A Halloween Hunt : The Whitlock Chronicles
October had been a boring month, back in high school again, living in another town chosen by Edward and Alice. No variation on the theme, the kind of repetition that makes you want to take off for a while on your own! Jasper found himself staring out the window of his latest "junior year" classroom, wondering if he could convince the family to try underwater basket weaving instead of traditional education for their next move. "Mr. Hale," the teacher's voice cut through his daydream, "perhaps you'd like to share with the class what's so fascinating outside?" Jasper turned, his face a perfect mask of innocence. "Just admiring the, uh, photosynthesis, ma'am." "The photosynthesis," the teacher repeated flatly. "Of the parking lot." "Yes," Jasper nodded solemnly. "It's quite... asphalt-ounding."
A few snickers rippled through the class, quickly silenced by the teacher's glare. As she turned back to the blackboard, Jasper caught Emmett's eye across the room. His brother was shaking with silent laughter, giving him a thumbs up for the terrible pun. When the final bell rang, Jasper practically flew out of the classroom, nearly bowling over a few humans in his haste. He'd have felt bad about it if he weren't so desperate to escape the mind-numbing tedium of high school. "Whoa there, speed racer," Emmett's booming voice called out as Jasper reached the parking lot. "Where's the fire?"
Jasper turned to see his hulking brother sauntering towards him, a mischievous glint in his eye that usually meant trouble. "No fire," Jasper replied, "just a burning desire to be literally anywhere else." Emmett's grin widened. "Funny you should say that. I've got a proposition that'll knock your sparkly socks off!" Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Emmett, we've been over this. I don't wear sparkly socks, mine are black." "Details, details," Emmett waved dismissively. "Listen up, brother. How do you feel about a Halloween hunt at MacDonald Pass along Frenchwoman's Road?" Jasper perked up immediately. "The supposedly haunted place? Where people have claimed to see the ghost of Madame Guyot?" "The very same!" Emmett's excitement was palpable. "Who knows, maybe we'll see her ourselves. Wouldn't that be a hoot? Vampires getting spooked by a ghost?" Jasper couldn't help but laugh. "That would be pretty ironic. Count me in!" They decided to invite the whole family, but predictably, most of them had "better things to do." Edward muttered something about composing a new lullaby (yawn), Alice was busy organizing her closet by shade and designer (for the third time this week), Esme and Carlisle opted for a romantic weekend in their cottage (ew, parents). In the end, it was just Rose, Emmett, and Jasper. The terrible trio, as Esme affectionately called them when she thought they couldn't hear. They grabbed some camping gear, even though they didn't really need it. But come on, what's a camping trip without a cooler full of whisky and sleeping bags for some comfort? As they loaded up Emmett's monstrous Jeep, Rose sauntered out of the garage, looking like she'd just stepped off a runway instead of preparing for a wilderness excursion. As Rose emerged from the house, Jasper couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Instead of her usual designer ensemble, she was decked out in high-end hiking gear that looked like it had just come off a fashion week runway. Her red boots, though sturdy, had a subtle sparkle to them, and her denim jacket seemed to shimmer in the sunlight.
"Rose," Jasper said, a smirk playing on his lips, "you do realize we're going camping, right? Not shooting a spread for 'Vogue: Wilderness Edition'?"
She flipped her golden hair over her shoulder and grinned. "Oh, this old thing? It's my new line of couture camping wear. Perfect for blending in with fabulous foliage and stylish stones. Plus, these boots are great for kicking Emmett when he gets too annoying."
Emmett chuckled, tossing the last cooler into the back. "That's my girl. Always prepared for fashion emergencies in the forest."
Rose winked at Jasper. "You boys better watch out. I bet I can catch more prey in this outfit than you can in your boring old hunting gear. After all, who says you can't slay while you slay?"
The drive to Cromwell Dixon Campground was filled with Emmett's terrible jokes ("What do you get when you combine a vampire and a dog? A blood hound!"), Rose's equally terrible puns ("That joke sucked the life out of me, Em"), and Jasper's own snorts of laughter. As they pulled into the campground, Jasper noticed they were the only ones there. Perfect. No need to pretend to be normal, sleep-needing humans, just a bit more freedom that was sorely needed. "Last one to set up their tent has to pretend to snore all night!" Emmett challenged, leaping out of the Jeep before it had fully stopped. "You're on!" Jasper shouted, using his vampiric speed to grab his gear and dash to a clearing. Rose, surprising both of them, was already halfway done with her tent. "What?" she said innocently at their shocked expressions. "You think I just sit around looking pretty all day? I'll have you know I'm an expert speed-tenter." "Speed-tenter?" Jasper repeated, bemused. "It's a word," Rose insisted. "I just invented it. Keep up, boys!" In a blur of motion, tents were erected, sleeping bags unrolled, and a fire pit dug. Rose finished a split second before the boys, twirling her tent peg like a baton. "Ha!" she crowed triumphantly. "Looks like you two will be doing a duet of snores tonight!" Jasper groaned dramatically, flopping onto the ground. "Fine, but I warn you, my snoring sounds more like a drowning walrus than a human." Emmett puffed out his chest. "Amateur. My snores can wake the dead. Which, considering our condition, is pretty impressive."
