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𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐓𝐘-𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑 have been on the flight to Italy for five hours now. They were seated in the middle section of the plane, all in the same row. Both Bella and Alice sat in between the two blondes, much to Jasper's disappointment, but respectfully accepted Liz's decision for some space.

    They spent the better part of the flight forming a plan on how they were going to stop Edward. Any situation involving him or Alice going to their brother themselves were proven unsuccessful by Alice, as Edward would clearly hear them coming and only make him act quicker. Bella was the only option in stopping his brother from pulling a Romeo and Juliet, which is exactly what this was.

    Liz had fallen asleep about an hour ago, which Jasper was grateful for, knowing how badly the drive to the airport had really shaken her, but the medication she took seemed to have helped. Now she was sleeping it off, head resting back and her jacket draped over her like a blanket. He found it hard not to admire her, a part of himself not believing she was there and having to check multiple times just to reassure himself.

    He immediately regrets bringing her. He knew she was only here for moral support for Bella. That's just who Liz is. She is a living, breathing, bleeding heart who will do pretty much anything for anyone she cares about. If there is the smallest chance Liz can help in any way, nothing is going to stop her from doing so and in her mind, she can't help if she is stuck at home. This way if she is there, she has the option of helping in any way she can. It is one of the many, many reasons he is wholeheartedly in love with her.

    Seeing her again, finally seeing her after these torturous months of being away from her- it was like he was able to mentally and physically function again. Six months... he barely survived it. Alice has been his rock through it all. She has comforted him in his fits of rage. She held him when he broke down, when all he wanted to do was burst into tears, but was unable to do so given his immortality.

    He yearned to release his broken emotions, to have some kind of outlet. So because he couldn't let it out emotionally, he let it out physically and destroyed pretty much anything in his path. She has brought him back from losing his damn mind. Alice has kept him from slowly starving himself in order to punish himself, which he'd done mostly in the beginning, until Alice saw no choice and forced him to feed.

    Those days were never pretty for either one of them. It was violent and messy. 

    Jasper has spent these past six months in utter hell. He thought he knew what suffering truly was... he thought he has been through the worst he will ever have to go through in this miserable existence. Oh, how wrong and naive he was.

    Nothing... nothing can compare to the despair and torture he has had to endure since the moment he walked away from the only person that made this immortal life worth living. Not just existing, but actually living. He hasn't felt like he was living until the moment he met Liz. Not even his family's pointless attempt to co-exist with the humans.

    Even before they got together, before the Highway 19 accident, when he first saw her- Jasper had never seen anyone so perfect before in his life. Yes, to him, she is perfect in every way that matters. Her flaws were perfect. Her mistakes were perfect. To him, her imperfections were perfection. They help sculpt her, make her into the wonderful, fierce, strong and independent woman she is today.

    From the moment Liz told her friends about how horrible he was when he refused to work with her in Chemistry sophomore year, he was enthralled by her. From the moment he saw her in the horrible highway accident, he was stricken by terror for her. From the moment she ran into him in the hallway of Forks High her first day back, he longed for her. From the moment she so boldly got onto that bus and sat next to him, declaring they were friends and he got no say in the matter, he was already madly and ridiculously in love with her.

    Jasper never understood what love was until he met Liz. He thought he did. He thought he was in love with Maria... he believed the lies she told and believed all the people he had hurt and helped control through his abilities were for a good cause. He didn't see Maria for what she was... a manipulating, deceiving, malicious monster only looking out for herself and her revenge. She never loved him... just loved that he was there to do her bidding. A pet. Nothing more but a weapon to be welded.

    "Jazz," the sound of Alice whispering his name in warning snapped the golden blonde vampire out of his endless tunnel of thoughts, looking over to his sister as she gave him a sharp look. Frowning in confusion, Alice shot her eyes down towards the arm rest where Jasper followed her gaze, realizing he was gripping the metal plate so tightly, it was now crooked. Immediately releasing his hold, a large indent where his hand and fingers were now visible to the eye. Alice quickly covered it up with her scarf.

    "You need to calm down," Alice instructed sternly. Jasper rubbed his hand on his jeans and clenched his jaw tightly. Alice has every right to be worried. Normally when he gets extremely tense like this, another one of his 'explosive episodes' happens, which is what Alice has come to call them. They were never pretty and always destructive.

    Jasper remained so still, not bothering to fake his breathing like they had taught themselves to do around humans. If anyone was paying attention, they would have questioned if he was even alive. But most of the passengers on the plane were asleep anyway, so no one was even paying attention.

    "I'm fine, Alice." He lied. He always lied to her, and she never believes him. It was a vicious cycle between the two for months on end.

    "I'll pretend I actually believe you this time," Alice rolled her eyes, looking over at the sleeping blonde cautiously before turning back to her brother. "So, what happened exactly when you went to her house?"

