Stay For a While

“But there is nothing, no trace that she’s ever existed. She is not here. She will never be here again. Because of me.” ― Christine Fonseca, Libera Me

[onceuponfarfaraway]

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I apologize but I do not write anything NSFW or pure smut. I might have innuendos but any requests that are supposed to be just sexual in nature I will deny.

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Be kind and polite when requesting.

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[onceuponfarfaraway]

Of Secrets and Summer Choices

Fandom: Twilight

Series: Of Roman Tales

Word Count: 4,800

Character(s): Felix Volturi, Camillus "Camilla" Marino

Side Character(s): Aro Volturi, Marcus Volturi, Caius Volturi, Demetri Volturi

~{{Masterlist}}~

For many long years, Aro Volturi had been in charge. While he was one of three rulers, Aro liked to believe he was the face of the Volturi. He might be bragging when he said that, but it was partially true. Most vampires of the vampire world feared him and shook at the mere mention of his name. He held absolute power and authority, and it showed in many ways. 

Though, that’s not what mattered. It was just a small bonus to his lifetime of work.

What Aro believed did matter was all that he had seen though all his many years as King. From rabid newborns and Children of the moon to vampires with extraordinary powers. From the creation of lightbulbs and running water to cell phones and cars. From Volcanic eruptions and meteor showers to whole kingdoms falling in a matter of days. From sworn enemies and rivals to the closest of friends.

Aro liked to believe he had seen a lot of what vampire life had to offer. If not everything. 

That’s why he was surprised—caught quite off guard—when a letter arrived at his door one summer day. While he was used to letters, he didn’t get them often. Usually just one occasionally from a dear friend or ally or perhaps a vampire looking to join the Volturi ranks. But, not this one, no. 

Camillus Marino was her name. A name he was all too familiar with. Marino. She was the dear daughter of Maria Marino and a hybrid at that. A unique hybrid. To say he was shocked is an understatement. 

Maria Marino was one of the few secretaries Aro could honestly, truly honestly, admit he liked. Also one of the few, he and his coven hadn’t killed right in the few months of being there. She was a smart girl and one of pure intentions. She did not care about immortal life and that was one of the many qualities that made her interesting. She was the only human he had ever met that saw more cons to becoming a vampire than anyone else.

One of his most fondest memories of her was when she and Caius once got into a heated argument about Immortality. It was quite entertaining and one of the few times his brother seemed pleased to be conversing with a human, even if it was because the two were arguing.

She was a nice girl, and it was quite a shame when she left suddenly even though he expected it would happen one day. 

Now, Aro felt like hitting himself. As he mulled over the letter once, twice and finally a third time, he remembered the last time he saw the woman. When she came up to him in his office asking for a leave of absence. He wondered if he paid just a bit more attention—asked a bit more questions—if all of this could have been avoided. He wondered if she had any of the symptoms dear Bella had at that time. The unusual paleness, the malnutrition, the sign of weakness. He felt like kicking himself for not analyzing the woman more. 

However, what was hurting Aro the worst was the fact he knew from the letter that Maria Marino was gone. He knew by all means she would die when she left the coven, still human and with a beating heart, but to know she was pregnant with a child, a hybrid child, and knew without a doubt who the father was—one that still laid within these stoney walls—Aro knew there was no way she could have survived. To know that she died in a not so pleasant way and died so young, had him resting his face in his hands for a silent moment. 

While Aro was not the best of men—not the kindest or the most honest or selfless—he took care of his own. He respected and mourned the deaths of even the lowest of guards or servants in his coven. And while secretaries are not seen as one of their own for many reasons, to Aro—and likely the rest of the coven—Maria Marino was one of their own. A coven member through and through. 

And that’s why he and his brothers allowed her to leave. Respectful of her wishes and hoping she had the best of lives. 

However, while he was very much distraught, he knew better than to blame the child. To blame Camillus. Not only because that’s not what Maria would have wanted but he knew she had every opportunity to come begging for him and his brothers for help. It was a decision she made by herself and she decided to live with the results that would follow. He also sadly knew that even if she was given the option of being turned, she would turn it down without a thought.

So now Aro had to think of the present, the future. The fallout of what could possibly enquire. For once, Aro called forth his brothers wishing not a single guard to be present. He knew how serious this situation was and even though Caius was suspicious—glaring at Aro through squinted eyes—the leader did not budge in his request.

Once all was settled and not a single guard could be heard, Aro gave his brothers the letter. They read it over like him, once, twice and finally a third time. For once, Caius was silent. The usual scowl on his face was filled with more bitterness than his usual anger, and Aro knew the man was kicking himself just like how he was minutes ago. Meanwhile Marcus looked somber, even more so than usual. His face was crestfallen and his hands on his lap almost looked as if he was praying. Sending his prayers and wishes to Maria in her afterlife, if there was such a thing. 

However, just like him, in a few moments of silence and mourning, his brothers got back to normal. The pain would never leave but they knew better than to focus on the past. The future was ahead of them and they had an important decision to make.

“How should we break the news to him…” Marcus breathes out, his voice a mere whisper amongst the roaring of the fireplace behind them, “…While they weren’t… officially bonded…he won’t react kindly to the news…”

“Do you think he would kill the child?” Caius inquires, responding to Marcus with a question of his own. Aro does not speak but looks at Marcus, interested as well. Vampire emotions were… intense. Passion, Love and Revenge tended to be the strongest. The latter especially if a deceased mate was involved.

“Depends…” Marcus looks up from his downcast look to look at Aro, “…Felix…”

Aro almost feels himself almost startled at the announcement of the guard’s name. As if it was sinful to announce what was occurring under the male’s nose without his knowledge. As if this was a secret that should have forever been laid to rest, just like how Maria was likely many decades ago. 

“…is nothing like Edward Cullen. Felix is not obsessive, rabid or jealous like how the mind reader was with Bella Swan. To him, Maria was his equal…a free bird that he was fine to watch from a distance…” 

As Marcus trails off, Caius nods in understanding. While Felix did in fact destroy the training room after Maria left, he was nowhere on the same level as Edward or—even—Marcus in that matter. He was not life sucked or depressed in any way. Somber, yes. Heartbroken, also yes. But, suicidal and in absolute total agony, no. To compare the fact Edward Cullen was ready to kill his daughter if Bella was to die to Felix’s situation was not on an equal playing field. 

“…But that does not make the situation of the fact Maria was dead by a hybrid pregnancy by him any less better…”

Aro sighs at Marcus’ suggestion, “So you think he would blame himself.” 

“Yes…” Marcus trails his eyes back towards the ground, “…Felix is of pure heart and loyal to a fault… I do not believe he would instantly blame the child… he would likely try to take the blame all by himself…”

“Then, should we tell him?“ 

“Of course.” Caius scoffs at Aro’s question. While he was the toughest on the guard when it came to things, he was also the one who thought of their well being the most. From training to battle tactics, Caius spent the most with them. “He deserves to know, Aro.”

“But then how do we deal with the fallout?” Aro instantly questions back, “What if he was set on attacking Camillus? What do we do then? Which side shall we stand then, brother? Or if, through all our thoughts that he wouldn’t, he ends up being suicidal. Do we give him what he wants? Death?”

“That’s not what I’m saying,” Caius retorts angrily, his short temper getting the best of him, “You just love to put words in my mouth, don’t you?” 

“I’m not putting words in your mouth, brother. I am just pushing out questions that need to be thought over before we rush into anything.”

Caius shakes his head and scoffs, “Well then, let’s go over these supposed questions of yours. If Felix wants to murder the child then I say we let him. While she may be Maria’s child, she has no bond to us. Felix should be the one to decide if the child continues to live or not.”

Aro gives Caius a dark glare, “Watch your words brother. I know you are spiteful against me right now but that is no valid reason to—“

“… you are bonded to the child already…” At Marcus' sudden intrusion into the argument, Aro and Caius pause. The latter vampire being a little bit too smug with Marcus’ comment than Aro would have liked. 

“Explain Brother.” 

Marcus sighs at Caius’ teasing voice but proceeds to explain anyway, “It has not taken form quite yet but there is a… trail… the ghosting of a bond if you would. It has no color or nature as of right now but I can sense your protectiveness alluding off it…”

Aro childishly rolls his eyes at Marcus’ explanation but knows it is likely the truth. Though it doesn’t make the bitter feeling on his tongue any less better at Caius’ triumph look on his face. 

“You’ve always been the sensitive one of the bunch, brother.” Caius lets out, wanting to rub it in a little more, “While you don’t tend to get attached easily, when you do, it’s hook, line and sinker.”

“True…” Aro bitterly spits out, “But, you can’t honestly look me in the eyes and say you don’t feel anything for that child. Perhaps right now, you may, but I believe that’s false confidence. I don’t think you, or any one of us for that matter, could sit there and watch Felix maul that child. I may not know what Camillus looks like but if she looked anything like her mother, even if it was just the heart shaped look of her face, I personally believe you would be off your throne in a second to defend that child.”

Marcus, while ever so light, nods his head in agreement. Maria was one of them, even to someone like Caius who would never say it out loud. When a nomadic vampire, a guest briefly visiting their walls, once took a swipe at Maria—ripping the girl’s shirt collar clean off and causing her to have lashes up to the peak of her jaw—it was Caius who instantly screamed for the nomad’s death before anyone else. While he may be bloody and gruesome, Caius was loyal to anyone he deemed worthy to be called a comrade; a friend. 

Both Marcus and Aro knew that while he may talk about Camillus' death as if it was nothing, it was all bark and no bite. If they ended up agreeing to allow Felix to do as he pleased, Caius would be the first one screaming at his brothers about allowing such a thing to happen. Even if he suggested it. He would never, ever, allow such a dishonor to fall upon Maria’s name. 

“Fine…” Both brother’s look up at Caius’ sudden voice. While the blonde vampire had his usual scowl on his face, they could tell with that look in his eyes that he was visibly upset with how he  had been acting. How he treated someone he knew that woman deemed important enough to die for… like dirt. “But then how do we go about this?”

