Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

21. Flight

It was just over an hour after the Jacob and the rest left, that we were on our way to the airport in Port Angeles. Sam said the pack would meet us there. When we arrived, our plane was fueled and ready to go. The family waited on the field to greet the Quileutes. As we waited, I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye; a figure behind us, running up the stairs to the plane. Something told me to go and look around the plane. I began trotting up the stairs and looked back to see Edward giving me a questioning look.

"I'll be right back ok?" I said.

He nodded and turned back to wait for Jacob and the others.

I stepped through the door, and looked around the passenger lounge; nothing. I decided to look in the bedroom. I passed through the door, and suddenly I really saw the décor. I decided if we did make it through this, I would take Edward's advice and redo the bedroom. Lost in my thoughts about decorating, I heard a noise coming from the bathroom. I opened the door to find young Caleb, trying to hide in the shower. If I hadn't been so upset to see him there I would have been laughing at the sight.

"What are you doing here?" I asked with anger in my voice. "You're supposed to back at La Push guarding the people."

Caleb didn't say anything, he just looked at me with a bit of wonder in his eyes. I realized that the younger werewolves had no first hand experience with vampires, vegetarian or nomad, only the memories of Sam, Jacob and the other's who had helped in the war against Victoria. There visit to our home for the meeting was the only time they had even seen vampires. I looked at him amazed at how young he seemed.

"Caleb," I asked again with a softer voice, "what are you doing here?"

"I wanna help," he finally answered. "I wanna come and help."

"Caleb, it's too dangerous, you're too young."

He had a hurt look on his face. "I'm not too young, I'm only a couple years younger than Seth."

"You don't have any experience with vampires Caleb, Seth does. And even his experience is only with newborn vampires who don't fight as well as the vampires we are facing."

"I'm not afraid!" he said stubbornly, and I believed him. "I've been training with Seth, he's taught me everything."

"Everything?" I shot back. He can't teach you what he doesn't know. I told you the vampire Seth fought was a newborn. He has no experience with the Volturi guard. You'll get hurt Caleb, your not ready for this."

"I don't care," he said defiantly, "And I am ready. I'm a protector just like the other guys."

"What is it with you Quileute boys, not caring if you're facing impossible odds that could get you killed?"

"It's a wolf thing!" He answered with pride.

He was a protector all right, all bravado and no brains! I was starting to feel the frustration I used to feel trying to reason with Jacob. "How did you get here Caleb?" I asked wearily.

"I used Jacob's old motorcycle."

I had to smile that I had inadvertently provided him the means to be here.

Hoping my smile meant I was softening, he said, "Please miss Bella, don't send me home. Let me come and help. I wanna go with Seth and Jacob, please?"

I knew I had to say no, and send this young boy home. I was about to shoo him out and put him back on the motorcycle. But something was needling me, needling me to let him come with us. It was though a voice in my head was telling me that he had some part to play in this battle, and I couldn't send him home.

"Please?" He asked again.

I hesitated looking into his huge brown eyes, and finally said, "You stay in that shower, until I decide when to let the other's know you're here."

He smiled and I almost gasped as I felt like I was looking into the face of Jacob so long ago on First Beach. I had to smile back.

"The guys already know I'm here" his smile fading a bit. "Sam's really mad at me."

"Well, I'll do what I can to convince him to let you come ok?"

"Thanks miss Bella."

"It's just Bella."

"Thanks…Bella."

I left Caleb in the bathroom, and joined the family outside the plane. Edward put his arm around me and asked "everything ok?"

"Oh, just a little problem in the bathroom, that's all."

He looked at me with a suspicious smirk and asked, "Would you like me to take care of it?"

"No, it's about to be taken care of right now," I said, motioning towards the approaching Quileutes.

Sam led the group, Emily at his side. He had a hard look on his face as he approached me. Edward tensed not understanding Sam's attitude, however after reading his thoughts, he relaxed, turned to me and asked, "Caleb is the little problem in the bathroom huh?"

"Yep," I said without fanfare.

"Where is he Bella?" Sam asked.

"I'll take you to him," I said. "Edward, would you mind if I talk to Sam alone?" I asked.

