Fighters
"Thank you," Fred smiled unsure what to say, but he had no right to deny Pricilla's gift to be true, unlike Tanya who still believed it to be false. He wondered what their reaction will be when he tells them his soul mate is apparently part of the coven they seemed to fear. His coven had respect for this Volturi and their laws, but still was terrified of losing Fred to them. Beatrix's sisters, on the other hand seemed to despise them and making Gisbert promise he will make sure they don't lose him to the Volturi. Fred didn't want to leave Harof's coven, but this girl will be hard to find without them.
"You are very welcome," Pricilla said taking the ring. He observed the girl, her youth surprised him. She looked like she walked out of a black and white movie into high school. She was so different alone then with her coven, she was straight business when they were arranging the deal with his coven. She was also annoyed by the overprotective leaders of her coven. It surprised him even more to see her mate; he looked like he should still be in middle school. He was ten times more protective of her, yet she almost found it amusing. He left the happy couple heading back to the village, where his coven was waiting for him. Fred liked this coven better; they gave him a sense of belonging, and apparitions. They cared for his life and his safety. They were a vampire family.
Harof the leader, he liked especially, with his Viking past. They all seemed to care about him a great deal, and had high respect in keeping honor as a vampire. The only problem he found was their prejudice against werewolves that was not based on any proven fact. Millie is a bit less judgmental towards them but still fears them for no reason. Kondrat, his brother that seemed more an uncle was the one Fred decided to ask about other creatures. Kondrat seemed to be the most intellectual of vampires he had met, next to the Greeks but only due to experience.
He walked up to the village, it was almost day so most vampires would be tucking in or heading off to the woods. As he walked in, Fred became surprise; it was another child of the moon stands there waiting for him. He was tall, much taller than the Hale brothers, and quite muscular for a new moon, with a round face and copper skin as well as cropped black hair.
"Hi, there," He greeted him in a deep American accent. Fred wondered if he was like the ones at the Greek coven changed during one of the world wars and took shelter with kind animal drinkers. Beatrix's sisters are animal drinkers, maybe he was with them, just chose not adore over their nephew. That was one thing he notices, animal drinkers tended to be welcoming. They were off reminding Gisbert how to treat a lady, Tanya even made Gisbert ball room dance with her. He didn't drink animal blood those because his coven didn't live that way, he still understood why some would chose to drink it.
"Do you mind helping me for a minute?" He asked kindly holding a map.
"Sure, don't worry; I hold no prejudice against your kind." Fred said respectfully.
"You know what I am?" He asked.
"Yes, a werewolf. I have friends of your kind." Fred explained. "As a matter of fact, I even work with them." Fred would have no way of knowing his budget, the engineering or the translations if it wasn't for the Hales.
"You drink human blood?" The man questioned.
"But I still try to be peaceful with you," Fred explained as the man nodded confused. Fred couldn't help but wonder if animal drinkers were the only kind that ever showed him mercy.
"Alright, well, I am Sam Uley, and I am trying to find this Pricilla, what do you know about her?" Sam asked speaking to him slowly.
"You have to go through the Romanians first," Fred explained. "There castile is…."
"Get back shape shifter…." Fred heard a mass of squeals behind him as Alfred and Sukh stepped right in front of him. They were disciplined, when Harof was trying to make him raise the repulsion level they still stood right in front of him not moving. Harof came in front of both of them still hissing at Sam. Millie came along his side folding her arms beside her mate. Gisbert came out curios to see what was going on, but was quickly blocked by the Denali with fear of letting their nephew take another step towards Sam.
"What's the problem here?" Fred asked.
"These are shape shifters, lowly creatures that go after our kind." Harof said in Norwegian, a language he quickly picked up along with Cantonese, and Latvian. "That's what they are designed for."
"How do you know they killed us?" Fred asked.
"Why do you three care, shape shifters don't normally kill your kind, as a matter of fact they work with them." Gisbert pointed out as he just stood there.
"They killed one of our members," Tanya said harshly as Kate and Garrett protected him. "The uncle we told you about."
"Sorry, Tante Tanya, I didn't know that." He said politely as she smiled at him. They always seemed to smile when Gisbert called them Auntie.
