the other hand? I wasn't a gamer, nor was I into these sick twisted plots.
In that moment, I realized something. I was more set on the possibility of her not turning up. Was that because I hoped that somehow this was possibly a sham? Because if this was indeed a sham, then there was no real danger for Renesmee nor her family. The Volturi were fine, there was no real danger therefore we always came out victorious in the end, but Renesmee's coven? They were a large coven yes, and true they had managed to round up countless immortals when it came to standing off with us; but this Lilianna plan...
They would be caught off guard. Their numbers weren't anywhere near what ours were; thus why we could stand a chance. But the Cullen's were only made up of, what? Eight members, not including Renesmee?
I didn't like the odds one bit.
In fact, those odds made me feel a little more restless as the seconds ticked by.
I glanced to my watch once again.
12:02.
The time had been and gone, and the seconds were still ticking by. Where the hell was she?!
A clatter of feet hitting the floor forced my head up, my body instantly on it's defence. Crouching down and pulling herself back up to her feet stood the very girl I had been restless on waiting for.
"Sorry," she whispered; while I kept my eyes locked with hers.
Instead of speaking, I just gave a firm nod and began walking again. Out of the alley, with her following in toe. This is where it began. If this was indeed a game Lilianna had in store, the Volturi were now playing; and we were dead set on winning.
—xXx—
"Do you ever get memories of Seattle?" Ryan asked, causing Delilah to roll her dark black eyes.
She had said at least twice she needed to go 'feed' but he was dead set on just sitting there, talking, and keeping her there. Of course Delilah loved talking to him, but there was a time and a place for that. She was expected by probably one of the most dangerous vampire's in their world; and he was keeping here with idle chitchat! Couldn't he talk to her about this in the house?
Well, that was a stupid question. Of course he couldn't. Lilianna didn't like it when they spoke of their past lives. In fact, she had made it a number one rule in their little coven. Those lives were in the past, and they were no longer important to them. The past was for the past, and that was the way it was supposed to be.
Delilah would be lying if she were to say she didn't secretly think back to those days. They said that eventually you forgot your human life as the years passed, and so far... That had been proven right. Lilianna only remembered hers, because she was still living in her past. She clung to it, and was still trying desperately to get it back. But the vampire's she had met in Volterra... The ones she was actually able to speak too, had all said their human lives were like a blur to them now.
There were some parts of Delilah's life she was thankful for that to happen, but then there were those she didn't want to lose. Some memories she would never want to forget. After all, she had met Ryan; she had gained a best friend and someone who understood her and accepted her for all her flaws. She even had someone to read goddamn manga with, when she was convinced she was the only person who liked it. That was how she had become friends with Ryan, actually. She had been reading, keeping to herself, when he suddenly appeared and questioned her on it; then boom. Friends forever. Now, she supposed they would exactly be that since now they did in fact have forever.
"Every now and then," Delilah replied truthfully, her hand itching at the rooftop at her fingertips.
"Y'know when you vanished?" Ryan asked, his head turning to look at her. She just stared at him, for no words could really come out with that. Of course she could remember. Those had been the days when she went along with every single day, never thinking of him, or what she had left behind. Ryan continued with his little story, as she had expected he would.
"Everyone gave up after a couple of months. Looking for you, that is... But somehow, I felt like I'd see you again. Not like this, obviously. But I figured... Maybe one day I'd run into you, you'd be married with seven kids-" Delilah couldn't help but snort at the mere idea. Her with kids? Never going to happen. "- and some big house in a city. I wanted to believe you'd run off with some guy to be happy... I'd seen Scott's poster a few weeks after yours, and thought maybe it was him... Hoped maybe it was him you ran off with. I didn't want to believe that you were..."
His words trailed off, as did his eyes. He was looking down at his feet; so that she couldn't see his expression. Delilah shuffled herself closer to him, her hand shakily raising to rest onto his shoulder. "I know," she said, sadly. "I didn't think you'd give up so easily."
"I never did," Ryan scoffed, more so at himself than her. "I just... Didn't want to let go, because if I did... I'd have lost something I never really found."
Delilah's head tilted with his words. Since when did Ryan become so sentimental and deep? It wasn't like him. "This is really stupid, I get it. But it's been bugging me for a while. Seeing you like this made me realize just how much I don't want to lose you again."
