I Fear No Pain

C4: When Dreams Are Reality

Standard Disclaimer: I don't own any of the recognizable characters.

Alice's POV

I will admit that being given the task of designing new outfits for the entire Guard was an incredible honor and at the same time a daunting task too, because I knew that whatever I designed would have to be sturdy enough to stand up to the missions the Guard were sent on as well as being functional for everything that came with said missions, and of course they had to also be stylish enough for them to be worn in the Castle too.

Queen Sulpicia had already set me up with an amazing atelier, as well as everything I might ever need to design everyone a new wardrobe, and that included the Queens, who had asked me to design some new clothes for them as well.

Those were going to be a bit easier, but brought along a whole new set of nerves because of the station I was going to be designing for. I could honestly say that I never expected to be able to design clothes on a regular basis, let alone being able to design for our royalty.

Inspiration however was severely lacking, and since I didn't have Jasper here yet, I went in search of my other muse, being Bella, who given how everything had developed over the last couple of days would be in one of three places, either the library with her mate, in their bedroom with her mate, or in the Throne Room with her mother, and of those three, I felt only comfortable with two of those to look for her, being the library and the Throne Room.

It had honestly surprised me how quickly Bella had latched on to both Didyme and Jane, even though I had seen it plenty of times over the last month. I was also a bit worried about what my place in her life would be from now on, but I figured that it would never hurt to just ask her, since I refused to look into my own future for this. It was too important for that, because while I couldn't live without Jasper, he and I both knew that if I lost Bella as my best friend, I would never be the same again.

For once deciding to act like a proper vampire, I followed my nose for Bella's admittedly delicious scent, although for me it was never enticing for feeding, but rather a comforting blanket of love and friendship whenever I smelled it.

My nose led me to the Throne Room, which I honestly was kind of glad for, because while Jane tried, she was still a very intimidating presence, not to mention being very possessive of Bella, which while adorable made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

As I walked into the Throne Room, I couldn't help but smile at Bella's position next to her mother before I bowed to the three Queens. "Young Alice, this is certainly a surprise. What can we do for you?" Sulpicia asked kindly.

I smiled kindly at them. "To be very honest, my Queen, I was hoping to steal Bella for a little while. I am a bit uninspired and Bella has always been somewhat of a muse for me."

Bella blushed adorably at that as she shared a quick look with Didyme, who merely smiled at her before she got out of her chair and made her way over to me. "I see no issue with this, but we must urge you both to be back around noon. Eleazar and Carmen will be here around one 'o clock and there are some things we still need to go over." Didyme said with her usual kind smile.

I nodded at her as I hooked my arm with Bella's. "We will, my Queen. I think everyone is anticipating what Bella's gift will be, and I doubt my dear sister will want to be late for that."

Bella smiled at that. "As if I would ever entertain the possibility of disappointing my mother and aunts, and you are absolutely right. I am also very curious about what my gift will be."

Sulpicia and Didyme smiled warmly at her while Athenodora's was a bit more stoic. "Then we will see you soon, sweetling." Didyme said as we were dismissed.

We both smiled at her as we made our way back to my atelier, mostly so we could talk in relative peace and because it was one of the few rooms in the Castle that had a proper window with a gorgeous view to the lush fields to the outside.

"I've missed spending time with you Ali, I'm sorry I let myself get swept up in all of this so quickly." She said softly as we walked.

I smiled and gave her arm a squeeze. "It's okay Bella. I know that bonds are very powerful and that it hurts to resist them. I'm honestly happy that you bonded so well with both your mother and mate. I also knew that for once I needed to be patient and let you come to grips with everything. We've always had this strange back and forth between us that will always bring us back to each other."

"There really is something more to us than just close friendship isn't there?" She asked softly.

I nodded at her. "I've talked a lot to your mother about this, and she sensed a stronger than usual familial bond between us, not exactly sisters, since that would mean I would also be a Queen's daughter, but something very close to that. She mentioned doing some research about that when she had a free moment, so I have a feeling we'll be learning the truth of what we share by the end of the day."

Bella smiled at that. "I honestly can't wait, but I've been meaning to ask, how are you doing without Jasper here?"

"I'm okay I guess. We've never really spent more than a few days away from each other since we met each other fifty years ago, which in vampire terms isn't much more than a few weeks." I said with a soft smile as I pushed the door to my atelier open.

Bella smiled at that as she took a look around. "I suppose I'll find that out soon enough, but I have to say that I love what you've done with the place. It really fits you."

I merely smiled as I led her to my comfy corner I had requested from the Queens for just these kinds of occasions.

