Chapter Thirty Nine: This is Why We Can't Have Nice Things

A/N: Hello again, my quarantine homies! I've been at work all week checking people out at the grocery store, and I have to ask: why is the ranch gone? I don't even care about toilet paper, my mom's had a stockpile for like 3 years now on it. I just want my ranch. How am I supposed to eat my chicken nuggets? What is wrong with the world? Anyway, I am weirdly two chapters ahead of schedule, which is the same number of rum and cokes that I've had tonight, and I thought it would be fun to upload again. Of course, I deleted this tab after I wrote all of my replies to my reviews, so this is also take number two. Everything is better in twos, right?

As always, thank you to my wonderful readers and to those that follow, favorite, or leave me a review!

eeeeaud: Lmao I hope I'm making this quarantine situation just a little bit better for you. I'm gonna be honest, I had the whole interaction with the nomads written and then after I just went, "You know what? Screw it. Let's see what would happen if I just took it in a wildly different direction" and here we are. I feel like my writing is better when I let it spin wildly out of control. Hopefully you like where we end up lol.

Stoic's Dream: I love when Alice grandmothers Asteria! I feel like she's gone without structure for so long that it's fun to see her have to be held accountable. I love playing on that.

Reveri: Yes! I'm really enjoying adding magic into the story, and I'm excited to see what other changes to the plot I can make with it. Jasper's always been one of my favorite characters so I'm excited to include him more, especially when Alice is more central to the story.

ZileRacer: The whole "Asteria finds the body" twist was actually something I came up with on the spot. Sometimes I like to just spitball ideas to connect point A to point B and I end up with these amazing plot ideas. I feel like it keeps the story more fluid when you let it come up with it's own twists and turns. The next few chapters will definitely be different. I think you might like the direction it takes. It was certainly fun to write!

JoyfulSky67: I was so concerned with how they would interact when I first started this story; if they were going to sound too stiff, too out of character, whatever. It's such a relief to be able to write this banter and comfortable vibe between them all. Asteria is a real smart ass, so being able to have them play off of her has been so heartwarming to write. I think I said it once before, but I actually had a different direction I took the James situation and some of the reviews convinced me to take it a different direction. I really hope you like where it ends up!

fandomsbrokeme: Asteria has had a hell of a time with the past few chapters, hasn't she? Almost gets hit by a car, finds a dead body. I think I owe her a vacation getaway at some point. I don't think that's coming any time soon though haha.

Guest: Thank you! Hopefully you enjoy!

Today's chapter inspiration was brought to you by the song "Gun" by Chvrches. Please Enjoy!

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The gentle knocking on her window was enough to make Asteria jump up in bed, startled out of her sleep. She took a second to catch her breath and steady her heart before opening up her window and letting Alice Cullen into her bedroom.

"Sorry," Alice told her. "Carlisle said he was called in for a dead body. Charlie said you were the one that found it. Are you okay?"

"Tell me I'm wrong, Alice," Asteria said.

"About what," Alice asked her cautiously.

"Tell me it wasn't a vampire," she said.

Alice was silent for a moment. "What were you doing out on the docks?"

"There it is," Asteria nodded. It was exactly what she had thought. She had followed fate, and it led her to vampires. Just like in her dream.

"Were you looking for them," Alice asked again, more stern this time.

"I made a spell," Asteria told her. "It went wrong, technically, but I guess it still got the point across."

"I know you're a little shaken up right now, but I don't know what you're talking about," Alice said.

"I made a spell," Asteria started again. "It was supposed to help me find my future. Instead of being metaphorical, it physically led me around the town. It took me right to the docks."

"That is not your future," Alice said adamantly with a shake of her head. "Those nomads aren't getting anywhere near-."

"Nomads," Asteria asked. "What do you know?"

Alice sighed. "That man was attacked by a few nomadic vampires. Most of our kind wanders around, attacking here and there. It's not uncommon for us to come across them once in a while."

"And you just…let them," Asteria asked her.

"Asteria," Alice sighed. "Please understand. Our way of life is drastically different than the norm. We do what we can, but if we started fighting every vampire that crossed our path…it wouldn't end well."

