{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I sighed closing the book setting it aside feeling a tension headache building from the informational overload. I glanced at the clock noticing that I had been reading for a few hours. Most of the legends confirmed that it was most likely that I had spiritual powers. It was hard with all the contradiction between cultures to find the information that I would actually need to know. Learning what I was honestly did nothing to actually teach me anything about the strange offensive and defensive abilities that were growing since I had awakened here.
"Liberty, can I speak with you?" Virginia voiced through the door as I frown in confusion.
"Come in" I said knowing the door was at least unlocked this time.
It took a moment for her to actually enter the room. I knew immediately that something was different. She looked extremely sad over something as she looked at me. She walked slowly over the bed sitting on the corner looking at me. I waited for her to gather her thoughts, knowing something was weighing on her heavily.
"You really aren't her, are you?" She whispered completely shocking me to my core.
I pondered quickly lying to her instead of confirming this. I knew that she cared deeply for her granddaughter and that she had suffered enough. But I knew that there was no use in denying the truth, not when she had clearly figured it out.
"I am not her" I said softly leaning forward as she nodded seeming to choke on the emotion.
"It's impossible not to notice the differences" She said brokenly "I tried to reason it was the accident, but it didn't explain the opposite personality"
"I know" I stated reaching to grab her hand "I have been saying it since the beginning, that I wasn't her. I couldn't pretend to be her even if I wanted to. What happened to make you realize this?"
"It was your actions at the fire that made me begin to see it really" She explained as I tilted my head in confusion "My granddaughter was a lot of things, mainly a happy and bubbly person that offered an easy smile. However, she was not naturally a brave person. Not like you are"
"Oh" I breathed out not realizing that my experiences didn't make me. I had always been like that, an instinct so deep in my soul that I couldn't ignore it.
"It was something that I could no longer ignore, so I started paying more attention and reflected on our interactions at the hospital" She offered blinking back tears "The look you gave me when you saw me was like seeing a ghost, the fight you gave for your sister, and your acceptance of the trauma. These were all things that from the beginning should have told me it was not a reaction to trauma from an accident, but from waking up here"
"It was pretty shocking, coming from there to here" I said in a chuckle "I didn't handle it the best way and for that I am sorry. I didn't need to be so rude to you, so ruthlessly dismissing you at first"
"I don't judge you for it" She explained honestly "I should have been able to support you, I should have listened and not doubted you"
"You couldn't have now" I said softly shaking my head "How could you have known that I was from a different world? If it wasn't for Kelly and me being younger here, I would have doubted myself longer"
"I could have known if I had been willing to accept what I was seeing" She stated touching my face "People like us have the ability to see things beyond the normal sight, she wasn't able to, and you are"
"What do you mean?" I inquired in confusion as she smiled softly.
"You don't have to hide that from me" She said as I felt something I couldn't explain, a warmth that gained my attention.
I looked down to see the hand holding mine was glowing in a sort of light. It felt like the strange ability that arose to protect me. It felt like it was peace and light, something beyond my own understanding.
"I felt your spiritual powers in the hospital. I had never sensed it in her. I reasoned that the accident awakened them. I should have noticed how much stronger it was, growing with the wisdom that you had gained. I hadn't accepted what was in front of me, that your soul told you were older than hers could have been" She offered in explanation.
"You mean you know what I am? You know what is happening to me?" I questioned unable to hide the surge of hope at someone that could help me understand.
"Does this mean that you don't?" She whispered in disbelief and wide eyes.
"No, I did some research and have guessed that I have some sort of spiritual power. But even through the legends, I don't know what is actually happening to me" I explained in a rush.
"You do have spiritual powers that we granted from our bloodline. The power though is unique to each soul and strengthens for various reasons that include instinct, spiritual balance, and exposure to supernatural beings." She provided before sighing "How is it you were unaware of this?"
"I wasn't completely unaware that there was something different. I had gained a strange healing ability at a young age. It was not as strong until I came here though. It seems like the world around me is screaming at me." I whispered thinking of the struggles I have been having "Sometimes I feel like there is a fire in me that is trying to tear me apart"
"That could possibly be from you being untrained for so long" She explained looking thoughtful "Were there other supernatural beings in your world?"
"No, nothing like that there. At least, none I had ever sensed in the way I sense them here" I stated recalling how it seemed that in the past few days I was able to sense the Cullens near me.
