We're Just Human Today, Faces In A Crowd

[Leah Clearwater]

The sea of red, meant to be fun and thematic was scary in a way. Everywhere she turned it was more red, and more of the same colored brick walls. There was none of La Push's earthy beauty here. None of the vastness and striking landscapes. It even smelled here, La Push smelled of ocean and rain, of trees and life and cookouts. Here it smelled of . . .

Leech.

Which was why the seas of red and the idea of no where to run was scary. Leah had a human mind, her's wasn't like the Cullens who never forget anything (freaks), her was more human. While she would never forget the events of ten years ago, where the leech army had come to kill Ness, some of the details had. Such as their home town.

So when the guy Leah had been backpacking across Europe with suggested they go to 'this festival in Italy' Leah had hesitated knowing they were from that country but didn't think she would be going near them. Oh how much wronger could she get?

Rain came softly down in a light mist which only served to remind her of the clouds above. Her 'friend' had moved off to explore some and while Leah couldn't see him she could track his but down easily enough by his scent. She knew she should drag him out of her but she couldn't think of an excuse. Besides, the only detail she could remember was one she and Jacob had laughed at, they didn't hunt in their own city. Which ment her friend was safe. . . wasn't he?

Leah wrapped the cloak around her more and pulled the hood lower as if to hide. Allot of good it would do her, she wasn't going to be able to hide from--When the scents hit her more strongly she turned slowly, knowing there was at lest three of them near by.

[Who would have thought; Aro and Leah having a thread?]

[Aro]

Today was different from all other days. It was Saint Marcus Day a celebration that had been going on for centuries. the celebration was originally for when Saint Marcus rid the city of vampires. That never happened, but the humans would believe anything they were told. As well as items that can harm a vampire. All complete nonsense, but they still believed them. In more modern times it was a celebration for the police force Volterra after all was a city with low crime rate. Not that Aro really cared. As long as no one revealed what they really were. The humans could do what they want, but Aro did like having his city appear so appropriate. He did not want a city that seemed out of control. Aro craved control, power and his city should represent that. It had not really changed to much it seemed ancient. It had some modern touch, but the city was ancient it had existed for nearly three thousand years.

However, today was different from most Saint Marcus Day's it was cloudy. Just about all the celebrations had been surrounded with sunlight preventing the Volturi from really entering the city. They kept close the shadows watching everyone, and more so vampires. They did have a problem about about a decade ago nearly had to destroy young Edward. However, that was fixed up, but their problems with the Cullen's did not end there. But that was in the past no reason to dwell on such thoughts. Aro was curious why the Cullen's felt the need to be around humans. It did not make any sense to him. Aro decided that today he would blend in study the humans with less distance. Perhaps not interact as much after all his red eyes would reveal what he was, but if he avoided eye contact perhaps that would not be much of a problem. Aro had chosen two guards Felix and Demetri. The guards as expected wore the red robes that would blend in around the humans.

Aro usually wore the pure black robe that allowed everyone to know he was in power, he was one of the leaders. Today, however, he wanted to blend in. He wore a red robe as most humans tended to wear on this celebration. Aro was also aware being so close to humans they would see a difference in his eyes. They were bright red he had fed a few days ago. His eyes would remain a bright red for a few days more before they slowly changed to black, but by then he would have had another meal. Aro had contacts made for this day as well. A green colored pair Aro did not recall what his original eye color was nor did he really care, but this would hide the brightness in his eyes. Make him seem more 'human' Aro didn't particularly like having to blend in. His eyes looked more along the lines of a brown-green color.

Aro exited the castle he did leave on occasion, but it most certainly was not often. The celebration would last all day and night. To an immortal that was an extremely small amount of time. It would pass by so quickly, but Aro was still curious about humans. And the Cullen's apparent need or want to be around them. It was so very curious! Aro loved learning and this was something he wanted to find out. Though he had tried to understand their lifestyle with no success. But perhaps this would be a bit different. Aro had kept some distance from the humans. A few had greeted him Aro merely smiled and replied with a formal greeting. It was close to afternoon Aro had observed the humans, but still did not see the need to be around them. If anything they made his throat burn. No reason to be around so many for such a long period of time. Aro almost instantly picked up a smell, it was familiar. From ten years ago when they had faced the Cullen's. One of the wolves, guard dogs as he saw them, Aro was instantly curious. Aro came to stand a few feet away from the shape-shifter as they were to be called. So different from Children of the Moon and had an unbearable scent. "Hello, my dear," Aro tone was calm, calculated. He was unsure if this was good or bad. Aro was fond of the idea of 'guard dogs' but that had been answered long ago. Why would this girl be here? Why would she come to their city?

