CHAPTER TWELVE

SEARCH OF ELDORADO

I leaned back into my air plane seat and sighed. Alice looked at me, "You should get some rest." I glanced at a sleeping Bella and shook my head, "Can't."

I tugged on the rolled up sleeves of my... Jasper's shirt. It was the light green button-up shirt he wore when we kissed for the first time. I'd left it at Bella's in the bottom of my duffel bag when we had a sleepover with Alice. Jasper never found it.

Alice sighed heavily, "Do you know what you're getting into?"

"With the Volturi?" I asked. "I don't care."

"Well you should," Alice snapped softly, "The Volturi could easily find you. You're a human who knows entirely too much about us. They could kill us all."

"I won't let them," I swore.

THIRD PERSON POV

Jasper Cullen sat stoic, ignoring the noise around him. He stuff his hands into his hoodie pockets and stood to start weaving his way through the crowds. He knew the Volturi wouldn't just kill him. His gift was too valuable. So he had to cut to the chase. He pulled his hood completely over his head so no sun hit his skin. He was quick to get to the clock tower and force his way in.

When he was inside, he took of his hood and leant against the door, sighing. Flashbacks whipped across his eyes when he closed them.

Heather laid her head on his shoulder, "You're missing the party."

He whispered, "You're more important."

She looked up at him while inside, they were starting the countdown to the New Year.

10... 9... 8...

Jasper looked down at her. He whispered, "Seven... Six... Five..."

She whispered, "Four... Three... Two..."

Jasper's lips claimed hers as everyone inside yelled, "One! Happy New Year!"

It was a gentle, chaste kiss, but it lasted forever.

That was their first kiss. He'd never forget it.

Jasper let out a breath he didn't need – he told her about that – and looked down at Heather, "You deserve better than constantly covering for me and my family."

"I'm covering for my family," She whispered back.

He'd never forget how it felt in his heart when she called him her family.

Heather put a hand on his cheek and tugged his face to look at her. She knew if he honestly didn't want to look at her then she wouldn't be strong enough to make him. But he allowed her to pull his face closer to hers. "Jasper, you don't know how proud of you we all are. How proud of you I am. You don't give yourself enough credit. If I become a vampire, I'll be so lucky to have you there to guide me."

Jasper closed his eyes and sighed. She wrapped my arms around his waist and laid her head on his chest, "Just believe in yourself Jasper. I do."

She felt him slowly wrap his arms around my back. She sighed into his chest, "You're my Jasper."

He had been her Jasper. She had stayed by him through thick and thin. And now she was just... gone. He never got to say goodbye or that he loved her one last time. The light of his life had just burned out like a candle that got blown out. At first Jasper wanted to go after Victoria - he was so angry and bent on revenge. But Carlisle had said he wasn't in his right mind. So he spent hours alone in his room in turmoil over what Alice had told him. His world had just dissappeared like that.

He was supposed to protect her. He was supposed to go back for her. He failed in both. He couldn't live with himself. So he decided not to live anymore. Maybe Edward was wrong. Maybe even vampires could get to Heaven and he'd see his Heather again.

Maybe.

HEATHER'S POV

Bella and I waited impatiently at the curb when a speeding yellow hard-top Porsche with darkly tinted windows came to a screeching halt in front of us. The passenger door opened to reveal Alice in the driver's seat wearing a white hooded coat, dark sunglasses and a scarf in her hair. I quickly got into the car with Bella and shut the door. Bella asked, "Where'd you get the car?"

"I didn't think you'd mind grand theft auto under the circumstances," Alice said as she sped away.

Bella gripped my seat and I gripped the dash board as she floored it and narrowly missed a car. "How much time do we have until the Volturi... kill him?"

Alice made a sharp turn to the left, making me grip the dashboard tighter, "He'll wait until noon... when the sun's at its highest. He's going to make a scene. Force the Volturi to deal with him the only way they do. Kill him."

I peered at the radio-clock in the car, "Alice, its almost noon!"

"There's Volterra," She answered. She punched the gas as I peered out to see a medieval village on top of a hill.

The narrow, old streets were crowded with Italians in heavy dark red cloaks – most of the hoods pulled up. They seemed excited as they headed towards the town square carrying red pendants, balloons, scarves... red. Alice weaved through the people as quickly as she could.

"Why are they all wearing red?" Bella asked from the back seat.

"Sans Marcos Day festival," Alice told us, "The perfect setting. Large crowds. Jasper's going to reveal himself in the sunlight. The Volturi won't let him get far enough – that's what he wants."