It seemed they were all crowding up on this poor shape shifter on the streets of this tiny village while the humans slept when a voice came. "Excuse me, but is there a problem that we need to intervene?" A polite elegant voice came in a formal manner. Fred turned to see four vampires, three males and one female coming from a pottery shop across the inn. The leader came out from under the street light. He was tall, lean young man with a pale olive complexion and black hair that reached his shoulders, showing his burgundy eyes coming up in front of Sam. Behind him came another tall muscular male vampire with cropped black hair and pale skin came to stand in front of Sam like a body guard, most likely due to him being the outnumbered one. Then right beside the leader a female approached, rather timed almost nervously as she came up to the leader almost being sewed to him. She stood professional as she put her black curls in a bun. Then beside her came another male that caused hisses amongst the Denali, causing Garrett to say traitor under his breath as he stood nervous yet protective manner over the female. It was hard to describe their faces, he thought vampires couldn't get tired, but the three main ones seemed almost annoyed similar to police offers when a fight breaks out on their lunch break.
"What makes you an authority?" Sam asked as they remained over him, recognizing he was the one in danger. It was in an instant all but one took out V-shape crescents like police badges, his coven nodded letting down their guard as the other three kept Gisbert distance while the shape shifter stood unsure what to do. Fred realized that these must be the Volturi, they didn't seem as fearful as they sound, just minting order among the vampire world.
~X~
"Crap! I left my coat on the bus," Heather cried upset as she rubbed her arms alerting me instantly as we came out to the freezing rain.
"Take mine," I ordered instantly pulling off the letter jacket Rosalie and Emmett gave me for making the football team.
"Are you sure, won't you get cold?" She questioned as I put it around her forcing her tiny arms into the large sleeves, forming sort of a gowned as she wrapped it around herself.
"I can live," I assured her while she tightens it against herself.
"Thank you," She responded appreciatively as I opened the door for her.
"Hi, Heather," A slime human voice grunted behind us, it was Ethan, that skinny good-for-nothing spoiled immortal trying to take her from me.
"Hi, Ethan," She said with an expression of annoyance in his voice.
"So, what are you up to?" He taunted coming up to her cheek, with a smile that bothered me to the point of bitterness, a rarity for me.
"It's three in the morning, what do you think?" She replied back as I let out a tiny snicker while she went to the restroom and I went to look around while he stupidly followed me. She came back, and got a package of gum we went in line, then Ethan came to cut between us. I hissed silently as Jasper came in calming the scene down observing me with her.
"Why don't we get back to the bus?" Jasper suggested watching my every move as the class slowly made their way back to the bus. I watched Ethan's every move, trying to flatter my soul mate using the same pick up lines I used on girls I could care less about for centuries. Heather was above them, and deserved a lot more then the likes of him ragging on her.
"Don't you just love sleep," Heather sighed softly as we got on the bus with my jacket still on her, as she fell asleep falling into my arm once more.
'The next day, I found myself down on the shores of this mystical island, writing a letter to Alec telling exactly how I feel. When I heard some women chattering, who were also writing a letter. I was a little unease when they talked about the olden days. I was surprised how comfortable Matthias was, when Hecate told stories about drinking the blood of a whole ship. It was a bit uncomfortable listening to Sulpicia when they used the men for activities.
They came to the beach with lawn chairs, wearing swimsuits…getting ready to help Sulpicia write the letter to Aro.
"So tell me, what happened?" Kebi finally said. "I saw you across the field with Rensemee. It took me less than an instant to tell my oldest friend is unhappy. What happened? Has Aro been taking advantage of your love for him?"
"We love you, Sulpicia, so tell us the truth." Lamia sighed.
"We heard stories," Empusa put in. "Don't be ashamed to speak ill of your mate with your sisters."
I don't think they knew I was behind them listing; I was frozen waiting for Sulpicia to speak.
"I miss him," Sulpicia admitted. "But he doesn't miss me, I talked to Marcus, he hasn't even notice me gone. I swear the loneliest state is when you love someone who doesn't love you back." I notice Hecate putting her arm around her nodding as she said this. I always thought as Sulpicia as strong, someone who didn't put up with others putting her down, I swear I saw a different side of her when she talked about what has been happening with her and Aro.
"He wouldn't even have been immortal without you," Kebi said angrily. "What right does he have to put you second? What makes him think he doesn't need you?"
"He does need me." Sulpicia uttered strongly. "Kebi, what you saw isn't him, he may act like he doesn't need me but…."
"But what, why does he put his power before you?" Kebi demanded to know, what right she has to make such quick judgment of my parent's relationship. "What right does he have to present your children in such a manner? Sulipica, I ask you, if Jane was being treated someone the same way Aro is treating you would you be upset?"
