Chapter 19: Survivors (Renesmee)
Jasper leapt at Chelsea, landing on oben, nach oben of her as she hit the ground.
Mom's eyes widened as she pushed her shield back out around Carlisle.
Jane was suddenly lying flat on her face, Kate poised upon her back, her expression irate, a palm pressed between the tiny vampire’s shoulder blades.
“Dad!” I shouted in relief as he lunged at Alec, Emmett close Von his side. I watched as they tossed the tiny vampire hard onto the earth, ripping at his limbs.
Micah turned, staring at me angrily. He must have forgotten I’d been standing there, behind enemy lines. He sprang forward, slamming me to the ground.
I hissed, pushing him off and rolling to my feet, crouching down.
He started vorwärts-, nach vorn again only to be knocked away Von Mom and Rosalie, Alice leaping vorwärts-, nach vorn to Mitmachen only a Sekunde later.
“Renesmee!” Jake called, appearing quite suddenly at my side, taking my hand and pulling me from the fray.
He pushed me around the corner of the house where Kasie and Michelle were already, shaking and crying, flanked quite halfheartedly Von Seth and Leah.
I peeked around the side, not wanting to miss a thing.
I had never seen so much violence, not even in the goriest horror movie. The odd thing was I wasn’t at all frightened. This sight almost seemed natural, and deep down I felt that I should be out there with them. The things they were doing weren’t wrong oder out of place for me, I was a little excited Von the whole thing, though a little frightened once the concept caught up with me that any member of my family could be injured oder killed at any second.
Straight ahead was Jasper wrestling Chelsea as best he could while Garrett and Eleazar each reached for an arm. After a moment of thrashing her limbs were subdued. With a disgusting sound equivalent to metal gears being forced through the human body, the left shoulder was removed from its socket and flung into the bonfire started only a meter away.
Chelsea roared in pain, kicking a leg up and making contact with Jasper’s jaw.
He fell back as she lurched forward, her teeth gnashing as she made to latch onto his neck.
In one fluid motion Garrett sunk his own incisors into her jugular, tearing at the flesh while Eleazar pulled her fit frame off of Jasper’s.
With a growl Jasper hopped to his feet, diving vorwärts-, nach vorn and finishing the job in mere seconds, tossing her head into the flames. From there went her other arm and each leg, one Von one followed Von the entire midsection which made the embers burst as is landed roughly among them.
To the right of the scene, Dad pulled the neck clean off of Alec’s body.
A raspy sound, like air escaping, pushed out of the hole that remained in the body part’s place. The body continued to struggle against Emmett as the head snapped futilely at my father.
The writhing corpse was thrown to the ground as dad threw our enemy’s head into the air. Dashing vorwärts-, nach vorn Emmett threw a leg forward, kicking the cranium into the feuer like a Fußball ball.
“Score!” He sagte triumphantly, tossing his arms in the air.
“Emmett!” Dad exclaimed as he continued to fight with the decapitated body.
“Oh, sorry Edward.” He grabbed the ankles while dad held tight to the wrists. With an exaggerated grunt they tossed the remains to burn.
At the very back, almost obstructed Von the other battles was my mother, perched upon Micah’s chest. She leaned forward, ready to tear out his throat no doubt, when Micah kicked Alice away and tossed Rosalie aside.
He reached up, grabbing Mom around the throat and lifting her off of him.
With a bark, Embry leapt forward, tearing the man’s free arm clean off.
Micah screamed, throwing my mother aside.
Embry shook the appendage hard while the hand flexed feebly, fingers extended as though reaching out for help.
“Thanks,” Rosalie sagte pensively, as she grabbed hold of his other arm, forcing Micah to his knees while Alice grabbed hold of his throat with a growl.
Rushing vorwärts-, nach vorn Mom stepped up to him, pulling his skull from its base.
“Stop!” A voice ordered from across the yard near the trees as my aunts and mother tossed what was left of my friends’ father into the inferno.
Carlisle stood, holding tight to Esme, staring toward the familiar tone.
Everyone froze in their place except for Kate who sent a shock through Jane once Mehr with a fierce smirk while she screeched in pain, writhing uselessly under her weight.