"That may explain the way your powers are reacting, if you had been used to sensing and seeing a soul as I am then you would be able to control the power" She said as I nodded in understanding "I can train you, if you wish?"
"I would really like that" I said honestly as she smiled looking relieved over my easy acceptance.
"It won't be easy, but it will teach you what you are capable of. I will admit that there is a limit that I could teach you" She whispered in amusement "You are far stronger than I am. You carry a fate bigger than one assign to me"
"What do you mean?" I stated blinking in confusion, what the hell did fate have to do with this?
"Priestesses are supernatural beings chosen and assigned not solely by bloodline but by fate as well. I cannot tell you of the purpose that you will hold. I imagine that with the steps taken to bring you here, that it is important" She offered not really providing me any comfort from the statement "You will understand more when we begin training and I explain the history of our line"
"Okay" I agreed knowing my head was already spinning from this information.
"I know that this has been difficult for you, but I hope you know that you are still my granddaughter in my eyes. I will be here for you" She softly stated as I shallowed at the look "I need you to know that you can trust me, that we both lost things but we have each other. I may not know your past, but I will be here when you wish to speak of it"
"Thank you" I whispered feeling extremely grateful over the assurance.
"I am going to get ready for my shift, I hope you have a nice night" She stated squeezing my shoulder "We will begin your training tomorrow"
"Okay, have a good shift" I said with a smile feeling a little overwhelm.
Virginia smiled before walking out of my room. The moment that the door closed I breathed a sigh of relief. She knew the truth about me being from another world and had accepted it. She was aware of what I was and offered her assistance in me learning to control the strange powers. I suddenly felt more secure in my own life, knowing that between her and the Cullens, I was quickly finding a place here.
I sighed glancing at the clock realizing that it was later than I realized, and Edward would be expecting me. I could hear Virginia leaving the house for the hospital as I quickly got ready. It was always fun hanging out with the Cullens that liked me. Granted, I spent the most time with Edward and Alice. Today, Edward seemed excited to show me something and I was looking forward to it.
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I was nervous as I waited for Liberty to arrive. I tried not to worry to much about spending time with her alone without the presence of my family as a safety net. I was excited to be spending time with her and I knew that I had to grow use to it if I was to gain the type of relationship that I longed for. Today, I would be showing her a place important to me.
'She will be her in a minute' Alice thought to me as I tensed nervous causing Jasper's amusement
I nodded to her trying to stop the urge to pace. Alice giggled lightly as Emmett rolled his eyes. Jasper was tense as well, preparing himself for her scent. He was handling being near her better than before. These last few weeks with a new hunting schedule and time near her had made it easier on him. Even at school, he seemed more controlled and less pained from overwhelming thirst.
'I don't understand your fascination with that human' Rosalie thought with a sneer 'There is nothing special about her'
I tensed at the statement from her mind. How could she say there was nothing special about Liberty? She was someone who was beautiful in a way even Rosalie couldn't contend with. The uniqueness of her appearance paled in comparison to the beauty found within her character. I shook my head turning towards the door hearing a car pulling up. I immediately went outside not wanting to subject her to Rosalie's anger.
"Oh, hi" She said taking a step back when I appeared in front of her "Are we heading out now?"
"Yes" I stated having to control the urge to pull her into my arms
"Okay, is it a far walk?" She questioned glancing in the woods
"It is a bit of distance. If you permit it, I can carry you?" I questioned wondering if she would let me hold her.
"I would love too, but are you sure you can handle be that close to my scent? I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable" She said before biting her lip and I fought back a groan at the way she looked.
"No, I have grown use to your scent. I have to be careful, but I ensure you that you are safe with me" I said slightly saddened at the fact that I wanted to harm her before, I couldn't imagine hurting her now.
"Okay" She said with a smile, and I was amazed to see how easy she trusted me "I always wondered what it would be like to run as fast as you do and if it felt like driving out of a plane"?
"You did?" I questioned with a smirk as she chuckled with a nod
"Yeah, I mean those things are possible for a human and you are the fastest of the Cullens" She stated as I moved a little closer
"You will need to climb on my back" I explained as she nodded
"That is fine" She whispered looking excited over the run
I turned kneeling slightly as she moved closer. I shivered when her hand touched my shoulder. She paused for a moment, and I quickly realized that she is giving me a chance to adjust. This woman was incredible. I moved to pull her on my back breathing through the feeling of it. I could clearly feel the warmth of her body, that since shivers down my own. I still breathing as I touched her legs to secure her to me, being extremely careful of my hands. I briefly thought of how it would feel without the fabric before pushing it away, I couldn't think of that.
