.:Adventureland - Part 1:.

"Ohana means family; family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten."

~ Lilo and Stitch

Tarzan's Treehouse was the first thing the Cullens came upon in Adventureland—a land that brought the Cullens back into a wild, untamed atmosphere, versus the neat, delicate look of New Orleans Square. Bella noted how she could already hear exotic animals chirping and growling all across the jungles of this new land. But then she stared up at the large tree they were about to climb and frowned.

"They changed this, too. It used to be the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse," she said.

"That's the one where the family gets shipwrecked, isn't it?" Alice wondered.

"Yeah."

"Tarzan makes more since nowadays, though, if you think about it," Edward said. "Since it joined the ranks of Disney's animated classics, children would recognize it better."

"I wasn't complaining," Bella murmured, somewhat defensively; although, she wasn't sure if she had been or not.

"Last one up the tree's a rotten egg!" Jacob exclaimed, grabbing Nessie's hand before Rosalie could, leading her up the winding stairs.

Rosalie growled quietly, glaring after the werewolf. Jacob had a seat next to Renesmee on the last two rides, so it was clearly Rosalie's turn to indulge the little girl in an adventure.

"Rose, it's okay," Esme said, touching the blonde's shoulder to keep her calm.

"He did that on purpose," Rosalie snapped.

But the other Cullens were already starting the climb. Esme only repeated that it was okay, clearly not wanting anything to start today. Rosalie only grew more irritated, but she held her tongue. It was extremely difficult, but she did it, for the sake of Esme and Nessie, though she was convinced she deserved someone on her side for once.

The Cullens climbed the multiple flights of stairs that snaked their way around trees—Rosalie's mood change made her stubbornly stick to the back of the group.

When they reached the top, they began crossing the suspension bridge, which was a lot higher than the one on Tom Sawyer Island. Emmett paused on the other side, realizing that Rosalie was no longer with him. He looked back to see his wife gazing out over the park from the center of the bridge. He came up behind her and put his arms around her waist.

They stood there for a moment, watching the cheerful crowd of people bustling through Disneyland park, off on their very own magical adventures.

"I just might have to thank Edward for thinking of this," Rosalie finally said. Emmett was stunned for a moment by her words, which carried no hint of bitterness or deception. "Despite what just happened, I don't think I've ever had so much fun before. And Renesmee"—a smile crept onto Rosalie's face—"is having the time of her life!"

"That's what all the Disneyland commercials promise, isn't it?" Emmett chuckled, seeking out his niece.

Renesmee was tugging on Jacob's hand now, excitedly showing him all the strange gadgets and items strewn about the Tree House. Just behind them, Carlisle was saying something that had Edward, Jasper, and Bella laughing. Alice and Esme were further ahead, poking at a fake Jaguar that growled at them when they'd passed.

"Actually," Emmett said, "I've never seen the whole family as happy and carefree as they are right now. I mean, even you and Jacob...were getting along. Sort of." He grinned. "You're not at each other's throats at least."

"Yet." Rosalie corrected. "Which is still definitely a fairytale come true on some level."

But she sighed, thinking that not every day with Jacob around was going to be like their time here at Disneyland. She wasn't always going to hold back her displeasure, and Jacob was never going to ease up as much as he's been doing today—and even here he was pushing his limits with her. It was like a game to him, and she didn't find it funny. In fact, it was even worse realizing their arguments reduced her time enjoying Nessie's brief childhood. It just didn't seem fair that fate would give her this rare opportunity to help raise a child, only to add on an annoying condition. To her, everything always seemed to have a catch.

Emmett, somehow knowing where Rosalie's thoughts were, spoke strongly.

"You know, no matter what the pup does, or what you go through, Rose, I will be right there with you, and so will Ness—she's always wanting to spend some time with you and I don't see that changing. Although, I can't see either you or Jacob passing up a chance to go at it... But I know you, and I know you'll be just fine. You're strong." He shrugged, like the fact was more obvious than the clouds in the sky. "One day, you might just get along with him, too—just look at you and Edward."

"And until then?"