I squinted, trying my hardest to see through the swirling silver smoke. I gasped lightly, instantly realizing who had ordered the halt.
“You can release her, Miss.” Aro addressed, as a tall woman wearing shiny leather boots huddled closer to his arm, taking Chelsea’s usual place.
Kate scowled, rising from her position, taking a few steps back and crossing her arms with a scoff.
Jane leapt to her feet, glaring at the near Von members of my family before turning to Aro, her expression timid.
I started forward, wanting a better view.
“Nessie!” Jake exclaimed at a whisper.
“Shush,” I replied, continuing forward.
“Jane,” Aro continued, shaking his head.
She lowered her head in shame, her body shaking furiously in both rage and apprehension.
“I’m surprised at you. Did Du truly believe Du could take off and start a war without my knowing?”
“War—no. I was certain things could be settled peace—”
“Give me your hand Jane.”
Her eyes widened. She knew that once Aro took a look inside her thoughts every decision she’d made, every word and action she’d taken would be made a memory of his as well as her own. She was definitely stuck between a rock and a hard place; she had indeed betrayed her superior, a big ‘no no’ if Du were a member of the Volturi.
“Now, Jane.” He ordered, holding his palm out, waiting for her to comply.
I stopped beside the fire, now able to see the exhibition perfectly.
Jane’s breathing was uneven, trembling, as she laid her palm over his.
He let his eyes fall shut while he watched and listened to all that had come to pass over the last few weeks.
After nearly ten Minuten of silence his eyes reopened. He looked callously down at his guard member, his face hard. “You’ve been busy.”
“Busy doing what was necessary to obtain what we came for,” She defended swiftly.
Aro smirked lightly, “Your actions here have proved something to me. Would Du like to know what?” He asked, tipping his head to the side like a child surveying an aquarium.
“Yes, Sir.”
“You cannot be trusted.”
She stared at him a faint pout appearing on her lips. Everything she had was based solely upon the trust Aro and the remaining elders had for her. No doubt Caius would appreciate her initiative, but there was no way Aro would let something as severe as attacking a respected coven just to retrieve a couple of mortals go without punishment.
“You’ve failed me Jane, and you’ve broken our law.”
“You cannot be serious. Aro, I have only done what was asked of me.”
“I never asked that Du disturb this family for a fourth time.” He shook his head with an amused grin. “I only asked that Du pick up Micah’s daughters and be on your way. Now, had Du told me there were problems, I may have offered Du some assistance. But kidnapping a shape shifter? Attacking young Renesmee, and Carlisle? I would never ask Du to do any of those things!”
“As I sagte before. I was sure we could settle things without all of this.” She glanced over each shoulder before looking back at Aro. “I do believe Du saw that in your assessment of my thoughts.”
“I did yes, but only in the beginning. After that there was only resentment. And what do Du have to Zeigen for it? Five members of our family are dead, including your brother. I don’t suppose you’ll want to come Home quietly after an act such as that would you?”
“I would not wish to, no.” She straightened up, lifting her chin in determination. “But I would do whatever was necessary to keep the Volturi name free of impurity.”
“Liar,” My father hissed under his breath.
Aro looked to him, his expression curious. “Has she thought something Edward?”
“Oh, don’t try changing your mind now Jane. The damage has been done.” Dad said, shaking his head. “Yes, Aro, she had had a thought. She’s thought nonstop since Du released her of killing not only the rest of us, but Du as well”
Aro lifted his eyebrows, “Is this true?”
“I would never think such vicious thoughts.”
“There Du go again!” Dad snarled, taking a step vorwärts-, nach vorn as Emmett grabbed hold of his arm. “Tell the truth! For once in your life Jane, do something besides pray for vengeance!”
She looked around the yard, laughing, amused Von my father’s words. It was an unexpected action but, I guess, a soothing one for someone as vile as she was. As she looked each person over, her eyes fell on me. Her chortles faltered, her eyes narrowed, and she shook her head slowly. “They have Mehr than they deserve Aro.”