Aro thinks for a moment. As if sorting through a file cabinet, he finds Felix’s memories and flashes through them. Thinking upon the giant’s actions over the years and weighing his possible reactions based on previous events. It was barely a whisper but Aro finally answers Caius' question after a few moments.

“…Demetri…” 

Aro sits up straighter, this time saying his answer with more confidence, “We shall tell Demetri and then tell Felix.”

Caius looked visibly confused for a moment before suddenly pausing, thinking it over for a moment and eventually nodding his head in agreement. Completely understanding what Aro was getting at. Demetri and Felix were soul brothers. If anyone knew better about Felix, it would be Demetri. During missions, the two had each other's backs. During training, they would be the first ones to leap to the other's defense if the new recruits got out of control. And when Maria left, it was Demetri who stuck to Felix like glue until he got better. 

“…I shall call him down then.” Marcus answers after a moment. Knowing it would hold the least suspicion as Demetri was his personal guard. As Marcus leaves Aro's office with a slight click of the door, the leader takes a deep unneeded breath. 

Of what was likely very few times in his life, Aro for once hated being in charge. He knew out of all his brothers, he would be the one to tell Demetri and, in turn, be the one to tell Felix. This situation was almost as bad as when he had to break the news to Marcus about Didyme’s death. He remembered those following weeks clearly. The tracking down of the Romanian scum that killed her; the excess drinking he did in solitude to feel something, anything; the many women, vampires and humans alike, he bedded for the sake of it; and the few nights were he was all by himself and wished, prayed, this wretched stone body of his would let out a single tear to mourn his baby sister’s death. 

“Masters…” 

As Demetri’s voice fills the office air, Aro takes a deep breath and sits up. He rises to his feet for a quick moment to greet the tracker before gesturing for him to take a seat. And as all of them sit down, Aro sees his brother’s look at him. It is then that he knows he was right and Aro will be the one alone to tell Demetri. 

“How has your day been, Demetri?” Aro starts, wanting to test the waters before diving right into it.

“Good,” The tracker thankfully doesn’t seem startled by Aro’s question and answers it truthfully, “Training went well and we have had no strange activity throughout the day.”

“Perfect. I assume…” Aro for once in his long life hesitates in his speech, “…Felix has been good as well?”

If the tracker notices his master’s pause he does not show it, at least not visibly, “He has been good as well. Currently I believe he is training downstairs with Afton and the others…”

Demetri pauses, seeming to trail off as he checks. He gives a slight nod as he senses that’s where they are, “Yes, they are all training in the lower sector right now.”

“I see…” As Aro takes his gaze away from Demetri for a moment, he locks eyes with Caius. His fellow leader gives him a look that could only be described as “to get on with it”. But, Aro could see that he was nervous as well. 

Deciding enough was enough, Aro unneedingly clears his throat and looks back at the tracker, “I’m sure you are wondering why we have called you in today…”

Demetri nods in confirmation, his eyes trailing off to look at Caius and Marcus respectfully before going back to Aro. Once they are back on him, Aro carefully grabs the letter off the table under the tracker’s watchful eyes and holds it delicately. 

“Demetri,” Aro starts, staring at the tracker intensely in the eyes. His usual cheerfulness is wiped off from his face and Demetri right then knows it is something serious. Deathly serious. “I want you to read this carefully. I…we believe you know what to do in a situation like this. We are putting our faith in you to do the right thing.”

And with that, Aro hands over the letter to Demetri’s grasps. The tracker takes the letter carefully and unfolds it. The brothers watch in anticipation as the tracker’s eyes skim over the handwritten letter once, twice and finally a third time just like them. It is as the tracker eyes stop that the brothers freeze, the silence in the room practically overbearing. For once, even Marcus had his full attention on this case. Carefully watching Demetri’s bond for any indication of his reaction. 

Finally, the tracker lets out a shaky sigh and places the letter down on the table. Once the paper touches the wood, Demetri brings his balled up hands in between his brows and with his elbows on his knees, leans into them. His eyes scrunched closed as if he were in pain. 

“Oh, Maria…” Demetri shakely whispers and the kings look upon the tracker somberly. They knew if his eyes were open the glazed over look of venomous tears would be sparkling in those crimson eyes of his. Demetri was close to Maria. Not because of the association that his soul brother was in love with the girl but also because he loved Maria in his own way. Like a very dear friend, a sister if he may. 

She would always hold a special place in the tracker’s heart even more so than the other members of the coven. So to learn of what exactly happened to that dear friend of his, those many years ago, shattered him. He just wished, wished with everything in his being, that she told him. If not Felix or his master, him. He would have protected her to the very end if she wanted to keep that child, even if it landed him in the dungeons. 

However, Demetri knew that nothing could be done. What was in the past was the past. Maria was dead and nothing in his or anyone’s might could bring her back. What was important now was the child. The daughter of his two closest friends. His precious niece if he could call her that. 

“Have you told Felix?” were Demetri’s first words out of his mouth. While he doesn’t bring his body up from his current position, he at least opens his eyes to look upon his masters.

“No.” For once, Marcus answers before Aro.

“Why not?”

All three kings looked upon each other with a look that could only be described as “should we tell him” before Caius speaks up. 

“We weren’t sure if Felix would take… revenge on the child.”

As if not feeling worse already, Demetri shoulder’s buckle and he nearly collapses under the thought. While Demetri wanted to believe with everything in his might that Felix, his dear soul brother, would not kill his own child, Demetri honestly did not know. Felix was not like most vampires, he was one of the kindest and most pure hearted people the tracker knew, but when it came down to it, Felix was animalistic. The second to Caius as to who was most in tune with their vampire side. 

“We were hoping…” Aro starts, waiting for a moment as the tracker opens his eyes and falls on the leader before continuing, “…that you would be here with us when we told Felix of the news. That it would…” 

Aro chooses his next words carefully.

“…lessen the blow, if you would.”

As much as Demetri was quite respectful in front of his masters, he could not help but scoff. The situation at hand was clearly really getting to him, and even Caius didn’t hold his next words against him. 

“I hate to say it but I can’t do shit when it comes to something like this. I could hardly keep Felix together to get to the training room when Maria left.” Demetri mumbles out, his accent thick making his words sound sluggish. Finally he sits up before falling back against the cushion of the lounge chair, his arms crossing against his chest, “I don’t have enough to track down the child either. Too many scents are on the letter as well, so I can’t do it the old fashion way either.”

“Is there a return address?“ Caius asks, turning to Aro.

“Yes, but I traced it back to a post office in Terni.”

As Marcus speaks up, he announces what everyone was thinking at that moment, “…It seems she is hiding from us.”

“Yes it appears so.” 

For the first time since getting there, Demetri smiles slightly. While crooked and dark in a way, it was a smile at that, “She’s smart, I'll give her that much. Just not at the perfect timing.”

“Do you have an idea in mind?” Caius suddenly asks, looking at the tracker curiously. It is then that Aro realizes it too. He knows from that look on Demetri’s face that the gears in the head were working and he had something in mind. 

“Well, I have an idea.”

Honestly at this point, Aro didn’t care if it was terrible or not. Anything was better than nothing at this point, “Please, do share, Demetri.”

“I say…” Demetri pauses for a moment and sits up straighter before continuing, “…we do tell Felix but not about the whereabouts of the girl. At least not until we get a proper sense of his possible reaction.” 

“I see…” Aro lets out, rubbing his chin as he overthinks Demetri’s plan, “But what if he wishes to see the letter?“

“We make a duplicate. Exactly the same but leave out the return address.” 

“And what about the fact the child says she’s from Italy, what if Felix is set on searching high and low for the girl?” Caius questions, taking his turn at stabbing at Demetri’s plan. Though it was with good mannered intentions, “While we don’t know the girl’s scent, if the child was theoretically with her aunt, Maria’s wretched sister, Felix would know where to find her.” 

“True, true but I do have a plan for that.” Demetri says, looking at Aro with slight hesitance. It is then that Aro knows what Demetri meant when he had an idea, “While you inform Felix of the letter, I will try to find the child.” 

“Demetri…” Caius warns, now understanding what the tracker was getting at. The situation at hand was now getting much worse. Especially as Demetri's hesitation disappears and is filled with determination. Aro knew from decades with the Greek man that nothing could stop him now. 

“I understand your hesitation, Master. But I am the best for this situation. With me by that child’s side, if Felix moves a mile in our direction then I can move a mile away. I can constantly avoid him, the child would never be harmed.”

“…. I see… though that could possibly keep you occupied for years, likely decades even…” Marcus says, his voice airy as he drawls out his thoughts, “…We don’t know how long Felix’s need for revenge could burn for that child. It might even last his whole eternal life if he is certain in his decision…”

Marcus lifts his gaze to look at the tracker,

“…you would be out of commission for quite a while… not to count for enemies of ours that might get interested in your whereabouts especially if they see you with the young child…”

Once Marcus finishes his statement, silence once again falls upon the room and Aro is left alone to his thoughts. Oh, Maria. Aro felt the need to shut his eyes tight and curl into a ball. What have you done? He knew the girl would never want such a thing like this to occur—especially not on purpose—but it still didn’t make anything better. Nothing good could come from this situation. Nothing at all.

“Master.” Aro looks up at Demetri’s voice. A begging expression on the tracker’s face. “Please.” 

Aro’s eyes widen ever so slightly. In all of his decades with the tracker, Aro had never heard him beg. Not when his life was on the line. Not when he was forced to track many vampires at once. Not even when Aro plucked the young vampire from Amun’s grasps. Not once.

“Aro.” Caius warns, recognizing that look on his brother’s face. However once all brothers lock eyes with each other, Caius knows nothing can be done and he shuts his eyes so hard in pure anger his vision turns white. God damn it. 

“I will allow that…” As Demetri’s face lights up, Aro quickly continues, “…under one circumstance.” 