[Leah Clearwater]

Leah took a few steps back, and pulled the hood off her head so she could keep an eye on her surroundings better. Part of her wanted to run, she was out numbered, but her pride wanted her to stand her ground. Besides, she was fast--in wolf form--but in human form they could catch her, and she wasn't about ti turn her back on such dangerous vampires.

"I ain't your dear." She grounded out from between her teeth. They were far enough part that people passed between them, maybe not even knowing they were speaking to each other, but with both of their sharp hearing it wasn't like they had to be close. She glanced around over this shoulders, her eyes able to pick out which forms behind him were leech and which were human by how still they stood and how focused they seemed on her. She made them nerves? Good! They scared the hell out of her so they were even! "A little bright out here for you, ain't old man?" It wasn't bright, it was cloudy and misting rain but Leah hoped the sun came out fast! It didn't look like it would, it looked to get stormy soon, but she could at lest hope.

[Aro]

Aro smiled at the girl as she told him she wasn't his dear. But how he wanted her to be dear one just as his guards were. Aro was fascinated by these creatures. They were in such control of themselves. And were able to change at will it was truly fascinating. Caius unfortunately did not share the same response Aro had. And most importantly Alice could not see the shape-shifters future. If Aro was to find some reason to destroy the Cullen's she would not know if he had the wolves Alice would never see it. They would be completely off guard then perhaps he could gain the talents he craved. He would have Alice, Edward, and Bella in his guard. He wanted those talents and would do anything to gain them. "That is quiet true," Aro agreed going along with the wolf. "Of course things could change. And so very quickly." If Aro could gain this wolf perhaps the others would come as well.

Of course there was more possibilities than just having them overtake the Cullen's. Though he needed the Cullen's he craved their talents. And he would have them. Aro looked at Leah curiously. He wonder if her pack would be willing to come after her if he could make her feel loyal the the Volturi. Of course this could present a problem if the alpha, Jacob, came and made an order she could not stay. Even if she felt loyal to the Volturi. Aro knew much about Jacob he had imprinted on the half-breed, Renesmee, if he could gain him he would gain her and the Cullen's. Aro smiled a bit as his plan slowly formed. He had failed in gaining the Cullen's once he would not fail again. If he tried again he would succeed he would not allow the Volturi to fail. They were strong, powerful they could not be seen as anything else. They could not 'run' as they had before they would take what talents they want and destroy the others.

Aro raised an eyebrow as Leah called him 'old man.' "You know most have a bit more respect and for good reasons. If I was you I would follow their example." Aro had never come across someone who had called him 'old man' Aro was certainly not to fond of it. He didn't like it. "I am so very curious, my dear, why you are in my city." Aro didn't care if she didn't like being called 'dear' or not. He always called everyone that if she had any memory at all she would know that. But she was still human, still weak. She was more than human this was true. The very reason he was interested in gaining her. Aro needed Chelsea she needed to see if she could loosen her bonds to her pack, to the Cullen's and change it to make it loyal the Volturi, to him.

[Leah Clearwater]

Leah's eyes narrowed at his words. Nothing was gonna change. She would never agree to hang out with the boss of the leech mafia. Nothing on this earth could make her, and if there was something then she at lest knew Jacob would bitch slap some since in her. Hmm, note to self, get out of this, call Jacob, get friend out of here and head somewhere sunny. Fast. She didn't like how he said things could change, as if he knew they would. But they didn't have an Alice, so there was no way he could. . . unless they had someone like Alice. Did they?

"Nothing is gonna change, I'll respect anyone who's earned it." Vampire bullies had not earned it. Leah knew better to then push them to far, she was out numbered and on their ground, with to many humans around. She couldn't risk them, her friend, or her self like that. Leah didn't have a death wish. Still, she was never one to hold back, so finding that ground of saying nothing, and saying just enough was new and hard for her. "Well you know," She lied, "You come to my home town uninvited to check out the peeps, I return the favor." She wasn't about to admit she forgot it was a leech city.