Bella's POV

I'll admit that Alice's atelier was just the perfect blend of chaos and organization that I was used to from my Pixie of a sister. "So Ali, what exactly can I do to help you find some inspiration?" I asked with a soft smile as we took a seat.

She smiled at me. "You know that your presence alone is more than enough for that Bella. I really just wanted to talk to you for a bit. I really miss having that sort of unlimited access to you like I had in Forks."

"Nothing will have to change in that aspect Ali. I will always make time for you, no matter what is going on. I also know Jane can be intimidating to talk to, but she really wants to thank you for keeping me safe from Edward, and she also wants to try and become your friend because she feels how important you are to me." I said softly.

Alice gave me a sweet smile. "I'll try and talk to her once we have some more insights of your gift. From what I've heard you and Jane made some discoveries about what it might be."

I nodded and smiled at her. "That is one of the things I wanted to talk to you about actually. I kind of already know what my gift is, I just don't know the details of it. For as long as I can remember I've had this dream where there was robed and faceless figure whispering unspeakable things in my ear and everyone who had ever wronged me has writhing in front of me agony, and the worst part is that I revel in the fear I inflict on them. This went from those girls at kindergarten that bullied me, to Lauren and Jessica adn then to Edward, Charlie and Renee in recent months. What tipped me off that this might have something to do with my gift was that Jane had nearly the same dream when she was young and that it was how she came to discover her gift."

Alice gave me a sympathetic smile. "That sounds like a lot to realize on top of everything, but may I ask why you never told us? I'm sure Jazz could've helped."

I smiled at that. "It wasn't because I was afraid to tell you, Ali, but it just never really came up. I certainly didn't want Edward to know about those dreams, and the last two months they, for the first time in my life weren't nightly anymore, which I fully accredit to all of you staying with me for those two months. I knew it would come out eventually and I know from experience that talking about those dreams won't solve anything, because they'll keep coming for as long as I am human and I have people to hate. I have a feeling that Eleazar will reveal that I can do something similar to Jane, but instead of inflicting pain it will be showing them their worst fears."

"If that is true, then you two will become one of the most notorious couples in our world, which is something that might serve us all well depending how your mother and aunts want to deal with Edward and Carlisle." Alice said softly.

I smiled at her. "Jane said the same last night when we were talking about this, but I would rather not potentially influence their decision on Edward and Carlisle, because Sulpicia said she wanted to see my memories once more before they arrive."

Alice nodded and smiled at that. "I get that, and honestly I'm kind of wondering how everything will pan out, because I doubt that after seeing everything Edward did they'll let him live. They can't show bias after all and Edward will be made an example of."

I just nodded at her, not wanting to comment on that, although I agreed with everything she said.

Alice noticed this too and gave my leg a squeeze. "It's okay Bella, I can see your real feelings on it, so I'll stop asking you about it. I do have another question though, not at all related to him. Your mother has asked me to design some clothes for you befitting your station as a Volturi Princess, and since I know how much you loathe dresses, I was hoping you could share your wants and preferences in such a wardrobe."

I smiled at that, having figured this was something she wanted to talk to me about. "To be honest, I could handle a dress if it would make my mother happy, as long as it is not an old fashioned dress like they wear. I don't think I could handle a corset all day long, because knowing me that would end in disaster."

She nodded and smiled at that. "I wasn't planning to, nor was I planning on designing such things for them, but rather something more modern while still maintaining their visage of power, and I had some ideas for you that I was hoping to run by you. First I had an idea of a business chique as it were, so a form fitting skirt and jacket with a blouse of some sort, which could be in whichever color you want, although I think your mother would appreciate richer colors. Another idea I had was a gown of some sort, nothing too tight or loose, but fitted perfectly to your body."

I thought about that for a moment. "I honestly think we can do both here. Gowns for official occasions and something a bit more business like for everyday wear. As far as color goes, I trust you with that, because I trust you will know what looks good on me and will not make me look like an awkward little girl."

"You are far from a little girl Bella. You are a beautiful young woman that I am proud and honored to call my sister. I have no doubt whatsoever that you will flourish here in Volterra, and I am excited to see what you will do here." She said with a sweet smile.

Didyme's POV

I was not surprised to see my dear daughter and Alice be back an hour before Eleazar and Carmen would arrive, in fact I had expected it. The change was noticeable in both of them because I hadn't really seen Bella smile so bright since meeting her. "I see your morning was well spent, sweetling. I don't think I've seen you smile that brightly before."

Bella smiled at me as she gave Alice a hug and took her seat next to me. "I think Alice and I finally had that talk that has been a long time coming, both about what my gift would be and what we believe we are to each other."

