Hey guys, I know some would be hoping that I'd have updated my other story first but I had been working on that one hard when my laptop died and I lost everything. Unfortunately I also made the biggest rookie mistake and didn't have any back ups, so I decided to update the story that has left the least bad taste in my mouth. I've also been working on a new story since I got my new laptop. As always I happily invite criticism, but please whether you post a review or send a message let it be constructive criticism. i hope you enjoy this chapter.
Chapter 5
"I am not Isabella Swan." Bella said causing the Cullens to look surprised.
"My real name, as far as I know is X-23, I was born in a laboratory just over 50 years ago, as part of the weapon X program. I never had any parents, the people involved in the project raised me. My childhood was spent training me, changing me and experimenting on me. When I was a child I was subjected to extensive radiation to cause my extreme healing, something at least one of you have already witnessed. My claws used to be bone, they were extracted from my arms, shaped and coated in adamantium before they were reinserted, those were just 2 of the painful procedures and experiments I was subjected to." X-23 said followed by a small pause.
"When I wasn't being trained in martial arts, combat techniques, weapons training or the little formal education I received, they were always trying new things to improve me, there was a fluid that was injected into my muscle groups and tendons to enhance my already increased strength and durability. At age 10 I was sent on my first mission, I slaughtered a presidential candidate and his entire staff, it was merely a promotional stunt for them to be able to use when selling my services. By age 11 I had become the worlds best assassin. The entire time, I was also subjected to constant mind control and mind conditioning, it kept me loyal and made me follow their orders without questions." Bella added the last part hoping to not make them instantly form a bad opinion of her.
"For years I was sent on mission after mission, they increasingly got harder, when I turned 18 they subjected me to another treatment that changed me from theoretically immortal to truly immortal, I stopped ageing. I got sent on increasingly dangerous missions, my healing allows me to sustain extreme injuries, but a few had started to get away, due to me getting incapacitated due to bones being shattered and not healing right, right away. The people in charge of the project decided I wasn't durable enough. I was subjected to the most painful and horrific treatment that went beyond what they had done to me at that point. My entire skeleton was coated in adamantium, my heart gave out at the end of the procedure."
"But as you can guess, I didn't die. It changed me in a way they hadn't expected, it functioned as a hard reset to my brain, all my memories came back. Everything I had done, but also everything they did to me. I wanted it to be over, I was still in the water tank when I heard the head of the project Dr Zander Rice give to order to wipe my memory of the procedure. Letting them believe I was still the loyal X23, I waited until they got me out of the water tank, when free of the restraints I killed nearly everybody present including Rice and escaped the facility."
"Along the way there were people who helped me, not knowing what I was of course. They paid the highest price for doing so, the program didn't care about collateral damage. Not wanting to put any more people in danger I started wandering, living day by day, working odd jobs. There was a increasing amount of time in between the program coming after me. Saving my money I eventually got my first RV, and kept moving further away, I thought I'd be safe in Mexico, but they got to me there too. The last time was over a decade ago."
"Bella –" Esme started before Bella signaled she wasn't finished.
"I always stayed on the move though, never staying in an area for too long. Like anybody else I also have hopes and dreams. I always envied children being dropped off or picked up by their parents at schools, my dream was to attend high school once, just for a few years of course to avoid suspicion. To just get a taste of a normal life. Over the decades I learned how to get fake id's but more importantly how to curate identities. Isabella Swan died a few months ago in a traffic accident, her death presented me with the best opportunity ever to attend high school. Research quickly revealed her parents were dead, she had no other living relatives and had been moving back to an area where she hadn't been in for years. I decided to chance it and headed to the county in new Mexico where she had died. I destroyed all digital and physical records of her, made her death go completely away and came to Forks in her place." X-23 said followed by a sigh.
"I have assumed her identity, it's something I was trained to do. That dog out there was a old early childhood friend of Bella. At the end of the day, you should abandon me, I bring danger wherever I go, my strength for a long time had been my solitary life, they couldn't use anyone against me. If the program still exists and they try to capture or take me out again then there's a reasonable chance they will hurt you guys, hurt Alice. I'm not a good kid going through a rough time. I'm a trained killer and I have people after me." X-23 said while wiping a tear away.
Esme had approached X-23 and gave her a hug together with Alice.
