It was the night before the battle.

Eleanor's hand was clasped firmly in Carlisle's as the two made their way to a small clearing the middle of the forest. The rest of the witnesses were there, along with Jacob and his small pack.

Eleanor left Carlisle's side and made her way over to Jacob and Benjamin. The two sat quietly together as Edward placed a load of firewood into the center. Eleanor watched in amazement as Benjamin's fingers ignited with fire and threw it onto the wood.

"That's what I'm talking about," Jacob smiled, "a little pre-battle bonfire. Telling war stories."

Eleanor and Jacob looked towards the rest of the witnesses, who stood silent and unmoving. Jake scoffed, "or just stand around like freaking statues."

Suddenly, Garrett appeared on the log across from the three, "Name any American battle. I was there."

Eleanor smirked at the boasting vampire, but decided to challenge him a little, "Little Bighorn."

"I was this close to biting Custer," he said, holding his thumb and finger inches apart, "but the Indians got him first."

Kate appeared on Garrett's lap, "Try Oleg's assault on Constantinople. He didn't win that one on his own."

The Irish appeared next, and Liam said, "if you're talking battles, you're talking the Eleven Years' War. No one does the rebellion like the Irish."

"You lost the Eleven Years' War," Garrett frowned, confused.

"Aye," Liam grinned, "but it was one hell of a rebellion."

Eleanor laughed at the Irish vampire, before turning her head to see where Carlisle had went. She noticed him standing beside Edward, a few feet away from the rest of the group. The two sent each other small smiles.

Her eyes wandered to the group of witnesses, and a sudden sadness filled her heart. There was a chance that all of these lives would be lost tomorrow. She looked to Esme, who was chatting with a young nomad that Rose and Emmett encountered on their travels. Eleanor smiled as she watched Esme with him - perhaps she had found her mate.

She took a shaky breath, trying to clear the dangerous thoughts from her mind. It would be okay - they could persuade the Volturi enough for them to let them go, and that would be it. No deaths, no sadness, and no leaving Carlisle.

A wave of calm washed over the girl, causing her to furrow her brows. The only person that could mess with her emotions was Jasper, and he had left months ago. Her blue eyes searched the trees, trying to find the empath.

A dark figure disappeared behind a tree behind Garrett, and Eleanor narrowed her eyes at the tree. She stood, excusing herself from the group and walked over there.

She placed her hand in front of her so her scarlet tendrils didn't draw attention to herself, and peeked behind the tree. El nearly jumped when she saw Jasper and Alice.

"Oh, my God!" She whispered, placing a hand over her racing heart, "what the hell are you doing here?"

"We need to talk to you," Alice told her, quietly.

Eleanor crossed her arms, "why should I listen to you? You left us."

Alice shook her head, "no El, you have to trust us. We need your help."

She looked between the two warily, "with what?"

"Tomorrow," Jasper said, "we won't win this fight easily. Not without you."

Her heart sped up in her chest, and she sighed heavily. She knew it, there was absolutely no way they were going to convince the Volturi, "what do I need to do?"

Alice sighed in relief, "you can create images in people's heads, right?"

El nodded, unsure where Alice was going with this. The pixie-like vampire grinned, "when I arrive in the field, I need you to enter my mind and show Aro something that will make him change his mind. Show him his worst fear."

A devious smirk grew on Eleanor's face at Alice's plan as she continued to think it over. It was genius, and she knew she could easily make it work, "I'm on it."

Freshly fallen snow that was once untouched now crunched under the weight of thick boots as the Cullens' and their witnesses made their way into the battlefield. The day had finally come.

Eleanor held Carlisle's gloved hand tighter than she had ever before and her heart beat heavily in her chest as she awaited the arrival of the Volturi. Though they had a plan, she was still doubting if it worked.

She made sure her plan was blocked from Edward's prying thoughts and Aro's ability. She wasn't sure if she was going to have to speak with him, but she wanted to be prepared just in case.

They came to a stop in the center of the field, and waited to see where the Volturi where appear. Carlisle wrapped a comforting arm around Eleanor's shoulder, hugging her tightly into his side, "we're going to get through this Eleanor. And I'm marrying you as soon as we do."

