Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

The Differences Between Us Make Us Special

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 16: Traveling with the Pixie.

It’s been four years since Jasper and Alice left home. They have been traveling on an adventure or a quest if you will. They have seen all of northern Europe so far and still have not found what they set out to find.

(E&B)

Let’s go back to where it began. It was a dreary day in Toronto and the children had just arrived home from school when Alice had one of her visions. Everyone stopped what they were doing and waited patiently for her to come back to the now. When she came out of it she screamed so loudly that Jasper thought he might just have managed to lose some of his hearing. The amount of joy radiating off of her made him want to dance. Which for Jasper just felt wrong.

You see Jasper was a man’s man. He was a soldier born and bred. He fought in wars both as a human and a vampire. His scars were a monument to his survival. But he could no longer bear the life of fighting and bloodshed and was saved by one he let go free. Peter his only friend and companion had rescued him promising him a life of peace and freedom. But it was short lived as his gift made his life just as complicated. He could feel the pain and fear of his victims. He once thrived on that feeling but now it caused him pain. It was years later when Alice had found him out wandering. She promised him a life without pain. So he gladly went with her. Feeling hope for the first time. Over the years their friendship grew. She became is family. A sister if you will. He would protect her with his life. But he still felt empty. Like a part of him was missing.

So when finally Alice had revealed what her vision held, Jasper was the first to hug her and return her feelings of joy. It was then that Alice made the decision to search out her true mate who she saw in her vision. It wasn’t much to go on but she knew he wasn’t around here. She described her mate to her family, saying she couldn’t see his face but she heard his voice. It was commanding and strong. She said he wore a cape with a hood which is why she couldn’t see his face. They decided then he must be in Europe somewhere as in that is the only place to which a vampire would wear such a thing. Alice said she must find him, and without a second thought Jasper said he would go with. He felt his need to protect Alice from harm was good enough reason for him to tag along on this adventure.

Alice agreed and with that they set off to find her happily ever after.

(E&B)

That brings us back to the present. They have been searching for four years. Jasper has seen England, Sweden, Holland, Poland, Russia, Switzerland, Denmark, France, Portugal, and Spain. Together they learned six new languages and many different customs. Alice was in the height of her glory for as they traveled she managed to talk Jasper into several different shopping trips, and multiple fashion shows. Jasper was feeling warn out. He was ready to call it quits and head home. It was on one of his many thoughts that he decided to tell Alice that he wanted to go home, but as usual she already knew.

“Oh Jasper, I know it seems as if we have been gone a long time and I miss home too but I have to find him. You understand don’t you?”

“Yes Alice I understand. But I miss home, I miss mom yellin at Emmett for breaking things, I miss dad trying to stop the fighting between you and Emmett for something stupid he did. I miss Emmett’s big loud voice that never shuts up. Hell I even miss Rosalie’s bitching. Can’t we please go home?”

Jasper knew he soundly like a whiny kid but he didn’t care. It’s been four long years traveling with Alice. He knew the family had moved since they left. They went home to Forks. They had been planning on heading there after the school year finished. It was March when they left so that meant the family moved only three months after they left.

“Please Jasper just one more month. If we haven’t found him by then we can go home!”

“Fine but one month is all you get Alice. Where are we heading anyway?”

“Italy.”

With that the pair boarded a plane in Spain. Jasper was weary of heading to Italy. He knew that is where the Volturi lived. They have been after him since he was in the southern wars. They coveted his gift and wanted him in the guard, as well as Alice. Both had politely declined, but that didn’t mean that Aro would give up so easily.

(E&B)

It was dark out when the plane landed outside Rome. Alice said it was daylight when she saw him in her latest vision. She still hadn’t seen his face but the surroundings were clearer. She said he was in an ancient looking city. The buildings were tall and shaded most of the roadways so that it seemed dark. That there was a clock tower in the center of the city.

That helped to narrow down their search. They went to the city archives and researched ancient cities in Italy. They found a few. This would make it easier for them to return home in a month if they found him, or not. So they started on their way. Rome of course being one of the oldest cities they started their search there. Nothing resembled Alice’s vision so they decided to move on. Venice was next. As beautiful and full of ancient architecture as it was it still didn’t match her vision. Next they headed to Florence. Still no luck. They did however start to learn the Italian language. They figured it would help them if they could speak with the locals and see if they knew of the city with the large plaza and clock tower. They searched for days looking all over most of Italy. It was about a week before the month was up that Jasper couldn’t take anymore.

“Alice we need to stop. I know we can’t get physically tired but I feel drained. All these emotions are taking its toll on me I need to rest.”

“Okay Jasper. We will stop in at the hotel down the road. We can stay there for two days. You can rest and hunt and shower, while I shop for souvenirs for the family.”