"It's not all him," Sulipica stopped her. "And I want Jane to be nothing less than a goddess to her mate. Part of it is me, those."
"What part?" Mormo asked, looking at Sulpicia in the eyes.
"I haven't been saying anything; I've been lying to him, putting on a happy face." She sighed. "I don't know why I tell him what's wrong; Anthenodora tells her husband he's a jerk all the time and she's not down here wining. I just stay silent, I don't know why." She shook her head. "I am scared to make more stress, that is why I left, thinking it might prove that he can't go without me. According to Marcus, that's not working, he has yet to know the loneliness. We both been pretending nothing's wrong for centuries but we can't do that anymore. Things have changed those, we never even think about each other. Remember how he used to depend on my hope?"
"Use to say nothing can be more powerful than your strong hope, it was his rock, he use to say." Kebi sighed. "Yes, well that's been useless for awhile, and apparently some girl that can see the future comes, perfectly happy in her coven….but the moment he touches her, you think he forget how much my hope had never happened."
"He used to follow you around, asking to say something to insure things will get better.' Kebi sighed. "Does he know he is hurting you?"
"No, or else he wouldn't do it." Sulpicia answered. "He still cares about me but somewhere between taking over the Romanians, and the twins…. it got lost."
"Has he lied to you?" Kebi asked as they all instantly looked towards her.
"Yes, a number of times, I think the mistrust has started around the time Didyme died. He always has acted like there is something to hide, whether it's about accepting help from Eleazar when Felix was a newborn, or where the twins are. You know what he's been doing. You know how I wrote about him sending me on these trips. I found out recently that when I'm gone, he sends one of them on a mission and leaves another one to lie on the whereabouts of the other one. He should know how I would feel about not knowing what's happening with my children. I also want to know what he is telling Alec because my son is not talking to me and is anger with me. I haven't yet to speak Aro ill in front of Jane, and I think he would be fair to keep this between us and not involve our children.'
"You are in pain," Kebi spat out. "Please, let me speak, I've known you for three millenniums, we are your sisters, your girlfriends, so we know the truth by your face. Aro has you going through hell. I just have to say something. In all the time I have known you, you haven't been in this much pain. So I must asked, why did you wait so long and let it get this bad to seek our comfort?"
"You deserve to be happy," Lamia scolded. "How could you call yourself my sister, and let yourself get to this point of being this unhappy. We've been with you for millenniums, and you waited until it got to this to call for help. So don't let him hurt you this much, until you seek help."
"I didn't know it could get to this point," Sulpicia huffed. "We have been silent with each other for so long. It's hard to explain, I can't live like this with him, but I can't live without him. I knew that from the moment I saw his human face." She sighed. "I always thought it would be Anthenodora and Caius break, they argue with each other on a daily basis over the stupidest things, but we just keep it silent and not say anything.'
'Maybe that's what is causing it; tell him next time over the phone what he has unknowingly put you through." Hecate suggested. "I'll talk to him before, that way he'll seek you even more."
"We know that will work," Sulpicia smiled as they surrounded her. I then left letting them have their own conversion. I went to the deck, were Nikki was working on a motor that was sitting on a plank table, trying to put it together while Alyson helped him find the tools he needed, having them organized on a cloth. While Tia sat off to the side, with a book she and Benjamin bought Agatha as a gift along with Sophia who found interest in it.
"Jane's here," Nikki called admittedly as he saw me as Aysun shot up grabbing the cell phone, Hecate ordered Beyza to take to the cabin last night handing it right to me. Did I ever mention that Aysun is the romantic novel type that is something I had indicated with her asking any couple how they met.
"Who is it?" I asked taking the phone.
"Something I had yet to use," Nikki sneered silently as Tia glanced up concerned. "But Alexander has used once, but didn't bother waking me up."
"Beyza and Alexander are with Benjamin, Tia is with us," Aysun noted quickly. I sort of got an indication there was a fight between the two couples. I looked out with my advance vision to see Benjamin with them on a sail boat. It seemed Benjamin and Tia was trying to resolve it.
"We'll, talk to her when Hecate asked me to serve as a translator for Doctor Carol, sevgili kocası." Aysun said calmly. "She is alive, and happy, that's all that matters."She then kissed him on the cheek turning instantly to me. "We thought you would like to call a certain someone."