Dad growled, still restrained Von my uncle.
Her eyes snapped back to Aro's, “Is it truly right to leave them with such a large number when we’ve Lost a great deal of our own?”
“That is a quandary isn’t it?” Aro said, chuckling lightly.
She nodded hopefully, “Shouldn’t we put at least one of them down as an example to the others? Or, take one? Replace the fallen?”
“You are trying quite hard to find your way back into my confidence. I have to tell Du though, it’s not working.”
Carlisle looked to my father who nodded once with assurance. Aro was telling the truth.
“There will, as Du sagte though, be an example set.”
Jane smiled, pleased Von the news.
“But I am afraid it is Du who will set the example. Not them.”
Her smile faded, “Excuse me?”
“Oh, Du will not die here. Du will return to Volterra with us then become an illustration of what will happen to any who defy us and our laws.”
Jane shook her head desperately, “No. Aro, please!”
“You’ve had many a chance Jane. I’m through listening to yours’ and Caius’ violent thoughts. There is much Mehr to life than just revenge little one. For example, two of the greatest things in the world are Liebe and learning. But I can see Du will never accept these things. So, it is final. Upon our return, Du will be reprimanded before the populous. And there will be no exceptions. No matter how hard Caius argues.”
For the first time in my life I saw something I believed was impossible. There, standing in the middle of my side yard was Jane, sobbing. I couldn’t believe me eyes. It was the most horrible yet, somehow, amusing sight I’d ever seen in my life.
“Heidi, if Du would take Jane and Mitmachen the rest of the guard. I have an apology to deliver.”
Heidi nodded, putting an arm around the bitty, aged looking vampire as she sobbed, leading her toward the forest.
“Carlisle.” Aro greeted properly.
“Aro. I must say, it’s good to see you.” My grandfather addressed with a quick nod, shaking the elder’s hand.
“Yes. It is always good to see Du old friend. Did she hurt Du terribly?”
“Nothing I can’t manage.”
“I am sorry for her actions as well as those of the rest of my guard. Du understand they acted without judgment from the rest of us.”
“That was made clear, yes. And thank Du for putting a stop to the fight. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” He smiled. “I do think I should be getting back. Heidi gets so very upset when she’s away from my side too long.”
“That is understandable.” Carlisle replied, shaking the man’s hand once more.
“Until we meet again.”
“Goodbye, Aro.”
Aro nodded his farewell and started toward the trees. He paused at the sight of me standing beside the blaze that held the ashes of his former guard members. “Renesmee. Can it really be you?”
I nodded meekly. “It is.”
“You have grown to become quite the young lady. Very brave.” He stated proudly, moving to my side.
“Thank you, Aro.” I sagte kindly.
“You are quite welcome. I will take my leave now, but always remember,” He leaned toward me, “there is always a place for Du in Volterra should Du want it.”
I nodded, “All right.”
He smiled. “Very good.” He took a step back. “I will be seeing Du again. I must really try for a proper visit.”
“Yes. Bye.” I sagte quickly.
“Farewell young one. Be well.” He tipped his head in my direction once quickly then started on again.
I watched him disappear into the shadows then ran full speed toward my dad. I threw my arms around him as my mother did the same to both of us.
“I was so worried.” Mom murmured into his shoulder.
“I’m fine.” Dad cooed, planting a KISS on her forehead then holding us both out at arms length.
“What about you? Are Du all right?”
“I swear, if I hear that one Mehr time I’m going to scream.” I stated clearly.
He laughed touching my cheek.
“Renesmee,” Jacob sagte gently as he, Kasie, and Michelle moved toward us.
I smiled widely running vorwärts-, nach vorn and putting my arms around his neck, Küssen him with conviction.
A throat cleared behind us.
Again? I thought, annoyed.
I pulled back, looking deep into his eyes. I’d almost left him, something I would have never dreamed of doing. Being with him was all I wanted right now and always.
“Um . . .” Jacob mumbled, looking up over my head.
I turned to see Alice on Jasper’s arm, giggling, and my parents staring unbelievably at the two of us, Mom’s jaw a little slack.
