A/N- Hello everyone! Here is the next chapter to the story. I hope you all enjoy it! Thank you to everyone who has reveiwed, followed, and favorited this story you all are amzing! This is my first attempt at writing anything longer than a short story and I know some areas have been a bit bumpy. You all make this experience worth while.
Old Quil walked with Harrison towards the house Bella and Drustan were sharing his stomach becoming more upset with every step they took.
"Are you sure about this? Maybe everyone needs a day to get some space."
"I'm sure. If we wait we will only be creating more distance between ourselves and the pack. We need them to trust us if they are ever going to learn from us. Today we will mostly be talking, nothing physical. Hopefully if they see that we can all act professionally then we can move forward." Harrison answered.
"What if Leah or Paul start problems or make a go at Bella again?" Old Quil asked the sinking feeling in his gut becoming worse.
Harrison stopped and turned to look at his old friend.
"Then we allow Jacob the chance to end the situation before it escalates into something like yesterday."
"And if he doesn't? "
"Then we end it our way and move on leaving the a pack to fend for themselves. We were asked here to help them but we will not continue If they insist on fighting us every step of the way. They have been very lucky so far, if this were any other pack we would have left yesterday."
Old Quil nodded understanding the truth behind his words. It was his his and Bella's connection to the tribe that granted them a second chance.
"If you leave , I'm leaving with you." he stated with determination even though his heart hurt with every word that passed his lips. He would leave La Push, the land of his tribe and forefathers. It would would break his heart to no longer call this place home but deep down he knew home was with his pack. He needed to be wherever they were.
Harrison placed his hand on Old Quil's shoulder, " I know that old friend, and for your sake I hope it doesn't come to that. I know how it feels to leave the land you call home behind."
The two men stood there side by side in the morning light in a silence of understanding and friendship until Old Quill spoke.
"The pack will be heading to the clearing we better get going and meet them there, Otherwise Drustan might turn them all into ice." he laughed.
Harrison smiled, "We better hurry or we might get there to find giant pupsicles."
Old Quil groaned and playfully rolled your eyes at Harrison's lame pun.
"You really need to work on your jokes old man" he chuckled as they resumed walking.
I sat on the ground with my legs crossed and the backs of my hands resting on my knees. I felt Bella's back pressed against mine as her warm light mingled with mine. Slowly, I spread my arms out to my sides and raised them above my head with Bella mirroring my movement. Bringing my arms back down to my thighs I took a deep breath in.
{I'm glad the talk with your Dad went well last night.}
{Yeah me too. I came here to watch my father get married not reveal myself as a Warrior of Light. You know that I never planned on telling Charlie the truth about everything but I'm glad that I had the chance to tell him. It's like a huge weight has been lifted off of my shoulders.}
{I know how much he means to you and I can feel how happy it makes you to know that he approves. I think for the rest of our visit you should focus on the good relationships you're building here. Quil and Embry seem to be really putting in an effort. Just remeber baby steps, take every day as it comes and let all of the bad roll off your shoulders.}
{When did you get so smart?}
{Excuse you, I've always been this smart.}
I revealed in the relief and happiness Bella was casting off and sent my joy back to her. We continued with our morning routine in a euphoric state of bliss. When Harrison and Old Quil entered the clearing I knew something was going on they never inturpueted our routine. I was about to open my eyes when Harrison spoke from the edge of the clearing.
"The pack is on their way, I asked them all to meet us here. Just talking no physical training. Consider this our last try in getting them to accept us and the help we have to offer."
{Do you want to cut this short?}
{We haven't gotten to do this since I left to be with Charlie in Guatemala, I've missed it}
{I've missed it too, so does that mean you want to finish?}
{Definitely}
The pack arrived shortly after with Leah and Paul under Jake's alpha order to stay human unless he directly ordered them to phase. Everyone was on edge, yesterday hadn't gone well at all and no one was sure what today would bring.
Quil's eyes drifted to the glowing pair in the center of the field. Bella was sitting on a raised piece of earth that was just tall enough to allow the top of her shoulders to line up perfectly with Drustans' s. The pair moved slowly and gracefully; each mirroring the other it was as if they were one person. Though they weren't doing anything as jaw dropping as Drustan's display yesterday Quil found the scene to be breath taking. For some unknown reason watching them put him at ease and filled him with a sense of peace.