    Bella tried to pretend she wasn't listening in, but it was hard not to when she was right there. Jasper just leaned back into the cushioned seat. "Nothing good. I don't know what I expected coming back, but I knew it wasn't going to be good. I just wanted to make sure she was alive, but when I saw her, I couldn't leave again. It was impossible. I needed to speak to her. She didn't even believe I was real. The look on her face- it was almost the same as when I left the first time. The pain on her face..."

    Alice reached over and grabbed Jasper's arm in an attempt to be comforting. "Everything is going to work out."

    Alice has been saying this since the moment they left Forks. With no explanation whatsoever to what exactly she means. It was obvious that Alice herself doesn't even know what she means by her own words. Liz's affect on her visions has really been hard for her, especially not seeing that both Liz and Bella had survived their cliff jumping stunt, but that mainly had to do with one of those wolves helping pull them out of the water, Alice had revealed to him. It was like she was hoping and praying that everything is going to work out, because she doesn't know if it truly was. And it worried her.

    All of this... everything that has happened... is because of him. Because he lost control at Bella's birthday party. Because of one stupid, horrible mistake, Jasper lost everything that meant the world to him.

    "Bella," the blonde vampire grunted out, gaining the brunette girl's attention. She has been so worried about Edward, he has been trying to ease her mind the best he could, which she didn't seem to mind much. It was the least he could do. "I'm sorry for what happened... for what I almost did-"

    Bella immediately shook her head, cutting him off. "No, Jasper. You don't have to apologize. I don't blame you. I blame myself."

    "It was not your fault," Jasper told her. "I thought I was in control... I thought I found control-" he paused, trying to hide his pain and the way he longingly looked at the actually sleeping beauty at Bella's side. "I'm just sorry I ruined everything."

    Bella pressed her lips together in a thin line, going over his words. She fiddled with her fingers on her lap anxiously, pretty much ruining her nails from the nerves she has been experiencing since the moment Alice told her what Edward planned on doing. Bella looked over at Liz before turning back to Jasper. "She'll forgive you, Jasper."

    Jasper scoffed, not believing her for a second. Bella sat up in the seat, looking directly at the vampire. "She will. Liz is... very stubborn, but she's just hurting. Badly. I haven't known her long but from the year I have, I know she has a forgiving heart. She cares about people so much. It's why she jumped off that cliff after me. She knew how dangerous it was but she still risked herself because of my reckless choices. Even though we were fighting, she still cared enough to help me. I know that's why she's here now. She knows I need all the moral support I can get.

    "But she also came here for you as well." Bella paused in her speech, never once looking away from the blonde vampire. "She's here for all of you. Edward too. Because she knows what it's like to lose your family. She won't allow any of you to lose Edward if there is something she can do to help."

   Jasper listened carefully to her words, looking fondly at the blonde who shifted slightly, her head falling gently to the opposite side, resting on her right shoulder. Hearing Bella's words spark the tiniest bit of hope he hasn't felt in a long, long time. It wasn't much, but it was something he could cling to. He just needs to talk to Liz, because no matter what happens with the Volturi, if they manage to walk out of there alive, he will tell her everything. And this time, the only reason he will leave her again, is if she asks him too.

    Squeezing his hands tightly into a fist, Jasper was trying to control his own neverending emotions. A suffocating, numb pit of darkness that is filled with nothing but suffering and anguish. All because he broke his promise. All because was forced to leave his reason for existence. His Liz. His mate.

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    𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐌𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐄 landed, Alice had pulled Liz away, needing her particular set of skills for something she thought she'd ever have to use again. At first, Liz was surprised Alice even knew she could do this, but then again, this was Alice. She figured Jasper or Emmett must have told her the reason she was arrested for the second time her freshman year.

    In Liz's defense, didn't actually steal the car, but she was with her boyfriend at the time and his friends who didn't believe her when she claimed she knew how to hotwire a car. How that conversation started, Liz doesn't exactly remember. It was a particular skill her dad had unintentionally taught her when she was twelve years old, only because he had lost the keys to his truck and hadn't realized Liz was paying close attention and basically memorized how he had done it.

    She had allowed his friends to pick a random car and wasted no time picking the lock before starting it up. Their impressed looks only lasted for a minute before a police cruiser who had been patrolling pulled up, witnessing the whole thing.

    Liz's now ex and his friends ran off while she was once again arrested for the second time in less than five months, then was grounded for a full month when she was let off with a second warning when the owner decided not to press charges. Her father had been secretly proud of her for remembering something he hadn't intended to teach her, and found it pretty hilarious.

    Hotwiring a beautiful canary yellow Porsche 911 Turbo with every intention of stealing it was absolutely thrilling in the blonde's mind. She didn't even pick the car, just let Alice drag her away from Bella and Jasper who she instructed to remain at the airport and told her to do her thing on the first fast car she saw. It only took a minute to get the thing started, smiling softly to herself, knowing her dad would be proud.