"Hold on." I directed after taking the time to adjust to the feel of her being so close to me
"Trust me I was not planning on letting go" She said with a slight chuckle
The vibrations from that rocked my body causing me to smile before I took off into the woods. I was hyperaware of her every movement as I ran. The feel of her breath against the coldness of my skin. My lungs filled with her scent that flooded around me. All I felt was peace at having her close, feeling how relaxed she was despite the speed we were traveling. I breathed in her scent again recalling a recent conversation with Carlisle. She was so unique that her very scent that once cause me to lose my humanity now brought me peace. The scent that wasn't making me what to kill her but identifying who she was to me. She was my mate.
I focused on her steady heartbeat that showed no sign of distress or fear. I realized that if only for a moment she trusted me completely with her safety. It was humbling know that trust was something she rarely gave others, but she was learning to trust me. I was filled with pride and happiness when I heard her laugh knowing that I was responsible to cause such a beautiful sound from her mouth. Liberty had accepted me, to the point she was thrilled from something that clearly shown that I was not human.
I slowed to a stop when I reached the overlook I had found when we first arrived in Forks. I felt a loss as she slides off my back, I was reluctant to let her go. I turned to her and found her looking over the overlook with the brightest smile I had ever seen. If my heart had been able to stop beating, I am sure it would have, I had never seen anything more beautiful than her in that moment.
"This is beautiful" She whispered in a state of awe "What is this place?"
"I found this place shortly after coming to Forks" I explained looking at the view of the forest from here "I find nothing but peace here. This is my favorite place in this town, and I wanted to share it with you. So, you know you have a place to go if you need it"
"I thought the clearing was your favorite place?" She said shocking me at her knowledge of the clearing
"There is a clearing that I go to at times to relax, it is closer to the house. It doesn't offer the peace I find here" I elaborated for her as she chuckled in amusement.
"Seems like there are somethings that were wrong in the story" She said moving to sit on the ledge.
"What do you mean?" I questioned in confusion sitting next to her, as close as I could without making her uncomfortable.
"It isn't anything huge, just certain things really that I can't really explain yet" She said looking at the sky with a smile "Don't worry about it though, I don't compare you or think of you in relation to the character from the book"
"I am thankful for that" I said honestly knowing that it still had to be confusing for her.
She smiled before focusing on the view relaxing completely. I didn't mind her silence seeing she was content. When I first found out about not being about to read her mind, I had been angry. It was in this moment that I realized that I asked for this. I longed for the ability to not hear thoughts and the one mind that I wanted to hear was hidden from me. It was nice though, to be able to be near someone and not be consumed with focusing on my ability. Even my own family directed thoughts at me more than spoken words.
"What's wrong?" She questioned drawing me from my thoughts looking concerned.
"Just having some realizations" I explained as she nodded taking me by surprise by grabbing my hand.
"I am here if you want to talk about it" She softly offered squeezing my hand as I smiled at her, it seemed that she did care for me.
"I didn't realize what comfort could be offered by my inability to read your thoughts" I provided taking her by surprise "For a long time, I didn't realize how much my ability was affecting my interaction with others. But you have a way of changing the way I am perceiving things"
"What do you mean?" She said glancing at me in confusion.
"You said that I was not a monster and that despite being a vampire that I have a soul. Those were options with me since I had changed, but you challenge them and in turn made me realize that there might be some truth. I won't say that I believe it, but I hadn't ever thought there was a chance I could be wrong before" I explained needing her to understand the important of that moment to me.
"I never did ask where you gained those ideas to begin with" She asked as I frowned thinking on that as she patiently waited for me to gather my thoughts.
"I believe that has something to do with the change. I believed that vampires were monsters from the tales from when I was still human. The belief magnified when I became one. The change doesn't just physically affect you but mentally enhances as well. The stronger your belief before becoming a vampire the stronger it will be after" I said in confusion as she looked amused over my explanation.
"Your belief that you are a monster without a soul comes from the legends you read when you were human?" She questioned in clear amusement as I nodded in confirmation "The same ones that told you that you would have fangs and burn in the sun?"
