Chapter 42: The First Step Towards A New Future
Somewhere in the middle of the Pacific
Bella had been on her ocean journey for four days now, and she was starting to think that swimming across the Pacific hadn't been her smartest idea. The first day had been nothing short of amazing. She left Forks in the early morning, bidding Charlie a heartfelt goodbye before heading south, far outside the boundaries of the reservation, to the coast. There, she stood on the edge of a high cliff, the wind whipping through her hair, the vast expanse of the ocean spread out before her. With a smile, she leaped off the cliff, diving gracefully into the water far below to begin her adventure of a lifetime.
She swam through the water gracefully, cutting through the waves with ease. After swimming for several hours, the noonday sun had reached its peak. Wanting to diversify her methods of travel and spotting some birds, she flew up into the sky to join them. It felt incredibly freeing to soar through the air without the worry of being seen by anyone. She twirled and spun, reveling in the sheer joy of flight. Always finding humor in it, she started to mimic the greats. She did all the iconic Superman poses as she flew through the air. Feeling adventurous, she decided to try out a new move and worked on copying how Iron Man flew, even creating small explosions at her feet as she blasted forward, mimicking his propulsion rockets. While interesting, it didn't make much sense to her, considering she wasn't wearing a robot suit with rockets, but it amused her nonetheless.
Seeing a gray whale breach the ocean surface, Bella marveled at its size and grace. Wanting to observe it in its natural habitat, she aimed herself toward the ocean and shut off her shield, freefalling until she executed a perfect dive into the water. Below the surface, she watched the whale, pleased to see it was a mother with a calf by its side, which was incredibly cute. She didn't try to get close, not wanting to disturb them. After they swam away, she continued her underwater exploration, fascinated by the vibrant marine life. She saw sleek sharks gliding silently through the depths, schools of shimmering fish darting around her, and a few mysterious creatures she couldn't identify. The entire day felt like a dream, each moment filled with wonder and excitement.
As the sun rose the next morning, Bella checked her GPS and realized she had only traveled around 300 miles. She decided it was time to focus on actually getting to Japan, so she swam the entire day and through the night. She had bought a lot of waterproof gear and equipment to guide her, ensuring she stayed on the right course.
Tokyo was just under 5,000 miles away from Forks. While that distance was like running across the United States twice—which wasn't a problem for her—the issue was that, even with her vampire strength, she couldn't swim nearly as fast as she could run.
Thankfully, she had dined on two drug dealers in Seattle the day before she returned to Forks to say goodbye to Charlie, so her hunger was currently not an issue. She shivered at the thought of getting hungry out in the ocean. Would she debase herself and try munching on a shark or something? She didn't even know if that was possible. Peter had told her that vampires could, in fact, drink from animals if they were hurt or if there were no other options, but the look of disgust on his face had told her all she needed to know.
Wanting to check her progress, Bella floated up 20 feet into the air and took out her handheld GPS device and digital compass to see where she was on her journey. The GPS indicated that she was a little over halfway to Japan. She looked around, taking in the vast expanse of endless ocean stretching out in every direction. Curious, she pulled out her phone, but unsurprisingly, there was no reception in the middle of the Pacific. It seemed there weren't any cell towers nearby. She huffed, laughing lightly.
She put her gear away, zipping it up carefully to ensure everything stayed dry. Just as she was about to return to swimming, a thought crossed her mind. She had been considering how much easier it would be if she could run instead of swim. Idly, she mused about creating a shield to run on. That made her pause and think—why couldn't she do that? She could create shields so easily now. The real question was whether she could create them as fast as she could run. It was an intriguing idea worth exploring.
Bella was already standing on a shield, so she started by creating another one in front of her and stepping onto it. Seeing that this worked, she began walking in the direction she wanted to go, easily placing shields under her feet as she moved. After a few minutes, she increased her pace to a jog. A smile spread across her face as she realized this was actually kind of fun. It felt like she was running on air. She increased her speed again, running as fast as a human could run, and she found she could still place the shields quite easily.
This was going great, so she decided to see if she could run at true vampire speeds. She started increasing her pace until she was running full bore. The ocean remained a constant expanse beneath her, making it hard to gauge her progress, but it was working! She whooped for joy just as her foot landed on nothing, sending her headfirst, flailing into the water. Caught off guard, she surfaced, spitting out the awful seawater that had gotten into her mouth.
