A/N: I don't own Twilight or BtVS; they are the property of Stephanie Meyers and Joss Whedon respectively. I just like to ponder what would happen if the two worlds collided.
A/N #2: I want to credit the calming touch concept to heavyinfinity's A Moment Changes Everything - in this Jasper/Bella fanfic the two find that touching the other provides both with a sense of calm. That has always stuck with me and if it can work for danger magnet Bella, why couldn't it work for Wiccan Willow?
Chapter 29: Rainy Day Reprieves
Sitting at the table in Giles' kitchen, the steady drumming of rain against the windows pulled at the edges of Jasper's memory, transporting him to another time and place. The constant downpour was reminiscent of Forks, Washington, its lush landscapes perpetually shrouded in mist and rain. It was a town that had been his home for a time, its weather a stark contrast to the drier, sunnier climes he'd known in his early life. The rain, relentless and soothing all at once, had been a backdrop to many moments of contemplation and transformation.
A chuckle escaped him, soft and unexpected, as he juxtaposed the memory of those rain-soaked days with his current situation—seated in a cozy kitchen, sharing a meal with new friends from a world vastly different from his own. The sound of his laughter, light and seemingly out of place amidst the clinking of cutlery and the murmur of rain, caught the attention of Giles and Xander.
Xander, always quick to pick up on shifts in the group's dynamics, paused mid-bite, his fork hovering in the air. "What's got you chuckling, Jasper? The weather reminds you of a funny joke about rain?" he asked, curiosity laced with amusement in his voice.
Giles, too, looked up, a spark of interest behind his glasses. His scholarly demeanor softened into one of genuine curiosity toward Jasper's sudden mirth.
Jasper, realizing his private amusement had become a focal point, leaned back slightly, the corners of his mouth still turned up in a smile. "Not a joke, per se," he began, his tone warm and reflective. "The rain... it reminds me of Forks, Washington. I spent some time there, and the weather was much like this—constant, pervasive. It's... comforting, in a way, familiar."
His gaze drifted back to the window, watching the rain paint the glass with its endless patterns. "There's something about the rain that feels almost... cleansing. As if it has the power to wash away the past, offering a semblance of renewal, a chance to start afresh. I suppose it's a notion we can all find solace in, at times."
Xander nodded, placing his fork down and leaning back, a thoughtful expression crossing his features. "Never really thought about rain that way," he admitted. "But yeah, I get what you mean. It's like the world's taking a shower."
Giles smiled, appreciating the depth of the reflection. "Indeed. The natural world has its ways of offering perspective, reminding us of the cycle of renewal and change. It's a powerful metaphor for our own lives, especially given the... unique challenges we face."
As the conversation deepened, Jasper's gaze lingered on the rain against the window, a thoughtful expression etched across his features. "You know, there's another reason I find the rain... comforting, especially from a vampire's perspective," he began, drawing the attention of Giles and Xander once again. "The cloud cover it brings lessens the possibility of our skin sparkling in the sunlight. It makes it easier for us to be outside, to feel a part of the world without the fear of exposure."
Xander leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "That's gotta be a relief, huh? Not having to worry about turning into a disco ball every time you step outside."
Jasper chuckled at Xander's description, nodding in agreement. "Indeed, it is. It's one of the few times we can move freely, without the constraints that usually bind us. The overcast sky acts as a shield, allowing us to experience the world in a way that's usually beyond our reach."
Giles adjusted his glasses, absorbing Jasper's words with a nod of understanding. "It's fascinating how something as simple as weather can have such profound implications for you. It serves as a reminder of how interconnected we all are with the natural world, and how it shapes our experiences, supernatural or not."
The conversation opened a window into Jasper's world, offering Giles and Xander a glimpse of the nuances of vampire existence. It highlighted the small, often overlooked aspects of daily life that could carry significant weight for those living on the fringes of the human experience.
Jasper appreciated the genuine interest and understanding from these newfound friends. It was moments like these that underscored the sense of belonging he was beginning to find with them. Despite the differences in their origins and destinies, they shared a common ground in seeking to understand and support one another.
Jasper's reflection on the rain's comforting blanket led him to a hopeful conjecture. "Perhaps the same could be true here in Sunnydale," he mused aloud, a note of optimism threading through his words. "The cloud cover might offer a reprieve, even if just for a moment, from the constant vigilance."
