AN:

(July 2009) This story has been nominated in two categories for the Indie TwiFic Awards

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Best Characterizations (non Edward/Bella) WIP

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They'd somehow managed to completely avoid the Amazon coven for nearly two days, scarcely detecting any trace of vampire scent in their travels. Although the Amazons were on friendly terms with the Cullens, the family seldom saw them; Senna, Zafrina and Kachiri preferred to live as their people had during their mortal time, surviving off the land and finding shelter within nature's formations. Although they hunted humans, they also killed animals, drinking their blood so as not to waste the creatures before using their hides as clothing. Alice had seen them only twice in her time with the Cullen family: once as the entire family had taken a trip to the Amazon to hunt the jaguars and anacondas of the region, and once while she'd attempted to follow Edward upon their departure from Forks in the wake of Bella's horrible birthday party. They were kind, if quiet; they did not speak much without prompting. They demonstrated a great warmth, however, and Kachiri in particular had a subtle sense of humour Alice enjoyed immensely.

It was on the evening of the second day along the Amazon river that Jasper suddenly froze, his eyes widening. He gestured to the east, smiling widely.

"I think we've finally found something. Smell anything vaguely familiar?"

Alice inhaled deeply, rolling the scent around on her tongue. Ah! Yes, that did ring a bell. With an enthusiastic grin, she checked her visions quickly, debating whether the scent was from the northeast or simply east. East yielded another night of frustration; northeast yielded a familiar lanky female form...

"Northeast, Jazz. Let's go!"

The two of them ran at full tilt, pausing only briefly to recheck the trail as they moved over brush, darting through clusters of towering trees, Alice often reaching up to swing from overhead vines. Jasper joked that she was becoming Tarzan and suddenly found himself yanked into the sky, tossed over a vine like a damp piece of laundry hung out to dry.

"Me Tarzan, you Jane," Alice chirped sweetly from beneath him.

Swinging around the vine twice before releasing it, Jasper shook his head, glaring at Alice, "You, dear little pixie, are in serious trouble for that move."

"Catch me first, slowpoke!" Alice taunted, dancing her way through the trees ahead at a furious pace.

The scenery passed in a blur as Jasper gave chase, cursing the dexterity of his wife as she eluded his every lunge and advance, giggling as she moved farther ahead. Jasper poured on the speed, his brow furrowing as Alice disappeared entirely from view. There's no way she's gone that far ahead. His eyes scanned the forest before him as he inhaled, the scent of her strong. She was near... but where the hell was she? Slowing to a halt, Jasper growled low, frustrated.

"Alice?"

A slight whoosh was the only warning as a lasso of thick vine suddenly looped over his head, tightening about his torso and arms, imprisoning him. Jasper gazed up to find Alice, chuckling as she balanced on a thin branch ten feet overhead, tugging at him playfully.

"Looks like I wrangled me a Southern gentleman," she exclaimed.

"I thought there was no more time for naughty behaviour," Jasper replied, feigning a struggle against his bonds.

"There's always time for a little fun," Alice declared, leaping to the earth beside him, "Besides, I had to wait up for you anyway. Someone needs to work out more-"

A sudden noise caught both of their attention and they halted, inhaling deeply. The scent was very strong now; they were almost on top of it. Alice could make no shapes out among the trees and brush, nor could she detect any movement save the slightest rustling from the wind created by their antics. Her eyes widening as an idea struck her, she craned her neck upwards, smiling widely at what she found.

"I was wondering if I'd finally get the drop on you, Miss Alice," the dark-skinned woman chuckled from the high canopy above, releasing her grip and plummeting to the ground beside Jasper.

"Kachiri! It's so good to see you!" Alice exclaimed, throwing her arms around the Amazon.

"As it is good to see you. And yet, I suspect it is not good, your arriving here without warning," Kachiri concluded, turning to Jasper and shaking his outstretched hand, "What brings you to my home, Crouching Jaguar and Leaping Leopard?"