As they settled into their campsite, the unseasonable warmth of late autumn wrapped around them like a cozy blanket. Not that they needed it, being perpetually cold and all, but it was nice to pretend to be affected by the weather for once. "So," Rose said, perching delicately on a log they'd dragged over to the fire pit, "what's the plan? Besides the obvious 'drink ourselves into a stupor' part. Which, by the way, I excel at. Vampire alcohol tolerance be damned." Emmett, who was busy stacking firewood with the precision of a Jenga master, grinned over his shoulder. "First things first, we hunt. I've got a hankering for some grizzly." Jasper nodded, already feeling the familiar burn in his throat. "Sounds good to me. I'm thinking mountain lion." Rose rubbed her hands together gleefully. "Excellent. I'm in the mood for a challenge. Think I can take down a moose in these boots?" "Babe, I think you could take down a T-Rex in those boots," Emmett said admiringly.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges, pinks, and purples, they prepared for their hunt. Emmett insisted on doing stretches, claiming it would "loosen him up for bear wrestling." Rose joined in, turning the whole thing into an impromptu yoga session. "And now, the downward facing vampire," she announced, striking a pose that looked more like a contortionist act than any yoga Jasper had ever seen. "Alright, troops," Emmett announced, striking a pose that Jasper could only describe as 'constipated superhero', "let's lay down some ground rules. First one to catch their prey gets to choose the movie for our next family night." Rose's eyes glinted competitively. "You're on. Hope you boys are ready for a marathon of 'America's Next Top Model'. I hear the vampire season was particularly cutthroat." "Oh no," Emmett groaned. "Not another reality show. Whatever happened to good old-fashioned monster movies?" "We live those every day, darling," Rose quipped. "Time to broaden your horizons." Jasper couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay. Any other rules?" Emmett thought for a moment, his brow furrowed in concentration. "How about... loser has to streak through the campground?"
Rose smirked. "Emmett, we're the only ones here. And we've all seen each other naked more times than I care to count. Where's the fun in that? Although..." she struck a pose, "I do look fabulous in my birthday suit." "Fine," Emmett pouted. "Loser has to... call Edward and sing 'I'm a Little Teapot' complete with choreography!" They all burst into laughter at the mental image. "Deal," Rose and Jasper said in unison. And with that, they were off. They moved silently through the forest, their heightened senses alert for any sign of prey. The thrill of the hunt coursed through their veins, momentarily pushing aside the perpetual boredom of eternal teenage-hood. It didn't take long before they heard the telltale sound of a large animal moving through the underbrush. Rose's head snapped towards the noise, a predatory smile spreading across her face. "Dibs!" she whispered, before disappearing in a blonde blur. Emmett and Jasper exchanged a look. "Since when does she call dibs?" Jasper muttered. "Since she realized it annoys us," Emmett replied with a fond chuckle.
They split up to find their own meals. Jasper scaled a nearby tree, hoping for a better vantage point. From his perch, he scanned the forest floor, his enhanced vision piercing through the darkness. That's when he spotted it – a majestic mountain lion, its tawny coat gleaming in the moonlight. As he prepared to pounce, a thunderous roar echoed through the forest, followed by Emmett's booming laughter. So much for stealth. "Emmett!" Jasper hissed, knowing he could hear him even from a distance. "You're scaring away all the prey!" Emmett's voice carried back to him, tinged with excitement. "Sorry, bro! This bear's putting up one hell of a fight!" Jasper shook his head, smiling despite himself. Leave it to Emmett to turn the hunt into a WWE smackdown.
Refocusing on his target, Jasper leaped from the tree, sailing through the air with inhuman grace. The mountain lion sensed him a second too late, and their dance began. It was a flurry of claws, fangs, and supernatural strength, ending with Jasper as the victor.
As he finished his meal, he heard Rose approaching. She looked immaculate, not a hair out of place, despite having just taken down a predator. And true to her word, she was dragging a moose behind her. "Well," she said, brushing an imaginary speck of dust from her shoulder, "that was invigorating. And look, not even a scuff on my boots. I told you they were all-terrain." Jasper stared at the moose, then at Rose's pristine outfit, then back at the moose. "How did you... so fa..." Rose winked. "A lady never reveals her secrets. Now, shall we go collect my overgrown child of a husband?"
They found Emmett in a small clearing, locked in what appeared to be a bear hug (pun absolutely intended) with a massive grizzly. He was grinning from ear to ear, looking for all the world like he was playing with an oversized teddy bear rather than wrestling a wild animal. "Em," Rose called out, amusement coloring her tone, "stop playing with your food. It's undignified. Also, you're making the rest of us look bad." Emmett pouted but complied, quickly subduing the bear and finishing his meal. As they made their way back to the campsite, he regaled them with a blow-by-blow account of his "epic battle," complete with sound effects and dramatic reenactments.
"And then," he said, puffing out his chest, "I looked the bear straight in the eye and said, 'Is that all you've got, Yogi?'" Rose rolled her eyes fondly. "I'm sure the bear was very impressed with your witty banter, Em. Almost as impressed as that moose was with my boots." Back at the campground, they settled around the fire, more for ambiance than warmth. Emmett pulled out their "special" cooler, filled with various bottles of high-proof liquor. "Alright, ladies and gents," he announced, holding up a bottle in each hand, "what's your poison? We've got whiskey that could strip paint and Salted Caramel Crown that'll make your teeth ache just looking at it." Rose eyed both bottles critically. "Why choose? I say we mix them. I'll call it... the Vampire's Kiss. Deadly, sweet, and guaranteed to put hair on your chest." Jasper raised an eyebrow. "Rose, we can't grow hair." "Details, details," she waved dismissively, already mixing the concoction.