Once Aro sees the tracker’s face return to being completely serious, he continues, “I want you fully under cover. Coven badge. Outfit. Cell phone. Everything. I want it gone, hidden.”

Caius eyes widen, “Aro—“

“No, brother. If we are to do it, we do it right. I do not want a single vampire who has never met Demetri to be able to tell he is part of the guard. I will give him a new cell just for this mission and he will only call us if absolutely need be.” 

Aro looks upon Caius for a few moments, however the king is silent. While he does not agree with this, he holds his tongue and keeps his harsh glare directed at the wooden coffee table in front of him. Once he confirms that none of the other kings are against his decision, he turns to Demetri.

“Do you understand, Demetri?”

“I do.” The tracker says and while it is only a little bit, Aro is relieved to see the determination in the tracker’s eyes.

“Then get ready, you will leave at sunset.” Aro says, getting up from his chair, “I will write a response to Camillus' letter and you will drop it off at the return address. Marcus.”

At the sound of his name, the somber king looks up at his brother, “Do you think you could replicate the child’s writing?”

“…of course…”

“Caius.” At the sound of his name, the warrior king looks up, “I know you’re not happy about this decision but I need your cooperation in order for this to work. Do you think you could keep an idea on Felix for the time being? Before and after we tell him, while Demetri is absent.”

Demetri watches with a held breath as silence falls upon the room. The usual hot headed king sits there for a moment, letting his fingers thrum once, twice, and a third time against the chair before stopping. Finally after what feels like an eternity, Caius lets out a short disgruntled chuckle.

“Since when have you asked for my permission in making a decision, brother? If you did, Carlisle would have been ash centuries ago.” At Caius' crude joke, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. The spiteful king was on board with the plan.

“Fine, fine. For once, I’ll give you the win with that remark.” As one last chuckle leaves Aro, he  takes one last look around the room before speaking again. Officially commencing the plan ahead. There was no turning back now, “We tell Felix three night from now.” 

Aro just hoped three days would be enough time for Camillus to come out of her hiding place.

For the first time in his life, Aro shuts his eyes and gives out a little prayer to the heavens above. Maria, wherever you are, please for the sake of your daughter lead her straight into Demetri’s arms…

…I beg of you…

New Information Unlocked:

Unlocked Location: Volterra, Italy; Piazza dei Priori

Unlocked Timeline: Camillus Marino — July 18th, 2010

Unlocked Characters: Demetri Volturi; Aro Volturi; Marcus Volturi; Caius Volturi

[onceuponfarfaraway]

Piazza dei priori

Known by many as the clock tower castle at the center of Volterra, Italy. However, secrets that even the natives don't know dwell here. Those who are misfortunate enough to find out are met with their demise.

AKA the Volturi Coven's home

Floor Plan

Piazza dei Priori is known by the public as a 3 story castle. However, 8 floors lay underneath the structure with even more structures, such as the catacombs that lay beneath the floors and multiple other private properties that the Volturi own, all connect to the castle.

The Clock Tower (Tower)

The Unused Floor (3rd floor)

Human Floor (2nd floor)

Staff Quarters

Secretary Quarters

Kitchen

Ground floor (1st Floor)

The Court (Lower Floor 1; L1)

The Throne Room

The Halls

Study/Meeting Rooms

Secretary Office

Guard Living Quarters(Lower Floor 2; L2)

Lower Guard Quarters

Recreational Room

Training rooms

The Garage (Lower Floor 3; L3) The Grand Library (Lower Floor 4; L4)

Grand Library

Specalized guard’s offices

Demetri’s office (Second-in-command of guard training/Tracking squad) Felix’s office (Head of guard training) Afton’s office (IT) Heidi’s office (Feeding services) Chelsea & Corin’s office (Health & Wellness)

The King Floor (Lower Floor 5; L5)

Aro’s Personal Office

Caius’ Personal Office

Marcus’ Personal Office

Treasure Room

“The Station” (Lower Floor 6; L6)

Scarlet Line; North

Gold Line; South

White Line; East

Black Line; West

The Dungeons (Lower Floor 7; L7)

The Ancient Caverns (Lower Floor 8; L8) The Catacombs

"The Station"

As more and more humans began to find home in Volterra's walls, it grew harder and harder for the Volturi to travel throughout the city. Created sometime in the 5th century, and later refurbished in the 19th century, the Volturi created a series of underground tunnels that allow them to travel throughout the city with ease.

Scarlet Line; North

Regina Palace (Queen’s Castle)

Didyme’s Garden

The Northern Plaza (Outdoors)

Shopping district

The Opera House

Gold Line; South

House of Renaissance

Lower floor–Museum Upper floor–Studios

The Southern Plaza (Indoors)

Shopping district

White Line; East

House of Worship

The Greenhouse

The Bath House

Black Line; West

House of Notte

Elite Guard’s Quarters Upper Guard’s Quarters

[onceuponfarfaraway]

Volterra Italy

Volterra is a walled town southwest of Florence, Italy. The central Palazzo dei Priori has medieval frescoes and a bell tower with expansive views. Volterra Cathedral has a marble entrance and a gilded coffered ceiling. Nearby are the remains of the Etruscan Acropolis. The Guarnacci Etrurian Museum has a rich collection of archaeological artifacts. The Roman Theater complex includes the ruins of 3rd-century baths.

AKA Vampire Capital

Facts:

Home of the Volturi Coven

Maria Marino worked as a secretary for the Volturi in the 1950s-60s before leaving in 1965

The Volturi Coven's "Piazza dei Priori" while seeming only 3 stories is actually a grand total of 11 stories (3 on top and 8 hidden underground). The tunnels also grandly outstretches to multiple hidden buildings nearby, all of which the Volturi privately own.

Hidden deep underground, below the tunnels, are a section of "catacombs". While it is connected to the Volturi lair, it is rarely used and sealed off from guard use. There was once a rumor amongst the guard that Minotaurs and Cyclops lived hidden there. However, those are just rumors.

[onceuponfarfaraway]

An Alternate World

Not just one quest is offered. Try going down a different path. Start something new or abandon your current quest entirely.

Twilight

Volturi

Felix

You're Perfect Just the Way You Are

Alec

Gifted Woes

[onceuponatale]

You’re Perfect Just the Way You Are

Fandom: Twilight

Word Count: 4,000

Character(s): Felix Volturi x Trans male!Oc (more of a reader perspective)

Side Characters: Aro Volturi, Demetri Volturi, Cullen Coven, etc.

Warnings: Improper use of pronouns, gender dysphoria, hate crime, angst, self-hate

At almost 2,000 years since being turned, Felix was one of the more older members of the Volturi Coven. Sure, he wasn’t as old as the Kings or Chelsea but he also wasn’t as young as his friends Demetri or Santiago either. He was at the very least old enough to have experienced many things throughout his immortal life. From the fall of the Roman Empire, his home, to gorgeous meteor showers and technological advances.

He had met many, many, vampires. Some of which were no longer on this earth and others that still somehow stuck around. He had watched allies and enemies alike go from being alone to being in pairs and perhaps even a full coven. And on the occasional time when he was at the right place at the right time, he had seen the special unique works of a mating bond taking place. However, while Felix had experienced many things and his room was filled with many treasures and gifts from his long life, he still hadn’t experienced everything. He was an elite guard of the Volturi; He had luxuries only millionaires would wish for; He had close friends that could only be described as family; But, he didn’t have the very single thing he craved for. His mate. His soulmate.

How he craved that he would find someone like how Chelsea has Afton or how Aro has Sulpicia. But as time moved on and he was getting closer and closer to his 2,000th year in his immortal life. Felix had lost all hope of finding his mate.

They had likely died long ago, resting in a peaceful grave somewhere in the world. Or, at some of his darkest moments, he even entertained the thought he never had a mate to begin with. That he was a monster, not kind enough to have such a luxury. It was days like those that he was thankful for friends like Demetri, who dragged him out of his room with threats of grabbing Jane or beating him up himself.

And it was on a day like today that he wished Caius hadn’t sent Demetri on that mission to track a group of rampaging newborns. He would have very much liked his most dearest friend at his side at this very moment in time.

“You… What?”

Thankfully his master, Aro, wasn’t angry at his gobsmacked state and gracefully repeated himself. The slightest hint of amusement in his tone of voice as he looked upon Felix.

“Dear Alice just called. She told me about the most excellent vision of you and your mate.”

“I—“

“Why would the Cullen Coven call to let us know of such a thing?“ Caius scoffs, interrupting Felix, “It’s not like we’ve been particularly close with them since Bella Swan and the Renesmee Cullen Case.”

For once, Felix was glad he had a head strong master like Caius. Always asking the questions some members were too scared or respectful to question Aro about. Though, not like it mattered as the king would find out eventually through his ability.

“True. Very True Brother.” Aro says, his voice light and airy as he drifted around the room, contemplating Caius’ words, “It is very hard to understand why she would tell us such a thing. But, nevertheless.”

Aro spins back around to look at Felix, “Alice and the Cullen Clan will be arriving with your mate this Saturday. Once I touch her’s and Carlisle’s hand then, all questions shall be answered.”

Though not exactly pleased, Caius says no more on the topic and with a huff he dismisses everyone from the throne room. As Felix leaves, he passes by some of the members of the guard. Some—most of whom he is closer to—give him playful pats on the back while the others just give him a curt nod and smile. It’s not until he gets back to his room and his phone rings, and he hears the playful tone of Demetri teasing him on the other end that it truly hits him.

3 days. In less than 3 days, Felix would finally meet his mate after hundreds of years of being alone on this earth. As if roaring back to life, his mind went wild with questions. What were they like? Did they have a favorite color? A favorite book? Would they become immortal like him? Would they conform to drinking human blood or would the Cullens have influenced them to their bunny diet?

Felix had plenty of questions but no answers in sight and it was at a time like this that he wished he could sleep. Something to calm himself down and pass the time with. However after Demetri had to go, he was stuck all by himself in his room with his thoughts. 68 hours to go and not knowing what in the world to do with himself in that time.