Alice smiled softly at the memory of their family visit, wherein Kachiri had christened she and Jasper with their nicknames. It had begun with a friendly game of tag within the canopy, Alice procuring a large branch and challenging Jasper to a duel. Jasper, more than willing to demonstrate his fencing skill, had taken her up on it, the two of them battling it out at lightning speed on the narrowest of brances. Emmett had watched from below, buckled over in laughter, insisting they were the spitting image of the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Kachiri, shaking her head, had corrected him: Jasper was the jaguar, Kachiri had decided, for his manner of stalking that very animal during a hunt, while Alice's evasive maneuvers had earned her the latter name. Alice smiled at the memory as the svelte Amazonian surveyed them, her face soft. She had missed Kachiri dearly.

Jasper sighed, "It's serious business, as you have wisely suspected. Where are the others?"

"My sisters are near our new camp, fifty miles east of here. I will lead you to them. We'll talk on the way."

Alice and Jasper followed as Kachiri ran at a pace perhaps twice that of a human, allowing them the ability to chat with ease and appreciate their surroundings. Jasper in particular was fascinated with the flora of the rainforest, having made a study of it after their honeymoon in Hawaii so many years ago. It was often the case that little events would trigger intense research on his part, some new obsession that left Alice in wonder as he devoured every last book on said subject. Alice, however, could think of one thing: the image of her family, slaughtered. I won't allow it. We're growing closer to the answer right now; I'm certain of it. The image of Jasper burning stormed into her mind and Alice shuddered in horror, willing away the vivid flames licking at the blonde mess of curls on his head, a scene so real she could almost smell him burning to ash. No! It won't be that way. We'll be okay. She simply had to remain focused. Everything would work out somehow.

"Why did you move camps?" Alice asked, seeking distraction.

"There is great unrest further north," Kachiri replied, "The armies, they are growing. They plot. They fight. We moved further away from that. It would seem there are armies on all sides, these days."

Jasper frowned, "Is it bad, like the days of the Volturi's clean-ups?"

Alice winced, recalling Jasper's vicious history. If things truly were becoming that bad once more, it was certain that Maria was a key player. And if Maria were back in the game on that level, Alice sensed that Jasper would be contacted once more. Not another Calgary, Alice thought gloomily, That was such a trying time. If we succeed here, we deserve peace in abundance. And if anyone dared to disturb that peace, Alice would not hesitate to destroy them in indignant fury...

Kachiri continued to speak, leaping over a fallen tree, "I do not think it is that bad, yet. But it could be, in time. The fools invite the Volturi back into their lives. There are other worries, strange ones."

"Like what?" Alice asked, puzzled, "Are you three safe?"

Kachiri chuckled, "Miss Alice, do not fear for us. We have lived a long time in this place. We live because we do not disturb the peace. But there are whisperings, and they upset my sisters and I. Nomads who pass through from Brazil tell us of them, of the word that there is one who creates a new army, a superior one. They are different, somehow."

"Have you seen this army?" Jasper asked.

"I have seen one female who may have been part of this new special army," Kachiri offered quietly, "I did not tell my sisters. They would want to move again, and I see no need. The female, she was of our kind, but there was something wrong. She was too skittish."

Alice glanced to Jasper, unnerved by the worry she saw crossing his face. She reached for his hand, seizing it and shooting him a questioning look. Later, he mouthed and she nodded quickly, returning her attention to the path Kachiri coursed towards the sound of rushing water. Behind a waterfall, Alice concluded, Natural shelter and cover. Sure enough, a clearing broke ahead, revealing a waterfall 500 feet away, the cerulean blue of the water as it cascaded, mesmerizing Alice. The sound of it was inherently soothing, almost a hushed whispering of voices in an ancient language long forgotten. It was easy to see why the Amazons would choose such a place for their home.