They settled into their chairs, sipping Rose's creation (which was surprisingly good, if potentially lethal to humans) and enjoying the rare moment of peace away from the rest of the family. The fire crackled merrily, sending sparks dancing into the night sky. "You know," Jasper mused, staring into the flames, "sometimes I forget how beautiful the world can be. When you live forever, it's easy to take things for granted." Rose nodded, her expression softening. "I know what you mean. Moments like these... they remind me why I'm glad Carlisle saved me, despite everything." Then, with a mischievous glint in her eye, she added, "Plus, eternity is the only timeline in which I'll be able to try every hairstyle known to man. And invent a few of my own." Emmett, sensing the mood turning a bit too sentimental for his liking, cleared his throat. "Alright, enough with the mushy stuff. Who's up for some ghost stories? It is Halloween, after all." Jasper perked up, always a sucker for a good tale. "I might have one or two up my sleeve." Rose leaned in, eyes sparkling. "Ooh, yes please. But fair warning, if it's not scary enough, I'm taking over. I've got a doozy about a fashion designer who created a cursed collection. Spoiler alert: shoulder pads were involved." Emmett groaned. "Not the shoulder pads again." "Hey," Rose defended, "shoulder pads are terrifying. Almost as terrifying as 80s perms." Sitting around the fire listening to the sounds of the night away from the coven was very relaxing and I think the three of us needed it. The crackling of the flames mingled with the soft whisper of wind through the trees, creating a soothing backdrop to our quiet conversation. "This is nice," Rose murmured, her eyes reflecting the dancing firelight. "It's been too long since we've done something like this." Emmett nodded in agreement, his usual boisterous energy subdued by the tranquil atmosphere. "Yeah, sometimes it's good to get away from it all. No pretending, no high school drama. Just us and the great outdoors."
Leaning back in my chair looking up at the stars, feeling the cool breeze on my face, I felt content. The night sky was a tapestry of twinkling lights, unobscured by the city glare. It had been a while since I had felt like this, so at peace with the world and my place in it. "You look deep in thought, Jazz," Rose observed, a hint of curiosity in her voice. I smiled, my eyes still fixed on the star-studded sky. "Just appreciating the moment. It's not often we get to just... be." Emmett chuckled softly. "Look at us, getting all philosophical. Who knew camping could bring out the deep thinkers in us?" We lapsed into comfortable silence again, each lost in our own thoughts as we gazed into the fire or up at the stars. The night seemed to stretch on endlessly, full of possibility and free from the constraints of our usual routines. After a while, Emmett, always up for fun, asked me if I had any Halloween tales I could tell. "Come on Jay," he said, his eyes sparkling with anticipation, "you always have the best stories. Do you have one for Halloween?" I considered for a moment, sifting through centuries of memories for a tale befitting the occasion. The fire crackled, sending up a shower of sparks, as if encouraging me to speak. "Well," I began, my voice low and measured, "since you asked... I might have a story or two that would fit the bill." Rose leaned forward, her interest piqued. "Oh? Do tell. It's been ages since we've had a good spooky story." Emmett rubbed his hands together gleefully. "This is gonna be good. Jasper's stories are always the best." I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm. It was moments like these that made our eternal existence worthwhile – the simple joy of sharing stories with family, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
"Alright," I said, settling more comfortably in my chair. "Let me tell you about the time I encountered something strange in the deserts of the Southwest..." As I began my tale, the forest around us seemed to grow quieter, as if nature itself was listening in. The fire cast flickering shadows across our faces, adding to the eerie atmosphere of the story. Rose and Emmett listened intently, their expressions a mix of fascination and anticipation
Thinking for a few minutes, looking back at the stars I gathered my thoughts and then began: "You know I said that there are legends about the New Mexico mountains and lost civilizations and lost gold. On one of my breaks when I was hanging out with Peter and Charlotte, I decided to see what the fuss was about in the San Juan and Mesa Verde mountains." Emmett's eyes lit up with excitement. "Hidden gold? Now that sounds interesting! Did you find any, Jazz?" I chuckled, shaking my head. "No, Emmett, I didn't find any gold. But I found something... different." "Different how?" Rose asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Well, let me tell you," I continued. "I had been out there for about a week and all I was finding was quaking aspen, pine trees, a few skunks and squirls, and the occasional watering hole. It was peaceful and beautiful, I'll give it that. I had set up a camp in a small meadow, surrounded by towering pines and with a clear view of the star-filled sky." "By day I had wandered the hills to either hunt or see if I could find signs of the gold. Returning to my camp one night I found an old man sitting by a fire he had made. The old man gestured to me to sit with him at the fire and told me he was a medicine man." Rose's brow furrowed. "An old man? In the middle of nowhere? Wasn't that... odd?" "It was," I agreed. "But there was something about him... something that told me he was no ordinary human. The conversation flowed easy with the holy man and his vast knowledge of the area was impressive. I noted that his way was gentle, reverent. He spoke with a calm measured cadence as he told me story after story of the mountains around us." "What kind of stories?" Emmett asked, clearly intrigued. "All kinds," I replied. "Legends of the land, tales of ancient peoples, the sacred roles of animals in their culture. Each story was like a piece of a grand puzzle, revealing the deep connection between the people and the land they called home."
