Chapter twenty three: Switzerland.

She had been right there. Ontop of me, in front of them all, and I had thought for just a moment... Perhaps we could forget about all this. Perhaps we could pretend that it all wasn't real; and we were still one.

And yet, that close moment where I almost gave into both of our wants; for she didn't move away. In fact, she seemed more interested in leaning into me than leaning away. That close call came to an end, just before it became final. How could I have missed that stench?

That foul odour of wet dog, and unsightly view of Jacob making his way towards her. I know I asked Edward to send for them, as it would be beneficial to our cause, but that didn't mean I had to be happy to see him. Jacob and I, I felt, would always be mutual enemies; even though we were a lot more alike than what I'd dare admit.

He wanted the exact same thing I wanted.

Renesmee's happiness.

Renesmee's life to be safe.

Renesmee in general.

I supposed that's where our common interests ended. Jacob and I did compete, more or less, for Renesmee's hand; and I had been the one to come out victorious, however... I knew that couldn't be the case anymore. Jacob had always known that she deserved better than me, and I had been too darn lost in my amazement in this girl; in the fact someone like her would actually want me in return, to see it too.

But now I did. I knew I couldn't cripple to my hearts desire. My head wouldn't let me, because of what I wanted for her. Even if I was failing miserably at it.

I sat myself up, and eventually pulled myself to my feet as I watched Renesmee be surrounded by a horde of... Muscles, tattoos and sweat. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Caius seething. He still hadn't warmed up to the Quileute tribe, obviously. Not that I could really blame him. After the close call he had with a werewolf/moon child - or whatever they called themselves - so long ago, I would be wary of things resembling them also.

Cautiously, I began to approach Jane. She had managed to somehow regain the attention of her/my group; and had them continuing their training while the Cullen's were more interested in greeting their old 'friends' from Forks.

Felix and Demetri had moved alongside me; and stood directly beside us. Across from our own little group forming, it seemed as though one of the wolves were trying to either catch the attention of one of us... Or swat away a fly. The smaller one, with scruffy, spiky looking hair and a childish aura about him was waving his hand viciously. His eyes were indeed planted on one of us. It didn't take much to determine where his eyes were, after I'd managed to follow them.

I looked down to Jane and cocked an eyebrow. "A friend of yours?"

Jane's lips moved into a small sneer. "Don't mock me, Alec."

I let out a gentle chuckle and placed my hand onto her shoulder.

"Would I ever do such a thing, sister?"

She moved her gaze up to mine, and continued to glare. I was probably the only one who she could look at like this, and not be afraid of her harming. Well, other than Aro that is. But out of the whole Volturi guard, not including our masters; I was the only one she'd never harm with that incredible gift of hers.

"Seth must've thought I'd moved onto talking terms with him the moment he said goodbye to me in Volterra."

"Seth?" I grinned. "You remembered his name? My, my sister. How you've changed. Your standards have lowered, albeit; but one cannot knock until they've tried-"

Demetri's jaw was clenching tighter and tighter with each word I spoke. I was testing it, to see if I could actually break his jaw without even trying. If I could, I'd suppose that was something I'd be able to boast about for quite some time. If not boast, then definitely take some pride in.

"Sorry to interrupt," Delilah and her group had stopped their little training session, and she was now stepping forward towards us. Our conversation came to a dead halt, however; I doubt it would be classed as a conversation, really. More of a spree of sibling mocking and teasing.

I shook my head gently. "No need to apologize, Delilah. What is it?"

"Well..." She looked over her shoulder to the three boys, and then back to me. "We've come to a bit of a problem." Delilah explained, vaguely. If she had intended on peaking my interest, it worked.

"Problem?"

"Lilianna... Well, she suspected something. I don't know what, but she sent us all out to check on you." There had been a part of me that hoped Lilianna might've never noticed anything, or suspected anything in the slightest; but that alone was wishful thinking. Of course she would notice something eventually; it was Lilianna after all. She had always been good at finding things out. "After we 'found you' I had to send Damien and Ryan back, and continue watching you guys."

"Send them back with information, I suppose?" I asked, though it wasn't much of a question. I already knew the answer.

"Yeah." She sucked in a breath. "I'm scared that if we're out here too long, she might send someone to look for us; if not come looking herself."

"Yes... We don't want her to see you are all with us, do we..." I glanced down to Jane, who nodded along with me. "It seems we can't send them back empty handed." I mused.

"We won't have to, Alec." Aro came up from behind us, hands clasped in front of him in his usual pose. "Tell me, Delilah... Have your coven trained at all?"

"No, but I think she said something about that." Delilah looked over her shoulder again to the three behind her. They nodded in agreement that she indeed had said something or other about training eventually. "I guess she was just holding off until it was needed."

"Great." Aro grinned. "Tell them that we are here."

All of our eyes snapped up to Aro in confusion and surprise.

Was he kidding?! The element of surprise was what Aro thrived for! We never announced our arrival until the very last minute... Unless...