"Not at all," he answered.

Sam and I walked up the stairs, and into the passenger lounge. Sam knowing I had something to say stopped and faced me.

"Sam," I began, "I know your first instinct is to send Caleb home, but I would like you to reconsider letting him come along."

"Why are you asking this of me Bella?" He asked.

"It's hard to explain Sam, but I feel Caleb has some role to play here, though I can't tell you what it is. But I feel it so strongly Sam, I'm asking you to please let Caleb stay."

Sam looked at me scrutinizing my face, deciding whether or not to trust my feeling. Finally, he nodded, and closed his eyes for a moment. The next moment Caleb walked timidly out of the bedroom.

Sam turned his head and glared at him for a moment. Then he spoke, "Do you know what it is to put your pack and the people before yourself?"

Caleb dropped his eyes and looked like a condemned man.

"Did you ever consider the reason I had you stay was because of the four of you youngsters, I consider you the most capable of looking after the people?"

Caleb's eyes lifted just a little as Sam went on. "The reason we are protectors is to keep the people safe. If it were not for the people being in danger, we would not even be going to Alaska right now. I will not always be with you, to lead you, to guide you on the right path. You must keep the trust I give you and protect the people with your life Caleb. The next time I assign you a task, you will do what you've been entrusted to do!"

"Yes Sam," was all Caleb could muster.

"Bella says that you should come with us, that you have a part to play. If that is your fate in the protection of our people, then I will not stand in the way, but you will do nothing without my permission, NOTHING! Do you understand me Caleb?"

Caleb nodded, and Sam turned and walked back out the cabin door.

I looked at Caleb and winked as I turned to find Edward. I wondered if my feeling hadn't just condemned Caleb to die young; my heart began to ache at that thought.

The family and the Quileutes got on board and took their seats. Edward poked his head into the cockpit and gave the pilot his instructions for the flight. Seth looked around and whistled and said "wow, this is so cool!" Caleb had taken his usual place next to Seth who turned to him and said, "What was in your head Caleb?

"You already know Seth," Caleb answered dryly.

"You're not ready for this kid, Seth said.

"Yes I am! I'm as ready as you are."

"Oooh, tough guy!" Jared teased.

"Wait 'til he gets a load of those scary monsters," Paul continued.

"Yeah, I'll bet they'd love to feast on some wolf cub," Embry chimed in.

"That's enough guys, let him alone," Sam said.

No one was about to argue with Sam, so Caleb was given some relief.

I never failed to be surprised at the casual attitude the Quileute boys had towards the danger of vampires. I came to understand that they were designed to fight them, but it never the less made me worry for them. Killing the mountain lion as efficiently as I did, with no one to show me how, just going on my instinct, I knew first hand how deadly vampires could be with no training, let alone the experienced seasoned Volturi guard. I worried about all of the La Push pack, including Sam, but especially Jacob. I had just gotten my friend back; I didn't want to lose him so soon, and to such terrible end. I hoped my plan would spare us the loss of anyone. I knew it was probably too much to hope for, but I could do nothing else.

The plane taxied and then took off. Once we were in the air Edward announced, "We'll be in the air for a couple of hours, so please make your selves comfortable. There is food and drink in the galley if anyone is interested." Quill and Embry immediately popped up and headed to the galley to raid the refrigerator I assumed.

I watched Sam and Emily, sitting close together, and whispering to each other. Their faces were serious, but seemed to be peaceful and the same time. I was still disturbed by the promise Emily asked me to keep. I had a feeling of sadness when I looked at them. I decided to put my mind to the task at hand. I went over in my head how we would come against the Volturi. I decided to talk to Jasper about strategies.

"Jasper?" I asked, "I need a little help with strategies, if you don't mind."

"Can't start planning too early," he answered.

"We are pretty sure they will come to Denali, is that right?"

"If Jane did not believe Carmen, Eleazar and Kate to still be there, she would most likely not bother. But Irina has no way of knowing that the rest of them came south with you and Edward. Jane knows they are close friends of our family, and she will want to take out anyone who might stand in alliance with us."

