Something Better Than Forever
by Skydancinghobbit
Chapter 25: Shadows
of Immortality
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What was so great about mortality? Being a vampire didn’t look like such a terrible thing—not the way the Cullen’s did it, anyway.
Bella Swan, New Moon, Chapter 1, p.10
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Fire liquid and unfeeling raced along her arms, she’d have screamed if it had been possible but the darkness swallowed her whole and completely until all she was aware of was the source, tinged with bitter glee Edward’s venom bit deep into her tissues as if to burn straight through to the bone. Then suddenly it began to recede like a wildfire moving back toward the place it started, where a prickling feeling was began in her wrist. At once the venom was gone, her blood was clean and the pain gone without a trace, the darkness began to recede from her vision. She could breathe again, her chest rising in a single triumph breath before resuming its familiar rhythm’s, and then her heart began thrumming again under the pale fingers that rested on her artery.
A moment later she stirred weakly under a loving embrace and the glittering ivory fangs withdrew slowly, and the wound licked and sealed as her eyes fluttered open to gaze at her savior. Aro held her cradled on his lap fine robes sodding wet in the down pouring rain, it mingled oddly with his crimson tears as she offered him a weak smile. Carlisle withdrew from the pair his nose having told him enough for the moment satisfied she had not yet tasted immortality.
"Well done Aro, I think it would be best to bring her in from the rain if you can, being chilled and wet isn't good for her health"
Perhaps it was the gentle doctor's tone or Bella's whisper against his chest but at once he came to life like a statue sang to life by some unseen pull of love. He bolted into the house without further prompting and at once she was back in her room, safely closed into familiar surroundings and a pair of arms that shook gently as he settled on the bed heedless of the rain and cuddled his face into her hair whispering endearments into her ear without nearly a pause for a long moment before he was able to calm again.
"Mia Bella, never again am I allowing you out my sight! First the Romanian clan and now bitten by an immortal of questionable mental status!"
Unable to help herself she found a laugh bubbling to the surface as she recovered a bit more, the blood infusion finally kicking in, and a brilliant idea from Jasper. She'd have to thank him for it later. When she had the energy. Aro left her for only a moment, returning clad in the red silk shirt she'd commented on a few days before leaving the safety of Italy
"No complaints here...except I’m tired enough to sleep for a week"
At once a familiar rumble sounded in his chest as she was laid gently in the familiar sheets, Bella just aware enough that someone, probably Jane had changed her attire in a blink of an eye while her Master was out of the room and for that she was grateful. Back in Aro's arms she fell deeply into the soothing arms of sleep while a familiar melody whispered into her dreams.
Looking back Bella wished her recovery had been swift but, like many things about her, getting back up to par took longer than usual, okay perhaps the cold hadn't helped much but it was far better than the agonizing burning she had experienced not so long ago. It had been quite comical to watch Aro, vampire king, panic when she started sneezing. Apparently the symptoms mirrored those of the plague; it took Carlisle a long while to restore calm to the house, complete with medical lecture and rather graphic slides according to Jane.
Reassured she was not going to keel over any time soon he had returned full of ideas. Though who has allowed him anywhere near a computer would be answering to Bella one day. Granted some of them had merit, herbal teas and plenty of pampering stood in the okay column but when he considered things such as a goose grease plaster she put her foot down. Seconded by the resident doctor happily she won the day compromising on the subject of soup.
A week later found her up, about, and nearly back to her usual self. The only thing to complain of was the scar that stood out white and harsh against her skin. As there was nothing to be done about it she merely applied makeup and went on with her life. The loss of Edward had cast a shadow over the Cullen household, Esme was prone to burst into tears at the drop of the hat but Bella for her part couldn't share her grief though she pitied and understood.
Edward to her mind had once been a good man but at some point in the last year had become twisted and warped like an old wood floor leaving nothing but a familiar shell around a brewing storm, in the end he just couldn't fathom losing, and that was it. She knew the family had built a memorial and there was to be a funeral in town but she would have no part in it.
>>
When at last the entire party had gathered to return to Italy three weeks later the Cullen’s took everyone by surprise by agreeing to go with them, As Carlisle said there was nothing to keep them in forks now and it was high time they had a holiday. Diverted by the details of packing, selling the house and gathering plans to remodel a Villa in Italy the entire family revived and good humor finally returning to the home much to Bella's approval. Sorrow didn't suit the Cullen family home.
Aro however was another matter entirely, he was impatient to be off, and spurred on by the fact an alarming number of flowers had arrived for his intended on the passing of Edward. Finally when one arrived from her father Charlie he snapped.