The silence that followed was pregnant with hesitation. Giles, who had been quietly sipping his tea, set his cup down with a careful motion. He shared a brief, knowing glance with Xander before turning his attention back to Jasper, his expression softened by empathy.
"Jasper," Giles began, his voice tempered with the weight of his duty to inform, "while the rain does indeed provide a certain... camouflage for those of your kind, Sunnydale, as you've come to learn, has its own set of challenges. The cloud cover, though helpful in concealing one from the sun, doesn't mitigate the other dangers that lurk in this town."
Jasper nodded, his mind racing. He had only begun to understand the complexities of this place. The Hellmouth was unlike anything he had encountered before, a nexus of supernatural energy that attracted all manner of beings. He felt a surge of anxiety but also a curious excitement. This was a new battlefield, one that required a different kind of strategy.
Giles paused, choosing his next words with care. "The Hellmouth, as a beacon for supernatural activity, attracts all manner of creatures. And with them, the risks remain high, rain or shine. It's not just the visibility to the human eye we worry about here; it's the heightened activity of the otherworldly beings drawn to this place."
Xander chimed in, his tone lighthearted yet sincere, aiming to lighten the mood without undermining the seriousness of Giles' message. "Yeah, rain might keep the sparkles away, but it doesn't do much about the vampire-hungry demons or the occasional apocalypse-seeking big bad. Sunnydale's weather report should come with a supernatural activity forecast."
Jasper's attention sharpened at Xander's words. "There are demons who eat vampires?" he asked, a note of genuine alarm in his voice. The thought seemed to take him aback, an intriguing new piece of information that he hadn't considered in the vast tapestry of supernatural threats.
Xander, caught off guard by Jasper's serious reaction, hurried to clarify, his eyes widening slightly. "Oh, uh, well, not exactly. I mean, not routinely anyway," he stumbled over his words, realizing his offhand remark had been taken literally. "It was more of a figure of speech, you know, to highlight the...uh, diverse dietary preferences in the demon community."
Jasper couldn't help but feel a flicker of amusement at Xander's earnest attempt to backtrack. The human's humour was endearing, a light in the pervasive darkness of their reality. He appreciated Xander's effort to bring levity to the conversation, even if it sometimes missed the mark.
Giles, witnessing the exchange, couldn't help but interject with a slight chuckle. "What Xander means to say is that while the demon realm is indeed vast and varied, with creatures possessing an array of...unique appetites, the likelihood of encountering one with a specific taste for vampires is rather low," he explained, aiming to put Jasper's mind at ease.
"Though," Giles continued, adopting a more scholarly tone, "there have been documented cases of certain demons preying on vampires, but such occurrences are rare and often involve other factors—power struggles, territorial disputes, or ancient vendettas, rather than a simple predator-prey dynamic."
Jasper relaxed slightly at the explanation, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I see," he said, his initial concern giving way to amusement. "Sunnydale continues to surprise me with its complexities. It seems navigating the social hierarchy here might be as challenging as avoiding the sun."
The momentary tension dissolved into laughter, with each of them appreciating the absurdity and unpredictability of life on the Hellmouth. Xander, relieved that his comment hadn't caused undue worry, clapped Jasper on the shoulder in a friendly gesture.
"Yeah, well, welcome to Sunnydale," Xander quipped, "where the weather's not the only thing that's unpredictable. But hey, at least it keeps things interesting, right?"
Giles seized upon the moment of curiosity and the evident gap in Jasper's understanding of the local supernatural dynamics. He leaned forward, his demeanor shifting into that of the educator. "You see, Jasper, Sunnydale, due to its proximity to the Hellmouth, is a unique confluence of supernatural entities. And with that comes a rather complex hierarchy."
He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts. "Among the demon ranks, vampires are often seen as... lesser beings, or abominations, even. It's a peculiar perspective, given that vampires themselves are quite powerful in their own right. However, purebred demons tend to view vampires—a hybrid of human and demon—as impure, a dilution of what they perceive as the true demonic form."
Jasper listened intently, absorbing the new information. This perspective was vastly different from anything he'd encountered before, where strength and cunning often defined one's standing. "So, we're seen as outcasts among demons?" he asked, seeking clarification.
