They had all been hunting and just as they entered the house Carlisle's phone rang. He looked at the screen and smiled.

Pushing a button he bought the phone to his ear, "Eleazar, how are you?"

He walked towards his study to have privacy, as he always does when he receives a call. The others tried to tune out his conversation and hold a soft conversation of their own.

Mid step he froze as he listened then said, "When?" Worry coloring his voice.

They all turned to look, ears sharpening to hear the voice on the other end of the phone.

Bella heard, "They already left, so they will be with you in a few hours at most."

Carlisle said a heartfelt, "Thank you," before hanging up.

Carlisle sighed, "That was Eleazar. He rang to warn us, the Volturi are on the way here. They have been informed we have been breaking laws and have sent a hunting party. Most of the guard is heading here, the brothers are coming with their wives. Eleazar thinks they will be here within a couple of hours."

Jasper's stance changed. He stood taller and more rigid, if that's even possible for a vampire! His face became a mask, cold and emotionless, "We wait here for them. Bella will keep us all shielded. Bella, can you try something now?"

Bella nodded.

Jasper tilted his head, "Try to place a block around my neck. I want you to try to stop movement, but allow me to see, hear and talk."

Bella asked for Carlisle's advice and help and Carlisle directed her with the doll to get the required result. She made a doll around one of his vertebra to block the spinal cord and it worked just as Jasper asked.

Jasper smiled, "We will try to avoid letting them learn that Bella is the one with the gift. We have our defense now, but don't use it until I give the signal. We will all stay connected mentally when they arrive. We can use either block depending on their actions. Bella, I know it goes against everything we believe, but we may need you to listen into their thoughts and share them with us, our lives may depend on it. Are you willing?"

Bella weighed her answer, "I have some strong opinions on using that ability. I use the boxes without guilt, but entering minds just seems so much more personal. I don't like stealing someones thoughts, but if they are trying to kill me and mine I will fight. I will do what is needed!"

Esme went and put on a movie as a distraction. She didn't expect it to work, but they all followed her lead. They sat in front of the screen, each couple snuggling tighter and closer than they normally would.

Jasper's mind ran scenario after scenario trying to work out a reaction for every eventuality. The sequence of events became progressively darker and Bella tucked her body even closer to his as she mentally reassured him that whatever happened they were in this together. Under no circumstances would they separate. His mind still ran in circles trying to think of all the possible scenarios, but he didn't allow himself to sink back into the doomsday endings.

One hour and twenty-six minutes later Bella could hear footfalls getting closer. They stood and walked outside, waiting in a line, their minds linked. Each couple with an arm around their partner, their other hand linking all six together as the cloaked figures came into view. Following the cloaked Volturi came a handful of vampires in varied casual attire. Carlisle surmised they had bought them as witnesses.

The Volturi lined up in an attack formation. A group at the back were in a tight defensive position.

Carlisle spoke up, "Greetings Aro, Marcus, Caius and guests. To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence."

Aro did a small shake of his head as he spoke with disappointment in his voice, "Carlisle and coven. We are here to verify a number of accusations that have come to our attention.

You are hereby charged with a string of charges from stealing a vampires gift, disrupting a gift, consorting with werewolves, making a newborn army and allowing a human knowledge of vampires.

How do you plead?"

Carlisle listened to each before asking, "May we ask who made the accusations?"

Aro smirked as he nodded to a vampire near him, "Bring Alice Cullen."

He looked at Carlisle, "One of your own coven came to us."

Carlisle looked at Alice, his disappointment was running through his head, but he didn't voice it, "If you read her memories then you know some of the story."

Aro shook his head, "I will not risk reading her since it is her gift the rest of your coven has damaged. She fears whatever you did to her and Edward will infect me. She tells me that Edward's gift is no longer working at all and his future is black, he is gone from her visions."

Carlisle shook his head, "In response to the charges. Edward asked to live for a while without the constant bombardment of others thoughts and we were able to help him. A side effect of the treatment is that Alice is unable to see him. It can be lifted at any time at Edward's request. He knows this and will support what I have said if you ask him.