Today, he had feeding at 15 o’clock, training at 17 and guard duty at midnight till 5. But still 7 to 8 hours of downtime in between. 7 to 8 hours of driving himself insane.

Felix decides he was overthinking it too much. Why a constant fast and sharp mind was a gift in the immortal lifetime, it was also very much a curse. He decides to go see Santiago and Afton, hoping they would be up for a game of poker or pool before food. Thankfully they were, giving knowing smiles as if understanding how much he was being driven to the brim with anxiety.

They played games in the rec room until Heidi arrived, shooting the breeze and occasionally bringing up the topic of Felix’s Mate. Thankfully by the time Felix was once again back in the throne room, he felt much better and devoured his meal without care. Well without care until Aro had pulled him aside.

“I decided to call Carlisle for more details, and while I wasn’t able to get much, I was able to get some things.” Aro says quietly to him, a glint in his eyes revealing that he knows Felix has been driving himself insane for details about his mate.

Holly. Her name was Holly. Who knew a name of Old English origin that meant “the Holly tree” would be so important to him. Five simple letters, one vowel and two repeating letters. It was… perfect.

She was 18 years of age, not really looking to go to college. She worked at her grandmother’s bakery and that was enough for her apparently. She liked a simple life.

Holly. That’s all Felix could think about as he floats back to his room. Holly, Holly, Holly. And for the first time in a while, Felix found himself looking at everything around his room. Would she be fine with the werewolf head above the fireplace? Or the Roman Armor stand in the corner?

Felix had no idea what his mate liked but felt the need to check everything. She was his mate after all and his room was now also her room.

Other than his duties or being called down by one of his masters, Felix spent the next two days locked in his room. At first his friends were worried, concerned for the giant’s well being. But when Chelsea and Corin went to check up on him, they let out a sigh of relief when they saw he was simply cleaning out his closet. Making room for his mate to put her stuff in them as well.

Even though his friends teased him, from the closet to the books on his shelves and even the bed spreads, Felix double checked everything. Either making room for his mate to put in stuff or organizing it until he felt she would like it. He even drew back the currents of his room—something he hardly did—in hopes of brightening it up. A human thing he learned from the secretaries whenever they got depressed from the lack of sunlight.

It was then that Felix realized something. His room sure was dark wasn’t it? Felix had always liked the stone walls and the dark old wooden items of his room. However, he now worried about its gothic look and the impression it might leave on his current human mate.

He thought back to what the females of his coven usually liked. Something the average girl wouldn’t mind to be put into the room. He shifted from thought to thought before suddenly being hit with what Afton would get Chelsea every week after work. Flowers.

Without a second thought, Felix raced outside to the grand garden and plucked a couple bouquets after gaining his masters’ permission. They ranged from colors of cherry red to periwinkle purple and even a holy white. Thankfully they did the job and Felix found himself not minding the flowery scent that now wafted his room; Contrary to the usual Sand wood and Summer scent that he had grown used to.

Demetri arrived early in the morning on the third day and Felix was glad he was back. With the giant no longer fiddling with his room, he had nothing to do to keep himself occupied. It also did not help that his masters had given him the day off, not knowing when the Cullens would show up with his mate.

“Are you excited, my friend?” Demetri says as he greets the giant later that day, “I heard you had a bit of a decoration spree.”

“Yes. Very much.” Felix says, shaking his head at Demetri’s teasing tone. Though he didn’t try to hide the smile that made his way on his lips, showing he very much welcomed his closest friend’s teasing with open arms.

“So… what’s they’re name?”

“Holly.” Felix replies simply, giving Santiago a quick nod in greeting as the tracker and him passed the Spanish man in the hall.

“Ah, another girl to our league, eh?” Demetri jokingly replies, knowing it had been quite some time since any of them got a female mate. Him being one of them when Luke, his mate, appeared two centuries ago. “Heidi and Chelsea must be pleased.”

“Yes, I worry they might steal her before I even get the chance to see her.”

Demetri chuckles at his comment, “Ah, you joke old friend but you shouldn’t jinx yourself.”

“True, True.”

As they round the corner to the staircase, they see Afton racing up it and Felix’s smile instantly drops. He knew that grin on the blonde male’s face only meant one thing.

“Demetri, Felix,” The Swedish man greets before turning his full attention to the giant, “The Cullens are here.”

An unneeded breath gets stuck in Felix’s throat as he turns to look at Demetri. The tracker gives him a side glance before shaking his head with a sigh, “What in the world are you waiting for you big oaf? Go!“

While Felix spent a lot of time contemplating the experience of meeting his mate for the first time. Nothing could ever prepare him for this. His unbeating heart felt as if it was lodged in his throat and for the first time in millennials, the giant was breathing as if he needed it to survive. As Felix got to the throne room doors, he realized he got there way too quickly for his liking. He honestly wished he had walked at a human’s pace, maybe even slower, but the kings would instantly know he was stalling. Especially when it only took a little more than 10 minutes to travel from one side of the castle to the other.

The lower guards in front of the doors instantly nodded their heads as Felix approached them and when he nodded back in greeting, they opened the large stone doors for him. As it creaked open, Felix held his breath. He waited until the doors were fully open and he stepped in before he finally looked up.

First he locked eyes with Edward. Then Carlisle and the young pixie Alice, who gave him a grin. Next was Bella, the hybrid and that smelly mutt of theirs. And finally, finally, he locked eyes with her. Holly.

Felix felt himself instantly melt as doe shaped brown eyes looked up at him. She was perfect. No, she was more than perfect.

“Holly…” Felix breathes, his voice echoing around the silent room like a prayer. However, he is shocked as his mate flinches slightly. Her expression turning slightly sour as she glances at Carlisle and Edward before she bitterly attempts to cover it up.

What had he done? Why did she flinch? He looked at Carlisle and even Edward for answers but they gave him none. He even looked at that smelly mutt for something but the dog wasn’t even paying attention. It is only as Demetri walks in with Luke at his side that he looks at Alice Cullen for answers. She stares back at him in the eyes for a few moments before gesturing, with an ever slight flick of her head, at his mate. And it is only then that he takes in his mate more than he had prior.

While he wasn’t exactly up to date with human trends and culture, he definitely knew his mate’s choice of outfit was unusual.

His mate's hair was cropped short, only slightly longer than Alec’s but not by much. They wore a nice summer dress. One made of cotton that looked quite comfortable. But, by the way his mate scratched and fiddled with the fabric, they were anything but that. As his eyes traveled lower, he noticed that a nice pair of white socks and what he believed to be basketball sneakers adored his mate's feet. That didn’t match. Felix knew that much.

He passes a glance at Luke, the youngest of their ranks and the one that would know the most about current up to date fashion, who stares back at him. All he needed was a short nod from the young vampire to know the answer to his question. Something wasn’t right with the information the Cullens had told him.

He wasn’t the only one who realized something was amidst either.

“Is something the matter, old friend?” Aro asks, finally approaching Carlisle and his coven.

“Nothing at all.” The doctor answers curtly, giving the leader a small smile. Though it was too stiff for Felix’s liking.

“Well…,” Aro pauses as he chooses his next words carefully. Instead of questioning Carlisle again, he turns his attention to Felix’s mate, “Is something the matter with you, dear Holly?”

Felix feels anxious yet also relieved as his mate flinches once more. So it wasn’t him that they were flinching at.

“I—“ As his mate locks eyes with Edward, they pause, “No, not at all. Thank you for your concern Aro.”

What was that? Felix sends a glare Edward’s way. What in the world did that pompous idiot say to his mate?

As Edward turns to lock eyes with Felix to send the giant a glare at his thoughts, Felix returns it with a low growl. Yes, he was talking to you, bunny humper.

Edward’s eyes narrow at Felix and he sends the giant a final glare before turning back to look at Aro. The leader stared suspiciously at the vegetarian coven, having carefully watched the exchange that took place between Felix’s mate and Edward minutes ago. Suddenly Aro brought his hands up in front of his face as if he was praying but he was doing anything but that. From years of being in the guard, Felix knew Aro was thinking, thinking deeply. Strategizing his next possible move and the outcome of it.

“No—“ Edward suddenly spoke up, his mind reading ability sensing Aro’s next thoughts; whatever they were. However before he lurches forward, his sister grabs his arm. Stopping him in his tracks.

“Alice.” Edward hisses but the pixie doesn’t let go. Only staring at her brother in the eyes with a disappointed glint deep in those golden pools of hers. That was strange.

“Now, now.” Aro finally announces, speaking up as he breaks his thoughts. He gives Alice and Edward a stare and Carlisle a glance before he approaches Felix’s mate. He gives the young human a reassuring grin before stopping a little bit in front of them, “As the dear mate of one of our guards, Volterra is your home just as much as it is his. You are welcomed here and you will be treated with the utmost kindness. If anything is not up to par, please do not be afraid to mention it to Felix or one of us.”

As Aro trails off, he reaches out and takes one of Felix’s mate's hands. Felix expects the king to give a slight kiss on the back of it as a sign of a greeting and respect but the king suddenly stops short. The usual smile on his face was wiped clean off and he stared, eyes wide at the human in front of him, before giving a cold glance to the Cullen clan.

“What’s going on, Aro?” Caius says, finally speaking up from his place on his throne. His eyes squinting judgmentally at the Cullens, knowing it wasn’t normal for his brother to break his cool so easily. Hell, even Marcus was looking at the Cullens. Knowing something was the matter.

It looked Felix was correct. Something was off, very off. With a quick glance to Demetri, who had been paying attention since the get go, the tracker gives his friend a short nod. Showing he was ready to help step in if the giant needed it.

Clearing his throat and unneedingly licking his lips, Aro surveys the room as if needing to ground himself before looking back down at his mate.

“My dearest apologies,” The king starts, carefully cradling the human’s hand in between his own, “I had no idea. Please understand that we meant no harm. Felix would never do anything to intentionally hurt you, Harvey.”

Harvey?

