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Focused Madness	By : fusedtwilight Category: Twilight Series > General Views: 3772 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
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Chapter List
- 25
- 26
- 27
Focused Madness
Chapter 26

Fusedtwilight: Thanks to my beta animegirlkiki. This chapter Leah deals with the consequences of her actions, Heidi pushes Fred's buttons and Alice reveals Leah's future, which does not look good.

Leah P.O.V
The compartment was silent.
It was a few hours after we left Volterra. Aro had gladly accepted my offer but suffice it to say not everyone was happy with my decision.
Namely my friends.
After the shocked silence my old pack immediately began to yell and scream. But I kept my composure. As much as the thought of joining these cock suckers made me ill, worse than Fred's power, the idea of not being with Matthew anymore was a thousand times worse.
It went against every moral code and belief of my people. But it was the only way I could help protect Matthew from Aro's poison. It was the only other path that did not include me killing him.
People may say they never have a choice, but that is not true. We have lots of choices we can make; the only thing stopping us is our morals or our inability to see the possibilities. I would rather burn in hell then be their lap dog. But it gave me Matthew, so I would do it.
While the others were shouting at me I looked at Fred. He stood there calm as could be. But when I looked in his eyes I could see the turmoil. His lips moved silently,
“Why?” he asked.
I moved my lips silently as well. So he could read my lips.
“It is the only way.”
Realization shined in his eyes. He knew why I was doing this.
After that I had to yell at the others to shut up that I had made my choice, we had to get going and we had no time for yelling. I mentally asked Edward to explain my reasons for doing this to the others.
Before we left Nahuel took me aside and told me I did not have to do this. I told him I did.
“But why?”
“Because it lets me be with him again. It is the only way I can protect him,” I said.
We took a private train that would take us to Romania. It was real nice on the inside. If I was not so concerned with my friend’s cold attitude to me right now I would enjoy it more. The country side was very beautiful, but it did little to lighten things up.
The vampires were on another part of the train. I was grateful, I had a feeling their presence would not help things.
“So.....nice outside huh?” I said.
No one spoke, or even looked at me. I sighed.
“Look, I know you guys are pissed at me. And I am sorry, but I have to do this.”
“Do you Leah?” Seth asked.
“Yes I do. Aro has prepared for everything. Every idea and move we had to snatch Matthew and keep him from Aro has failed. I saw the greedy look in his eyes, you all did. He will not stop until Matthew is his, and I have a strong feeling he feels if he can't have him, then no one will.”
“So you're going to join our sworn enemies?” Quil asked glaring at me.
I met his glare with a simple stare. “Yes.”
Seth slammed his fist onto the side of the wall. His teeth were barred and a deep growl escaped his lips. “That is bullshit Leah! You shouldn't have made this decision without talking to us first!”
“I didn't really have much time to talk, it just popped up. And I made my choice Seth; there is nothing to talk about it.”
“No, way I am not going to let you do this Leah, if I have to drag you back home kicking and screaming I will do it! I won't let you ruin your life!”
“I am not too thrilled about it either Seth but I have to.” I looked to Jake; his face looked so much like Billy's during a tense situation. “What would you do if Nessie was with them Jake? Please tell me you understand?”
I tried not to let the desperation creep into my voice. But I needed someone to understand. I needed to know someone was on my side.
“I understand Leah, but I don't have to like it,” he said.
Not exactly what I was hoping for but it would do.
“I don't like it either guys....but the alternative isn't better.”
“What is the alternative Leah? Tell us please, stop holding out on us, just because you are not in our pack doesn't mean we are not friends,” Embry said.
I took a deep breath. What I was about to say was not going to be easy. It was hard enough talking to Fred about, he thought I was a monster for being willing to kill Matthew, I can only wonder what my brothers will think.
“I was planning on killing Matthew.”
Their eyes grew wide and their mouth's fell open. Normally it would be funny, but this was not normally.
“What?!” they all shouted.
“That's what Fred said,” I said.
“Leah how could you even think that?” Quil asked.
“That's fucked up Leah!” Jake said.
“Why would you kill him? After everything you have done for him,” Seth said.