"We thought you may want to make a few calls to a certain someone," Aysun smiled at me.
"Perhaps…..Gisbert, apparently his coven has a plan now…..and we were somehow able to get his number." Sophia explained.
"And we figured you should call him." Agatha continued.
"Right now," Aysun smiled quickly, as Nikki rolled his eyes putting his arm around her, kissing her on the cheek.
"Who is she interested in again?" Tia asked.
"Gisbert, you know of the Orlicke Hory Mountain Coven," Aysun explained.
"Is he the one with that one sister who came to Egypt and complained the whole time?" Tia asked.
"Ilona, yes, you met her," Sophia reminded.
"Yes, she was rather sweet," Tia sighed. "Benjamin and I thought of getting her last December, when the vampires of your coven chose not to come to North America with us."
"I don't think it would be a wise idea for them to help the Cullens," I said quickly. They needed help defending themselves. The vampires, excluding Beyza, would have been interesting if we showed up and they were right with the Cullens.
"Yes, considering how valued Ilona is amongst the Volturi guard members. She would have been a good witness." Tia explained and looked towards me. "He really isn't much different from Gisbert."
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well…he has girls of the past," Tia explained. "Never loved them, but just said he did. Like Maggie for example, along with many others."
"Is this true?" I asked looking towards Sophia.
"Sort of," Agatha said nervously. "Perhaps you should call him."
"I will," I notice Aysun become very excited as I dialed his number, his stepfather, Kondrat, picked up and told me he was on his way here. Nikki talked to him about making sure those parts came in. Kondrat then gave me his number and I called him.
'Servus' the phone answered casually.
"Gisbert" I responded as his voice replied with a sigh.
"Jane," His voice let out excitement. "How did you….never mind, how are things going?"
"Good," I answered happier than I ever felt. "I called your home, and your stepfather told me you got cell phones then he gave me your number."
"I bet that made his day, he's looking forward to meeting you. Did you tell him I'm on my way back?"Gisbert asked excitedly.
"Ask him if he has those parts," Nikki whispered as Aysun gave him a scolding look.
"Do you have the parts?" I asked quickly.
"Yes," Gisbert answered. "I am at the University of Szeged currently hiding in the library. Tonight, I'm planning to visit my friend, Pricilla."
"Alright who is this chick and what does she want with you?" I snapped thinking of the girls Tia mentioned. "I'm not one of these girls in your collection."
"What?" Gisbert asked as if he was astonished as I heard Alec's voice ringing through my head. It was that 'Oh. My. God.' The way he says it when I just embarrassed myself without realizing it.
"Well, to start off her favorite color is pink, and oh, her mate is right here, I'm talking with him right now and he gives his love. Do you want to talk to him?" Gisbert asked I could tell he was trying not to laugh.
"No, I want to talk to you," I pleaded quickly.
"Good, I want to talk to you too," He responded. Then spoke very loudly. "So how's that situation with your brother?"
"He's still not talking to me," I answered, wondering why he was bringing this up so randomly. It was nice that was thinking of Alec, despite the impression Alec has given him.
"Oh, is that what Aro is telling you?" Gisbert asked as I nodded. Aro says he's been trying, but Alec is refusing to follow Aro's orders and talk to me. None of the other Volturi guards are talking to me either. That's why I am writing to you considering you're no longer a guard.
"I got a suggestion," Gisbert smiled. "Perhaps you should call, and refuse to hang up until Alec talks to you, just refuse to hang up the phone."
"Aro will hang up first," I informed him. I don't think he got that Aro isn't exactly the coven leader you opened up to about problems, or questioned.
"Then call him back and refuse to hang up, eventually he will have to get your brother." I heard him say, Aro wasn't the leader you got away with annoying or approached with a problem.
"Let's not talk about that," I shook my head, Gisbert needed to learn to be less open if he was going to join the Volturi. "When are you coming back?"
"Jane, I'm coming to see you soon," Gisbert spoke strongly. "I am visiting my friend tonight, but you are the final destination."
"I heard you had others…." I stuttered nervously as he let out a groan.
"But they are nothing to you, you have me trapped, Jane, since the moment I saw you not one can mean half as much to you. So please, don't have these thoughts, it's just a waste of time to ponder these thoughts about us." I hope Alec doesn't feel like the third wheel when we go back to Volterra. Hopefully he'll find one that makes him feel the same way I feel about Gisbert.