“I will not allow the shadow of that boy to haunt my steps any longer, tomorrow morning we go!”
Naturally that was that, seven hours later they were in the air winging toward Italy once more, the Cullen’s following in a second jet, at last Aro had begun to relax, even indulging in a game of chess with Marcus, the most amusing thing Bella had ever witnessed, they just sat staring at each other for twenty minutes Marcus moved his first pawn and then game up flicking his king over in defeat. Both having played the game entirely in their minds.
“See that’s just not fair”
She was rewarded for her comment by hurt stupefaction from both immortals for a moment then his expression clearing, Marcus actually chuckled! Drawing a look of shock from his brother.
“I suppose not for you little sister; shall we take pity on her brother and explain?”
Leaving the men to their games Bella merely rolled her eyes and returned to the back of the plane where Jane and Felix were deadlocked in the game of Jenga neither wanted to move as the tower of block swayed dangerously even as Bella rustled the curtain to check on them.
“Bella, for the love of Lasagna; don't breathe, don't move, don't think! Or I might lose!
His plea fell on deaf ears as Jane and Bella shared a look and before Felix could utter another word she had calmly reached out and flicked a single brick sending the entire tower crashing to the floor.
“There now, start a new round for heaven's sake.”
“Hey!”
His protests died away as both sister and life mate of the king roared in laughter, when at last they had regained their breath, or at least Bella had she suggested another movie which was eagerly agreed to bringing all three into the main room of the plane. Hardly had the opening credits rolled then Marcus was drawn in with interest.
“Mulan?”
“Oh come on don't tell me you've never seen this, it’s a classic!”
Aro burst out in a musical roar of laughter drowning out the first attack of the Huns; exasperated Jane hit the pause button and waited
“My dear, why would we want to? We lived it after all:”
Struck dumb Bella stared at him then at Marcus for a long moment before forming a perfect o with her lips and shrugging, it was easy sometimes to forget their ages, so familiar were they now. Struck by a sudden idea Bella's lips curved in what could only be described as a wicked smile.
“Well then indulge me, watch it with us then you can write a paper for the historical society on the differences between a harmless children’s Disney movie and reality”
Sensing a challenge the kings heartily agreed, Jane hit play and the movie resumed, they sat in stupefied silence for the next hour and a half before at last the ending credits rolled. Then with some profane comment Marcus vanished into the back the scratch of a pen flying across parchment filling the silence.
“I thought the music was pretty”
Jane volunteered quietly having watched this selection quietly, reflecting on some of the lyrics it seemed. Some seemed to have hit her home, which was the subtle point. Bella knew that for however many years Jane had been living behind a mask much like the main character and now no longer remembered who she was. Yet she had been that way ever since leaving forks, restless and, if Bella didn't know any better, a little lovesick, but with whom did she have any contact with that would have prompted such feelings? It was something to ponder.
“I will go check on the pilot.”
Her figure had vanished into the cabin for the short time remaining and Bella, closed her eyes wearied by the events of the day, was happy to curl up on the sofa pillowed by Aro's legs. They spent the last twenty minutes, him winding his fingers tenderly through her hair until sleep claimed her, she dreaming of her wedding of all things,
Bird song, beautiful landscape, cliffs of pure white, the glare of fine sands, and the tones of blue only the sea could give stood out vividly in her mind. Benches of beautiful grain stood in beautiful contrast decked as they were with green and floral arrangements, she was striding forward, the music began its timeless march echoed down through the ages, Esme cried, her features still seeming to be haggard with the death of her son, as if wishing for a future that could now never be, Carlisle standing proud in robes! Much like those of the Volturi she realized, Alice and Jasper off to the side, and there standing with his back to her, was Aro. Long black hair blowing in the wind and then he turned, “Isabella,”
“Bella! Hey earth to Bella!”
Waking abruptly, she glared daggers at the beaming face in front of her, Alice looking pleased as punch and not at all repentant. Bella growled something profane before speaking in an audible tone, forgetting her best friend could easily hear both.
“Hey, you picked that up from lover boy! And for the record, No peaking Bella!”
“Peaking what do you mean I was just dreaming of...”
“Your wedding I know! I saw that weeks ago, huh, apparently your little brush with immortality left traces. There might be another seer in the family!” she let out a squeal that hit Bella right between the ears ripping a groan from her and prompting her to bury her head under the blankets to ease the ringing.
“Alice, for the love of pasta, not so loud!”