"So these nomads," Asteria said. "They're in this area now, hunting?"

"Don't," Alice said sternly. "I've already seen it. They'll be gone soon. We won't have to worry about them."

Asteria thought about Brigid's passages in the book of shadows, how she had come across more than a handful of vampires in her years and had taken them out one by one. Her dreams, the tarot reading, the crystal spell…it all pointed in one very specific direction.

"What if I'm supposed to worry about them," Asteria asked her. "I just- I keep having this feeling, and finding these little signs that say I need to pay more attention to it."

"If something is going to happen, I'll know," Alice stated confidently, but something about it sounded off to Asteria. Her intuition pricked at the words. "I won't get this wrong."

"Everything okay, Alice," Asteria asked her wearily.

Alice opened her mouth to respond but seemed to think better of it and took a moment or two to think over her response, which only made Asteria more wary.

"I missed seeing you," Alice said. Asteria gave her a confused look that prompted a better answer. "At the docks. I didn't see it at all. Carlisle had to tell me. I know, I know, your necklace can block my vision unless your emotions override it, but still. I was too busy watching Port Angeles, I missed-,"

"Port Angeles," Asteria interrupted sharply. She noted belatedly that Bella should have been back from her shopping trip there by now. "What happened, Alice?"

"Nothing," Alice said quickly. "Something was going to happen, but Edward got there in time thankfully-"

"Alice," Asteria said sternly.

Alice sighed. "I had a vision of Bella. She was walking by herself down an alley and a group of drunken men came along…Edward was able to intervene in time. I believe he chased them off, and then took Bella to a restaurant to eat dinner."

Asteria sat numbly as she registered it all. "But she's safe? How much does she know about what happened?"

"She's safe," Alice assured. "As for the vampire part, I'm not entirely sure. I don't think Edward did anything overtly out of the ordinary, but she's remarkably perceptive."

"No, I meant, does she know she was in danger," Asteria asked.

"Oh," Alice said softly before continuing in a gentle tone. "When Edward got they had closed her off in the alley. I think it shook her a little, but I'm positive she'll recover quickly."

Asteria nodded. At the very least Bella wouldn't have too many emotional scars from the ordeal. "I suppose this means I need to thank Edward now."

"You'll be able to do that in twenty eight seconds," Alice informed her. "They're about to pull up now. It sounds like Bella's aware of the night you had too."

"Wonderful," Asteria commented before crossing over to the bathroom and peeking out the window. She watched as the silver Volvo pulled up to the curb before making eye contact with Edward. "Thank you," she mouthed and watched him nod in response.

"I should go," Alice said as she tapped on the open bathroom door. "Will you be alright?"

"Yeah," Asteria nodded. "I'll probably go to bed soon. Charlie said I don't have to go to school tomorrow."

"Feel better," Alice told her with a firm hug before making her way out of Asteria's bedroom window.

"Asteria," Bella called up the stairs. She could hear the other girl climbing them noisily.

"Hey, Bells," Asteria said. "I'm in here."

"Are you okay," Bella asked her. Regardless of their spat, concern was plain on her face.

"Yeah, I think so," Asteria said. "Are you?"

Bella nodded. "How did you-,"

"Alice," Asteria said before sighing. "Come on, we should talk. Charlie isn't going to be home for a long time; let's go to the living room."

Asteria wrapped herself in a blanket on the couch while Bella made them both a mug of hot chocolate. The warmth and sugar were both greatly appreciated for the task ahead. She'd rather cut off an arm than tell Bella the truth, but she had a sense it was going to come out one way or another; it would be easier controlling how it happened.

"I always took you for a tea person," Asteria said as Bella handed her a mug.

"Renee always said hot chocolate could cure everything," Bella said as she sat in Charlie's chair. "It never made sense out in Phoenix, but here in Forks..."

"There are a lot of things that are different here," Asteria nodded.

"Are you going to tell me about them," Bella asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I want to know what Edward told you first," Asteria said. She sensed Bella about to argue with her. "There are secrets that aren't mine to tell. I just want to know what Edward told you for a frame of reference."