"Quite so," Giles confirmed. "It's a matter of purity, from their viewpoint. Pure demons, especially the older and more traditional ones, hold themselves in high regard, believing their lineage and powers to be superior. Vampires, being turned humans, fall somewhere in between the mortal and demonic realms, belonging fully to neither."
As Giles spoke, Jasper's mind wandered to the concept of hybrids in his own world. The term "hybrid" brought a flood of memories about Renesmee. He thought of her unique existence, a blend of vampire and human, and how she was perceived both within and outside their family. The term had a different weight here, but it echoed the same underlying themes of identity and belonging.
Jasper felt a surge of protectiveness as he thought of Renesmee. He had shared her story with Giles and Xander, recounting her conception and the extraordinary circumstances of her birth. The parallels between her situation and what Giles described about vampires in Sunnydale were striking. Both Renesmee and he were considered hybrids, navigating a world where their mixed heritage marked them as different.
"Your description reminds me of Renesmee," Jasper said, his voice thoughtful. "In my world, she's considered a hybrid too—a mix of human and vampire. She's unique, just like what you're describing here with vampires and demons."
Giles nodded, appreciating the connection Jasper made. "Yes, the notion of hybrids, whether in your world or ours, often challenges established norms and hierarchies. Renesmee's existence, much like that of vampires here, forces us to reconsider what we understand about identity and purity."
Jasper took a deep breath, deciding to share more about the dangers Renesmee faced. "There were those in my world who wanted to destroy Renesmee because they mistook her for an immortal child. Immortal children are vampires turned at a young age who can't control their abilities or instincts, posing a great threat. The Volturi, our ruling coven, saw her as a potential danger due to this misunderstanding."
Xander, who had been listening intently, leaned back in his chair, a horrified look on his face. "Wait, child vampires? That's seriously messed up. I mean, I've seen teenage vamps, but little kids? That's a whole new level of wrong. But I guess every world's got its own nightmares. Makes you think we're not so different after all, dealing with our own kinds of horror."
Jasper nodded, a shadow crossing his face. "It's worse than you can imagine. Newborns are already difficult to control because of their heightened strength and bloodlust. Now, picture that raw power in a child, someone who doesn't yet understand restraint or consequences. It's tragic and terrifying. The Volturi's fear wasn't unfounded, but their approach was merciless."
Giles, who had been quietly absorbing the information, leaned forward with a thoughtful expression. "How did the Volturi respond to this threat? And how does that compare to Renesmee's situation? Was she like a newborn vampire?"
Jasper sighed; his gaze distant as he recalled the past. "The Volturi's response was absolute: they destroyed any immortal child they found and the coven that created them, no exceptions. They believed it was the only way to prevent the chaos and destruction those children could cause. Renesmee was different; she wasn't a full vampire. She was half-human, half-vampire, and she aged rapidly, both physically and mentally. She had the control and understanding that an immortal child never could."
He paused, a brief flicker of a memory crossing his features. "There were moments, though, when even Renesmee struggled. I remember once, when she was very young, she refused to eat human food and only wanted blood. It was like a human child's temper tantrum, and it took some effort to teach her the importance of balancing her diet. At one point, Carlisle ended up wearing the mashed potatoes we were trying to get her to eat." Jasper chuckled softly at the memory, then grew serious again. "She was never out of control like a newborn vampire, who might destroy an entire village if they didn't get their way, but it was a reminder that she had instincts that needed guidance. Convincing the Volturi of her unique nature and potential for control was the real challenge."
Giles smiled faintly at the image of Carlisle with mashed potatoes. "Quite the parenting challenge, I imagine," he said, before his expression turned more serious. "Navigating the demon hierarchy in Sunnydale is similarly complex. Understanding these dynamics can help us work together more effectively. It's not just about knowing the enemy but also about recognizing the nuances of their world."
He continued, his tone becoming graver. "In Sunnydale, there are indeed demons who would destroy vampires if given the chance. Some see them as competition for resources, others as abominations. Certain demon clans have ancient vendettas against vampires, while others might simply kill them on sight due to their own internal codes of purity. Understanding these relationships and tensions can be crucial in our efforts to maintain a balance and protect our own."