Delilah's insides twisted, and her heart ached.
"You won't lost me." She said, hoping that was true. "And if you do, then I don't want you to mope around, alright?"
He turned his head to look at her, a frown on his face.
"No butts, Ry." She shook her own head, giving his shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You'll move on, and you'll be happy. It's what I would want. Besides, you have Scott, Mary, Damien... And even Shay now, to look out for if something were to happen."
Ryan's features didn't change in the slightest. However, after a few seconds; he eventually nodded. "The same goes for you. This thing Lilianna's getting us into... It's not going to be pretty. If something were to happen to me, you do the same?"
Delilah reluctantly nodded her head.
"So it's a promise?" He asked.
"Promise," she agreed, a sly smile appearing on her face.
He returned the smile, until eventually neither of them could hold back a laugh. She had always liked it when Ryan laughed, even more so when it was her who made him laugh. If she were to be locked in a room and only had one thing to listen too for the rest of her life, she would hope it was his laughter.
"You've been hanging around with Damien too much. Turning all deep on me," Delilah laughed, shoving his arm while scooting herself away from him in the slightest.
"Yeah..." Ryan scratched the back of his neck, getting ahold of his laughter. He cleared his throat, and clipped his heel on the wall below him. "You go hunt. I'll get you at that comic book store."
Nodding her head, Delilah stood herself up and brushed her clothes down. Just before she was about to set off, Ryan's voice stopped her... Again.
"Delilah?"
She turned to look down at him, her eyebrow raised.
His lips parted, though he hesitated in speaking. She raised her eyebrow a little more in curiosity. He shook his head in return, and waved it off. "Go eat. Just stalling you."
Delilah wasn't sure if that was the true case or not, but never the less... She couldn't wait any longer to get it out of him. Alec was probably already waiting, and no doubt he was going to make her suffer for making him wait despite having at least half an hour left to feed.
"I won't be long!" Delilah called as she shot off over the rooftops. If anything, Ryan's little conversation made her more determined to see this through. What Lilianna was doing was wrong, and putting each of them in danger. For her coven, for Ryan, and for herself she had to betray her creator. There was no doubt about it in her mind anymore.
No one crossed the Volturi, and she wasn't going to start out her life by doing exactly that. There was no turning back now.
—xXx—
The plan so far, was going perfectly. I had the girl following behind me, her head bowed down so no one would see her bright red eyes - obviously she had fed recently, that was what probably forced her to be so long - with Demetri and Felix flanking either side of her as some distance. She was probably well aware of the other two, because I certainly was. The walk, all in all, didn't take too long. We were at the house, using the back entrance of course for the neighbours couldn't know about us staying there, in no time.
Jane was sitting on the chair, waiting eagerly for our return. The moment I stepped into the room, she was on her feet and ready to pounce. I couldn't really blame her; I had kept her out on the most important detail of it all. I wasn't at all sure how I was going to... Break it too her. Lilianna was here, alive - or living dead, whatever it was we were - and she was the one behind all these problems. Not to mention we had a much larger problem we'd soon have to deal with.
Jane studied my face and then that of the girl who had followed me in. Confusion flashed over her eyes for the slightest of moments, but quickly vanished just as it had been there.
Felix and Demetri appeared seconds after Delilah, who stood as a distance from me; but somehow using me as a shield.
"This is her?" Jane asked, a voice as stern as ever.
"Indeed. However," I paused, peering over my shoulder and removing my sunglasses. Delilah avoided my eyes at all means. I wasn't sure why, nor how, but I got the vibe that... I scared the girl. Did this play part in why she was helping us now? If so, I was thankful for having the effect on her. For now I would be able to find out the truth. I'd be able to find out if she had indeed been telling the truth, somewhat. I'd also have the burden I had looming over me finally out in the open. Jane would know about Lilianna, and soon everything would be out in the open. The deal, the problem, everything. I'd be free from holding this information from the Volturi. What a relief that was going to be. "You may wish to sit down for this, sister."
Jane's confusion continued to grow as I gingerly rested my hands onto her shoulders and guided her to sit down.
"What is this about, Alec?" I could hear the strain in her voice.
Jane had always been a sharp person, so it was obvious she'd pick up on something not being right.
