A/N: I swear the Alice chapters just write themselves. Maybe I should switch this to an AxJ story.
Update - Yep, I officially made this an AxJ story as well. Look forward to a nice twist on their relationship around chapter 14.
I'm in amymorgan's debt for her beta kung fu on this chapter and I like to offer my congratulations for her oneshot "Love at the Kiosk" winning the MissAlex's and Larin20's OneShot Lurkers Challenge
Chapter 9 – Discovery
I crept along the corridors, using my newly acquired skills to avoid detection by Order members. Luckily, these days they were way too distracted with their research to pay much attention to a fellow vampire wondering the halls of Volterra.
Delphi had become less tolerant of my frequent trips with Carlisle and demanded that I discontinue the hunting trips with him. She wanted me to focus on researching the phenomenon affecting our Sight with the rest of the Order. I had no choice but to agree.
But she never said anything about going on trips with Esme.
If I thought hanging out with Carlisle was fun, it paled in comparison to being with Esme. Not only did she seem to enjoy my eccentricities as much as Carlisle, she also shared many of my other interests. Besides hunting, Esme often accompanied me on my marathon shopping trips. Her knowledge and taste in fashion nearly rivaled my own. She was very good about steering me away from some questionable fashion choices I would've made without another female perspective with me.
Esme had a lot of free time these days now that Carlisle had essentially secluded himself away in the Archives. Apparently, he received some information regarding his project from an old friend in America, which reinvigorated his research. Esme didn't mind though, as she was used to Carlisle's passion for knowledge. She told me that Carlisle joked that if they were always together, he would be too distracted to ever get anything done. She spent her time volunteering for the ongoing renovation projects on the older wings of the palace, and, of course, keeping me from being bored.
I knocked on Esme's door and waited for her permission to go in, having learned the hard way to never assume she was alone in her room. I accidentally walked in on Carlisle and Esme being intimate once. I was still cursing my vampiric photographic memory for searing that image into my brain.
"Come in." Esme's delicate voice floated through the door. I walked in and took in the usual palace blueprints scattered across the room. Esme had virtually usurped the remodeling plans from the original renovators. She claimed that their approach was too antiquated and would never suffice for the extensive work needed on the palace. I found it amusing to watch ancient and powerful vampires cower at the relatively young and diminutive woman. Not that I was in any position to call anyone short. I still had to wear my tallest heels just to be eye level with Esme's nose.
"Hi Esme! I just came by to see if you want to visit that boutique I –" I stopped when I noticed what Esme was doing. "Why are you packing?"
Esme gave me an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry sweetheart. I was going to come and find you later. Carlisle came by earlier and said that we need to head home right away. He discovered something in his research that requires him to return to the hospital."
"B-But…" I tried to think of an argument to make them stay. They couldn't leave. They just couldn't!
Esme must have caught the stricken look on my face. She quickly glided over to pull me into a tight hug. "Oh sweetie, don't fret. We'll come back to visit. Besides, you can call and email us any time you want."
I took some comfort from Esme's attempt to soothe me, but not by much. Calling them just wasn't the same as having them here. It wasn't even close.
"Where is Carlisle?" I asked dully. I wanted to hear from him why he had to leave, why he was leaving me here in Volterra.
"He requested an audience with the Triumvirate to inform them of his findings," Esme answered. She took my face in her hands to look concernedly into my eyes. "Are you going to be all right, honey?"
"No, Esme, no I won't," I said sadly. I pulled myself away from Esme and headed out the door.
I strode through the royal court determined to seek out some answers. As usual, we Oracles were never barred by the royal guards from entering, especially not the elite such as myself. Given our Sight, there were really no secrets the Triumvirate could hide from us, and they often called upon us for counsel in their decision making. I was a regular staple within the royal court and my presence was never questioned or challenged.
I heard Aro's distinctive voice as I stepped into the chamber, "By the gods. Carlisle, are you sure?"