I was so shocked by the question that I laughed. Leave it to Liberty to point out the insanity in my beliefs. I knew that she would continue to shake my foundation. She would always surprise me; it was in her character to challenge others to be the best version of themselves. I wanted to be that for her. I wanted to become what she deserved. I needed it in more ways that I ever thought I could.
"I see your point" I said amused over the thoughts I said "It's doesn't prove I have a soul, but I can understand I shouldn't have focused on that source of information as I have in the past"
"If I can prove it?" She stated as I glanced at her not understanding the statement "I found out some things today and I know that you have a soul"
"What do you mean?" I questioned needing to understand how she knew that.
"Virginia finally found out and accepted that I am not of this world" She said as I nodded waiting for her to continue "She explained somethings to me including that I have a special relationship with souls. I may not understand what I am seeing, but without a soul I could not sense you. I sense you easier than anyone else"
"Special relationship with souls?" I questioned leaning forward pushing back the hope at hearing how clear she could sense me; she didn't understand what that meant yet.
"I am a priestess" She whispered as I furrowed my eyebrow not knowing what the meant "It is a supernatural being with spiritual powers, a pure power that can sense the aura and souls of others. I don't know a lot just what I gathered from the books and a conversation from Virginia earlier today. I am going to begin training with her tomorrow, to learn what my power is"
I was completely amazed at the information wondering what this met for her. I didn't know enough to understand what this would do to her. Liberty wasn't normal by any means, but finding out she was a supernatural being? That meant that even the Volturi couldn't get involved because of it. Sure, they may consider her a threat at some point. But it would not be because we let a human know our secret, they couldn't touch her for that.
"Edward?" She called out as I took notice that I was so lost in my amazement that she was concerned.
"I am not all that shocked to hear that there is something different about you. I already knew that you were amazing. I am glad she is able to help you." I said honestly knowing from becoming a vampire how shocking it could be to find out about things you didn't think existed.
"Thanks, I am still wrapping my head around it honestly" She said with a chuckle bumping my shoulder "Maybe one day I will find a way to prove once and for all that you have a soul. You will just need to wait until I learn it in training"
"You are amazing" I said in amusement as she smiled leaning back to lay on the grass staring at the sky "How are you adjusting?"
"You mean to this world?" She replied raising her eye brown as I laid back "I have accepted it mostly, there are still moments that it can overwhelm me. I think what worries me the most is the people I left behind honestly, knowing that I have to live through it all over again. When that I happens, I rely on what I know calms me to settle my mind back down"
"What are the things that calm you?" I asked turning on my side to face her.
"Beside running, I rely on a lot of music. I can spend hours listening to songs from artists to sooth my soul" She explained fondly "Or reading a good story, nothing is better than a book that can change your world"
"What type of music do you listen to?" I questioned recalling the horrible music selection from when I first started going to her room.
"I love music that means something, but it is pretty eccentric according to genres. I have been slowly regathering my music collection since waking up here. A lot haven't come out with anything yet, some in general never began singers at all. I am sure I will love listening to new artists as well" She said closing her eyes "The first ones I found here are Tim McGraw, Skillet, and Lindsey Stirling. Which was good enough for me"
"Those are three of your favorites?" I said not knowing who they were.
"Yeah, both saved my life in many ways. I grew up on country, so Tim McGraw has been the voice in the darkness since I was about six. Skillet is considered to be a Christian rock band actually; they have just started making music here a little bit ago. I really hope that some of their later songs still come out here, I can't imagine never hearing Stars or Anchor again" She explained happily "Lindsey Stirling is a Violinist, she is incredible. She was discovered a few years earlier here, which I am thankful for"
"You like classical music?" I whispered in surprised as she chuckled in amusement.
"Of course, I do, the songs don't need words to move me or inspire me. I won't say that I enjoy everything, since I can be a little picky" She said honestly "But the only genre I really can't stay is that girly pop music. I really dislike artists like Britney and Christina"
"I am thankful for that" I joked in relief knowing my life had too many of those artists thanks to Alice.
"How about you? Do you just like classical music?" She questioned as I shook my head.
"I prefer it, but I do enjoy other types of music. I tend to listen to things that calm me, on the softer side of things. I also listen to alternative rock and even some metal or punk music" I explained surprised that she didn't know the answer already "Does that surprise you?"
"A little, I don't remember if that was in the series or not. They focused on classical because of your ability to play piano" She said turning to me "Seems like you are pretty eccentric when it comes to music as well"
"I am" I confirmed before asking "Are you just as eccentric when it comes to reading?"