"Once they reach Alaska, how long before they get to Denali?"

Jasper began to rub his chin. "Assuming Aro is right about their speed, I should think it will take them around two days to cross from the bearing sea to Denali. It's only a little over six hundred miles, just a couple days or nights march. They will have to come around the west end of the Alaskas, and if Edward is correct, and I think he is, and they hunt once in Alaska, then we may have some extra time, but not much. That gives us just a little over three days to be ready. So we need to look at our strengths and theirs and decide how to counter theirs."

Edward came and sat next to me; Emmett, Carlisle, Jacob, Sam, Seth and of course Caleb, all joined us sitting on couches and the floor.

"Who is their strongest fighter?" Sam asked.

"I would have to say Felix," Jasper answered, "but that isn't the biggest threat. Jane and Alec both have abilities that make them deadly, and Demetri's tracking abilities will make him aware of our presence. It takes away the element of surprise. We will have to target the leaders, if Bella is going to have a chance to cause havoc in the rear guard. And that brings us to two problems."

"What problems?" I asked.

"Well, first, because of Jane and Alec's abilities, there is really only one person who has any chance at them, and that's you Bella."

Edward jumped up and said, "No we can't put her in that situation. Demetri and Felix will almost certainly guard Jane and Alec. Bella maybe immune to Jane and Alec, but she won't be immune to them!"

I didn't say she would necessarily be in that situation Edward. We still don't know how far reaching Bella's talent is. Carlisle and I were talking about this while we were getting ready to leave. I'll let him explain."

Jasper turned to Carlisle and nodded.

"I have a theory, that Bella may be able to use her host's ability as the host would"

We all looked in amazement at Carlisle's statement.

"So that would mean…"

"…she could use Jane and Alec against each other!" Edward finished for him.

"Exactly," Jasper added. "So while Demetri and Felix are otherwise engaged, while Bella is keeping Jane and Alec busy, one or two of us can make our move against them. It will have to be fast, fast enough that Bella can release them and turn her attention to the guard. But there may be a downside for Bella."

Edward pulled me closer and tensed. I squeezed his hand and asked, "What downside Jasper?"

"Carlisle?" he deferred again.

"Yes, well you remember Bella, when Caius was attacked, you said you felt it burning?" he asked.

"Yes?" I shuddered at the memory.

"I think that may be the only negative about your power. You can feel your hosts emotions see their thoughts; you can also feel their physical pain. For us to take out Jane and Alec, you'll have to remain within whichever one you choose as the catalyst, until it's almost over. It will probably be very painful and upsetting to you. Do you think you will be able to handle that?"

Edward and Jacob stood at the same time and in stereo said "NO!"

I could see a hurt look on Leah's face, but I smiled at her and shook my head, and it seemed to heal the temporary breach of her security in their relationship. Then I spoke up.

"YES!" I countered, "I can handle that."

Edward and Jacob simply looked at me, so I continued.

"There is no other way, and you both know it," I said a bit accusatory. They sat down. Edward had a pained look on his face, Jacob just shook his head and put his chin on his fist.

"I know it won't be easy" I continued, "But unless we all do what is necessary, none of us will survive."

They all looked at me with such an intense stare without thinking I said, "what?"

Jasper retook control of the situation.

"There is a second problem we need to address. That recaptured everyone's attention. Assuming that while inhabiting another, Bella's body is in a trance-like state, at least physically, she will be vulnerable to attack. Bella, I know you can hear someone at your side somewhat according to Carlisle, so we will need someone to protect you and alert you should you need to move. If we place you in a fairly secure location, I think you'll be ok. Even so, it will be a very dangerous position for someone especially if any of the leaders figure out what you're doing. It's going to be critical though, and absolutely crucial if we are to survive."

I could tell from Edward's Expression, that he was about to volunteer, but I knew if anyone would have a chance at defeating Demetri, it would be him. Our eyes met, and I simply shook my head. He had already thought of what was going on in my head, and half smiled in pained resignation.

I suddenly thought of an option that would keep me reasonably safe, and someone else as well.

"Well," I said, "it would have to be someone extremely brave, who isn't afraid of a fight if it comes to that."