"Remember in Verona..." I started, seeing as this seemed to be the most tactical way of doing things. "And we experienced that... Memory?"
Jane's eyes flashed with anger. I took that as her answer. She did remember. I remembered mine, greatly. It had been so vivid, so clear as if it were happening all over again. That memory... Had been one of my deepest regrets, for it was when I had promised to run away with her. I had been a foolish child, who didn't know any better. What sort of.. Nut case would actually hold me to that promise?! It happened a millennium ago, for christ sake!
"That was her."
Jane's eyes snapped towards Delilah in that moment, her teeth bared and ready to produce a snarl.
"And what about being able to hide scents? Was this her too?"
Demetri was being hopeful. All in all, if she was behind the ability of hiding scents and trails; I wouldn't be able to do anything for her. Demetri would stop at nothing until he could rip her apart, and I wouldn't be in the right if I were to stand in the way of that. If she was the cause, she'd have to face him by herself. Whomever had done this to him has caused Demetri a great deal of irritation and trouble. He had even began to doubt his own ability because of this person. However, she wasn't the cause of that. Her ability was to project images, or more so whatever she wished for us to see.
Image projection, I was sure she had called it.
"N-no! That wasn't me!" Delilah had turned, so she was able to face all of us; her back to the window. She held her hands up as a sign of retreat. "That wasn't me, I swear... And he wouldn't be doing this if it wasn't for Lilianna!"
The name she spoke caused Jane to go stiff at my side. Her eyes widened dramatically, while her lips formed into a tight thin line. She too was experiencing what I had when I first realized Lilianna was alive, although I had proof of it; for it was her who came out to me, and not someone claiming for her to be alive. I'd think there was something wrong with Jane if she didn't have a small dose of doubt with Delilah's words.
As I expected, the doubt showed itself, as she looked at me for some sign of sanity. Some sign from me that it wasn't true, yet all I could offer was a nod in agreement with the girls words.
Jane was awestruck. Jane was confused. Jane was... Pissed.
"Sit down," she ordered towards Delilah, who complied with her automatically. She instantly fell to a seat on the sofa - where I usually sat, ironically. Demetri and Felix moved from their stance in the doorway to take seats themselves. Demetri took a seat on a lone chair next to Delilah, whereas Felix totally ignored all signs that she didn't want to be near us, and sat beside her. With them having moved from the doorway, I was able to see Corin; watching curiously and just as confusedly as the rest of them.
"What is your name?" Jane's voice broke the eerie, thick silence.
"Delilah... Delilah Vitale." She said as her eyes fell to her hands. I got the feeling that she hadn't spoken her full name in a while. I could almost... Pity her.
"Why are you here?" Jane went on, doing the usual interrogation method, I presumed.
I decided it was best if I interject, and somehow put an end to all these questions. Why answer, when she could show?
"Sister," I rested a hand back onto her shoulder. Jane's eyes found mine. "I have a quicker method in mind."
Jane nodded her head after a second in agreement. Taking my cue, I removed my hand from her shoulder and paced towards Delilah. I crouched down to her level, but she still tried to avoid my gaze. "Show them... Just like you showed me. Show them everything."
Delilah's eyes reluctantly looked into mine, scanning them carefully. Probably looking for a sign that she could trust me. Well, she could look all she wanted. It was up to her whether or not she should trust us, I wasn't about to try and convince her too.
She let out a deep sigh and closed her eyes again.
The room fell silent, not a single breath was given. They were obviously under this girls illusion; but she had managed to avoid me from the scenario. I was thankful, for I don't think I'd be able to witness Renesmee being struck in the face again without losing my temper. I couldn't let my emotions get in the way, despite the rage that was building slowly. I stood from my crouch beside her and made my way to Jane's side again.
I had to take this on in a tactical manner, just like a Volturi member would. I had to put all my feelings, all my devotions, behind me and be Alec of the Volturi. I could be a vengeful ex-lover another time.
Five minutes ticked by, and I presumed by now... They were past the talk of taking us, and the Cullen's down. It turned out... That the girl who had gone missing in Forks, the young girl named Mary Chez, was indeed taken by Lilianna. Her family had been slaughtered, and she was now part of this thing bigger than her, but she was oblivious as to how much trouble this was going to cause. In the memory, she seemed timid and quiet and scarce.
