A/N: So just a little tidbit, this chapter has a HUGE surprise! Don't forget to review on what you think!
Enjoy!
When You Love Someone
Chapter Ten: Just One Yesterday
My conversation with Alec went as well as I would have hoped. We were both awkward, curious, guarded, and a bit vulnerable.
Vulnerability isn't a strong suit for either of us, but we managed to make it work. We stayed there for hours, just talking. The rest of the afternoon and into the night. I told him about my parents, he told me what he remembers of his human life.
I have to say I felt quite sorry for him and Jane. Losing their parents early than their village turning on them, eventually burning them at the stake. Alec says that's why their gifts work as they do. Alec just wanted everything to stop, he didn't want to feel anything anymore while Jane wanted to push her pain off her and onto the people that were hurting them.
Both are fair responses, I think.
What I was curious to know was how they came into the guard and why they have stayed all these years.
"Well, Aro was the one who found us. He heard through a traveler of 'the witch twins' and when he came to see for himself, we were already well you know" He said looking uncomfortable.
"He was the one to change us, except he thought we were older instead of 21, really 22 since our birthday was three days away."
"That long ago you the had the tradition of birthdays? How did everyone keep track" I asked amazed?
"Well, it's nothing like the modern calendar but our village priest was adamant to record all the births of each season. So instead of months, we had seasons, Jane and I were born during the winter season. Now I guess it might be January, but there's no way of knowing. There aren't any remains of the village or any documents" He responded looking deep in thought
"I was born in September. I was a month away before my 20th birthday when I changed." I offered slightly changing the topic.
"Forever 19, how unfortunate, better forever at 21 but I supposed it could be worse I could have been changed in my pre-teens. That wouldn't be very nice at all" He said laughing
Laughing with him I add "Your voice would be forever squeaky, that would be hilarious"
"For you maybe, I'm one of the major defenses of the guard. Intimidating, strong, serious, all those traits for a boy who hasn't hit puberty would be hard to do" He said looking at me
Still laughing I said "It's not impossible. Jake had to step up pretty quickly when he was 15 and commanded the respect of his whole tribe"
"Whose Jake,?" He asked with an edge to his voice
"Jacob is one of the most important people to me. He and his whole pack took me and my father in when my mom died, and his imprint Leah took me in when Charlie died and the Cullen's left. He's my family" I answered easily smiling at him
Nodding he looks thoughtful before saying "Are they children of the moon" He asked
"No, they're actual shape shifters but they call themselves wolves because that is what their spirit animal is. They protect their people from threats that may harm their people"
"Threats like us" He deadpanned looking at me and raising his eyebrow.
"Well…before I changed there were tensions between the Cullen's and the tribe but when I changed it was kind of hard to hate someone who you loved. There were some that still hung onto the old traditions and of course old minds are hardest to change but once Jacob took over as Chief, he made me an honoree pack member, the first in history, and that kind of soothed things. I really should call him" I said thinking of my friend.
"Hmmm"
"What?" I asked curiously
"Nothing, I know you said to forget about your secret, but I can't help but try and guess, now can I?" He shrugged as I crossed my arms "
I just thought you might be hiding them is all, that would be a pretty big secret"
"It would be, but I would never hide something like that. I've never even seen a child of the moon." I said honestly.
"You don't want too" Alec grimaces, rubbing his arm
"I'm guessing you have experience," I said looking at his suit-covered sleeve.
"Yes, when Caius was attacked, he grew obsessed with hunting every single one of those creatures down. They were volatile and acted on instinct. My gift proved useful to Caius since I could take away their senses and Janie's power didn't have any effect on them, it only made them angrier. To make a long story short one proved to be too strong and was able to attack me" He said,
"Oh my gosh. How bad was it?" I asked shocked looking at his arm
"Well it was bad enough to still have a scar," He said chuckling. Taking off his jacket and rolling up his shirt sleeve I saw three jagged, raised claw marks on his pale skin. Red and angry-looking they looked like he had just gotten attacked.