    However, that smile completely vanished when reality slapped her in the face and they were piled into the car, Alice once again driving at an dreadful speed. Apparently Edward had already asked the Volturi to end his life, and was now awaiting their decision. They were literally running on borrowed time. Liz refused to take any more of her medication, despite the fact that Alice was driving like a maniac, and she tried to keep herself calm by doing simple breathing exercises her Nana taught her to do. Jasper sitting by her side in the back did not help with her growing anxiety, though.

     Jasper has kept a respectable distance between the two during this craze trip, which Liz appreciated. All of this was very overwhelming enough, not to mention that Ester and Danny have both been blowing up her phone to the point she had no choice but to shut it off. Too much was going on right now, she couldn't think of them right now. All she can think about is Edward and stopping him before the idiot gets himself killed.

    Alice passed multiple other vehicles, making Liz groan and squeeze her eyes shut tightly, trying to keep herself from getting sick. She felt Jasper's eyes shift to her when she let out a small whimper, despite the fact that his eyes were shielded by a pair of black sunglasses and was wearing a black hoodie over his head in order to protect himself from the sunlight.

    Liz sighed under his intense gaze. "I'm fine, Jasper."

    "I know," he said, though he did not believe her. He reached into his bag and handed her a bottle of gingerale. "Here, drink this."

    Liz stared down at the bottle, frowning in confusion. "Where did you get that?"

    "Airport. I knew it was going to be a rough drive and I knew you were going to need it."

    Liz's heart leaped at the thoughtful gesture, taking the bottle without any objections. Whenever she would have an upset stomach, her mother used to always give her gingerale and it would help sooth her nausea. Liz had started to bring a bottle with her whenever she had to go to her doctor appointments, realizing that it indeed helped, but not much with her anxiety though. She never told Jasper she did this though. It must have been something he picked up on during the few times she had him take her to her appointments and put two and two together.

    Liz's heart leaped once again at the realization. 

    The car fell silent again, Alice accelerating her speed and swerving around other vehicles once again. Bella was sitting anxiously in the front seat, holding onto the dashboard for dear life. "I'm guessing you guys didn't rent this car."

    "I figured you wouldn't be opposed to grand theft auto," Alice calmly said, smoking into the rearview mirror. Liz just averted her eyes, trying to keep her mind clear and calm. She really did not want to think about all the shit going on, not when they were racing against time to save Edward freaking Cullen.

    Alice suddenly went silent and if it wasn't for Jasper going stiff next to her, Liz never would have noticed the vampire was having a vision. Bella was staring at Alice intensely. "What? What do you see?"

    "They refused him," Alice informed the group.

    Liz forced herself to lean over. "Isn't that a good thing?"

    Alice shook her head, her face filled with panic. "No. No, it's not a good thing."

    "What does it mean?" Bella impatiently asked.

    "He's gonna make a scene. Show himself to the humans."

    "Fucking bastard." Jasper cursed, bitterly. Liz gave him a strange look, knowing Jasper well enough to know he was not one to curse, nor was this the first time he seemed extremely frustrated by his brother. It wasn't just the fact Edward was trying to kill himself, either. Liz could tell there was something else bothering Jasper about Edward. The hostility in Jasper's tone... it was more than just annoyance. It was resentment. Anger.

    Jasper only glanced at Liz briefly before leaning back into the seat, knowing she could tell something was up but he clamped his jaw shut. Liz knew better than to even question him at the moment.

    "No!" Bella gasped, Liz's attention going back to her friend. "When?"

    Alice paused for a second before answering. "He's gonna wait until noon, when the sun's at its highest."

    Liz looked at the time. It was eleven forty-six. Fourteen minutes... they were never going to make it in time.

    Bella seemed to realize the same thing and groaned. "God, Alice, you got to hurry up."

    "There's Volterra." Alice pointed to the large buildings up ahead. If this wasn't such a life threatening situation and if she didn't know that the most powerful coven who practically ruled over all the vampires resided here, Liz would most likely act like a tourist and want to explore the beautiful city.

    It wasn't long before they were finally in the city, suddenly surrounded by citizens wearing long, red cloaks. Alice was honking at them, most of them dodging out of the way of Alice's frantic driving to clear a path, but Liz couldn't help but feel grateful that she was forced to slow down, even just a little bit. This whole thing may be time sensitive, but her stomach and nerves certainly appreciated it.

    Bella stressfully put her elbows on her knees, resting her head in her hands. "Why are they all in red?"

    "San Marco's Day Festival." Alice answered. "They are commemorating the expulsion of vampires from the city."

    Liz raised her brows at her words. "Let me guess, it's the Volturi's favorite holiday, isn't it?"

    "I'm sure they get a good laugh out of it." Jasper responded.

    "It's the perfect setting," Alice ignores the two in the back. "The Volturi will never let him get far enough to reveal himself."

    Bella was staring at the dashboard, panting in fear. "Five minutes."

    "I know, Bella. Breathe."

    Liz didn't know what to do. She wanted to reach out for Bella, give her encouraging words, but even Liz couldn't muster up the courage to say something comforting because she is seriously starting to believe they weren't going to make it. Not with all of these people in the way, not with time ticking down so quickly.