"It will take you a few days to train, I presume. Even a vampire like Lilianna must know of how dangerous this will be." Aro explained. "Going against us, she will need to have her soldiers ready. All of you go back as if it were urgent, and tell her that we are here, and you overheard us saying that we know who is behind all this. That you believe we know about your existance, and that we do plan on surprising you with an attack on..."

Aro's lips pursed as he began to think of a date. Was he really just going to book a freakin battle?! Did he want me to write it down in his appointment diary, or something? That was what it was beginning to seem like. He looked across the field to the group intermixed with the wolves. With them here, training might not need to be as hard; for we'd have the beasts alongside our numbers. We would still need some work done, obviously. Aro knew that, for when he opened his mouth; the date was set.

"Tuesday."

It was Friday evening currently. We had four days to get the Cullen's ready. To get ourselves ready. To get... Renesmee ready. Four days, and the war would officially begin and come to an end. Lilianna now had a date set on her head. For some reason, my chest tightened a little with the knowledge of that. It was uncomfortable, yet pleasant at the same time.

"Tuesday..." Delilah nodded. "Alright. But if we're training with her, she might not let us out to join you."

"I understand that," Aro nodded. "But if you ever see a chance to do so; do come by. Each of you."

He started with looking at Delilah, and then looked to the other three behind them. I wasn't entirely sure if that was going to happen; but it would work out in their favor if they did indeed get away from it all. If not, they'd be trained by Lilianna - to fight for her, and only her.

Was it sick and wrong that I couldn't wait to see the betrayal on her face when they'd take our side? Probably, but I couldn't care less.

"It was a pleasure meeting you, Delilah." Aro bowed his head. "You all. Thank you for all your help. If we do not see you soon, we will see you on Tuesday."

Delilah bowed her head in return and backed herself to her three coven members.

"Do be safe." Aro called out to them softly as they walked away. Delilah peered over her shoulder once again and nodded in agreement.

"You too."

At my side, Jane smirked. In fact; come to think of it, Demetri, Felix and Aro were smirking. That had been the first time anyone had ever told Aro to basically take his own advice and keep safe himself. We were the Volturi for crying out loud. There was nothing that could harm us...

Although going into battle without using any of our gifts will be troublesome, but we could do it. I hoped.

Now that the deadline was set, I couldn't waste anymore time. Aro bowed his head and returned to Marcus and Caius; to watch over our progress and let us continue. Santiago, Corin, Chelsea and Heidi had joined in from the wall of heads and went about helping Demetri and Felix with Renesmee's family - after they had to practically pry them from the wolves. A few of them, Seth being one, joined on to watch the 'lesson' with the Cullen's, while Jacob and Renesmee made their way back towards me.

I stood motionless, and impassive as ever. Jacob walked with his arm around Renesmee's shoulder, towering above her like a large... Beast. His dark brown eyes, intimidating demeanor and chiseled muscles didn't phase me in the slightest. In fact, if he puffed out his chest anymore - obviously trying to intimidate me in some way - I may find myself having to comment on his resemblance to a frigatebird.

"Alec," Jacob greeted. "I guess I have you to thank for the call."

I kept still, showing no emotion. "Your skills may be needed. That was the main motivation in involving you."

Jacob scoffed, and turned his eyes down to Renesmee. She was watching me carefully; probably trying to read what I was feeling. She wasn't seriously trying to guess if I was jealous again, was she? What did I have to be jealous over this boy? I had already beaten him once.

Even if the fact his arm around her was bothering me.

"Reny," Maybe I was just a little bit jealous, for the only real reason I used her nickname was to piss Jacob off. It worked. He glared at me. Scoreboard; Alec - 1. Jacob - 0. "Could you give Jacob and I a moment, please?"

"Uh... Sure." She smiled sheepishly, and glanced up towards the giant bigfoot. She ducked herself out from under his grip and began to shuffle herself across to her family. Both Jacob and I watched her closely. It wasn't until she was involved in their conversation that Jacob and I began ours.

"So what's the deal, bloodsucker?" Jacob asked, turning back to me. "Edward didn't say much on the phone. Just that it was urgent and involved Nessie."

"It is urgent." It took everything within me to ignore his discriminative nickname for her. He was just getting his own back, obviously. The only difference was, I wouldn't let him feel the satisfaction I had with him getting a reaction out of me.

Instead, I began a quick rundown of everything that has occurred within the past few weeks. Of our investigation to begin with; and then our initial information involving Lilianna. I disclosed of her plans so far - which Jacob reacted to rather well. I had at least expected him to lash out at least once, but instead; he just nodded through it. Perhaps, over the years; he too had matured? - and how we were currently planning on dealing with them. Tuesday seemed so soon, and to me; it did seem a little premature. I knew that we weren't dealing with beginners with the Cullen's; for they'd learn quickly.

But Renesmee?