As they approached, two gracile women with deep brown skin emerged from the water, apparently alerted to their vistors by scent, sound or possibly both. Recognizing the tiny woman and her steadfast companion, they darted out quickly to meet the group, their smiles warm.

"Alice and Jasper! It has been some time," Zafrina announced.

"Is the entire family here?" Senna asked, her eyes scanning the greenery from which they'd emerged.

"No, Senna; it's just the two of us this time. The family needed to remain in Forks," Jasper replied, his voice trembling slightly.

The group now assembled in the clearing, Alice felt that trepidation she'd felt in California resurface. Would they agree to go – to witness for her loved ones? Alice wanted to believe in the inherent goodness of the friends they chose, that they would all heed their call for aid, no questions asked. Her mind drifted back to Victoria's army and she frowned, recalling how even the Denali clan had refused to lend their strengths to the cause. That was a sight she never believed she would witness: family deserting family. And now, given Irina's role in their current crisis... No. She could not believe in anything being inherent. Not anymore.

"Are they okay?" Zafrina asked softly.

"For now," Alice began, "But they are all in danger, as are we. We've come a great distance to ask a favour of you all. Ask may be an understatement... Plead?"

Her hand squeezed Jasper's and his hand answered, his thumb stroking the side of her hand reassuringly. A wave of calm flooded her then, and she knew that Jasper was at work, attempting to ensure their success by the only means he possessed. The Amazons were well aware of the gifts of the Cullen clan; they would know what Jasper was doing. Alice only hoped they took no offense from the action.

"Miss Alice, your words grow more troubling. What is this favour you ask of us? Is there a fight?" Kachiri was blunt, if nothing else.

Alice shook her head, "We've not come to ask you to fight. Unfortunately, there is nothing much we can offer as explanation; the situation is one that must be witnessed, not described. That is what we have come to ask of you all: my family needs you in Forks, to bear witness to the events unfolding."

The silence was chilling in the clearing. Even nature had grown quiet. The rushing waters behind them seemed to roar, its whisper seemingly expanding into the sonic space that other beings once filled. The faces of the Amazons revealed nothing; their expressions were neutral, their eyes blank.

"You are, of course, free to decline and we will remain dear friends. You are also free to return here immediately after you've witnessed our family's plight," Alice continued, speaking rapidly, "But I would hope that you could assist us all in a time of dire threat."

Senna looked to each of her sisters, both of whom nodded assent to an unspoken question. Her face still neutral, she seemed to be weighing out her response for a minute that felt more like an hour to Alice. When she spoke, Alice found herself shuffling her feet anxiously.

"You've said that there is a dire threat, Alice. You've also said that we are not being asked to fight. These things, and Jasper's determination to keep us all level suggest there is a chance of a fight at the very least. But that does not concern me. It does not concern me because we think the world of Carlisle, of all of you. Of course we will go; how could we not? Our travel will be slowed by the sunlight, but surely we can make it there within a few days?"

Kachiri nodded, "Three days at most, sister. Absolutely."

"We should hunt on the way. We must mind the Cullen life," Zafrina added, her hand reaching out to Alice's shoulder in a comforting gesture.

Alice felt herself grinning, her hand dropping Jasper's to embrace Senna, who stiffly returned the gesture. The Amazons, aside from Kachiri, tended to be far less expressive in their affections; however, Alice was simply brimming with gratitude and could not restrain herself. With so much fear on the horizon, she needed to bask in the littlest of joys now, revel in their warmth.

"Thank you," she breathed, pulling back from Senna with a sheepish smile.

"If we do not stand up for our own kind, who shall?" Zafrina proclaimed, her head held high.

Jasper nodded, "Truer words were never spoken. Thank you, all of you."

Zafrina clucked her tongue, "Boy, you worry too much. Your vampire voodoo is not needed here. We are brimming with peace. Look at our home."