    Liz glanced a worrying look at Jasper who seemed to already be staring at her. A part of her started to truly think about what she would do if she was in Bella's shoes right now. What if Jasper didn't immediately come to see for himself if she was alive? What if he went with Edward to ask the Volturi to kill him? What if... what if...

    Not taking her eyes off the man she is still so madly in love with, she mouthed the words 'help her'. All Jasper did was nod once in understanding, and suddenly Bella's panting started to slow, but still kept her head buried into her hands in worry. If the brunette picked up on her mood being altered, she didn't complain about it. Just stared at the clock, as five minutes now turned to three.

    Alice was suddenly brought to a stop by some police officers and Bella was out of the car in an instant, looking back at the three remaining in the vehicle. "Alice!"

    "Bella, you are the only one he can't see coming. If Jasper and I go, he'll read our thoughts. He'll think we're lying, especially Jasper. He'll rush into it."

    Liz frowned at that, looking over at the golden blonde vampire at her side, wondering exactly what Alice meant. Bella looked back at Liz and Jasper before shaking her head. "Where do I go?"

    "He'll be under the clock tower," Alice instructed. "Go!"

    Bella did not need to be told twice as she slammed the door shut and took off. The police officer continued to knock on Alice's window, which Alice finally rolled down and put on her charm. Meanwhile, Liz leaned back, hoping and praying Bella is able to get to Edward in time. The two have never been close, but just like the rest of the Cullen's, Liz still cares about him. Bella doesn't know what it's like to lose someone she loves... she never has. Not like Liz does. Liz never wants Bella to know that feeling- that devastation.

    "She's going to make it." Jasper assured her confidently, also leaning back into the seat. Liz stared down at the back of the driver's seat, fiddling with her fingers nervously, nodding at Jasper's attempt of comforting words.

    Once the police officer told Alice she couldn't drive any further because of the parade, she turned around and went to park the Porsche in an abandoned alley. Once she backed into it, the car fell silent, waiting for Alice to confirm Bella made it in time. In the meantime, Liz couldn't forget what Alice just said minutes ago.

    So finally, she swallowed her pride and asked the question nudging on her brain. "What did Alice mean when she said Edward won't believe you especially?"

    Jasper didn't need more of an explanation to what she was referring to, taking off his sunglasses, seeing as the alley was covered by the shade. "Edward and I had a falling out. It was pretty bad. We haven't spoken since we left Forks. Alice just meant that if anyone has a reason to lie to him, it would be me."

    To say Liz was surprised would be an understatement. She was looking at Jasper this time. "Why did you two have a falling out?"

    Before Jasper could respond, Alice sighed in relief. "Bella made it in time. She stopped him."

    Just then, the bell tower chimed and everyone in the vehicle seemed to be able to finally relax. However, Alice's visions did not stop. "The Volturi want to speak to both of them. They are bringing both Edward and Bella to the kings."

    Jasper suddenly thrust himself forward towards Alice. "We need to get Liz out of the city. Now!"

    Alice immediately got out of the car. "Jasper, get Liz out of here. I'm going to go help Edward and Bella."

    Before Liz could even protest, Jasper was hopping into the driver's seat and suddenly Alice was gone. Jasper was driving immediately, and Liz was trying hard to hold on. "Wait, what about Bella?"

    "Edward and Alice will protect her. I'll go help once you are far from this damn city." Jasper told her, his voice laced with panic.

    His fear was enough to keep Liz quiet, knowing better than to even argue at this point. From the stories she remembers him telling her about the Volturi, she was terrified that such a powerful coven even existed. Jasper swerved out of the alley, the roads were much clearer now that everyone seemed to be at the square for the festival.

    Jasper's driving was more frantic and wild than Alice's had been. Just when she thought they would make it out of the city, Jasper suddenly slammed on the brakes, bringing the Porsche to a screeching stop. The blonde in the back launched forward, but was thankfully saved by the seat belt.

     Gasping from shock, Liz looked up to Jasper, about to question why he stopped, only to see two large figures standing in front of them, both wearing large, midnight black cloaks to protect them from the sunlight, but their eyes were still as clear as day. Bright, ugly crimson red.

    Jasper gripped the steering wheel tightly with both hands, not once taking his eyes off the two vampires who were clearly sent to retrieve them. That only meant one thing, the Volturi knew they were in the city, just like Jasper predicted they would.

    Suddenly, Liz was sick for a whole different reason.

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    𝐀𝐍𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄𝐑 𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 Liz still held towards Jasper Hale was put into a box and stored away until a later time the second they were forced out of the Porsche and ordered to follow the two incredibly intimidating looking vampires to see Aro, who apparently, requests their presence in the throne room.