Gently this time the protective film was peeled back and joy was radiating from every pore of Alice's face as a beam of sunlight struck it, mesmerized Bella reached out to touch her cheek. Rendered mute from the sheer amount of color she was drowning in.
“Bella, tell me what you smell right now and this is important”
Jolted from her stupor by the question Bella sat up slowly, frowning, closing her eyes she inhaled, and then promptly bolted to the bathroom wrenching, the scent of rust salt and copper finally registering with her memory banks, blood...she was smelling fresh blood!
“Well that’s positive! Had you been attracted to the other, I would have begun to worry, but fear not little Swan, a mortal still you are.”
Wiping her mouth irritably and happily rinsing with mouthwash, Bella growled. Eager to be away from the smell she happily accompanied her to the kitchen where, a mouthwatering scent was issuing, Mama Lia, the other cook, had prepared her famous award winning Lasagna! Between mouthfuls of pasta dripping with 4 or 5 cheeses Bella spoke.
“Thank you, Yoda Cullen. I'm not letting you watch the other movies if you keep quoting the sage teacher”
“Empty threat Bella, Jasper has the next one queued up on his laptop, next question please”
Now full and contented to be back where things made sense, she was able to put the pieces together. Like the...
“Wait back up to right before I smelled the well you know, what do you mean traces?! Is Edward venom still in my system?”
She blanched at the very thought, to be turned was one thing, but to have it be by an unstable, driven jealous forever 17 year old boy was quite another. Alice picking up on her feelings immediately grasped her hand sitting down on the level bench.
“No not Edward Bella, Aro, it was he that syphoned the venom from your blood, and at my guess left some of his own behind, not by choice but, it happened, so you’re at my guess, probably only 1/8th vampire right now still most definitely human with a pulse and delicate stomach but just with a little added bonus”
Bella exhaled the breath she'd been holding, relief written all over her face.
“So fellow seer, how much of my wedding did you catch?”
Alice didn't answer smiling impishly, she glanced over Bella's shoulder, and was gone by the time she had blinked, as she frowned in annoyance a pair of muscled cool hands came to rest on her shoulders expertly kneading away the tension still held there. She was about to turn around to greet him, when with a rustling of cloth, Aro was behind her on one knee.
“I think before you hear all the sordid details of her vision Mia Cara I think it best we get the formalities concluded, don't you, so I Aro, ask you Isabella Swan...
... Will you marry me?”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
What was so great about mortality? Being a vampire didn’t look like such a terrible thing—not the way the Cullen’s did it, anyway.
Bella Swan, New Moon, Chapter 1, p.10
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Fire liquid and unfeeling raced along her arms, she’d have screamed if it had been possible but the darkness swallowed her whole and completely until all she was aware of was the source, tinged with bitter glee Edward’s venom bit deep into her tissues as if to burn straight through to the bone. Then suddenly it began to recede like a wildfire moving back toward the place it started, where a prickling feeling was began in her wrist. At once the venom was gone, her blood was clean and the pain gone without a trace, the darkness began to recede from her vision. She could breathe again, her chest rising in a single triumph breath before resuming its familiar rhythm’s, and then her heart began thrumming again under the pale fingers that rested on her artery.
A moment later she stirred weakly under a loving embrace and the glittering ivory fangs withdrew slowly, and the wound licked and sealed as her eyes fluttered open to gaze at her savior. Aro held her cradled on his lap fine robes sodding wet in the down pouring rain, it mingled oddly with his crimson tears as she offered him a weak smile. Carlisle withdrew from the pair his nose having told him enough for the moment satisfied she had not yet tasted immortality.
"Well done Aro, I think it would be best to bring her in from the rain if you can, being chilled and wet isn't good for her health"
Perhaps it was the gentle doctor's tone or Bella's whisper against his chest but at once he came to life like a statue sang to life by some unseen pull of love. He bolted into the house without further prompting and at once she was back in her room, safely closed into familiar surroundings and a pair of arms that shook gently as he settled on the bed heedless of the rain and cuddled his face into her hair whispering endearments into her ear without nearly a pause for a long moment before he was able to calm again.
"Mia Bella, never again am I allowing you out my sight! First the Romanian clan and now bitten by an immortal of questionable mental status!"
Unable to help herself she found a laugh bubbling to the surface as she recovered a bit more, the blood infusion finally kicking in, and a brilliant idea from Jasper. She'd have to thank him for it later. When she had the energy. Aro left her for only a moment, returning clad in the red silk shirt she'd commented on a few days before leaving the safety of Italy
"No complaints here...except I’m tired enough to sleep for a week"
At once a familiar rumble sounded in his chest as she was laid gently in the familiar sheets, Bella just aware enough that someone, probably Jane had changed her attire in a blink of an eye while her Master was out of the room and for that she was grateful. Back in Aro's arms she fell deeply into the soothing arms of sleep while a familiar melody whispered into her dreams.
