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Many had come to witness Reneesme; friends from all over the world had shown up in support of the Olympic Coven and it made Anna's heart grow. She noticed that each new vampire that had shown up had gifts of their own that astounded the Swan Twins. With Benjamin's gift of controlling elements, Zafrina's ability to create illusions, and Eleazar's ability to decipher one's abilities. Anna leaned back against the wall when a familiar voice echoed through the Cullen's household, she grinned before rushing forward and stopping a few feet ahead of them.

"GARRETT!" Anna shouted with a grin, Garrett turned to the blonde and smiled widely. "My, my, little Annie," Garrett spoke before she rushed forward and hugged him leaving the others within the room stunned. "How do you know each other?" Emmett asked with a confused expression. "He's my friend who saved me. Garrett was the one who taught me about Vampires," Anna answered as she pulled back from Garrett's embrace. "It's good to see you again, old friend," Anna told him as he took in her Vampiric appearance mixed with a witch. "And it's nice to see you've adapted," Garrett teased making her roll her eyes.

More and more witnesses showed up and the Vampires who lived off of human blood caused Bella worry but Anna knew they would leave the town alone. She had personally spoken with the Irish Coven along with the Nomads that Emmett and Rosalie had contacted; they all agreed to hunt in Seattle but with caution or they'd face Anna's full fury and none wanted that. However, when Charlotte and Peter had shown up, Anna was happy to see the joy on Jasper's face seeing his best friend again. Charlotte and Anna caught up with each other, Anna bragging about her new life as a Heretic.

The Cullens had opened their home to eighteen vampires and a warlock, it was no secret that Marin and Jacob were uneased by the presence of vampires but Anna was quick to notice how Jacob kept the Banshee by his side at all times; something that she adored greatly. However, with the presence of Vampires in the territory, more Quiletes were transforming and creating a larger pack for Sam to teach and train. Anna had offered to help however she could but Sam and Paul suggested it was best to stay away until the new shifters had been taught to control their instincts upon shifting for the first time.

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The day after Carlisle and Esme returned with their final witness, Alistair, the witnesses stood in the clearing outside the Cullen household. Anna had requested to see the gifts herself and Edward had encouraged it so the twins could be tested in regards to their mind shields. The first to show off their gift was Zafrina who had power over the mind, she could make anyone see what she wanted them to and it was proven when she did it to Edward who had been holding Bella's hand; the one thing grounding him and preventing him from being lost to the illusion.

"Edward, you didn't tell me your wife is a shield. Nor her sister," Eleazar spoke up as he walked towards them, Zafrina lowering her illusion. "What's a shield?" Bella asked Edward while Anna leaned back against the tree with a smirk, she had noticed that Jasper's ability was the only one that could break through the Swan Twins' mind shield; Alice could see their futures because there was no power to shield that. "The ones I've met are so different," Edward replied to her while Anna nodded, even her shield was different from Bella's; Anna couldn't project her shield but with the right push, she believed Bella could.

"It's a defensive talent," Eleazar informed her, Anna casually eating a chocolate bar behind them as Garrett approached her and nudged her shoulder. "It's why I couldn't read your mind, even before. It's why Aro couldn't," Edward explained to Bella. "You have a very powerful gift," Eleazar added as Kate grabbed Bella's hand, sending through electricity that resulted in no response from Bella who felt nothing. "She's wonderful," Garrett muttered to Anna who smirked. "Interested?" Anna asked Garrett who nodded willingly, Anna laughed to herself before focusing back on the scene before her.

"Oh, yeah, she's a shield, all right," Kate said before letting go of Bella's hand, she turned her head to Anna and held up her hand wishing to test it on her too. Anna smirked as she sped forward allowing Kate to grab her hand, the electricity simply tingled against her skin but other than that, it did no harm to her. "Sorry gorgeous," Anna told Kate who laughed before letting go, Anna winked at her before moving to stand with Jasper who had walked out upon witnessing Kate's gift on Bella; he knew Kate would test Anna and Jasper was ready to intervene if needed.

"Shoulda been put on their asses," Kate said with mild disappointment but a lot of intrigue, it was always interesting to witness a shield. "Or your voltage has been exaggerated," Garrett taunted making Anna snort, she leaned into Jasper with a grin. "Well, old friend, try it yourself," Anna told him with an encouraging nod. "Yeah, maybe it only works on the weak," Kate added as she held up her hand. "Garrett, I wouldn't," Carlisle warned as Garrett raised his pointer finger to push against Kate's palm. "Or please do it," Anna muttered making Jasper laugh as Marin and Declan walked over to watch; the two had become friends in a short time.

Garrett pushed his pointer finger against Kate's palm eliciting a shockwave through his body causing him to drop to his knees, Anna laughed as Jasper wrapped his arms around her. "You are an amazing woman," Garrett complimented making Kate smile. Anna's attention turned to the woods, she tensed up as she picked up the sound of feet running through the forest at a vampiric speed. "Someone's coming," Anna muttered for the others to hear, they all turned their heads to the sound before Anna picked up on the sound of wolves growling. "And Jacobs on their tail," Anna said before she moved forward to cut the newcomers off.