The bus parked in Seattle, where we got off and quickly organized to form different groups according to the teacher they signed on to. Jasper was taking a small group to the American Civil War Exhibit, which Seth was anxious to listen to, making Natalie just as excited. The football teamed sighed up with Mr. Helper's group, but I went with Esme simply because that's who Heather planned to signed under, and not to my surprised Ethan came along with us. Could the punk give us a break?
It was surprising to see Brittney Snow signed up with Esme, she wasn't in Esme's class and majority of the girls she gaggled up with, went with that Geoff teacher. They were all still surrounding her like she was a queen or something interesting as they kept wishing her luck while she flipped her hair and looked in that tiny mirror she carried around to look at herself, which I never got because she was nothing interesting. I've seen Danes tens of thousands of times more attractive than her.
As soon as the man checked each of our passports we got on a ferry taking us to Victoria Island were we will be seeing the British Columbia Royal Museum. I couldn't help but notice Heather rubbing her hands together as she waited to get on board, still wearing my jacket."Don't you just love warmth," She sighed as she rubbed her hands when the class huddled into a café on deck.
"Yes, it's nice," I answered clueless on what she was talking about.
"Do you want to get some coffee or something?" Heather pleaded for me to go with her.
"I'm not a coffee drinker," I answered honestly.
"Hot chocolate?" She asked.
"Not into that either." I answered with a smile.
"I can get you something, mint mocha, your favorite." A voice came behind us.
"You remembered?" Heather turned to face Ethan.
"I'll pay," He smiled taking her into the line. "Think of it as an apology."
"Well, I really could use something warm." She sighed. "Felix, are you sure you don't want something?"
"If you don't you could find us a table with enough room?" Ethan suggested.
'Or I could kill you and that would leave more than enough room' I smiled at the thoughts. "Fine, I can do that," I silently grunted trying not to show my jealousy, surly she wouldn't chose an a skinny mortal boy who doesn't even know how to treat a lady over the strongest man in the world who's willing to give up his life for her. I went to find a seat, calming myself down; he has nothing that I can't provide for her. I had the power to make her one of the most powerful beings that ever came into existence. What could he offer her that I could not?
"Felix," I a voice fluttered behind me. I turned to see Brittney with this strange powder stuff all over her face, smiling at me as if she was attractive or something.
"What?" I snapped upset.
"I was wondering, if maybe we could spend the day together?" She asked puckering her lips showing this gross liquid spread all over them.
"Why?" I asked. Did she really think I had nothing better to do then spend my day with her?
"We can get to know each other," She smiled, what would I want to know about her that would interest me. She then rubbed her foot against my leg, I had enough experience to know exactly what she wanted form me, and there was nothing about her that struck an interest. If she was a vampire a year ago, maybe, depends who else was around but now after I met Heather, no one else was appealing.
"I can't," I answered bluntly as she gave me a shocked look.
"Why not?" Brittney demanded, like her confidence was shaken. "Heather is up there flirting with Ethan, you can do so much better, like me for example. I at least know how to present myself better." She said showing off her bosoms.
"I'm taken," I answered honestly.
"You have a girlfriend." Brittney questioned, blinking her fake eyelashes.
"Yes," I answered, she didn't know she was my girlfriend.
Who?" She asked as I glanced towards Heather, Ethan's arm was around her.
"What's her name?" Brittney demanded, as I thought of the only one I knew that would go along pretending to be a vampire's mate without a problem.
"Heidi," I said quickly knowing she wouldn't believe Heather the way she was with Ethan.
"Heidi?" Brittney questioned. "I don't know a Heidi in the school; it doesn't sound like someone attractive."
"Online," I answered quickly, I just wanted to get her away from me, her voice was giving me a headache. "She's actually meeting me here."
"Alright then," Brittney stormed taking her purse. "See you around, good luck with Heidi." I walked out onto the deck, as I heard a graceful floral scent. My mind couldn't get off it.
"Felix," Jasper called in a low voice as I notice him, Seth and Esme up front motioning me to come up and meet them, which I was more than looking forward to doing in order to get away from them.
"Do you smell that?" Seth asked as a floral scent crept from came through the air, it was a vampire out on deck, waiting for a student to accidently 'fall'.
"Where is he hiding?" I asked as the four nonhumans gathered concerned.