I doubt it was in Renesmee's capability to hurt a fly; even if it was initially half of her nature. She stood out above any other person I had ever met. With her purity, innocence and her good will. How could someone, that was half monster more or less, not harm anyone? The fact that she had gone this far and not harmed a single person, nor had any thoughts on doing so - though, if she had; I'm sure she had a good reason why - was beyond amazing.

Renesmee would take a little more work than the others; even if I wasn't entirely happy about letting her join in on this. Jacob seemed to share the same view as me; for he too questioned if it was the best idea.

Her safety was something we both cherished, evidently. I was thankful for that.

"Incidentally, she won't take no for an answer." I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. "Trust me, I tried arguing with her on this."

"Didn't argue enough," Jacob hugged his own sigh. "But that sure does sound like her. Stubborn lil' thing."

Oh, Jacob didn't know the half of it! Renesmee came off far more stubborn than just insisting to attend a freakin battle. He had no idea of the struggles I had gone through this past week; that I was still going through! I wasn't stupid. I saw the way she looked at Delilah and her three friends. I had made my judgement on their lives based on how the Volturi worked; but the way she looked at them was with longing, sympathy and pity. And when I was near them? She'd look at me as if she were... Pleading for me to change my mind.

I knew exactly what she wanted; and I knew she was going to bring it up at some point. Not only that, I knew that despite the fact I'd refuse, she would not give it up.

"Perhaps you could talk her out of this?" I suggested, arching an eyebrow up to the taller, russet skinned male.

"Me? You're kidding, right?"

"I don't kid." I stated blandly. "She will listen to you, will she not?"

"Listen, leech... She ain't listened to me since she was a kid." He choked out a laugh.

I gritted my teeth, and peered over to the wolves interacting with the Cullen's, and my fellow guard members; then across to the... Two not involving themselves. There was a female sitting on the floor, legs crossed; and a wolf beside her. Dark, full grey full; protectivly sitting at her side and watching what was going on. I looked closely towards her, and even from the distance we were at heard the oddity in her heart.

Automatically, my lips curved.

"Perhaps you can convince her to stay on account of that girl?" I turned my eyes back to Jacob. "Your mate, is she not. I recall you being close to her in Volterra, if I'm correct?"

Jacob looked over to the girl and the beast, then back to me. "Who, Leah? We're not official or anything. Besides, Renesmee and Leah never really spoke much; so I doubt she'd make any help in convincing her to stay."

"It might if you were to inform her of your predicament."

Jacob's eyes narrowed at me. "... You.."

"I'm not deaf." I rolled my eyes.

"Will they all hear it?"

"... Of course they will."

Jacob let out a deeper sigh, and ran his hands through his cropped dark hair. "Well great."

"It was stupid of you to bring her along anyhow. You don't expect her to fight, do you?"

"Of course not!" Jacob hissed, becoming rather sensitive and defensive on the matter. "She insisted on coming along."

"Ah, so she's stubborn also?" I wouldn't lie, I was enjoying this. Tormenting him never would get old, I believed.

"Alright," Jacob gave in; thankfully. "I'll talk to her, let her know... Leah's gonna kill me. We're not even sure what we're gonna do about this..."

Did I looked like I cared? I couldn't have cared less what he did with his little girlfriend. He could sell her and I'd still walk around with a smile on my face. It wasn't him, nor his mate, or their problem that I cared for. It was Renesmee, and Renesmee alone.

"But let's get this straight," Jacob turned stern again. "I'm not doing this for you. I'm doing this for her. There's nothing in this world I care more for than Renesme."

I wanted to comment on how wrong it was he was saying that; when the girl he had obviously been fooling around with was sitting a few yards away. But then again, that was how imprinting worked; did it not? No one would mean more to him than his imprint. Perhaps that would change eventually, but I wouldn't put my money on it just yet.

"That's one thing you and I have in common, Jacob." I nodded in agreement. "She is all that matters."

Jacob nodded along with me, and to my surprise; he held out his hand. "For her sake, I'll have your back in this battle."

I didn't need him watching over me. I could handle myself; but I knew why he was doing it. And again, it involved Renesmee.

For her sake, I took hold of his hand and gave it a firm shake. "And I yours."

Without anyone else's knowledge, Jacob and I somehow managed to make a truce.

"Lets get to work." Jacob dropped my hand, and we both made our way over to the larger group of races.

The day that I, Alec of the Volturi, promised to protect a mutt like Jacob, was a day I never thought would happen. This Lilianna problem seemed to have brought out surprises everywhere.

—xXx—

In the two years Delilah had been Lilianna's sister, she had never seen her like this. She was frantic. She was lethal. She was seething, and most of all... She was paranoid. She had torn up the house; and continued to trash it up as the hours ticked by. Her 'rampage' had caused every single one of her newborn creations to hide/scatter around the place. Scott, Mary, Damien and Shay had to move out and begin rounding them up again. Thankfully now, Scott had them all outside; waiting. It wasn't until the early hours of the morning that she stopped throwing things around.