We have a treaty with the local shape-shifters, They are not children of the moon. They are calm and rational in both forms, they shift in response to the presence of vampires and only defend their own territory if threatened. They maintain the secret for their own benefit.

Alice's gift is inactive where the wolves are concerned. I have a few theories on the reason for this, but they are unsubstantiated."

Caius interrupted, "The wolves will die. I will not allow their continued existence."

Aro glared at Caius and Caius sneered at him, but kept silent.

Aro nodded for Carlisle to continue.

Carlisle smiled, but inside his thoughts weren't as friendly, "The human in question was Bella and as you can see she is now a vampire.

She was Edward's singer. He lead us to believe she was his mate, but he wanted her to remain human. He left her and we acceded to his wishes since we believed as she was his mate it would only be for a short period before he returned.

In our absence two vampires attacked her and the shifters defended her. They killed one vampire, but the other escaped. Bella was badly hurt and bitten, but with insufficient venom to complete a change, yet she survived.

Alice visited Bella since she was unable to use her visions to see her or any that interact with her due to some complications from the attack. Jasper learned of Bella's condition through Alice's visit and changed her.

The vampire that escaped the wolves made a newborn army to attack the shifters. We went and eliminated the army as soon as we were aware of it."

Alice started, "No! No! No! Bella is Edward's mate! I saw it! I saw that if he left her she would be so despondent she would do anything to make him happy so he would stay with her; just like Jasper did for me. The reason I can't see is because they messed up my future. It's black, all black. Everything is black! I can't see anything... All gone..."

Alice kept mumbling, but Aro spoke over her, "Marcus, what are their bonds?"

Marcus held out his hand, but Aro flinched away glancing at Alice, "Out loud so we can all hear," He glanced back at the witnesses.

Jasper noticed Aro's fear of anyone touching him and activating his gift and using their link he told the others, "Alice scared Aro to such a point he dare not use his gift in our presence."

Marcus's voice wasn't as smooth as other vampires, it sounded hoarse from disuse, "The six Cullen's here are each stood with their mates. They have strong bonds to their mates and to each other. True family bonds. They have weak bonds to Alice, but she has none to them. Alice has no mate."

Caius sneered out, "Kill them all then! Let's be done with this."

Aro looked at Marcus who just shrugged, "Cullen coven you have admitted to breaking the law and leaving a human alive with knowledge of us. Your story about the newborn army I find hard to believe. You claim to have eliminated them, but the evidence showed only two of your scents near their last location. You think we are gullible enough to believe two of you took out an army.

We are unable to track Edward Cullen due to your actions and Alice Cullen is obviously damaged. Your sentence is death."

Aro turned to Alec and nodded. A mist drifted towards all the Cullens engulfing them. Jasper gave orders to make it appear the mist immobilized them, but Alice was the only one the mist influenced and Aro turned his back on the Cullen's believing them to be contained.

He spoke to all the guard, but he directed his attention to the witnesses, "We must be strict in cases like this. They tried to excuse their actions, but did they really think we would be drawn into such fairy tales. The manner in which Alice spoke of Jasper makes me want to give him a chance, we could let him serve a sentence working with us instead of death, but the rest must die."

Marcus spoke, "The strength of the mating bond will not allow them to be parted."

Aro nodded and looked at Caius. Caius rolled his eyes this time, his sneer still firmly in place.

Aro spoke to the guard, "Behead and burn all but Jasper and his mate. They are likely to be more agreeable that way."

Jasper gave Bella instructions to block them from moving, but not communicating. Carlisle added which guards should have their gifts blocked and he asked her to access the minds of the three brothers.

As soon as Carlisle saw Bella had the blocks in place he straightened up and glared at Aro. Using Aro's thoughts against him he attacked them verbally, "You are all blocked from moving, but we have allowed you to hear and see.

During the years I spent in Volterra you told me that mates are the exception to the rules regarding humans. You know we can find our mates in humans. You keep the guards mates human to hold their loyalty. Felix's mate, Gianna, is your human receptionist. She holds knowledge of vampires.

Aro, you manipulate all those around you for your own purposes. You tried to get rid of Caius when you sent him out knowing the werewolves were there in great numbers. The hatred Caius held following your setup you used to your own purposes on numerous occasions. The most nefarious was to kill your own sister, Marcus's mate. They wanted to leave Volterra to spend time together, you feared his departure would undermine your power. You use Caius to play the bad guy he only stays because you threaten his mate.