Gasping I touched one of them only to see Alec wince and I swiftly took my hand back "Sorry"
"It's fine, it just stings a little." He said as he rolled his sleeve back down
"It was worth it though, Didyme was curious about the children of the moon and on one of Caius's adventures, Marcus and Didyme went along. The creature proved to much for Caius and Marcus was too far away…I was just doing my duty"
"Didyme," I asked, "You knew Didyme?" I asked faking incompetence.
"Yes, in a way, I was assigned to her, when the wars broke out Marcus assigned me to protect her." He said, his body growing rigid
"It seems you did your job well," I said softly
"Not well enough" he whispered "Regardless, she was my Queen and when she died, we all took it very hard," He said changing the subject quickly, slyly looking around him.
"Alec, can I ask you something?"
"You just did," He said smiling a little
"Another thing? It's rather important" I asked
Nodding he looks at me "Why aren't there any portraits of Didyme? I understand her loss was a grave one but with how important she was, there doesn't seem to be any trace of her in the castle?" I asked delicately while Alec tensed.
"Well…that has more to do with Marcus. After her death, he wanted all pictures of her in his personal rooms. To remind him. As far as all the other artifacts I don't know where they went, and we were ordered to leave it alone for the brother's sake." he said shifting his eyes away.
Sitting back and studying his face I knew he wasn't telling me everything.
He was lying.
Biting my lip, I dare asked: "What about her book?"
"Her book? What book?" He questioned, scrunching his eyebrows together in confusion
"Her book of remedies, the one that she wrote" I said getting up, and knowing I'm taking a huge risk, I pull it out of its familiar spot and with slightly shaking hands give it to him.
He looks amazed and laid it down on the table he slowly flips the pages, his eyes moving so fast across the words I can barely keep up.
"It been here, all this time" He whispered, mainly to himself
"I found it my first day in the castle, I was exploring the library and the title caught my attention." I said softly as he turned to me
"I didn't know this was here. Didyme was working on this before she died. It's one of the few remaining works of hers."
"I assumed people knew, Marcus was here when I came in and saw me looking at it. He told me a little about Didyme and left shorting after." I supplied
"Marcus was here," He asked, incredulous at the thought
"Yes, it was the only time I've seen him here, he was reading over there" I pointed in the direction of the book's location.
"Marcus never comes into the library. Didyme loved this place and it hurt him to be here, so he stopped coming, none of the kings come in here actually, and rarely do any of the guards." He said the deep 'V' in his forehead deepening.
Looking at me, the strange look in his eye is back, and closing it shut he hands it to me, shaking his head "Whatever it is your hiding, keep it hidden, I don't want to know."
Pressing the book to me "I have to go, um, keep it safe and don't tell anyone about it. I must go but I'll talk to you later. Keep that hidden" He instructed firmly before quickly disappearing behind a pillar leaving me confused as ever.
Shaking my head, I decided to follow his advice, from what Jane said he knew Didyme well, more than he let on. Why would he do that? Walking quickly, I closed the door to my room and grabbed my backpack, and placing the book inside along with my journal, I made my way out of my room, my cloak around me.
Alec seemed so alarmed back there and I know he knows something I don't. Whatever happened to Didyme, Alec knows something about it, and it makes him scared.
I must be right then, Didyme's killer is still here. Whatever Alec knows, he must know Didyme's death wasn't an accident. I hope that with this revelation I have more than a friend in Alec, but also an ally.
Walking quickly, I spot Chelsea coming from the other direction and trying to be as casual as I can I smile at her and say hi.
"Hey Bella, what are you doing?" She asked looking at my full backpack.
"Oh, I just want to go hunting and maybe read a little in the outdoors" I lie as I walked past her
"Oh. Well, have fun" She said before walking away, I waited until she turned the corner before I run outside, making sure I'm not followed.
