New Moon: Sunshine

St. Marcus Day Festival, 2006

The warmth that drifted from the rays of the sun was what she missed most. The soft sensation it used to leave upon her skin was only a memory now and she longed to once again feel warmth. But after years of serving the Volturi, and never leaving the palace grounds during the day, Anastasia's hope of seeing the sun were a fantasy.

It didn't help that her newly acquired skills had a downfall to them. Ever since she accepted becoming an immortal bloodsucking vampire, she was told that her porcelain skin would shimmer in the sunlight like diamond dust. She was furious when Alec told her she would not be allowed out in the sun before humans. If Ana were to expose herself to the humans, she would be executed, no exceptions.

She sat in the palace library, flipping through a book she had read millions of times to try and distract herself. To that day, she still wasn't sure why the Volturi wanted her. She had shown no possession of any marvelous power and had the typical vampire abilities. But Aro had grown attached and refused to let her go. Alec was pleased his master had spared Ana as well, because in some unspoken way he found comfort in her presence.

"Anastasia," a voice drawled out. She sighed and slammed the book shut. She placed it away before looking to the intruder.

"I thought I told you never to disturb me while I'm reading," she snapped to Alec. The boy smirked at her, not really caring about what she had once told him. He grabbed her hand and tugged her away.

"Come. Aro awaits our presence," he informed. Ana hummed before nodding. She yanked her hand away from Alec's and quickly walked out of the library.

It wasn't often when Aro demanded an audience from her. She had no need to be there unless Aro wanted to show off the rare variety of powerful vampires he collected. But Ana wouldn't go as far as to call herself powerful.

When she entered the meeting hall, where Anastasia had witnessed many executions, the three head of the Volturi Coven sat at their oversized thrones. Ana stopped before them, bowing her head respectfully.

"Masters," she greeted softly.

"Ah! Ana... Come join us," Aro said as he gestured for her to stand next to Caius. She obeyed and glanced down to Jane and Alec. Jane stared at her with scorned eyes. Ana scoffed and turned her attention to the door. Jane wasn't the biggest fan of Anastasia. The witch twin didn't understand why Aro had such keen interest in a vampire with no special abilities. But she knew better than to question her master's decisions. They all waited silently for the accused to arrive. After too many seconds had passed, Aro grew impatient and turned to the small blonde vampire.

"Jane dear, see why it's taking Demetri so long," Aro commanded. She nodded before walking out, her long cloak flowing with her graceful movements.

"If I may be so bold Aro, who exactly are we waiting for?" Ana asked quietly.

"Edward Cullen came in earlier asking to be executed... Foolish boy. With an ability like his, it would be such a waste. But he has provoked us," Aro mused.

"His almost near exposure to the humans cannot go unpunished. You know what to do," Caius hissed to Aro.

"Indeed."

"The careless actions of this lovesick boy could end in destruction. Act hastily," Marcus whispered. Anastasia turned to him.

"Lovesick?"

Nobody answered her as the doors to the hall were opened. Jane gave a small smirk as she moved to the side, revealing three new figures with her. Two girls and a boy. With a single whiff of the air, Ana could tell one of them was human, and it was the one who was breathing so fast, everyone could hear her small pants. The smaller, slimmer girl was a vampire. She reminded Ana of a little pixie, and she was immediately intrigued by her. The only male, Edward, was dressed in a red Volturi robe. He was very cautious about his surroundings. He was anxious about having the human there in a room filled with unknown vampires.

Alec stepped up with a smirk.

"Sister, they send you out to get one and you bring back two," Alec said before glancing at the cowering girl who clutched onto the boy, "And a half. Such a clever girl." He praised her. Jane smiled before taking her spot next to her twin.

"What a happy surprise! Bella is alive after all! Isn't that wonderful?" Aro exclaimed as he stepped down from his throne to approach the newcomers. Anastasia watched with careful eyes. The human, Bella, stiffened as Aro neared them.

"I do love a happy ending." He continued as he took the boy, Edward Cullen's, hand. Ana sighed and lost interest in the conversation. Aro had the ability to read every single thought someone has ever had with a single touch. It made him dangerous, and Ana always wore gloves and long sleeves around him.

"Interesting. I see nothing."

When Anastasia's attention turned back to the play before her, Aro had challenged Bella to his test and was holding onto her hand. From the expression on his face, it was clear he couldn't read the humans thoughts.

"I wonder if... let us see if she is immune to all our powers. Shall we Jane?"

Ana frowned as she glanced at one of the witch twins. A mere human couldn't handle the pain that was Jane's power. Bella would surely die. It was as if Edward read Ana's mind, for he immediately swung into action and went to attack Jane but she was quicker.

"Pain."

With a single word, Edward was paralyzed in agony. Jane's pain increased as Edward fell to his knees. The human screamed at her to stop her torture. he tried to run to Edward but Alec stopped her. The human continued to plead for him but Aro didn't let Jane stop. Ana decided to intervene.

"Master, any longer and he will not survive. Show him mercy." Anastasia suddenly spoke up. He turned to glance at her.

"Very well, dear. Jane?"

"Master?" She lifted her curse and Edward grunted in relief.