It seemed she couldn't run at her absolute fastest speed, but before she had fallen, she had been moving faster than she could swim. Determined to try again, she lifted herself out of the water. This time, she focused on finding the balance between speed and her ability to place the shields. The challenge excited her, and she was eager to see just how far she could push her new method of travel.
An hour later, Bella was happily running ten feet above the water's surface, heading west toward Japan. She had discovered that she could run at approximately 80 mph and still place her shields effectively below her, which would significantly reduce her travel time. At this pace, she estimated she could reach Japan in one to two days, depending on whether she encountered any boats and needed to dive down to avoid being spotted.
During her final day of running, she reflected on her visit with Charlie, which, despite a rocky first couple of days, had turned out to be a great trip. She had never appreciated Forks as a child, but now as an adult, she could truly see the beauty in its lush forests and serene lakes. She and Charlie had spent a lot of time together whenever he was not at work. After the first week, the whole Newton's incident had died down, and Charlie had been able to spend more time with her. They had done all the things he probably wanted to do with her when she had been a child but back then she had had no interest in.
Charlie took her fishing, which she found relaxing. He joked several times about how it was amazing she hadn't fallen into the lake this time. He also took her hunting, though she refused to harm the animals. Instead, they had some shooting contests, allowing Charlie to marvel at her marksmanship skills. To her delight, he even allowed her to take him flying for a short trip above the forests, though he made her promise never to tell anyone about it.
After the second week of Bella's visit, Charlie convinced Sue to return to his house for dinner. She brought her son, Seth, along, and surprisingly, she and Seth got along great. Seth was just as interested in vampires as she was in the wolves, so they exchanged notes and even went out to the forest after dinner for a show-and-tell of their respective abilities. Although Sue remained cordial, she still seemed apprehensive being in close quarters with a vampire. Bella hoped Sue would warm up to her in the future. All in all, she had a great trip, spending just over a month in Forks before the call of the unknown beckoned once again, finding herself now only hours away from the Land of the Rising Sun.
A waterlogged Bella emerged from the ocean onto a rocky beach, her clothes and hair clinging to her as she waded through the shallow surf. As her feet touched the shore for the first time, she felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment wash over her. She had done it. Her journey across the sea was complete.
The midday sun was high in the sky, casting a bright, golden light over the rocky shore. The cool, rough texture of the wet sand and pebbles under her bare feet was a welcome change from the endless expanse of the ocean. She could feel the coarse grains and small stones pressing into her skin, grounding her in this new reality.
The beach was a stark landscape of dark, jagged rocks, slick with seaweed and barnacles. The sound of waves crashing against the shore echoed in her ears, mingling with the distant cries of seabirds that circled overhead. She took a deep breath, the salty tang of the sea air filling her lungs, mingling with a faint, unfamiliar earthy scent. The air smelled different here—fresher, with a hint of something she couldn't quite place.
Bella studied the rocks intently, noting their sharp edges and the way they were scattered haphazardly along the coastline. They didn't look all that different from the rocks back in America, but the realization that she was now on Japanese soil made everything seem subtly foreign and new.
Pulling out her GPS, she looked at the screen, which indicated she was 50 miles south of Tokyo. She smiled, knowing she had made it. The bustling metropolis of Tokyo was within reach, but for now, she was content to take in the quiet, rugged beauty of the shore.
Bella could freely admit that the journey hadn't been as enjoyable as she had hoped, and she resolved to opt for a plane for any future ocean crossings. She'd leave the swimming to those ancient vampires who didn't know what they were missing. She would have to remember never to be set in her ways and always embrace the future.
Surveying her surroundings, she noticed houses lining the coastline, their roofs steeply pitched and adorned with intricate tile work. Farther down the beach, a mother watched over some young children playing, their laughter carried on the breeze. The midday sun cast short shadows, giving the scene a serene, timeless quality.