    His hood back up and sunglasses back on, Jasper pulled Liz close to his side, fingers intertwined, making the Chambers girl feel safe and protected as they were led through the crowds, the vampires sticking close to the back and shade as they entered the clock tower. Liz's heart was hammering in her chest, the back of her neck was sweating from not only the heat of the sun but from nerves. She held onto Jasper's arm tighter and he kept her close, making small promises that everything will be okay.

    Despite everything, Liz believes him. Because believing his words is the only comfort she could find at this dreary moment.

    Everything happened in a blink of an eye. One moment they were in the Porsche and the next they were standing before the two large, thick wooden doors. She was too distracted with the fact she was about to meet the most powerful vampire coven to ever exist and not knowing if she was going to live to tell about it to pay attention to her surroundings.

    Liz flinched as the double doors creaked and groaned as they were pushed open, and suddenly, the tension in the large, gloomy room was now focused on their arrival. But what Liz saw made her blood run cold.

    Liz met Bella's fearful gaze first, who was being held by some vampire with dark brown hair and a round, boyish face. She then turned to Alice who was hunching over Edward sprawled out on the floor. He forced himself to sit up, looking to be in so much pain, dark eyes flickering between his brother and Liz, an emotion Liz couldn't exactly decipher forming on his face, but he held another one that was clearly obvious upon seeing her specifically.

    Relief. 

    That is when Liz finally decided to take in the others in the room, all the blood draining from her face as an icy current went up and down her spine, causing her to shiver. She understands why this was called the throne room. It was ancient, something out of the Victorian era. There were three thrones several feet ahead, two were occupied and the middle vacant. Liz remembers Jasper telling her more about the Volturi when she asked about them several months ago. He told her all about the leader and his co-leaders. Marcus. Caius. Then finally, Aro.

    They all looked just like the painting in the Cullen house. Especially the vampire standing in the middle of the room, a sickening sweet smile spread on his face and he gasped, bringing his hands together in front of him as they had now joined the fun. This must be Aro. The leader. The one who will decide their fate.

    "My, my... now who do we have here?" Aro taunted, moving swiftly and gracefully until he was now in front of the new arrivals. Jasper pulled Liz slightly behind him, the hold on her hand tightening protectively, but not so bad to the point it was painful. He was always very careful about that. Aro looked over Liz intensely, his wild, beady red eyes scanning over Liz, taking in her scent before glancing over at Jasper at her side. "It seems my birds brought me a present. Well done, Santiago. Alfron."

    Both the guards nodded and stepped back. Aro's gaze locked on Jasper's. "Let me guess. You must be the brother. Jasper, is it?"

    With a clenched jaw, Jasper only nodded once in conformation. Aro grinned madly as his eyes turned towards the blonde human glued to his side. "And this must be the lovely Elizabeth. I've heard so much about you from Edward here."

    Liz knew she should have kept quiet, it would have been the smarter choice. But clearly she was making a bunch of bad decisions these past couple of days. "Actually, I prefer Liz."

    "Really? Why? Elizabeth is such a beautiful name." Aro glanced back towards Edward who was slowly getting up from the ground. "This must be such a relief for you, Edward. Not only is your Bella alive, but you no longer are plagued with the guilt of dear Elizabeth's death. How wonderful. Now maybe you have a chance to rekindle your relationship with your brother after all."

    Edward never took his eyes off of Aro, still looking to be in a lot of pain. "Yes. I am grateful."

    Aro let out a crazed giggle, his attention soon focused back on Jasper. "It seems you both just missed a little bit of our fun. We were just testing Bella's unique exception of our gifts. It is all very, very fascinating." He held out his hand for Jasper, expectantly. "May I?"

    Liz watched apprehensively as Jasper reluctantly offered Aro his opposite hand while still refusing to let go of her. Aro seemed to notice this but took the hand that was offered to him and brought it close to his chest. After a moment, Aro looked up and grinned down at him in amusement. "Fascinating. Your gifts are very powerful, Major."

    Aro dropped Jasper's hand and took a couple steps back, looking back at the two sitting at the thrones. "Can you believe it, brothers? Two powerful immortals, falling in love with mortals. It is definitely unheard of. But what intrigues me the most, is that both of these humans seem to defy our gifts."

    "Both of them, brother?" One of the other men sitting on their thrones questioned in curiosity. Marcus, she believes. Caius is the one with the blonde hair and who looks tired of all this chit chat.

    "Yes. Although, Elizabeth here is a bit different. Aren't you, sweet child?" Aro held his hand out for her to take. "But I shall like to see for myself."

    Liz didn't know what he even wanted from her, looking up at Jasper for an explanation. He never tore his glare from Aro as he spoke. "Aro can hear every thought someone has ever had with just one touch."

    Aro grinned down at the blonde. "Don't be frightened. I only want to see how you affect my gifts, seeing as you clearly affect your companions."

    Liz gritted her teeth together nervously, before shakingly reaching out and allowing Aro's cold grasp to take her hand. He brought her close, but once again Jasper never once let her go. Liz gulped deeply, waiting for Aro to finish, his wide, red eyes flickering a bit before he took a step back, dropping her hand sharply.