"It will be just another one of our adventures." Emmett paused to stare out over Adventureland, a boyish, almost sheepish grin on his face. "Well, that's the way I see it at least."

After a moment of contemplation, Rosalie turned in Emmett's arms to look up at him. "You're right."

Emmett's eyebrows raised. "I'm right? Can you say that again—it's not admitted often."

"Because it would be a lie any other time," Rosalie laughed.

Emmett grinned his famous dimpled-smile. As long as she was happy, he was happy. "Whatever you say, babe."

He tightened his hold on her and pulled her closer to him, lightly kissing her lips to show that, all jokes aside, he meant what he said. The kiss deepened automatically (they couldn't help it), and then Rosalie peered up at him through her long black lashes.

"I do enjoy all the adventures we have together. I would follow you anywhere," she admitted, almost seeming embarrassed at the confession of feelings. But this was Emmett she was talking to, and she knew that.

"This is so romantic," Edward interrupted in a gooey tone. He quickly blocked the fist that was aimed for his head. "Now was that necessary?"

"As necessary as you're being," Emmett guffawed. "And you," he pointed at Bella, shaking his head, "should be ashamed for allowing him."

"Hey, I was just following him," Bella was quick to say. "I didn't know you two were...having a moment."

Emmett laughed again, wrapping an arm around his sister so tight that she couldn't escape, saying something about excuses, as they began finishing the walk across the bridge. Behind them, Edward fell into step beside Rosalie.

"So, I hear you want to thank me... Now is a good time." He pretended to be casual about it, hands behind his back, eyes on the clouds.

"Ugh. You're worse than I am when wanting praise."

Edward chuckled. "I learn from the best."

When he spoke again, he dropped his voice low, so his words were for Rosalie's ears only.

"But, I would like to say that Jacob is going to be around as long as Renesmee is, which I'm sure you are well aware. I've found that the easiest way to cope with this is acceptance. Bearing the situation when you're not forcing yourself against it is a hell of a lot easier than being miserable, even if you think miserable is the only possible conclusion."

"I don't need a lecture, Edward."

"It's not a lecture; it's advice. Trust me on this. I've learned this more than once regarding Jacob Black's presence." The smile Edward gave her was grim. Rosalie knew she couldn't argue with him on that account. "I also discovered that, if not for certain things, we actually get along. He's not so bad. Really. It'll be better once you discover common interests. And I can't deny that it is sometimes reassuring how Renesmee is a common interest."

"Thank you, Edward. Although I know you're only happy because there is someone more irritating than you in the house now." Rosalie gave him a teasing look, and Edward tried to suppress his laughter.

Hurrying to catch up with the family, Emmett, Bella, Rosalie, and Edward walked by various Tarzan related scenes without a care in the world. The Jaguar, however, was something they could not ignore. Alice warned them of it a little too late, and while Edward was ready for its loud, thunderous roar, the others were startled. Bella, being the newest vampire, jumped back and nearly positioned herself into a full-on crouch, ready to spring at the animal replica. To make matters worse, a family of three was going by—a man, his wife, and their son.

"Woah, you looked ready to pounce," the young husband laughed, patting Bella's shoulder when she let his family pass. "That is really some reflex you have there."

Emmett and Edward were doubled over laughing.

"If I was a jaguar who was frozen by a spell like that, while all these people walked by and poked me all day, I would be grumpy, too!" the little boy said.

"I'm with you, buddy," Edward told him, and the little boy grinned a toothy grin.

Of course, nobody let Bella live down the incident after that, but eventually, the Cullens made it down the other side of the treehouse and to the entrance of another ride. Buried deep in the rich green flora of the jungle, rested the Temple of the Forbidden Eye.

"Nice! An Indiana Jones ride," Emmett cheered. He enjoyed these movies the most and was waiting to see something Indiana Jones related in the park.

The vampire family wove their way through the line outside, looking at all the authentic artifacts and props from old movies that were there on display. When they entered the Temple, Nessie wondered what all the strange writing was.

"What language is this?" Nessie asked, running her pale fingers along the painted scripture.

"It's Marabic," Jasper answered her with a grin. "I learned it on our way here."