As Bella made her way toward the houses in search of a road and, hopefully, a nearby town, excitement bubbled within her. This was her first overseas excursion, and she eagerly absorbed every detail. The houses had a distinct charm, with sliding doors and unusual windows, a stark contrast to typical American homes. She could already discern subtle differences in the architecture, like the wooden frames and the meticulously maintained gardens.
She couldn't wait to explore the more densely populated areas of Japan and discover what other cultural differences awaited her there. The anticipation of new experiences and the unknown filled her with a sense of adventure, making each step feel like the beginning of a grand journey.
"Take a look at this view, Mom," Bella said, flipping her phone around so her mom could see the breathtaking vista before her. She was standing at the edge of a mountaintop, the midday sun casting a brilliant light over the landscape. Two weeks had gone by since she had arrived in Japan, and she was having the best time. Everything was so new and different, both geographically and culturally.
From her vantage point, Bella could see a seemingly endless expanse of mountains all around her, their peaks covered in lush, vibrant greenery. The forest below was a rich tapestry of colors, with shades of green interspersed with bursts of wildflowers. Off to her right, on another mountain whose peak was even higher than the one she stood on, a waterfall cascaded down its side, the water sparkling like diamonds in the sunlight. She grinned, remembering that feeling well. With her heightened eyesight, the water tumbling over the edge looked so mesmerizing.
"Wow, it's so pretty! Tell me more about what you've seen so far. It's a shame you can't sample any of the local delicacies," Renée's voice carried a hint of envy, as she herself loved dining at Japanese restaurants.
"Well, the first few days I spent exploring Tokyo. It's very different from the large American cities. It feels newer, and there's construction going on everywhere you look," Bella's excitement was unmistakable. "The architecture is fascinating, and the energy of the city is just incredible. Tomorrow, I'm going to take one of those bullet trains I told you about to Kyoto. Everyone I speak to tells me I have to see the temples and gardens there, so I'm looking forward to that." She was eager to start branching out and see the rest of Japan. "And I know what you mean about the food, but hey, one can't be greedy. I'm very lucky in many respects with my situation."
"You're right, you're right," Renée conceded. "How has it been learning the language? Have you had any issues?"
"Just a few minor hiccups the first couple days I was here, but after hearing enough of the language spoken aloud, I started to understand the proper syntax. Now I'm fluent in Japanese, if you can believe it," Bella said with a proud smile. "So, what's happening with you?"
Renée saw the video screen flip back to Bella, who had her usual bright smile. "Oh, nothing as interesting as Japan, I assure you. I've been seeing this guy Rick for the past month. But I don't really think it's going anywhere, though. He has two young children, and, well…"
"Say no more," Bella interrupted quickly. She knew firsthand that her mom and young kids were not the best fit. Her mom had tried with her and had improved a lot, but she didn't think her mom wanted to—or should—start in with the whole kids thing again.
"I actually got a call from your father the other day. He really enjoyed your stay and was curious about my experiences living with… the new you," Renée admitted, feeling pleased that she and Charlie could have cordial conversations again after everything that had happened between them.
"That's nice to hear. I had a great time in Forks too," Bella said with a warm smile. "I wish I'd been more open to it when I was younger, but this visit finally gave me the chance to really get to know Charlie as an adult."
Bella and Renée continued talking, sharing stories and laughter, until her mom finally yawned. "I'd better get to bed, sweetie. It's getting late," Renée admitted reluctantly.
"Okay, Mom. Have a good night's sleep. I'll call you in a few days when I have more stories to share," With that, Bella ended the call.
Bella turned back towards the waterfall, her eyes scanning the cascading water with renewed interest. If she wasn't mistaken, it looked like there were some serene pools nestled between the drops. The idea of a little skinny dipping sounded like the perfect way to relax. The cool, clear water beckoned to her, promising a refreshing escape.
She began making her way along a rocky path, her senses heightened by the sound of the rushing water. As she got closer, she saw the sun glinting off the water's surface, creating a dazzling display of light. The mist from the waterfall created shimmering effects, almost like mini rainbows.
Reaching the first pool, Bella paused to take in the scene. The pool was surrounded by lush greenery and framed by natural rock formations. She smiled to herself, knowing it was the perfect spot. Confident that she was alone, she slipped out of her clothes, feeling the liberating sensation of freedom as she took that first step into the cool, inviting water.