Alice's eyes wandered, truly absorbing the beauty and wonder of the surrounding forest, with its lush emerald and hunter greens against the brilliant reds and oranges of the flowers dotting the landscape. Yes, I see what they mean. This place is beautiful. If my heart wasn't set on Europe, I think I'd want to come here for our next trip. A flicker of movement in the distance caught her attention and her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing the figure. Was that an anaconda? Alice felt a slight burn at the back of her throat and grinned. Anacondas were so much fun to tangle with, even if they yielded little nourishment.

"We all leave tomorrow night then?" Senna asked.

Alice shook her head, returning her focus to their friends, "Jasper and I have more help to seek out, and you're needed in Forks sooner rather than later. We can direct you easily to our home."

Senna frowned, "We should accompany you. There are too many violent elements in the South."

"Oh Senna," Alice sighed, "We'll be okay. This is something we have to do on our own. I promise our family would support us in sending you along."

The tall woman blinked her burgundy eyes slowly, then took a step backwards, gesturing to the trees surrounding them, "You are, of course, welcome to use our home, even after we depart. The jaguars are plentiful right now; there will be sufficient game to hunt for your needs. We must hunt now and keep up our strength."

"Of course. Again, thank you all. I think Jasper and I are going to enjoy this waterfall first."

The Amazons nodded in unison then bolted into the forest, wasting no time in embarking on their mission. With a sigh of relief, Alice fell to the earth, stretching out in a sunny patch of grass facing the waterfall. Jasper joined her, lounging on his side, his hand toying with her short hair.

"Were you as scared as I that they'd reject our request?" Alice asked.

"Likely more so. I had zero confidence that they'd be willing to travel so far with no explanation," Jasper mused.

"I noticed the mojo at work. Did you really think they needed that?"

Jasper shook his head, "You needed it, and it didn't quite seem to be the time to burst into Elvis songs to distract you."

"Ugh! Jazz, that would be cruel! You know what I think of that man-"

"I'm just a hunka-hunka burning love!" Jasper crooned.

"NOT funny," Alice pouted.

"Okay, how about this: Wise men say only fools rush in..."

Alice curled into a ball, covering her ears, "I'm going to puke."

"But I can't help falling in love with you..." Jasper continued, pressing closer to Alice.

"No, no, no!" Alice wailed, "Don't make me break out the big guns!"

"You wouldn't," Jasper cooed, running his hand along her arm.

"Oh yeah?" Alice announced, rolling to face him, "If you havin' girl problems, I feel bad for you son! I got 99 problems but a bitch ain't one!"

"Arrgh! Okay, I'm sorry. You win!" Jasper groaned.

Alice shook her head, "I'm not sayin' she's a gold digger! But she ain't lookin' for no broke-"

Alice felt Jasper's hand clamp over her mouth and she purred in satisfaction. Alice 1, Jasper 0. She licked Jasper's palm, laughing as she shook his hand and feigned disgust, then curled up closer.

"Getting back to business, Mr. Whitlock, I did need a little manipulation, I suppose. But they're going; that's what matters most. Now we can focus on the proof we need."

"We'll likely want to start near Brazil. I could use my credentials to gain access to libraries."

Alice pulled herself up to sitting, her legs tucked to the side, facing Jasper's troubled face, "What was with your reaction earlier when Kachiri mentioned the armies? Did you think of something?"

Jasper sighed, "I could be very off-base, but it struck me as strange timing."

"Timing for what?"

"If the armies are growing larger and clashing more often, it will attract attention as the newborns feed. When the armies attract attention, who comes to provide it?"

"The Volturi? But Jazz, what does that have to do with anything?"

Jasper shrugged, his hand reaching for Alice's, "Perhaps they see us as a threat of some kind? One more army to wipe out on the way to the South?"

Alice pondered this a moment, her mind quickly checking for any signs of the Volturi seeking to quash the unrest Kachiri had spoken of. Nothing. As much as Alice wanted to believe that the Volturi were simply checking to ensure that all groups were in line, the nature of her first vision had made it clear that Aro was seeking new toys for his collection. The armies were an issue for them to face at some point – Maria would undoubtedly see to that – but the burgeoning wars were of no consequence for the current trouble the Cullens faced.

