Motives? Or Motivation?

[Henry]

-I watched Emmett and Jasper come back from their hunt, brothers in arms. I was a bit ...envious, I suppose. They came barreling up the steps, their voices filtering up to where I sat in the large living room with Alice. The minute she heard Jasper's voice, her face lit up, her eyes already leaving mine and seeking out his. It was always touching to see them together, how they rarely needed to even speak. They communicated through touch and it did my old soul good to know my child was in love, was loved and had one like Jasper to watch over her. She excused herself, flitting to his side and his arms whipped out to pull her close before they disappeared. That left Emmett and I and he was looking at me, with questions in his eyes. I'd hadn't spoken to him at length but I could sense he wanted a word. Smiling, I motioned him over-I've been meaning to speak with you, Emmett. How is your lovely Rose? And Ryder? Such a fascinating boy...

[Emmett Cullen]

*He chuckled and playfully hit Jasper on the arm as they strolled back into the main house. They had to end up going thirty five miles west in order to find a decent meal. Carlisle and the others needed to know about this soon. His eyes met those green ones of Henry and he stopped, his smile fading as he gave one nod. Jasper and Alice were gone in an instant and he cleared his throat awkwardly and looked around, walking over to the sofa across from Henry. He spoke first and Emmett listened. Smiling as he answered*

"Rosalie is...she's great. Motherhood suits her very well. I've never seen her so happy. Ryder was the best thing to happen to us, aside from finding love in one another. He's...special, yes"

*Stopping himself from revealing the fact that Ryder may be gifted, not sure if he could be trusted.*

[Henry]

-he was tense, I could tell. He didn't know what to make of me, wasn't sure about me yet. Offering him a quick grin, indicating he should sit- Special? Do you think he's like Renesmee then? *Dear God, if Aro even suspected, he'd find another reason to hound this family. I can't let that happen.*

[Emmett Cullen]

*Taking a seat, he kept his eyes on Henry.*

"We know he is hybrid, yes. But he's spectacular in the oddest of ways. Don't worry, it's not important."

*He grinned and nodded, motioning his hands toward Henry like he was showing him off then let them fall onto his legs*

"So you...you're Aro's brother. I have to tell you, I didn't see that coming."

[Henry]

-so that was the crux of it. No big surprise. I know it was a detriment to my relationship with people once they discovered Aro and I were related, which was why I tended to never reveal it. Leaning back, glancing away then back at Emmett- Yes. Teh old adage about being able to choose your friends but not your family applies. -watching him steadily, reading him- You don't trust me, do you Emmett? -I felt a strange connection with this one, one I couldn't put a finger on. He reminded me of someone.- I mean you no harm. Or your family. In fact, I'll do anything to keep you all safe. All of you. Especially the children -meaning Renesmee and Ryder-

[Emmett Cullen]

*Sighing he looked down and nodded, almost ashamed of not trusting him. Alice thought the world of him and he was her creator, her father. Their bonds were deeper than the average vampire even though she didn't truly know him. He'd given up his freedom to save Renesmee and save their family. Including Ryder. But really what was his motive?*

"I don't."

*Looking up he shook his head to find the words and elaborate.*

"I'll be honest with you, you're a great guy. I just...well I don't see how you can freely just give yourself up to him unless you had a secret motive. What are you trying to bring the Volturi down from the inside, or are you working us on the inside. I just don't get it and it makes me...unsettled."

[Henry]

-I regarded him thoughtfully for a very long while. I noticed there was a layer of intelligence and sharp authority running under the brawn of this Cullen. Carlisle had gathered the best around him and didn't even know it- I have my reason, Emmett. And they are my own. If I reveal them, it makes you culpable, does it not? An accessory of intent if not action. I won't do that. Suffice it to say, whatever happens, happens. However, I can tell you this much. I would never ever do anything that would bring Mary Alice harm. That means I would not willingly or voluntarily do anything to you or the others. She loves you. And I would not damage that for all the glory and fame or riches of this timeless world. But you're right to not trust me. But not for the reasons you think.