Eleanor smiled as a hint of a blush covered her cheeks. Of course Carlisle would say something like that in a time as desperate as this, "you better."

Carlisle's eyes looked forward again, and Eleanor watched fear wash over him. She followed his line of sight, gulping when she noticed the figures walking towards them.

Similar to when the guard had arrived last summer, the whole Volturi wore dark capes with their heads covered by the hoods. They walked simultaneously and quietly, chilling Eleanor to her core.

There was a lot more of them than she had expected. They were outnumbered by a lot, and she began to worry if their plan would even work.

The Kings walked in the front, and Eleanor could see Aro's eyes searching their own group of witnesses.

"He's looking for Alice," she heard Edward say, but didn't dare turn her head to look at him. She would be there soon enough.

Eleanor could hear the wolves arrive behind them, causing the three Kings to halt a good distance away from them, and remove their hoods at once. They really enjoyed being dramatic. Eleanor's eyes wandered over the Kings, remembering each of their features from the painting in Carlisle's hallway.

Carlisle squeezed her side, before departing from her and walking forward. Her eyes widened as he left her, but she stayed still anyway. Esme and the nomad moved towards her.

"Aro," Carlisle began, "let us discuss things as we used to. In a civilized manner."

"Fair words, Carlisle," Aro spoke, causing Eleanor to grimace. Even his voice creeped her out, "but a little out of place, given the battalion you've assembled against us."

"I can promise you, that was never my intent. No laws have been broken," he spoke quietly.

"We can see the child!" Caius yelled, "do not treat us as fools!"

"She is not an immortal!" Carlisle raised his voice, surprising Eleanor. She had never heard him yell, "these witnesses can attest to that. Or you can look. See the flush of human blood in her cheeks."

"Artiface!" Caius sneered.

Aro held up his hand to silence the angry king, "I will collect every facet of the truth. But from someone more central from the story. Edward, as the child clings to your newborn mate, I assume you are involved."

Eleanor turned her head to watch Edward depart from his family and make his way towards the Kings. Bella attempted to use her shield on him, but it disappeared when he got too far away.

Aro took Edward's hand, and Eleanor watched him read Edward's thoughts. Aro's face to turned shock, and looked at Edward, then to Renesmee, "I'd like to meet her."

His eyes wandered to Eleanor, "and the witch."

Carlisle turned to meet Eleanor's eyes with his own fearful ones. She walked forward to him and squeezed his hand. Bella came to El's side with Nessie, Jacob and Emmett, and the four began their walk to the Volturi.

Each step felt like a mile and Eleanor's heart sped up the closer they got to Aro. Eleanor came to a stop behind Bella and Renesmee, waiting for Aro to speak. Emmett stepped close to Eleanor, causing the girl to send him a gracious smile.

"Ah, young Bella," Aro smiled, "immortality becomes you."

He looked towards Eleanor next, and the girl placed her best glare on her face. Aro placed his hand in front of him, "Eleanor. How lovely it is to finally meet you."

She ignored him, but placed her hand in his, making sure to hide her important thoughts. Aro pulled her hand to his chest as he watched her thoughts, and Eleanor longed to pull it away.

Aro's blood red eyes locked onto Eleanor's, sending chills down her spine. A ugly grin formed on his mouth, "how interesting. You would be very useful to the Volturi, my dear."

Eleanor scowled at him and he dropped her hand. She moved back to Emmett's side.

His attention turned to Nessie, and he pointed at the girl as a shrill laugh escaped his mouth. Eleanor cringed at the sound. He reminded her of a child, "I hear her strange heart!"

He held his hand out to the young girl, but Ness only glanced at it before reaching up to cup his cheek with her own hand, "hello Aro."

El smirked at Aro's shocked reaction.

"Magnifico," he whispered, then abruptly pulled back from Renesmee and faced his army, "half mortal, half immortal! Conceived and carried by this newborn," he motioned to Bella, "while she was still human!"

Murmurs of confusion rushed through the crowd and Caius scoffed, "Impossible!"