And as for the other disappearances, we'd found them also.
Damien Shade. Ryan McKenzie. Shay Logan. I had wondered where Veronica was, along with the many others; but Delilah hadn't shown them at all. I believed them to be dead, for Lilianna had made several references that she wanted 'the best and only the best.' She was beginning to sound a little like Aro there, hilariously. But whatever she meant about 'the best' I wasn't too sure as of yet, but it was likely we would find out soon.
So with that memory gone, I presumed they'd now be onto the very memory that I hoped wasn't true, but still angered me to no end. A breath hitched from somewhere in the room, and eyes began to flutter rapidly.
"That was you," Demetri said, standing up quickly and taking my place where I had been in front of Delilah. He leant out and took hold of her hand. I could see the visible shaking, but she complied with what Demetri wished. He slowly lifted her hand to his face, and took a large inhale of her sleeve. His eyes flickered to a close for half a second before snapping open again. "That was your scent."
"Do you mean to say..." I spoke, my eyes flaring with the anger inside.
"I had a suspicion someone was watching when we found Renesmee... It was only faint, for the wind was blowing the scent away from me, rather than to me, but I picked up the slightest. I would have been able to latch on if it wasn't for Renesmee wanting to go home."
So that settled it. It was true. Delilah had witnessed it. The memory where Lilianna had struck Renesmee, and threatened my life - which angered Jane. I could see that by the glare she was now giving - and Renesmee's life. If that memory was true, which it was now apparent it was, then... The other must be also. Lilianna planned on taking down the Volturi, alongside the Cullen's.
She had gone from a mere annoyance to a full blown threat. She wasn't just wanting to cause trouble, she was out for a downright war. With everything in focus now, I looked towards Jane as if she were illuminated; and I needed her to shed less light onto what was about to happen.
"They should see this coming," Jane frowned. "With Alice... The visions. Surely they see this?"
That's when it struck me. She wouldn't have seen any of this... Because she couldn't see anything involving Renesmee. She couldn't see anything around her, aimed at her, or about her.
Lilianna had a blind spot when it came to this. She was going to take them by surprise, and then most likely she was going to come after the Volturi when we came to investigate the Cullen's dismemberment. It was a bold plan... But the scary thing about it... It might've worked if we hadn't had Delilah come forth with this information. Actually, there was no might've about it. It most likely would have worked.
"She can't see anything to do with Renesmee." I said, my own eyes wide with the realization. "They'd be sitting ducks.."
"We must take them down," Jane said with a firm growl. "Every single one of them."
"No!" Delilah shot to her feet, her eyes wide and terrified. "Please, no. Not... Not Scotty, or Mary... Or Ryan, Shay and Damien... They don't know any better, they don't want anything to do with this."
Jane frowned towards her. I knew what was coming, so before anything could come of it; I put my hand back onto Jane's shoulder. She looked at me instantly.
"It's a known fact we don't give second chances... However, she has come here in the events of trying to warn us. I think she may come of great importance. With her as inside eyes, we will be able to see what Lilianna is planning completely. Of course, with that advantage, she will want something in return." I turned my eyes back to Delilah. "Demands for helping us, so to speak... Right?"
Delilah was beyond confused, but the moment she looked into my eyes; I could see that she understood. Quickly, and rather frantically, she nodded. "I don't want them hurt. I... I can get them to help you too. Please... If they can live, I'll do anything."
I turned to Jane again, the evident irritation on her face was amusing to say the least. "You see sister... She will do anything we ask of her."
"And what do you suggest we do with her then, if not destroy her, Alec?" Jane spoke in a clipped tone, her head tilting to look up at me.
Hm, that was a good question. What could we have her do for us? We were now at an advantage when it came to this situation; and there was nothing more I liked than being in the lead. Call it childish, but I didn't like to lose. I was pretty sure no one in this room did either.
Jane certainly didn't.
"We send her back to her home with Lilianna. Keep check of the alley I met you in," I nodded towards Delilah; who nodded frantically in return again. "If you happen to find one of us there, it means we wish to talk again. Besides that, gather every little piece of information you can. One of us will be there to collect said information. For now, I wish to know the names and the abilities of these... People you wish to protect. Is that doable?"