I paused, remembering the weight of the moment. "As he finished his stories, he tells me that he can tell that I carry burdens that I should let go and find peace. He tells me that there is a way that he can help me find peace with my life and to find my spirit guide to help me through my life." "Whoa," Emmett breathed. "That's... intense. Did he know what you were?"
I shook my head. "I'm not sure. He never said anything about vampires specifically, but... there was a knowing look in his eyes. As if he understood that I wasn't quite human, but it didn't matter to him." "So what did you do?" Rose asked, leaning in.
"As I look at the old man, I realize that he understands the pain of my soul and quite possibly could help me. As I struggled to decide if I would take him up on his offer the sun began to set, and the colors set the sky on fire." "At this point, my guest offered me his name: Mato, in his language it means Bear. Mato tells me to think through the night on my choice and in the morning tell him my answer." "But he didn't leave it at that, did he?" Rose guessed.
"No, he didn't," I confirmed. "From there Mato tells me of the Coyote, how he plays many roles in life: a warrior, a trickster, a thief, but always an indomitable force of life. With a smile on his face Mato tells me the coyote is always wanting, he is always hungry, he is always poor and out of luck and friendless. Don't be like the coyote." "Huh," Emmett mused. "I guess even trickster spirits have their downsides." "I think that was the point," Rose said thoughtfully. "It's a warning against always wanting more, never being satisfied." "Or not accepting a good offer from fear of failure." I said. " It really made me think about my own life, my own desires and dissatisfactions." "So, what happened next?" Emmett prompted, clearly engrossed in the tale.
"I sat and watched over the holy man as he slept, thinking about what he had to say to me. As the Sun rose the next morning and the holy man woke, I told him I would be open for his help to find peace." "The medicine man removed some small pouches out of his bag then asked for my cup and some water. I watched as he made two cups of tea and then loaded an old pipe. Handing me back my cup I asked him what it was. He smiled at me and told me it was peyote and to drink it all quickly, that it probably would not taste very good." Emmett's eyes widened. "Peyote? Isn't that like... a hallucinogen or something?" Rose looked concerned. "Can vampires even be affected by that?"
I held up my hand. "I was skeptical too, believe me. But remember, this was not just any peyote. This was prepared by a medicine man who seemed to know more about me than he let on." "So, you drank it?" Emmett asked, leaning forward in anticipation.
I nodded. "Following his instructions I drank the bitter liquid as did the holy man. He next lit the pipe and took a hit handing it to me I did the same. Each of us taking one more hit as the peyote started working, I found myself laying down I was too heavy and too tired to remain sitting." "And?" Emmett prompted, practically bouncing in his seat.
I paused, considering how to describe what happened next. "It was... unlike anything I've ever experienced. I lay there, watching the sun move from dawn to the new day, but it was more than that. It was as if I could see the very essence of time itself, flowing around me like a river." Rose leaned forward, her eyes wide. "But how is that possible? We're vampires. Drugs shouldn't affect us like that." I shook my head slowly. "I don't know, Rose. Maybe it was the peyote, maybe it was Mato's magic, or maybe it was something else entirely. All I know is that as I lay there, the world around me began to change in ways I couldn't have imagined. "Emmett's voice was hushed with anticipation. "What happened next, Jazz?" I looked at my siblings, then up at the stars peeking through the forest canopy. The memory of that day washed over me, as vivid now as it was then.
As Dawn approached, I listened to the words of Mato telling me that life and dream walks are circular and deliberate, that they move like a clock forward. "Move forward," he said, his voice seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once. "Always trust your instincts and find your peace." As I slipped deeper into the dream walk, the world around me began to shift and change. The peaceful meadow where Mato and I had made camp faded away, replaced by a vast, barren plain. The sky above was a swirling mass of dark clouds, occasionally lit by flashes of silent lightning. It was then that I noticed two men following me, their forms indistinct and shadowy. As they drew closer, I heard a word drifting my way: "Why?" I tried to focus on moving forward, remembering Mato's advice, but I could not help glancing back. To my growing unease, I saw that more figures had joined the first two. These new arrivals wore uniforms I recognized all too well - uniforms from the Civil War. A chill ran down my spine as I turned my gaze ahead, seeing mountains rise up from the desert floor in the distance. I set my sights on them, deciding that forward was indeed my direction. Still, the question "Why?" hung in the air, growing louder with each step.
As I moved towards the mountains, I became aware that with each step, I seemed to gain more followers. The crowd behind me was growing, their clothing spanning different eras. Some seemed to have stepped out of history books, while others wore more modern attire. But all shared the same hollow-eyed stare, their gazes locked on me as they joined the growing throng. The whispered "Why?" had grown into a constant murmur, the sound pressing in on me from all sides. I quickened my steps, driven by a growing sense of urgency. The mountains seemed no closer, but I pushed on, desperate to put some distance between myself and the ever-growing horde behind me.