I smiled weakly with a shrug, “Oops.”
Jasper leapt at Chelsea, landing on oben, nach oben of her as she hit the ground.
Mom's eyes widened as she pushed her shield back out around Carlisle.
Jane was suddenly lying flat on her face, Kate poised upon her back, her expression irate, a palm pressed between the tiny vampire’s shoulder blades.
“Dad!” I shouted in relief as he lunged at Alec, Emmett close Von his side. I watched as they tossed the tiny vampire hard onto the earth, ripping at his limbs.
Micah turned, staring at me angrily. He must have forgotten I’d been standing there, behind enemy lines. He sprang forward, slamming me to the ground.
I hissed, pushing him off and rolling to my feet, crouching down.
He started vorwärts-, nach vorn again only to be knocked away Von Mom and Rosalie, Alice leaping vorwärts-, nach vorn to Mitmachen only a Sekunde later.
“Renesmee!” Jake called, appearing quite suddenly at my side, taking my hand and pulling me from the fray.
He pushed me around the corner of the house where Kasie and Michelle were already, shaking and crying, flanked quite halfheartedly Von Seth and Leah.
I peeked around the side, not wanting to miss a thing.
I had never seen so much violence, not even in the goriest horror movie. The odd thing was I wasn’t at all frightened. This sight almost seemed natural, and deep down I felt that I should be out there with them. The things they were doing weren’t wrong oder out of place for me, I was a little excited Von the whole thing, though a little frightened once the concept caught up with me that any member of my family could be injured oder killed at any second.
Straight ahead was Jasper wrestling Chelsea as best he could while Garrett and Eleazar each reached for an arm. After a moment of thrashing her limbs were subdued. With a disgusting sound equivalent to metal gears being forced through the human body, the left shoulder was removed from its socket and flung into the bonfire started only a meter away.
Chelsea roared in pain, kicking a leg up and making contact with Jasper’s jaw.
He fell back as she lurched forward, her teeth gnashing as she made to latch onto his neck.
In one fluid motion Garrett sunk his own incisors into her jugular, tearing at the flesh while Eleazar pulled her fit frame off of Jasper’s.
With a growl Jasper hopped to his feet, diving vorwärts-, nach vorn and finishing the job in mere seconds, tossing her head into the flames. From there went her other arm and each leg, one Von one followed Von the entire midsection which made the embers burst as is landed roughly among them.
To the right of the scene, Dad pulled the neck clean off of Alec’s body.
A raspy sound, like air escaping, pushed out of the hole that remained in the body part’s place. The body continued to struggle against Emmett as the head snapped futilely at my father.
The writhing corpse was thrown to the ground as dad threw our enemy’s head into the air. Dashing vorwärts-, nach vorn Emmett threw a leg forward, kicking the cranium into the feuer like a Fußball ball.
“Score!” He sagte triumphantly, tossing his arms in the air.
“Emmett!” Dad exclaimed as he continued to fight with the decapitated body.
“Oh, sorry Edward.” He grabbed the ankles while dad held tight to the wrists. With an exaggerated grunt they tossed the remains to burn.
At the very back, almost obstructed Von the other battles was my mother, perched upon Micah’s chest. She leaned forward, ready to tear out his throat no doubt, when Micah kicked Alice away and tossed Rosalie aside.
He reached up, grabbing Mom around the throat and lifting her off of him.
With a bark, Embry leapt forward, tearing the man’s free arm clean off.
Micah screamed, throwing my mother aside.
Embry shook the appendage hard while the hand flexed feebly, fingers extended as though reaching out for help.
“Thanks,” Rosalie sagte pensively, as she grabbed hold of his other arm, forcing Micah to his knees while Alice grabbed hold of his throat with a growl.
Rushing vorwärts-, nach vorn Mom stepped up to him, pulling his skull from its base.
“Stop!” A voice ordered from across the yard near the trees as my aunts and mother tossed what was left of my friends’ father into the inferno.
Carlisle stood, holding tight to Esme, staring toward the familiar tone.
Everyone froze in their place except for Kate who sent a shock through Jane once Mehr with a fierce smirk while she screeched in pain, writhing uselessly under her weight.