"You won't... Hurt them, will you?" Delilah asked.
"No. You have my word."
Something in that statement made Delilah's gaze change. It melted, and warmed. It made me feel somewhat... Strange. Watching such a thing happen before me. I wasn't sure if it was sickness or not, but it did something.
"What?" I frowned, questioning the very gaze she was giving me.
"You are a man of your word... I know now that I can trust you."
How... How the hell did she know about that? Yes, I took my promises seriously, but there was no way on earth she'd be able to know that unless she spoke to people who had received it in the past; and that number was very few. Renesmee had probably been the only one to receive it on countless tim-
I had made a foolish, stupid, mistake yet again. I had gone against my word. I wasn't sure what it was that brought me to that conclusion. Her words, or the fact my eyes had found a book in the bookshelf that reminded me.
"You... got me... Books?"
She nodded, putting her hands behind her back. She was mocking the stance I usually took, but I couldn't comment. I was too stunned. "You said you liked William Shakespeare work so..."
"No one, apart from Jane, has ever gotten me anything..."
Were they really for me? Why had gone through the effort of getting me something, when I didn't deserve them? All I had done was... Take the chance to get to know her. I was here to determine whether or not she should die! And yet, here she was... Showering me with gifts.
"We're friends. Think of it as a late birthday present." She said. I couldn't help but just stare at her in awe, but slowly felt my lips curve.
"Thank you, Renesmee. I shall treasure them forever." And I would. For the rest of eternity, I'd keep them in mint condition.
But then it dawned on me...
"I... Don't have anything I could give to you in return," I said, looking down to myself. Perhaps there was something on me she could have? A pocket watch? Why on earth would she want that? The only other thing of value I had on me was the necklace... I'd be damned if I was going to give that away. The only way she would get this necklace from me is if she managed to steal what the necklace represented. My heart.
Renesmee listed her hands to signal a retreat. "I don't want anything. You being my friend is enough."
Friend? Really? That was... All she wanted in return? For someone who had no friends in the world for all their human life, and nothing in their immortal life, it was enough to stun me and give her a look of confusion. She just wanted my friendship... Nothing else. Slowly, I nodded. "Then I assure you, Reny. We shall be friends forever."
I was honestly becoming one of the biggest jerks in society. I had gone against everything I stood for! First Lilianna's promise, and now this one? Was I truly becoming so self-indulgent I couldn't even remember the things I had said? Of course, I'd never take up Lilianna's promise. But Renesmee... That was a different story.
I had to make things right.
I nodded my head towards her words, watching as she slowly rested herself down once again.
One by one, she began with their names.
Damien Shade. Emotional override.
Sounded a lot like Jasper, however Delilah went onto explain that he was unable to feel what others were feeling; he just took over everyone else's emotions and made them feel what he was - which was calm all the time. Odd, for a newborn; right? Which made me believe that perhaps he had self control in there along with this emotional override thing. It obviously came in handy with Lilianna's plot, for a house full of newborns would no doubt end up being chaotic; with him there... She'd have overall control. Everyone calm and doing as they were told.
Shay Logan. Past projection and intake.
A simple touch, she was able to see the past of the individual. The past being their human life, along with the ability to project her own. Somewhat swapping of information. What good would this be to Lilianna? Then the whole 'only child' thing came into mind, which made me believe perhaps she used this one to see if they had any siblings, etc. I knew why Lilianna was picking only children now. She was rebuilding a family for herself. Wishing for them to depend on her as a sister, and for her to be their only sister along with the other newborns.
Ryan McKenzie. Gift absorbent.
This one truly... Amazed me. Never had I heard of this ability, which made it all the more rare... Yet deadly. By touching another gifted immortal, he had the ability to somehow replicate that gift and have it for himself. It wasn't as strong as the original owner. However, once the 'original' died, the full gift moved to him and became it's full strength. Delilah used me as an example when explaining this.
"If Ryan were to touch you for instance, Alec... Your ability to take down... I don't know, two hundred people at once." I nodded along. "Well, he'd only be able to take down a fraction of that. Perhaps only twenty people at once. But if you were to die... That full gift would become his own, and he'd be able to take down the two hundred."