Nessie gaped at him. "Really, Uncle Jazz? You know what it says?"

"Sure. So does your dad."

Chocolate brown eyes moved to look at Edward. "What does it say?"

"It seems to be explaining about the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, the temple that we're in," Edward said, inspecting the painted symbols. "Why don't we find where the beginning of this line starts first, and then Jazz and I will announce our findings."

"OK! Come on," Nessie said, her enthusiasm doubling. "Uncle Emmett, you lead this adventure."

"Absolutely," Emmett agreed, marching forward with added animation in his steps.

As they wove their way into the temple, however, they crossed many booby-trapped areas where they failed to heed the warnings.

First, they entered a long passageway where spikes poked out from the ground and ceiling. Some were pierced through skulls. As Emmett lead the expedition through, he came across a bamboo pole that stretched from floor to ceiling. A sign hanging at the top warned not to touch it.

Emmett threw a mischievous smile over his shoulder. "Dare I do it?"

"When do you ever follow the rules anyway?" Bella responded.

"When they're not forbidding me from something so tempting," Emmett said, smiling widely. "And this is damn tempting!" He turned back to the pole and pulled at it. When he let go it spun around a few times and then, suddenly, there was a loud noise. Above, on the ceiling, the spikes were descending on them.

"Retreat!" Emmett yelled; he was already exiting the spiked passage at top (human) speed.

"Hey!" Nessie cried after him, as the Cullens ran for cover themselves; however, the spikes were already rising back into the roof.

"You are a terrible guide," Esme muttered when they caught up with Emmett.

"Then you lead the way," Emmett challenged, stepping to the side to let her go first.

Esme passed him with an expression that said, 'Fine. Watch your mother kick your butt again.'

In the next area, Esme didn't see anything that was suspicious. There was nothing sticking out of the walls, there were no skulls or poles or signs that said 'Do Not Touch'. So she stepped right in. That's when Nessie pointed to an engraving of Marabic on the wall, postponing anyone else from entering as she made Edward translate it.

He read, "Do not step on the diamond-shaped stones."

Everyone looked forward just in time to see Esme's foot come down on one of the diamond pebbles. She froze, because she had heard Edward's warning as she was walking, but it was already too late. The move triggered the release of the large stones around them—the ceiling shook like an earthquake—and a loud thundering noise sounded while the lanterns flickered, threatening to go out. The Cullens ran for cover yet again, Emmett saying the whole way, "Esme did it! You all saw it!"

Next, they entered a room filled with exploration equipment—Nessie wanted to climb all the ladders scaling about the place. They also found where the rest of the guests were. Before they reached the beginning of the line, though, the family passed a rope that was tied to the roof of a well and dangled into a small puncture in the ancient stone that was sealing the well. There was a sign that told them not to pull on it...

One-by-one the Cullens slowly passed it.

Jacob, who was last in their group, paused in front of the rope, had another moment of deliberation, and then gripped it with both hands and pulled.

Nothing happened.

"Ha! You vamps are the only ones with bad luck around here," Jacob started gloating as he let go of the rope. But as he did so, a man was heard yelling, while falling deep into the well, and then crashing with all his artifacts—the rope had been supporting the archeologist while he worked.

Jacob stared at the well, then at the Cullens.

"Oops."

"You just killed a man," Emmett accused.

"On accident! And he's not dead. And look who's talking..." Jacob narrowed his eyes at the bloodsucker.

"Hey, hey, hey..." Emmett quieted him in a low voice, looking around conspiratorially to make sure no human caught on to the implication of that.

As the Cullens took their spot behind the other guests in line, Jasper commented on how they were already having fun and they weren't even on the ride yet.

"That sure is promising," Esme laughed.

Nessie skipped over to Edward then, saying, "We found the line! Now what did all the writings say?"

"Wait, wait. We have to watch this film first." Edward pointed to the projection screen above their heads.

A humorous clip showed the guests what they would be experiencing on their journey, how to properly buckle their seatbelts and store their carryon items, and that they should be cautious before stepping on board the jeep because, although some tourists came out of the temple with mass fortune, some did not come back at all.