Bella narrowed her eyes at Asteria. "Wouldn't it be easier if you just told me?"

"Bella, I think you know me well enough by now to realize I never do things the easy way," Asteria said exasperatedly. "Come on, there's no stupid answers."

"Edward can read minds," Bella blurted out. It looked like she summoned up all of her courage to do so.

"Oh god damn it," Asteria said as she collapsed further onto the couch. "He really had to start there? Anything else he might have mentioned?"

"He has an extremely good sense of smell," Bella said. "His eyes change color. He drives like a bat out of hell."

"Mm, yeah I know. His ability to sense cops is really unfair," Asteria said.

"Time for answers," Bella asked her.

Asteria sighed deeply and sat forward on the couch. This was the part she didn't want to do. "I can't give you any answers about them, it wouldn't be fair. Also Rosalie might just kill me for it. But… I guess I can tell you about me. Don't freak out."

With that, Asteria held out her hand and deliberately snapped her fingers, almost like she was miming using a cigarette lighter. It took her a few tries, but eventually a little purple flame flickered in the gap between her thumb and index finger. It was a trick she had been practicing at Alice's insistence and was just starting to master.

"How did you do that," Bella asked her incredulously.

"I'm a witch," Asteria said as she let the flame disappear. She refused to make direct eye contact with Bella. "My mom's side of the family has been passing it down from mother to daughter for generations. The only people that know are the Cullens, and now you. Well, and my ancestors but they aren't always around."

"A witch," Bella repeated.

"I don't devil worship or ride around on brooms," Asteria said. "I just…see the world a little differently. I can make spells too. Alright, please say something."

"Jacob Black told me an old Quileute legend," Bella said. "He claimed that the Cullens are vampires. Edward said it was true in the car."

"You couldn't have lead with that," Asteria asked sarcastically.

"It sounds ridiculous out loud," Bella defended.

"I'm aware of that fact," Asteria said. "Almost as ridiculous as being a witch."

"So," Bella said. "You're a witch, the Cullens are vampires. What are the odds?"

"We've banded together," Asteria said. "I keep their secrets and they keep mine. That's why I couldn't tell you anything. It would have betrayed their trust. Well, that and I wanted to keep you out of trouble."

"What kind of trouble," Bella asked her.

"Good question," Asteria said. "The kind that comes with dead bodies."

"That body at the docks," Bella said. "Were you-,"

"No, I wasn't involved," Asteria said. "I was actually following a spell. I enchanted a crystal to give me direction but the spell went a little sideways and led me there. I'm almost sure there's a stray vampire in the area, one who isn't quite as friendly. Whoever did that though, that's someone you don't want to run into. Just promise me you won't wander off by yourself any time soon. Finding trouble is a talent that we both share."

"You're not going to get involved in it, are you," Bella asked her.

"Not if Alice has anything to say about it," Asteria muttered and cleared her throat. "I don't know, something tells me that like it or not I'm going to be pulled into it. No sense in worrying over it though. It'll either happen or it won't."

Bella asked at least a dozen more questions before Asteria tiredly informed her that she was calling it a night. Screaming and running can really take a lot out of you, after all. Charlie still wasn't home and Asteria briefly wondered if he would be safe. If she was lucky he'd assume it was another animal attack and let it go. There had been a few of those recently, and given this new information Asteria wasn't inclined to think it was rabid bear on the loose anymore.

Asteria slept surprisingly well for someone who was plagued by nightmares and recently found a dead body. She figured that would be the perfect recipe for a nightmare soufflé. Instead she woke relatively easy in the late morning, stopping to enjoy the fact that she had nowhere to be.

She had several items on the agenda for the day. As Asteria enjoyed a bowl of cereal she tried to plot out any spells that would help her with the rabid stray vampire. It wouldn't hurt to have a chat with Brigid over it regardless. She would definitely be able to add some insight. If that all went well Asteria might even work on her homework; spring break was the following week, which meant most of her classes had a test assigned on Friday.