"Go ahead, Jane," Aro said, giving the twin permission to use her powers on now Bella. Ana looked away, not ready to see her lifeless body on the floor when Jane was done with her. But when no screams were heard, Ana looked up in surprise to see Bella still bracing herself for the pain that never came.

"Remarkable. She confines us all." He whispered. Aro turned around and let out a deep sigh.

"So... what do we do with you now?"

"You already know what you are going to do, Aro," Marcus said.

"She knows too much. She's a liability." Caius continued. Aro hummed in agreement.

"That's true."

"We could always spare her, Master. She doesn't seem like the type to blab. As long as they promise to eventually turn her." Ana added. She tried to persuade Aro into letting the girl live. Because if it was up to the Volturi, her body would already be sucked dry.

"And how would we know they are to keep their promise, Anastasia... They cannot be trusted." Caius snapped at her. She looked away and lowered her head. As weak as her attempts were, she did try.

"Hm. A pity. Felix?" Aro turned to the brute vampire, giving him permission to finish off the human girl.

It all happened so fast, Anastasia even had trouble keeping up. Edward acted quickly and flipped Bella behind him. With a swift run, he attacked Felix.

The two vampires smashed into the marble around them and caused destruction into everything they touched. Anastasia frowned and clicked her tongue as she watched various things crumble with the bodies of the vampires. Such a waste.

The small pixie vampire tried to help Edward but was quickly stopped by Demetri.

With a final smash to the ground from Felix, Anastasia watched as Edward's face cracked. He was down.

Felix turned his advances towards Bella once again. Ana frowned.

"Felix, no-"

Edward healed soon enough and he was up again to take on Felix.

But Felix got the better of him and swung Edward's body against the marble stairs, right before Anastasia and the Volturi. Felix looked up with hopeful eyes, presenting the boy to Aro.

Ana looked to her master, hoping he would reconsider and let them live.

"No! Please, please!"

Aro stopped when he heard Bella's pleads. Anastasia frowned in confusion. As Bella insisted they kill her instead of her mate, Ana was sure the human was either madly in love or completely stupid.

Ana leaned down to Marcus' ear.

"Pray tell, Master Marcus, would it really be convenient for us to kill the human girl. If we were to turn her, she could be of great use."

"I believe so, my dear. However, Caius is right. How would we know they would keep their promise?"

"Bella will be one of us! I've seen it. I'll change her myself." The small one said. Anastasia looked back to Aro to see him now holding the hand of the pixie girl, completely amazed by her unique power as well.

"Mesmerizing. To see what you have seen, before it has happened." He whispered to her. He then turned to face Bella with a sickly sweet smile.

"Your gift will make for an intriguing immortal," Aro whispered as he neared the human. Ana thought he was too close for call but said nothing.

"Go now. Make your preparations." Aro instructed as he watched Bella reunite with Edward.

"Let's be done with this. Heidi will arrive any moment." Marcus mused as he also stood to his feet.

"Thank you for your visit." He said, although Ana knew he didn't mean it.

"If to return the favor, I would advise that you follow through with your promise soon. We do not offer second chances." Caius hissed.

"Good-bye young friends. Anastasia and Demetri will see you out." Aro said airily as he watched the three leave. Ana stepped down from between the thrones and lead the trio out the hall.

As they made their way back to the lobby of the palace, they passed Heidi, who had rounded up the Volturi's lunch.

"Save some for me," Demetri hissed as they passed Heidi. Anastasia looked to her feet when she saw two children in the group. She became even stiffer when she heard the screams of the humans coming from the hall she was just in.

When they arrived to the entrance, Demetri didn't say a word as he raced back inside, desperate for lunch.

Anastasia turned to the three who looked at her cautiously.

"It would be wise to begin her transformation as soon as possible. Believe the Volturi when they say they give no second chances," she informed, hoping they took her words to heart. She liked the trio and admired the young girl's bravery (or stupidity, Ana still wasn't sure where she landed on the human) to stand up to a vampire like Aro. She would be disappointed to find if they passed.

"Thank you, Anastasia. Your words of mercy did change Aro's course, and because of it my brother is well and alive." The pixie girl said kindly. Ana bowed her head in appreciation.

"I'm Alice Cullen. As you know this is Edward Cullen, and Isabella Swan," Alice said cheerfully, her mood suddenly changing from solemn to a vibrant happy.

"It is a pleasure, Alice. I have to be getting back now. Or else they will send for me." She said softly. When Ana spoke those words, Alice suddenly froze as a vision flashed through her eyes. Edward curiously looked at his adoptive sister as he also read her vision.

Anastasia tilted her head but thought nothing of it as Alice blinked back to reality. The little pixie vampire gave Ana a bright smile.

"It was nice to meet you, Anastasia." She breathed.

Ana nodded before stepping back. She watched as the two vampires covered themselves so no skin was shown, and they disappeared into the crowd of red robes from the festival.

Anastasia neared the door again. She saw the light of the sun, and wanted nothing more than to let her body soak in its heat. She reached for it, but quickly stopped herself when she remembered Alec's words. The exposure to the sun could cause her untimely death. She wasn't even sure if vampires could feel heat. She sighed and closed the doors to the Volturi palace, shutting the light out as soon as the gates snapped shut.

Anastasia had not seen the sun in over 60 years.

She doubted there would ever be a ray of sunshine in her immortal life ever again.

*unedited*