Bella had been living in Japan for four months now, and she was thoroughly enjoying the experience. She loved immersing herself in another culture and felt she had adapted quite well. For convenience, she had rented a small room on the outskirts of Tokyo. It served mainly as a base to store the various items she bought or made, but most of the time, she was on the move, exploring the country from its southernmost shores to its northernmost cities. The contrast between bustling metropolises like Tokyo and the exotic landscapes throughout Japan fascinated her.
In the most rural and remote areas, Bella had taken on many temporary odd jobs, learning skills she had never considered before and some she never even knew existed. It really allowed her to gain a sense of what life was like outside the big cities. These rural areas were culturally very different from what she was used to. The locals, naturally curious about her due to her appearance, were initially hesitant. However, once many conversed with her and discovered she was perfectly fluent in Japanese, most of their concerns were allayed. She found that sharing in their daily routines and customs helped bridge the gap, making her feel more connected to her new surroundings.
One challenge Bella had encountered, which she had not expected, was the difficulty in finding criminals in Japan, especially drug dealers to munch on. While this was, of course, a good thing for the people of Japan, it posed some issues for her. She had to venture into the biggest cities, scouring for meals that met her strict standards. Every few weeks, she would find herself in the seediest parts of cities like Tokyo or Osaka, blending into the night while keeping an eye out for signs of illicit activities.
Fortunately, she had always managed to find a suitable target before her hunger truly became an issue. She had resolved that if it ever came to the point where she couldn't find a criminal, she would rather leave the country than harm any innocent person. To her dismay, more often than not, her meals came from intervening in and stopping sexual crimes, which she found even more abhorrent than dealing drugs. Whenever she was able to help a girl or woman in that way, she was always thankful she had been there to intercede.
So far, Bella had not run into any vampires in the Land of the Rising Sun, which saddened her as she had been hoping to make some acquaintances overseas. During her travels, she had only come across one scent trail of a vampire. Excited by the prospect, she had followed it, hoping to introduce herself and perhaps learn more about the local vampire culture. However, the trail had led her to the coast, where it abruptly ended at the sea, leaving her with no way to pursue it further.
Despite her disappointment, Bella remained hopeful. There must be vampires here; she just hadn't encountered any yet. Reflecting on how long it had taken her to run into other vampires in America, she had to accept the possibility that she just might not meet any vampires in Japan before she moved on to her next destination.
During her travels across the countryside, Bella had become enamored with the ancient cultural landmarks and temples scattered throughout Japan. These structures, many of which were centuries older than the United States as a nation, captivated her. The landscapes themselves were so distinct from those in America, adding to the endless fascination she felt with every new discovery. The mountains were always so much fun to scale, revealing ruins and beautiful temples in the most unlikely of places. She had snapped literally thousands of pictures on her phone, each capturing unique moments in her journey.
In addition to her phone, Bella kept a sketchbook in her backpack, drawing various pictures of the temples and visually stunning locations she encountered. When she wasn't mailing her artwork back to her mom or Charlie, she found she could use her drawings for bartering, as the locals quite liked her scenic landscape views. Sometimes, when she wanted that perfect picture or angle for her drawing, she cheated when she was alone and flew up into the air to capture the scene in a way never done before.
Life was good in Japan, and she relished every new discovery. She looked forward to what else she would uncover before continuing on her journey throughout Asia, excited by all the endless possibilities that lay ahead.
This night found Bella exploring Mount Omine, one of the many amazing mountain ranges throughout the Yoshino-Kumano National Park. The air was crisp and fresh, filled with the earthy scent of pine. As she stood at the top of one of the largest mountaintops, the expansive view below her revealed a tapestry of forested peaks and valleys. Her gazing was disrupted, though, when she heard it—the faint sounds of boulders colliding. Bella froze, her senses immediately on high alert. She knew that sound well, having heard it often enough while sparring with Peter and Char. Intrigue filled her mind. Were two vampires actually fighting, or were they practicing as she and her friends often had?
Compelled to investigate further, Bella realized this might be her only chance to finally meet other vampires living in Japan. She glanced up at the sky, noting the early morning sun shining down, casting a golden glow over the entire landscape. Dawn had arrived a few hours ago, and once again, it was going to be a beautiful day.