Aro narrowed his eyes at him, "do you think they fooled me, brother?"

"Bring the informer forward," Caius ordered as the five began their walk back to their side.

Eleanor could hear Irina walk up to the front of the crowd, and watched Tanya and Kate tense from where they were standing. Her heart ached for them, as she knew what was coming.

She halted next to Carlisle, causing the man to immediately grab her hand. He didn't look at her, but the comfort of his hand was enough for her.

"Is that the child you saw?" Caius asked, nodding towards Renesmee.

Irina's eyes connected with Nessie's, then toward the ground, "I'm not sure."

"Jane," Caius mentioned, making Irina tense.

"She's changed!" She tried, "this child is bigger."

"Then your allegations are false," Caius accused.

Irina sighed, "the Cullens' are innocent. I take full responsibility for my actions," she turned towards her family, "I'm sorry."

Caius nodded towards members of the guard, who forcefully grabbed Irina and forced her to her knees.

"Caius no!" Edward shouted. Eleanor heard him run forward and turned on her heel, holding him back with a scarlet shield.

"Edward stop," she whispered, "this is what they want." She needed her plan to work.

"Irina!" Tanya cried. Kate and Tanya ran forward as Caius set Irina's body on fire. Eleanor faced Carlisle, hiding her face from the scene in front of her. She saw Garrett grab Kate, cringing as she used her electricity on him. Eleazar grabbed Tanya.

"Blind them," Edward demanded Zafrina. He approached the girls, "if you attack now, we'll all die."

El watched the girls' slump into the arms of their captors, before eventually giving up their fight. She sighed in relief, before turning to face the Volturi again. Aro was watching her with curious eyes.

Carlisle's grip tightened on her hand when he saw Aro's gaze, but still said nothing. Jane's eyes trailed their field, stopping on Edward, "pain."

Eleanor turned on her heel to watch the man fall to his knees, but smirked when Bella stepped forward. Even with human eyes, she could see her shield cover Edward, making the man stand back up.

Jane looked startled. Her twin stepped forward with a nasty glare, holding his hands out, causing a dark mist to begin its creep forward. Aro held up his hand.

"Aro, you can see there is no law broken," Carlisle spoke quietly.

"Yes," Aro hummed, seemingly at a loss for words, "But does it then follow that there is no danger?"

He turned to his army, "for the first time in our history humans pose a threat to our kind. Their modern technology has given birth to weapons that could destroy us. Maintaining our secret has never been more imperative. In such perilous times, only the known is safe. Only the known is tolerable. And we know nothing of what this child will become," he turned and motioned to Renesmee, "can we live with such uncertainty? Spare ourselves a fight today, only to die tomorrow."

Eleanor glared at him, venomously. They were so close, only for Aro to try and pick a fight once more.

Aro turned his head to his right, gasping.

"Alice," Edward said, incredulously.

"Alice!"

Eleanor's lips turned up. It was time, and she hoped to God she didn't screw this up for them.

Alice met Eleanor's eyes and sent her a nod as she approached the Volturi kings. Carlisle noticed the subtle notice, and glanced between the two curiously, watching as Eleanor kept her eyes on the two.

He didn't notice the slight scarlet overlapping the blue.

"My dear, dear Alice! We're so glad to see you here after all!" He said, though two guards grabbed her harshly when she got too close.

"I have evidence the child won't be a danger to our kind," Alice spoke clearly. She stuck her hand in front of her, "let me show you."

Aro eyed her suspiciously, but nodded at the guards to let her go.

"Brother?" Caius questioned, going ignored by Aro.

Eleanor stepped behind Carlisle, careful to not gain too much attention. She lowered her head as Aro took Alice's hand, and focused all her energy on Alice's vision.

In Alice's head, Alice pulled her hand back with a sneer, "it doesn't matter what I show you! Even when you see, you still won't change your decision!"

Alice turned, connecting her eyes at Bella and mouthed, 'now.'

Bella placed Nessie on Jacob's back, and the wolf took off.

Alice turned back, spun on her heel to launch herself into a handstand and kicked Aro into the air. Eleanor watched him fly through the air, landing onto his feet. He stood dramatically, and walked forward clearing a path to get to Alice.