Harrison and Old Quil walked over to the group, both noticing the way everyone tensed as they approached. They had a long way to go before they could work together. Hopefully today would be a step in the right direction.
Harrison stopped and Old Quil came to stand even with his shoulder crossing his arms over his chest, keeping his eyes on Leah and Paul who stood at the back of the pack. Jacob noticing the direction of their gaze spoke up.
"They are under my order not to phase or speak and will only be observing this meeting. Anything they need to learn will be worked on in private."
Leah and Paul wore murderous expressions it was apparent they were not happy about their current situation. Old Quil smiled inside, Jacob's order was not just fair it was also very clever. With one order he managed to shame both wolves by keeping them from participating with the rest of the pack and remove the threat of this mornings conversation turning into a confrontation like yesterday. If you add in the mental and emotion strain that the two would be under being so close to those they thought to be enemies unable to phase, the punishment was genius. Old Quil may not agree with how Jacob was handling the whole Bella situation no one could dispute the fact that Jacob Black was an incredible alpha.
"There won't be a need for anyone to phase today. I think it would be beneficial to hold off on any physical aspects until we both trust each other more." Harrison calmly explained, he could see some of the tension leave the pack at his words.
"Due to the wedding I think it would be best if we kept it relatively short today. I think it would be a good idea for you all to get all bet understanding of us and our powers."
Everyone nodded their agreement expect for Quil who was still captivated by the two Warriors who were not a part of the conversation. The sunlight seemed to shine brighter over the pair as they moved in unision. Quil couldn't help but notice the hints of red shimmer in Bella's hair, with the wind blowing it gently across her face it almost looked alive.
What are they doing?
"They're just finishing up their morning meditation. They've been doing it together every morning since Bella became a warrior. It helps keep them in tune and strengthen their bond. Once they finish we can begin." Harrison answered.
Quil turned his head to attempt to hide his blush, he hadn't realized he'd spoken out loud and hoped he hadn't voiced any of his other thoughts. He assumed since Jake hadn't punched him he was safe but in his defense it was hard not to think about how beautiful Bella was.
Bella felt the sun against her face and smiled into its warmth. Some would call it a coincidence that the sun shined brighter once Jacob entered the field but not Bella. She was used to the way Jacob managed to warm her soul just by his mere presence.
{Are you ready?} Drustan asked in her mind.
Bella smiled sending him a surge of strength and contentment that was a side effect of her new open relationship with her father.
{ I'll take that as a yes.}
Drustan smiled as he rose to his feet. He watched as the platform she made for herself sunk back into the ground leaving no evidence that it had ever been there at all. Drustan walked around to Bella's front and helped her to her feet, the smile she graced him with was blinding. It was amazing the change in Bella now that the weight of one of her secrets had disappeared. With the weight gone she was free to be the Bella she was always meant to be and shinned brighter than ever before. Slipping her arm into the crook of his the pair made their way towards the awaiting group.
Harrison walked with Old Quil to meet them half way, he couldn't have missed the sense of peace radiating of of the amazing young woman who he considered considered a daughter. Opening his arms he embraced her with a smile on his face.
"Looks like you're feeling better this morning lass."
"You have no idea." she mumbled into his chest.
Letting go she wrapped Old Quil in his own hug.
"Morning Grandpa." she greeted brightly.
"Morning Little Light, I see you're up bright and early this morning."
"You know me, I'm always up early."
Drustan snorted behind her.
"Yeah right. You forget who has the pleasure of waking your grumpy butt up every morning, at least I didn't have to drag you out from under the covers today." he teased dancing out of Bella's reach.
Jacob felt the ugly emotion of jealousy clawing at his stomach. He was glad to see that Bella was so happy. He had been so worried about her last night and full of guilt for being part of the cause for her episode. His heart warmed seeing her smile and laugh but the jealousy surged at the fact that he wasn't the reason behind it. It should be him that brought a smile to her face, it should be him who got to wake up next to her every morning but it wasn't. That honor belonged to the blond warrior who had the only thing Jacob ever really wanted...his Bella.
The foursome stood there smiling at one another for a few more moments just happy to be with each other. The feelings of love and support that were bouncing around them all had them riding a high of positive emotion Bella was sure not even Paul and Leah could bring her down.