“Because I would rather he is dead then a monster. If Aro gets a hold of him then he would use every trick he has to turn him into a monster. I would rather see him dead then that happen. Don't you see? If I join the Volturi then I can keep an eye on Matthew, make sure Aro doesn't turn him into a monster. My love for him will protect him from Chelsea's power.”
“Leah, what if they have wiped his memory?” Embry asked. “He won't be the Matthew you knew.”
“I know, but all the more reason for me to join, so he can have some good influence on him,” I said.
They said nothing, but their body language showed they were still angry and frustrated.
“I am sorry, Leah I am. Believe me I can understand what you are doing. But I cannot let you do this.”
“You can't stop me Jake, alpha she-wolf remember?”
“I remember, you may be an alpha now, but I will not let you damn yourself over this. None of us will.”
“I'm not leaving him to Aro Jake.”
“We're not letting you join the Volturi.”
“You can't stop me.”
“Yes we can.”
“Oh yeah? How” I asked.
Jake glared at me and I glared right back. I was not going to back down from this, but I could tell neither was he. An age old question popped up in my head then. What happens when an unstoppable force meets an unmovable object?
I was not going to back down from my decision. But Jake was not going to let me join, knowing him he already had a few ideas on how to stop me. I knew I had one more thing to worry about now. Or rather four more things.
Quil, Embry and especially Seth were giving me the same determined look Jake was giving me. They would all help Jake, they would all do whatever it took to keep me from joining the Volturi. A part of me truly appreciated their loyalty.
Another part cursed them for it.
Can't they see this is the only way? Can't they see it is better for me to be with Matthew? That it is the only way to keep him from being turned into a monster.
The door opened and the giant leech Felix stood there. Low growls erupted from the guys throats. I was starting to think I should have told Aro mind to mind instead of verbally. My request to join the Volturi seemed to increase their hostility for them even more than before, I was worried it would affect how we work together.
Felix grinned stupidly at us, like Emmett does. He was not bothered by the dirty looks or the growls. In fact they seemed to amuse him.
“Hey puppies, we're having a meeting in the back, you coming?”
“Yeah, we'll be there,” I said getting up.
He moved to the side to allow me to pass. “Ladies first,” he said giving me a smile and a wink.
I ignored him and headed for the back. I heard the others follow me; I could practically feel their gazes burning a hole in my head.
Things were spiraling out of control. My own pack was now my biggest obstacle. They would try to stop me, and I would have to be smart enough to stay one step ahead of them.
So many dangers, so many foes. It seemed like every time I turned my head someone new was popping up to prevent me from getting to Matthew.
I felt like the whole world was against me, it was a daunting task. But I will not stop, I will not give in. I will have him back no matter what.

Fred P.O.V
I sat in the library of the Volturi.
Since Leah left I had become so withdrawn from everyone. I actively used my power to keep the others away.
I was still in a state of shock that Leah had requested to join the Volturi. I know why she did it, in her eyes it was the only way she could be with him. The only way she did not have to kill him.
I had told her to find another way, to think of anything that would keep her from doing something so heinous. And she found a way. But I don't know what was worse, her killing Matthew or joining the Volturi.
God I wish I could travel back in time. I would have changed things so that we never lost Matthew that his sisters never found him that I had been there instead of moping over my own feelings for Leah.
Then we would still be home, still getting ready to move to Forks. I and Leah would probably still be confused and frustrated over our feelings for one another.
I was blaming myself for Leah's decision, I told her to find another way, and I pushed her to think of anything. I should have been more specific.
I had tried to leave, but Heidi's power kept me grounded to this place. Like my own power it could be very subtitle, you would not know you were tethered to this place until you tried to leave, they for some reason you found yourself unable to move. There was something about the place you were in that kept you in, something that attracted you so much you could not leave.
I wish I could leave and follow Leah and the others, how badly I wanted to find Matthew and take Leah and run. I cannot even begin to describe it. They were my family. The newborns had not been a family. We were pawns and most of the time they were killing one another, Bree was the only one I was close to in that group.
It was odd; my thoughts now were different then when I was drinking human blood. It was like I had become softer, more humane. I felt more guilt for not going after Bree when we parted ways. When you drink human blood it's like you’re a colder, more practical being, but drinking animal blood gives you back some of your humanity. But when you are drinking human blood, it's like everything is numbed.