She was held by the same guards, "take her away!"

'I'm so sorry, Carlisle," Eleanor winced, thinking about what she was about to do.

"Let her go!" Eleanor's mate yelled, charging forward towards Aro.

The King watched Carlisle for half a moment, before rushing to meet him halfway. Eleanor launched the two in the air, colliding with a sound of thunder before falling to the ground. Her heart dropped to her stomach when she saw what she had created.

Carlisle's hair was gripped in Aro's fingers, with the rest of his body lying flat behind Aro. He threw the Cullens' a hideous smile, rejoicing in their heartbreak.

Eleanor tilted her head, forcing Edward, the family and witnesses to race forwards, along with the Volturi guards. Stone bodies crashed together forcefully, and Eleanor watched the battle unfold before her.

She forced herself to rush towards an unnamed vampire. Her hands glided effortlessly, tangling the man in her mist, easily squeezing the man's head off of his shoulders. She did not hide her anger as her eyes searched for Aro.

Eleanor looked towards another spot in Alice's vision, where Bella was shielding Jasper from Jane's painful stares. She noticed Alec running towards the newborn, causing her to force Bella to drop her shield on Jasper and defend herself against the witch twin.

She winced when Jasper was beheaded.

After making sure that Alec was beheaded, she turned her attention elsewhere. She found Benjamin, and manipulated him to crack the earth below them. She jumped back from it, watching frantically as Volturi members and their own witnesses fell into the fire below.

A howl sounded through her head, and she snapped her head to Leah. However, before she could figure out what happened, Leah leapt forward again. Eleanor didn't stop her from dragging her and a Volturi guard into the fire.

Guilt consumed her, but she had saved Esme. That was enough.

She managed to throw Felix and Demetri into the flames as well. Eleanor focused on Aro once again, locking her scarlet eyes on his blood eyes. Her self-made anger consumed her, and she began her stalk towards the Kings.

Marcus was easy enough to take out.

Her mind moved through Caius' , convincing the man to target Kate and Tanya. He was gone as well.

Her hands sparked individually as she approached him, and she smirked victoriously when his eyes widened in fear. Good.

Aro charged towards the witch. Eleanor spread her hands quickly, catching the vampire's body in a wall on red, forcing him to the sky. A sharp scream escaped her lips as she slammed the King back to the ground.

He didn't have the time to react before she was on him again. She twisted her arms, strangling Aro in her magic. She stopped for a moment, pinning him to the ground again. Eleanor kneeled beside him.

"Never," she growled, "mess with my family."

In a split moment, Eleanor's hand with in front of her, pulling Aro's dead heart from his chest. He grunted in pain, watching her with wide eyes as she grimaced. His chest burst as the heart came through.

Eleanor turned back towards the field, and motioned Edward and Bella towards her. The married couple sprinted towards them, causing Eleanor to stand and throw Aro's body at them. In a blur, Edward and Aro collided, and Aro's head was on the snow covered ground.

Alice was beside her in a moment with a fiery torch, with she handed to Eleanor. With a final grin, Eleanor dropped it.

Eleanor's eyes snapped open as the vision ended. She immediately searched for Aro, yearning to see if her plan had worked. Upon seeing the terror on his face, she knew it had. She grabbed Carlisle's hand tightly next, assuring herself that he was still there. It was a vision - he hadn't died.

The King's eyes met her own, and Eleanor held her chin up, proudly.

"Now you know," Alice spat, "that's your future. Unless you decide on a different course."

"We cannot alter our course," Caius argued, causing Eleanor to huff, "the child still poses a grave threat!"

"What if you were sure she could remain hidden from the human world?" Edward asked, surprising Eleanor, "could we live in peace?"

"Of course," the blonde king sneered, "but that cannot be known!"

"Actually it can."

Eleanor turned her head to the sound of footsteps coming from the forest, and noticed to tanned figures emerge from the tree line.

"I've been searching for witnesses of my own," Alice explained as the two stood beside her, "among the Ticuna tribes of Brazil."