"Honey we had no idea, you're safe here and don't worry about us, we can take care of ourselves and are nearly indestructible, the Quileute's don't know everything about vampires." Esme said.
"Bella – oh do you prefer X-23? Alice asked sheepishly.
"Bella is fine. I'd prefer it actually, anything but X-23."
"This is why you pushed me away? Because you thought I'd be afraid or get hurt?"
"I'm a monster Alice, surely you deserve better than that." Bella said still looking down.
"You're not a monster Bella, the people that did this to you, that made you do those things are monsters. I'll keep saying it until you believe me." Alice said.
"So will I." Esme said.
Sensing the close contact was starting to make Bella uncomfortable they both let go of her.
"It's the first time I ever told anybody." Bella sighed.
"If you want Carlisle can have sessions with you to help you progress everything." Esme offered.
"It's nothing personal but I don't like doctors." Bella said with a small chuckle before she turned to Alice. "You're really not afraid of me?" she asked.
"No, I told you before, you won't hurt me. Besides Bella, I believe you when you say that you've grown as a person."
"You're too good for me."
It was then that Bella noticed that everybody except Alice and Esme had left the living room.
"I do know how to get rid of a crowd don't I?" Bella asked.
"No we thought it was better that people left after you were done, to prevent you being overwhelmed. We all have our own stories, most are unpleasant. And honestly we're the last people that will ever judge you, the way we choose to live doesn't mean we have never made any slip ups. It took most of us a long time to control our thirst." Esme answered.
"Why do you do it? Living off of animals instead of people?" Bella asked to Esme.
"The desire to live more compassionately. I think you can relate, you know when it comes to guilt." Esme answered.
"Sorry I asked."
"It's alright honey, do you want something to drink?" Esme asked.
"I'll have a beer." Bella blurted out before thinking. "Oh er, coffee or something.
"It's alright I know you're old enough, I'll get you one but you have to promise to let Alice drive you home."
"Won't be necessary, I don't get intoxicated. I'd have to drink a load of hard liquor in rapid succession to slightly feel it for a very short time, it's just for the flavor, really. It's a slightly annoying side effect of my healing." Bella answered.
"Well if you put it like that, will you then at least stay for dinner?" Esme asked.
"You don't have to cook for me, I know you guys don't need to eat."
"I'm cooking anyway, we like to eat sometimes. And no honey you won't be bothering us. Alice tea as usual?"
"Yes please."
Bella led Alice outside to her truck, reaching in for a cigarette, which she promptly lit.
"I'm sorry you had to see me like that, let alone hear what I am. But thank you for being so forgiving. I know that you want us to be more and honestly you're exactly my type, but I hope you can understand that I'm still having issues and it's difficult for me to let somebody fully in." Bella said while having her cigarette.
"Bella, you're my soulmate, I waited for you for a long time, I don't mind waiting a little longer. Just remember that you don't have to do this alone. So does that mean you're gay?" Alice asked.
"I've been with guys and girls before." Bella said earning a look from Alice. "What? One night stands are a thing you know. I'm a killer, not a nun, though I dressed up as one once for a mission."
"Somehow I think you could make a nun outfit look hot." Alice said flirtatiously.
"Easy there kitten." Bella replied as she put her cigarette out.
They went back inside, Esme had set their drinks on the coffee table, they chatted a little, getting to know each other better, before eventually getting back to their history work. As the afternoon passed the living room started getting busier again, soon they had been joined by Jasper and Edythe. Jasper making a suggestion from time to time, he apparently is the history nut of the family. Edythe started looking more and more annoyed.
"Uh fine Jazz, ask her already." Edythe said.
"What exactly is adamantium? I couldn't find anything on it." Jasper asked hesitantly
"It's a man made steel alloy, as far as I know only those at the facility knew how to process it in it's raw form. Once processed you have little time to use it, when it hardens it becomes indestructible. You can't melt it again, you can't change it." Bella admitted.
Carlisle had entered the living room, but kept his distance.
"I apologize for having come on too strongly, if I had known your history then I wouldn't have." Carlisle said
"It's ok, as long as you know my dislike for doctors isn't personal." Bella answered.
"Can I ask a question?" Carlisle asked looking at Bella who gave a nod. "The adamantium do you know how it works with your bones? Being coated with metal should be bad for them."