I looked at the clock; 11:55, "Alice!" I panicked, "We only have five minutes!"

The Porsche screeched to a halt at a road block. The Italian police men waved her back. I sighed, frustrated, and hurriedly got out of the car, "Where's the square?"

"Follow that lane-" Alice pointed out.

I sprinted away as I heard her call out after me, "He'll be under the clock tower!"

Gaily bedlight,

A gallant knight,

In sunshine and in shadow,

Had journeyed long,

Singing a song,

In search of Eldorado.

I raced through all the alley-ways and jumped over the uneven stones. Unfortunately, the festival weirdos were going the same direction and they wouldn't get out of my way. I pushed past people calling out, "Excuse me," or "Sorry."

I finally broke through the crowd when I got to the square. The clock tower was across the palazzo. More people pushed their way in front of me and I pushed back, peering at the clock on top of the tower. It read 11:59.

But he grew old-

This knight so bold-

And o'er his heart a shadow

Fell as he found

No spot of ground

That looked like Eldorado.

I heard a man shout, "Fare attenzione!" but I ignored him and charged towards the tower. I collided into a fountain though, tumbling in. The water splashed as I fell. My feet and hands were soaked. Suddenly I heard a loud gong! I looked up and saw that it was noon. I had to hurry. I quickly waded through the shallow water until I could jump out.

I stumbled when I saw … Jasper in the shadows. "JASPER!" but my cry was was swallowed up by the loud chimes of the clock tower. I pushed through the other people towards him.

Everything felt like it was going in slow motion. Jasper took step by slow step, slowly removing his T-shirt. I saw him close his eyes. He took one step into the sunlight and I got a glimpse of his sparkling skin as I sprinted towards him, screaming, "No, Jasper! Stop!"

And, as his strength

Failed him at length,

He met a pilgrim shadow-

"Shadow," said he,

"Where can it be-

This land of Eldorado?"

I crashed into his body, "Open your eyes! I'm here!"

I felt Jasper wrap his arms around me, whispering, "This is Heaven..."

I pushed him back, trying to get him to move, "Get inside. Jasper, get inside!"

He seemed to be in some sort of daze because he allowed me to shove him inside the tower, "Heather..."

I held his face harshly, "Jasper look at me! Look at me, I'm alive! I'm here."

He opened his eyes, looking confused, "You're glowing. This isn't real."

I ran my hands through his hair, "Alice was wrong. I'll explain. I'm real. I promise."

Jasper looked at me for a long hard time, "Heather? You're alive?"

I laughed through my tears, cheering, "Yes," and smashing my lips to his. He responded enthusiastically.

"Over the Mountains

Of the Moon,

Down the Valley of the Shadow,

Ride, boldly ride,"

The shade replied-

"If you seek for Eldorado!"

His lips felt heavenly against mine after all this time; moving fluidly as if we hadn't gone of hiatus. His arms wrapped tightly around my waist, pulling my body as close to his as possible. One of his hands lifted to run through my hair and cup my face. I felt his features – re-memorizing them like my life depended on it.

Jasper slowly pulled away to look at me, his eyelids fluttering, "You're really here. I thought I lost you."

I shook my head, tears falling from my eyes, "No. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

He ran his hand down the side of my face, gazing deeply into my eyes like he used to. He leaned in but then he suddenly stiffened. He was still for a moment before he rapidly pushed me behind him as footsteps echoed from down the hall.

Two hooded figures emerged from the shadows. They were both young men, stunningly handsome like other a vampire could be. One was huge, like Emmett, strong and buff. The other was lean, slender, with some sort of elegant air about him. But their images were ruined by their vibrant red eyes.

The huge one spoke, "Aro wants to speak with you."

"I didn't break any rules," Jasper pointed out.

The lean one had a smile that said otherwise. He wasn't as intimidating at the huge one, since he was smaller. But I knew that didn't matter. "We should take this conversation to a more appropriate venue."

Jasper let out a breath through his nose, "Very well." He looked down at me, tenderly, "Heather, why don't you go enjoy the festival?"

I didn't want to go but the decision was made for me when the huge one said, "No. The girl comes with us."

"No," Jasper stated without hesitation, "Absolutely not."

I heard the large door I shoved Jasper through open heavily with a creak as Alice lightly tripped through. She pulled back the hood of her coat, speaking while pulling her sunglasses off, "Come on, guys, it's a festival."