I heard soft feminine like footsteps in the hall outside. The door opened and and low and behold Heidi stepped in. She closed the door behind her and looked around, like she was looking for someone. A small smile curved her lips and the world seemed to narrow on just her.
She was really beautiful, like Rosalie level beautiful. She was a bit slimmer then Rose, her hair was slick mahogany. She did not need her power to draw in her prey. Her looks alone were enough to do the job.
“I know you are here Fred, come, speak with me, don't be shy,” she said.
I lowered my shield and her eyes focused on me. “How did you know I was here?” I asked.
“I didn't, I just guessed. I could feel you were still here, I just didn't know where exactly. Your power made it tough to find you.”
“Maybe you should have taken that as a hint,” I said.
She smiled, not fazed at all by my rudeness. “Now don't be like that, I just came to talk.”
She took a seat next to me; she looked over at the books I was reading. “Ah, the war with the Romanian coven.”
“I figured since we were going to war with the survivors I should brush up on my history,” I said.
She nodded. “Yes, it was a long war. They did not know what hit them; Aro was brilliant when he sought out the gifted of us. We took control from them centuries ago. But it wasn't until we got Jane and Alec where we ruined them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well until we came alone the Romanians were the largest coven around and they had a lower stander for who could join.”
Meaning only those who were special.
“To be honest they really weren't well organized. But they did outnumber us. Although we did wrestle control from them it took us many years to hunt them down. But they were really good at defending themselves. The war lasted a long time, it wasn't until we acquired Jane and Alec we were finally able to take them down.”
“Do you think we can take them down this time?” I asked her.
“Of course, they may have a bunch of hybrids, but we have grown in power since the war. And with the Cullens and those wolves helping us it will be a sure thing.”
“Then why didn't Aro let me go?” I asked her.
“Well, Aro has the utmost faith in the team, and he would hate to see anything happen to you. You are a very talented man after all.”
I just looked at her with a blank face.
“You know, now that both Leah and Matthew are joining us you should join as well, Aro knows you are close with them. Your talents would prove useful.”
“Is that why you are here? Trying to butter me up?” I asked.
“I'm just saying. The kid and the girl will be with us, you might as well hop along for the ride, it has been a while since we had some new blood, plus it would be the first time we had a shape-shifter and a hybrid join.”
“Leah will not be joining,” I said firmly.
She smirked. “Leah you have a better chance of keeping from joining. Matthew on the other hand, you might as well forget about him.”
A low growl escaped my mouth.
“I have never seen Aro have this much enthusiasm for someone with a power, not even that Alice girl. He will have him, a being who can make our entire powers increase twelve fold?” she clapped her hands together and even did a spin. “We all want him to join. Aro might be able to read minds without touching, Alec could strip senses in an instant and spread his power further, Jane could take down a whole coven herself! Face it; the only way you can be with him is if you join us.”
“Never,” I said.
“It's your only choice. Without your friends what will you have? Where will you go? You'll be alone again, left to wonder the world without anyone. Knowing once again you let down someone you-”
Something in me snapped. It had been a very long time since I lost my composure. Before I knew it I was out of my seat and had Heidi pinned to the wall by her throat. Her feet dangled in the air and her hands gripped my arm.
“Shut up!” I snarled at her.
She smiled and I was tempted to rip her pretty head off to make her stop smiling.
“What's wrong freaky Fred? Did I hit a nerve?”
“Leah and Matthew will not join you people! I will see to it!”
“How? You can't even leave the building unless I let you.”
I smiled and I saw a thread of uncertainty cross that beautiful face. “You forget Heidi, we may have opposite powers, but if your power works on me, why can't mine work on you?”
I let my power out then; it flowed like a foul wind carrying the stench of repulsive things. Her face scrunched up with disgust, she bared her teeth and snarled and another thread of pleasure ran through me. Her hands gripped my arm tighter and she wiggled in my grip.
“You may keep me here Heidi, you may keep me attracted to you, but I can make you repulsed by me. Tell me, how long can you stand having me alone feeling like this?”
“Stop it!” she growled, her eyes were closed, unable to look at me.
“If I join Heidi you will have to live with this for all eternity. What do you think about me joining now? You better hope Leah and Matthew don't stay, because if they do I will, and I promise you, you will wish I hadn't.”