Contacting Brigid was fairly easy going. Asteria set up the summoning spell in the living room. Charlie almost never came home mid shift, and Bella was at school. Asteria set up the circle and grabbed the book of shadows in case there was anything in particular Brigid could point out to her.

"Well met, granddaughter," Brigid greeted her as she materialized. "Congratulations on defeating the entity. You did well, and we're so proud!"

"Thank you," Asteria beamed. "I was actually wondering if I could get your help with something else. It seems I can't stop picking fights."

"You have the family spirit," Brigid sighed. "Whom are you fighting this time?"

"There's a vampire in the area," Asteria leveled. "One that's attacking people. I found a dead body last night. Well, I messed up a spell and it led me to a dead body. Everyone's been asking me what I'm going to do with my life, and I made this crystal spell to give me a better sense of direction, only it took it in the literal sense and drug me across town to the body."

"What exactly did you ask of this spell," Brigid asked intently.

"Uh, I wanted it to give me a sense of direction," Asteria said as she tried to recall exactly what intent she was putting behind the crystal. "As in the future, and what I'm going to do with my life. Instead it started to glow anytime I physically moved in the right direction and I followed the glow until it lead me to the docks."

"Have you been questioning your future a lot lately," Brigid asked her.

"I mean, yeah. College is coming up fast, I haven't even picked out a prom dress. I have no clue how taxes work," Asteria rambled on. "Oh, and uh, I keep having surreal dreams with omens and stuff in them, so that's been great."

"Explain these dreams," Brigid said kindly. She seemed bemused by Asteria's sense of humor.

Asteria listed off the first dream of riding a horse into the woods as best as she could remember. "And then I had the same dream again a week or two ago, only it was slightly different. I ended up in this clearing and these vampires walked out of the trees. I couldn't see them up close, but I could make out the red eyes. Then I drew the bow and arrow and shot it right at one of them. They burst into flames when they got hit."

"A bow and arrow, you say," Brigid asked. "That's not unlike how I made my gift work. I would use my mind's eye to imagine a bow and arrow and then draw it back," here she mimed drawing an invisible arrow and letting it loose, "and then as the arrow would make impact it would erupt into flames. It was a useful tool for fighting vampires at a distance."

"Woah," Asteria said. "Do you think I would be able to do that?"

"You have been practicing, have you not," Brigid asked her. "You've come a long way from where you were. I think you should be able to manage it just fine."

"So, this stray vampire," Asteria started. "I get this sense that I'm supposed to fight them. Between the dreams, and this tarot card reading that said I was about to start some journey as my spirit wakes up, and then the crystal spell…it just all makes sense. Or am I jumping to conclusions?"

"I wish you were," Brigid said with a sad smile. "My path in life was never easy, but I fear you might walk a similar one. Perhaps that is why you feel drawn to my wisdom above others. I can tell you that you have a strong spirit. I have watched you grow into a young woman with perhaps not grace, but a certain amount of tenacity and confidence. If I thought anyone would be capable of facing what I did, it would be you."

"Thank you," Asteria said, choosing to ignore the 'grace' comment. It's not like she was wrong after all.

"I expect more regular conversations," Brigid said sternly, but Asteria could make out the hint of a smile. "You attract far too much trouble to be left to your own devices. I need to keep a better eye on you."

"Of course," Asteria grinned. "Hey, random question: you guys are around even when I can't see you sometimes, right?"

"We drift in and out of this plane to visit, yes," Brigid said. "You can't always see us unless we make an effort though. I don't believe you were gifted with that level of sight without the use of a spell."

Asteria paused, trying to keep her emotions in check. "My mom and dad…"

Brigid smiled sadly. "I know they watch over you. They're so proud of who you've become, though you took a rough path to get here. Visiting is a tricky thing, though. The journey into this spiritual plane is taxing, and it can be hard on newer spirits. I don't think you'll be able to see them for a while. Know that they spend as much time as they can watching you though. They love you deeply."

Asteria nodded as tears rolled down her face. She didn't bother wiping at them. "Thank you. Could you- could you tell them I love them?"

"They know," Brigid told her warmly. "But I will tell them regardless. Every day. It's time for me to go now though. Goodbye, dear."