"I can only say what I heard them say. My healing factor changes the molecular structure of the adamantium, turns it into what they call adamantium beta. Which basically bonds with the bones and doesn't inhibit the bones natural function, it's still indestructible though." Bella answered.
"That's interesting. Do you know of any other mutants like you?" Carlisle asked.
"Mutants?" Bella asked.
"There are other humans that are born with certain gifts, like you have your healing factor and the bone claws when you were born. Their gifts are different and there aren't many mutants that we know of. Though I don't know if you are one for sure. Uhm Bella, there's one thing we need to discuss if you're going to be around us this often." Carlisle said.
"What is it?" Bella said slightly annoyed.
"We are venomous and don't know how your healing factor will react with it. Fortunately you aren't very appealing to us, but it's better to know just in case an accident would happen. I can tell you and Alice how to test it and what to look for."
Though she didn't particularly like it, Bella grabbed Alice's hand and followed Carlisle into his office. Per his instructions she drew some of her blood and put it on a glass slide, giving him permission to do the rest of the experiment himself. Carlisle extracted some venom from Alice and combined the two, studying them under a microscope.
"Amazing." He said followed by a sigh. "Your blood destroys the venom." He continued while putting the slide in a bowl of alcohol and setting it on fire. "And I promise to never run any tests on you without your express permission. You don't ever get sick do you?" he asked
"Thank you and no I don't ever get sick. So if one of you bites me?" Bella asked.
"You'll be fine, I doubt it would even leave a permanent mark." Carlisle replied.
"I hope you're done bothering Bella, dinner is ready." Esme said from the doorway.
They quickly went to sit down for dinner. Esme had set up a taco buffet. Bella noticed not all family members ate.
"Picky eaters?" Bella asked.
"Some don't like eating because they consider it pointless." Alice said.
"Right no nutrients for you guys."
"I just don't like taco's." Carlisle admitted.
"We cant always have your favorites, dear." Esme said slightly chiding her husband.
"Human food is disgusting and it tastes like dirt." Edythe added from the living room.
"It only tastes like dirt to you, dear sister." Alice cheerfully replied.
As amazing as the tacos were, Bella was enjoying the banter between the family even more. After dinner Bella decided to head home, it had been a strange, long eventful day. Before she left Esme offered her services as an architect for the cabin addition but Bella already had it planned out, after explaining her plan Esme was satisfied it wouldn't fall over, if anything it would hold the cabin up in the worst case. Everybody said goodnight and Alice walked her to her truck.
"Hey Alice, do you want to hang out or something tomorrow at my place? I know it's not really your style or anything but you know." Bella asked.
"I'd love to, when do you want me there?" Alice asked enthusiastically.
"Whenever is good with you, is good with me."
"10 AM? That way you don't have to get up early."
"Perfect. I'll see you then." Bella said
Alice gave Bella another hug, such contact with another person was still feeling strange. Eventually she made her way back to the cabin, checking her phone to notice apologizing messages from Jake. She didn't know what to make of it, part of her wanted to go looking for him in La Push to kick his ass again. She ended up calling him.
"Bella I'm so sorr-" Jake started before Bella interrupted him.
"Jake wtf were you thinking? You have a treaty with them you hot head. Not to mention that I care about Alice a lot and you know it. *sigh* I'm sorry too for beating you guys up and for cutting your cheek, I hope it's not too bad." Bella interrupted.
"I was worried about your safety, I fucked up, turns out I was destined to lead the pack. It was wrong of me to go to the Cullens house, I don't trust them but I should've trusted you more. It's not too bad. If I can ask what are you exactly?" Jake asked.
"I'm human, I just am a little different. I guess like you I was born this way. It's just like my instincts take over when you were threatening Alice like that. I didn't know you were the russet wolf, but I felt very protective of Alice. Is everybody I beat up ok?"
"Yeah everybody is fine, you pack a mean punch though. My cheek is almost healed up."
"Wait you have accelerated healing?"
"Well yeah, fighting vampires is dangerous, we gotta be able to heal quickly."
"Look Jake, you're a good kid, your intentions were good, but you have to understand I won't stand for you threatening or hurting Alice for no reason at all. I know you guys being friends isn't going to happen most likely, but can you at least try to be civil? This can't happen again Jake, it won't end well."