She came to stand behind us as Bella followed her in. Bella sighed in relief when she saw me and Jasper and came to my side, gripping the hand I didn't have intertwined with Jasper's. Alice stood as protectively as Jasper, "We wouldn't want to make a scene."

The huge guy didn't look impressed, "There won't be any scene. And we'll still win."

I tightened my grip on Jasper's hand, "I don't think so."

I got a reproachful look from Alice and regretted saying it. But I couldn't stop myself. "Enough."

Another figure came through from the shadows. A girl this time. She was even smaller than Alice, younger too. She was in a heavy dark overcoat, her golden blonde hair pulled back into a tight bun and her irises bright crimson.

The boys backed off when she entered. Jasper and Alice stepped back. Everyone seemed afraid of this girl. Jasper nodded to her, "Jane."

Bella leaned into Alice and whispered, "Who is she?"

Alice spoke quickly and quietly, "Just do as she says."

I didn't like her.

Jane tossed Jasper an overcoat – since he was shirtless – and he slipped it on. "Follow me." She simply turned and headed up the alley, confident. The huge vampire smirked and gestured for us to go ahead of him. Jasper took my hand and pulled me into his side, walking.

Jane led us through several dark alleys. The two men walked behind us. I clutched onto Jasper and he never loosened his grip on me. We were led to a wall of brick. Jane didn't break her stride, dropping into a hole in the street; a storm drain. Alice followed quickly. Bella and I peered down, seeing nothing but pitch black darkness.

"It's alright, Bella," Jasper said, "Alice will catch you."

Bella gave him a wary look but stepped forward and dropped into the storm drain.

I clutched Jasper's hand, signaling him to look at me, "Jasper, I'm so scared."

Jasper kissed my forehead, "I'll go down first. You will follow?"

I peered up at him, "You can't get rid of me. Never again." He looked pained briefly by the mention of our separation but he shook it away. I lifted my hands to his face and brushed his hair back, "No matter what happens downs there... I love you."

Jasper smiled tenderly and leaned forward to kiss me passionately but quickly, "I love you, Heather."

He jumped down the hole. I closed my eyes, gathering my courage. I took a deep breath and stepped into the hole. Wind whooshed past me as I fell. I landed swiftly in Jasper's arms. He cuddled me close before setting me on my feet. He pulled me against his body as we followed Jane through the sewer. Jasper tried to send me reassuring emotions with his powers... but nothing could push down the dread I felt.

We were led this time to an elevator door. We all piled in. I pressed my forehead against Jasper's chest. He wrapped his arm around me, trying to comfort me.

We entered an elegantly decorated space with old world charm. We were greeted by an attractive – human – woman behind a desk, "Buon pomeriggio." We marched until we were at some large, carved, double doors that Alice pushed aside.

Including the three that led us here, there were eight vampires guarding three ancient lords sitting in thrones. This was the Volturi. There was an... indent in the center of the floor that led to a drain. I could only imagine what that was for. Bella noticed it too and shivered.

The man in the middle stood and greeted us with a smile, like we were friends. He got so close as to take Jasper's hand, "What a happy surprise! Heather is alive after all. Isn't that wonderful?"

A blonde lord with a cynical expression tilted his head. The other lord with long flowing dark hair looked indifferent. The on in the ponytail released Jasper's hand, "But the other one... Bella... her blood appeals to you so much it makes me thirsty. How can you stand being so close?"

Jasper stiffened, "It's not without difficulty."

The guy – Aro – laughed, "I can see that."

Jasper leaned into my ear, "Aro can see every thought I've ever had in my life with a touch."

"You're brother is quite the telepath himself. Though he couldn't read Bella's thoughts? Fascinating." Aro mused. Aro released Jasper's hand turned to me, "And you... are definitely something to... marvel at."

I didn't meet his eyes, "I'm nothing special."

Aro clasped his hands together, "I have to protest. For a mere human girl to handle the secret and... captivate one of our kind so completely as to drive them to suicide..." I flinched when he mentioned that, "Well, that is something worth... studying."

He lifted his hand up towards me. I just looked at it. Jasper whispered almost inaudibly in my ear, "Take it."

I stepped forward, pretending to be brave, and put my hand into his. His skin was cold and felt like leather. He gasped and clasped my hand harder, making me flinch. He closed his eyes. After a while, he unclasped my hand. I immediately latched it to Jasper's and he sent comforting waves towards me. I finally met Aro's crimson eyes, "You know everything now."