Simultaneously they moved as one putting more distance between themselves and the pack, coming to stand in a horizontal straight line. Bella stood between Drustan and Harrison with Old Quil on Harrison's other side. They stood close enough that if they raised their arms a few inches they could easily clasp hands. Once again Embry was shocked by the bond they shared. It was amazing to watch the way they interacted around one another and even more amazing that they didn't seem aware that they were doing anything special at all.
A burst of bright light surrounded the three warriors, it's strength so intense he had to close his eyes against it and hold his arm in front of his face. When the spots dancing in front of his eyes subsided he took in the group before him. Old Quil remained human the only change being the smirk he wore.
Harrison was clad in an intricate brown chest piece that seemed to be made of a material similar to leather yet still different. He wore a traditional Scottish kilt like the Higland warriors from a history book. The plaid had green and blue lines crossing over over a field of silver. His legs were bare expect for the sturdy boots that covered his feet and calves. A wide leather belt surrounded his waist keeping the kilt in place. He had daggers on his hip and one peaking out of the top of his left boot. His most intimidating piece of weaponry hung across his back, a gleaming claymore with silver swirls running over a black ebony handle. Embry always thought that the idea of grown men running around in skirts with swords would be a sight to laugh at but Harrison looked lethal and regal. Nothing about him brought laughter only awe and fear.
Bella's armour looked just as impressive as it had the day she barged into the council meeting. Embry did notice how the material hugged her skin and curves was the same as Harrison's chest piece and boots.
Drustan's armour seemed to be the male version of Bella's with only a few minor differences. His legs, arms, and chest was covered in black material matching the others but instead of being smooth his appeared to be covered in small scales that shined blue like a ravens wing. Over his chest, shoulders, and (Embry could only assume) his back blue swirls identical to Bella's looped and swirled around his body. He also wore boots that covered his calves woth the same blue pattern that adorned the upper half of his body. Two daggers hung off of his right hip, resting in an intricately decorated scabbards. A gigantic double edged battle Axe set just over his left shoulder while a large sword set over his right.
Standing next to each dressed for battle the three Warriors were true a sight to behold. It was obvious they were lethal and deadly, warriors In much more than name. Looking at the faces of his pack brothers Embry noticed he wasn't the only one impressed by the trio.
"Charlie was right, he does look like Thor." Quil said leaning close to Embry.
Bella groaned as Drustan laughed.
"You hear that Angel, I look like Thor." he teased elbowing her in the side.
Bella turned and stuck her to guess out at him.
"Speaking of..." she said looking to the trees on the edge of the field, "Dad you do know you don't have to hide back there. We won't bite."
"Everyone turned in time to see a red faced Charlie Swan emerge from the tree line.
"I just wanted to make sure nothing got out of hand." he said patting his gun on his hip, "and I told you he looked like Thor."
A few of the pack members laughed along with the warriors, Old Quil, and Charlie.
"You know Drustan isn't the only warrior who resembles his ancestor." Harrison stated matter of factly.
Charlie turned to face the kilt clad warrior with a questioning glance.
"Ancestor?"
"Ah yes. Drustan here is a direct descendent of Thor Odinson."
"Thor, as in magic hammer, God of Thunder, cape wearing Thor?" Quill asked wearing wearing a look of disbelief.
"The hammer was called Mjolnir, he was actually the God of Justice and Battle, it wasn't a cape it was a cloak and he didn't wear it into battle." Drustan answered with a grin.
"No freaking way." Seth breathed running his fingers throught his short spike hair.
"I think now would be a good time to explain a bit about our heritage and since you all seem so interested in his we can start with Drustan's. " Harrison said, his voice taking on a gravely almost mystic quality.
"I must warn you some of this maybe difficult for some of you to hear but I must ask that you keep your emotions neutral and treat this for what it is, an exchange of information. Can you all agree to this?" Harrison asked his eyes lingering on Jacob and Charlie.
Once everyone nodded or vocalized their consent Harrison smiled and cleared his throat.
Old Quil and the other two Warriors smiled, it was times like this when he was sharing knowledge that Harrison really shined. Telling the histories was one of his favorite past times. He was always in his element weaving a tale or passing on some of his wisdom.