"Bella the treaty." Jake started.
"I know about the treaty, as I said it doesn't apply to me and if you're worried about Alice biting me and changing me into one of them then you'll be glad to hear we conducted a test today, my blood neutralizes their venom. So even if Alice wanted to, she can't turn me into one of them. Besides I'm already a monster, it's probably why they don't find my blood appealing. I'm no better than they are Jake." Bella said
They chatted a while longer on the phone, resolving some of the remaining animosity, Jake had politely requested Bella didn't make any unannounced visits to the rez, though he did state that she was still welcome. He had wanted to visit on Sunday but Bella told him that Alice was already invited, he'd be welcome another time, not wanting to have Alice in danger again. Bella caught up on some more homework and watched some tv before going to bed. It was a rough night, she had woken up from a nightmare with her claws out. In her nightmare Alice had gotten attacked, after calming down she managed to get a few more hours of sleep. Since it was still early she took a shower and went to the store to get some tea for Alice. She figured the two teas she picked up probably weren't Alice's brands but figured it's the thought that counts. Once back, she got started on her homework again, with the tv playing in the background. Before she knew it, it was 10 AM and she heard a car coming up the driveway, she got up, put her homework away and went outside the cabin. A canary yellow Porsche stopped and Alice got out as bubbly as ever and was looking very hot in her tight jeans and blouse.
"Nice car." Bella said with a whistle
"Thanks, I normally don't really drive it through town. Did you have a good nights rest?" Alice asked.
"Not really." Bella admitted.
"How come?" Alice asked concerned.
"Bad nightmare. Welcome to my humble abode. It ain't much but it's the first time I've been living in a permanent structure. I'm actually really glad you're here and that you're ok." Bella said as she led Alice inside.
She wrapped her arms around Alice as if to lock her in a unbreakable cage.
"I guess I was present in your nightmare?" Alice asked hesitantly.
"Yeah, they got to you and attacked you, I didn't make it in time." Bella said as she let go of Alice.
"You know, if they'd decide to attack me or anything I would know it." Alice said earning a curious look from Bella.
"What do you mean? Oh I got you some tea, it's probably not the ones you're used to, can I make you a cup with one of these?" Bella asked when she got to the kitchen and held up two boxes.
"Black forest fruit please. I can see the future, if somebody makes a decision to harm me or somebody I care about I would see it. I also see other things, it helps us make excellent profits on the stock market etc. It's my gift." Alice said while Bella put a water kettle on the stove.
"So do all vampires have such a gift?" Bella asked while putting a tea bag in a mug.
"No, not all vampires have gifts, some do, others have a trait amplified. Carlisle's compassion was amplified, Esme's ability to love unconditionally was amplified, Rosalie's beauty and Emmett's strength. Edythe can read minds and Jasper is an empath. The only one not subjectable to our gifts is you." Alice said.
"So you didn't see me coming?" Bella asked while pouring boiling water into the mug.
"Yes and no, I don't see your future but I do see you in my future or the future of others that I'm attuned to." Alice said as Bella put the mug down on the coffee table.
They both settled on the loveseat, Bella turned the TV on settling for the Hallmark channel as usual.
"Ooh there's a the good witch movie in 15 minutes." Bella said excitedly causing Alice to giggle. "Whaaaat?" Bella asked the giggling Pixie
"I did not take you for a middle aged suburban woman." Alice laughed.
"I can't help it, I love the hallmark channel, I want to live in those movies. I know it's not the real world but you know, it makes me feel better inside." Bella mumbled.
"Hey, don't feel bad, it's endearing that you love that stuff." Alice comforted Bella with a grin on her face.
They watched the movie until Bella mentioned that she had talked to Jake last night over the phone.
"You really can be gracious, you know. You were ready to cut his head off several hours before. I hope you two can fully work things out." Alice said.
"I think it's you rubbing off on me and I don't want to disappoint you. I don't want to be a monster anymore, if I had killed them I –"
"Bella, you're not a monster, you never were." Alice said while cupping Bella's face to force eye contact.
"Thank you." Bella said while drowning in Alice's golden eyes.
"You know, you never really said why I'm exactly your type." Alice said in a undisguised attempt to change the subject.
"You're shorter than me which makes you cute, you're intelligent, passionate, your bubbly nature rubs off on me in the right ways. I love your doe eyes, they make me melt. And you're hot, really hot." Bella admitted.
