Still Waters

“Are you sure you can hear both their thoughts Edward?” Jasper asked as Marcus looked at Edward too.

“Don’t worry I can still hear both of them.  Let’s get something to eat so you both can relax.” Edward said as all three caught the scent of some deer close by.

All three turned and headed off toward the deer giving chase and taking down the small herd.  They were just burying the bodies for the predators when they heard some chuckling and all three spun around coming face to face with Jane, Felix, Alec and a new member.  “Well I was wondering just what if felt like to become a real animal.” Jane sneered her laughter obvious.

“What do you want Jane?” Jasper asked his voice neutral knowing it would take little to provoke Jane.

“Just wanted to see for myself what the rumors said, and it’s true.  Pathetic even you Master Marcus succumbing to the foolishness of the Cullens I had hoped for better from you.”

“It’s better than living as a prisoner where I was controlled by Chelsea, Jane.  It may look pathetic to you but I have more freedom to do as I please and make my mistakes than I ever had so learning a new way to eat is a small price.  I have a family, Jane which is far more than what Aro and Caius have.” Marcus stated his voice calm and unwavering.  He stared at the young girl he once thought fun to watch and wondered if a change in diet would change her before dismissing the thought for the younger vampire too much enjoyed the causing of pain.

Felix scoffed his eyes narrowing, “So we’ve heard the Cullens have a new human pet is this true Master.  I mean there must be something to it since Kaashaa hasn’t waddled out here to help you hunt as she usually does.” He said chuckling at the last part as he watched Jasper’s fist clinch and unclench.

“There are no pets,” Marcus replied evenly glaring at Felix coldly letting his anger turn to ice, “The human to which you refer is a patient of Carlisle’s who needs a bit of extra care in order to at least be given dignity in the last months, as you know very well Carlisle takes his duties seriously.”

“Right, so did Kaashaa stay to keep her company or is she too close to her due date.  It’s amazing how far a vampire would go to have a little fun.” Alec popped off meeting Jasper’s glare with a smile.  Jasper could feel all four of their emotions and he didn’t like what he felt.

‘Edward, they’re up to something their emotions are to over the place.  We need to find a way to contact the others before these four decide to go to the house and cause havoc with the girls.’ Jasper thought his eyes meeting with Edward’s briefly.

‘Everything is going to be fine.’ Edward returned calmly meeting his gaze and then turning toward Felix, “Before we go any further Felix, let’s get something straight, what Kaashaa does is her own damn business and since you’re not even a blip on her radar I’d suggest taking your toys and going home before Kaashaa gets mad and interrupts her sister’s vacation.” The smile turned feral, “And last I heard from the Keeper, he who interrupts her vacation for stupidity.  Dies.”

“I seriously doubt that the fat cow could find a way to get a hold of her even if she tried.” Felix countered getting a glare from Jane he stopped.

“We came to remind you all that if this human finds out about vampires you will not be given a chance to keep us at bay she will be destroyed as will you even if Master Marcus is a member of your coven.” Jane stated her voice flat.

“Then I’d suggest telling Aro to kiss my white furry ass and the next time you’ve got something to say then make sure you’re saying to me and not provoking my mate otherwise pregnant or not I’ll make you into a kabob for my sister.” A voice behind them answered followed by a loud snort.

All four turned to find a white unicorn standing there her sides indicating her time was near.  “Well look who decided to grace us with her presence.” The newcomer answered.



“You know Khoyl I so seriously regret the fact that daddy and sis should have taken your ass out a long time ago you traitor.” Kaashaa answered her voice lowering.

“Yes, you would be that way half-breed.  Of course your father’s mistake turned into a wonderful gift for Master Aro.” Khoyl answered.

“Yeah right problem is dipshit your stupid empathic ability won’t work on one a fellow empath and two on someone with a shield so you might as well keep your gift to yourself otherwise I’ll make such a mess of you even the birds couldn’t put their droppings on you and if you touch me you know what Elyshia said about that.” Kaashaa countered lowering her horn only to hear Edward’s voice in her mind, ‘Kaashaa don’t do anything that can cause you harm or Jasper and your sister will have your head.  Besides I have a feeling your sister’s on her way and is close if I’m guessing.’