    "Interesting. Very, very interesting." Aro mumbled irritably, looking between the two humans, pointing from Bella then back to Liz. "It's so unclear. Flashes. Blurry and out of order. Some I can see, but not hear. Some I can hear but not see."

    Aro shifted his gaze between Bella and Liz, his lips pressed together in a thin line. "I don't know which one I am more frustrated with."

    "Should I test how she affects me as well, Aro?" A tiny vampire spoke up. Liz shot her eyes to her, surprised to see a vampire who was very young, definitely younger than Jasper and Edward when turned, but also very intimidating. She looked a little like the vampire still close to Bella's side. Jasper let out a throaty growl in warning, but Aro seemed curious about the idea.

    "I think a test is much needed, Jane." He grinned. "It's only fair, given Bella was such a willing test subject."

    Jasper viciously glared at the tiny vampire across the room, but Aro just held up his hand to him. "To save us all the trouble, you should know that any resistance on your part, Jasper, will not end pleasantantly for you. Just ask Edward."

    Without warning, the two completely different guards were at Jasper's side, pulling him back. Jasper was forced to let go of Liz for the first time since they got out of the Porsche. He fought aggressively against them, a third having to come and keep him from escaping. Liz stared back at him fearfully, but she wasn't afraid for herself. She was afraid for him. For what they could do to him. She has never been more terrified.

    "Now, Elizabeth, to catch you up to speed as you seem very lost and confused, my dear Jane here has a very powerful gift. She is able to inflict the most painful illusion into one's mind. It's quite torturous. I had even allowed her to do it to myself once, out of mild curiosity. It was very unpleasant. Mortals usually never survive it if under the illusion for longer than a minute. Now, if this- defect- you have on our gifts is anything like what I just experienced, I assure you, you won't be harmed too terribly."

    "That's very comforting to know," Liz mutters sarcastically. Fighting through every mental fear, she cleared her throat, needing to put on a brave front if she wants to survive whatever the hell was instored for her. "I have to ask one thing before she starts, though."

    Aro's eyes twinkled in intrigue, a bit taken back by her boldness. "Oh? And what's that?"

    "Stop calling me Elizabeth."

    Aro hummed in amusement. "As you wish. Is it Liz or Lizzie, you prefer? Or is it Lizzie-bear? Perhaps it's Lizard? Quite a lot of nicknames for one girl to have."

    Liz found herself sucking in a sharp breath, especially after hearing the last nickname. Lizard. That is what her father used to always call her, one she hasn't heard since his death. Aro clearly has seen more in her mind than she thought he did, even with her defect, as he called it. She forced her face to remain neutral before speaking once again, her voice nothing but a soft whisper. "Liz, is just fine."

    "Then Liz it shall be," Aro reassured in a taunting tone. He then turned towards Jane, nodding once and the tiny vampire looked directly at the bushy haired blonde.

    "Pain."

     The silence was so deadly as everyone watched in anticipation. Jasper had suddenly stopped fighting the guards, expecting to see Liz immediately fall to the ground, but was surprised when she remained on her feet. Everyone stared at the Chambers girl expectedly, who kept her eyes closed, waiting for whatever was about to happen.

    At first, she felt nothing. After a couple seconds, she opened her eyes again, only to see Jane had not once stopped inflicting her gift on the girl, looking quite frustrated. Everyone waited in anticipation, and for a second, Liz thought maybe Jane's gift didn't work on her. Maybe this would be one where it just doesn't work at all, just like Bella.

    Looking around, she was about to say something, confess that she felt nothing, when suddenly she flinched back sharply, bringing a hand towards her chest. At first, it felt like the worst possible heartburn you could feel, it was the only explanation. Her heart started racing, craning her neck around uncomfortably, her entire body suddenly exploding in tingles. Like tiny needles poking at her skin. She was breathing heavily now, trying to shake out this horrible discomfort. Then suddenly, she felt like her body was slowly being set on fire. It started within her chest, before it spread towards her left arm.

   Liz held her arm out, letting out a loud groan as her entire body stiff and her breathing labored. Suddenly, the whole left side of her body felt like it was being ablaze with a blowtorch. She heard her name being called by multiple people, but she was too blinded by the pain to turn to the voices. Jasper and Edward's voices.

    After another minute, the burning was too unbearably painful, she couldn't stop herself from allowing a scream to finally escape her lips. Still, to everyone's amazement, Liz remained on both her feet, everyone knowing she should have been on the ground. It was clear to everyone she should have been dead by now.

    "That's enough, Jane." Aro called off the girl. The next thing Liz knew, the burning sensation on her left side completely vanished all of a sudden and her screams finally came to a stop. Liz breathed in harsh, heavy gasps, while feeling a bit dizzy from the lingering agony.

    Suddenly, Alice was at her side and Jasper was back to fighting the three guards, but to no prevail. Edward had moved himself in front of them protectively, though he too was still too weak from clearly experiencing Jane's gift moment before they arrived.