Knowing she might be meeting other vampires, Bella shut off her ability that blocked her sparkles. She had made the decision before starting on her journey that, unless absolutely necessary, she would not highlight her abilities in front of others. This meant she'd be a sparkling freak, just like every other vamp.
Bella followed the sounds, which became more pronounced as she drew nearer. It now sounded to her like more than just two vampires were fighting. The crashes, while initially seeming to be right around the corner, led her on a trek across the mountainside for several miles before she reached the source of the commotion. As she felt she was finally closing in, a new and horrible noise stopped her in her tracks—the sound of metal rending.
She had never heard this noise before, but it had been described to her by Peter. It was the sound of a vampire having a limb ripped off. The realization sent a chill through her. What was happening? The joy she had initially felt at the prospect of meeting new vampires quickly dimmed, replaced by a cautious resolve to find out what was going on.
Moving forward with greater caution, Bella threw up her shield around her entire body and reinforced it as a precaution. The closer she got, the more apparent it became that there had once been a magnificent structure on this mountaintop. Now, only the wide stone floor remained, a ghostly remnant of its former glory, along with a few random large stone obelisks standing like sentinels amid the ruins.
Not wanting to make herself known without understanding the situation better, Bella slowed her pace and crept up behind an obelisk. She peeked around its edge, her eyes scanning the area to take in the scene before her.
Time had not been kind to whatever had once stood here. The stone floor was all that remained of the once-grand structure, its surface weathered and cracked. But Bella's attention was not on the ruins; it was fixed on the six vampires she spotted in the distance.
Bella did not like what she was seeing. One vampire was being held down forcefully on his knees, his shirt was missing and his left arm had been severed just below his shoulder. Unlike the clean cut she had performed on Peter's arm, this man's wound was ragged, with a good amount of venom dripping from it. The sight of the injured man was alarming enough, but what truly set her instincts on edge were the five vampires standing around him.
Something about the other vampires just looked off. For one, all five were wearing full cloaks over their bodies, a sight she found strange. The largest vampire wore a jet-black cloak, while the others wore lighter shades of gray. Why would they be dressed like that? To her, they looked foolish.
Two vampires stood behind the defeated-looking man, holding him tightly by the shoulders. The man in black, the tallest vampire she had ever seen, standing well over six feet and appearing extremely muscular, stood directly opposite the kneeling man, with two more vampires she could only describe as underlings flanking him. The vampire in black was clearly their leader.
This had clearly not been a sparring session. Bella focused intently on the scene in front of her, hoping she would be able to pick up on their conversation even from this far distance.
As Bella focused on the scene, the tall vampire began to speak, his words dripping with a calmness that belied the situation. "Yoshi, Yoshi, Yoshi," he intoned, his voice smooth but carrying a sinister edge. "We've been asking nicely for decades, no—centuries, si? But it seems... niceties have reached their end."
He let the words hang in the air, his tone polite yet laden with veiled malice. The other vampires stood silent, their expressions hard, betraying no emotion other than a readiness to act. The tall vampire's eyes gleamed with dark amusement, clearly relishing the power he held over the vampire on his knees.
"This is your final chance," he continued, his voice taking on a more menacing timbre as he stepped closer to the kneeling vampire. "Are you going to come back with us? Think carefully before you speak, Yoshi," he warned, his tone dropping to a low, threatening rumble. "Because if your answer isn't yes... well," he chuckled darkly, the sound devoid of any real humor, "that will be the end of you."
Bella didn't know what had led to this tense situation, but she knew one thing for sure—she didn't like that tall man. He looked like an actor straight out of central casting, playing the role of goon #2 in any wise guy movie she had ever seen. The vampire had perfected the role to a tee. He was even holding the kneeling man's severed arm, casually tossing it in the air like a baseball bat as he spoke.
This entire situation felt wrong. Aside from that redheaded bitch, this was the first time Bella had encountered vampires who didn't seem to have any goodness in them. These men were more than just bullies; they were threatening this man's life unless he complied with their demands. Bella stopped her musings and focused, sensing that the kneeling man was about to speak. The five vampires surrounding him all had an air of being outsiders, their features hinting at European origins. The one in black, with his thick Spanish accent, stood out the most. Only the injured man on his knees seemed to belong here, with his distinctly Japanese appearance and name.