"Not," he pointed at Bella, "Everything. I am curious to see if Bella is an exception to my gift as well." He reached for her hand and she hesitated just a moment before finally taking it. A beat passed as he held her hand and confusion swept over his face, "Interesting." He released her and moved back to his chair, seeming in deep thought.

"I wonder if.." He glanced at Jane. Alice followed his eyes and looked panicked. "Let's see if she's immune to all our powers, shall we Jane?"

Jane turned towards Bella... and grinned. A beat passed and nothing happened. Jane's grin slowly faded into a scowl of frustration. Aro laughed wind chimes. Jane, angry, started to move for Bella but Aro made a move for her to stop. Aro clapped his hands together, "Remarkable! She confounds us all. And Heather's ability to make anyone trust her... What do we do with the two of you now?"

Another vampire with loose dark hair droned, "You already know what you'll do, Aro."

The blonde lord spoke next, "They know too much. They're a liability."

Aro sighed, seeming disappointed, "That's true. Unless you intend to turn them..." He looked at Jasper, "But that's not your intention. Shame." Aro nodded to Felix who took a step towards Bella.

But then I stepped in front of her, "Stop!"

Felix didn't falter in his step and he instead set his sights on me. Jasper lunged at Felix. I shouted, "Jasper, no!"

Alice tried to go to his aid but the Volturi guards held her back as she struggled. Felix and Jasper blurred around the room. Jasper anticipating Felix's every move. He turned into a soldier – a warrior.

Jasper got thrown into a ceiling and smashed against the marble. He dropped onto the floor and was then immediately kicked across the room. I pleaded with Aro, "Make him stop! Now!"

But Aro ignored me, leaning forward to see the fight. Jasper suddenly punched Felix, making him stumble. Jasper kept delivering punches until he lifted Felix off the ground and slammed him into the marble steps at Aro's feet, breaking them. Felix recuperated and kicked Jasper in the stomach, making him fly against the wall behind me.

Felix began marching menacingly to Jasper but I ran in front of him and pushed Felix's chest, "No! You can have me. Kill me. But you. leave. him. alone."

Felix grinned a licked his lips, his eyes darkening with thirst. Jasper suddenly appeared besides me, pulling me to his side, "Stay away from her."

Aro suddenly said, "Enough."

Alice shoved the guards away from her, "Stop. I've already seen it."

Everyone froze. Aro looked intrigued, "Ah yes, the clairvoyant. I saw your gift in Jasper's thoughts. What is it you've seen?"

Jasper hissed at her, angry, "Alice, don't!"

Alice looked at Aro, ignoring Jasper, "I'll change them myself if I have to. But it's already been decided. Its just a matter of time. To avoid... making a scene." She side-glaned at Felix and then held her hand out to Aro, "See for yourself." Aro took her hand and his eyes closed.

A moment later his eyes opened and he seemed untterly thrilled, "Mesmerizing! To see the things you've seen, that haven't happened yet!"

Aro glaned at Bella, "Your gifts will make for an intriguing immortal. As for you," he stared at me, "I am most... anxious to see what being a vampire will do for you. Go make your preparations."

Jasper and I clutched each other as Bell and Alice came to our sides. The blonde lord looked put out, "You're letting them leave?"

"Dear Caius, the girls' disappearances will be conspicuous. Such a small town. Bella's fatehr the police chief. And surely you see their potential," He looked at him.

The loose haired lord spoke with a bored tone, "Let us be done with this. Heidi will arrive any moment."

Aro gestured towards Demetri who threw the double doors open. Caius glared at us with venom, "We will make sure she follows through. I would not delay. We do not offer second chances."

Jasper didn't wasate time getting me out of there. Demetri led us out of the hall and down a corridor. A group of dozens of tourists, led by a beautiful vampire with long wavy black hair and dark red lips. We stopped to let them pass as Demetri grinned at the woman, "Nice fishing, Heidi, save some for me."

Heidi smiled and gave me and Bella curious once-overs before continuing on, "This way, please. Stay together..."

I looked at all the people, speaking various languages; German, Japanese, English.

The group was led to the double doors. I gripped Jasper's hand tightly, a tear falling from my eye. Jasper looked pained as he wiped it away. He pulled me forward to start walking again. But I heard screaming and whimpered, digging my face into Jasper's chest. He brushed his hand through my hair, holding the back of my neck.

I sighed into him...

So there it is! I had to have Italy in here.

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