Looking back Bella wished her recovery had been swift but, like many things about her, getting back up to par took longer than usual, okay perhaps the cold hadn't helped much but it was far better than the agonizing burning she had experienced not so long ago. It had been quite comical to watch Aro, vampire king, panic when she started sneezing. Apparently the symptoms mirrored those of the plague; it took Carlisle a long while to restore calm to the house, complete with medical lecture and rather graphic slides according to Jane.
Reassured she was not going to keel over any time soon he had returned full of ideas. Though who has allowed him anywhere near a computer would be answering to Bella one day. Granted some of them had merit, herbal teas and plenty of pampering stood in the okay column but when he considered things such as a goose grease plaster she put her foot down. Seconded by the resident doctor happily she won the day compromising on the subject of soup.
A week later found her up, about, and nearly back to her usual self. The only thing to complain of was the scar that stood out white and harsh against her skin. As there was nothing to be done about it she merely applied makeup and went on with her life. The loss of Edward had cast a shadow over the Cullen household, Esme was prone to burst into tears at the drop of the hat but Bella for her part couldn't share her grief though she pitied and understood.
Edward to her mind had once been a good man but at some point in the last year had become twisted and warped like an old wood floor leaving nothing but a familiar shell around a brewing storm, in the end he just couldn't fathom losing, and that was it. She knew the family had built a memorial and there was to be a funeral in town but she would have no part in it.
>>
When at last the entire party had gathered to return to Italy three weeks later the Cullen’s took everyone by surprise by agreeing to go with them, As Carlisle said there was nothing to keep them in forks now and it was high time they had a holiday. Diverted by the details of packing, selling the house and gathering plans to remodel a Villa in Italy the entire family revived and good humor finally returning to the home much to Bella's approval. Sorrow didn't suit the Cullen family home.
Aro however was another matter entirely, he was impatient to be off, and spurred on by the fact an alarming number of flowers had arrived for his intended on the passing of Edward. Finally when one arrived from her father Charlie he snapped.
“I will not allow the shadow of that boy to haunt my steps any longer, tomorrow morning we go!”
Naturally that was that, seven hours later they were in the air winging toward Italy once more, the Cullen’s following in a second jet, at last Aro had begun to relax, even indulging in a game of chess with Marcus, the most amusing thing Bella had ever witnessed, they just sat staring at each other for twenty minutes Marcus moved his first pawn and then game up flicking his king over in defeat. Both having played the game entirely in their minds.
“See that’s just not fair”
She was rewarded for her comment by hurt stupefaction from both immortals for a moment then his expression clearing, Marcus actually chuckled! Drawing a look of shock from his brother.
“I suppose not for you little sister; shall we take pity on her brother and explain?”
Leaving the men to their games Bella merely rolled her eyes and returned to the back of the plane where Jane and Felix were deadlocked in the game of Jenga neither wanted to move as the tower of block swayed dangerously even as Bella rustled the curtain to check on them.
“Bella, for the love of Lasagna; don't breathe, don't move, don't think! Or I might lose!
His plea fell on deaf ears as Jane and Bella shared a look and before Felix could utter another word she had calmly reached out and flicked a single brick sending the entire tower crashing to the floor.
“There now, start a new round for heaven's sake.”
“Hey!”
His protests died away as both sister and life mate of the king roared in laughter, when at last they had regained their breath, or at least Bella had she suggested another movie which was eagerly agreed to bringing all three into the main room of the plane. Hardly had the opening credits rolled then Marcus was drawn in with interest.
“Mulan?”
“Oh come on don't tell me you've never seen this, it’s a classic!”
Aro burst out in a musical roar of laughter drowning out the first attack of the Huns; exasperated Jane hit the pause button and waited
“My dear, why would we want to? We lived it after all:”
Struck dumb Bella stared at him then at Marcus for a long moment before forming a perfect o with her lips and shrugging, it was easy sometimes to forget their ages, so familiar were they now. Struck by a sudden idea Bella's lips curved in what could only be described as a wicked smile.
“Well then indulge me, watch it with us then you can write a paper for the historical society on the differences between a harmless children’s Disney movie and reality”
Sensing a challenge the kings heartily agreed, Jane hit play and the movie resumed, they sat in stupefied silence for the next hour and a half before at last the ending credits rolled. Then with some profane comment Marcus vanished into the back the scratch of a pen flying across parchment filling the silence.