"Somewhere on deck," Jasper answered as he looked toward Seth and Esme, I couldn't help but notice their complete trust in him. "You two stay here and make sure none of the students leave the café, while Felix and I investigate, considering we're the best fighters." Jasper ordered as they nodded. I agreed I was the best fighter out of the four of them. I knew Jasper only said we because I beat him consistently in every wrestling match he has challenged me since the night I saved Renesmee.
We followed the scent until we came to the front deck, Jasper walked over a trap door when I saw a tiny porcelain hand come out from where Jasper was standing, quickly pulling him straight down jumping up and locking both his arms. Jasper tried to grab but the tiny thing jumped and went under his legs pinning him again. She laughed as she leaped from him to over top of me and locked my arms and legs as I looked up to see the tiny stow away as one of my very good friends.
"Got ya again now, Felix," I heard a slight laughter as I let out a smile to the only vampire who was ever able to beat me in my eight hundred some years.
"She's fine, Jasper, she's just a friend." I pointed out as he calmed down instantly seeing the smile on Soo Min's face for beating me….again. Soo Min was a nomadic Asian originally from Korea; we met her when she came to help with the Southern Wars. She was smaller than Alice but had a gift that made her hid from Demetri, get past Sandargo, and beat me. It with cleverness, even those it's technically not a gift, it gave her the thinking ability to out maneuver any component. She let out a tiny laugh, knowing she had beat Jasper. I don't know why she viewed that as an accomplishment.
"Jasper, I would like you to meet my good friend Soo Min, Soo Min, I would like you to meet Jasper, my brother." I said kindly, it still felt strange saying that but according to human law they are my siblings. I couldn't help but let out a smirk as he came over embarrassed to see the first grown woman shorter than his wife had knocked him down in less than a second.
"Don't be, she beats everyone," I explained as he nodded while Soo Min giggled.
"Even him," She smiled. "Sorry, but you look like a fighter so I couldn't resist." She let out a laugh showing her tiny pale porcelain features, similar to the paintings found on vases, except natural along with deep red eyes, and a tiny body that flew faster than wind, making hard to believe that she was turned only at the age of twenty. Soo Min was a frequent visitor to the Volturi; she liked to challenge the guard members, except Jane and Alec. She wasn't like my other female friends, simply because I only enjoyed her as company as being one of the guys and preferred it that way.
"It's quite alright ma'am," Jasper smiled with a change of voice, he sound similar to the country singers that Heather likes. "So what brings you to here?"
"Well," Soo Min said gracefully sitting down on the rim between us. "I went to the Volturi to see my friends and they were all gone…." She said as her face became lost. "None of them were there, except Heidi but she's no fun. 'So I asked Aro where did all your guards go.' He then explained to me that they were all busy. He was much more welcoming than usual. It was like he wanted to have a conversion with me or something. I finally asked Marcus what happened and he told me you quiet. I asked why and he said it was hard to explain but Aro would know a lot more about it and then said I should tell him everything I know. Well, it he only listened to me for two hours, not even that much into the beginning he stopped and asked me to join. I asked him why should I join, where's Felix. He said that you quit and wanted me to take your place but then I asked him why I would do that when no one is here. He finally told me were you were and I really wanted to see your new coven. Why did you quiet?
"I found my mate," I answered as she smiled brightly and laughed a bit.
"Nothing seems too complicated about that, may I meet her." She asked. "I smelled three, so I take it she's in there."
"She's a human," I answered as she nodded now understanding her last encounter with my former coven. I didn't remember telling Aro that in my registration letter, I told him I found a mate and for other personal reasons I am no longer able to serve him. I didn't mentioned she is human, and I didn't want him anywhere near her until I bit her, nor did I mentioned a thing about what was going on with Kelly, the last thing she needed was another coven wanting to turn her.
"I thought it had something to do with him killing his sister," Soo Min brought out of nowhere.
"What?" I asked confused."Where in the world did you hear that?"
"Everyone," Soo Min answered. "Almost every nomad heading to China said that."
"Is it true?" Jasper asked.
"No," I answered. "Aro was in Estonia that night, Didyme was killed in Switzerland. I should know, because that's when he turned me."
"Alright, can I meet her?" She smiled looking towards Jasper. "Don't worry; I know you'll help me because we fighters stick together." It was funny, I am not the most attentive being around, but it was at that moment I notice several crescent shape scars surrounding Jasper, covering him from head to toe. It seemed like he had a bunch of vampires attacked him sort of like mine but were able to fade as I got better over the centuries.