[Aro]

Aro looked at Leah curiously. Did he not earn respect? He was in control of the vampire. He had earned much more than respect this wolf should think over her words carefully. Aro glanced at Felix at Leah's words a secret signal on what to do. Their master was not to be so disrespected it was not allowed. Aro smiled as Felix took a few steps closer his eyes intent on the wolf just as Aro wanted. "I would be careful with my words if I was you. You are in our city." This had been Aro's city for thousands of years it was his home even as a human. Their were guards all around they had to make sure their city was safe and on today especially. Aro could not allow anyone to cause trouble. He would not allow it.

Aro would disagree that they were uninvited. The possibility of an Immortal Child was enough to make them come. Even if it had not been the Cullen's Aro would have still come. He could not allow anyone to create an Immortal Child. It was forbidden any possibility had to be destroyed. The Cullen's had just been an added bonus. A possibility that he could have gained more talents would have been wonderful. But it had not turned out as plan something that still upset Aro. The had to leave seem like they were giving up. Aro did not like it. "We have to enforce our rules. We can not allow even the slightest risk to exist." Aro hated that they had failed. Aro hated defeat.

Aro looked at Leah curiously. He was not sure what she meant with the last part of her sentence. Some new modern word he was sure. "My dear, would you care to elaborate a little more?" Aro was very curious by what she meant exactly. Aro wanted to know everything and this word, this phrase he wanted to understand. There was much he needed to learn about the humans and this new age this was sure. But he really could care less about the modern humans and their new phrases. Humans changed much to often Aro had seen this decade to decade, century to century. Everything changed around him it seemed. So much to keep up with. If chose to he could, but really why would he? He had much more important matters to worry about. His power being the main one.

[Leah Clearwater]

Leah moved back quickly, so quickly it looked slightly like a startled jump. A few people turned their heads to glance at her, as if expecting to see something jump-worthy. When they saw nothing they turned to look away again. Leah's hand under her cloak shook and she balled it into a fist in effort to stop it. "You my be the mob boss of the leeches, but I anti one of them." Leah said softly, so humans wouldn't hear. She knew he would hear her just fine.

She was also smart enough to take a step another step backwards. Not wanting to look like a coward she pulled her hood and cloak back off her so it hung as a cape rather then hide her. "Ness is not a risk, not breaking any of your damn rule." She ground out. Then looked slightly confused, he sounded so formal that she wondered if he was mocking her in his overly vampire-line way. She lived in teenage boys' heads. Granted, she didn't have the best slang words after hearing it for so many years but still! "Explain what, English?"

[Aro]

[[Eh, kind of short. Sorry.]]

Aro smiled as he watched Leah move backwards clearly she was taking their warning. Aro raised an eyebrow true she was not one of them, but she was in their city. She could so easily present a problem. "But you are in our world. You know just as much about us as we do about you. You should be careful, my dear, we do not allow any danger to our world to exist." Aro was not going to allow this shape-shifter to cause them any problems.

"She is not now this I will agree with." Aro would agree the half-breed Renesmee was not causing problems right now. The half-breed was certainly rare Aro would love to have her in his collection such an addition! Aro loved adding more to his 'collection' and rare valuable talents happen to be one of them. Renesmee was certainly rare and her talent was so very unique.

Aro quickly saw the girl's face turn to confusion. Aro narrowed his eyes slightly. Was it really that difficult to answer his question. He knew perfectly well what English was. He had three thousand years to perfect it he should know everything there is to know. Even though Italian was his native language he knew others there was probably not many he did not know. Three thousand years was a long time to learn different languages. "Your phrase. I'm afraid I'm not up to date on the most modern terms. Humans. They change much to frequently I don't have time to keep up with them."

[Leah Clearwater]

[[If that is short, most of mine are shameful!]]

If leeches, who didn't sleep and moved a high powered speeds lacked the time to surf the web and stay caught up on information then she was glad to be moral and in the know. Leah was willing to be however, it wasn't time the leech leader was lacking but a strong case of 'give a damn'. He had the time but could careless to spend it that way. "I maybe in in your city, but it anit your world. You don't own it, gramps." Leah said just to annoy him, but keep an sharp eye out on the tall one. She could always point and yell 'rapes'! That would at lest make things for harder with the 'avoid trouble' rules theyw ere so fond of.

Ignoring the comment on Ness (as it was a quick way to draw up her temper and the last thing she needed was to phase in a mass crowd), Leah explained her earlier comment, however she was never willing helpful. "Peeps. It's a noun. It means people, friends homies. In this case, Cullens and my Pack-brothers." She knew she could push them to far, and get her self killed but she didn't have it in her in be nice to a leech. Besides, she was holding back her more damning comments. The ones that WOULD get her killed.