Edward then proceeded to explain the story of the Temple of the Forbidden Eye, his voice echoing in its enchanting story-telling timbre.

When he got to the part where the deity of the Temple—Mara—can look into the souls of visitors and grant one of three treasures, Alice asked enthusiastically, "What are the three treasures?"

"Earthly riches, eternal youth, or knowledge of the future."

Alice scowled; she had all three already. "Boooo," she sulked.

Edward went on, ignoring his sister's pouting.

"But legend has it, should anyone look into the eyes of Mara, they lose their granted gift and are sent through the 'Gates of Doom'."

"Ah, sounds like only the bravest and strongest enter here," Emmett grinned.

"I'm brave and strong," Nessie said, jumping on his back.

"You think so?" The little girl nodded. "Hmm, you sure look tough enough. You can join me then, and we can conquer whatever this Mara god throws at us."

"Yeah!" Nessie smiled, fist-bumping him (her uncles taught her that move).

Once at the loading docks, the Cullens split up into two groups of four and one group of two (the military jeeps that transported them seated twelve).

"I'm driving!" Alice sang as they boarded the vehicles and she ended up behind the wheel.

"What?" Emmett boomed. He was sitting in the front row, as well. Nessie and Bella were in the middle of him and Alice. "I want to see a license for this kid."

"My license to kill?" Alice smiled over at him, baring her teeth—the look was dangerously sweet. "Just buckle your seat belt and let me worry about the driving."

"Don't have to tell me twice," Bella said as her seatbelt clicked.

"I'm nervous already," Esme murmured behind them.

Their adventure began in the Chamber of Destiny, which held three doors, each leading to their respective treasure. The purple door began to glow brighter than the others, and the Cullens had found their treasure.

As they entered, Mara spoke to them.

"You have chosen wisely. This path leads to the Observatory of the Future."

"We're all Alices now," Nessie said.

"What a ripoff," Alice grumbled. The others chuckled.

The jeep drove its way into a glowing, shimmering purple room, and up a slope. There, past all the magic of visions of the future, was Mara. The eyes of the large idol began to glow, steam, and flash like lightning. "Foolish mortals! You looked into my eyes. Your destiny now lies beyond the Gates of Doom!"

"Aww man! Who looked into its eyes?" Emmett demanded.

Jacob and Jasper whistled innocently from the back seat.

The jeep momentarily appeared to be headed for an exit.

"Right," Alice said. "Let's get out of here before—" There were squeals as their jeep abruptly swerved into a large corridor, rather than the exit. Lightning flashed along the walls, illuminating cobra statues.

"I hope that's not our first vision of the future," Bella muttered.

Up ahead, an animatronic Indiana Jones struggled to keep the Gates of Doom closed as he scolded the Cullens (and the human couple riding with them) for looking into the eyes of the idol. He then gave them instructions on how to escape, and the jeep sharply turned in the direction appointed, speeding up.

In their effort to flee, they zoomed through pitch-black passages, teetered across a rickety bridge where fiery flames erupted as Mara tried to shoot at them, they swerved and jolted through a chamber of mummies, where the girls all screamed each time a skeleton popped out from the walls and tried to grab at them. Except for Alice, who was giddy and hyper in the driver's seat, filled with the exhilarating thrill of the ride.

"Wee!" the pixie-like vampire squealed as they turned swiftly into another tunnel.

All was dark again.

Suddenly, little chattering insect noises started being heard. The jeep's headlights flickered on to brighten the walls, and the Cullens found themselves surrounded by swarms of beetles! The jeep lurched forward, making Alice drive fast to get out of there. They picked up speed, and as they rounded on the exit, they realized it was covered in more insects. But the jeep didn't even slow.

"Yay, spiders!" Alice cried gleefully as they drove right through the holographic webs and everyone screamed.

They zigzagged maniacally through the temple, their hair whipping behind them, smiles and laughter permanently infused in them, until they reached a room lined with tiny snakes.

Indy's voice echoed from the speakers of the transport.

"Snakes? You guys are on your own."