I let her go and she stumbled away from me, gagging. She didn't look at me when next she spoke. “Don't get cocky boy, Aro is nowhere as interested in your power as he is in the hybrids. Why would he want a vampire who can project repulsion when he can have a hybrid that can project any emotion and make us stronger?”
“Go!” I said. I did more then use words, I amped up the revulsion and she left the room, covering her mouth as though she would be ill.
I watched her leave, slamming the door behind her. I went back to the desk and sat down. I lowered my power so I would not be noticed. I was looking at the picture that was drawn in one of the books, showing some of the Romanian coven before the fall.
I probably shouldn't have done that, but I had a load of stress right now. My happy life was crumbling to pieces and I was helpless to stop it, now here I am in a prison with no bars or guards, unable to save my family.
All I could do was pray to God everything turns out alright.

Jacob P.O.V
We were in the back compartment with the leech's.
I was not happy at the moment, not happy at all. I could tolerate Leah leaving the tribe to protect Matthew, but joining the Volturi was on a whole other level.
I cared for Leah, she was a good friend. We had become closer after the Volturi incident. Once I was over my angst phase and she was able to separate herself from Sam we were able to become better friends. As much as I loved her and wanted her to be happy I could not let her do this.
She may not be in my pack, but that was not going to stop me from stopping her. I could not let her ruin herself like this. I could sympathize. Really I could. But I would not return home without Leah.
I was being a hypocrite. Has it been Nessie being forced to join I would do anything to protect her, even join the bastards myself if I had to. I liked Matthew, he was a good kid. He was just caught up in his crazy fathers schemes, I know that. But as selfish as it sounds I will save her before him.
If I could I would save him, but as of now Leah was my number one priority. And I know the others feel the same way. Leah had opened up to all of us, showed us all the wonderful woman underneath all the pain and bitterness. We can not let her do this.
The one called Demetri was talking now. Telling us of our destination.
“The Romanian coven had many bases back in the day. One of them is Castle Poenari.” he laid a map on the table and pointed to our destination on the map. “It was erected at the beginning of the thirteenth century by the rulers of Wallachia. The name and the rulers changed over the years until it was abandoned. Then in the fifteenth century seeing the potential the location of the castle had Vlad the impaler repaired it and made it one of his main fortresses. It was still used even after his death, the location made it hard to take even by the elements. However a portion was destroyed by a landslide, but repairs were made to it. The Romanians used the castle after Vlad's death and during the war they abandoned it. It is one of the few of their homes we did not destroy.”
“How are you sure they are their?” I asked.
“It makes sense. Vladimir and Stefan visit the castle every so often. The castle has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the world. Also recently a great deal or renovations have been done to the castle. People from the village actually traveled there to fix the place. They say it is to preserve their piece of history. But we know that they have passed down stories and legends of the Romanian. I think they came to the villagers and promised immortality to a select few who served them well like how they did in the old days.”
“So what they have the whole village under their thumb?” Quil asked.
Demetri nodded. “I believe so. Which is why we must be careful not to be seen. If the villagers see us, any of us they may report it to the Romanians and our cover will be blown.”
“There has been a decrease in crime, I believe the villagers are offering their criminals as offering to the Romanians and their brood,” Jane said. “They may have already turned some of the locals into vampires so they will be guarded.”
“But with my gift we need not worry about being detected,” Alec said with a smile.
“But they will be on alert. They know Matthew warned me,” Leah said.
“It matters not. We have the advantage. Alec will keep us cloaked from their senses and we will invade the castle. We will finish the Romanians and slaughter their abominations,” Jane said with a sick smile.
“Aro said this was a rescue mission, not an assassination,” Leah said.
Jane gave her a glare. “If we can finish them all off and rescue your half-breed why not?”
“Because without Matthew, Joham can't do anything to your coven. It would be smarter to just take Matthew and run,” I said.
Jane turned her glare to me and I screamed in pain. I remembered Edward once telling me what it was like to have Jane use her power on him. Next time I see him I will apologize because I thought it didn't sound so bad. But I had been a cocky fool.