I smiled at her as I motioned Alice to come closer too. "I was hoping that was one of the topics of conversation, because I actually have some news on that. After a deep dive into my works on bonds over the centuries, I found what it is you two share. You two are Soul Sisters. It is so extremely rare in our world that I had forgotten exactly how it looked through the lens of my own gift. It does not supersede the mating bond, but it comes very close. There will never be anything that you two won't be able to talk about and you will always know instinctively when something is bothering the other. It does not make you my daughter per say, but your extraordinary bond to Bella does give you the same standing as a Volturi Princess."

Both of them smiled brightly at that. "Even with all my powers of foresight I never thought this was something that would be possible in our world, but it does explain why I always feel so at ease with Bella, almost at the same level as I feel with Jasper, and why I saw her and I being so close long before meeting her."

I smiled at them. "That indeed explains a lot, along with the fact that Jane hasn't put you under her gift yet despite you being so close to her mate. She is always been quite possessive of those she cares about."

Alice nodded at that. "I figured as much, and to be honest she kind of intimidates me, and I have been wanting to talk to her, but I suppose I've been putting it off in fear of her reaction."

"I think Jane understands that, Alice. She knows very well that she has quite an intimidating personality and also understands that you will not be a threat to her relationship with Bella. It is the only reason I informed her of the bond you share with Bella already." I said honestly.

"We understand mother, Jane told me of her worries about how close Alice was to me, and while I promised her that Alice is my sister in every way, I know she would rather hear it from you, since you can confirm those bonds." Bella said sweetly.

I nodded at that. "Indeed, and I promise you that was the only reason I told her already, because I would otherwise never share such things without consent, but now that we've established your bond, it is time for you to take your place beside your sister, Alice. I think our guests will be arriving at any minute, and I hear that my dear mates are also almost here, because I can hear them bickering."

They nodded and smiled at me as Alice took her spot next to Bella, the two girls smiling at each other before turning towards the door, and I just couldn't resist taking Bella's hand in my own.

When the doors opened to reveal my mates as well as hers, I couldn't help the smile that bloomed on my face. "Welcome back my loves. I trust everything went well?"

Sulpicia nodded and smiled at me. "Of course darling. We made our decision and will inform you of it shortly. Have you found anything more on Bella and Alice's bonds?"

"Yes love, they are Soul Sisters. It had been too long since I felt that bond to remember its intricacies. It is also the reason why Alice has already taken her rightful place next to Bella." I said with a soft smile.

Sulpicia and Athenodora both nodded at that. "We understand love, although you do realize it is going to be quite crowded at your throne now, with your daughter, her mate and Soul Sister there." Athenodora said kindly.

I just smiled at that. "The more the merrier love, and it will also give everyone coming in enough of a shock that will allow us to get a proper measure from them."

"If I may, my Queen, I would rather stand with my brother among the Guard, the less people know Bella and I are mated, the better it is, especially while she is still human. It will keep people from getting any ideas." Jane said respectfully.

"I can only agree with our dear Jane here. As long as Bella remains human, she will be at risk, no matter how short that time may be. Another layer of defense is never a bad idea." Athenodora said in her usual matter of fact tone.

Bella nodded at that as she gave her mate a smile. "Honestly as much as I hate to be a liability on anyone, I know the reality is that I will be that until I am turned, and knowing that my mate will always be able to keep an eye on me honestly helps my nerves a lot."

I gave her a sweet smile and gently squeezed her hand. "Perhaps once we've dealt with the matter of the Cullen Coven, we can start having talks about when Jane will turn you. We of course wouldn't want to force anything, but we cannot break our own laws. We are not the hypocrites everyone thinks we are."

"I know aunt Athenodora, and honestly I am ready, but there are a few things I still want to do while I am human, but all of those can be done from here in Volterra." Bella said kindly.

Athenodora looked a bit surprised, but smiled none the less, while Sulpicia pouted a little, clearly having expected to have been called aunt before Dora, something that I found absolutely adorable.

Bella's POV

When the doors opened again, a gorgeous brunette led in two vampires clearly from Spanish descent, both of them bowing deeply before my mother and aunts. "My Queens, it is always a pleasure to see you again, and it is as always, an honor to have been invited to Volterra." The man said with a kind smile.

Sulpicia smiled at him. "It is good to see you too Eleazar. It has been too long since we last saw you. I trust you and Carmen are well?"

"For the most part we have been well, my Queen. There is some tension in Denali at the moment because of the Cullens staying with us and their subsequent summoning here. Edward has been insufferable, proclaiming he did no wrong, and of course Carlisle supports him in this." Eleazar said kindly.