Now Felix might be wrong but Harvey was by no means a girl’s name. However, Aro wasn’t one to make mistakes so—

“…Thank you…”

Ah. Felix jumps slightly. It was barely a whisper from his mate but he knew him and every vampire in the room heard it loud and clear.

“…I appreciate the apology very much.” As Felix gazes upon his mate, he sees the foggy sparking look in their eyes. One he knew very well. Tears.

It is then that it hits him. No. No, it can’t be. He knew Carlisle was religious. That he was a son of a pastor in his human life but he would never. The doctor was such a kind man. A caring man. He wouldn’t.

But it was the truth. He knew it from how his mate’s hands ever so slightly shook in Aro’s and the disappointed look Carlisle and Edward gave the leader for calling his mate by that name. By his real name.

Felix was angry. No, he was long past angry, he was furious. If he could, he would rip every single one of them to shreds and burn them to ashes. But even that wouldn’t be enough. He would need Jane to torture them and then Caius. It would only be when they would be crying, begging, at his mate’s feet that he would even be satisfied. And only partially at that.

“Master.” At Alec’s voice, Felix finally tears his gaze away from his mate. The young teen boy flicked his eyes between Felix and Aro before gesturing to his jacket.

Felix’s breath gets clogged in his throat. The dress. He can’t believe he forgot about that. Now, now that he knew everything, the article of clothing was no longer lovely. It made him sick. Sick to know that the Cullens had forced his mate into that, against the boy’s very will at that. And while it was only a jacket, Felix was eternally grateful to Alec. Especially as when the young boy approaches and whispers that the boy was free to take some of his clothes if need be. Knowing that they were the closest in size of everyone in the coven and Felix’s articles of clothing would definitely not fit his human mate.

“Thank you…” Felix’s mate repeats, his eyes still glossy as he stares at Alec who for once in his life gives a small smile in return.

“Aro—“

“Quiet!” Caius shouts, cutting off the doctor. Not even attempting to hide his anger as he stared furious at the members of the Olympic coven before him. The arms of his throne covered in cracks as he struggled to hold himself together with the over boiling anger currently present in him.

“Felix.”

Instantly, Felix snaps his head back to Aro. The leader gives him a serious expression and the next few words are all he needed to hear in order to act, “You two are dismissed.”

“You can’t—“

Edward Cullen’s words are lost in the wind as Felix grabs his mate and gets the two of them out of there. Felix thinks he made it back to his room in record timing as he carefully places the boy down on the chair by the fireplace. Knowing vampiric speed wasn’t the most stable experience for humans.

As his mate adjusts, Felix thinks. He thinks about his mate’s expression when he said… that wrong name. He thinks about all the time he called him a girl and said she or her. Even though his mate wasn’t present and he didn’t know any better, Felix feels as if he should be the one to be tortured by Jane’s power. For the fact he made his mate feel even the slightest bit distraught and possibly disgusted in themselves.

The sound of wood creaking brings Felix away from his thoughts. Oh no. Felix feels shame bubble up in his stomach as he watches the younger male gaze upon a vase of flowers nearby. The pink and white roses now looking sinful in his room.

“I’ll get rid of them at once.” Felix speaks hushly and for once in his life, the giant's hands shake as he goes to crush the flowers in his palms. Anxious and ashamed at them yet also eager to get them out of his mates sight.

“But why?” Felix pauses.

As he slowly turns around, his mates’ doe eyes look up at him with confusion.

“They…” Felix turns his head away from him, not wanting to see the expression his mate makes when he tells them, “When I thought you were a… I got them so that… you would like them because that’s the kind of thing a…”

He really was shameful. A disgusting pig that didn’t even have the guts to finish his sentence in order to tell his mate the truth. He should just roll over and die at this point. That would be the only way he felt would make amends for the suffering he caused him.

“I…” His mate pauses for a moment and Felix is caught off guard as the boy joins him at his side. The boy carefully brings Felix’s larger hands away from the flowers and as he looks the giant in the eye, Felix is silently relieved to see no disgust in them, “I still like them.”

“But—“

“Who said a boy can’t like flowers?” At Harvey’s question, Felix instantly shuts up.

It’s silent for a moment before his mate speaks up once more, “You know… I don’t hold you accountable for what you said. You didn’t know any better.”

While his mate spoke the truth, Felix shakes his head, “It doesn’t make it right.”

“You’re right. It doesn’t.” The male maneuvers his hand to enwrap his fingers in between Felix’s, “But, I forgive you. So please…”

Felix leans into the boy’s touch as he brings up a singular hand to cup his face, “…step away from the flowers and come sit with me.”

If he could, Felix felt like he could cry, “Okay.”

While the gentle giant didn’t feel as if he could forgive himself just quite yet, he allowed his mate to drag him to the bed to sit. He decided he would spend the rest of his immortal life making it up to his mate. First by getting him out of the offending dress and burning it. Then by beating up every single last of those Cullens for making him feel like nothing. Because he wasn’t. To him you were the most perfect being on the face of the earth.

And no one could tell him otherwise.

[onceuponatale]

Of Rain and Chilly Winds

Fandom: Twilight

Word Count: 3,500

Character(s): Felix Volturi, Camillus “Camilla” Marino

Side Character(s): The Cullens, Aro Volturi, Jacob Black

“Bye, guys!” You yell out, waving out to your friends as they walked further down the street, back to their own homes. Once they are out of sight, you make your way across the lawn to your own home. The cold wet grass tickling against your bare feet as you did so. Though it didn’t match the chilling winds that blew past you ever so often.

Even though it was summer, it was still quite cold and damp in Forks, Washington. Something you are still not accustomed to living in; even though it has been over 9 months now.

It was… odd moving here. One moment you were living in dry sunny Italy with your nonna and the next thing you knew you were taken halfway across the world to… here. Simply dropped off with the Cullens with the reason that they could “help you” and “that they understood you better than she ever could”. You didn’t understand even as you stood in the driveway and waved your nonna goodbye. Stuck with these strangers in this even stranger place.

Originally in the first three months of being stuck here, you lived with the Cullens. Apparently you were of the “same kind” as Renesmee, Bella and Edward’s daughter. It was a startling conversation to have. Learning the truth that you were apparently not like other children, though it likely didn’t help that you were isolated from most of your peers in the first place. It also didn’t help that on top of that the Cullens didn’t want to fully explain what in the world they were, as it became quickly apparent they weren’t like everyone else, and what you were. Saying it was out of your own and their own safety. But, hey, you could deal with that. You would at the very least try to adjust to your new life with a new found friend in Renesmee.

Though that idea quickly went south after having you guys play together and you accidentally broke her arm. Let’s just say Jacob wasn’t going to be letting you near her any time soon. What happened, as Carlisle explained, was that they assumed that you and Renesmee were the same. Though, as seen, that wasn’t true. While Renesmee and you were both “hybrids”, there were apparently some startling differences. While Renesmee and you physically looked the same age of 13, she was actually 3 years old and you were already 45. You had apparently not aged in quite a couple decades. About four, give or take if you had to guess.

Then there was the obvious discovery while playing that you were much stronger, much faster, and all around tougher than Renesmee. A little bit less than a “newborn” they said, whatever that meant. Along with that then came the difference in diet; carnivorous foods were the only things you “shockingly” could keep down; things like meat, eggs, diary, and, of course, blood just to name a few. Though, you already knew that.

Eventually, some other things were found out over the next two months. That included your colder natural temperature, your slower heartbeat, the fact you could sleep but didn’t have to, your higher level senses, and some other minor things.

Carlisle Cullen eventually summed it up in one simple theory. Instead of hybrids being an equal 50/50 of their father’s and mother’s DNA, it's more like a 60/40 split. Renesmee had 60 percent of her mother’s human DNA while you were 60 percent of your father’s… whatever the Cullens and him were. And oh man, were you psyched when you learned you were more like a man you have never met than your noona and deceased mother.

You sighed at the thought. Your father. Apparently, Carlisle knew him—they weren’t friends, more like “acquaintances” he explained —but “out of your safety” as Edward would put it, you weren’t allowed to show yourself to him. After that you felt the need to get away from Cullens, to get away from all the information and secrecy that was being shoved your way. Thankfully Bella understood and allowed you to stay with her father, who you have been living with for the last 7 months.

As you made your way up to the steps of the Swan house, you noticed a big red package placed neatly on the steps. Did Charlie forget to bring in a package, again?

“Woah,” You slightly teeter back as you lift up the package. Oh man, was it surprisingly heavy. Carefully, you unlock the door and make your way inside. As you make your way to the kitchen, all you can hear is the pitterpatting of your feet against the floor. You still weren’t used to being greeted with an empty house.

“Only eggs left,” You sighed, looking through the fridge for a possible snack. Begrudgingly you grabbed two from the carton and popped one in your mouth. Oh well. Now back to that large package that was left at the door.

“From…Volterra…, Italy.” You mumble out, pronouncing the foreign location out slowly. Italy? You pulled a chair over to the center table to get a better look at the package. Was it a present from Noona? No. You shake your head. It's much too fancy and you knew noona would never buy something this nice for you.

Perhaps it's for Bella?

A devious smile comes to your face at the thought. It’s most definitely for Bella. Probably something Alice or Edward bought for her and sent it to Charlie’s house so she wouldn’t see it. After all, Bella’s and Edward’s 4th wedding anniversary was coming up soon. You couldn’t help but wonder how much they spent on her this time. A new dress? No, it was too light for that. A speaker? Limited edition books? Possibly, but you thought they already got her those things for the holidays.

.

.

.

“A little peak wouldn’t hurt, …right?” You couldn’t hold back your curiosity any longer, and on top of that you were pretty bored after all. You might get scolded by Edward or Alice later but in your mind it was worth it. “Ack!“

You stare mind boggled at what you find underneath the neat and silky red wrapping of the gift.