"Here, take these sunglasses," Jasper insisted taking a pair form his sunglasses and putting it on her face making her look like an owl.
"How do I look?" She asked pulling back her black silk hair.
"You look lovely," Jasper smiled happily, obviously liking Soo Min.
"Thank you, very, very much." She smiled as Jasper helped her down and went back into the cafe, where Esme and Seth stood at the door being careful none of the students were out.
"Felix has another friend." Jasper whispered to Esme and Seth coming out looking toward Soo Min with curiosity.
"Esme, Seth, I would like you to meet Soo Min, apparently she was on her way to visit me when she heard I left." I explained as they both nodded.
"Is she aware of the rules?" Seth asked as he looked towards Natalie, while Soo Min stood there trying to introduce herself.
"Yes, don't drink until I'm away from you," Soo Min smiled as they nodded. "It's pleasing to meet you face to face, I was at the trial of Renesmee but I didn't stay during the whole thing, I stowed away while they were talking. That was way back when they had a guard. When Aro told me that was where you want, I wanted to ask if they all stayed there or did they scatter on your way back. "
"So, I take it you must be a good friend of Felix," Esme smiled.
"Yes, but not as good as some girls he's friends with," Soo Min smiled happily. "But now that he has a mate, he'll probably lose touch with most of them, considering he only contacted them to….."
"Soo Min, let me take you to meet Heather," I said rushing her away to where her and Ethan sat, the last thing I needed the Cullens to know is the reason for the little black book they all questioned, except for Carlisle who knows what it's like to be a bachelor for more than a century.
"Felix," My head turned as Heather came up to me with a smile. "Is this Heidi?"
"Heidi?" She asked.
"Brittney is going around telling everyone you have a girlfriend named Heidi." Heather explained.
"Yes," I answered quickly as Soo Min flipped back her hair and did a routine trying to mimic Heidi. "This is Heidi."
"Very nice to meet you, Heather," She smiled and shook her hand as she rubbed against me, making fun of Heidi. "Felix, I broke a nail, the world is coming to an end."
"Well, you two make a cute couple," Ethan said as put his arm around Heathers making me let out a growl.
"Not as cute as others," Soo Min admitted, and then whispered in a very low manner. "I am going to go talk to Esme."
"I'm going with her," I said nervously, not wanting to look at the sight.
The next day, I went to join Agatha and Sophia with the rest of the women in the Gynaikon. It turns out the Volturi and Alexander's banking skills isn't the only source of money. They weave, and they had weaved for centuries making crafts and such to sell at local trade shows. They been doing this for so long, the humans don't seem to know it wasn't factory made. It's amazing how into the arts they are; it seems all of them have their own museum. Kebi seemed to enjoy being with them, weaving again. Mela was there, apparently Hector went to pick up a package but she refused to tell me anything about it.
"I missed you," Kebi sighed looking towards Sulpicia as we walked in. "I really missed you."
"I missed you too," Sulpicia smiled happily, I didn't like Kebi all that well, all she focuses on is how bad Aro treats Sulpicia, and she does nothing to fix what's going on between them. I don't want Gisbert to join a broken coven.
"What made you wait all this time to come and visit?" Kebi asked. I could tell the way they looked at her they all wondered the same thing. "Why did you wait until you were this unhappy? Why haven't any member of your coven visited this place? You protect this coven but yet it still took you nine-hundred years to figure out they drink animal blood?"
'We've been busy," Sulpicia stuttered. "I've wanted to do it for the longest time; of course Aro has yet to notice."
"Why hasn't Aro notice this…" Mormo asked.
"Because he's a man, and they don't notice things." Kebi pointed out. "Why don't you point out to high and mighty wouldn't be immortal if it wasn't for you caring him back all sick with leprosy."
"Apparently, he doesn't even notice me gone," Sulpicia sighed. "I talked to Marcus the other day and he says Aro is going on being his jolly self."
"I thought he told you he was miserable." I interrupted as they all looked towards me, then towards Sulpicia.
"He did, but the thing is, he has lied to me so much over the centuries I really do believe in Marcus over him." Sulipica explained to the group. I could see her reasoning behind that.
"When you get back there, you two should have at it." Empusa said simply.
"First we need to plan our trip to main land Greece, for Jane here." Hecate smiled coming in with the weight looms as everyone, including Agatha, Sophia and Mela smiled at me with excitement.
"Yes," Sulpicia looked towards me. "That is one of the main reasons; I decided to bring you along."