You use Chelsea to tie all the Volturi to you. You threaten her mate to keep her in line. That is barely scratching the surface of your web of deceit. You only want Jasper since he has a gift. You would have tried to hold Bella to ensure his cooperation. You found it is better leverage to keep mates alive. You felt threatened due to the size of my coven and the friends I have around the world. That is the main reason you wanted me killed.

I do not tell fairy tales and pass them off as the truth. As you can see an army would be child's play for us to take out, even just two of us. We could easily take out everyone here. Anyone that knows me will tell you I am a pacifist. I will always try to find a diplomatic solution. For that reason today I will defer to Major Whitlock."

It was amusing how the look in Aro's eyes reflected his emotions. Jasper gift allowed us confirmation, a flare of hope rose up when Carlisle described himself, changing to all out terror as he found Jasper would be in charge. Jasper's reputation preceded him.

The simmering hatred in Caius was all directed at Aro. Sorrow and regret poured from him as Carlisle told of Didyme's demise. Marcus felt such a flare of hate, anger and sorrow as he learned the truth of how his mate had been killed.

Unlike Aro, Carlisle had come to realize that Jasper is a good man. He had been through hell and back. He has the courage to do what is right. Carlisle's biggest fear was that he himself wasn't strong enough to do what was needed. He knew that Jasper was strong enough and would do the right thing.

It took Jasper a few moments to recover from the wave of pride and respect Carlisle felt for him and the agreement from the others at Carlisle's thoughts of him, "Aro, many charges have been brought against you. I will not do what you have done many times over the years and use the charges to gain gifted vampires regardless of the accuracy of those claims."

Jasper looked away from Aro to all the other vampires, "I'm sure this appears confusing. We have gifts between us the allow us to hold you and if we choose have access to your mind. This is the first time the mind access has been used without the consent of those in question. Aro, Caius and Marcus's minds are open to us. We haven't delved further than surface thoughts. It is Aro's own thoughts and memories that condemn him. We will only use this intrusive gift in extreme circumstances.

We told the truth regarding the claims against us. No laws were broken. We should have handled things differently, but we weren't dealing with all the facts at the time. We have made our apologies to those involved. We can bring others here to confirm our story, I will let you decide."

Caius stared at Jasper and thought, "Can you hear me?"

Jasper replied in the same manner, "Yes, the six of us can all hear your thoughts on this level."

Caius felt a burst of shock hearing a voice in his head, but he quickly recovered and shot back, "What are your terms?"

Jasper responded, "We only want justice. We just want a quiet life without manipulation."

Caius spoke out loud in a clear voice, "Carlisle spoke the truth. I killed many werewolves in retribution for their attack on me, they joined forces to stop me. Didyme, Marcus's mate and Athenodora, my mate, were sent out by Aro with a message for me. I got my mate to safety, but I couldn't save them both.

Aro sent them knowing what was happening. Since then he has held Athenodora as a prisoner in the castle and tortured her to get me to do his bidding. I no longer feel the oppressive bond to Aro. Chelsea?"

A women in the defended group at the back spoke up, "I can't move to come forward, but Carlisle spoke the truth, Aro threatened my mate to force me to acceed to his demands. The bonds I forced on the guard have all been severed when we were blocked from moving. I can't tell you the relief I feel now the weight of forcing so many bonds is finally gone."

Felix spoke up, "Aro won't let me change my Gianna. It's always one more mission and threatening to use her for food if I don't comply. Before I mated the missions were more reasonable. Since I found Gianna he had me doing his dirty work. He used his gift to find the best leverage."

More of the guard spoke up with similar stories. Marcus spoke, his voice clearer and stronger than before, "What is our fate?"

Jasper got a consensus from the rest of the Cullen's first, "We will release you all as a show of good faith. We ask that everyone remains here until the proceedings are complete. Anyone that tries to run will be stopped. All we want is justice and a quiet life. There have been crimes committed that need addressing, only the guilty need to fear."