An old wooden chest? Like a really old wooden chest. Well, you had to admit it did have its charm in a way as it definitely didn’t look cheap. Made of nice quality dark, almost red tinted in the right light, wood that was smooth to the touch and shaped perfectly around the edges. It looked like it took days, maybe even months of work to make it; especially with the many old intricate carvings on its surface that you could tell were made with absolute precision. But still, even with all its beauty, they got Bella a wooden chest?? Maybe it really was for you from noona.

No, you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. It still could be something for Bella. Maybe this was something to keep the gift safe inside? Yeah, that must be it. Ever so carefully—especially as you didn’t want to ruin the highly likely ancient wooden chest—you open the metal latch and carefully lift the lid. As you did so, the box lets out a bone chilling creakkkk that fills the silent room.

What you find inside leaves you more stunned than before. A good at least two dozen black and red velvet boxes laid inside the chest. All look nearly identical and perfect but the thing was that they were pretty slim. Nothing that could really hold anything large in size. Maybe at most some jewelry but could jewelry make the box that heavy?

“Oh!” You pull out an white envelope tucked into the corner of the box. An old fashioned red stamp sealed on the back. Maybe this would tell you what was in the boxes?

“Dear Cullen Coven,” Oh wow this really is something out of the medieval times, you think as you look over the old parchment letter in your hands. “Greetings, we are pleased to state that a new discovery has been made to our world. Gone are the days of the same old boring meals that we feast upon in order to satiate our hunger, today is the dawn of a new era. Through careful experiments, research, and opinions, we have found other ways for our kind to feast. From enjoying a glass of wine made by a specially designed genetically modified grape or a meat roll that we can digest, we are pleased to present these extraordinary items to you. Please enjoy these samples to your heart's content.”

Hmm interesting, you think as you pick up one of the boxes and observe it. So these are all food items? How odd. You decide to read the rest of the letter for more info.

“Of course, we, the Volturi, always think of the Cullen Coven and our dear friend Carlisle Cullen so we have carefully made some vegan options for you to partake in. Those items are secured safely in the red boxes. However, feel free to take part in the normal items located in the black boxes. There are no judgements if you were to cheat on your diet, we are all of the same kind after all. Feel free to share with any friends or family of the same kind you may know as well. The Volturi wishes to share this discovery to all.” You place the letter back into the envelope as if it was never disturbed, “Sincerely, Aro Volturi.”

Once again with the “our kind” talk, you think as you sighed. This Volturi must be the same as your father and the Cullens. The 60 percent that was a part of you that no one will officially tell you about. Just what in the world were you? You felt like you had the right to know.

“Not like anyone will tell me anyway.” You grumble out, making your way up the stairs up to Bella’s old room; Your room for the last couple of months. The source of entertainment and fun you once found in the package was now well gone and you were left frustrated instead. As you throw yourself on the bed, bobbing up and down on the soft mattress, you can’t help but think.

You, once again, can’t help but come back to the topic that has always been on the forefront of your mind. Your father. You wonder if your father really was that bad of a guy. The Cullens seemed to think so. The way they froze up or grew nervous whenever you brought up the topic. And you definitely knew your noona thought so. You remember the first time you ever really bugged her about the topic. Let’s just say you got a good spanking and didn’t get supper for that night.

However, what about your mother? You don’t remember a lot about her. She died the first three years of your youth and was bedridden throughout all of it. The most you knew about the woman was her kind smile whenever you came to visit her, or her sweet voice whenever she asked questions about your day or sung a lullaby. She smelled of spring; of flowers, of the sun and of happiness.

She loved you even though you were the one who broke her spine and caused her deteriorating health with your birth. Even though you did all of that to her, she never once gave you a look of hatred or disgust. One that your noona would occasionally give.

Would your mother, her grave located in the rolling hills of Italy, look at your father the same way? A look of love and adoration? Or would her gaze reflect that she believed he was a monster? Like the ones your noona told you about in Italian bedtime stories.

A realization suddenly comes to kind. Wait, a minute.

Volterra, Italy. How could you be so stupid? You're from Italy! This coven with its unbridled knowledge and old look could be the home of your father.

A feeling of dread and uncertainty fills you. What do you do now? You feel as though the answer is simple, that you should try to contact your father. But, at the same time you feel resigned. Out of fear of what you don’t know. Of what the Cullens whisper so you can not hear or what your noona keeps hidden with tight lips. Or what your mother kept to her grave.

“Camillus,” You find yourself shoving your face in your pillow as you struggle to keep yourself grounded, “Oh my lovely sweet daughter. Oh how you look like your father. So strong and beautiful.”

“Stop…”

“Oh, how I love the summer, Camillus. The breeze and the rolling hills… they take me back. ”

“Stop it!” Fumbling off the bed, you throw yourself onto the floor. “Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! I don’t want to think of my mother right now!”

As you shake on the cold floor, you feel as though you are back. Back to that final night of your mother. On that cold stormy night in her room. The name she whispered as she saw you come to her bedside. A name that wasn’t yours.

“Felix…?”

The last thing she ever spoke. Ever sung. Ever breathed.

You needed answers, and you knew what you had to do.

The sound of feet pitterpatting against the cold floor fills the house as you make your way back to the kitchen. As you are once again in front of the wooden chest, you begin looking amongst the ripped packaging.

All you needed was a return address, a simple thing of letters and numbers. Or even a phone number for all that mattered. Just anything that could indicate a way of contacting this “Volturi” Coven.

“Ah!” Finally your fingers come in contact with a tag that was attached to the package. “Piazza dei Priori, 20, 56048 Volterra PI, Italy.”

You found it, now how should you—

The sound of a car door slamming causes you to freeze. Charlie wasn’t supposed to be home until 8pm. So… that means…

Like a flash you maneuver around the room. You didn’t know how much time you would have. First, you move the letter deeper in the box making it so you can’t see it from the top. Then from there you grab one of the boxes and shove all the food except a couple in your mouth. And finally, you leap into the living room, making sure no one can see you from the window and grab a book while you go.

Just as you land on the couch, the door handle twisting is heard and you feel the slight blow of a breeze as the door is opened.

“Camilla?”

Esme.

“I’m on the couch, Esme.” You shout back, leaping over the couch. Making sure you had the box in your hand and the book tucked underneath your arm as you went.

As you got closer to the door you noticed she wasn’t alone. Carlisle, Jasper, Alice, Emmett and Rosalie were all with her as well.

“Sorry for the disruption, Camilla. There was just a—“ Carlisle suddenly pauses, seeming to see the box in your hand, “What are you…?”

“Oh, this?” You say, faking innocence. You were glad Edward wasn’t here. Though, you weren’t the best liar in the first place, you just hoped you were convincing enough. “A package arrived at the door. I think Noona sent me this. Want to try some?”

All at once, the Cullens react. Carlisle and Esme exchange worried yet also relieved glances to each other. Meanwhile Emmett and Jasper go to the kitchen presumably to look at the package. Rosalie seems to go back outside, you wonder if she is trying to see if someone might be still around. And finally Alice. She was standing there, a glazed look in her eyes—

Crap, you forgot about Alice. Could she see your decision to try to contact the Volturi? Your father? You knew that she could see the futures of hybrids better now after being exposed to you, though it was still blurred. It was honestly a 50/50 chance on whether she could see your decision or not.

Should you say something? Or would that be too suspicious? You honestly didn’t know. You felt fearful. Not at the thought of being caught or looking suspicious. But rather that you wouldn’t be able to use the one chance you have to try to contact your father.

“I—“ You had to crane your ears at what Alice said next, her voice almost too soft to hear, “The future hasn’t changed yet. They are still going to come.”

“Do you think a guard saw her?” Carlisle asks worriedly, speaking too fast for a human to understand and almost too fast for you to understand.

“I’m not sure. If so, it was either they saw her last minute or was a guard we don’t know.”

A guard? Was that something part of the Volturi Coven? However, that wasn’t what mattered to you at the moment. It seemed from what you heard that Alice only saw the aftermath of your decision to contact the Volturi. Not what you personally had decided to do.

“Well, What if we dropped her back at her grandmothers?”

“Emmett!” You snap back into the conversation at the reference of your nonna. Now realizing that everyone was back in the corridor in front of the front door. Rosalie was glaring angrily at Emmett at what he was suggesting.

“No, no. Emmett has…” Alice trails off, her eyes glazing over as she is once again thrusted into another vision, “… a point. As far as I can see, the guard will not come find her there.”

“Heh,” Emmett chuckles, “Hiding in their own territory, huh?”

“None of us should come along.” Alice says, speaking up once more. “If one of their own passes by and catches one of our scents, it could cause some trouble.”

“But, then how long are we leaving her there?” Rosalie says, her voice fast and anxious. From the moment you have met her, she was the one who has always been the most protective of you. You never dared to ask or go against it. In your own odd way, you welcomed her overbearing nature. Something you hardly got in your life before.

“Just until Autumn.”

“Autumn?!”

“Rosalie,” Carlisle finally speaks up. He stood behind his wife and was massaging her hands and shoulders. As if trying to soothe her in a way, “We need to keep Camilla safe but we also need to keep our family safe as well. So if giving Camilla back to her grandmother can keep us both safe. I—“

Carlisle pauses, almost hesitant to finish what he was saying, “I think we should at least try.”

It’s silent after he finishes. You wondered if it was out of the fact that no one dared to speak or if they were waiting on something. You soon find out it was the latter however as Rosalie suddenly storms out. Emmett soon quickly following after her, though it was more to comfort her than out of anger.

Carlisle sighs, shaking his head. Almost looking pained in a way.

“She’ll be fine, Carlisle.” Alice says, speaking up once again, “Emmett will bring her back.”

Carlisle nods his head, though he doesn’t seem to relax. “Let’s get Camilla on the quickest flight to Italy. We don’t have time to waste.”

“What— I—“ Once again ignoring you, you watch as the Cullens speed around the room. Jasper is racing up and down the stairs packing up all of your stuff as Alice places it in the trunk of the car. Meanwhile, Esme seemed to be packing a little bag for you to carry on the flight and Carlisle was searching up flights online.