My inflection was perfect, with no hint of condescension, and I put just enough enthusiasm that I knew he would need. That was all it took for Caleb to speak up

"I can do it!" His voice rang out. "I'll protect Miss Bella; I won't let anyone hurt her."

I knew it wasn't fair, but I counted on his gratitude for letting him stay to work for my strategy.

I looked quickly at Sam who for the first time since I'd known him, smiled slightly at me. Then my eyes met Jacob's, he mouthed the words "thanks Bells."

None of them wanted to see their young brother killed. And I would do all in my power to see he was safe.

"It's decided then," I said. "Caleb will be my protector while I'm dealing with the Volturi."

Everyone agreed, and Caleb was smiling ear to ear at the task awarded him.

"So now" Carlisle said, "we need to do a little testing with Bella's abilities once we land. I would like you Bella, to pick a couple of random people, and just focus on them to see if you can connect with them."

"Sure, no problem" I said.

"And then," Jasper continued, "We'll need to coordinate with Aro on how to gain the guard's attention to see if he can indeed sway them to his authority." Jasper's voice gave away a hint of doubt.

"You sound like you don't believe they will be swayed," Edward said recognizing what I had.

"I don't know if they can be at this point. I know we have all believed that, but the increased number in the guard may mean something we haven't considered. In a coup, you do not typically leave those you think are loyal to the previous regime in your service. Nor do you leave them alive to be able to fight you another day. I believe those that did not completely embrace Jane's authority have been destroyed. We may be facing an entirely new set of guards all loyal to Jane and Alec. This is why Bella's ability to immobilize Jane and Alec so we can take them out, and her ability to turn the guards on each other is more important than ever."

I suddenly felt the heavy weight of responsibility on my shoulders, and a sick feeling came over me. An important part of my plan was relying on Aro's ability to rally the guard behind his authority. Losing that would, in my mind seriously hamper the possibility of our success. I suddenly realized, as Jasper had said, the importance of taking out Jane and Alec at the beginning. I knew I had to do it, no matter how frightened I might be, no matter how worried about the others I was, and no matter how much physical pain I might be in, I had to do it. If worse came to worse, and Caleb and I were found and destroyed, I WOULD DO IT! I felt a stinging pain in my chest at the thought of sacrificing Caleb, and breaking my word to Edward that I would come back. But there was nothing else I could do. If the forfeit of our lives meant that our loved one's would be safe, I would pay that price. I knew ultimately that Caleb would agree to give his life for the pack, so I took the liberty of making the choice for him ahead of time. I would hate myself for it, but I would do it.

My mind was becoming clouded and crowded with everything that I knew would come. I was beginning to feel a bit like I did when I freaked out in Carlisle's study. I decided I needed a moment to center myself. "Would you all excuse me for just a moment?"

Edward looked at me, and reading something in my face, nodded for me to retreat to the bedroom. After I closed the door behind me, I flopped myself onto the bed. Was I really ready for this? Was I really able to do this? I knew the answer was yes; it had to be yes. There was no other option. I knew that our fates were now in my hands. I was terrified of failing, of seeing my dream come true. I saw the memory of pyres of purple smoke burning. Instead of falling to pieces, a low growl slipped through my teeth. "NO" I would not let that happen to my family and my friends. We would be successful we HAD to be successful! Suddenly I began to hear the voice in my head again. It needed, it wanted, it was urging me. Remembering what Carlisle had said about me needing to eat, I knew I had to eat something as soon as possible. With the warm blooded Quileutes in the lounge, I had to do something quickly. Although it wasn't completely urgent, I had to take control. The stress of the coming battle was only making the voice scream more loudly. I pushed the voice to the back of my mind, telling it to wait. I was so concentrated on the voice, I didn't hear Edward come in. I should have, my senses were so much more acute now. My mind was so completely focused on the voice however, that when I felt his hands touch my shoulder the voice reacted in defense, and so did I. With another growl, I reached back over my shoulder, grabbed him and catapulted him against the headboard of the bed, immediately springing to my defensive crouch. I wrestled with the voice, pushing it into submission, and coming out of my stupor I looked in horror at my husband's surprised almost fearful look as he lay against the front of the bed. The ornate gold and red headboard was cracked and smashed. Edward didn't move, but remained still, trying I assumed, to allow me to calm down. Suddenly Emmett and Jasper burst through the door, and in a moment they had me in tight grips. I knew I could easily free myself and the voice wanting to erupt again, urged me to do it. I didn't though; I wanted them to see I was not a threat, relatively speaking. Normally I would have collapsed into tears, my usual reaction to something like this. I didn't. For some reason I felt strong, no it was more than that, I felt hardened. Something told me I had to be this way; that it was the only way I could face what I was about to do. There was no place for weakness or for tears right now. I knew there might more than enough cause for them later. They would have to wait until then.

