Unknown Point of View
I hate the snow. This is the worst time of year. Becoming a reaper prevented me from feeling the cold, but I could still recall how it felt. I had been cold and hungry a lot in my time as a human. I had hoped things would have been different after death. But I've never been lucky.
Slowly I descended down the dark, lengthy corridor, down into the underground tunnels of Boswell. The air was stagnant down here. Musty and grotesque in nature. The smell of urine and rotting garbage permeated my senses. Liter, dead bodies, rotting animal carcasses. This concrete prison is where I called home for the time being. I've fallen so far. But at least I wasn't alone here. And there was light at the end of this tunnel.
The walk was long and tiresome, my fatigued body could barely function as I made it to the very end of the path. There was a small fire lit, with several others waiting on me, seated at its base. Beer cans piled up around them. None of them lifted their heads to greet me.
"Oh good, you're back. Did you finish the job?" One spoke up, with a deep, unpleasant voice. I recognized the voice, I knew the woman. Although we didn't bother using names here. A name was nothing but a piece of each other's pasts. Pasts that we didn't want to return to, or even think about. So no one here had a name.
"I tried, but they were able to revive her." I muttered quietly as I took a seat around the fire with the rest of them.
They didn't meet my gaze, they just focused on the crackling flames. None of us could feel the heat, except for one of us. A human boy among reapers. He knew we were different. Clearly inhuman and strange. But he had nowhere else to go. We adopted him, in a way. Even amongst us monsters, he seemed to fit right in with us. He accepted us.
"Aro won't be happy with that. What if he retaliates?" The woman spoke again, this time, looking at me.
She stiffened, disgust coming to her face. She found me vile. All of them did. I was used to this reaction. I knew not to take it personally. But it always hurts.
"He planned to meet up at the end of the month. So, I'll have a few more chances to completely finish the job." I sighed, turning my eyes to the fire, like the others. It was easier not to look anyone in the eye. I didn't want to see the look of revolution, or fear. Even though each of us was in a similar situation, my condition was far worse than the others.
"Would you like the rest of us to help? Maybe this task is a bit too challenging for just one reaper." Another spoke up. This time, it was a man. I knew him. He was something like a father to the group. He watched out for all of us. He was probably one of the most kind. If I could call it that.
"No, Aro gave me this mission. I won't fail him. He promised he would find a way to break all of our curses if I accomplish this." I said with hope swelling in my heart. This would be my last chance at some kind of life. A second chance at finding happiness and love. That's all I wanted.
"It's impossible," A woman commented in a clipped tone. Unlike the rest of us, her back was turned to the fire. Her shoulders were tense. Her hair, a matted wreck at the top of her head. Scales coated her skin. She was hideous. Maybe just as much as me. But out of the rest of us, she had the worst possible attitude. None of us liked her, but we took pity on reapers like her. She was part of this group, like it or not. I just wished that she wasn't so unpleasant. "Aro is using us because we have no ties to any company. So none of them will get in trouble for our actions. Only we will pay the price. I've had enough. It's time to just accept your fate."
"No, we can't give up hope. Aro is very strong, he has many abilities. I've heard of him breaking curses in the past. This is our last shot. Don't forget, Aro gave you a task to do as well." I reminded the woman.
She flinched, but didn't turn around. Her body, if you could call it that, appeared like some kind of mixture of a human and a reptile. Claws, scales, even a reptilian tail. And the smell that lingered on her… Absolutely putrid. But still was no match for my own appearance.
"I'm working on it. Emmett still doesn't trust me completely. But there is progress. He wants information on his birth mother. He is willing to do anything to get that. Even betray his brother." She replied coldly.
Bella's Point of View
The end of February
The winter weather has begun tapering off lately. The wind was still bitterly cold, but it's been a few weeks without any further snowfall. Thankfully, the bulk of irksome pregnancy symptoms have all but ended. No more nausea, no more headaches. I almost felt back to normal. Although that did concern me. Having those minor inconveniences were proof that the pregnancy was moving along appropriately. But I felt nothing now. I prayed there was nothing wrong. My fears would hopefully be put to rest with this doctor's appointment today.
I sat quietly in the passenger seat of Edward's new company car. It was a Volvo. Silver. And full of fancy buttons and features that I didn't bother trying to recall. Edward was completely inraptured by this ostentatious vehicle, I could tell by the glistening in his emerald eyes as we sat in traffic. He fiddled with the controls and made comments on how impressed he was with everything. It made me happy to see him so thrilled.