“I thought the music was pretty”
Jane volunteered quietly having watched this selection quietly, reflecting on some of the lyrics it seemed. Some seemed to have hit her home, which was the subtle point. Bella knew that for however many years Jane had been living behind a mask much like the main character and now no longer remembered who she was. Yet she had been that way ever since leaving forks, restless and, if Bella didn't know any better, a little lovesick, but with whom did she have any contact with that would have prompted such feelings? It was something to ponder.
“I will go check on the pilot.”
Her figure had vanished into the cabin for the short time remaining and Bella, closed her eyes wearied by the events of the day, was happy to curl up on the sofa pillowed by Aro's legs. They spent the last twenty minutes, him winding his fingers tenderly through her hair until sleep claimed her, she dreaming of her wedding of all things,
Bird song, beautiful landscape, cliffs of pure white, the glare of fine sands, and the tones of blue only the sea could give stood out vividly in her mind. Benches of beautiful grain stood in beautiful contrast decked as they were with green and floral arrangements, she was striding forward, the music began its timeless march echoed down through the ages, Esme cried, her features still seeming to be haggard with the death of her son, as if wishing for a future that could now never be, Carlisle standing proud in robes! Much like those of the Volturi she realized, Alice and Jasper off to the side, and there standing with his back to her, was Aro. Long black hair blowing in the wind and then he turned, “Isabella,”
“Bella! Hey earth to Bella!”
Waking abruptly, she glared daggers at the beaming face in front of her, Alice looking pleased as punch and not at all repentant. Bella growled something profane before speaking in an audible tone, forgetting her best friend could easily hear both.
“Hey, you picked that up from lover boy! And for the record, No peaking Bella!”
“Peaking what do you mean I was just dreaming of...”
“Your wedding I know! I saw that weeks ago, huh, apparently your little brush with immortality left traces. There might be another seer in the family!” she let out a squeal that hit Bella right between the ears ripping a groan from her and prompting her to bury her head under the blankets to ease the ringing.
“Alice, for the love of pasta, not so loud!”
Gently this time the protective film was peeled back and joy was radiating from every pore of Alice's face as a beam of sunlight struck it, mesmerized Bella reached out to touch her cheek. Rendered mute from the sheer amount of color she was drowning in.
“Bella, tell me what you smell right now and this is important”
Jolted from her stupor by the question Bella sat up slowly, frowning, closing her eyes she inhaled, and then promptly bolted to the bathroom wrenching, the scent of rust salt and copper finally registering with her memory banks, blood...she was smelling fresh blood!
“Well that’s positive! Had you been attracted to the other, I would have begun to worry, but fear not little Swan, a mortal still you are.”
Wiping her mouth irritably and happily rinsing with mouthwash, Bella growled. Eager to be away from the smell she happily accompanied her to the kitchen where, a mouthwatering scent was issuing, Mama Lia, the other cook, had prepared her famous award winning Lasagna! Between mouthfuls of pasta dripping with 4 or 5 cheeses Bella spoke.
“Thank you, Yoda Cullen. I'm not letting you watch the other movies if you keep quoting the sage teacher”
“Empty threat Bella, Jasper has the next one queued up on his laptop, next question please”
Now full and contented to be back where things made sense, she was able to put the pieces together. Like the...
“Wait back up to right before I smelled the well you know, what do you mean traces?! Is Edward venom still in my system?”
She blanched at the very thought, to be turned was one thing, but to have it be by an unstable, driven jealous forever 17 year old boy was quite another. Alice picking up on her feelings immediately grasped her hand sitting down on the level bench.
“No not Edward Bella, Aro, it was he that syphoned the venom from your blood, and at my guess left some of his own behind, not by choice but, it happened, so you’re at my guess, probably only 1/8th vampire right now still most definitely human with a pulse and delicate stomach but just with a little added bonus”
Bella exhaled the breath she'd been holding, relief written all over her face.
“So fellow seer, how much of my wedding did you catch?”
Alice didn't answer smiling impishly, she glanced over Bella's shoulder, and was gone by the time she had blinked, as she frowned in annoyance a pair of muscled cool hands came to rest on her shoulders expertly kneading away the tension still held there. She was about to turn around to greet him, when with a rustling of cloth, Aro was behind her on one knee.
“I think before you hear all the sordid details of her vision Mia Cara I think it best we get the formalities concluded, don't you, so I Aro, ask you Isabella Swan...
... Will you marry me?”