“Your right she is as a matter of fact,” Kaashaa answered allowed hearing the light rustling of leaves in a nearby tree. She cracked up laughing turning human again and pushing between Alec and Felix to stand next to Jasper and finally the others who had shown up.

“Y’know one of these years I’m going to take a vacation and by god I’m going to finish it.” Elyshia’s mildly annoyed yet faintly amused voice preceded her entrance from the top of the trees followed by Taron who looked bemused on one hand and annoyed on the other. She sighed dramatically and rolled her eyes, “but so long as the ding dong patrol’s here making rude noises I have to come back to work.  Fortunately for you, Janie” she drawled a moment watching as Jane fumed at the hated nickname, “I’m in pretty good mood, I’ve had a good couple of weeks to play on the beach, play in the bed, and do a few things that everyone should more often, so I’m going to give you a chance to tuck your tail between your legs and go home.  Or we could do it your usual way and I could kick your ass, your choice.” She said cheerfully.

Jane growled but backed her group up slowly toward a group of trees, “You know Kaashaa one of these days she’s not going to be here to save you and I’ll finish what should have been done years ago.” She threatened as they turned running off at top speed.

Kaashaa laughed shaking her head, “Yeah keep dreaming Jane cause that’s all you’ll ever do.” She said loud enough that the retreating vampires heard her.  She turned grinning at her sister.  “Nice to see you stranger what brings my favorite big sister here besides having fun torturing members of the Volturi?” she quizzed hugging Elyshia lightly and smiling at Taron.

Patting her head, Elyshia chuckled, “Little birdie tells me someone’s impatient and since I told you I’d be here, here I am.” She grinned, “Torturing Janie was the bonus prize this round.  I’m sure she’ll go tearing off to Aro and Caius like always and bitch and complain but hey they wanna play with the big kids they ought to damn well be a big kid.”

Kaashaa laughed watching as Jasper came up and put his arms around her, “I’ve been trying to get your sister rest but you know how stubborn she gets.  It’s good to see you again Ely we’ve missed you around here.” He said feeling her emotions plainly.  It was a rare thing and he knew she was in a good mood.

“So how long are you here for sis?” Kaashaa asked closing her eyes against the slight nausea that was coming more and more often.

“I told you I would be here when the baby decides it’s nearly time and someone’s mighty impatient so here I am.  I’m here as long as I think it’s necessary.” Elyshia answered evasively beginning to suspect Carlisle might be on to something.

“I think someone is very impatient to get here.  I’ve never seen the baby so active as in the last month and a half.” She stated wincing a little.  She knew her time was coming and sooner than Carlisle wanted.

“Well let’s get back to the house then and you can tell me about this ‘pet’ Janie was bitching about this time.” Elyshia said wrapping her arm around Kaashaa’s shoulder with a familiarity that even Taron recognized as a protective, somewhat possessive move that caused him to grab Jasper when he went to follow them too closely.

“Let them go,” he said quietly, “they need the time together.  And anyone foolhardy enough to take Elyshia on … they deserve what they get when one of hers is close to birthing and doubly so as it is Kaashaa.”

Jasper nodded dropping his pace to match Taron’s, “I forget sometimes how protective she is over her sister.  I thought I was bad about being protective of Kaashaa.” He replied watching the girls in front of him.

Taron smiled faintly, “You have no idea, so what was the pint sized critter of would-be doom spouting about now exactly?  Beside the usual crap.” He questioned.

“Carlisle and Kaashaa came across a young woman that’s dying of cancer.  Kaashaa brought Cara, which is her name home since Cara has no family.  Long story short, Cara found out about us being vampires.  Aro’s somehow found out and is pissed.  Another added thing is that Marcus is not only curious I think in love with her.” Jasper stated answering the question the best he could there was still questions yet answered.

In front of them Kaashaa winced then sucked in a deep breath.  “Oh no,” she whispered.  She doubled over trying to keep up her pace.

“Whoa, what happened?” Elyshia asked jerking her arm free of Kaashaa casting a look at her sister as her demeanor shifted slightly from comfortable, soothing older sister to something calmer but more potentially deadly at the same time, “Okay little sister you have two choices we can get you back to the house pretty damn quick or you’re going to have to transform and deliver that way .  How long as the pain been going? Seriously now no heroic bullshit.”