In order to not ruin anything, I kept myself still and avoided touching anything. I just looked out the window, watching the citizens of Boswell walking around. Probably on their own commute to work. This part of town had a much higher rate of living. People made more money, there was less crime and a strong sense of tranquility. It was a nice place to raise a child, but I could think of an even better place. I knew it wouldn't be possible, not when my human life would eventually end. But I always imagined I would return to the farm. Live close to my family. It was something my father always talked about. The importance of family. What would he think of all of this? Mom was in jail. Ana was in the city in a coma. I was nearing the end of my life, thousands of miles from the rest of the family. I just don't think he would be happy.
Was I happy about all this? I just wasn't sure. I was happy with Edward. I loved being part of his world. But was this really me? I don't fit in here. I'm never going to. I still yearn for the forest. The simple life. Amongst the wildlife, the garden and peacefulness of nature. I missed it more than ever.
"Is something wrong?" Edward said softly, pulling me out of my thoughts.
I turned to him with a weak smile. "I'm perfectly fine. Just have a lot on my mind."
"Does it have to do with the baby?"
I shook my head. "No, well, I mean that's not all I'm thinking about. I guess I'm just feeling a little homesick. The city life is just starting to get… old."
"Understandable, I do see the appeal to living in the countryside. I didn't get to see much of your hometown, but what I did see was wonderful." He gave me a crooked smile.
My heart squeezed in my chest. "I'm glad you think so. I wish we could move. Maybe not Plum. But somewhere similar."
Edward hesitated, a thoughtful look on his face. "I could see that as a real possibility in the future. But for now, there are a few things we need to get straightened out."
He was right of course. As much as I hated this city, there was too much that needed done here. We couldn't leave. Not yet. Not while Ana was in this condition. Not now that Edward has ascended to the top of this company. It would be selfish to ask him to move. No. I'd just settle for this, for now.
Edward was taking me to a medical center that only took on reaper patients. No humans allowed. In fact, the building was in a top secret location, far outside of the city limits. It would take nearly three hours to drive there. It was nice getting out of Boswell. I just couldn't help but worry about Ana. I hated the fact that we were leaving her behind. But Katlyn was watching over her until we returned. She even had a few trustworthy people, who were part of her team, helping watch her in shifts. This way, everyone could take care of their lists and guard Ana.
I could tell we at least made it out of Boswell once the skyscrapers began getting less and less frequent. There were no longer people walking down the sidewalks. The beach that stretched across the majority of the city was well behind us. Our car was on the main highway, which cut sharply through a forested area. A few scattered houses were hidden throughout. All of which were in pretty rough shape.
"This isn't still within Boswell is it?" I wondered.
Edward shook his head. "Actually, we are about to head into Gallen." His hands tightened around the wheel.
"So, that's where the clinic is? In Gallen territory?"
"Unfortunately, they have the closest medical department for our kind. But don't fret. Reapers employed there come from all the companies. We will be seen by a Boswell physician."
"How many more companies are there?"
"There are many in this state, but there are four companies that hold the highest prestige. They have the greatest and most skilled reapers. And act as the four capitals of the state. Boswell, Gallen, Harlow and Rozelle." Edward explained.
"So, our company is a pretty big deal huh." I said as I continued to absentmindedly watch out the window at the changing landscape. We had gone a few miles through heavily forested areas, but I could tell we were beginning to approach another city setting.
"Well, we were the first company created in this state, so we held the most influence for a while. But eventually, the other companies grew, Harlow is at the top at this moment. They have been steadily growing in power and have remained in 'the grims' good graces." Edward narrowed his eyes slightly. Boswell has been slacking. We need to improve."
I admired Edward's ambition. He had a plan and he was seated in the position to do some real good for the company. He could change things. And I wouldn't stand in the way of that. I'd support him, however I can.
"I'm sure you will change things for the better."
Edward smiled, reaching over to tenderly place his hand in my lap. "With you by my side, I know things will only get better." His touch sent shivers down my spine. My heart knocked quickly in my chest.
Would my body never stop reacting to him like this? He always left me in knots. I never knew I could possibly love someone so deeply.
"So if we aren't considered the strongest anymore, what is our ranking?" I asked after I was able to regain my composure.
"We are third in rank, but Gallen is only just slightly ahead. We held second place, up until nearly half of our reapers were killed off. The stunt with the replenishing stations hit us hard. We slipped below Gallen instantly." There was an edge of Edward's voice now.