Although it was best if Ryan went out there with the others; and allowed Delilah to deal with this - for whatever reason, Lilianna trusted her more... Oh, the irony. - he refused to leave her side. He stood by her, at her side as a constant reminder that he was always there for her.

She could just imagine him saying: "If shit turns to shit quickly, I've got your back."

Even now, while she was faced with a seething 'sister', the thought of Ryan's voice soothed her. So much so, that she had to fight the urge to smile. Lilianna was far from a smiling mood, however. They had told her exactly what Aro had intended.

That they knew. That they knew everything, and they were going to deal with it on Tuesday.

"I don't understand!" Lilianna hissed for what felt like the thousandth time. "We were so careful!"

Well, yes. They were... In some sense. Picking random teenagers in each city they passed through wasn't at all careful; but careful in the sense that they had Scott hiding their trail. That was the only reasonable explanation, and Scott had come up with a excuse for that. Although it was going to be hard for him; he was willing to let it go on for the time being.

"Scott's sorry..." Delilah replied, nibbling on the inside of her lip. "He let it slip while he was hunting with Mary."

This was the fourth time Delilah had told her this, but Lilianna didn't seem to be taking it in. If anything, she was ignoring it. She was trying to see a different reason - whatever that would be.

"They have been getting close, lately." Ryan quickly chipped in for the first time. "Even I noticed that... And I'm still a newbie, sorta."

Lilianna grunted and leant herself against the table. Her hands lay flatly against the surface, while she leant her body forward. She was breathing deeply, evidently trying to get a hold of her anger. Good tactic. Was it working? No.

Lilianna began to talk to herself. Ways that she could fix this; for she just wasn't ready. The numbers weren't anywhere near where she wanted them, her plans to take down the Volturi were all off. Facing them now was suicide. To hear Lilianna say that made Delilah feel all the more relieved she had done what she had. To her, she believed the Volturi would have found out with or without her help anyway.

They were extremely good at what they did. Especially Alec's group. He, Jane and the other two who followed them around, would no doubt have figured it out eventually.

She also began rattling on about keeping Mary and Scott away from one another; but decided against that. That had honestly been what Scott had been expecting to give up. But if it was only for a short time, until all this mess was over, and he'd be free to be with Mary the way they wished; then he was willing to give it up. Reluctantly, of course; but he was willing. To hear that he wasn't going to have to do that after all... Delilah was a little more relieved. She knew how much it bothered Scott... Being away from her.

"It was definitely Tuesday?" Lilianna looked up to them. Delilah and Ryan in sync nodded their heads. She cursed under her breath and slammed a hand down onto the table. "Four days..." Another cuss left her lips.

"It'll have to do..." She sighed and stood herself up. "Scott has them outside. We begin training tonight. Go help Scott separate them. Females one side, males the other."

Another session of training? With her orders given; Delilah and Ryan turned to make their way outside. However...

"Delilah, you stay."

She could have sworn she felt her heart jump start and begin to hammer within her chest. Ryan gave her a long, intense and worrying look. He was silently asking if he should stay also. Despite how much she wanted to nod; for him to come and take her hand, she couldn't. She gently shook her head, and watched as he continued on outside without her.

Delilah turned around, and tilted her head towards the elder immortal.

"If I can ensure everyone here trains day and night; we may be ready before Tuesday. We could still surprise them with an attack."

She was kidding, right? Surprise the Volturi? Who had walls of members surrounding the estate? That wasn't even a small possibility. The Volturi would be able to sense it from a mile off; even with Scott hiding their trail. They would be dead before they even got the chance.

"If you think that's best..." Delilah mused silently.

"I do. We need to think of our family, and take out the threat."

Delilah nodded her head slowly.

"Speaking of threats... You're positive it was Scott's negligence?" Lilianna asked as Delilah huffed out a sigh.

"I suppose." She didn't like where this was going...

"Then he's a liability. We'll have to replace him."

What?! Replace Scott?! He had been here for two years! He had been a part of this since the beginning! She couldn't get rid of him that easily, could she? He was one of them! Automatically, Delilah began to object.

"You can't do that, Lilianna." She snapped; surprising herself at how... Demanding her voice sounded. Lilianna was surprised also, for the look on her face wasn't one of 'I-expected-that.' Never had Delilah spoken to her like that, never had either of them believed a day would come that she would. She had alway been the quiet, silent type. She wasn't one to speak out where it wasn't permitted, and she only spoke when she was spoken too. This was the first time she... Willingly questioned her motives. "He's our brother."

"I have too." How could she be so calm about this?! This was Scott! Their Scotty!

"It wasn't just him! I wandered off; far beyond his ability of hiding me. We all did... It's not just his fault!"

"But he is the main reason!"

No. No. No, she wasn't letting this happen. She wasn't ever letting this happen!

"Tonight, we will take him out from the others and deal with it. I'm relying on you to help me on this, Delilah."