"Aro, you just saw the memories of my research and my conversations with Eleazar. Would you reach the same conclusions?" Carlisle answered deferentially. Aside from myself, Carlisle was one of the rare few who addressed the Triumvirate without an honorific. That really spoke volumes about how much favor he carried in court. Aro, in particular, seemed to appreciate Carlisle for his intellect and ability to find unconventional solutions to problems.
"If what you say is true, then she must be destroyed immediately," Caius sneered. With his long white blond locks and narrow eyes, he had the most elfin appearance of the Triumvirate.
"No, my brother. Let's not act rashly. This is a rare opportunity. We must consider all the possible options before taking action," Aro stated calmly.
"We cannot afford to take the risk, not with the Oracles blinded as they are," Caius countered harshly.
"I'm not saying you are wrong, Caius. I'm simply saying that we need to weigh the risks and rewards of any decision we make. It's not as if she's going anywhere in the near future," Aro appeased. He became aware of my presence and turned to me. "Ah, dear Alice, what brings you to the court?"
"Hi, Aro! I just came by to see if Dr. C was done." I put on a fake happy front. I didn't want the Brothers to know how miserable I was at the moment.
"Yes, we were just finishing up, dear," Aro responded smoothly. He turned back to Carlisle. "Old friend, I agree with your assessment. We will deliberate on a suitable course of action. In the mean time, please feel free to return home and monitor the situation as you see fit. Safe journey."
"Thank you, Aro. As always I am in your debt for your hospitality," Carlisle returned with a bow. He turned and gave me a sidelong glance, gesturing me to follow him. I waved goodbye at the brothers and headed out after Carlisle.
Once we were a distance away from the royal halls, I latched onto Carlisle and turned him to face me. "Carlisle, why? Why do you have to leave so suddenly?"
Carlisle grimaced, "Alice, I have found something in my research. It was buried in the articles predating the First Blood War, which is why it took me so long to find it. The records from back then were never properly archived, since it was before the Triumvirate took power. There's a situation developing back home involving my son that I must take care of. Forgive me, Alice, I must go. I will keep in touch when I can. And of course, you are welcome to contact Esme and me any time you want."
"It's not the same!" I pouted. I knew I was acting beyond childish, even for me, but I didn't care.
"I'm really sorry, Alice. I wish I could spend more time here, I do. You have just been wonderful to Esme and me. But my son will need us back in the States. I hope you can understand," he pleaded. I felt my anger deflating when faced with his sincerity. It really was impossible to stay mad at this man.
I tried desperately to think of a counter argument. After all this time with Carlisle and Esme, I just couldn't go back to life before them, I couldn't!
Suddenly, it dawned on me. I didn't need to keep Carlisle and Esme here, I could just go with them! I didn't have the Sight anymore and I sucked at research anyway. The more I thought about it, the more it felt right.
"Carlisle, can you postpone your trip for a little bit?" I exclaimed excitedly.
He was obviously taken back by my sudden mood swing. "Oh…well, maybe for a day or two, but I'm not sure how that –" I cut him off.
"You'll see! Just give me a day or two, please!" I begged, flashing him my best puppy dog look. Carlisle stared at me for a few moments, and then slowly nodded.
"All right Alice…a day or two," He conceded.
"Yes! You rock!" I yelled. I hugged him tightly, then blurred at full speed toward Delphi's chambers. Carlisle still looked stunned as I vanished up the stairway.
As I ran through the corridors, I went through the points of my argument in my head. Delphi would not welcome my petition to leave the palace. I would just have to be reasonable and lay out the logic of my case step by step. I was sure this was the right thing to do, and was convinced that I would be able to persuade Delphi to let me go. Now that I no longer possessed the Sight, there was no reason why I still had to stay protected behind the walls of the capital city. Delphi would give me permission. She just had to.