It really did feel like I was burning on the inside, like there was a blazing fire burning me from the inside out. I could hear movement around me but I was in too much pain to be aware of what was going on. Growls, yells, hisses. That's all I heard.
Then the pain stopped. I was aware Of Seth by my side, he helped me up and Leah, Quil and Embry were having a standoff with the others.
“You seem to think you have a voice in matters here,” Jane said calmly. “Understand this, the only reason you are here is because Aro seems to think there is some bond between your tramp and the abomination. But make no mistake; we are in charge, not you. When we tell you to do something you will do it, that's all dogs are good for after all. Taking orders.”
“You're one to talk, you probably get a pat on the head by Aro when you do a good job,” Leah sneered at her.
Leah fell to the floor next as Jane's gaze fell on her.
“If you cannot hold your tongue then I will hold it for you.”
Alec placed a hand on his sister’s shoulder. “Sister.”
Jane glanced at him and Leah stopped writhing on the floor.
“The dogs have a point. Aro specifically told us not to kill anyone unless we had to. He told us to only retrieve the hybrid and be gone. Once we have him then the threat to the coven will be neutralized. Aro will not be pleased if we lose the boy because we let our blood lust get the best of us.”
The warning in his voice seemed to sink into her head.
“Fine, we will grab the boy and be gone.”
“Great, so now that we are thinking straight what is the plan? “Leah asked as Seth helped her up.
“The plane is simple; we will sneak up to the castle at night. Some of us will cause a distraction while the others go into the Castle to find the boy,” Demetri said.
“How long before we get to this Castle?” I asked.
“We will depart at the next stop and run from there, we should arrive by nightfall.”
We left them, having no need to discuss any further plans we went back to our compartment. “You guys okay?” Quil asked.
“Yeah, damn that bitch can really bring the pain. I can't imagine what it would be like stronger. No wonder Matthew lost his mind,” Leah said.
“You shouldn't have provoked her Leah,” Seth said chastising her.
“I had to Seth. I don't trust that bitch, I think she aims to kill Matthew,” Leah said.
“What do you mean?”
We entered the compartment and she closed the door. “Before we left Edward warned me. He told me Jane is very territorial. In the Volturi the stronger your ability the higher up in the hierarchy you are. Since they joined Jane and her brother have been the highest ranked members. Edward told me Jane hates Alice more than anything because if she were to join Alice would be higher ranked then she and Aro would value Alice more. She's like a little kid trying to keep her dad's love and affection. Edward warned me that Jane might try and manipulate events so Matthew gets killed.”
“But Aro ordered him be brought back,” I said.
“I know, but if she can make it so something bad happens to him all the better for her. She knows that Matthew would be much higher ranked then her and he would be Aro's new golden child. The fact he is a hybrid hurts her ego even more. To her hybrids are inferior too vampires. The idea of taking orders from a hybrid.....let's just say Jane might hinder our mission more than help.”

At the back of the train
Jane stood outside the car. She watched the countryside fly past and was silent. She had her hood up so the sun would not hit her skin. She was silent deep in thought. The door behind her opened and she already knew who it was.
Only one would dare bother her while she was thinking.
“Sister, you must compose yourself,” Alec said.
“I am composed brother,” Jane said.
“You cannot fool me sister. Neither can you fool the others. They may not speak it out loud but they know why you wanted to attack Joham. Please be careful, I do not want a repeat of the Seattle incident.”
“We've spent centuries as the most fear and prized of the guard brother. Now we are to be expected to bow down to a pathetic half-breed?” she asked.
“It is the way of the guard.”
“No, I refuse to accept that. Not to a hybrid.”
“But think, he can make us stronger.”
“I don't care!” she snapped.
Alec sighed. He put his hands on her shoulder. “Jane, I know you have a grudge at him.”
“He made me afraid Alec, so afraid I wondered that filthy jungle like a wild animal until you all found me. I was covered in muck and afraid of my own shadow, I can not forgive that humiliation.”
“You don't have to forgive him. Just think, if the Cullen's have their hooks deep into him he won't last long. If Aro figures out you lost him one of the grandest powers in history, I fear he may kill even you in retribution my sister.”
“I know,” Jane said with a defeated sigh.
“Do not fret; we will still be Aro's most treasured sister. He will not just cast us aside, not after all these years.”