No. No. No. How would Mary cope?! How would any of them cope without Scott? Their voice of reason? Their protector? Their... Big brother?! He was always there for them. He was always there with his forgiving and peaceful eyes, warm smile and unjudging arms. He was one of the kindest people she had ever met; and she hadn't been the greatest person in return to him. Their first few weeks as a vampire, she ignored him. She ignored everyone. She often snapped at Scott, she often took her frustration out on him - which would almost always leave him in getting into trouble. This was all her fault, and no matter how much Ryan would hate her for doing this, she had too.

For Scott. For Mary. They wouldn't cope without Scotty.

"It was me!" Delilah interrupted Lilianna; stunning her into a silence. "I did it."

Lilianna took a moment to regain herself. The confusion that lingered within her eyes burned into a frown. "What do you mean it was you?"

"I told them." She bit the bullet. She took the responsibility for this. She wasn't going to let Scott die for her. Even if they were 'until the end.' This was her doing, and she was going to face it herself. "I told them everything. Scott wanted me to stop, but I won't ever stop. I won't let him lie for me, nor will I let him die for what I've done. You should think like that too. Letting all these people die for a lost cause? It's selfish and wrong, Lilianna. He doesn't love you. He never will."

"You... You what?!"

Delilah knew the look that was within her eyes; and just as Lilianna launched herself to the girl with the purple flare in her bangs, Delilah was at the other side of the room. Something Alec had taught her.

"What you have to realize with Lilianna, before she makes a move; she steps with her right foot. And there's this... Look within her eyes. You see that, you have two options. You take her head on, or you move." Alec nodded his head towards Delilah as she took it all in. She was aware of the other three watching her, but she was too busy focusing on his words. Alec did exactly what he had said; mimicking what Lilianna's moves would be. His right foot shuffled forward in the slightest as if to brace itself for the quick movement to come; and he took off towards her. She had tried to get out of the way; but he had managed to grab her. His chest pressed up against her back, while his arm was around her throat. In that moment, he let her go. "The actual event will be different."

Delilah hoped so, for if that were real; she'd be dead. But she had to remember, Alec was a highly trained killer. It was his job to know how to take people down, and what to look out for. It would have been amazing if she had been able to avoid his attack first time; but she would get there... Eventually.

"Let's try this again. Ryan, you take my place. Damien, you try on Scott."

Lilianna recovered from slamming herself into the wall; and turned to glare at Delilah. She expected another attack, and before she could even consider it; Delilah was out the door and running past everyone. All heads turned to watch as she flashed past them. She heard Ryan calling out her name in distress, and evidently he must've made a move to take off after her; but Lilianna had stopped him.

She hoped they understood what she was doing, and she hoped that they'd know why she did this. She didn't have a home anymore, nor did she have the family... For now. With nowhere else she could belong, she went to the only place she knew she would be safe. She ran, as quickly as her feet would take her, towards the Cullen's. To the Volturi. To Alec.

"Where the hell did she go?!" Ryan hissed towards Lilianna, who gritted her teeth as she walked out of the house towards the others. They were all confused as to what had just happened, and to be quite frank; a little scared. What could have been so bad that had caused all that commotion inside; and forced Delilah to take off?

"She's gone." Lilianna said blandly.

"When she coming back?" Scott asked this one, frowning intently. Behind him were the solid group of newborns; all split off into their groups. Females to the left, and males to the right.

"She isn't." There was a small gasp among the crowd, while Scott, Damien and Ryan shared a glance of panic. "She betrayed us. But we will get her back. The Volturi had manipulated her way of thinking; made her believe we are the ones in the wrong. But do not worry," she must've been speaking directly to Mary, for her eyes were on her only. Mary was the one who seemed to be most affected by this. Her lip was quivering, and each of them knew that if it were possible for vampire's to cry - Mary would be."We'll get her back."

Ryan had been listening to the commotion inside, and had heard a little of what Delilah had said; but she must have had a good reason behind it. Whatever that reason was, Ryan was going to find out. Though, running off to follow her would be suicide. With Lilianna so close, he wouldn't get away quick enough. He had to wait... But he was going to follow her. He'd follow her to the edge of the Earth if he had too.

"But for now! Let's begin..."

And as if Delilah was nothing to her now, Lilianna began to explain what she wanted to happen; and the reason behind it. The newborns training had began.

—xXx—

Renesmee, against my expectations, had done quite well in her training. She took on every little obstacle that either Jane, Demetri, Felix or I had for her. I had to keep glancing over my shoulder to Aro; who would either nod or shake his head in approval. She only had to re-do certain things three times. If anything, I believed she would do rather well... If she were to train constantly. But her fatigue was getting in the way, as was her stamina. She would yawn when she believed no one was watching; but didn't she understand that I was always watching? As was Jacob; who also happened to point it out.