Suddenly, I felt a presence at my side. Turning my head, I saw faces I recognized - vampires I had turned during my time with Maria, humans whose lives I had taken. Their ruby eyes bored into mine, their mouths forming that same haunting question: "Why?" I tried to recoil but found myself hemmed in on all sides. More vampires had joined the crowd, their cold bodies pressing close, their hands reaching for me. Though they never quite made contact, I could feel the chill of their presence, the displacement of air as their fingers grasped at nothing. I'm sorry," I tried to say, but no sound came out. My words were drowned in the sea of "Why?" that surrounded me. The faces blurred together - humans I had killed, vampires I had created and killed, countless lives touched by my actions over the decades. Each one bore the same accusatory expression, their voices joining the terrible chorus. Panic threatened to overwhelm me. I pushed forward with renewed desperation, my eyes fixed on the mountains ahead.
They were closer now, their rocky slopes offering a promise of escape from the nightmare behind me. As I reached the base of the mountain, I spotted a rocky outcropping jutting from the sheer face. Without hesitation, I began to climb. My vampire strength and agility served me well, allowing me to scale the cliff face with ease. Looking down, I saw the crowd gathered at the base of the mountain. Hundreds of faces stared up at me, their voices rising in a terrible crescendo. "WHY? WHY? WHY?"
From my vantage point, I could see the true extent of the horde for the first time. They stretched as far as the eye could see, a sea of accusing faces and reaching hands. Humans and vampires alike, all united in their relentless questioning. The chanting seemed to grow louder, reverberating off the mountain walls and echoing in my head. I pressed my hands to my ears, but it did nothing to block out the sound. In desperation, I called out to them, my voice finally breaking through. "Why? Why what? How can I help you? You need to tell me what you need!" My words seemed to hang in the air for a moment, and for a brief, hopeful second, I thought they might respond. But then the chanting resumed, louder than ever. "WHY? WHY? WHY?" I sank to my knees, overwhelmed by the weight of their accusation. Each "Why?" felt like a physical blow, driving home the guilt and regret I had carried for so long. "I don't know," I whispered, my voice lost in the cacophony. "I don't know why." The crowd below me began to shift and move, forming patterns that seemed to have some significance I couldn't quite grasp. Their movements were synchronized, almost ritualistic, as if they were performing some ancient ceremony. As I watched, transfixed by the eerie spectacle, I became aware of a change in the atmosphere. The air grew thick and heavy, charged with an energy I couldn't explain. The sky darkened further, the clouds swirling more violently overhead.
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the ground near the base of the mountain. In its wake, a figure appeared - tall, majestic, and utterly terrifying. It was a bear, but unlike any I had ever seen. It stood as tall as the trees, its fur a patchwork of shadows that seemed to shift and change as it moved. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly intelligence, fixed unmistakably on me. The crowd parted before the bear, creating a path that led from the base of the mountain directly to where I stood. The bear began to climb, its massive form moving with impossible grace up the sheer rock face. As it drew closer, I felt an overwhelming urge to run, to escape. But Mato's words echoed in my mind: "Trust your instincts." And my instincts, honed over centuries of survival, told me that running from this creature would be futile. So, I stood my ground, watching as the bear approached. When it reached my position, it reared up on its hind legs, towering over me. Its hot breath washed over me as it opened its mouth and spoke in a voice that shook the very mountain.
"Jasper Whitlock," it rumbled, "why do you run from your past?" I stared up at the bear, struggling to find my voice. "I... I'm not running," I managed to say. "I'm trying to move forward, like Mato said." The bear's eyes seemed to pierce right through me. "Moving forward does not mean abandoning what came before. Each step of your journey has led you here. Each life you've touched, each decision you've made - they are all part of who you are." As the bear spoke, the crowd below began to change. Their accusatory expressions softened, the angry chanting fading to a low murmur. They were still asking "Why?", but the tone had changed. It was no longer an accusation, but a genuine question. "They seek understanding," the bear said, gesturing to the crowd with one massive paw. "As do you. You cannot give them what they seek until you understand it yourself." I looked out over the sea of faces, really seeing them for the first time. They weren't just victims or collateral damage from my past. They were people - each with their own stories, their own reasons for being here. "What do I do?" I asked the bear, feeling lost and overwhelmed.
The bear's form began to shimmer and change. As I watched in awe, it transformed into the familiar figure of Mato. But this version of the medicine man was different - he seemed to glow with an inner light, his eyes holding the same ancient wisdom I had seen in the bear's gaze. "You listen," Mato said, his voice carrying the same power as the bear's had. "You acknowledge. You learn. And then, Jasper Whitlock, you forgive." "Forgive?" I repeated, confused. "Forgive who?" Mato smiled, a sad but knowing expression. "All of them," he said, gesturing to the crowd. "And yourself." With those words, Mato placed his hand on my shoulder. The touch seemed to break some sort of dam within me. Suddenly, I could hear the voices of the crowd clearly. Each "Why?" was distinct, carrying with it a story, a life, a reason. I closed my eyes, overwhelmed by the flood of emotions and memories. When I opened them again, I found myself back in the meadow where the dream walk had begun. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft, golden light over the landscape. Mato sat across from me, looking just as he had when we started this journey. But I could see now the power and wisdom that lay behind his weathered features.