They heard someone knock on the door inside the car. “That will be the attendant. Feeling hungry?”
“Always,” Jane said with a smile

Joham P.O.V
I was in a meeting with Vladimir and Stefan when Mia came rushing in. “Father! Danger approaches!”
“What danger Mia?” Stefan asked.
“I can smell it, danger is coming.”
“How can you smell danger? I smell nothing,” Vladimir said.
Her cheeks flushed. Mia was always a little sensitive about her gift and did not like it when people tried to act like it was not really a power.
“I am serious Vladimir, I smell danger coming.”
“From where?” I asked.
“From Volterra.”
“What?! How is that possible? How could they know where to find us?” Stefan asked.
“The Cullens,” I said, “Matthew contacted the she-wolf. The Cullens must have decided to inform the Volturi of our plan.”
“But why?” Vladimir asked. “They should be happy for us to kill the Volturi.”
“They must feel they have a claim to the boy. They did look after him for a while and they are allied with the she-wolf,” Stefan said.
“We must evacuate!” Mia said. “We must move the children before they arrive!”
“Calm down Mia,” I said gently.
“But father-”
“Mia, can you tell how many are coming?” I asked.
She closed her eyes and was still. She took a deep breath and a look of disgust crossed her face. “Seven vampires, and five of those shape-shifters.”
“They brought the shape-shifters with them!” Vladimir said amazed.
“They must really want the boy back to have brought their guard dogs. You're son sure does draw people in Joham,” Stefan said.
“Well seven vampires and five shape-shifters. I knew Aro wouldn't send his whole guard,” I said.
“Still maybe we should go,” Mia said.
“Doesn't matter Demetri will find us.....tell me does one of these shape-shifters smell female?” I asked.
“Yes, it's the same scent as the woman in Canada.”
I took a moment to think about this. This was an opportunity. It had potential.
“No, we stay,” I said.
“Are you mad!” Vladimir said.
“This is a golden opportunity to test the children's abilities,” I said. “We were going to face the whole Volturi soon anyway, what better way to test their skills then having them fight some of the Volturi.”
“Yes, we kill some now so it will be easier when we invade Volterra,” Stefan said with a nod of approval.
“But do not forget about the Cullens. They have powerful members. That girl alone could make things difficult for us with her shield,” Vladimir said.
“True, but I doubt her shield can withstand Seraphina's power,” I said. I turned to Mia. “Gather the others, alert the guards. We prepare for war.”
“Yes father.”
Mia turned and left. I turned back to the others. “Sergei!” I called.
One of the guards stepped forward. Sergei had been one of the first vampires we turned from the nearby village. He was also one of the only survivors. It was an old tradition the Romanians had for choosing their captains. First we create a batch of newborns, then they have them all battle to the death. The winner becomes the captain. They then make a new batch of newborns with the survivor of the first as the captain of the new breed.
Sergei was six foot one with pitch black hair and red eyes. The Romanians methods may be brutish and primitive but it works. Mikhail has done a wonderful job at keeping the newborns in line. He was cold and practical, he showed no mercy and followed every order to the letter. He was not gifted, but he did have a gift for leadership.
The newborns feared and respected him. A good combination.
“When the time comes the female wolf will undoubtedly seek to sneak into the castle to grab my son. But I would like you to not stop her.”
Sergei cocked his head to the side. Confused. “Sir?”
“I wish to have words with this woman. I want you to instruct the others to not stop her from finding him. But by all means, do slaughter anyone else who tries to enter.”
“Understood sir, I shall pass it along at once.”
Sergei left leaving me alone with Vladimir and Stefan. “Why in the world would you let the she-wolf near him?” Stefan asked curiously.
“Like I said I would have words with her. Besides, it matters not, she has already lost him.”

Leah P.O.V
Seth had his head on my lap; the guys had left, finding something to preoccupy their time.
I played with his hair, like how I did with Matthew when we were watching T.V or having a picnic in the woods. It made me miss him and also helped ease the pain of missing him at the same time.
I tried to keep an upbeat feeling, that soon he would be mine again and everything would be alright. But I still had this horrible feeling, like something bad had happened and I prayed to God and the spirits he was safe.
“You're thinking about him aren't you?” Seth asked.