"Indy, WHY?" Emmett cried out dramatically, and then said, "Oh crap," as they rounded the corner only to be faced with a gigantic cobra, poised to strike. Emmett took a moment to really be wishing he could wrestle a real snake that size.

The jeep hovered in front of the creature, trying to find a way past it. Just as the front of the vehicle sneaked by, the cobra leaned out and hissed at Edward and Jasper, who both sat on the edge—and Edward and Jasper hissed right back!

The Cullens were laughing hysterically as the jeep sped away from the Snake Room and back toward the bridge, where another jeep was getting ready to cross. They looked like they were about to join them on the bridge and crash, but (Alice) made a sharp turn to the right, leading them into an avalanche of human skulls; Mara's spirit loomed above them. The jeep zoomed out of there in a flash, going under the bridge this time and into a new cave, filled with rats, where the jeep's engine sputtered out.

"What a perfect place for a bathroom break," Alice said brightly, subtly sarcastic.

Not only was the place crawling with "rats", but if it weren't for their magnificent supernatural vision, it would be pitch black, too.

"Anyone have Triple A?" Emmett muttered.

Then, just as quickly as it stopped, the jeep burst forward with incredible speed. The human couple in the back shrieked in surprised excitement.

The jeep arrived at a new corridor now, a nice lit one... Well, it was nice looking aside from the spear-wielding skeleton warriors that were painted inside, with small holes in the wall where their mouths were.

"This seems suspicious," Carlisle murmured as the jeep hesitated for only a moment (so the passengers could get a good look).

"Nonsense... Forward!" Alice commanded, and the jeep coincidentally obeyed, bolting straight through the hall.

The sound of darts (poisonous) shooting from the walls, hitting the jeep, and whistling by their heads was both heard and felt. Strong gusts of air blasted them.

"We're being shot at!" Emmett yelled.

"Figures we'd get caught in another booby-trap in this place!" Jacob shouted.

"Aunt Alice did it this time," Nessie laughed, as bouts of air ambushed her from both sides.

Once safely through, the jeep approached a dark area and halted its advance. Indiana Jones appeared directly above them, wriggling on a rope that hung from the cavern's ceiling.

"Get in, Indy! What are you waiting for?" Emmett said, making Nessie giggle and say, "Yeah, we have to escape before another booby-trap—"

Nessie's words were cut off by Indy shouting at them to back up, to turn their headlights on. And as the jeep's lights flicked on, they illuminated a massive boulder rolling straight for them. Everyone's eyes widened. The jeep started backing up slightly but couldn't go any further. Several gasps resounded as the boulder threatened to crush Indy and the Cullens and the poor human couple in the back who got stuck with them. But then, at the last possible second, the temple floor gave way, sending them sailing into the chamber below. Everyone screamed as they went.

With laughter echoing off the walls, the jeep wound, gently now, through a dark tunnel that slowly lightened. Indy greeted them at the end, standing in front of the crushed boulder, wiping his forehead.

"Not bad..." Indy said, "...for tourists."

"Not bad...for a robot," Emmett shot back. Then he looked over his shoulder and made sure everybody was accounted for. "Everyone still in one piece? No arrows sticking out of you? No bugs in your hair? No snakes in your boots?" He waggled his eyebrows at his Toy Story reference.

"No, I think we're good," Esme said, looking around at everyone with a big smile. The ride had definitely been a thrill, as she was still holding onto Carlisle's arm.

"See? I am the best driver EVER!" Alice trilled, clapping her hands as she skipped off the jeep. The Cullens started taking the walk back through the temple, toward the exit.

"Are you out of your tiny mind? Look at all the danger you drove us through," Jacob said, laughing.

"No." Alice shook her head with an impish little grin. "Look at all the danger I drove us out of. You survived because of my amazing skill behind the wheel. You should be thanking me. Right, Bella?"

Bells responded with a mumble that sounded something like, "Worse than in the Porsche."

OoOoOoO

Lawrence: "Prince Naveen, I've been looking for you everywhere."

Naveen: "What a coincidence, because I have been avoiding you everywhere."

~ The Princess and the Frog

My, that was a long chapter. But it was a fun one! As always, thank you for the reviews!