"The dream walk is not over," Mato said softly. "In many ways, it has only just begun. You have seen the path before you, Jasper. Now you must choose whether to walk it." I nodded slowly, my mind reeling from everything I had experienced. The weight of my past still pressed down on me, but it felt different now. Less like a burden and more like... a responsibility. "What happens now?" I asked, my voice hoarse. Mato's eyes twinkled with a mixture of compassion and challenge. "That, young one, is up to you. The spirits have shown you what you needed to see. They have opened a door. But only you can choose to step through it."
As the sun rose fully over the horizon, bathing the meadow in warm light, I felt a shift in the air. The world around us seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see what would happen next. The journey that had begun with a chance encounter in the mountains was far from over. In many ways, it was only just beginning. And as I sat there, poised on the brink of a decision that would alter the course of my existence, I couldn't help but wonder: Where would this path lead? And was I ready for what lay ahead? The ghostly whisper of "Why?" echoed in my mind once more, a reminder of the questions I still had to answer, the closure I still needed to find. But this time, mixed with that haunting refrain, I heard something else - the steady ticking of time, urging me forward. The path ahead was uncertain, fraught with challenges I could scarcely imagine. But as I sat there, caught between two worlds, I knew one thing for certain: I couldn't go back to the way things were before. The dream walk had changed me, opened my eyes to truths I could no longer ignore.
Whatever came next, whatever choices I made, I would face them with the knowledge gained from this experience. The ghosts of my past would no longer haunt me from the shadows. I would confront them head-on, seeking understanding and, perhaps, forgiveness. As I opened my mouth to speak, to ask Mato for guidance on what to do next, I felt another shift in the energy around us. The dream was changing again, pulling me deeper into this spiritual journey.
The journey that had begun with a simple cup of peyote tea was far from over. In fact, it was clear now that we had only scratched the surface of what lay ahead. As the world around me began to blur and shift once more, I braced myself for whatever the spirits had in store for me next. Where would this next phase of the dream walk take me? What other truths would I uncover? And most importantly, would I find the strength to face them? As the meadow faded away and new visions began to form, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what was to come. The path to understanding and peace was long and fraught with challenges, but I was committed now. There was no turning back.
The dream walk continued, and with it, my journey towards redemption and self-discovery. Whatever lay ahead, I would face it head-on, guided by Mato's wisdom and my own newfound determination to confront the ghosts of my past. As the world around me shifted once more, I found myself in a dense forest. The trees towered above me, their branches intertwining to form a canopy that blocked out most of the sky. Shafts of golden light pierced through the gaps, creating a dappled pattern on the forest floor. I moved forward, drawn by an unseen force. The forest seemed alive, not just with the usual sounds of wildlife, but with a palpable energy that thrummed through the air. Each step I took felt deliberate, as if the very ground beneath my feet was guiding me towards something important.
Suddenly, the trees parted, revealing a small clearing. In the center stood a majestic eagle, its feathers a shimmering mix of silver and gold. As our eyes met, I felt a jolt of recognition. This wasn't just any eagle - this was my spirit guardian. The eagle spread its wings, the span easily twice that of any bird I'd seen before. When it spoke, its voice resonated not in my ears, but in my mind. "Jasper Whitlock," it said, "warrior of many battles, both physical and spiritual. The time has come for you to embrace your true path." I stepped forward, drawn by the eagle's presence. "What is my path?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. The eagle's eyes, golden and piercing, seemed to look straight into my soul.
"You are a protector, Jasper. A guardian. Your strength lies not just in your physical prowess, but in your ability to feel and influence the emotions of others." As the eagle spoke, images flashed before my eyes. I saw myself in various moments throughout my long life - as a young soldier, as a leader in Maria's army, as a member of the Cullen family. In each vision, I was standing between danger and those I cared about. "Your gifts are profound, Jasper," the eagle continued, its voice resonating with ancient wisdom. "They carry with them a sacred duty. The strength you possess must be wielded with great care and consciousness." I nodded, understanding the weight of these words. "How do I do that?" I asked. The eagle ruffled its feathers, and for a moment, I could have sworn I saw Mato's kind eyes looking at me through the bird's gaze. "By facing your past, not running from it. By using your experiences, both good and bad, to guide and protect others. By being a beacon of strength for those who need it most." "You must always strive to be a strong warrior, Jasper. Not just in body, but in spirit and in heart."
As the eagle spoke, I felt a change coming over me. The guilt and regret that had weighed me down for so long began to shift. They didn't disappear entirely, but they transformed, becoming a source of wisdom rather than a burden. "Remember, Jasper," the eagle said, its voice growing fainter as the vision began to fade, "a true warrior's strength lies not in his ability to defeat others, but in his capacity to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Carry this wisdom with you always." With those final words, the eagle spread its wings and took flight. As it soared upwards, its form seemed to dissolve into motes of light that rained down upon me. Each speck that touched my skin filled me with warmth and strength.