Edward recovered himself and said, "It's alright, Emmett, Jasper, it's alright."

They released me and started to retreat from the bedroom. Being true to his form, Emmett said, "Jeez guys, it's ok if you like it rough, just lock the door next time huh?" Edward threw a deadly glare his way, and he quickly ducked out before he could throw him out.

Edward brushed the splinters and dust from the ruined headboard off his shirt.

I looked at him apologetically, but I didn't offer him one.

He smiled his cooked smile and taking up where Emmett left off he said, "So I guess you weren't in the mood? I just smiled and shook my head.

He just continued to smile and nodded his head, and added, "Honeymoon's over huh?"

When I didn't react to his joking, his face turned serious and he asked, "Bella what is it, what's going on?"

I looked at him and said, "Before we talk Edward, I need to eat something, and soon please."

He looked carefully at my eyes, and said, "I hadn't noticed your eyes getting dark. Wait here I'll be right back." After he went out the door, I felt a strange lack of emotion. It made me feel somewhat hollow and thin, but at the same time, my mind seemed clearer, and my strength seemed to increase. Despite screaming for food, the voice in my head seemed more under control as well. The lack of feeling was disturbing, and although I knew it was just what I needed to make it through, I also knew did not like it.

As I waited for Edward to bring me back whatever he could salvage from Quill and Embry's foray into the galley, Alice knocked and came in. I was happy to see her, though you would not have known it on my face.

"Hey Alice," I said a bit lackluster.

"I'd like to talk to you Bella if it's alright but after Edward brings your food."

"How did you know he was getting me food?"

"Well, he went to the galley, it obviously wasn't for himself."

"Oh right."

Just then Edward returned with a sandwich, and Alice began reciting The Cremation of Sam McGee.

He looked at her suspiciously and then at me.

"She wants to talk to me Edward, privately. So could you gives us a few minutes and try not to listen?

My emotional neutrality seemed disturbed him more than whatever Alice was attempting to block from him.

He gave me sort of a half smile, half grimace, nodded and left.

"Ok, Alice, now what's all this about?"

"Remember I told you, that I was waiting for you for a long time?" She began.

"Yes, I remember."

"I had been seeing glimpses of you Bella. Not clear pictures but glimpses. And I saw you with Edward, but not you exactly, someone. My visions as you know are not always clear. There have been so many variables with you. Everything you've been through since your connection with Edward and our family have altered that vision so many times, it's been a rollercoaster ride to keep up. But one thing I knew, is that you were coming, and you were meant to be at Edward's side, and you would alter our world profoundly."

I had to sit up and take notice at that statement.

"What do you mean alter your world profoundly?"

"Nothing is really clear at this point Bella, but let's look at some facts. First, you are more unique than any other vampire we've ever encountered, a full vampire but with human traits and abilities. Second, ever since our visit to the Volturi, they have been in revolt starting with Jane's disapproval of you. Third, you've brought lasting peace between us and the Quileutes; not just tolerance anymore, but real peace and friendship. Fourth, you are about to change the way our society is governed. But I don't think that's the end of it Bella. I think something else will be put in place. I do know this without question now, you will survive this conflict."

"I thought you said you couldn't see me Alice."

"It's true, I couldn't. But now I'm seeing glimpses of you beyond, but nothing discernable."