[Emmett Cullen]

*He'd acted human so long, he found himself shifting his weight on the cushion and draping an arm along the back of the sofa, listening to him and then pursing his lips in thought. He blinked and moved his hand as he spoke*

"Then tell me Henry, what reasons do I not have to trust you. If not for the reasons I previously thought...what are the real reasons."

[Henry]

-smirking and leaning forward, fluidly moving and resting elbows on my knees, templing my hands under my chin- They always say you're as strong as your weakest link. It applies to the vampires as well as the humans. And sometimes you wear the mask so long, you forget the truth of what you are, at the fundamental core. Aro....-hesitating- has what he has but not by right or even rank. -shrugging slightly-Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely. But eventually its' not the King that wins the game in chess. -a very long pause-And that's all I can give you. But now, I must extract a promise from YOU, Emmett.About this family.

[Emmett Cullen]

*Emmett listened intently and although he really wanted to understand what Henry was saying he couldn't...It was like a riddle and he was no good at though. Letting out a hmph sound and nodding, replaying the words over and over. One thing stood out though, Aro did not earn his position rightfully. He thought that he'd heard right, so really what did that mean? Sighing he nodded and looked back to Henry*

"I wish I could tell you I get it, but I don't. I've never been good with riddles so, I guess I'll take your word for it."

*His request intrigued him as he sat forward and mimicked Henry's position with his elbows on his knees, hands clasped together.*

"What would that be?"

[Henry]

Keep as far from the Volturi as you can. Keep Ryder from Aro's notice. But more importantly, help keep this family away from Italy. Period. I asked Alice for her promise. But I don't think she means to stick to it. No matter what you may hear, no matter what you may be called to witness. Refuse all. Do you understand me? Because...-rising up- I wouldn't put it past Aro to use me now to get to you.Through Alice. Or through your own son. Keep your heads low for a while. In fact, the time may be coming up on you to consider ....being away for a while. Don't worry about Aro tracking you..I'll handle ....that particular weapon of his

[Emmett Cullen]

*Scoffing and shaking his head*

"Trust me, that's a promise I can keep. I will not have my family put in danger again. I'd die first rather than let Aro get his pasty hands on Ryder or my wife."

*Almost snarling with anger, he caught himself and stopped, looking down at the white carpet to gather himself.*

"You have my word."

*Looking up to meet his eyes, he narrowed his own*

"Why are your eyes green...and why don't you feed? Are you like a special hybrid or something?"

[Henry]

-reaching out to clap a hand on his strong shoulder- With the exception of Alice and the night I transformed her, I haven't tasted human blood, or animal blood in over a few thousand years. It's not easy, giving it up..the blood. But after a while, if you live long enough, Emmett....you'll realize you don't need it anymore. But you're young still. You've got centuries to learn your own way. -I wasn't willing to say more, or to reveal the EXACT reason why I didn't need the blood of humans or animals. The fact was..I drew my sustenance from an entirely different mode of existence. Giving him a slight smile, I gave a slight bow- Goodnight, Emmett. -And with that, I turned on my heel and headed off to find Carlisle. We had a sacrosanct date each night at this time. I was leaving him with The Chronicles. The History. And laying the foundation for the future of all of our kind. It was highly secret but I trusted him.He alone, knew my entire story now...-

[Emmett Cullen]

*Shaking his head with a smile, he watched Henry leave the room after giving another circular riddle that only confused him more. Amazing how he didn't need it and could just give it up. How did he survive? Live? Thrive? Didn't blood fuel their very existence, if not they would be sitting statues with no mobility. Right? Scratching his head he heard the beautiful hum of Rosalie's voice and turned to see her enter with Ryder.*

"Hey, beautiful"

*Standing he went over to her and kissed her lips softly, Ryder giggling and reaching for him. Looking back towards the way Henry left, he smiled and looked back at Rose.*

"Let's get home..."