The forest around me began to blur and shift once more. I found myself back in the vast plain where my dream walk had begun, but everything looked different now. The barren landscape was now alive with color and energy. The crowd that had pursued me earlier was still there, but their expressions had changed. Instead of accusation, their faces now showed a mix of hope and expectation. I understood then that these were not just the ghosts of my past, but representations of all those I had yet to meet, to help, to protect. My journey wasn't just about finding peace with my past, but about embracing my role in shaping the future. As this realization washed over me, I felt a profound sense of purpose settle into my being. The path ahead would not be easy, but I was ready to walk it. Suddenly, the world around me began to fade. The vivid colors of the dream walk dimmed, and I felt myself being pulled back to consciousness. I tried to hold onto the insights and visions I'd experienced, afraid they might slip away like morning mist.
When I opened my eyes, I found myself back in the small meadow where Mato and I had made camp. The first rays of dawn were just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting a soft, rosy glow over the landscape. I sat up slowly, my mind still reeling from the intensity of the dream walk. As my vision cleared, I realized something was different. Mato was gone.
For a moment, panic gripped me. Had it all been just a vivid hallucination? But then my eyes fell upon something that hadn't been there before. Where Mato had been sitting, there was now an intricate sand painting. I moved closer, studying the design. It was a complex pattern of swirling lines and geometric shapes, all coming together to form the image of an eagle in flight. In the center of the painting, gleaming in the early morning light, was a silver and turquoise eagle pendant hanging from a leather cord. Next to the pendant was a small medicine pouch. With trembling hands, I picked up both items. The pendant felt warm to the touch, as if it held some of the energy from my dream walk. The pouch was light, but I could feel something inside it. Acting on instinct, I carefully gathered a small amount of the sand from the painting, making sure not to disturb the overall design. I opened the medicine pouch and added the sand to the items already inside - a small amount of peyote, not enough to dream walk but a symbol of mine.
As I closed the pouch, I felt a sense of completion. These items were more than just mementos of my experience; they were tools for the journey ahead. I slipped the pendant over my head, feeling its weight settle against my chest. It felt right, as if it had always been meant to be there. The medicine pouch I tucked carefully into my pocket. Standing up, I took one last look around the meadow. Though Mato was nowhere to be seen, I could still feel his presence, as if the very air was imbued with his wisdom. "Thank you," I whispered to the wind, hoping that somehow, somewhere, he could hear me.
As I finished recounting my experience, I fell silent, the crackling of the campfire filling the air between us. The dream walk had shown me things I could scarcely put into words, revealed truths about myself and my path that I was only beginning to understand. I looked up at Rose and Emmett, trying to gauge their reactions. Their familiar faces were a stark contrast to the otherworldly visions I had just described. Rose's brow was furrowed, her golden eyes filled with a mixture of concern and disbelief. Emmett, usually so quick with a joke, sat uncharacteristically quiet, his expression thoughtful. I took a deep breath, waiting for one of them to break the silence. "Jazz," Emmett finally said, his voice low and serious, "that's... intense. I mean, a giant wise bear? Spirit guides? It sounds like something out of a movie."Rose nodded slowly, her gaze never leaving my face. "Jasper," she said, her voice tinged with worry, "are you sure this was real? Could it have been some kind of hallucination?" I understood their skepticism. If I hadn't experienced it myself, I might not have believed it either. "I know it sounds incredible,"
I began, searching for the right words to convey the profound nature of what I'd been through. "But it was more real than anything I've ever experienced. It wasn't just visions or hallucinations. It was... a journey. A confrontation with my past and a glimpse of my future." Emmett leaned forward, his eyes wide with fascination. "So what happens now, bro? Do you have some kind of mystical powers or something?" Despite the seriousness of the moment, I couldn't help but chuckle at Emmett's question. "No mystical powers, Em. But I did feel... different. Like I found a purpose I'd been searching for my entire existence." Rose reached out, placing her hand on my arm. I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude for my siblings. "I do, and it means more than you know. This journey... it's shown me how important family truly is."
As I opened my mouth to say more, a twig snapped in the forest behind us. We all whirled around, our vampire instincts on high alert. For a moment, the only sound was the crackling of our campfire. Then, from the shadows of the trees, a figure emerged. Tall, slender, with skin the color of weathered cedar and eyes that seemed to hold the same ancient wisdom I had seen in my vision. "Mato?" I whispered, scarcely believing my eyes. The old man smiled, his teeth gleaming in the firelight. "Hello, Jasper," he said, his voice exactly as I remembered it. "I see you've been sharing your journey with your family." Emmett and Rose looked at me in shock, then back at the medicine man who had appeared as if from thin air. "Jazz," Emmett said slowly, "who is this? And how does he know your name?"
I stood up, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. "This is Mato, the medicine man I told you about. The one who guided me through the dream walk." Rose stood as well, her posture protective. "What do you want with our brother?" she asked, her voice carrying a hint of a growl. Mato held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "I mean no harm, young ones. I come bearing a gift and a message for Jasper... and for you as well." I felt a surge of curiosity. "A gift? What kind of gift?" Mato reached into a pouch at his waist and pulled out a small object wrapped in deerskin. He held it out to me, his eyes twinkling with mystery. "This is for you, Jasper. A tool for the journey ahead." With slightly trembling hands, I took the package and carefully unwrapped it. Inside was a small, intricately carved wooden box. The lid was adorned with the images of a bear and an eagle, their forms intertwined in an eternal dance. "Open it," Mato urged gently.