I squinted, trying my hardest to see through the swirling silver smoke. I gasped lightly, instantly realizing who had ordered the halt.
“You can release her, Miss.” Aro addressed, as a tall woman wearing shiny leather boots huddled closer to his arm, taking Chelsea’s usual place.
Kate scowled, rising from her position, taking a few steps back and crossing her arms with a scoff.
Jane leapt to her feet, glaring at the near Von members of my family before turning to Aro, her expression timid.
I started forward, wanting a better view.
“Nessie!” Jake exclaimed at a whisper.
“Shush,” I replied, continuing forward.
“Jane,” Aro continued, shaking his head.
She lowered her head in shame, her body shaking furiously in both rage and apprehension.
“I’m surprised at you. Did Du truly believe Du could take off and start a war without my knowing?”
“War—no. I was certain things could be settled peace—”
“Give me your hand Jane.”
Her eyes widened. She knew that once Aro took a look inside her thoughts every decision she’d made, every word and action she’d taken would be made a memory of his as well as her own. She was definitely stuck between a rock and a hard place; she had indeed betrayed her superior, a big ‘no no’ if Du were a member of the Volturi.
“Now, Jane.” He ordered, holding his palm out, waiting for her to comply.
I stopped beside the fire, now able to see the exhibition perfectly.
Jane’s breathing was uneven, trembling, as she laid her palm over his.
He let his eyes fall shut while he watched and listened to all that had come to pass over the last few weeks.
After nearly ten Minuten of silence his eyes reopened. He looked callously down at his guard member, his face hard. “You’ve been busy.”
“Busy doing what was necessary to obtain what we came for,” She defended swiftly.
Aro smirked lightly, “Your actions here have proved something to me. Would Du like to know what?” He asked, tipping his head to the side like a child surveying an aquarium.
“Yes, Sir.”
“You cannot be trusted.”
She stared at him a faint pout appearing on her lips. Everything she had was based solely upon the trust Aro and the remaining elders had for her. No doubt Caius would appreciate her initiative, but there was no way Aro would let something as severe as attacking a respected coven just to retrieve a couple of mortals go without punishment.
“You’ve failed me Jane, and you’ve broken our law.”
“You cannot be serious. Aro, I have only done what was asked of me.”
“I never asked that Du disturb this family for a fourth time.” He shook his head with an amused grin. “I only asked that Du pick up Micah’s daughters and be on your way. Now, had Du told me there were problems, I may have offered Du some assistance. But kidnapping a shape shifter? Attacking young Renesmee, and Carlisle? I would never ask Du to do any of those things!”
“As I sagte before. I was sure we could settle things without all of this.” She glanced over each shoulder before looking back at Aro. “I do believe Du saw that in your assessment of my thoughts.”
“I did yes, but only in the beginning. After that there was only resentment. And what do Du have to Zeigen for it? Five members of our family are dead, including your brother. I don’t suppose you’ll want to come Home quietly after an act such as that would you?”
“I would not wish to, no.” She straightened up, lifting her chin in determination. “But I would do whatever was necessary to keep the Volturi name free of impurity.”
“Liar,” My father hissed under his breath.
Aro looked to him, his expression curious. “Has she thought something Edward?”
“Oh, don’t try changing your mind now Jane. The damage has been done.” Dad said, shaking his head. “Yes, Aro, she had had a thought. She’s thought nonstop since Du released her of killing not only the rest of us, but Du as well”
Aro lifted his eyebrows, “Is this true?”
“I would never think such vicious thoughts.”
“There Du go again!” Dad snarled, taking a step vorwärts-, nach vorn as Emmett grabbed hold of his arm. “Tell the truth! For once in your life Jane, do something besides pray for vengeance!”
She looked around the yard, laughing, amused Von my father’s words. It was an unexpected action but, I guess, a soothing one for someone as vile as she was. As she looked each person over, her eyes fell on me. Her chortles faltered, her eyes narrowed, and she shook her head slowly. “They have Mehr than they deserve Aro.”
Dad growled, still restrained Von my uncle.