[Aro]

[[um yeah . . . see what I was talking about short? though this is a little longer than my normal sized post. sorry if it's to long. seems i make it either to short or to long.]]

"Perhaps I don't own the world, but I do make sure our rules are enforced. Make sure our rules are followed." This young girl knew about them while that was no danger she could still be a danger. Something Aro was not willing to risk. Aro knew much about shape-shifters. He knew how they worked together how they could read each others mind if in their wolf form. But there was still so much to think about. So much he could still learn. Exact questions he could ask that he wanted to figure out. Much like the children of the moon, which he knew little about, they were similar yes but so very different. Aro loved learning and shape-shifters was certainly something very interesting. Aro already knew so much about them there was probably very little he did not know. But that did not mean he didn't know everything. It was so very interesting to find out more about different species. Much like the Children of the Moon.

Aro looked at Leah curiously as she called him 'gramps.' "You should learn to talk with a little more respect, my dear, it would be so very wise considering where you are." No one had ever called him 'old' or 'gramps' it was not the wisest thing to say to Aro. He had power and it was best not to irritate him to much. While this girl did know who he was she obviously didn't understand she should be more respectful. She was not a vampire and not much of his concern, but she was in his city. He could have her destroyed if he really wanted to. If she irritated him to much. He could come up with an acceptable excuse. She is a danger. He had seen through Edward's thoughts how easily they could lose control. Such a danger Aro did not want in his city. He doubted she would cause to much trouble, but one could never to be to sure. She would be careful she had backed away when his guard took a few step closer. Perhaps she should learn to fear them. That was something she needed. Learn to fear them, to respect them.

"Humans. They change so often. There is really little need to focus on how their words do change." Aro did not feel the need to keep up with humans. They were far weaker there was little point. Aro liked change on occasion. Of course he absolutely loved it when he gained more power. He would do anything, anything at all, to gain more power. He would risk everything if that would mean he could keep his power and gain so much more. There were many ways he could gain more power. Talents being one of his favorite ways. he had a rather large 'collection' and he enjoyed watching if grow even more. He hated it when vampires felt the need to leave, but he would not prevent them. After all he wanted the Volturi to appear justified. Chelsea made them as loyal as she could, but there were some bonds that she could not change. Aro looked at Leah such an addition she would add! Just to think if he could gain her. Would the others follow? Of course he was well aware of the Alpha and how their orders and minds worked. Aro would need to figure out some way around it. Perhaps he could make them all loyal. Make them feel bond to the Volturi. And it could all start with this young Leah.

"I am very curious." Aro was wondering why Leah was in his city. "Why are you here? I would have thought you would have been avoiding us. And it certainly seems you have no other intentions." Aro would so love it if Leah had decided to maybe find out more about them, join them. But those chances were slim if at all there. "There would be so many possibilities if we were to some how acquire you." Aro was very fond of the idea of gaining Leah. There was so much to consider! If he was able to gain her. So much could happen. There was so much to learn if he was to gain Leah. If he could add her to his 'collection.' A 'guard dog' would be splendid! However, that answer had been answered long ago. They were not to be guard dogs, but things could change. And so very quickly. Aro could change her bonds make her want to be loyal. It would only require Chelsea who was presently in the castle. It wouldn't take to long. It depended on how strong her bond was to her pack, to the Cullen's.

[Leah Clearwater]

"Perhaps I don't own the world, but I do make sure our rules are enforced. Make sure our rules are followed." How every Godfather of him. Leah looked at him goonies behind him and again thought of how the 'Volturi' were more like the Mafia, of the leech world. You didn't cross them or they'd cross your out.

"You should learn to talk with a little more respect, my dear, it would be so very wise considering where you are." More with the threats already! Didn't she just explain how her respect works for them? Leah's eyes narrowed at his words but she said nothing for the moment. She wasn't going to die a coward, begging for them to spare her. They wouldn't do it, and she had her pride.

"I am very curious." Leah just bet he was. For some reason, that stood out to her, Aro the one who liked everyone's histories or something. The toucher who knew everything thanks to mind reader's gift.

"Why are you here? I would have thought you would have been avoiding us. And it certainly seems you have no other intentions." He asked it again, and Leah had avoided it the first time and debated on doing it again before she gave a shrug as if she had no care in the world about being here. As if she just that bold and brave, to waltz into a leech city and party. In side, she was wanting to bolt and run. "I'm with a friend." She said casually, not about to tell him who. Leah hoped to find him first.