Bella released them all, but kept the dolls within each person, remaining alert to replace them in an instant. Many of the witnesses took a few steps back. Putting more space between each other and the Volturi.

There was movement in the defended group, one moving forward another moving back. Bella relayed all the information to the others. The two moving bodies in the defensive group both surged into action at the same time.

Jasper cautioned Bella to wait. A women was shooting towards them and another running flat out away from the group.

Jasper called out "Stop," but asked Bella to wait until their course became obvious.

The woman running forward headed for Caius, Bella stopped her just short. The woman running away Bella stopped at the same time.

Caius stepped to her embracing her motionless form. He cried out, "She is my mate. Please release her, she was only trying to get to me. Sulpicia has held her hostage to ensure my cooperation, tortured her, removing her limbs if I wasn't quick enough to follow Aro's orders."

Bella released Athenodora, she clung to Caius sobbing. Caius cradled her to him, stroking her hair and crooning softly in her ear. As everyone watched Caius and Athenodora, Aro dived towards Jasper. Bella stopped him mid pounce. As her doll took hold he fell to the floor, landing on his face.

Jasper asked Emmett to fetch Sulpicia. Carlisle rolled Aro onto his back, to free his mouth to enable speech when Bella allowed it. With Sulpicia next to Aro, Bella moved the dolls from their brain to their spine.

Jasper turned to Marcus, "What do you think their punishment should be?"

Marcus had a fleeting look of shock, but it would have gone before it was noticed had Jasper's gift not been available, "For the many crimes against vampires I believe Aro should be sentenced to death. Sulpicia has been his willing accomplice and much as I would like to see them live in the pain of living without their mate I think we should give them compassion and kill them both."

Jasper asked Caius the same.

Caius took a moment before answering, "My first thought is torture them as they have tortured us. Marcus always has been our voice of reason. I agree with Marcus."

Jasper nodded, "Many of you have grievances against Aro and Sulpicia. Is there anyone here that doesn't believe that this the correct judgment?"

The resounding silence was broken by Aro, "I did what needed to be done to keep the Volturi strong. I am the Supreme Ruler, you will release me. This is treason."

Jasper asked Bella to silence him.

Marcus looked at Jasper, "May I carry out Aro's sentence?"

Athenodora glared at Sulpicia, "Can I take her?"

Jasper nodded.

Caius watched the prone bodies with disdain as their heads were ripped from their bodies. He pulled a lighter from his pocket and gave it Marcus.

Marcus leaned forward and lit the venom and as the venom flared to life he stepped away and spoke clear and loud, "Let them find peace in the next world that they were unable to find in this. May their passing release the residing hate and anger they caused on this plane."

Not another word were spoken as the smoke plumed into the sky. Only when the fire had burnt out did Marcus speak again, "What of the rest of us?"

Jasper looked over them, "That depends on you. If you are willing to allow Aro's influence to die with him then you may leave. Any that want to continue his legacy of tyranny will join him."

Chelsea shuffled forwards, "You said Edward Cullen chose to have his power blocked. Could you do the same for me?"

Jasper smiled, "If anyone would like their power blocked, we can do that for you. It can be removed at any time you choose."

Caius looked at Jasper, "We have always ruled as a triumvirate. Would you be our third?"

In his head Jasper's immediate response was 'hell no', but he asked the others. They all agreed it was his choice, "I am honored to be asked, but my answer is no. I am newly mated. We want to be free to explore our bond. We will be here to assist as long as your cause is just."

Bella spoke to Caius, "What do you intend to do about the shifters?"

Caius smiled at her, "I have played the part of vicious warmonger for many centuries due to Aro. It may be something I excel at, but it is not something I choose.

As a rule we allow each supernatural race to self govern unless they get out of control and start to bring notice to us all.

Children of the moon have no higher brain function in their werewolf form. They were out of control and they needed help to regain a semblance of authority. I went further than I should in my anger.

Shape-shifters usually help keep the balance. Your friends have nothing to fear from us while they maintain their discretion."

Alice still stood, mumbling occasional phrases, "Dark. All gone," her eyes unfocused as she searched for visions.

Caius looked at Jasper, "What of her?"