“Shopping, really Alice haven’t we enough junk to drag home as it is.” Jasper said while eying the eight suitcases full of merchandise that Alice had purchased since they began their trip.

“I feel it is necessary that they have a token of each place we visited.”

“Fine do what you will. But don’t expect me to carry all of this myself.”

“But Jasper…” Alice whined putting on the pouty face that seemed to work every time.

“NO! I don’t care if you pout, whine, scream, holler, and throw a temper tantrum, I am not your slave or bell boy I will not lug all your trinkets around for you. Perhaps you should see if you can ship some of that stuff home from the motel.”

“Fine.” Alice huffed seeing she wasn’t gonna sway him.

They went to the hotel and Alice did as suggested. She packed away the things she had bought so far and had them mailed back to the house in Forks. While she did that Jasper went and arranged a room for them. Renting a suite with two twin beds. They didn’t need to sleep but to keep up appearances they got separate beds.

Once in the room Jasper went to change clothes so he could go hunt in the nearby forest. It didn’t take him long to find a small herd of deer. He finished quickly and headed back for a shower. When he got back he noticed that Alice was not in the room and figured she went to go shopping. After he showered he laid on the bed and closed his eyes. Sure he couldn’t sleep but he could pretend and that was often enough for him to recharge and be ready to go in a couple of hours.

(E&B)

It felt like only minutes later that Jasper was brought out of his restful state by a squealing Alice jumping wildly on the end of his bed. Opening his eye slowly he looked at Alice. She was practically glowing. Her emotions were of the same caliber. Something had made Alice extremely happy. Sitting up slowly he decided to ask.

“Alice what has gotten into you?”

“Oh Jasper I have the most wonderful news.” she chimed as she twirled around like she was dancing with someone.

“And what pray-tell is this wonderful news?”

“I know where to find him.”

“Find who?”

“My mate silly.”

“How did you find the city?”

“I was in this wonderful old shop and I was speaking with the shop keeper there and they said they knew of the city I spoke of.”

“And?”

“Well you’re not gonna like it but we have to go”

“Where Alice?”

“Volterra.”

That one word shot a fear through Jasper like he had never know. He knew if Aro found them he would try to convince them to stay. Alice was right he didn’t like it not one bit.

“No”

“What?”

“I said No Alice we are not going.”

“Why?”

“I will not risk our safety so you can go gallivantin’ around some ancient runes in search of a man that you have no idea what he looks like, all while under the watchful eye of those vultures. You know that they want us to join them, you know if they catch us it won’t be easy to get away. Not with the witch twins.”

They have heard stories of the twins in which Aro himself had turned. They have powers that none other can rival. One can cause immense pain while the other one can cut off all your senses. One cures the other. Or so they have heard. No one has ever seen the twins and lived to tell about it. And that was one challenge that Jasper did not want to take on.

“But Jasper I have to go.”

“Alice.”

“Please just one day. If I don’t find him we will leave and never look back.”

Alice had tears shining in her eyes that would never fall. Jasper couldn’t stand to see the woman who has become his family, his little sister in all that pain. He would do anything to make her smile.

“Okay…” he drawled. His southern accent slipping through.

“Oh yes. Thank you Jasper thank you. I don’t know how I will ever repay you.”

“I can think of a few ways…” Jasper said with an evil smirk.

“No Jasper I will not buy you those hideous cowboy boots you have been drooling over for a decade now.”

“But Alice.”

That is how the night continued. Jasper trying to get her to see reason and Alice avoiding it like the plague. It was approaching dawn when the two left to hunt once more before setting off to Volterra. Jasper still wasn’t sure about this but he wanted Alice to be happy.

(E&B)

It was sometime after noon when they reached the ancient looking city. Jasper’s senses were on high alert and every nerve in his body was tingling. As they approached the main gate a woman of vampire beauty stepped up to greet them.

“Hello and welcome to Volterra. Please state the reason for your visit.”

“We have come to see the city and search for someone who we believe lives within the city.” Alice replied calmly.

“Well I hope you enjoy your stay please feel free to seek council with the kings if you need any assistance in locating your missing friend.”

“We will be sure to do that.” Alice again replied calmly.

The woman let them pass. Jasper could feel her eyes on him as they moved through the gates.

“Don’t worry Jasper I won’t let her eat you.” Alice chuckled while Jasper shot a glare in her direction.

They were almost to the center of the city when Alice once again went into a vision. Her emotions were spiraling in circles so quickly that Jasper couldn’t get a handle on just one. It took but a minute or two for her to come out of it. When she did the smile on her face could have lit up half the country.

“He’s here” was all she said.

“Where Alice?”

“He will be under the clock tower in exactly 20 minutes. He will be wearing that same cloak. And he does not look happy to be there. It’s as if he is doing his job. He seemed to be giving orders to someone.”