Her eyes snapped back to Aro's, “Is it truly right to leave them with such a large number when we’ve Lost a great deal of our own?”
“That is a quandary isn’t it?” Aro said, chuckling lightly.
She nodded hopefully, “Shouldn’t we put at least one of them down as an example to the others? Or, take one? Replace the fallen?”
“You are trying quite hard to find your way back into my confidence. I have to tell Du though, it’s not working.”
Carlisle looked to my father who nodded once with assurance. Aro was telling the truth.
“There will, as Du sagte though, be an example set.”
Jane smiled, pleased Von the news.
“But I am afraid it is Du who will set the example. Not them.”
Her smile faded, “Excuse me?”
“Oh, Du will not die here. Du will return to Volterra with us then become an illustration of what will happen to any who defy us and our laws.”
Jane shook her head desperately, “No. Aro, please!”
“You’ve had many a chance Jane. I’m through listening to yours’ and Caius’ violent thoughts. There is much Mehr to life than just revenge little one. For example, two of the greatest things in the world are Liebe and learning. But I can see Du will never accept these things. So, it is final. Upon our return, Du will be reprimanded before the populous. And there will be no exceptions. No matter how hard Caius argues.”
For the first time in my life I saw something I believed was impossible. There, standing in the middle of my side yard was Jane, sobbing. I couldn’t believe me eyes. It was the most horrible yet, somehow, amusing sight I’d ever seen in my life.
“Heidi, if Du would take Jane and Mitmachen the rest of the guard. I have an apology to deliver.”
Heidi nodded, putting an arm around the bitty, aged looking vampire as she sobbed, leading her toward the forest.
“Carlisle.” Aro greeted properly.
“Aro. I must say, it’s good to see you.” My grandfather addressed with a quick nod, shaking the elder’s hand.
“Yes. It is always good to see Du old friend. Did she hurt Du terribly?”
“Nothing I can’t manage.”
“I am sorry for her actions as well as those of the rest of my guard. Du understand they acted without judgment from the rest of us.”
“That was made clear, yes. And thank Du for putting a stop to the fight. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” He smiled. “I do think I should be getting back. Heidi gets so very upset when she’s away from my side too long.”
“That is understandable.” Carlisle replied, shaking the man’s hand once more.
“Until we meet again.”
“Goodbye, Aro.”
Aro nodded his farewell and started toward the trees. He paused at the sight of me standing beside the blaze that held the ashes of his former guard members. “Renesmee. Can it really be you?”
I nodded meekly. “It is.”
“You have grown to become quite the young lady. Very brave.” He stated proudly, moving to my side.
“Thank you, Aro.” I sagte kindly.
“You are quite welcome. I will take my leave now, but always remember,” He leaned toward me, “there is always a place for Du in Volterra should Du want it.”
I nodded, “All right.”
He smiled. “Very good.” He took a step back. “I will be seeing Du again. I must really try for a proper visit.”
“Yes. Bye.” I sagte quickly.
“Farewell young one. Be well.” He tipped his head in my direction once quickly then started on again.
I watched him disappear into the shadows then ran full speed toward my dad. I threw my arms around him as my mother did the same to both of us.
“I was so worried.” Mom murmured into his shoulder.
“I’m fine.” Dad cooed, planting a KISS on her forehead then holding us both out at arms length.
“What about you? Are Du all right?”
“I swear, if I hear that one Mehr time I’m going to scream.” I stated clearly.
He laughed touching my cheek.
“Renesmee,” Jacob sagte gently as he, Kasie, and Michelle moved toward us.
I smiled widely running vorwärts-, nach vorn and putting my arms around his neck, Küssen him with conviction.
A throat cleared behind us.
Again? I thought, annoyed.
I pulled back, looking deep into his eyes. I’d almost left him, something I would have never dreamed of doing. Being with him was all I wanted right now and always.
“Um . . .” Jacob mumbled, looking up over my head.
I turned to see Alice on Jasper’s arm, giggling, and my parents staring unbelievably at the two of us, Mom’s jaw a little slack.
I smiled weakly with a shrug, “Oops.”