When it reached three o'clock; I decided that was enough for her. She objected, of course. She wanted to keep going until she could no longer go anymore. If she continued at the rate she was, it would be sooner than she thought. She was still half human, and therefore still needed to rest. As it stood, Renesmee could sleep for the state of Alabama already. If I could compare her to anything, it would be a light. When she was out, she was out.

But when she was awake; boy was she awake. Hyperactive, energetic and enthusiastic - within reason. She continued to fight me until Jane stepped in. Suggesting that she too believed it was time to call it a night. Even after I, Jacob and her family said that was enough; she wouldn't listen. But when Jane suggested it... She nodded and put on her jacket.

"Are you coming, Alec?"

You had to be kidding me, right? I had just spent twenty minutes arguing with the girl, Jacob on my side, that it was time to rest; and it wasn't until my sister said so, that she complied? Why the hell did she want me to take her back anyway? Her father was perfectly capable of it, or Jacob was, or hell... Why not even Jane?! They two seemed to be hitting it off!

I glanced to Edward, who shrugged his shoulders. So he wasn't going to offer to take her home? Odd. Surely he would offer to walk his own daughter home? Or other members of her family? Strangely enough; each of them were too enticed in their own little training session to even notice Renesmee was waiting to go home.

"Maybe Jacob could take you?"

"Y'know I'd love too; but I'm up next."

I gritted my teeth at Jacob's easy excuse.

"Unfortunately, I have my duties here. Perhaps Felix or Demetri could assist you?" I suggested on my own; for I feared that if I was alone with her, things may be said, when they should be left unsaid. A number of things, really. One being... What just happened before Jacob arrived. And another being the Delilah situation.

"You're free to accompany Miss Cullen home, Alec." Said Aro, a polite - yet sly - smile on his marble face. "Unless the Cullen's object, that is."

Edward waved his hand, basically waving both Renesmee and I off. A salute that I was welcome to going with her. It looked as though I had no choice but to go with her after all. I picked up my cloak and pulled it on over my shoulders swiftly as I made my way over to Renesmee.

"I shan't be long, master." I muttered as I past him.

"By all means, take your time."

Just because he had said that, I was going to make sure I was back before he knew it. Whatever was going through that mind of his, I wanted to put an end to it. I may have slipped up once! Just once with her, and buckled under the pressure of wanting her so badly, but that wouldn't happen again. Renesmee understood why I was doing this, and accepted it - or it seemed as though she did.

One night was all I needed. I hoped.

Renesmee had already began skipping on ahead, while I hastily caught up with her. Once I was at her side, we kept a steady pace in our travels through the trees. The morning air was crisp, while the skies above still clung onto the darkness of the previous night. The clouds didn't ease up, however. They were still there. Bulky, dense and awaiting for the release. I stood by the previous statement. I surely believed there would be a storm at some point.

Renesmee was being oddly quiet, though the look on her face gave me the impression that it wasn't going to last long. Renesmee was never able to keep quiet, even in her sleep. I just had to wait it out, before she finally let it spill.

"You know," Renesmee gave in after an initial five minutes of walking. "I've always wanted to go to Switzerland."

An odd topic to start with, but I decided to humor her. "Why?"

"The snow."

"I don't see how you could possibly have fun in this," I said. What was all the fuss about snow, anyway? Wasn't it supposed to be cold, uncomfortable and wet? Personally, I didn't feel the cold - immortal. Cold came with the package.- and I didn't get uncomfortable. The wet part, that may be a problem; but other than that... There was never a time I didn't hear a human complain about this weather. But then again, how can you ever expect to keep a human happy with any type of weather? It was either too hot, or too cold. Or not hot enough, or not cold enough. There was never a 'just right' temperature.

Thud.

A trickling sensation rolled down the back of my neck, and down my spine.

Had she really... No. Renesmee wasn't suicidal.

I turned, slowly; and was unable to unclench my teeth.

"What. Was. That?"

Renesmee put out her hands, creating an overall dramatic and highly exaggerated shrug.

"I have no idea, Alec. I mean... It could've been a tree not being able to take the weight of the snow anymore. Or... My hand feeling the cold of the snow and throwing it away, accidently hitting you in the head."

So she had thrown it? Well, if she was feeling playful; then who was I to let it go to waste? "Oh, well since it was an accident, I suppose I can let it pass just this once."

I leant down to the floor while speaking, my own hands quickly cupping the white frozen water upon the floor. "I can see what you mean about the cold," I commented while molding it into a firm circle; tossing it up into the air and catching it yet again. "Very... unbarable."

I tossed it yet again in Renesmee's direction; which she managed to dodge.

"Ha! Missed!"

I leant down yet again and quickly formed yet another. When I looked up, Renesmee was dashing across the yard. This time, I'd managed to get her square in the back; but she retalated by getting me in the chest.