"As we've explained the three Sisters of the Moiria will each choose a soul to bless with incredible powers that are meant to help us on our quest to battle the darkness. Our lives are surrounded in evil and battle leading to a very lonely existence so one of the most important gifts we were given was each other. We are more than three people working towards the same goal, we are more than a family. We are bound together in our souls. You yourselves have experienced the increased bond between yourselves and your pack. This is a similar version of what we feel only less intesnse. Though we are all closely linked there are different types of bonds that form between us of varying degrees. For instance, the bond blessed me with the greatest gift imaginable after centuries of being alone the fates blessed me with the most amazing son and daughter an father could ask for."
Harrison turned to face his children and they both stepped into him, one under each arm. Their love for each other flowed between them, Old Quil reached out and clasped his arm on Harrison's shoulder. He was the only one to catch the look of hurt cross Charlies face before he turned his face away, began shuffling his feet, and fisting his hands together. Old Quil could only imagine what it must feel like to see someone else in the role you thought would be solely your's in your child's life. He sent a quick prayer to the Sisters to help Charlie accept Bella as she was, Warrior bonds included. If he didn't Bella would be the one to pay. Pushing those dark thoughts from his mind Old Quil sent his own love to the trio.
The pack stood silently observing the group and Embry felt as if he were intruding. The display of affection was so sincere and heart warming it felt as it it should be private. A small part of Embry was jealous by the display, he had a horrible home life, his Mom was a drunk, he had no idea who his father was. Sure he had the pack, Jacob and Quil were his best friend's but Embry had never known a love like what he saw between the group in front of him and part of him worried that he never would.
"As the fates blessed us with an amazing father." Drustan murmured as they all separated returning back to their original places in line.
"The bond between Drustan and Bella is unlike any that have come before. Not every trio consists of two men and one woman. There has been three men, three women, or any combination in between. Sometimes certain warriors will become bonded and mated. The children of a bonded and mated pair inherit some but no where near all of their parents abilites. Such as , we as Warriors will live until we are slain by darkness, while a child of a mated pair will only have a longer life than the normal mortal. No Child is ever the same but all are more than human. The bond between between a mated and bonded pair is the most intense variation of warrior bond. They are bound together even after death and will never love another."
"Like an imprint bond?" Sam asked.
Harrison assumed that they would connect the two types of bonds and wanted to explain the next part very carefully.
"It's similar but not the same. An imprint bond is formed the instant a wolf makes direct eye contact with their mate. The wolf makes no conscious decision on who they are bound to. A warrior bond is based on trust and love. Two warriors could work side by side and not be mated and bound for over a hundred years. The fates will also ask both warriors if they wish to be bound to one another before the bond can be completed, allowing us a chioce. No warriors have ever surpassed that of a bonded and mated pair until Bella and Drustan. They-" Harrison tried to continue but was interupted by Jacob's growl.
Drustan had been watching Jacob intently during Harrison's explanation hoping to get a read on the powerful alpha. He saw Jacob become increasingly more agitated the longer Harrison discussed the bond between between a pair of mated warriors. He noticed how Jacob's eyes kept shifting between himself and Bella. Though his facial expression was a mask of indifference his eyes betrayed him. Hope blossomed in Drustan, this maybe easier than he thought.
"We are not a mated pair but we do share certain powers that previously only belonged to those that were bound and mated." Drustan explained flashing Bella a smile.
"Couldn't that be a sign that your meant to be mates? You said it can take a hundred years before it happens " Quil asked.
"Getting back to the Warriors who were mated." Harrison quickly said hoping to heard the conversation back on track completely ignoring Quil's question.
"What kind of powers do they have?" Seth asked curiously.
"You witnessed two of them yesterday. The first is the fact that they are more in tune with each other's emotions, which is why Drustan felt Bella's physical pain and knew she was in danger. The other you saw during Bella's episode. To you it may have seemed as if he were speaking to her as you or I would in reality he was speak both out loud and directly Into her mind. As long as they are in contact with their light they can speak telepathically. Our bonds are very personal and I think it would would be best to move on." Harrison said roughly letting everyone know that topic was closed.
"It is very rare for a descendent of a previous Warrior of Light to be chosen to become a warrior themselves but it does happen. Drustan is a dependent of Thor and Sif. You may also maybe familiar with the third warrior of that trio, his name was Loki"
"So when you mean to tell me that the God of Thunder and the God of Mischief we're Warriors Warriors of Light? God to Warrior seems like a bit of a step down to me." Jared sneered.
""God and Warrior of Light are actually interchangeable titles. " Old Quil answered with a knowing smirk.
"I think a little more history is need to fully explain what my old friend was trying to say." Harrison quickly stated taking in the packs confused looks.