I lifted the lid, revealing a small, smooth stone nestled on a bed of fragrant herbs. The stone seemed to shimmer in the firelight, its surface swirling with colors that shouldn't have been possible in a natural stone. "What is it?" I asked, mesmerized by the object.
"It is a Spirit Stone," Mato explained. "A focal point for your newfound connection to the spirit world. It will help guide you in the times to come." Emmett, his curiosity overcoming his wariness, peered at the stone. "Times to come. What does that mean?" Mato's expression grew serious. "The journey you have begun, Jasper, is far from over. In fact, it is only the beginning. And it is a path that will involve not just you, but your family as well." Rose's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about? We didn't ask to be part of any mystical journey." Mato turned his ancient gaze to her, and I saw Rose falter slightly under its weight. "The spirits do not always ask, young ones. They call to those who are needed, whether they know it or not."
I felt a chill run down my spine. "What do you mean, Mato? What's coming?" The old man's eyes seemed to look beyond us, into a future we couldn't see. "A great challenge approaches. One that will test not just your strength and courage, but your bonds as a family. The bear and the eagle have chosen you, Jasper, as their champion. But you will need your siblings by your side if you hope to overcome what lies ahead." Emmett, for once, looked completely serious. "What kind of challenge? And how are we supposed to prepare for something we know nothing about?" Mato reached into his pouch again and pulled out two small leather pouches, handing one each to Rose and Emmett. "These contain sacred herbs. Keep them with you. When the time comes, you will know how to use them." Rose looked at the pouch skeptically but took it nonetheless. "And when exactly will this time come?" "Watch for the signs," Mato said, his voice taking on a rhythmic, almost hypnotic quality. "When the bear walks in the shadow of the moon, and the eagle cries at midnight, you will know the time has come to act." I exchanged glances with my siblings, seeing my own confusion mirrored in their eyes. "But what are we supposed to do?" I asked. Mato smiled, a knowing look in his eyes. "Trust in the wisdom of the spirits, and in the strength of your bond. The path will reveal itself when you are ready to walk it." With those cryptic words, Mato began to back away, fading into the shadows of the forest. "Remember, Jasper," his voice drifted to us on the night breeze, "the bear's strength, the eagle's vision. They are within you now. Use them wisely." And then he was gone, leaving us staring at the empty space where he had stood.
For a long moment, none of us spoke. The only sound was the crackling of the fire and the faint rustling of leaves in the night wind. Finally, Emmett broke the silence. "Okay, I'll say it. What the hell just happened?" Rose was staring at the pouch in her hand as if it might bite her. "I'm not sure I believe any of this. Spirit journeys? Mystical challenges? It sounds insane." I looked down at the Spirit Stone in my hand, feeling its subtle warmth against my palm. "I know it sounds crazy," I said softly. "But after what I've experienced... I can't discount it. Something is coming. Something big." Emmett plopped back down by the fire, running a hand through his hair. "So what do we do? Just sit around waiting for a bear to walk in the moonlight or whatever?"
I shook my head, closing the wooden box and tucking it safely into my pocket. "No, I don't think so. Mato said we need to prepare. We need to be ready when the time comes." Rose sat down next to Emmett, her expression troubled. "Ready for what, though? We don't even know what we're preparing for." I joined them by the fire, feeling the weight of responsibility settling on my shoulders. "I'm not sure," I admitted. "But I think... I think we need to start by strengthening our bond as a family. Whatever's coming, Mato made it clear that we'll need to face it together." Emmett nodded slowly. "Alright, I'm in. If some mystic mumbo-jumbo wants to throw a challenge our way, they're going to find out that the Cullens aren't so easy to take down."
Rose was quiet for a moment, then sighed. "I still think this is crazy. But... but if it's real, if something is really coming, then we'll face it together. That's what family does." I felt a surge of affection for my siblings. Despite their doubts, despite the strangeness of it all, they were willing to stand by me. "Thank you," I said softly. "Both of you. I don't know what lies ahead, but knowing I have you by my side... it makes all the difference." As we sat there, the fire slowly dying to embers, I couldn't shake the feeling that we were on the precipice of something monumental. The Spirit Stone seemed to pulse gently in my pocket, a constant reminder of the journey we had unknowingly begun. In the distance, an eagle's cry pierced the night, causing us all to start. We exchanged glances, a mix of excitement and apprehension in our eyes. Whatever was coming, we would face it as a family. The bear's strength, the eagle's vision... and the unbreakable bond of siblings.
As the first light of dawn began to paint the sky, we made our way back to the Jeep. The camping trip that had started as a simple Halloween adventure had turned into something far more profound. We drove home in silence, each lost in our own thoughts about what the future might hold. But one thing was certain: our lives would never be the same. The spirits had set us on a path, and only time would reveal where it would lead. As we pulled into the driveway of the Cullen house, I caught a glimpse of movement in the trees. For a moment, I could have sworn I saw the massive form of a bear, watching us with knowing eyes or a promise of things on the way.
Then it was gone, leaving me to wonder: had it been real, or just a product of my heightened awareness? And more importantly, how long did we have before the true test began? As we stepped out of the car, the wind picked up, carrying with it the faint cry of an eagle. Rose, Emmett, and I exchanged glances. Had the journey had begun. All we could do now was prepare... and wait for the signs.