"Goodbye Brigid," Asteria said. "I love you too."

"I love you as well child. Now go and practice," Brigid smiled as she faded away.

Asteria gave herself exactly ten minutes to get the tears out of her system before wiping them away and dusting herself off. It was time to go practice being a badass. Grabbing some supplies, including an English paper that was received a very unfair C, Asteria headed out on the little path behind the house into the woods. It was the only place she could think of to practice without setting the house on fire or having the neighbors see. She wasn't stupid though; with a rabid vampire wandering the woods Asteria tapped into her intuition to determine if it would be safe. She toyed with the idea of bringing along a weapon but figured nothing would work better than her own fire.

Her thoughts were interrupted by her phone buzzing. Looking down, Asteria saw she had a new text from Natalie. Hey, heard you were sick. Feel better loser. Btw, your cousin is having lunch with Edward Cullen.

Asteria appreciated the hell out of her friends. Thanks, I'll be back tomorrow. I've already threatened Edward to behave. Do me a favor though? Act like a middle school dance chaperone. The only response from Natalie she got was a devil horns emoji followed by one blowing a kiss and she laughed as she focused on the task ahead of her.

Finding a relatively clear spot, Asteria walked over to a dead tree that still had a trunk sitting about ten feet tall. She held the English paper against the trunk at about eye level and then jammed a little pocket knife into it to keep it in place. Thankfully the trees were wet enough that if Asteria was able to accomplish the shot, the fire wouldn't spread. Years of Smokey the Bear commercials were still deeply engrained in her head.

It took a few tries to figure out exactly how to go about it. The whole thing made her feel a little childish. Finally Asteria settled for flicking a small flame to life in her hand like she normally did, and then miming a 'draw back' motion like she was shooting a bow. Exhaling, Asteria released the shot and watched the little spark veer wildly off course and hit a small pile of dead leaves before combusting. The little flame quickly exploded into a decent sized bonfire.

"Shit, shit, shit," Asteria said as she ran over and stomped out the fire using her boots. It was lucky the leaves were wet; the fire didn't get much of a chance to spread. She looked over the smoking remains of the leaves before dissolving into laughter. Yeah, that trick would come in handy.

Having learned her lesson, Asteria went back into the house and grabbed the fire extinguisher from under the kitchen sink before trying again. She was lucky they had a new extinguisher in the first place; it had been a Christmas present from Billy Black "in case Charlie tries to cook again". Shaking her head, Asteria couldn't stop the grin on her face as she tried to line up her next shot.

The real issue for Asteria wasn't getting a flame to start, it was her aim. In all fairness, it was difficult to line up a shot without being able to really look down the shaft of a bow or use the sight on a gun. Eventually she realized the easiest way was to line up the base of the flame with where she wanted to go, and then adjust for distance or wind. Still, she wasn't exactly Legolas.

Several hours later Asteria was curled up on the couch with her homework tossed on the floor. The original intention was to finish it all, but creating that much fire really took a lot out of her. She was forty minutes in to a nap when Bella walked in.

"Looks like you had a busy day," Bella said as Asteria sat up and rubbed her eyes.

"Hey, it takes talent to make doing nothing look this easy," Asteria said. "So how was school? Learn anything interesting today?"

"Uh well," Bella started. "I had lunch with Edward. Then your friend Natalie came over and told us to 'leave room for Jesus', so that was sufficiently awkward."

Asteria burst into laughter. "Oh my god, I didn't think she'd actually do it! Kudos to her, though."

"Could you not be awful," Bella asked her.

"Sorry, it's my factory programmed settings. You'll have to do a software update," Asteria said with a sweet smile.

"Uh huh," Bella said, unimpressed before her tone became more nervous. "He said something about introducing me to his family Saturday."

"Oh," Asteria asked. "I do believe he might just be smitten with you."

"Quit it," Bella said. "I was going to ask if you would go along for moral support, but-,"

Asteria rolled her eyes. "Of course I'll be there. Can't have you embarrass me."

Bella shot her a dirty look. "Somehow I think it'll be the other way around."

Asteria grinned. "Whatever might give you that impression?"