This set Jasper’s already fragile nerves into a tizzy. The only ones who gave orders around here were the Volturi or their guards. If this man was giving orders then he must be one of the guard. That scared Jasper. What if he was a guard and he was Alice’s mate would he want her to stay with him here? Would he come with them and leave the guard? What if Aro forbid him to leave? Oh this was so not good thought Jasper.

As Jasper came out of his thoughts he noticed that they had moved to an alley that was right alongside the clock tower. He didn’t remember moving there, he must have been really lost in thought.

“Any minute now Jasper and my mate will be standing right there.” Alice pointed to what looked like a door way leading under the tower.

“Uh…”

 Jasper didn’t know what to say to that, or how to feel about the situation as a whole. Just as he was about to speak again they heard loud voices coming from under the tower. Then as if by magic three robed figures appeared. Jasper studied the three cloaked vampires. The one in charge seemed to be just slightly taller than Alice, which would put him at about 5’4. The other two were much taller. Almost as tall as Jasper’s 6’4. They stood silently watching this vampire order the other two about. From the gist of the conversation the two men were to find two vampires who had recently entered the city and bring them back to the tower so they can be taken to Aro. It was then that they realized that the two vampires he was speaking of was them. Jasper slowly stood more in front of Alice as if to shield her, but Alice being Alice pushed him aside so she could continue to watch the man giving orders. Once the other two took off toward the front gates to catch their trail they moved a little closer to the tower. The leader of the three still stood there looking over the center of the city. His emotions were sad and longing. Like he too was searching for something. A minute or so passed when he stiffened. Jasper felt the moment he felt their presence.

“Come out from where ever you are hiding. I know you are there and unless you want me to use my gift then I suggest you step forward.”

His tone was commanding. It reminded Jasper of his voice when he was in the wars. Slowly they stepped out. Jasper slightly ahead of Alice, blocking the stranger’s view of her.

“Come into the tower it is too bright to be outside today.”

“Sure.” Jasper said hesitantly. He didn’t wanna start a fight with one of the guard. He knew it wouldn’t end well for anyone.

They followed him further under the tower until they were all shaded inside the building. The man turned slowly toward Jasper and Alice. Jasper stiffened and prepared for anything, but what happened is not what he expected. The man or should we say boy dropped his hood. He had dark hair and crimson eyes. He looked even paler then Jasper and Alice if that was possible. He was slightly built now that they could see him up close. Not Jasper or anywhere close to Emmett in build but like a lanky teenager who spent his afternoons in the gym.

“State your business here.” the boy demanded.

“We came to see the city and search for a friend.”

“How long do you plan on staying?”

“Just for the day. If we haven’t found him by nightfall we planned on leaving.” Jasper answered. Alice was still hidden behind him and had yet to say a word.

“And does this friend have a name?”

“We do not know his name. My sister saw him in a vision and said he was her mate.”

“So your sister is a seer?”

“To an extent yes. But it is optional.”

“Optional?”

“Her visions are based on decisions therefore if the person in the vision changes their mind then the vision changes.”

“I see and what does this person you seek look like.”

“We do not know this either. His face was covered in a hood much like the one you wear.” Jasper again answered.

“So you know not his name or his features yet you are sure he is here in Volterra?”

“Yes her vision showed this clock tower and that the man in her vision would appear at this tower giving orders to someone whom she did not see.”

“You mean to say that she saw me giving orders to Felix and Demetri?”

“Yes I believe so.”

“Why does your sister hide behind you then if she believes this man to be me?”

“She is afraid and as I am older than her and have seen many battles I am her protection.” Jasper said crossing his arms over his chest. He pulled himself up to his full height which compared to the boy before him was rather tall.

“I do not wish to harm her. Only to meet the one that believes she is destined for me.”

Jasper could feel the truth in his words. He turned his head slightly and looked down at Alice over his shoulder.

“Alice dear would you be of so kind as to step out here and meet this young man.”

Alice looked up into Jaspers face and saw that she had nothing to fear and slowly nodded her head. She peered out around Jaspers arm at first and looked over at the man from her vision. She started at his feet and worked her way up to his face. Still not leaving the complete sanctuary of Jasper’s protective form. She continued to scan him as she came to connect her eyes with his she paused. Left a soft “oh” escape her lips. They both seemed completely mesmerized by the looks of it. Jasper cleared his throat breaking whatever spell was set upon them.

“How bout we do introductions first.” he spoke.

“Sorry I don’t know where my manners have gone. I’m Alec.”

“I’m Jasper, and this darlin’ little sprite here is Alice.”

“Hello.” Alice said shyly.

“Hi.” Alec replied.

“Shall we sit and talk then?” Jasper asked again breaking the silence that fell between them.

“Yeah let’s do that.” Alec mumbled.

Jasper could feel the emotional bond between the two already. Alice had finally found her mate.