Who knew one little decision to contact someone could cause such a mess. Yet at the same time, it was sort of exciting. You were moving back home. Back to your homeland of sunny dry Italy. Of rolling hills where the ocean slept past it. Of the wildflowers where your mother laid. Of a possible future with your father. One that could be as dark as the night sky or bright as the sun.

You didn’t have to worry about Alice checking up on your movements every couple of seconds. Or Edward reading your thoughts.

You didn’t have to worry about the Cullens taking away your chances. Your own decisions.

It was exciting.

And you couldn’t wait to get off that plane and write your first letter to your father.

Your first step in your brand new life.

A/n: Hope you enjoyed, I really wanted to write this fic and hoping to turn this into a series if people enjoy it.

[onceuponatale]

Camillus “Camilla” Marino

Latin Origin; Meaning Priest's assistant; temple servant.

“Honestly, you can read that kid like a fiddle. She never lies and always wears her heart on her sleeve. Well…, I shouldn’t say always. When she’s in a fight, it’s like staring into a stone cold statue. Unreadable, emotionless.” ~ Garret, about Camilla.

“I just wished you weren’t so quick to get your hands dirty. I mean, look at your clothes Camilla!” ~ Alice Cullen

“Don’t underestimate her. She’s much smarter than she looks.” ~ Edward Cullen

[onceuponatale]

Of Rolling Hills and Home

Fandom: Twilight

Word Count: 2,000

Character(s): Felix Volturi, Camillus “Camilla” Marino

Side Character(s): The Cullens, Aro Volturi, Jacob Black

    Oh, did you miss this…

    Castelluccio, Italy. Your home. Your little town. 

    Located in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy, the town has a small population of about 150 people. It lives on a hill with fields upon fields of flowers stretching out from it. Occasionally in the morning, when you awoke before your noona, you could possibly see a dewy fog from the night collecting at the bottom. Looking as if a motte surrounded a castle wall. 

    You loved your sweet little town. 

And even though you had to sit on the back of this packed bus filled with tourists going down the harsh bumpy roads of a rickety mountain side, still 2 hours away from your destination; You wouldn’t give this opportunity up for anything in the world. 

Well, perhaps not anything. Shoving your hand into a pocket of your overall jeans, you fist out the crumpled and beat up tag in there. To the rest of the world it looked like a crushed piece of trash, however to you it was your most precious treasure. 

You wouldn’t give this up for anything. Even if you were chased by wolves or thrown in the ocean with a swarm of sharks. Or even threaten within an inch of your life. This piece of cardboard was worth more than your weight in gold to you.

“Piccola ragazza?” 

You are startled suddenly at the voice, nearly dropping your tag from the small jump you do. As you look up, you see a man standing in the aisle looking at you. The man had short curly brown hair and eyes. His skin was kissed by the sun in a nice uneven summer tan and he wore an untucked dress shirt with the top few buttons undone, showing off some of his chest. On his lower half, he wore some simple worn blue jeans and dress shoes. You could tell just from looking at him that he was Italian. 

“Piccola ragazza?” The man speaks once more, still looking at you with concern. Italian. It takes you a minute to understand what he was saying. Piccola ragazza, little girl. You had gotten so used to the Cullens who only spoke in English, that you had almost forgotten what your native tongue sounded like for a moment. You can’t help but swallow anxiously at the thought. What if you spent more than 10 months with them? What if you spent years, decades even? Would you still remember how to understand Italian? To read it, to hear it, to speak it?

“Sí signore?” 

Just simply saying the simple word of “yes sir” in your native tongue sends shivers up and down your spine. Oh, you missed this. 

The man lets out a sigh in relief at your answer. You couldn’t decide if it was because he thought something was possibly wrong with you or that he was glad you spoke Italian. 

“Ti serve qualcosa?” Do you need anything?

You respond with a shake of your head, “No grazie. Io sto bene.” No, thank you. I’m fine.

The man nods his head and gives you a little smile before turning around and making his way back up the bus. Asking passengers similar questions as he passes. He must work for the bus company or perhaps he is a tour guide, you think as you watch him. You can’t seem to figure out which one.

“Stai visitando qualcuno?” Are you visiting someone?

    “Che cosa?” What?, You can’t help but let out. Looking up at the elderly woman that sat next to you. She wasn’t as old as your noona but she looked like she wasn’t that far behind. Perhaps 10 or at most 15 years younger. But then again, you weren’t the best at assuming others' ages. 

    The elderly woman sticks a bony figure out and points at the tag, “Stai visitando qualcuno qui?” Are you visiting someone here?

    “Oh. No, no, non lo sono. In realtà sto andando a casa. Questo…” Oh. No, no I'm not. I'm actually going home. This… 

    You trail off at the end, looking down at the tag that was in your palm. Some of the letters already somewhat smudged from you touching it so much. Though, thankfully, your memory allowed you to remember what the letters were so you weren’t worried at all.

    “Questa è una persona che sto cercando di contattare.” This is someone I’m trying to contact.

    “contattare?” To contact? The woman seems to pause for a moment as if thinking. “Tipo tramite lettera o telefono?” Like through letter or telephone?

    “Sí” Yes

    “Ma perché non vai a trovarli? Vivono nella stessa provvidenza.” But why don't you go visit them? They live just in the next providence.

    The elderly woman points out the providence and zip code number on the tag. That’s the providence abbreviation? Those two letters? Technically, there was a logical reason as to why you didn’t know that. You had only started going to school once living with the Cullens; so only 8 months worth. However, it wasn’t as if you were stupid before. You had read books of all different sorts, knew how to write, knew basic addition and multiplication, you spoke both English and Italian, and you knew geography; especially of Italy. So, how did you not know that those two letters were the providence abbreviation.

    “Non sapevo... è qui vicino?” I did not know… Is it close to here?

    “Beh…” The woman thinks for a moment, looking out at the scenery behind the window, “Beh, non più davvero. Da Castelluccio sono circa 4 1/2 ore a nord-ovest.” Well, not really anymore. From Castelluccio it's about 4 1/2 hours northwest.

    Not too bad for you. If you were well rested and ate before, you could probably get there in an hour and ½. Maybe two if you had to be careful while traveling. However, you weren’t going to meet your father in person. At least not yet.

    Those worries and doubts you had before leaving were still circling throughout your mind. You currently did not have the strength nor confidence to meet him. Though, that didn’t stop you from thinking of how it would go down. 

    You allowed your imagination to take you, plunging you into different ideas and thoughts of meeting him, your father. In one, you imagined your father kneeling down with his arms open real wide, waiting for you to come to him. In another, he wouldn’t wait and would come to you first, throwing you into a much needed embrace. A couple of the ideas had him standing nervously at the side as he talked with you, excited to meet you but also anxious. Then, there were a few ideas that… weren’t as pretty or as hopeful as your first thoughts. 

    However as you flickered through those thoughts, you found your father’s face was blurred. As if your own brain couldn’t fill in the gap of what he looked like. Carlisle said you were genetically more like your father than your mother but did that mean you looked like him? Did you possibly get your straw-like brown, almost black hair, from him? Or your blue, almost silver, eyes? Perhaps even your nose, with its strong roman-like bridge. You tried using your reflection, that you could somewhat catch in the window, to imagine your father. Though, even though you tried your hardest, you came up empty for you knew so little about the man. How tall was he? What age was he? Was he muscular? Did he have any noticeable scars? What language did he speak? You assumed Italian but his coven looked so old in their ways and writing, even compared to Carlisle. 

    “Piccola ragazza?” Little Girl?

    Frightened by the sudden voice, you whip around, “Sí?”

    Usually your instincts were pretty strong, you must either be out of practice or out of it today to be surprised so easily; you just hoped it was the latter. Especially as the sight of a light lilac suddenly takes up your vision and you have to blink once, twice, and finally a third time before it finally gets into your mind what you were seeing. It was paper; a fancy colored paper to be more specific. As the elderly woman gestures the paper to you once again, you realize she wants you to take it. 

As you grab ahold of it, you realize it wasn’t like other papers you have used before. It was softer, silker and all around lighter. You also realize now that it had small graceful designs of flowers detailed in two of the corners. Daisies, or some type of white wildflower, if you had to guess.

“Per contattare il tuo amico“ To contact your friend, The elderly woman explains as you continue to examine the paper. It is then that it hits you. Oh, so this was letter paper. Your nonna had some back home but had forbade you from using it. Now you sort of realized why, this paper would definitely cost you a pretty penny. Especially with your nonna’s limited budget. 

“Grazie“ Thank you, You tell the woman sincerely. She gives you a kind smile in return before going back to talking with some of the other passengers on the bus. 

Now about this letter. You come to two sudden realizations. What were you to write? And how are you going to send it?

Well, obviously, your town had a post office but that would require a return address. A return address that this “Volturi” could use to track you down. Which wasn’t the best scenario in your mind especially if your guess that your father was part of this group was false. 

Your first thought is that you should send the letter from Cascia or Norcia. However, as you begin to think more, you realize they were much too close for your comfort. If that coven runs out of people to search through, they will easily look through the neighboring villages. You would be a sitting duck. 

Perhaps a major city would be better. There was Terni in the south west or Perugia—where you were traveling from—in the north. While Terni was much closer, either would suffice with their large populations and endless visitors.

And if those places were starting to get too noticeable, you could always make the long trek to Rome or Florence. 

    Yes, that would be what you would do. 

    You had made your final decision and nothing could stop you now. Not your nonna nor the Cullens. Not the rainy skies of forks or the thick woods of the reservations. Your letters, and the secrets you would whisper into them, would travel peacefully to their destination.

    Where only the father you will address it to will ever know what you write.

    Where the rolling hills of Italy, the place of your mother’s eternal slumber, will be the only witness to what you will do.