    Alice supported the blonde as she leaned into her, her arms securely around her. Aro was clapping his hands in excitement. All they could hear was Aro's manic laughter and clapping. His fascinated red eyes fixated directly at the blonde mortal. "What interesting potential you have, my dear. Tell me, Liz, what did you feel?"

    Liz glared up at the vampire harshly, the burning sensation still lingering making it hard for her to relax. After a couple deep breaths, Liz finally spoke. "At first, nothing. But then it felt like I was slowly being set on fire from the inside out. But only on my left side."

    "How fascinating," Aro mumbled, turning back to Marcus and Caius.

    Liz looked over at Jasper who was staring at her with so much concern. Liz only nodded to him, telling him she was okay, but in all honesty, she doesn't know how she feels.

    "These mortal, fragile girls, confounds us all." Aro continues, slowly turning back to the group. "So what do we do with you now?"

    "You already know what you are going to do, Aro." Caius spoke for the first time. "They know too much. They are liabilities."

    Aro hummed, almost in disappointment. "That's true. Felix? Santiago?"

    The vampire who has been holding Bella swiftly spun her around before immediately shoving Alice off of Liz and another one taking her by the throat to keep her from interfering. Both girls were facing the two vampires in the back who looked hungry and ready for the kill. Liz immediately recognized the one with the dark skin and dreadlock. He had been one of the vampires sent to retrieve both her and Jasper.

    Santiago.

    Both girls gasped, reaching out for one another just as Edward moved quickly, being the closest to the two girls now and flipped both of over his shoulder protectively. Liz barely had time to understand what was happening.

    "Liz!" The sound of Jasper's voice gained the bushy haired girl's attention as she immediately looked towards him, only to see he was once again fighting the three vampires hold on him, but this time, he was successful.

    Spinning out of their hold, Jasper threw one of them in the air before ripping the other one's one arm off of his body, causing the vampire to scream. Once free, Jasper leaped across the room and tackled dreadlocks off of Edward, leaving his brother to deal with the taller one, who must be Felix.

    It was like Liz pressed the fast forward button on a remote control, making everything happen at supersonic speed. One minute she could see them, the next, they were moving at such inhuman speed it was hard to keep up. For the two human girls, they clung to each other as they watched both Edward and Jasper fight off the two vampires Aro had called upon to end their lives.

    Liz let out a loud gasp as Santiago threw Jasper into the wall, a loud crack sound but he recovered quickly. Between him and Edward, Jasper was clearly the better fighter, but Edward seemed to be holding his own well enough. Felix had made a couple advances at both Bella and Liz during the brief moments Edward was recovering from the blow, but it was never for long before Edward attacked again.

     Liz's eyes were back to watching Jasper intensely, who had the upper hand as he slammed Santiago onto the floor, causing the concrete to break, Jasper growling venomously at him. Liz was astonished by Jasper's strength. It was clear that he was a skilled fighter, more so than these vampires who were most likely much older than him. It seemed to come to a surprise to the other guards, as the one with thick, auburn red hair who had also escorted them into the throne room had gone to help Santiago, Jasper hands wrapped around his throat. 

     Jasper was thrown off dreadlocks, sending him crashing into the ceiling and slamming down face first onto the floor. Liz cried out his name, bringing her hand over her mouth in horror. Jasper was trying to recover as Santiago advanced on him. Meanwhile, Felix seemed to have bested Edward as he took him by the head and slammed his face into the stone steps right where the three leaders resided.

    Bella gasped as Felix gripped him by the throat, holding him out for Aro, waiting for the order to end him. Meanwhile, Jasper had managed to get up quickly before Santiago could get his arms around him. Liz has never seen Jasper so dangerous before, so violent and deadly. She didn't know what to do, what to think. Instinct told her to help, but common sense told her there was nothing she could do.

    Bella suddenly started screaming hoarsely next to the blonde that gained her attention. "Please! No! No! Please, please!"

    Aro held his hands up, halting Felix from tearing Edward's head off, looking over at Bella in idle curiosity. Another crack of concrete sounded and soon, Jasper had Santiago pinned to the ground, his foot crushing his neck and hands gripped on his forearms from behind him, ready to pull off at any moment. The other vampire who had helped Santiago was there, waiting for the opportunity to attack, but it was clear with one wrong move, Jasper would end dreadlocks quickly. Sanitago could not get out of the hold even if he tried. Jasper waited though, growling violently at him before turning towards the leader with a threatening gaze so sharp.

    The room fell silent as Bella continued to beg for Edward's life. "Kill me! Kill me! Not him."

    Aro was astonished by Bella's words, moving towards both girls, nervously glancing at Jasper who still had one of his guards pinned in a deadly grip, waiting for any reason to end his life. "How extraordinary. You would give up your life for someone like us. A vampire. A soulless monster."

    "Just get away from her!" Edward growled out.

    Bella never once tore her eyes away from the dark haired vampire before her. "You don't know a thing about his soul."