She, along with Jasper, Edward, Bella, and Carlisle had approached the two new vampires who were sitting up on a rock out of reach of the shifters. Anna rested her hand on two of the newer pups while Bella eased Jacob who in turn told the third pup to calm down. "Vladimir, Stefan," Carlisle greeted, it was then that Anna noticed Kate, Eleazar, and Tanya had followed. "You're a long way from home," Carlisle continued as Stefan stared directly at Anna, the blonde raised a brow as she allowed her mind to relax and seep into his. "The Heretic is true. What a pretty sight," Stefan's thoughts echoed through Anna's mind and in turn, Edward's.

Anna and Edward shared a look before Anna moved closer to Jasper's embrace, Edward didn't like the underlying tone of Stefan's thoughts. "What are they doing here?" Kate asked with a glare on her face, it was clear that the presence of Vladimir and Stefan was an unwelcome one and the Swan Twins were uneasy. "We heard the Volturi were moving against you. But that you would not stand alone," Vladimir answered with a grin. "We didn't do what we were accused of," Carlisle expressed to the Romanian Vampires. "We do not care what you did, Carlisle," Vladimir responded to the Coven leader.

"We have been waiting a millennium for the Italian scum to be challenged," Stefan spoke up as his gaze moved from Anna to Carlisle. "There will be no fight," Anna said sternly, she moved forward to stand with Carlisle, her eyes daring either to test her. "We have numbers to witness the truth of the alleged crime, not numbers for your revenge," Anna added while Stefan and Vladimir sneered down at her. "Ah, you are the famous Della Freya of our time. A Heretic with the ability to wipe the Volturi from the map and yet, you do nothing," Stefan seethed out. "I do nothing because even if the Volturi are no ideal, they keep the Vampires like you in check," Anna replied to him with her own sneer.

"It is not in our interest to fight," Carlisle said as Jasper pulled Anna back into his chest, the Heretic let out steady breaths to calm herself. "Shame. Aro's witnesses will be so disappointed," Vladimir taunted. "They enjoy a good fight," Stefan added with a chuckle, Vladimir smirking. "Aro's witnesses?" Eleazar asked Carlisle. "Aww, still hoping they'll listen?" Vladimir teased with a fake pout. "They'll listen. Trust me on that," Anna said with her eyes overlapping grey, she smirked at the way both Vladimir and Stefan recoiled in fear before she turned and walked away knowing she'd kill the two Romanians if she stayed any longer.

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The Cullens, Jacob, Marin, Declan, and the witnesses all made themselves comfortable in the main room of the Cullen household. Anna was leaning back in Jasper's arms with Charlotte and Peter sitting by them while Bella sat with Jacob and Marin. "When Aro wants someone from a coven it's never long before evidence turns up proving that coven committed some crime," Eleazar spoke from where he stood. "So he's done this before?" Bella asked. "It happens so rarely, I never realized it was a pattern," Eleazar responded to her as the others listened carefully, though it didn't deter Anna's determination to stand against Aro.

"Apparently he always pardons one person whose thoughts he claims are repentant," Carlisle informed the group. "This person always has an ability. And they're always given a place with the Guard," Eleazar continued while Anna frowned, she knew that Aro wanted Edward, Alice, Bella, and herself as members of his guard due to their gifts; Even Jasper would be of use to Aro, they knew that. "This is all about Alice. He has no one like her," Edward spoke up, Anna and Bella shared a look. Bella knew that Anna was hiding something, she knew more than she was letting on but Anna was sworn to secrecy and wouldn't reveal Alice's plans.

"Which is why she left," Bella said receiving a subtle nod from Anna, though the blonde had seen something more recent and she could only hope her vision came true. "Why does he need witnesses?" Emmett asked the question a few wished to know. "To spread the word that justice has been served. After he slaughters an entire coven," Alistair answered him before his eyes honed in on Anna who scoffed. "You're scared, admit it," Anna said to Alistair who stayed silent, she shook her head. "You all are. Terrified of the Volturi when there is no reason to be," Anna continued as she stood up, "There won't be a damn fight and if there is, then I'm willing to die for the ones I love. Are you?"

Anna stormed out of the home and into the woods, she sped off into the deep forest and stopped by the ravine that splits the two territories. Anna closed her eyes as she sat down on the edge, her mind cleared as she focused on the sounds around her and allowed her body to relax. She knew that Edward shared the same belief as her, for the first time since she met Edward, the two were on the same mindset; they'd both fight to their last breath to protect their family. "We weren't always close but I'm glad we are on the same path," Edward's voice pulled Anna from her thoughts, she turned to him as she sat with her. "And will they?" Anna asked knowing he would have asked the witnesses to fight. "We'll see," Edward told her before they enjoyed the peace of the forest.

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Rosemary Speaks

Those who guessed Garrett all the way back in part one as to who the red-eyed friend was in the picture with Anna, you were correct. But it was pretty obvious, huh?

Also, is it just me or was Edward extremely attractive in that black hoodie!? Damn!!

And finally, Edward and Anna are no longer enemies. From here, they'll be friends and despite her still holding a small grudge for Edward's actions in the past; she's ready to move forward. But she will hold it against him for the rest of their eternal lives just to tease him.

Thoughts on Vladimir and Stefan?
Stefan's thoughts about Anna?

Thoughts on Anna snapping at the witnesses?

Thoughts or theories about this chapter?

See you in the next chapter!