"Mount Olympus and a tour of the underground caves is a definite." Lamia said happily.
"I wouldn't mind that," I smiled as attention turned towards me.
"Not near as much as you look forward to seeing the Ruins of Sparta and the fields of Thebes." Sulpicia looked over and gave me a wink.
"Delphi," Lamia suggested. "We had a lot of fun with the humans there."
"We will end in Athens," Hecate sighed. "But you will not listen to those silly tour guides." They all giggled at that.
"Sulpicia, I got a question." Kebi sighed. "If Aro can read every thought with one touch, then shouldn't he notice the pain he's been causing you?"
"Kebi, my dear friend." Sulpicia looked at her straight in the eye. "Aro has not touched me in a very long time."
It was with that we left to let them have their own conversion. We decided to go visit the Hales, considering Sophia was there getting a lesson in English. I kept noticing her, Dragomir, and Lamia are now trying to learn English from them.
I agreed to go with Heather, only because she wanted to tour it with me. "What exhibits are you and Heidi interested in?" as we took the broachers waking in, while Esme explained the rules as Jasper's group went to another part of the museum.
"The Medieval Exhibit looks interesting." I said without thinking. It would be interesting to hear what humans have to say about my time in their history.
"I never gain much of an interest in the dark ages," Heather signed. "It just seems so….dark."
"Trust me the sun still rose," I said trying not to laugh. "Come, you never know, things were actually a lot better than historians make it out to be, I for one find it very lively."
The first object we notice was a suit of chainmail, something Heather has only ever seen pictures of; I couldn't help but smile as she stared at the thing. "I bet they thought they were something walking around in that thing," Heather said with a laughing sigh as she read the description
"They were annoyed walking around with it," I let out a tiny laugh. "It itched like crazy and hot as hell even in the winter, they were sweating." I responded without making any hesitation. I don't know why we thought those would make us better solders; they were useless and just made us even slower. The number of peasants who out ran us should of tipped us off they may not be the best military uniforms.
"And how would you know?" She asked jokingly.
"Putting myself in their shoes," I answered not mentioning I've literally been in their shoes as we went through the exhibit. The first part showed the basics of feudal life which I knew the ins and outs of already. It showed the Magma Carta, as well as the basics of who's born above whom, but not giving the full point of knighthood but summering it up somewhat.
We then went to a section that showed a set up church as well as what the church officials, the monks, nuns and fryers wore back then. We then went to a small set up of a peasant's house.
"They were much filthier." I blurted being shocked on how clean they had it presented, were was all the mice and insects at, the dirt and the questionable stuff we didn't even bother to think about back then.
"Life had to be miserable back then," Heather agreed with me.
"Life has never been completely miserable, hard but not miserable. Depends how one looks at the situation." I answered, some of the peasants I saw were perfectly happy, even those they worked long days they still sung at night, they still smiled enjoying their families. I had friends who were peasants, and they were still the happiest people I have ever known.
"I can agree with you on that," Heather sighed. "I find life hard sometimes, but I don't think I will trade any of my sisters for the biggest most expensive house." She said as we walked into the part where they set up to look like a castle, it really looked to be more of people setting it up to look like a castle. They didn't have any tapestries or shields, it was way too bland for a normal castle.
"This would be a fine place growing up," I smiled knowing from experience.
"I don't think it would be," Heather answered as I looked over. "I would rather live a normal life more than anything.
"Normal?" I questioned. My family was far from normal, we weren't commoners, I was never a commoner. I had always been a member of the superior clan whether part of a noble family as a human or being part of the Volturi as a vampire. She should really be into that, considering this is where her future in-laws come from.
"Yes, that's what I always wanted," Heather hummed giving me her charming smile. "A house without wheels, a yard with green grass protected by an elegant white picket fence. So my two children one of each could play, while me and my husband who fathered both my children set on the porch swing watching them." She smiled happily. "Speaking of normal….. Cassie's baby is due in July, it's May now and we need answers."
"Felix, Heidi is looking for you," I heard a voice from behind me.
"She is…" I asked, Soo Min planned to keep Ethan distracted for me.
"Yes," He answered quickly. "Heather, may I speak with you alone please?"
"Sure, good luck with Heidi." She smiled towards me. I went out into the lobby to see Soo Min in Jasper's group being entertained by the students around her, no one had a clue that she wasn't one of them, but she clearly wasn't looking for me, which meant one thing. Ethan is a lied.