Jasper shook his head, "She walked away from us and came to you. Her actions bought you here, Aro used that to try to kill us. The most we can offer is to block her power in hope she can find herself without the pressure of multiple futures pressing in on her. We leave her in your capable hands."

Caius raised an eyebrow, "You are very shrewd. Her visions of the future became nothing but blackness when Aro made the decision to come here. She started this whole series of events from what I could glean from Aro. She followed her visions without regard for the paths hidden to her. She had no consideration for the wider consequences or others feelings since they do not factor in her visions. The blocking of her vision is the outcome of her choices. The loss of her gift is her best hope of redemption. We will hold her in Volterra, if her sanity returns she will be released. If she remains in this state she will be burned.

The offer to join us will remain open. I would like to work with you in the future."

"You haven't been a triumvirate in a long time from what we learned today. If I ever take up your offer you would still not be a triumvirate as I would not come alone. The six of us work as a team of equals, today I happened to be the voice most suited for the circumstances. We each have individual strengths and weaknesses. I think our gifts can be our greatest downfall," he glanced at Alice, "We are at our strongest when we work together; our strengths are highlighted and our weaknesses balanced by others input.

I have a family for the first time in over a century. I like it," Jasper allowed Caius and Marcus to feel the strength of his emotion. "You have many good people with you already, let them share some of the responsibility of leadership."

Caius nodded.

Marcus spoke, "Thank you. Your words hold wisdom. We need to change our ways so Aro's extremes can not happen again. I see your bonds, but to have exposure to the emotions that form them is a warming experience. It gives me hope that even without a mate the possibility of finding strong connections still exist.

I was frozen in my loss. The need for revenge had no outlet. You have broken that stalemate within me therefore I am in your debt."

Before Jasper could form a response Marcus nodded a goodbye and left.

Caius with Athenodora still in his arms whispered, "Thank you," he too left. The guard and all the extra guests followed them.

They just stood there even after the sound of footfalls had long gone.

Esme broke the stillness that had fallen on them, "I need some new turf."

They all looked over at the scorched earth. The ashes had blown away with the breeze. It started with smirks, then full blown smiles before we were laughing out loud. Was it Esme's words or just the relief? They made our way back into the house still chuckling.

Bella looked at Jasper, "In all those scenarios you ran through before they arrived, was reality anywhere near any of them?"

Jasper kissed her, "You know it wasn't."

Carlisle sat down pulling Esme into his lap. To the rest of our amazement he pulled his phone out, "What?" He asked in confusion.

Esme answered for us all, "You always go into your office to use the phone."

Carlisle looked at each of us, "Jasper made me realize what we have here, we each have a voice and an opinion. I asked him to act as our voice today because I trusted him to do the right thing more than I could trust myself to do. He lead, but took all our thoughts and opinions in consideration.

I spent so many years acting as the father to a typical family unit, but it was all a sham. I claimed to be coven leader, but I let Edward and Alice lead, I became their mouth piece. You don't need a father or a dictator. I want to be a friend, a brother and an equal.

I think we should ring Eleazar to let him know what happened. I am grateful he gave us the warning. If it is agreeable with everyone, it might be a good time for them to visit. I wanted to ask and do this together."

We each chimed in with agreement. Carlisle dialed and put the phone on speaker.

The End

A/N That's it. I'll let you decide how well or badly the Denali girls act when they arrive. Can Eleazar see the extent of Bella's gifts? Did you see some of the other possibilities of her gift? The ability to track someone should she choose and …...

I didn't see Edward and Alice as evil. I tried to write their actions as the misguided belief they knew better due to their gifts; Immaturity, ignorance, stupidity, god complex, call it what you will. They both have to pay and hopefully have a chance to learn and grow...or not!

I gave the Volturi a shake up and hopefully twisted it to bring Marcus back to life and have Caius do more than just kill and sneer! How many rats do you think will come out of the woodwork when they get home..!

I don't think it matters how young or old someone is there is always something new to learn. Acceptance and willingness to do that are harder to find in some, more than others!

Thank you for all the reviews, follows and favorites. To those that helped polish my words, I appreciate their help and patience more than they know!

Special Thanks to XxJasper'sAngelxX

:) - J