"So... He's like a sponge?" Felix arched an eyebrow. Delilah let out a small laugh, and I could see her visibly become more relaxed in our company. "I suppose, yeah."
His gift was without a doubt unique. I had no doubt that Aro would be interested in this. Surprisingly, Lilianna didn't know about his gift. She believed it to be mere electrokinesis; which he had obtained by killing a newborn who had threatened Delilah's life. It seemed Delilah had herself a dangerously powerfull ally on her hands here. She should count herself as lucky.
She moved on to explain the others, also.
Her own one. Image projection.
She had the ability to force images, situations, memories, towards people. Somewhat like an illusion, however she could only do this to a certain amount of people at once. The limit she had met had been five so far. She was trying to advance it, but so far had failed in doing so. When Jane had asked how she had been able to project our own memories to us if she was unable to get into peoples heads, Delilah replied with a mere 'I'm getting to that.' In order to project things, it had to be of what she wanted. If it was a memory, it had to be one of hers.
She went on.
Scott Ashmore. Invisible barrier.
Or, as he liked to call it, invisibility cloak. He had been a Harry Potter nerd in his human life, apparently. He had the ability to hide his scent, and those around him, from anyone who tried to find them when he didn't want them too. Demetri had snarled, for now he knew the name of the person who had been able to hide themselves from him. Only expected, for 'Scott' had caused Demetri a real amount of stress over the last few months. It never once left his thoughts on how someone was able to hide themselves from him.
Scott was able to turn it on and off as he wished, which explained why Demetri would get the hits of scents only for them to disappear instantly.
Mary Chez. Mind manipulation.
This one had me... Very interested to say the least. I had visited this girls home once. I had seen what had become of her family. I had seen the photograph of her, surrounded by her dotting parents. The hairstyle and the clothes she had worn. It was evident this girl tried to be everything her parents had wished to be. The books in her room, the clothes, the hair. She was trying to be the perfect child, which is why it came to no surprise to me of her ability. Manipulating the mind, just like she had once been manipulated into being the perfect child.
She could make anyone do anything she wished, and make them think it was their idea in the first place. Which... Explained Demetri's choice in running in the opposite direction as to where they believed they had run. She had done that by getting into his mind. A smart, smart move on her part.
Delilah had saved the best for last, clearly.
Lilianna Lovell.
Delilah hadn't come up for a name for her gift yet, for a number of things came to mind. She began by suggesting that the best possible explanation for that was a mirror. Lilianna was able to reflect gifts off herself, and onto others she wished. In order for it to work, in the beginning, the person hitting her with the gift had to be close by for it to reflect. Then, after a period of time being around this person, the distance could span out. Sort of like having a mirror and standing way back from it, but still having that reflection there.
She was able to do this with everyones gifts. Delilah expected that she used Mary's gift on the newborns to manipulate them into behaving. She expected that she used Mary's gift to manipulate Scott into being this protective big brother, Mary into a sweet innocent little thing, and Delilah into... Well, Grace. It was clear who each of them were meant to be now. Delilah was Grace, Scott was Edmund, and Mary was Annabeth.
She was creating her family again. It was plainly obvious now. Jane could see it, and so could I.
She used Scott's gift to hide herself, and others also. Making the invisible barrier a whole lot larger than what Scott could do. She used each any every single one of them as pawns in her little game, and it was all beginning to unravel in front of us.
"So... She wants to take us down... For Alec?" Felix asked, his head tilting to the side while his finger flicked over her bottom lip. Delilah shifted her eyes towards him, giving a gentle nod.
"She wants both the twins, but more so Alec. Yes."
Jane and I shared a glance with one another, a silent moment of amusement more or less. Although this wasn't a laughing matter, we simply couldn't help it. The mere prospect that she could be that selfish was... Well, hilarious! As if she could actually believe I'd go with her after all this. If anything, I'd take pride in being the one to take her head from her shoulders.
"I always knew she had an unhealthy obsession with you in our human days Alec," Jane smirked. "I wouldn't have suspected her to be the mastermind behind this, however. Even if I'd known she was indeed alive."
She spoke the truth. In our human years, Lilianna wasn't like this at all. She was the sweet, somewhat forward, type of girl. But never would I had expected her to be this... Cunning. I didn't suspect she had the mental ability, really. I was pleasantly surprised alongside severely irritated by it.