“Yeah, how did you know?”
“You smell sad.”
I smiled softly. “Just remembering all the times I did this with him. I'm thinking about how it will feel to hug him again, to hold him, to kiss him. But I am also trying to forget this foreboding feeling I have.”
“You think they wiped his mind don't you?”
I took a deep breath. “I think. They had to. After what he did no way Joham was going to let him remember me.”
Seth looked at me and smiled. “It will be okay Leah. Even if Joham wiped his memory of you, I don't think he could have erased everything. I mean, you had such a powerful impact on Matthew. Memories that powerful can't just be erased. Deep down I am sure he remembers you, you just have to remind him. Remember he did regain his old memories. Why can't he remember you?”
“You really think so?”
“I know so. Memories aren't just of the mind, they are also of the heart. Our minds may forget but our hearts always know, they always remember.”
“Jesus Seth, you should write a romance novel,” I laughed.
He smiled and we laughed together.
Then he got real serious and I knew our moment was over. “I won't let you join them Leah.”
I sighed. “I know.”
“I mean it. I love Matthew too, but I won't let you be their lap dog, not even for him.”
“I know.”
“But your still going to try and do it, your going to fight us all. I know you will. And well fight you right back.”
“I know.”
The compartment was silent except for the soft sounds of my fingers going through his hair. My eyelids became heavy and soon I was sleeping again.

I was back in Volterra.
It was dark and the sky was black with smoke. The once proud and beautiful city was in flames. Bodies were burning around me, some were human. They all were spread across the area, as if they had fallen asleep while they went about their business. I saw vampires burn to. The Volturi and the Cullen's. The fire quickly ate them up, or what was left of them. Parts of their body littered the ground, as the fire consumed them purple smoke rose in the air.
My brothers were here burning as well. Quil's head was at on odd angle, Embry was covered in blood, Jake had a slit in his throat and Seth was already burning so bad I had no idea what killed him.
I saw Nahuel nearby. His head was five feet from his body. Fred was close by, he had been ripped apart from the waist and both halves were on fire.
I felt like I was trapped in hell. A hell where I was the only one left to burn.
But then a pillar of fire receded to reveal them. I could not see them clearly, but I knew they were they hybrids. The bastard children of Joham's daughters. They were indifferent to the fire, to the horror they had created. They watched me with cold, yet evil eyes.
At the front stood Joham, with Seraphina and Matthew. Matthew looked dead. Physically he was fine, but his eyes had the look only the dead had, empty, vacant.
“My name is Joham, slayer of kings. Look upon my work ye mighty and despair,” Joham said with a look of victory. He pushed Matthew forward gently. “Go on Matthew, finish the job.”
Matthew walked forward he looked at me, his eyes blank and void. I walked forward to meet him. I had to take him as far away, he was all I had left now, we had to run away from Joham.
I kneeled down in front of him. I grabbed his shoulders. “Matthew we have to run!”
He said nothing, just stared right through me, as if I didn't exist, as if the horror of our friends and family being dead didn't exist.
“Matthew!”
His hands shot forward and he grabbed my throat.
“Matthew!” I gasped.
His hands squeezed my throat. I gripped his hands. I tried to pry his hands off me but he was to strong. I stared into his eyes and knew he was going to kill me.
“Memories that powerful can't just be erased. Deep down I am sure he remembers you, you just have to remind him.”
Seth's voice sounded through the air, even though he was burning. I felt like there was something important in those words. Some clue. But I did not know what.
The world began to turn back and I knew I was about to die. But even though my friends, my family and the man I love are dead, I cannot help but feel a small tinge of happiness that I got to see Matthew, one last time.

I woke with a start.
“You okay sis?” Seth asked, “You’re sweating bad.”
“Yeah, I'm okay...it was just a dream. Just a dream.”
I hope.

Edward P.O.V
“Leah cannot fight with us,” Alice said.
“What? Why not?” Nahuel asked.
Alice had called a meeting. Everyone was here but Fred. I know from Heidi's thoughts he is in the library. The thoughts of the guard were tense. They were anticipating the coming battle, after the disappointment of our meeting a few years ago they wanted a good fight.