"If I hadn't seen what I saw back in Forks, Jazz, I might be able to believe that. This is about acquisition. There's not a doubt in my mind. Aro seeks prizes. He's pissed that, in his mind, Carlisle has the most powerful talents in his arsenal that he does not possess himself."

"You and Edward," Jasper whispered, his grip on her hand tightening.

"And Bella," Alice added, "Surely Aro suspects that she would have a powerful latent ability now that she's made the change."

"If he lays one goddamn hand on you, Alice..." Jasper snarled.

"He won't...."

Alice's voice trailed away as a vision of Bella stormed into her mind. The woman walked into the restaurant, her head held high in a confidence Alice had scarcely seen in her mortal time. Heads turned as she passed, pausing before a fire, her hands hovering near the flames. She wanted warmth in her skin. J. Jenks, master document forger and friend to the Cullens for 23 years running, approached from behind her, greeting the beauty in the oyster silk cocktail dress. Alice felt her lips curling into a smile.

"Bella finally learned to dress herself," Alice murmured.

"What? Alice, what did you see?" Jasper asked.

Alice shook her head, clearing her vision and bringing herself back to the concerned look of her husband, "Bella figured things out with Jenks. She realized what I wanted her to do. Mr. Jenks is smitten, poor man. Bella was decked out in a dress that even I would wear."

Jasper chuckled, "I don't believe you. Bella? Picked out an outfit on her own? One you would approve of?"

Alice leaned forward, kissing Jasper lightly, "My baby's all grown up! Next up: Bella asking to go shopping."

"Dream on!"

"Oh I will..."

Alice's mind flooded suddenly, her senses overloaded. The images raced – scenery, changing rapidly; she and Jasper, hurrying somewhere; the smell of werewolves on the way. A gasp escaped her throat unwittingly as the images slowed, revealing a horror that would stop her heart if it could still beat.

The carnage... They'd been thorough. She and Jasper pushed their way through the trees, Alice stumbling backwards against his tall frame as she wept tearlessly.

The wolves... They lay on the ground, crimson on white beneath them. Alice counted quickly, heaving a brief sigh of relief as she realized who was missing: Jacob. He'd run, hopefully with Renesmee safely on his back. Jasper pulled on her arms, struggling to draw her back into the trees.

"It's too late, Alice. We need to run," he whispered.

"No..."

The fire... The scent lingered in the air, sickening and thick, coating her throat. She could see Jane, clapping her hands giddily before a pile of ashes, her eyes turning to Aro, seeking his approval as always. He nodded to her, only slightly, his mind distracted. A shout from behind him pulled his attention away, and Alice began to step backwards, no longer resisting Jasper's pull.

Demetri.

"Run," Jasper urged her, taking hold of her hand.

She obliged, her feet flying across the surface of the dirt, their bodies twisting to dodge the trees and random boulders. From behind them, the crescendo of footsteps drew closer. Why were they running? Where could they hide?

Alice willed the vision away, her face contorting into a grimace as she curled her legs to her chest, her body wracked in a silent sob. Why had the vision changed? What decision had sent their path onto this course once more? And how many times would she have to watch her family die? A part of her began to slip away, to recoil as it had in Mississippi, when she'd found the book – her book - and realized that she was where her mortal life had ended, in a fire that coursed her limbs and flesh. And now my family will burn again, burn until they are consumed by the greed of the Volturi...

"Alice! Talk to me!" Jasper demanded, pulling her into his arms.

"No use," she whispered, her fingers clutching at him, pressing her ever closer to him.

"No use? Alice, what's changed?"

"I don't know..."

"Alice? Sweetheart, please, tell me," Jasper begged.

Reluctantly, she tilted her head, her eyes meeting his as her body continued to shudder.

"We'll be too late."