Jasper mulled over Giles' words; a new layer of complexity added to his understanding of the supernatural world. Edward's vehement belief that vampirism was a curse, a fall from grace, echoed in his mind as he considered the disdain pureblood demons held for vampires in this universe. Edward always saw our existence as a tragic deviation from humanity, a curse we bore due to our thirst for blood. How would he reconcile that with being deemed an abomination not just by humans, but by demons themselves?
The idea that vampires were viewed as impure by demons—lesser beings due to their human origins—would likely strike a chord with Edward. In a strange, convoluted way, this hierarchy confirmed Edward's worst convictions about what they were, Jasper thought. To Edward, it would be another layer of our damnation, not just caught between life and death but also rejected by the world of darkness we are forced into.
Jasper sighed, his eyes darkening with the weight of these thoughts. As he considered this world's view of demons and vampires, he couldn't help but wonder if Edward might find a twisted form of validation in it. Edward always sought to distance himself from the darker aspects of vampirism, clinging to what humanity he could preserve. Perhaps, in a world where vampires are scorned by demons for their human ties, he might see a perverse affirmation of his efforts to maintain his humanity.
But then again, Jasper pondered, shifting in his seat and glancing around the room at his new companions, Edward's disdain for what they were might be challenged here. In Sunnydale, the fight against darkness isn't just about rejecting their nature; it's about leveraging it for a greater good. It's a nuanced battle, where lines between good and evil blur in the face of greater threats.
The thought was sobering, and for a moment, Jasper felt a profound sense of dissonance. Edward and I, we've navigated our curse in shadows, always on the fringe of human lives we sought to protect but never fully join. Here, among slayers and witches, in a town perched on the edge of Hell itself, perhaps there's room for a different perspective—a place where our vampiric nature isn't just a source of internal conflict but a tool in the fight against a greater darkness.
Jasper's thoughts, once focused on the broader implications of demons' disdain for vampires, now turned inward, to the more personal and painful aspects of his relationship with Edward. The weight of Edward's concealed cruelty—a stark contrast to the facade of brotherly concern he showed to the rest of the Cullen family—pressed heavily on Jasper's heart. Edward, with his guarded emotions and complex morality, often saw me as a ticking time bomb, Jasper acknowledged silently. To him, I was always one bite away from unraveling everything we stood for, from draining the town dry.
This perspective, Jasper realized, was deeply rooted in Edward's conflicted views on their vampiric nature. However, within the shadows of Edward's mind, where Jasper alone could tread thanks to his empathic abilities, lay a darker, more unforgiving judgment. Edward's fear of what I could become—a reflection of the monster he feared within himself—turned into a sort of cruelty. A cruelty that was as silent as it was palpable, hidden from everyone but me.
The isolation that stemmed from Edward's silent condemnation was a burden Jasper had borne quietly, a secret shared between their linked minds. In his eyes, I was a liability, a constant reminder of the danger we posed to those around us. It was a relentless judgment, one that chipped away at the fragile semblance of control I fought so hard to maintain.
Jasper sighed again, the sound a soft echo in the quiet of the room. And yet, despite Edward's harsh view, I've found moments of peace, of belonging, outside our family. Here, in Sunnydale, among beings who wield their darkness as a weapon against greater evils, I wonder...would Edward's judgment hold the same weight in a place like this? A place where the lines between monster and hero blur, where every creature, regardless of its origin, is fighting for something greater than mere survival?
The irony of it all was not lost on Jasper. In a world Edward would deem far more dangerous, far more black and white in its morality, I've discovered a spectrum of gray. Here, my abilities, my nature, isn't just a cause for fear or disdain; it's a source of strength, a means to protect those who have come to stand beside me as friends.
His musings were tinged with a bittersweet realization. Edward, in his determination to protect our family and maintain our secrets, never saw the potential for redemption in their curse. He never considered that the very nature he despised in me could be the key to forging alliances, to finding a place where I belong—not in spite of what I am, but because of it.
As Jasper sat in thoughtful silence, his face became an open book to the storm of emotions swirling within him. The slight quiver of his lip, the distant look in his eyes, and the soft sighs escaping him did not go unnoticed by his companions. Giles and Xander exchanged a glance, recognizing the depth of Jasper's internal struggle, and silently resolved to support their newfound friend in navigating this complex, challenging world.