    Aro admired her words, looking between both Bella and Edward, speaking something in Italian before his attention was now on Jasper, who threateningly pressed Santiago harder into the floor, making the vampire grunt and squirm. Aro's eyes flickered over to Liz. "He must love you a great deal, my dear. Or else he would have never revealed just how strong he was to us by besting one of my strongest guards."

    Aro reached out towards both girls, gently stroking the back of his fingers against both girls' cheeks, causing both of them to flinch back from the contact.

    "Don't touch her!" Jasper threatened hatefully. "Touch her again and I destroy him."

    Aro's eyes flickered down at Santiago, clearly disappointed at his guard. "He has clearly failed me today. Perhaps it wouldn't be a total loss."

    Santiago seemed fearful, as was his companion as he was still trying to fight off Jasper, but it was proven futile. Jasper was just too strong for him. Aro snapped his fingers and suddenly, Jasper's head flung back, mouth widened as he instantly dropped to his knees, finally releasing his hold on Santiago. Liz looked over at Jane, seeing as the tiny petite vampire was staring at him, inflicting her pain illusion onto him.

    "Jasper!" Liz screamed out, about to rush to his side but was stopped by Aro gripping her forearm, shaking his finger at her. Her heart hammered inside her chest, fear like she never imagined overcame her. "Jasper!"

    Tears were forming in the corner of her eyes and Aro looked between the two vampires, shaking his head. "This is a sadness. If only it was your intention to give them immortality."

    Both Bella and Liz took hands, knowing what was about to happen and closed their eyes once they saw Aro advanced on them. However, before he could even touch them, Alice stopped him. "Wait!"

    Liz snapped her eyes open in time to see Aro running his tongue over his teeth hungrily as Alice fought the hold Demetri had on her. "Bella and Liz will be one of us. I've seen it. I'll change them both myself."

    Jane's illusion suddenly stopped and Jasper grunted out on the floor, turning over to his back. Aro's attention was now on the pixie brunette, holding out his hand in order for her to show him. Liz breathed heavily, her cloudy blue eyes never once leaving Jasper, who was trying to get back on his feet, but found it difficult.

    Freed from the vampire's hold, Alice slowly walked over to Aro and put her hand into his, the oldest vampire bringing her closer, seeing what Alice had seen. After a couple seconds, Aro fixated his attention on Alice for the first time. "Mesmerizing. To see what you have seen before it has happened."

    Aro was now on Bella, bringing his hand back to her cheek. "Your gifts will make for an intriguing immortal, Isabella."

    Liz pulled Bella to her side, not liking how close he was to her, making the Volturi leader now turn his attention to the blonde. "But you, my dear Elizabeth... even with such a unique gift like sweet Alice here, it seems you also defect her visions. You were blurry, but your eyes... they were immortal red. No denying that."

    Aro breathed Liz in, savoring her sweet scent causing the blonde to gulp nervously, unable to look him in the eyes. "A powerful gift, indeed."

    "Go now." Aro whispered, turning his back towards Edward who was released from Felix's hold and Jasper who was finally able to get back onto his feet, though it was clearly a great struggle. "Make your preparations."

    "Let us be done with this." Marcus uttered boredly, arising from his throne. "Heidi will be here any moment. Thank you for your visit."

    "We will return the favor. I would advise you to follow through on your promise soon," Caius threatened. "We do not offer second chances."

    Still suffering from the pain just inflicted on him, Jasper moved quickly towards Liz's side, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the door as it was opened for them- Edward, Bella and Alice right behind them.

    "Goodbye, my young friends." Aro called out to them. "Demetri, please show our guest out."

    Liz felt like she wasn't going to be able to breathe normally again until they were as far, far away from this city as possible. Maybe not even until they were out of this country.

    They were being led out by Demetri- who had been the one to hold Alice back- Jasper keeping his grip tightly on Liz who never moved from his side, her hands shaking uncontrollably. They barely made it far enough from the throne room when a woman dressed in a red cocktail dress that matched her cunning eyes strutted down the dimmed hall with a large group of tourists whispering behind her.

    "Nice fishing, Heidi." Demetri grumbles hungrily.

    "Yes, they do look rather juicy."

    "Save some for me."

    Liz looked behind her as Heidi continued to lead the group of humans, suddenly Liz felt herself tearing up once again, understanding what was about to happen. She nearly had a fit when she saw the children as well, but Jasper turned her back around, ushering her to move quickly ahead of him. Before she knew it, Jasper moved his hands over her ears, doing her best to conceal her from something that will haunt her for life.

    But his attempts were proven futile when the echoing screams erupted and Liz found herself unable to hold back her tears.

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Okay soooo... I do not like this chapter. When I tell you I've rewritten it three times, I'm not lying. I don't hate it, but I just feel like it's definitely not one of my best. I'm not great at writing action scenes, I did try my best.

Thanks everyone for reading! Two more chapters until part two is finished!