"With this knowledge, I suggest we do as Alec says." Jane turned her eyes back to Delilah. "You return to your coven, but keep an eye out. You will be hearing from us."
Delilah nodded her head alongside bowing it.
"Demetri, escort her out."
Demetri was on his feet in that instant.
"Thank you..." Delilah whispered as she stood. "I hope... This information has been helpful."
"It has. We are in your debt, Delilah." I answered, knowing Jane wouldn't like that statement in the slightest. The Volturi were never in anyone's debt. We were obsolete, after all.
Delilah smiled towards me while Demetri put his arm around her waist and began to lead her out. The moment we heard the door close, Jane turned to look at me.
"What now, brother?"
I brushed my finger over my lip, giving a long and thoughtful sigh. What now, indeed. It seemed we found ourselves an opponent, obviously. This did infact involve the Cullen's, and it wouldn't sit well with me if we were to just... Leave them in the dark, so to speak. This had turned into a war, after all.
"We go to the Cullen's, and let Edward see what we have. We discuss things with them, and shed light on the situation. Then... Corin," I turned to her. She stood up straight again, her eyes large and wide. Clearly, she couldn't wait to be a part of this. "You return to Volterra and inform our masters on this situation. Request they come to Alabama immediately."
Jane frowned up at me. "Brother..."
"No, no. We bring Aro here, and stand alongside the Cullen's. If it is a war that she wants, then so be it. We will show her that we do not take this sort of betrayal and treason. I'm somewhat positive that we will have Delilah and her own allies on our side. We confront her with both coven's together and take her off guard."
"Is that a good idea? We'd no doubt be giving her exactly what she wants. Both coven's she wants to take down at once?" Felix put in there, his own brow creased.
I smiled to myself and nodded. "Exactly, but that is where it will be a surprise. Lilianna is building herself an... Army so to speak. But with our numbers, and the Cullen's combined; alongside Delilah and the others... We will outnumber them seven to one, I believe."
After a second, Jane seemed to ease into the idea and grin widely. "I see. And then we will be able to put an end to all this once and for all. But who will deal with Lilianna? To be the one to end her?"
I began to pace back and forth, the idea irking me in an unpleasant way. Honestly, the thought had crossed my mind. Of course, I wanted to be the one to do it. But no doubt so did Jane. But then there was one other person I was somewhat positive should do it also. Renesmee had endured just as much suffering as I had because of this girl, but I didn't believe she would have the stomach to actually end her life.
I, on the other hand, would happily do so; as would Jane.
"First come, first serve." I smiled towards Jane, whose face lit up like a child on Christmas.
"Well then... Lets leave for the Cullen's." Jane spoke just as Demetri reappeared at the door.
Felix stood up, as did Jane. In a quick agreement, we took off. It was time to set out plan in motion. We weren't going down without a fight. I was not letting Lilianna get away with this. She would suffer ten times as much as I had.
The moment we arrived at the Cullen's, they allowed us inside yet again, and it began. Edward was able to see, and clarify what we were saying. Each of them were just as shocked in their own way. Each of them began to deliberate on a course of action.
"My brother has come up with a plan himself," Jane spoke above the chatter, rendering everyone silent. "He suggests we give her what she wishes. There is no avoiding this fight, clearly. So why not take her by surprise."
"That's suicide," Bella spoke in a harsh tone, her hand clutching tighter onto Edward's shirt. "We will be putting everyone at risk!"
"We are already at risk. You were sitting ducks until we obtained this information. No matter where you look at this, she is going to try to destroy us. How far she gets will be up to you. She had no chance with the Volturi now we know the things we do, but you are still at a loss due to your child. Alice is unable to see because of her." Jane snapped back just as harshly. "We are trying to ensure your safety. Think yourselves as lucky, for if it wasn't for the relations Alec had with your daughter, we would not be here!"
Evidently, Jane didn't give a crap now. She was voicing her opinion, and it was true. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the fact I cared about Renesmee. Although we weren't together anymore, I would not stand by and watch her be killed because of me, nor let her family die.
Edward let out a small sigh, his hand resting over Bella's to sooth her. He was about to speak when the door opened, and our attention turned to the hallway.