The game of cat and mouse continued on until I eventually caught her; and when I had - she had managed to pull me down to the floor. To her surprise, and mine especially, I was laughing. Why was it that this girl... Managed to make me laugh? No one could make me laugh. No one, apart from Jane. And even then, it wasn't like this laughter. Jane and I laughed at things... Unmentionable. Sadistic and cruel. Where as Renesmee? Renesmee made me laugh in the most strangest of ways. Be it with her innocence and her lack of knowledge in such things, or her overall 'happy-go-lucky-yet-sassy' attitude, or situations like this.

She rolled out of my arms and lay beside me in the snow.

"Did it ever snow in England?" She asked.

"In England?"

"Yeah. I hear it gets cold and stuff like that. Did it ever snow?"

I pursed my lips, and tried to recall. Coming up with nothing, or more so things I didn't want her to know, I shrugged. "It may have. I can't remember the weather to be honest."

"Would it be wrong if I called you my best friend, Alec?"

I turned back up to the sky. "Yes."

"Why?"

"Isn't that classed as two timing?"

Renesmee let out a breathtakingly beautiful laugh. "No. And who would I be two timing you with anyway?"

"Your mutt,"

Again, she laughed. Odd. I was sure she didn't like me calling him that; but evidently things had changed. "Jacob isn't really acting like a best friend lately."

"And I am?" I sarcastically retorted. I was replied with a nudge to my ribs.

"You know what I mean, Alec. You're here for me more than he is."

"Only because I have to be."

There was a small pause before she replied. "And because you want to be... Right?"

I turned my head to look at her; and was stunned with what I saw. She seemed... Offended with what I had said. I was stating the truth. I was only here because I had to be. It was Aro's mission for me, otherwise I would be back in Volterra... Where I belonged. Yet, the look in her eyes made me feel... Strange. The fact I had made her... Upset in a way, didn't sit well with me. And I didn't know why.

Instead of answering directly, for I didn't want her to be more upset than what she was; I changed the subject. "Isn't your Romeo and Juliet recital on Monday?"

Not much had changed there, had it? Renesmee was still strung up on the whole snow-fantasy thing. How she had managed to entice me to play in the snow, not once but twice, I'd never truly understand. I still stood on the term where I wasn't all too fond of it. But she... She made it worthwhile. The snow only reminded me of her, and her laugh. I was thankful I lived in Italy, in a city where it was always warm and never snowed. Living without Renesmee was hard enough, and I was still barely managing to get by without her, but if I were to be constantly reminded of her...

I would have no doubt been on the first flight to America and demanded an explanation for her walking out on me.

"Well, perhaps you will go there one day." I shrugged. "Do all the skiing you like."

"... Hopefully." She mustered off.

"Now, would you like to say what you have to; rather than decoy it with irrelevant information."

She was softening the blow. I'd noticed that was what she did now, before she hit you with the real stuff. What did I care for her desire to go to Switzerland? Well, I did in a way. I wanted her to achieve that at some point in her never ending existence; but she needed to say what she wanted too; so we could move on from this... Idle chit-chat. We were long past this small talking period. We had been for a long, long time. Surely Renesmee knew she could talk to me about anything she wished, right?

That was what friends did, wasn't it?

"It is relevant!" Renesmee quickly defended. "I do want to go to Switzerland one day."

"Very well," I scoffed. "That's wonderful to know. I'll add it to the many things I know about you, shall I?"

"You don't know much." She scoffed back.

"Don't I?" I arched an eyebrow towards her. "You'll be surprised."

"Alright then. Tell me," she crossed her arms over her chest as she walked. "If you manage to get it, ten points to you."

Ten... Ten points?

"You said the points...They could be used for anything I desired."

"I did."

"Don't leave me. Stay with me."

"Then let me come with you. Please? I'll leave my family, I'll leave everything. I need you, Alec... Please."

"You and I both know the Volturi is not the life for you. Look at what you have, who you are. I couldn't ask you to leave this for me, Renesmee. It would be a crime."

"I don't care. I want to be with you."

"And you will be... One day."

"Alec..."

"You are my Juliet, Reny. There will never be anyone else."

"And you are my Romeo..."

"You see? We will be together... Soon. I'd rather die than not be with you. But I am with you... Forever."

"And always."

"And always, yes."

"When will I see you again?"

"Fifty five years, we agreed. Keep your points, save them for when we meet again."

"I love you."

"And I love you."

Was she doing this on purpose? Making me remember all these things, so that my unbeating heart would strain with the desire to be with her again? If that was what she was intending, it was working greatly. Remembering that day, when I had it all; but had to walk away from it killed me. And yet here I was, no later than two years after we had spoken those very words; and she was no longer mine.

How things had changed, huh?

"Very well." I mused, and sucked in a breath. If I could recall that moment perfectly clear, which I could; for it was the one time Renesmee had let me inside of that pretty little head of hers. She had managed to convince me to take a damned boat ride across the lake. A little pedalo boat, or whatever they were called. Inside the swan, Renesmee had opened up greatly; while one of the most cheesiest songs in the background played.

What was it again... Ah, yes! Island in the sun.

With the memory fresh in my mind, I began to rattle on.