I run until I see the familiar tree and slowing, taking one more look around, I dig up Didyme's journal and place it in my backpack.
Whatever is in this, I need protect it. I don't know exactly what's going on, but I know I need to be much more careful.
Sending a quick text to Jane, I go back inside the cave and feeling my way through the darkness I find the workshop once again.
It's exactly as I left it and taking out the books, I place Didyme's journal on the desk and her remedies book on the shelf.
Opening the journal her handwriting jumps out at me and starting on the first page it reads:
I know I must be getting close to unlocking it. Marcus says to just let it alone, but I cannot. Science demands discovery. I made a mistake, yes, a terrible mistake but I was alright. It was close but my dear Marcus is so worried. A minor explosion in the castle. I can't risk exposure like that again, so I commissioned a few humans to help me in my little endeavor. In a few years' time they will be dead, and I'll be free to continue my work. Until then I shall bind my time and put this to rest. I so loath keeping such a secret from my dear Marcus but the loathing I feel will be a sacrifice in the name of discovery.
Didyme
An explosion? She must have been working on something big then to take a risk like that.
Reading ahead I fly through the pages of her daily activities, coming to the entries of the rise of the Romanian rebellion.
Such nonsense. Aro is worried for naught. The Volturi are strong and unbreakable. Yet the Romanians remain stubborn yet will matter not. It will be time before they eventually fall. Aro has gone away in the matter, leaving my Marcus and Caius in power. I must say I'm troubled by what I witness. In the chaos Marcus has assigned a new guard to me, a young vampire named Alec. Strong willed and quiet he and I have become quite close in friendship in the solidary hours of my imprisonment. I know Marcus means well and Aro would be overjoyed to know his sister walks the distance of a single room, but I am a restless here. I cannot be contained. Until this war is over with, I shall fly once again.
Didyme
Aro has returned with new talent! The name of Charmin, such a lovely girl. In my knowing of her she has such the unusual talent. Manipulating of feelings, the very perspective of a person is quite powerful. If trained properly she will be one of the greatest offensive weapons we have. I dare say she could grow so strong that she could manipulate the very mind, yet I sense trouble. There is a darkness in her heart that is as small as a dust mite, yet if not conquered will grow to destroy her. I have told her of my findings and yet she insists it's because of her transformation. I have my doubts but in another life I too had darkness. Perhaps she will learn to conquer hers as well.
Didyme
Charmin? I don't know any vampire of that name, perhaps this 'darkness' she speaks of is her killer? Maybe she fled after the murder and is still out there? Plus, Didyme's darkness? I wonder what she meant by that.
Flipping through the pages a passage caught my eye:
Conditions have changed here, and I must haste. The recipe isn't completed yet I must deprive myself of the cushions of life to achieve it. Marcus grows more worried by the day with Aro frustrated over the lack of progress. Whatever move we make they make. They know our plans and beat us. I suspect we have a spy amongst us, yet Marcus assures me to not trouble myself with such thoughts. Aro won't believe me, his pride blinding him to the truth. Athenodora and Sulpicia are no help, choosing to be tolerant of their prisons yet I cannot! I have perfected my invisibility and I plan to use it to my advantage. Alec, my most trusted friend, has gathered my ingredients but has paid a terrible price. Going with Caius was foolish, yet I need the blood. I do wish Taha Aki and his family would let me try. Letting their fear guide them is foolish but I won't push their limits. They must protect their people, a motivation I understand. Never less I believe they hold the key to unlock the many mysterious ways of Alchemy. Werewolf blood may be the key in our salvation.
Didyme
I re-read the last sentence over and over. That was what Alec was so worried about. Picking up the remedies' I flip through the pages until I find the recipe.
4 drops of WB, werewolf blood. Plus, venom of a shield user. Combine with water, among other ingredients.