[Aro]

Aro wonder who this friend was. Most likely human. Aro had not picked up any other scents other than humans. There were no other 'visitors' Aro would have been sure to greeted them if so. They could not have anyone causing problems for them. Even more so today. They were so very protective over their city. They had kept it for over three thousand years. For a long time the humans believed there were no vampires in this city. The very reason for this celebration. It was more for the police in modern times since they no longer believed in vampires. Something Aro was not going to change.

Her simple statement was not enough for Aro. "You did not answer my question." Aro wanted an answer. He always wanted to know everything and this girl was no exception. He could always found out easily with on touch. She was out numbered if he wanted to read her thoughts he could. He would have to be careful, however, they were surrounded by humans. There were far to many witnesses to do anything drastic. "You must have some reason. One does not simply come to our city for no reason. More so since you know about us." Aro would had never assumed one of the shape-shifters would come to their city. It was certainly unusual.

Aro certainly did not mind. He wanted to acquire her within the Volturi. 'Guard dogs' seemed like they would be of great use. And even gaining this girl perhaps he could gain the others who in turn would possibly allow him to gain the Cullen's. Aro would gain the talents he wanted. He would eventually he was certain. Often if there was a coven with some sort of talent he craved he would find a reason for their destruction. Being merciful in allowing one of them to live and that of course would be the talent he wanted. They would think it was wonderful honor and be bond to them because of Chelsea.

[Leah Clearwater]

Leah had once seen this movie, where these vampires had used wolves as their daylight guardians. It had been a cool movie before she was a wolf then it annoyed her, the vampires thinking they were all superior in their large houses, rich clothes and controlling the world from behind the scenes. The wolves living in hiding from them, just trying fight for their right to live. Wolves held their own in the fights. What was that movie's name? Underworld. Yeah the was it. The wolf leader, now he was awesome. Not like the leech before her.

If Leah could have read minds, she would have exploded at the thought of him wanting her and her brothers are pets. Leah however did not reminds, so she was only left wondering what he was thinking, and how best to get out of here with out looking like she was running, having them follow to try to kill her and without explaining this all to her friend. Leah gave a shrug at his question, and had no plans to answer it. especially not honestly. "Free country." Wasn't Italy a free country?

[Aro]

Aro looked at Leah calmly he didn't like repeating himself. He wanted to know why she was here was it really that difficult to answer? "Leah, my dear, you did not answer my question." Aro kept his tone calm. It was rare anyone not to answer his question. They often knew better. If he was displeased with them he could come up with some reason to have them destroyed. Aro did not really want to destroy this girl. There were so many possibilities she could bring! If only he could gain her into the guard, the Volturi. There were so many ideas Aro could come up with. So many uses and advantages these shape-shifters could bring them. He had been so very intrigued the first day he saw them. The though to of 'guard dogs' had certainly displeased them. Their reaction had been rather amusing. He did expect them to react as they did. Still the idea was very interesting Aro would love to have at least one of them. See if they could do any good if the advantages he was thinking of would be worth it.

Aro could find out what he wanted with one touch. Though with so many witnesses around he couldn't be to hasty he did not know what this girl would do. He could have his guards restrain her, but this could so easily cause exposure. Something Aro would not allow. Aro had kept this city for nearly three thousand years and he was going to keep it that way. It was easy to trick the humans to believe that there were not vampires in Volterra. Saint Marcus had supposedly sent them to Romania. Wasn't that just wonderful? No humans had even thought about vampires being Volterra since that day. They would continue to believe that as well. Humans thought they were nothing but a myth. They would not allow exposure and most certainly not on today. When young Edward was here last they had been close to being exposed something that was prevented. Ah, but he got to meet young Bella and Alice. That had been a wonderful surprise! He still craved their talents and he would gain them eventually.

"Why are you in my city? Today of all days you decide to come?" Aro wanted a reason and he would have one. Why she had to choose today, Saint Marcus Day, Aro did not know and it bothered him. He wanted to know and he would. Perhaps he should find out more about this friend of hers. This friend must be human Aro could not pick up any other scent but that of humans and his guard. "Tell me, dear, about this friend of yours. I am so very curious." Aro was very curious why they had chosen to come to Volterra during this celebration. It was not something that pleased Aro. He didn't mind humans coming, but this was shape-shifter. Someone who knew about their existence. She could so easily be a danger. He had seen how easily they could lose their temper and that is something Aro simply cannot have.