"Rosalie is the pretty one." Alice said self consciously.
"Hey." Bella said as she cupped Alice's head. "You're a lot more attractive than blondie. You remind me of Audrey Hepburn, you're absolutely beautiful and are full of grace. I've never been in a relationship before Alice, I don't know how all of this works. So do you find me attractive?" Bella said and let go of Alice's face
"We're going to have to find out together, I haven't been in a relationship either. We're meant to be together with the whole mate thing though. And you're smoking hot, I love that you're a little taller than me, everything about you screams protector and it makes me feel completely safe with you. And I absolutely adore your green eyes, they are to die for." Alice admitted causing Bella to blush. "I love that."
"Love what?" Bella asked confused.
"You blushing, I love it." Alice said happily.
"let's just watch the movie." Bella said somewhat embarrassed, not used to flattery.
They finished watching the movie and had subconsciously gotten closer together. They had nearly starting cuddling when they heard a vehicle coming up the driveway. Bella asked Alice if she was expecting anyone, but Alice assured her that she wasn't. They got off the coach and Bella went to stand in the doorway, from where she saw a familiar old faded red chevy truck drive towards the house. Her animalistic instinct made her shoot her claws out, thinking Jake was coming to hurt Alice. As the truck got closer she noticed Billy was in the passenger seat. Jake parked the truck in the opening and got out to retrieve Billy's wheelchair causing Bella to notice there was only a thin slightly pink scar on the cheek she had sliced. After Jake helped Billy out of the truck into the wheelchair, Bella turned to Alice.
"Alice, I'm sure it will be nothing, I have to keep my identity intact, and they apparently knew the real Bella quite well unfortunately. Please stay here ok?" Bella asked pleadingly whispering it as low as possible.
"Ok, but you have to promise to be careful." Alice stated.
"Promise." Bella said as she walked toward the Blacks, claws still extended which caused Billy to gasp.
"Bella we're here in peace, just don't hurt my dad at least." Jake said with overwhelming worry as the angry looking girl with raven black hair, with her claws extended got closer to them.
Bella retracted her claws, causing Billy to be able to focus again.
"How do you do that?" Billy wondered.
"How does your son turn into a very large dog?" Bella asked Billy. "I was born like this, with the claws. Just like Jake was born with the ability to turn into a very large dog." Bella said with a partial white lie.
"Yes you're obviously a human with abilities, very different but somewhat like our tribes protectors. Is this something that is a recent change in you? Since you came into contact with the cold ones here. Are you dangerous to others?" Billy asked curiously.
"We playing 20 questions now? No it's not recent, I've been like this for a while now. And yes I'm very dangerous to others, I'm a monster worse than they are." Bella hissed.
"Sorry I didn't mean to interrogate you, it's just unusual and I was wondering if you shared some traits with the shifters." Billy said apologetically.
"I don't turn into a large dog if that's what you mean. I got claws and heal quickly." Bella said extending a single claw and cutting herself.
Both the Blacks looked in horror as Bella cut herself, it closed up so quickly that the wound didn't even get the chance to bleed, before they recovered from the shock Alice had zoomed into the clearing standing next to Bella.
"Bella stop, we've talked about this, you have to stop hurting yourself. There is no need for you to give them a demonstration. And you're not a monster, stop thinking of yourself like that." Alice said strictly while going over Bella's arm.
Bella retracted her claw. "Sorry I got carried away. Guys I think it's probably best if you'd state your business." Bella said to Alice and then to the Blacks.
"Bella I'm here to apologize to Miss Cullen. I know you said another time would be better but this cannot wait." Jake said apologetically.
"No need to apologize, you were trying to look out for Bella, I can appreciate that." Alice said gracefully causing Bella to look at her with amazement.
"Bella if you could indulge an old man and answer one more question. How did you feel the first time you saw Alice Cullen?" Billy asked after having studied how Bella looked at the Pixie.
"I don't know, like she was all that mattered from that point forward. That she was what held me on earth or something." Bella mumbled out, not really knowing how to answer the question.
"That sound like our imprinting. You won't receive any more interference from us, regardless of what you two choose to be or what to do. Of course the treaty still applies to the Cullens otherwise. We should leave, sorry to have bothered you but I needed some reassurance. Enjoy the rest of your day." Billy said while signaling Jake they should leave.