Alchemy, Didyme was an alchemist! Taking out the last two vials of the scent erasing potion, it must be the invisibility potion that she mentions. It masks any trace of yourself away.
Taha Aki, they knew each other and if Didyme was convinced that werewolf blood may be the key I may have to contact Jacob, that is only if he's willing too.
On the one hand I would only need a little, maybe 5 vials worth to fully experiment with. It seems simple enough and if I can master her recipes, maybe I could find what she was working on much faster. It's an experiment of sorts, I'm sure of it and if I go back to Forks, I will have the perfect time to do so.
On the other hand, I may not be able to leave, plus more importantly I can't let anyone endanger my family. Aro doesn't seem like a threat but what if Aro 'sees' Jake's mind for whatever reason and passes along the message? It could easily get to the wrong person.
No if I do this, I can't let Jake know or any of the pack know because if one knows they all know, and I won't take that risk.
So how do I go back without raising any eyebrows? Biting my lip, I know the first thing is carrying only what's necessary. Taking out my own journal I copy every single recipe, every note and my own possibilities. Satisfied I hide the book in the shelf and taking Didyme's journal I put it back inside my backpack along with my own diary.
Taking out my phone, an idea strikes me and I dialing fast I know what to do.
Hearing it ring I pace impatiently and hearing his familiar voice I smiled and laughed.
"Jake!" I exclaimed
"Bella, thank God your okay. You are okay right?" He asked and laughing still I nod and say yes as I hear everyone's excited voices over the phone until I hear him walk and a door close, the packs voices muted.
"Bella what happened? Are you still Italy? I know you need you space but damn Bella, 4 months and you couldn't call until now!" He said upset
"Jake, I'm so sorry for not talking sooner, just things have been so crazy over here and I, Jake I might have found something" I whispered quickly
"What do you mean" he asked, worry in his voice
"I mean, on my visit to the vampire kings, I was invited to join the guard – now I didn't take it" I said quickly hearing Jacob's quick intake of breath "but I was invited to stay the year, think it over and I accepted. Except during my stay, I think I may have found something important. Something that I wasn't supposed to find but I'm glad I did. Alice, well, Alice warned me about finding things and I did, and I remembered her warning and – "
"Wait Alice?" He interrupted, his worry quickly transforming into anger "What does she have to do with this? Did she send you there? Does this have anything to do that bastard!" His voice rising
"No! Jacob Black listen!" I said "It has nothing to do with Edward, I mean I came here on her suggestion because last year when I saved him, I had to have been changed, you knew this its just I was planning on doing differently. Well since I was already changed, I figured I would get it over with and it would also do some good to get away from everyone for a while." I muttered
"Bella you could have come here, we're your family too" He said, hurt creeping in his voice
"I know, I know that, it's just it was hard thinking about being around everyone and I just, I needed time for myself. To have some new faces around me but I missed you so much! I miss everyone so much, which is why I didn't call until now." I said honestly
"Okay…" He said slowly
"Jake that thing I discovered; it may help heal a lot of people. It may help so many others, including myself but no one can know including you. There's another mind reader here Jake, different than Edward. He can read every thought you've ever had, and although I don't suspect him, I need to keep you all safe. That's why I haven't called sooner in fact I almost didn't call right now" I admitted.
"Bella, I don't care, whatever you got yourself in, we can handle ourselves and I know you can handle yourself too. Don't worry about us, if you're in trouble we're going to help you" He said, his alpha voice coming in.
"I know Jake, I love you all, but I have plan to protect us, just in case but I need to ask a huge favor from you though, I mean huge. Leah too actually" I said thinking about it
"How big are we talking about?" He asked warily
"The promise we made as kids; we each get one huge, crazy favor that we only cash if we're in deep shit? I'm cashing it" I said
Hearing his low whistle, he took a deep breath "What do you need?" He asked
Gulping I talk about my plan, his involvement and the strategy I hope goes to plan. I talk for an hour and an additional three hours hearing Jacob rant, calming down and answering any questions he has. After a beat of silence however I hear the angels sing as he said
"Okay, I'm in"
The days leading up to Jake's arrival are torturous, even more so when no one knew he was coming, not even myself.