The kneeling man lifted his gaze, locking eyes with the one in black. Even from a distance, Bella could see the unyielding hatred burning in his red eyes as he stared down his tormentors. When he spoke, his voice was steady, though tinged with a thick accent. "I serve no vampire and certainly not a despot like your so-called king. You tell him I died a free vampire."
All of a sudden, the kneeling man acted with lightning speed. Despite missing an arm, he broke free from the grips of the two vampires holding him, quickly sweeping their legs out from under them. Before anyone else could react, he was on his feet again, leaping into the air and delivering a powerful kick to the tall man's face, causing him to drop the severed arm. The fight was on.
Bella watched, wide-eyed, as the one-armed man held his own against five vampires. His fighting style was unlike anything Peter and Char had taught her. His moves were a fluid blend of martial arts, possibly forms of karate or some other disciplines. Whatever it was, it was incredibly effective. He moved with a grace and speed that made it seem as if he were floating, his good arm and legs a blur of motion.
The man reigned punches with his remaining arm, each blow precise and powerful. His kicks were swift and deadly, creating a whirlwind of motion that kept the five vampires at bay. Bella could hardly believe what she was seeing; the man was a whirlwind of controlled fury, moving so smoothly that it seemed almost effortless. His punches and kicks landed with such precision that the five vampires couldn't restrain him.
For a good long time, the one-armed warrior held off his attackers. The vampire in black, along with one of his underlings, tried to corner him, but the man's agility and fighting skills were unmatched. He dodged their attacks and countered with his own devastating strikes. However, the odds were heavily stacked against him.
Finally, the tide turned. While he was engaged with the vampire in black and one other, the remaining three vampires coordinated their assault. One dived high, another low, and the third tackled him from the side. They brought him crashing to the ground, where the four underlings swarmed him, reigning down blows without mercy.
Bella winced as the man was overwhelmed, but she couldn't tear her eyes away from the brutal scene. The vampire in black, watching his underlings subdue the man, finally yelled for them to hold him upright. Bella didn't know what was about to happen, but her instincts screamed that it would be terrible.
The black-clad vampire approached the restrained man with an enraged sadistic gleam in his eye. He moved with a slow, deliberate menace, savoring the moment. With a vicious snarl, he reached out and tore the man's remaining arm off. The sound of metal rending filled the air, mingling with the man's anguished scream of pain.
The man in black looked furious as he tossed the man's still-twitching arm behind him. He adjusted his cloak, which had become disheveled during the fight, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. "You fought well, Yoshitaka," he said, his voice tinged with grudging respect but laced with finality. "I'll convey your message along with your head."
Turning to one of his underlings, he barked out an order, "Gabriel, start the fire. We'll give Yoshi here the pleasure of watching his body burn to ash before we head home."
The other four men were sick, snickering as they reveled in the cruelty they were inflicting on the defenseless man before them. The sound of their mocking laughter grated on Bella's nerves, each one a stark reminder of the injustice unfolding. Listening to their taunts and the malicious glee in their voices, Bella couldn't shake her conclusion that this man, Yoshitaka, didn't deserve any of this.
Her mind raced, weighing her options. Should she intervene? This wasn't her fight—she had no stake in this conflict, and yet, how could she stand by and do nothing while a wrong was being committed? The idea of stepping forward to confront them tugged at her. What these vampires were doing was clearly wrong, and her instincts screamed at her to act. But what would the consequences be if she did?
For a brief moment, the thought of walking away crossed her mind. She could leave this mess behind, avoid a fight, and remain unknown. But as soon as the idea took form, it was crushed by a stronger, more resolute part of her. No, she couldn't turn her back. That wasn't who she was. She had never been the type to walk away from someone in need, and she wasn't about to start now.
The decision crystallized in her mind. She would step forward and see if she could help this man, regardless of the consequences. Bella had no illusions about what might happen once she revealed herself—but doing nothing was not an option. With her resolve firm, she left the safety of her concealment, her movements swift and determined as she sped towards her chosen future.
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