I burst through Delphi's chamber doors unannounced, too wrapped up in my thoughts. "Delphi, can I – " I stopped myself cold when I took in the room, stunned by the sight before me.
Delphi was in her usual throne, her head uncovered by the blue cloak of the Order draped around her body. On her head was the crown of golden leaves marking her status as Legatus and head of our Order. What I didn't expect were the two figures standing by her side. It's not everyday that three of the most powerful members of the Guard were in the same room together.
The first person was a pleasant surprise. The second person…much less pleasant.
"Alice, how very nice to see you," Legate Demetri said. He was clad in the dark forest green cloak of the Order of Hunters, which complemented the slight olive tone of his pale skin.
"Demy, good to see you too." I gave him a sincere smile. He returned it with one of his own. Delphi just frowned at me as a silent reprimand for being so casual with a Legatus.
Demetri may have had a fearsome reputation for being a ruthless and unrelenting Hunter, but he was always very polite and kind to me. Plus, he tolerated my odd behavior the best aside from Carlisle and Esme. With his tall, lean frame and impeccable manners, I thought it was not at all surprising he managed to land Legate Heidi, the Jewel of the Volturi, as a mate.
"Little Alice, you are looking delicious as always," The second figure smirked lewdly. He wore the black cloak of the Order of the Sword and Shield. The hunger in his voice sent shivers down my spine.
"Thank you Legate." I returned Felix's greeting with much less enthusiasm then I did with Demetri.
The Sword and Shield was the backbone of the Volturi Guard. They were our foot soldiers – the instrument used to wage war against our enemies and our first line of defense against attack. What they lacked in talent, they made up for in sheer numbers. Our vast armies of legionaries were comprised solely of members of the Order. As the war continued, their membership has swelled with the influx of so many New Borns drafted to join the fight. As the head of the Order, Legate Felix has enjoyed a rise in his own status as his Order grew in importance. Unfortunately, he also happened to be the bane of my existence.
Felix was monstrous in every single sense of the word. While he was about the same height as Demetri, his thick muscles gave him a hulking, brutish appearance. His physique certainly suited his personality, as he was most definitely a brute. Felix reveled in the violence and death of war. I could see his manic glee every time he returned to Volterra to report on the status of the war to the Triumvirate.
Aside from his lust for violence, Felix was also well known for his other "appetites." He had a reputation for taking many women, vampire and human, willing and unwilling, into his bed. He probably just saw it as another form of conquest to be had. The Triumvirate was very forgiving of his indiscretions, as long as it was away from the capital city. Felix was simply too irreplaceable on the battlefield.
Felix has been fixated with me ever since Delphi brought me back to Volterra. I think it was just his need to conquer anything and everything he laid his eyes on. Fortunately for me, I was well protected because of my gift. The Triumvirate would never tolerate any harm from befalling their precious Oracles. Felix tried the charm me, but I declined his advances. I had seen visions of a possible future with Felix and it was filled with nothing but pain and despair. My rejections only seemed to have aroused his desire even further. He would never dare act on his impulses within the walls of Volterra, but that never stopped him from toying with me every chance he got. And with his growing influence and prominence, he was getting bolder with his teasing every time I encountered him.
If there was one positive thing to come out of this war, it was the fact that Felix's duties took him far away from Volterra. Far away from me.
"Alice, why are you out of your cloak?" Delphi chastened.
"Aww, Delphi, don't be so tough on Little Alice. I think she looks simply adorable." Felix said. I could feel his eyes roaming over my body and wished that I had put on my formless cloak before rushing here.
"Sorry, Delphi. I'll come back later," I murmured, trying to make myself as small as possible. I started backing myself out of the room. I certainly didn't want to make my request with Demetri and Felix present.
"Wait, actually it's good that you are here." Delphi's commanding voice stopped me in my tracks. She gestured me to step forward.
I reluctantly inched toward the group, making sure I stayed near Demetri's side of the room. Felix's smile grew wider as he took in my obvious discomfort. "Don't be shy, Little Alice, we are all friends here."