"What about everyone else Alice," I asked almost desperately, although I didn't feel desperate. Strange.

"I see us all Bella, but there are holes in what I see. I don't see anyone dead, but I can't really see the end of this. I suspect it's due to the involvement of the werewolves, but I can't give you a definitive answer. And you know of course, I can't see the wolves themselves, so their fate is completely obscured to me."

Alice sighed, re-centered herself, and said, "The point Bella is that things are about to change, and you will be at the forefront of that change. You're the key Bella, you…are…the…key. That's all I know, but I wanted you to be prepared."

"But you don't know exactly what I should prepare for?"

"No, I'm sorry Bella, I can't tell you anymore than I have."

Alice got up to leave and said, "I really believe it's going to be ok Bella. I always have, ever since I met you." "Thanks Alice, I really hope you're right."

Alice left, and I worked on my sandwich. It tasted really good. I never ceased to marvel how good a cook Edward was for someone who not only did not eat food but didn't enjoy the taste either.

Then Edward came back in.

"All done with your talk?" He asked.

I nodded and said "I'm sorry Edward, about before. I know I didn't hurt you, but I could have, and I'm sorry."

"It's alright Bella, your still adjusting to being one of us. And to have all this to deal with everything we're going through, I still don't know how you have done so well. But you do seem, I don't know, distant, like you're somewhere else."

"I feel distant, no not distant, but separate. That doesn't make sense I know." I was finding it hard to explain myself to Edward, but I knew I had try. I didn't want him worrying about me while he was fighting for his life, for all our lives.

"You know," I continued, "I've been an emotional basket case since I woke up from my change."

"I think I may have noticed yes."

"I think I finally have a handle on it, although I don't know exactly how I'm doing it. I AM doing it though, and I can't get distracted now, or I might lose it again. I have to succeed in what I'm about to attempt; if I fail, we all die. The only thing holding me together now Edward is my love for you, and everyone else, and my resolve to hold on to you all no matter what. I have to focus on what's ahead. I know I'm afraid, I can see my fear, but I can't feel it. I know it doesn't make any sense," I repeated myself, "but it's like I've shut off the emotion switch or something. It's weird, but I think it's going to help me."

"If it sees us all through this alive," he said, "if it has you back in my arms at the end, then do whatever you need to Bella. Just promise me one thing?"

I waited.

"Promise me you'll come back to me safely. I realize that you want to save everyone else, so do I. But you have to save what is most precious to me…you. Promise…no, swear to me you will."

His eyes were beautiful and pleading, and as I focused on his perfect face, I knew I could not refuse even if I'd wanted to. I put my arms around him and said, "I will come back to you," if it is at all possible, I said to myself, "I will come back to you Edward." He pulled me tighter to him and kissed me. I did not return his passion, and he knew why, but it was an oddity in our relationship. Kissing Edward had always been a source of intensity and passion for me. Now I kept my passion focused on the coming maelstrom; I knew I had no other choice. Before my change it was always Edward who had to resist my passion, now I was the one doing the resisting or rather not responding. It was a strange role reversal for us. As he felt my lack of response, he released me and said, "So this is what that feels like."

My passion was in check, but my affection and love for my husband was in full force. "I'm sorry Edward, but my reasons are as vital as yours were before. I understand now more than ever, why you did it, and I love you all the more for it. I promise you love, when this is all over, I'll show you just how much I love you!"

"I already know Bella; you've already shown me, now, in this moment. We'll have an eternity to show each other in more tangible ways."

"First," I said, "let's just survive the next three days ok?

"Ok love," he said.

I suddenly felt an overwhelming desire to sleep. "Edward, I think I will try to sleep, could you wake me when we get there?"

"Of course I will," he said.

"Also Carlisle said he wanted to observe the next time I slept, so if our current crisis isn't dampening his scientific spirit, you might want to tell him to come and watch."

"I'll let him know." He kissed me gently once more, ran his fingers along my jaw, and walked out the door.

I lay down on the bed, and began to go over in my mind how I would go after Jane and Alec. I decided it was most important to immobilize Jane. I decided I would take Alec first and use his ability against Jane. Then I would hold Alec for whoever got to him first.