Jake told me he could but wanting to make sure things were settled on the reservation first, I wired him the money that was needed, that way he can come when I don't expect it. For his protection and mine I know why he couldn't tell me, but it still made me anxious.
Alec was no help either, ever since that day in the library there was no mention of his strange behavior and when I tried to ask in private, he just said the same thing. Protect the book and don't mention it. Something strange is going on and I know it goes deeper than just Didyme.
The look in Alec's eye, it was murky white, except for the warning when his eyes were gleaming red. Something happened to him and I don't know what. I can't tell Jane, or anyone else. Whatever happened to Alec it was because of that day.
Someone here doesn't want me poking around and if they know what I'm up to a lot of people could get hurt or worse.
Which is why I told Jake to come at his leisure, to come into the lion's den to help. He's my brother and I knew he was angry, livid but if his blood is the key, I need to find out what it is. Jake's protection is my highest priority and him coming here is a huge risk…for both of us. I just pray that Jacob is right. That he can do what he promised because if he can't, I'll never forgive myself.
However, being anxious is no better than doing nothing so to keep up appearances I play chess with Jane and Alec, read in the library and play video games with Felix and Dimitri.
It's during one of those nights did the call finally come.
"Yes Gianna?" Felix asked, taking out his phone for the front desk.
"There are visitors for the master's and Miss Bella. Aro says it's a matter of the court" She replied calmly, my eyes looking straight at the screen as Felix turned to me.
"Yes, thank you Gianna we'll be down in a moment" Her closed his phone with a snap and grinned at me offering his hand.
"It seems your needed in the throne room, you have visitors." he chuckled as I softly forced out a small laugh and took his hand, ignoring the strange stares from everyone else in the room and especially from Jane and Alec who paused mid game to listen in.
Walking down the familiar hallways and grabbing our cloaks, coming to the throne doors I took a deep breath, half expecting disgusting dog smell but instead another scent hits my nose.
One familiar, the nutty smell of cloves and roasted hazelnuts with a hint of pine with another unfamiliar scent, sweeter and much more divine. Honeysuckle and luscious. The smell of sweet, tangy human blood.
"No way" I whispered as Felix turned to me with concern before I roughly pushed the doors to see Aro, Marcus and Caius sitting high on their chairs as the rest of the guard took their places. Their eyes on at the intruder than at me.
My eyes are trained on the man in front of me, barely taking notice of the frightened small human girl standing behind him.
He was just as I remembered except his eyes were lighter, not from blood however, but from that unmistakable, undeniable truth of the mating bond.
His shoulders were slumped, his eyes bright yet tired and when he looked at me pain came to his eyes as he looked at me with an expression I haven't seen since the last time I saw him.
"Edward" I whispered
Anything you say can and will be held against you
So only say my name
It will be held against you
Anything you say can and will be held against you
So only say my name
If Heaven's grief, brings hell's rain
Than I'll trade all my tomorrows for just one yesterday
(I know I'm bad news)
For just one yesterday
Just One Yesterday: Fall Out Boy
A/N: AHHHHH! Edward is here! So unexpected and honestly its was supposed to be Jake but nah! My characters were just like screw that, let's just throw the whole outline away. So, this chapter and finding the song was difficult. However, I'm glad at how I ended it, (even if it was unexpected) originally Jacob wasn't supposed to make an appearance until chapter 11 but this makes sense with the pacing. Jacob will make a full appearance next chapter in one way or another and I can't wait to see how it goes with Edward and we finally meet this mysterious mate of his! As always Reviews make my heart happy and I would love to know everyone's thoughts at the story and how Bella's journey is.
See you Monday!