"Yes, Alice, you will never have to be afraid in my presence." Demetri glared at Felix. He was well aware of Felix's interest in me and I appreciated his subtle attempt to reassure me. Demetri never liked Felix, not after he learned how Felix harassed Heidi all those centuries ago when they first joined the Guard. Fortunately for Felix, Heidi was more than capable of taking care of herself and his desires never went anywhere. I was sure Demetri would've killed him if it had turned out differently.
"Alice, Demetri and Felix are here at my request to discuss a matter that's directly related to you." Delphi decided to ignore the confrontation happening in front of her. "Well, to be specific, related to a vision you've had."
"Which one?" I asked. I had a feeling I knew the answer.
"The Centurion," Delphi answered, confirming my suspicions. She knew she did not need to elaborate further.
"You know Delphi, this would've been much easier if you also told us what Little Alice saw this 'Centurion' doing besides just what he looked like." Felix complained.
I knew as a rule Delphi did not like to disclose the full details of our visions to the other Orders. In this instance, I was immensely glad that Demetri and Felix apparently were not told of the full significance of the vision to me personally.
Delphi ignored Felix's comment. "Alice, Demetri was kind enough to task Hunters to seek a vampire who matched your description. With Felix's cooperation, and your description of the surrounding environment, we think we have found your Centurion."
"Yes, it was quite troublesome Little Alice, I think I deserve a reward for my efforts," Felix said in mock exasperation.
"Nonsense. It was our pleasure to serve the Oracles," Demetri stated. The two men again entered a silent stare-down, with Felix looking annoyed and Demetri looking stern.
"As I was saying," Delphi continued, "we believe the Centurion in question is located in North America at the moment." Delphi raised her eyebrow at me and I realized the significance. The location and timing of the singularity, it can't be a coincidence.
"He is the Prius Prior of the 5th cohort in the American Legion. Currently he is in charge of our New Born training program based in Missouri. Apparently, his commander tells me he has a real gift with taming and teaching New Borns," Felix offered. "Impressive, considering he only joined us after the Second Blood War."
"Yes, he was actually fighting for the opposition," Demetri interjected. "One of my Hunters captured him and his maker after the Romanians were defeated. Luckily my Hunter sensed a powerful talent in him before we carried out their executions. He chose to accept a place among the Volturi in exchange for his life and the life of his maker."
"W-What is his name?" I stuttered, my excitement building with each new revelation about my handsome Centurion.
"Jasper Whitlock," Delphi responded.
"Jasper…Whitlock…" I rolled the name off my tongue, enjoying how it sounded coming out of my mouth. It was strangely familiar, as if I have heard or said the name before. I shook off the weird sense of déjà vu as a routine echo of past visions, and called forth the image of my blond Centurion to match the name to the face. Jasper Whitlock. Those eyes, that hair, the sculpted but damaged cheeks…yes, it fit him perfectly. I imagined us completing that kiss as I whispered his name against his lips.
Jasper.
"In any case," Delphi interrupted my daydreaming, "based on our research, we believe you are to meet with this Jasper Whitlock within days of today. I have decided to grant you permission to leave Volterra to fulfill this particular vision as I believe it bears a significant impact on our Empire's future. You will accompany a cohort of reinforcements, being deployed to Missouri for training, within the next day or two. Knowing you, you should probably start getting your affairs in order and start packing right away. Is that understood?"
I nodded, trying my best to maintain a solemn and respectful demeanor. "Yes Delphi, I will start preparations right away."
Delphi gestured her dismissal. I bowed to the three Legati and quickly left the room, ignoring Felix's suggestive comment about loving to watch me leave. Once I was a safe distance away, I let out a loud whoop and ran to inform Carlisle and Esme of the good news.
It appeared that fate intended for me to go to America to meet Jasper Whitlock. And, as an Oracle, who was I to question fate?