"I'm assuming that's what Aro was hoping for. He wanted his company to take the second place ranking."
"I think that's part of the reason. But I also believe he wants Esme to suffer. And at this point, I can't even blame him for feeling that way. She has done more damage than I thought possible. I still can't believe how she handled the situation with Tanya."
The mention of Tanya was like a dagger to the chest. We had a long discussion over the past few weeks about his relationship with Tanya. He put a lot of my worries and insecurities to rest. But that didn't change the fact that I didn't like the woman. It would never change. Tanya had been in love with Edward. And did everything she could to permanently implant herself in his life.
"What Esme did wasn't right. I agree."
Edward glanced at me, chewing his lip. "But either way, it wouldn't have changed the outcome. I had never planned on being with Tanya long term. When I found out she aborted the child, I had planned on ending it soon after. Annul the marriage. Cut ties and move on."
He had explained this to me before, but it always did make me feel a little better. "Your mother does love you and I'm sure she thought she was protecting you, in some way. But this wasn't the way to do it. This hurt you just as much as it hurt Tanya. And Jasper… I guess." I still didn't like the guy. But he was Edward's friend.
Edward nodded with a sigh. I could feel his emotions, the pain and anger. He wasn't happy with Esme. I'm sure he didn't know what to make of it all. He hasn't decided if what she has done was forgivable. I hope that he will find it in his heart to forgive and move forward. Right or wrong, she was his mother.
"I've never heard you mention the Rozelle reapers." I said after a while.
"Rozelle reapers are… very old school… in their methods. Which 'the grim' greatly respects. They have completely refused to modernize their ways and remain strictly in the ancient past. They are the smallest of us, however, they have very… unique abilities."
"Hmm, what do you mean by old school? Do you have an example?"
Embarrassment washed over his face for a moment. "Cloaks, scythes, always in their natural form." He peeked at me. "Their lists… are sheets of never-ending paper…"
I chuckled lightly. "Like how it's depicted in movies. The grim reaper. Skeletons in robes." The thought was highly amusing. Especially since all the reapers that I knew didn't look like that. They were corporate, business suits. Nowhere near what he was describing.
His mortified groan only added to the hilarity. "That was how it was done in the beginning. 'The grim' used to do all the reaping, worldwide. With a scythe and a sack full of scrolls, all with the names of those they needed to reap."
"He reaped all the souls of the world? That sounds impossible."
"It isn't for 'the grim'." Edward muttered.
"So, why did he… stop? Why did he decide to create more reapers?"
A smile now pulled at Edward's lips. "He fell in love with a mortal. So, he stepped away from reaping souls on earth, to be with her. He made her a grim reaper, just like him. Together, they birthed twenty, full blooded grim reapers and sent them throughout the world, where they reproduced and created more."
"Wow, so it's a love story. Does that mean there are twenty reapers out there, that are the direct bloodline to 'the grim'?"
"That's right, those particular reapers were very selective and only bred with those worthy to carry on that power. Thus, the blue bloods were created and have thrived throughout generations, leading to the present day."
This all was very interesting. There was a lot of reaper lore that I wasn't aware of, but I looked forward to learning more. If I was going to be joining this new world, I wanted to know everything about it.
"Have you ever met a blue blood?" I wondered.
"No, I haven't had the pleasure. Nearly a hundred years ago, something happened to one branch of the blue bloods. One of them turned into a devourer and went on to slaughter the entire bloodline in just one afternoon. 'The grim' stepped in and defeated the devourer. But there are rumors. That there had been one survivor. 'The grim' took them away, and they were never seen again." Edward said with a raised brow. "Not sure how true that is. But it's fascinating."
"Aw, well that's a little sad," I said with a frown. "If it is true, I wonder what happened to that last survivor…"
"It's just a rumor Bella, nothing to concern yourself too much with."
It was quiet between the two of us for a while. We had entered the city of Gallen, which looked painfully similar to Boswell. There weren't too many differences. In fact, they had even less plantlife available and twice the amount of people. The traffic congestion was agonizingly slow. And everyone seemed to be in a bad mood. There was yelling back and forth on the streets. Gunshots rain out in the distance.
The city had a very gloomy atmosphere, the sky was gray and full of clouds. Snow covered every street. There were many small groups bundled together in large parkas, hovering desperately around a fire that had been set in a trash can. They appeared homeless and mildly intoxicated by some kind of substance. We were in a frightening area. But Edward didn't appear bothered.