While I was strategizing, Carlisle came in with Jasper in tow. "I hope you don't mind Jasper accompanying me Bella, but Edward shared a bit about your…lack of emotion? Jasper would like to see what he can make of it."

I nodded, and they sat down. I made myself comfortable, lying down, after brushing the pieces of the crushed headboard away. I kept my eyes on Jasper, waiting for his assessment. Then he lifted his eyes up and to the left, as though he were trying to figure something out.

"It's the strangest thing," he finally said, "I don't sense any emotion from her at all, nothing! How are you doing that Bella?"

"Yes, it would be helpful if you could explain," Carlisle added.

"Well, I don't know" I said. "I tried to explain it to Edward. When I came in here, I was thinking about a dream I had. To sum it up, it's what would happen if we didn't win. I was so afraid of failing everyone, I didn't know what I was going to do."

Both Jasper and Carlisle nodded.

"When the realization of that possibility entered my mind, I was thinking NO, I wouldn't let it happen, and then suddenly I just wasn't afraid. I felt like I was just centered and calm. I didn't feel afraid, or anything. I don't know how I'm doing it Carlisle, I just am.

Carlisle and Jasper just looked at me, not knowing what to make of it all.

"Well, we will all do our parts Bella, and trust to your plan. I have real hope that we will be successful.

"I do too Carlisle. Now if you don't mind, I want to sleep before we get to Anchorage." I waited for the questions.

"Do you feel tired Bella?" he asked

"No, I don't feel physically tired. I just want to sleep."

"Why do you think you want to sleep Bella? Do you feel some sort of need other than fatigue?"

I thought carefully about his question, trying to come up with an answer as to why I wanted sleep. I wanted the answer as much for myself, as for Carlisle. I thought about how sleeping still seemed natural to me. The feeling of rest though I didn't seem to need it, the experience of dreams…dreams. "Dreams…" I said, thinking aloud.

"Dreams?" Carlisle repeated.

"IT'S DREAMS!" I said loudly sitting up.

"What is it Bella?" Jasper asked.

"Almost from the beginning of Edward's and my relationship" I've been having dreams. And I wouldn't have thought to much about it, but my dreams have always had bits of real things in them; some small parts of them that came true. Lately they have been especially accurate. I never put it together, but now I can see it. I dreamed of the meadow Edward took me to where I told him about my plan. I dreamed of Irina's attack. She took the form of Victoria, and Jacob was in the form of a wolf, and I remember Edward biting my neck. And when I was dreaming at home, I was dreaming of being somewhere cold and damp. I think it had to do with Aro. I even dreamed of the burning of my change. I think I want to sleep, because I dream, and it gives me information I need. I didn't know I needed it, but now it is so clear! And I think I just figured something else out; Carlisle, have you ever heard of one vampire taking on the abilities of other vampires?"

Carlisle looked confused. "What do you mean Bella?"

"I mean, can one vampire, absorb another vampire's ability and make it part of their own?"

"I've never heard of such a thing. But why do you ask Bella?"

"Well, I'm able to invade the minds of others, hear their thoughts and take over their physical bodies. I have dreams that more and more seem to predict future events, and I have been able to stop my emotions. What does that make you think of?"

He continued to look confused.

I rephrased my question. "WHO does that make you think of?"

I looked at Jasper, who started to smile.

"Think about it…reading the thoughts of my hosts…seeing future events in my dreams…manipulating my own emotions?"

Recognition began to spread over Carlisle's face as he spoke, "Edward…Alice…and…Jasper! Bella, I can't believe it. If you're right, this is beyond anything I've ever seen among our kind!"

"What does it mean Carlisle?" Jasper asked still smiling.

"I don't know Jasper, but it is absolutely unprecedented!"

I suddenly felt the pull to sleep acutely. I was not sleepy or tired, but the draw to close my eyes was like a heavy weight on my whole body and I knew I needed to yield to it.

"Carlisle, Jasper" I said, "I have to sleep now. I'll explain later, but I have to sleep."

Carlisle and Jasper both nodded. I lay down on the bed and closed my eyes.