"Warriors of Light have been around since the beginning of humanity when evil roamed unchecked. The Fates stepped in and chose three souls to be their champions and in doing so blessed them with powers earth had never seen. Through out history certain men and women became objects of worship, ninety eight percent of those were actually Warriors of Light. Some were known by multiple names by multiple cultures. Every champion of the sisters is known for two traits that influence their every action. Over time humans chose to name us for those traits. Clotho's champion upholds peace and balance, Lachesis's upholds knowledge and truth, and Altropos's upholds Battle and Justice." Harrison paused to allow what he was saying to sink in.
The pack stood speechless, each member trying member trying to wrap their minds around around what they were just told. How was it possible that the three people standing before them were not only Warriors of Light but God's as well.
"Each warrior is also granted control over the element Earth, Air, or Water. For example Thor was the God of Battle and Justice and controlled the element of water. LADY Sif was the Goddess of Peace and Balance consoling the element of Air, and Loki was the God of Knowledge and Truth in control of the element Earth." Harrison paused briefly to guage the reaction, level of comprehension and understanding but continued before the barrage of questions could begin. It was imperative that he get as many facts and explanations out before the questions began or else he'd never keep the conversation on track.
"Just a few minutes ago I told you that it was rare for a descendent of two Warriors to be chosen and once again Bella and Drustan are breaking breaking the previous conceived notions of the Warriors of Light. For the first time two of our Warrior are decents of a mated pair. Bella is a descendent of Zeus God of Battle and Justice controller of Air, and Hera Goddess of Knowledge and Truth who controlled the power of Earth. Posiden was the third member of that trio and obviously controlled the element of water.
"Wait you Mean to tell me that my daughter is the Goddess of Battle and Justice?" Charlie asked, his face pale and he looked as if he were about to be sick.
"Bella is known around the world by many names, like her ancestor some cultures refer to her as Mother Earth because she holds control over the element of earth, as you all have witnessed. Drustan is known as the God of Peace and Balance and controls the element of water."
"You have to understand that we are not gods nor were our ancestors, we have always been Warriors of Light. In the past people have witnessed our powers and we became idolized and worshipped." Bella added wanting to make sure the pack understood what Harrison was explaining.
"We do not encourage those titles or veiws honestly we would prefer if they would disappear but with our control over the elements, light powers, and the ability to heal the sick you can guess why it seems to stick." Drustan smirked adding a little humor and relieving some of the tension. Bella was always amazed at how he managed to put people at ease.
"I know this is a lot of information to take in and we haven't even scratched the surface of our powers or histories but I think this is a good stopping point today so does anyone have any questions? " Harrison asked sounding very much like like a high school teacher.
"Uh I do." Quil said raising his hand, "Is this all for real?"
The Warriors and Old Quil spent the next hour answering questions and re explaining some of the more confusing concepts they covered. It took them ten more minutes to convince the curious wolves it was time to disperse. They all agreed to meet again the next afternoon.
As the pack began to drift away Bella walked over to her father.
"How you holding up" she asked.
"I'm okay it's just a lot to take in." he answered, wrapping one arm around his daughter.
The pair walked down the wooded path that would bring them to the edge of the Clearwater s back yard in comfortable silence. When they reached the edge of the trees Bella stopped turning to face her father.
"I have a question to ask you and I'll understand if you say no. I was wondering, hoping that you would let me decorate your wedding. I know the ceremony and reception is on first beach, I promise I will make it beautiful. " she rattled on quickly unsure why she was so nervous.
Charlie laughed as he grabbed his daughter by the shoulders stopping her before she began talking so fast he wouldn't be able to understand her.
"I'd love that sweeheart. The boys are building a dance floor but the rest is up to you. Sue and I were going to leave it simple since we've already done this once. Just don't go overboard with the girly stuff." he teased.
"I promise your both going to love it thank you!" Bella squealed pulling her Dad into a crushing hug.
Charlie shook his head with a huge smile on his face as he watched his daughter jog back down the trail. He would have agreed to anything to make her smile that way. It seemed like all of the old wounds on Charlies heart were closing and he'd never felt better.
A/N2- Well here it is I hope you enjoyed it. The next chapter is the wedding and the reintroduction of the Cullens. Thank you all for sticking with me as always your reviews would mean so much to me I'm almost at 100!