"You want to travel the world one day... Especially Switzerland, apparently. But you also wished to go to Verona, to look at the wall. Which, you have done."

She flushed a bright red and nodded her head.

"You have an uncanny enjoyment of shopping, especially for others and not yourself; though that seems to have changed in the recent years. You like Orange Juice, and cereal.."

"Ah, but what cereal!" She pointed a finger, possibly thinking she had me on this one. I knew what she was thinking. Why would anyone remember what favorite cereal, since it was just cereal. If she was truly thinking that, then she underestimated just how much I payed attention to her. Even when she believed I wasn't, I was always aware of everything she said and did.

"Crunchy nut."

The belief that she had caught me out died off on her face, her finger slowly retracting itself and curling back. "Y'know, that's kinda creepy."

"I haven't finished," I smirked.

"Yes, you have. I get it. You know a lot about me... Which is creepy."

"I thought it would be seen as romantic," I scoffed. She rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around herself. On her milky skin, I could see the small hairs standing up, and gentle goosebumps forming. Idly, I peeled off the cloak from around my shoulders, and replaced it over hers.

She looked at me with confusion, but otherwise said nothing.

"Everything's going to be alright on Tuesday... Right?" Renesmee whispered. Finally, I was able to hear what she really wanted to say. She had been listening to our conversation with Delilah. Although I was aware most of them were likely to be listening in, I knew Aro would tell them all at the end. But knowing Renesmee had been listening was different. She was worrying; but for no reason at all.

She'd be safe. I was going to make sure of that.

"Yes." I answered. "Everything will work out fine."

"You're... You're going to be alright, right?"

"You don't have to worry about me, Renesmee." I chuckled softly. "I'm capable of handling myself."

"I know... But I can't help it." She let out a small breath, while her eyes averted down to the floor. "I always worry... Especially about you."

My heart swelled, when it really shouldn't have. Renesmee had nothing to worry about when it came to me; she should be more worried about herself. Did she truly think I'd be able to cope if I lost her, even if we were no longer an item? If that were to happen... I'd have no choice but to join her. Then we really would become the true modern day Romeo and Juliet. I would not, and could not, live in a world where Renesmee excited. Yes, I had my sister and my coven... But a world without Renesmee?

I understood how Edward must have felt now. The mere thought of losing her was enough to hurt me; whereas for Edward... She truly believed that Isabella had died. God knows what would have been running through his mind.

I sidestepped so that I was in front of Renesmee. She stopped, and gazed up at me with wide eyes. Staring down at her, I kept the eye contact consistent. "I will be fine. You have no need to worry. I'll come back from this... I always do."

"D'you promise?" She whispered. My face was engulfed in the smell and taste of her breath. "Promise you'll come back to me?"

Against my better judgement, I raised a hand and placed it onto her face. Cupping her cheek and brushing my thumb across her cheekbone. "I promise."

Renesmee's bottom lip quivered slightly and she stepped in closer to me. Her arms wrapped themselves around my waist, while her head buried itself into my chest. Her heart beat gently against me, giving me the knowledge that she was comfortable, she was calm, and she was easy with hugging me. Before, her heart would have been going wild.

Renesmee was comfortable with me again. We truly were back to the days where we were... Friends.

"I don't know what I'd do without you."

"Nor I you." I gently rubbed her back, pulling her closer to me in the process.

"Alec?"

I glanced down, to find her looking up at me again. Her bright brown eyes, that held a gentle sparkle within them, shone right up to me; and stunned me into the point where I'd lost my train of thought for a moment. Renesmee moved up onto her lip toes, and pressed a kiss onto my lips.

It wasn't like any other the other kisses we had previously shared. This one was... Sweet, and short. A small peck to the mouth. As soon as it began, it ended. She lowered herself down, and nuzzled herself back into my chest.

"What was that for?"

She whispered back words I never wanted to hear. "Just in case one of us doesn't make it."

Without warning, I pulled Renesmee into my arms and began to carry her the remaining distance home since I'd felt her yawn against my chest.

I would make sure she made it, no matter what. Even if I had to rip Lilianna's head from her body myself; Renesmee was never going to be harmed. Ever.

A/N:

HEY GUYS. Guess who's back?

Pushing all through the stress of life, I've managed to overcome it all and get back on track with my writing for you guys!

I'm no longer going through a mental block keeping ideas flowing for Reneslec, so chapters should be coming sooner than usual!

As of now, I am probably a few paragraphs away from completing the next chapter.

Want it sooner? Get those reviews in! I love hearing from you guys and they really do help with motivation. If you can take on the challenge of getting 1,610 reviews; I'll upload the next one straight away. Be it today if you get it, or tomorrow. Good luck.

To those questioning on wither I'm alright, thank you. I'm perfectly fine, now. Life just gets busy for everyone, even me. There's no need to worry when it comes down to my health, etc. CorruptedHeart is A-Oh-Kay.

You all mean the world to me. Take it easy.

-C.H