"Yeah, I tend to favor true stories. I have always been fascinating by someone's ability to surpass expectations. Stories about people that fundamentally changed history. However, I also love diving into a fantasy where you get lost in an unbelievable tale that make you feel like you can be there as well" She passionately explained "How about you?"
"I have a lot of time on my hands, I read plenty of different types of books" I explained honestly as she put her arm over her eyes laughing taking me by surprise "What?"
"I seriously forget that you don't sleep" She said voice shining from the chuckles still pouring from her lips "There are times I really hate sleeping but I wouldn't know what to do with myself with the chance to do so"
"We do relax, into a state that causing a haze similar enough to human's sleeping" I explained as she blinked in confusion "We don't sleep, but that doesn't mean we don't have the ability to still rest out mind at times"
"At least you have that, I imagine reading minds makes it even more exhausting at times" She whispered her sapphire eyes shining with understanding.
"It can be, most are predictable at this point, so I just try to ignore it" I explained honestly "My abilities are difficult to handle in many ways. The lack of privacy for the others. The inability to block out the less savory ones. School can be torture with all the teenagers and their hormone filled thoughts. There were many times I wished I couldn't read mind"
"Then I guess it is a good thing you have me now" She joked as I chuckled with a nod knowing that I was thinking the same thing not too long ago.
"Yeah, it is" I whispered honestly looking at her as the setting sun lit her red hair beautifully "We should be heading back"
"Why? You have perfect vision to see in the dark and I think this is the perfect place to watch a sunset" She said sitting up to stare at the skyline.
"Twilight" I said softly as she flinched at the word.
"That is the name of that story" She offered at my confused look "So I understand why you would not enjoy the sunset. I can see why to you it reminds you of darkness, of being endless. But it means something completely different to me"
"What does it mean to you?" I asked knowing that the look in her eyes meant that it was no doubt going to be a fascinating explanation
"It is a stable remainder that everything ends sooner or later" She explained with a soft smile "That when one day ends, another will begin. I see it as a gentle reminder that I need to enjoy the good times and when facing the hard times to remember that in time they too will end"
"I guess I can see why you would see it what way" I said softly thinking on her explanation, knowing it would be on my mind for a few days.
"Plus, there is something you are overlooking a very beautiful thing about the night" She said with a seriously look "You can only see the stars at night. It is often the darkness that reveal the brightest of lights to us, Edward"
I was stunned at the information and explanation. There was a wisdom in her that could only come from facing the hardest of things. This woman who had been through so much had managed to look at the same thing as me, finding hope. There was a softness in her in this moment, as the sun began to set, and she began to see the stars. The look that spoke that there was a greater reason for her comfort from the stars above up. She was my light in the darkness.
"We really should be heading back" I whispered after watching her taking comfort in her relaxed expression as she began to shiver "I don't wish for you get sick. I will bring you back here anytime you wish to"
"I would like that" She stated smiling softly.
I pulled her on my back feeling her shiver again. I knew that I had to hurry, I didn't want her to get sick from my cold body. I was near my house when I noticed her slowed heartbeat and soft breathing, I smiled softly knowing that she had fell asleep. I gently flew into my house up to my room and carefully laying her on the couch. Alice smiled handing me a blanket and I carefully laid it on her.
"Sleep well, my angel" I whispered careful not to wake her.
'I will contact Virginia and let her know she is sleeping here' Alice thought as I nodded in thanks before, she left.
Throughout the night, I watch her as I always did but tonight was different. Tonight, she was in my room where I couldn't help but think that she was meant to be. I longed to be able to move to lay next to her. I wanted to be able to hold her as she slept. I knew that I had to be careful, due to her seemingly human body. Liberty knew that all to well, she was shocking understanding of our limitations.
I wouldn't survive it I had caused her harm in any way. I knew that since she came crashing into my world, she had become the center of it. I could only hope that I would never have to know a live without her again. I couldn't picture my endless existence without her as a part of it. It was a terrifying and a liberating realization. I went from having no meaning in my endless life to see my everything in a form of a woman from another world.
I smiled watching as the sun came through the glass reflecting off her hair making it seem to be living fire. I saw the way the sun lit her skin and revealed an angel sleeping. That is what Liberty was to me, an angel sent from the heavens to save me from my endless eternity of darkness.