"Bye Bells." Jake said somewhat confused.
They watched the Blacks leave the property and went back inside. Though she knows that Alice doesn't need it, Bella asked if Alice needed anything to eat, the Pixie declined but did ask for some more tea. They quickly found themselves back on the coach, Bella munching down her sandwiches with Alice looking at it with amusement.
"I'm sorry that I'm kind of boring, I never really had time for hobbies." Bella admitted.
"You're not boring and you can always find some hobbies, surely you've done things aside from working and watching the Hallmark channel." Alice said.
"I used to have a motorcycle, it's just that I always had a need to stick to myself. I've read most of the classics, which has come in handy for English, given the paper I had to write on the great Gatsby. I finished the paper yesterday." Bella said.
"When did you read the book?" Alice asked curiously.
"I started on Friday. Why?" Bella asked.
"Wait you read the book that quickly?" Alice asked.
"Oh, I'm a fast reader and I recalled a good part of the book anyway. I have a good memory, unfortunately, given there's plenty I'd like to forget." Bella said with a sigh.
They hung out together the rest of the afternoon, often chatting to get to know each other better. When Alice had originally arrived, they had sat apart as far as the loveseat allowed, to give each other as much space as possible. When dinnertime rolled around, they were sitting so close that their arms nearly touched. Bella's guard was crumbling bit by bit, Alice's bubbliness had that effect on her. Though Bella knew little about fashion, let alone design, she could listen to Alice speaking about it for hours. Given her passion for both it was obvious to Bella why Alice loved shopping so much. Bella had wanted to make a quick pasta for dinner but Alice insisted on going to quickly get take out for both of them, she had refused Bella's offer of money. Bella did a little homework while Alice was away, thinking it would take a while, surprisingly Alice was back in no more than 20 minutes. Holding a bag that said La Bella Italiana, a restaurant in Port Angeles which confused Bella even more. Alice explained she ran over there using her vampire speed to get the good stuff, well as good as it got in the Olympic Peninsula anyway. Both girls were smiling like idiots half the time they were eating, though Alice mainly tasted the food since she didn't actually have to eat. But it gave her the chance to ask a question that she had been wondering about.
"Does it hurt when they come out?" Alice asked.
"Every time, I still feel pain. I just have a different relationship with pain compared to most people, it's much shorter for me and my tolerance is very high." Bella admitted in between bites. "When you space out briefly that means you have a vision right?" Bella asked before going back to eat.
"Yes, I can't really control when I have them, But not focusing on anyone specifically is helpful to have less of them. When I focus on someone specifically that's having a hard time making a decision it feels like having a migraine for a human." Alice admitted.
After dinner Bella got an idea.
"Hey there is actually something I do, I should have a chess set around here somewhere, I rarely play against someone in person, usually it's online. If you want we can play a game but I have to warn you, I never lose." Bella said with confidence.
"Uhm Bella with my gift- Wait it doesn't work on you, I won't be able to predict your moves." Alice said enthusiastically.
Bella quickly found her chess set in her camper and they started playing in the cabin, with ease Bella won every game. But Alice was determined to get better.
"You should play against Jasper or Edythe, they are the best players of the family and Edythe won't be able to cheat, she always has to play against chess computers." Alice said after losing the third game.
"I'll have to do that, it would be fun." Bella admitted.
"Don't feel pressured though, it must be strange for you being close to people given how you lived for so long." Alice said sheepishly.
"It's OK, you're helping with it. I never realized how lonely I really was to be honest." Bella said with a sad tone before she reset the board.
Around 9 Alice reluctantly got up to leave, knowing that Bella needs her sleep. They stood together on the porch to say goodbye. Bella pulled the little pixie into another tight hug.
"Goodnight Alice, drive safe. See you tomorrow at school." Bella said as she let go of Alice and gave Alice a kiss on her cold but comfortably feeling cheek.
"Good night, tomorrow yes." Alice babbled while walking to her yellow Porsche and caressing her cheek.
Bella giggled as she saw the Pixie stumble towards her car. She waited on the porch till Alice drove off, when the pixie was out of view Bella touched her lips as she walked back into the house.
No idea when the next chapter will be out. Hopefully soon.