Many of them were anticipating having Matthew join to make their powers stronger. It was not just Aro who wanted him to join; they all did, with the exception of Jane of course. They were all dreaming of what they would be capable of with Matthew making them stronger.
“Leah has as much right to fight with us,” Nahuel continued.
“Yes, she does,” Carlisle agreed.
“I know. But....I remembered something....another vision.”
She was doing her best not to think of it, she didn't want me to spoil it.
“What did you see?” Esme asked. She was worried about Alice. Everyone was. Nahuel was more concerned for Leah. He could tell from Alice's facial expression that whatever she was seeing was bad.
“Now remember, my visions change. But this is not the only vision I had. There has been many visions dealing with this one moment. But the majority of them all end in the same way....Leah dies.”
She showed me the vision she spoke of.
A huge battle was going on. Hybrids and vampires fought. But in the center of it all was Leah, Joham and Matthew. Seraphina stood behind Matthew who had his arms wrapped around Leah.
Joham stood in front of her. He brought his hand back and slashed it across Leah's chest. Blood flew in an arc. Hitting both Leah and Matthew in the face. A look of pure shock crossed Leah's face. Then she smiled sadly. Angry and heart wrenching howls filled the air. The wolves saw what happened and they struggled to get to their fallen sister. But the hybrids were too many and stopped them.
Lean leaned against Matthew, her head rested against his cheek. His eyes chilled me to the bone. I have seen that look in a person’s eye before. They were the eyes of the dead. When the soul has fled the body and the heart stops beating. Matthew was alive, but it was just a shell. Matthew was gone.
Leah didn't seem frightened; in fact a strange look of peace and acceptance crossed her face. “You're a good boy Matthew,” she whispered.
Matthew let Leah go and she fell face down on the ground. Seraphina took Matthew's hand and the three of them watched as blood pooled around her.
Fred was calling her name, we all were, we tried to get to her but the fight was too intense.
“It is time to finish this. Seraphina, cleanse the world in fire, build my kingdom from the ashes of the old world,” Joham said.
“Yes father.”
They all walked towards us. Preparing to enter the fight. As they walked away Matthew never once stopped to look back, never once hesitated. But I could have sworn I heard a small sob.
“Is every vision like this?” I asked Alice in horror.
“Not all. There are a few where she survived. But they show her and Matthew as members as the Volturi.”
“Surely there has to be more Alice,” Bella said.
“Maybe. These are some of the visions I had years ago. I am sure there have been changes but without Matthew around to make my gift see past the blind spots I can't be sure.”
“What should we do? Should we tell the wolves?” Tanya said.
“I am not sure that is a good idea. The wolves are already angry that Leah is willing to join the Volturi, if we tell them she may die who knows what they will do,” I said.
“But we can't let them stay in the dark about it either,” Esme said.
“True. Well let’s hope that their mission is a success, if they fail we will tell them of the vision Alice remembered.”
“We are not going to let the kid join them,” Kate said, “I mean come on guys if they get their hands on him we are screwed.”
“I agree. I know better than anyone what he is capable of. He would be Aro's greatest weapon,” Eleazar said.
“But what can we do? If we try to run off with him Aro will stick his guard on us. The rulers have made the decision he is to join, we can't stop that.”
“Fred could hide him,” Carmen said.
“But he can't leave because of Heidi,” Jasper said.
“But Bella could protect him with her shield,” Emmett said.
“And then we all get killed for helping hide Matthew,” Rose said.
“I am beginning to think maybe we should have just gone after him ourselves,” Carlisle said.
“Guys, let's remember, my brother is a psychic-lens,” Nahuel said. “When we bring him back he can just make the Volturi leave him alone and live with Leah, we are taking this way too seriously. Leah will bring him back, he will use his power to get the leaders to leave him alone, and it’s as simple as that.”
I did not contradict him. But I have doubt. I heard Leah's thoughts, I know of the foreboding feeling she has about Matthew. I do not doubt the connection between the two of them.
A part of me does not doubt Leah's instinct, another hopes she is wrong. Because I fear what it means of her instincts are correct.

fusedtwilight: Next chapter Leah and Matthew are reunited and Joham is betrayed by one of his own. Will Leah make off with Matthew? Or will the reunion end in disaster? Please review.
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Focused Madness