He didn't bother looking around, but I sensed his growing frustration at the slow traffic. His finger thumped impatiently against the steering wheel.
Although it seemed no matter how far we drove, homeless people were on every corner. The buildings looked just as rough. Graffiti painted on every possible surface. Windows darked completely, or broken. The only buildings that seemed intact were the fast food buildings and pawn shops.
This was a filthy city. I got the sense of hopelessness and depression as I took note of the expressions on the faces of walking around. In short, the city of Gallen was just one big slum. I couldn't believe this was where I'd be receiving medical care.
"Edward, are you sure we are in the right place?" I asked worriedly.
He gave me a rueful grin. "The city is… appalling… but where we are going isn't. I give you my word. I'd never take you somewhere subpar." He promised with his famous crooked smile.
That look took my breath away. Of course I'd believe him. It was impossible for me not to. Edward has never told me a lie. I trusted him implicitly.
As we finally broke through the lengthy traffic, Edward turned the car into an underground parking garage that looked completely abandoned. Above the parking garage was an all glass rectangular building. It was completely spotless. Not even a hint of the city's grime. Strangely, nothing could be observed through the glass. The parking area was completely desolet. Not a single other person there.
With the push of a button, Edward turned the Volvo off and began helping me gather my things. I usually didn't bring along any valuables, but for the trip, I decided on bringing a purse, and a few things to keep myself comfortable. A water bottle, some snacks, things that bring a little comfort.
We stepped out of the car together and walked hand in hand to a brightly lit elevator. Edward took a clear plastic card from his wallet and inserted it into a card-sized slot, where the buttons to the elevator should have been. To the average person, it had the appearance that you would have to insert a credit card to use this elevator.
The doors opened effortlessly, revealing a sleek interior. Soft music was playing overhead as we entered. I never would have expected this. Judging by how putrid this city was, it was surprising to see an area so pristine and luxurious.
As the elevator moved upwards, I began to get a little nervous. My eyes shifted down towards my stomach. There were still no outward changes to be seen. Was everything alright with the baby? Shouldn't I feel different? Uncomfortable? Sick? Weak? There had to be something wrong.
Edward noticed my turbulent emotions and lightly gave my hand a squeeze. "Don't worry my love, I'm sure everything is progressing well." His reassurance didn't penetrate my concerns. There is no way he could know that for sure.
We moved to what looked to be a waiting room. Walls and floors of pure white. A reception area was clearly marked, with a woman sitting at a desk. She didn't look up as we approached. Edward directed me to a nearby seat and faced the woman with a look of impatience.
He slammed his hand down forcefully on the desk, causing both me and the woman to flinch. She looked up with a cold stare.
"Can I help you?" She snipped, before looking away from him completely. Her eyes were strange, one completely black, the other a soft brown.
"Appointment for Miss Swan." He said, folding his arms across his chest.
The woman shot up onto her feet, quickly bowing her head in respect. "Oh, my apologies, I hadn't realized who you were. Welcome to our medical institute."
Edward snorted, turning away from her with indifference. "We will only accept a Boswell physician. How long is the expected wait-time?"
"Of course, we are ready for you now. Please follow me." Now a wide smile was on her face as she turned in my direction. "Come along ma'am."
I got up and moved back to Edward's side, a bit surprised by how quickly we would be seen. I had expected to be waiting for a while. Even though the room did appear completely empty.
Edward wrapped his arm around me as we followed the woman out of the waiting area. We walked down a brightly lit hallway. There was a smell of lemons lingering in the air around us. It was so strong it made me nauseous. Everything looked so neat and clean, yet there weren't many decorations. It was a boring, dull space. But I expected as much from a clinic. The small room we entered was the same.
"Your nurse will be in to see you shortly." The woman said as she paused in the doorway. "Let me know if you need anything else." Again she bowed in respect.
Edward slammed the door shut on the woman, muttering under his breath. He was clearly annoyed. He took a seat in the chair next to the exam table, after helping me get comfortable.
The exam table was extremely hard, it appeared to be made of metal. There was a thin sheet that draped over it. The sound of crinkling paper underneath me, put me further on edge. I hated doctor appointments. My last experience with this was mildly uncomfortable, not to mention embarrassing. I was sure this appointment would be no different.
Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Hopefully I will be updating again soon.