"I see, and what of the rest of the Coven. Do they support them?" Athenodora asked stoically.

The both shook their heads at that. "Not at all, my Queen. Rosalie and Emmett have all but distanced themselves from the Coven and even Carlisle's mate is less adamant in her support of them. She seems torn between her love for Bella and her love for Carlisle. She thinks of Bella as a daughter and wants to make things right. She's been a shell of her former self ever since they arrived."

Sulpicia nodded at that. "I see. We'll take this into consideration when they arrive next week, and we appreciate you giving us a little more insights. It is however not the reason why we asked you to visit. We have come to several realizations when we met Bella, and one of those is that she has a gift. We were hoping you could tell us what it is."

He nodded at her. "Of course my Queen." He said as he focused his gaze on me.

"Interesting. It seems that young Bella has a similar gift to Jane, with the difference being where Jane can create pain in her victims, Bella can cause paralyzing fear in their minds. It is quite remarkable."

Sulpicia smiled kindly at that. "Thank you Eleazar. We had our suspicions, but it is good to have confirmation. Wouldn't you agree Bella?"

I nodded at her. "Yes, it is good to finally know why these dreams were plaguing me from such an early age. Thank you."

Eleazar smiled and nodded. "It was my pleasure Bella. I will admit we've heard a lot about you, but it is good to finally put a face to the name."

I smiled at that. "The same goes for me. I've heard a lot about you over the last couple of days, and it is good to finally know what my gift is. It has been the topic of plenty of conversations over the last few days."

"I can understand that. Gifts and their nature are still largely a mystery, as is the reason someone is given a gift. They often lead to a lot of conversations." Eleazar said kindly.

"Indeed they do, but we are glad that you are always willing to aid us when we have questions, old friend. I must also ask you to not reveal these things to the Cullens, especially Edward, because we want to keep this a secret from them until they arrive." Sulpicia said kindly.

"We rarely spend time with Carlisle and Edward these days. The rest of them have distanced themselves from them both at this point and spend most of their time at Tanya's mansion, and since both Edward and Carlisle have been banned from there, we haven't interacted much with those two in the last months." Eleazar said kindly.

Sulpicia nodded and smiled at that. "We understand that all too well, having him here for a few days was torturous enough."

He merely nodded at that as Sulpicia dismissed them, but also stating they were welcome to stay as long as they pleased.

The two merely bowed and gave us their goodbyes before they were led out of the Throne Room by Demetri.

Meanwhile the brunette that had brought them in was looking at me with curious eyes. "Heidi dear, is something wrong?" Didyme asked with a kind smile.

She shook her head at that. "No, my Queen. I am just a little confused about everything right now. I never expected that a human would enjoy our protection."

Didyme smiled at her. "I forget you weren't here when we discovered everything, my apologies. This young woman is Bella, and she is my daughter as well as Jane's mate. She is the human that was hurt so tremendously by that Cullen boy, and she deserves to say her piece to him before we pass judgment."

"My apologies, my Queen, I meant no disrespect to your Princess." Heidi said softly.

Didyme merely smiled at her. "No offense was taken Heidi. You had no way of knowing." She said before turning to me. "Heidi is our resident fisher, sweetling. She ensures that we are able to feed discreetly."

I nodded and gave the brunette a kind smile. "It is nice to meet you Heidi. Perhaps once everything with Edward is taken care of we can get to know each other a bit better."

Heidi grinned and nodded. "I am sure we will be the best of friends Bella, given how close I am to your mate."

Jane gave her a glare. "Careful Heidi. I won't have you flirting with my mate just for kicks. Friendship or not, I will not hesitate to put you under my gift."

"You wound me Jane. I would never blatantly flirt with my dear friend's mate. I merely want to extend a hand of friendship to her." Heidi said kindly.

Jane narrowed her eyes before nodding. "Fine, but try to be less… you."

Heidi merely smiled at that. "Of course Jane. I promise that I will not do anything untoward."

I smiled at that. "I think we're going to get along great Heidi, I merely want to have Edward dealt with so I don't have to divide my attention between multiple things. I've never been great at multi-tasking."

Heidi nodded and smiled at me. "I understand Bella. It's not like we won't have time to build a friendship once Edward is dealt with, something we're all quite looking forward to."

I only nodded and smiled at her as Didyme once again gathered everyone's attention. "In light of everything we've learned today I think we should adjourn for today and continue our preparations tomorrow." She said as she stood and looked expectantly to me and Alice, and of course I didn't mind following her to what I presumed to be the kitchen, with Jane following close behind as always.