Renesmee was home. Perfect! Just the very person I wanted to speak too. Trust her to pick the perfect time to arrive? Her timing had always been impeccable. I zoned out from the idle chitchat began, and forced my eyes away from her in the doorway. Edward had taken the shopping bags from her hands, leaving her standing there motionless.
It was true what he had said, however. We were here on business. Serious business. Not just some idle qurie like last time.
"You might want to sit down and hear what they have to say Renesmee, dear. It's of importance and involves all of us." Carlisle spoke, patting the seat beside him.
She agreed with a nod and stepped forward to take a seat beside him. However, I wanted to get something in the clear before we went on with this. I think I deserved a little explanation, don't you?
"Actually, if I may. I'd like to have a word with Miss Cullen... Alone."
I searched Carlisle's face first, and then Bella's. Both seemed as reluctant as each other. In fact, each of them looked a little hesitant in letting me speak to her. I deserved too though, didn't I? I had been the one she tried to protect by crushing me into pieces.
"Renesmee?" Carlisle arched an eyebrow, evidently waiting for her to answer. I turned to look over my shoulder to her, finding her somewhat awestricken.
"Uh, yeah... Sure, I guess." That was all I needed. Her agreement.
Standing up, I bid a small farewell to the group with a nod. "Continue sister, I shan't be a moment."
Jane shot me a smirk, and Renesmee a quick glare. Well, Rome wasn't built in a day. Renesmee had hurt me, and that was all Jane could see in this moment in time.
I stopped just as I came to Renesmee, gesturing her to lead. She did, and I made sure I was right behind her. As the door came to us, I leant over and quickly pull it open. I might be mad at her, but I was still a gentleman. I had been brought up to respect the role Sulpicia and Athenodora had put in place for me.
The moment we were outside, I took the lead in walking. She was half running, half walking in an attempt to keep up.
"So, what d'you want to have a 'word' with me about?"
She would find out as soon as I was sure we were out of hearing range.
"This isn't so much of a talk. More of a walk," Renesmee sighed; forcing me to roll my eyes at the comment. She wanted to talk so urgently? Well fine. I came to a halt quickly and turned to face her. Allowing her to see just how wound up I was over this situation. A situation she hadn't the slightest clue of just yet.
"Why the hell didn't you tell me?!" I stepped closer to her. Renesmee must've sensed something was wrong, and took a step back automatically. It hurt seeing her move away from me, but I wouldn't let it get to me. Stepping away from me was the least thing she could do to hurt me.
"Tell you what?"
Was she playing stupid?! Was she doing this just to get on my nerves?! There was only one thing, one freaking thing, she hadn't told me in our time together! So why was she acting so damn coy about it! This wasn't a silly little thing anymore! This wasn't a petty little argument. This was serious. Lilianna had... She had... Ugh, I couldn't even think about it without tasting the hate rise up inside of me.
My eyes trailed across her face and landed on the cheek I had seen in Delilah's memory. Red and raw looking, yet now it was as creamy as ever.
"What she did to you..." I sighed, stepping closer again. Although I was still as angry as ever, it wasn't at her. It was at Lilianna for what she did. It was for me not being there to protect her. I raised my hand and clasped hold of the cheek. My thumb making it's own actions and running across her cheekbone, for what felt like the first time in forever. I missed the feeling of her skin... So soft and warm. So fragile and smooth. "You should have told me... I would have done something."
"You know..." Realization dawned across her face alongside dread.
Damn right she better feel dread!
"I know everything."
A/N:
Jesus Christ.
You guys never seem to fail a challenge, huh? It's only been a few hours!
Never the less, it makes me love you all the more for doing this! As promised, here is the chapter.
I feel like I want to challenge you again; but picking a number... I'm positive you guys will nail it without even trying.
You are the literally the best readers anyone could ever have. I love each and every one of you in my own special way.
Want the next chapter soon? 1,220 reviews and it's yours. 50 more reviews instead of 30; that should be harder for you guys. Yeah. Heueheue, y'all gonna be able to take that on?
We're slowly moving into the huuuuuge plot I have in store for you guys. There is a lot of sexual tension, jealousy and angry sex. Yep, yep. When? Well, you're just gonna have to wait to find out.
Take it easy, and I love you all.
-C.H