New Information Unlocked:

Unlocked Location: Castellucio, Italy

Unlocked Timeline: Camillus Marino — July, 2010

Unlocked Section: The Post Office

[onceuponatale]

Castellucio, Italy

A small quaint village in Umbria, in the Apennine Mountains of central Italy. Administratively, it is a frazione of the ca. 28 km distant town Norcia. According to the 2001 census, it had close to 150 inhabitants.

Facts:

It is the birth town of Camillus “Camilla” Marino.

It is the town of Maria Marino’s resting place.

Most of the story “Of Roman Tales” in Camillus’ perspective takes place here.

[onceuponatale]

To: Piazza dei Priori, 20, 56048 Volterra PI, Italy.

July 10, 2010

Dear Volturi Coven,

    Hello, I honestly wish I had a better way of starting off this letter but after rewriting this more times than I can count, I felt as if getting right to the point would be the best method. I apologize if anything following comes off as rude in any way, that is not my intention. 

My name is Camillus, though some call me Camilla as my name is quite masculine for a female—I personally do not mind being called either—and I am what “your kind” call a “Hybrid”. However I am known to be different from other hybrids you may know. Here are some facts of what makes me different:

I have the strength, speed and toughness of a “Newborn”.

My heartbeat is slower than humans and I am physically colder

My diet is carnivorous. I can eat things like raw meat, raw seafood, Organs, some diary items, eggs/poultry, and blood.

I am physically the age of 13 years old. However I am actually around 45 years old. 

There are some other small things but those are the important ones I know. An acquaintance of mine that is of the same kind as you theorized that the reason I am different is that I have inherited more of “your kind’s” DNA than human DNA. That hybrids don’t have an equal 50/50 split. 

I’m sure you have noticed by now that I keep on referring to some things with quotation marks. This is because while I have had a run in with “your kind”, I have mostly lived with humans; more specifically my nonna. The group of “your kind” I have come across refused to tell me what they are and so I don’t know many facts: hence the many quotation marks. If at all possible that you could inform me of what I am, that would be greatly appreciated and would help me greatly.

However, that is not the main reason I have contacted you. You see I was born and raised here in Italy not far from your coven. So, I have reason to believe that someone from your coven could potentially be my father. 

I don’t know how many men there are a part of your coven so this could be hard and it doesn’t help that I don't know many facts about myself that could possibly help. But I hope that potentially you could give me the answers I need and potentially help me. All I know that could possibly limit the list down is that my mother is Maria Marino and I was born sometime in 1965 during the spring.

Even if I may be wrong and have contacted you needlessly, thank you for your time. Any information you may provide would be greatly appreciated.

Sincerely, 

Camillus “Camilla” Marino

Return: Via Campomicciolo, 153, 05100 Terni TR, Italy

[onceuponatale]

Of Sunshine and Patience

Fandom: Twilight

Word Count: 700 words

Character(s): Felix Volturi, Camillus “Camilla” Marino

Side Character(s): The Cullens, Aro Volturi, Jacob Black

Masterlist

    One week: 7 Days, 168 hours, 10,080 minutes, 604,800 Seconds, 604,800,000 Milliseconds. That’s how long it has been since you sent out that letter to Volterra. And oh… has it been anxiety inducing…

Sure, the first three days were fine. You were most of the time occupied with stepping carefully around your nonna. Like as if the slightest creak on the old wooden floors would send her into a fury and like the verrucous wolf, from the story of Red Riding Hood, she would gobble you up. However, thankfully for you, most of the time the old woman was attempting to get on the phone with one of the Cullens members. Practically screaming throughout most of the house about the fact they sent you back. You eventually decided escaping her wrath by either going into the town to run errands or by hiding on the rooftop by the chimney was the best option by the 2nd day. 

    However as the week began to progress and your nonna came to terms that you were back for good, it became much harder to keep yourself preoccupied. You could only sneak away to tidy up your mother’s gravesite or people watch around the city center so many times before it got boring. You could always attempt to play with some of the kids but…

    …you can’t get that image of Renesmee’s screams of pain out of your head. If you could break her arm—the arm of another hybrid—you didn’t want to know what could possibly happen if you played with some of the more human children. 

    So you were stuck mindlessly wondering about the letter. Wondering about who would respond and if you would finally get the answers you have been curious about for years. And, as many philosophers and people know, endlessly wondering about the future isn’t exactly the best for your mental health. 

    “Camillus…”

    The sound of your deceased mother’s voice sends a shiver up your spine. Those… voices… have been appearing once again. You thought you were out of that faze. 

    Long ago after your mother’s death and before you were fully grown, you used to imagine your mother as if she was still alive; still with you. You told yourself it was a way for you to come to terms with her death especially as a young child. The illusions of her sweet voice reassuring you or singing you off to bed is what kept you sane during long winter nights while you were trapped in your room. 

However, that was long ago and now it was much more of a curse. A punishment, if you will. You felt like you were going insane and you had no solution in sight on how to help yourself. 

“Camillus…”

A shaky sigh escapes you. Perhaps you should send a call to Mr Cullen or even Edward. Though that thought instantly leaves you. No, that would just give them a reason to come check up on you. A reason for them to drag you back. You doubt them or your nonna would mind. But, that was the last thing you needed. 

So, you would sit. Here by the center of the town or anywhere else you would go. Sit and be patient. Sit until something changes. Sit until a letter arrives. Sit. Sit. Sit.

“Roses…? For me? Oh Camillus, you shouldn’t have.”

You shakely gulp as the haunting feeling of a hand cups your cheek. It’s as if it never changed: Bony fingers with the nails cut perfectly at the tips; warm but not in the clammy sort of way; and the cool feeling of her steel iron ring on her finger. You knew these hands. Without a doubt, they were your mother’s.

“Did you know that your father had given me roses as well?” 

You shift through your memories, not quite remembering this conversation. You must have been pretty young as your memory was usually impeccable. 

“It caught me so off guard. The executioner of the Volturi giving me, a secretary, a bouquet of flowers? … Well, I thought I was dreaming.”

You can’t help but wonder what your mother would have looked like as she said that. Her voice sounded airy and light, almost breathless. You wondered if she had that far off look in her eye. The one she would occasionally have when she looked out the window towards that tiny town of yours. An indescribable look, too many emotions passing through for you to properly understand. 

“Your father… was a great man Camillus…” 

Patience… seemed a lot harder now. 

Unlocked: Hybrids—Chapter 5: Conditions and Genetics (PTSD)

[onceuponatale]

PTSD

AKA Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

A disorder in which a person has difficulty recovering after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event.

The condition may last months or years, with triggers that can bring back memories of the trauma accompanied by intense emotional and physical reactions.

“If PTSD in humans isn’t scary enough, Hybrids are a whole other level. There brains are… so much more complicated. Making there reactions and symptoms… stranger… much more bizarre and crazier than the normal person. It varies to such decree that even I can’t fathom a solution.” - Aro, on the topic of Hybrid PTSD

“I wish there was something that could be done. If only there was a solution. I worry… for their mental health. Though, I mostly worry for what would happen if one were to snap. An immortal child seems more… “pleasant”… then a snapped Hybrid.” - Carlisle Cullen

Known Symptoms: Sleepwalking, Intense Physical Reactions (ex: nausea, muscle tension, profuse sweating, pounding heart, rapid breathing), Exaggerated startle response, High levels of Agression, Sleep disturbances/Night Terrors, Difficulty remembering, Feeling Detached, Emotionally numb, Loss of interest in things one used to enjoy, increase in frequency of negative emotions

Unique symptoms: Hallucinations (Camillus Marino)

[onceuponatale]

Gifted Woes

A Short Story about a Physical Shield and Alec

You hated your mother, you hated your father, and you especially hated your older sister. None of them understood you and none of them tried to. You were an accident, created on a drunken night when your parents tried to reconcile only to split up again. Your mother was too busy with Bella—the golden child—to want to keep you so you were sent to your father only a few months after your birth. Of course, since you weren’t Bella, Charlie didn’t pay much attention to you either.

To be honest, he did try (which was a step up from whatever Renee did). But you knew he, to be honest, would rather be doing other things. It has always been like that. People chose to ignore you.

That’s likely what molded you into what you were now. An awkward thirteen-year-old that knew more about Frankenstein and Dracula than your very own peers. Perhaps, it was because you related to the monsters in the books. They were isolated, ignored, treated horribly and so much more just for what they were. Sort of like you.

Though, while you liked the monsters between the dusty pages of the many books you read. You never believed them to be real. Really real.

You certainly didn’t expect there to be a whole ruling class of them hidden in a small town in sunny Italy either.

Nor did you honestly want to meet them.

Keep reading

[onceuponfarfaraway]

~{Hybrids}~

Authors note:

Hybrids are a topic that has changed the Vampire world as we know it. Day after day we are still learning things new about them. Hopefully this book that I am to write and the research I am to do will help the future of Hybrids and Vampire kind as we know it. 

~ Sincerely, Carlisle Cullen ~

Chapter 1: Intro

Hybrid Types

Day Walkers

Night Stalkers

Chapter 2: Instincts

Parents

Siblings

Partners/Spouses

Hunting

Chapter 3: Diet

Blood

"Human" Food

Toxins and Hybrids

Chapter 4: Sicknesses and Diseases

Glacipis

Chapter 5: Conditions and Genetics

PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

Chapter 6: Hybrid Files

Renesmee Cullen

Camillus "Camilla" Marino

[onceuponfarfaraway]

~{Delicacies of the Vampire World}~

Due to the wonders of modern-day science, Vampires can now enjoy the wonders of life more than ever before.

Vegtables

Fruits

Sanguis Grapes

Grains, Legumes, Nuts and Seeds

Meat and Poultry

Venenprae Meat

Fish and Seafood

Diary

High-Sugar Foods and Sweets

Drinks

Sanguis Wine

[onceuponfarfaraway]

~{The World}~

North America

United States of America

Forks, Washington, USA

South America

Europe

United Kingdom

England

Italy

Volterra, Italy

Piazza dei Priori

Castelluccio, Italy

Greece

Paxi, Greece

Asia

Oceania

Africa