The rest of the week flew by. Her friends were very interested to hear about her finding the dead body and had come up with a ton of theories on what happened. Every lunch period was spent in a hot debate, which Asteria remained mostly silent for. They came up with her favorite one on Thursday, which happened to be an Illuminati inside job. None of the theories were as wild as the truth though, so she was content to let them spiral out of control.

Friday night brought about a small complication in the form of Billy Black, who came over with Jake to watch the game. Asteria groaned as she realized Bella would also be roped into Billy's probing questions and slight prejudice against the Cullens. They started just as soon as Charlie stepped out to pick up pizza.

"Asteria, Bella, how have you both been," Billy asked.

"Great," Asteria said quickly as Bella added her own agreement. "Mostly just getting through school."

"It looks like Asteria's been helping you adjust," Billy told Bella. "Hopefully she's keeping you away from the wrong crowd."

Asteria rolled her eyes. "I am the wrong crowd, Billy."

"Dad," Jake said as he covered his face with his hand. "Why do you have to be like this?"

"I just want you two to be safe," Billy told the girls, unrepentant.

"Oh trust me, I can handle myself," Asteria said with a forced grin. Billy gave her an odd look, but she continued. "I can keep Bella out of trouble too."

Thankfully Charlie chose that moment to pull in the driveway and Asteria jumped to grab the door and help him get the pizzas in. She knew it was just a waiting game until he got back; Billy wouldn't risk saying anything in front of him.

Then came Saturday morning, when Bella nervously asked her what she should wear for the day. Apparently "uh…clothes" was not a sufficient answer, and Asteria found herself in Bella's room picking through her wardrobe.

"Honestly, Bells. It doesn't matter what you wear," Asteria said as she grabbed a pair of jeans, tossing aside a khaki skirt in disgust. "They have to be nice to you, they have no choice. I'm gonna beat up anyone who's mean."

"Could you really beat them up," Bella asked skeptically.

Asteria feigned a hurt expression. "Honestly, Bells. Your lack of belief wounds me. In any case Alice would help. Which means she'd make Jasper do it."

"You do seem pretty close with them," Bella commented.

"Uh…yeah," Asteria started. "I didn't mention it before, but technically we're kind of, sort of family. Alice is like my great-great-great-aunt. According to Emmett, I'm 'the annoying little cousin'."

"Oh," Bella said. "That's…"

"Yeah, I know," Asteria said. "The more you look into it the weirder it gets. Let's just get you ready to go." She helped Bella pick out an outfit that was still authentic Bella but hopefully with enough pizzazz to keep Alice from pulling that weird, disapproving face she made any time she saw Asteria in sweatpants.

The girls came down the stairs fully dressed and ready to go about twenty minutes later. Asteria wandered over to the coffee pot and poured herself a cup while Bella made them some pancakes, having promised Asteria some if she helped her pick out an outfit.

"You girls look…nice," Charlie said awkwardly as he set down the morning paper. "It's too early for you to look nice."

"Uh, ouch," Asteria told him.

"You never go anywhere before eleven and you know it," Charlie told her. It was clear he was used to her sass. "What do you two have planned for the day?"

"We're going over to the Cullens'," Asteria told him. "Alice had mentioned something about baseball."

"Aren't you wearing heeled boots," Bella asked her.

"Oh shucks, guess I can't play," Asteria told her.

"That sounds like fun," Charlie said. "So you're both friends with the Cullens now?"

"Well actually," Asteria said as she let out a cough and made a grand, not so subtle motion at Bella.

Bella gave her a look before turning to Charlie. "Actually, dad, Edward and I are a little bit...dating."

"I thought you said you didn't like any of the boys in town," Charlie asked her suspiciously.

"Technically he doesn't live in town," Bella replied.

"For the record, I am still single and not ready to mingle," Asteria threw in as she watched their exchange.

"And you just, let this happen," Charlie asked Asteria.

"Hey," Asteria said. "I did my best. He's been properly threatened and everything."

Charlie sighed. "Do I at least get to meet this kid?"

"In about ten minutes," Asteria said with a bright smile. "He's coming to pick us up."