“The pain started yesterday but nothing like this and thanks but no thanks I would rather get to the house…” She gasped as another pain shot through her sending her to the ground as Carlisle rushed up to help Elyshia.

“Then we better move ass cause they’re not waiting.” Elyshia said abruptly her tone turning sharp even if it caught Jasper’s attention first.

Carlisle nodded, “If you can you get her to the house and I’ll meet you there.” He shot off toward the house at top speed not replying to Elyshia’s comment.

“Did you just say they aren’t waiting?” Jasper asked his face showing his shock.  He stepped forward to help Elyshia get Kaashaa up and Elyshia teleported him, Kaashaa and herself to the house landing in Carlisle’s office now makeshift delivery room.

“Didn’t stutter did I?” she countered stripping off her jacket and tossed it at Taron who caught it smoothly and watched as Elyshia settled into a familiar, if changed task.  “Now if you can’t help Jasper I’m going to ask you to go.” She said calmly looking up at him.

“Maybe it would be best if you went downstairs for the moment Jasper,” Carlisle suggested as he and Elyshia began a careful dance around Kaashaa setting things together and watching as she began a careful breathing technique only to wince and moan when a hard contraction hit.

Jasper hesitated and suddenly hit the floor as he felt Kaashaa lift the her shields and he felt what she was feeling,  “I’ll be waiting outside.” He whispered as Carlisle helped him out and safely into his brothers arms.

“Come on Jazz better get you down stairs before you wife lets totally loose.” Emmett said as he and Edward helped him down the stairs and onto the couch.

Time seemed to move slowly though once and a while they could hear the faint then more prominent screams as Kaashaa’s labor progressed.  “How long does it take for a baby to get here momma?” Nessie asked watching her Uncle Jasper begin a pace from one side to the other at the foot of the stairs.

“As long as it takes,” Bella answered with a smile, “Everything will be fine you’ll see.”

Before Nessie could ask another question the sounds of a baby, crying was heard from upstairs.  “Whoa, dad take it easy you’ll see the kiddo before long,” Edward said putting a gentle hand on his brother’s shoulder.

Almost before Edward had finished speaking the same shriek of pain echoed through the house and they heard the flurry of activity up in the office again that seemed to go on and on before a separate, unique cry rang clearly into the house.

‘I can’t stand this waiting Edward.  Kaashaa needs me and I need to know she’s okay.’ Jasper thought shrugging off his brother’s hand to start of the stairs.

Taron appeared calmly at the top of the stairs descending by half with a graceful leap smiling gently, “You’ll want them to get her cleaned up first, the last thing we need is you getting hungry all over again, hm?” the calm voice was kind, “She’s fine, tired and a little in shock of having had twins, but she’s fine.” He said steering Jasper down the stairs again.

Jasper turned a sudden shocked stare on Taron as he sat down between Bella and Alice, “Twins?” he asked unsure if he had heard right.

Jasper got up and slowly made his way to Carlisle.  He carefully took one bundle from him uncovering it to show a little boy sleeping soundly.  “He’s beautiful Jazz.” Alice said as she peeked over his shoulder.  Before anything else could be said the other bundle squirmed and whined. 

“Sounds like little lady doesn’t like being ignored,” Carlisle said as Esme stepped up taking the baby boy while Carlisle handed Jasper his daughter.

Everyone stood looking at the newest editions, “What are you and Kaashaa going to name them?” Bella asked taking her turn holding the little girl.

“We decided Emily Rose and Joseph Michael so since we need two looks like we both got what we wanted.” Jasper answered the pride in his voice evident.

“Well, I hate to break this up but we need to get these two back to momma.  I’m sure its okay now for you to see Kaashaa, Jasper.” Carlisle stated as both men took a baby.

Two or three days past and the house began to settle to the sounds of the newborns, “Man I’ve never heard on kid with a set of lungs on him like that.” Rose commented watching as Cara came into the kitchen followed by Kaashaa with Emily in her arms.

Kaashaa smiled an apologetic smile at everyone, “Guess someone’s just not going to settle for anything.” She said handing Esme Emily and moving around to get a bottle and fill it with a liquid Cara wasn’t sure what it was.  “How are you feeling this morning Cara?” she asked screwing on the lid and handing it to Rose who took it and left.

“I’m as good as I get I suppose.” Cara said lying through her teeth, she knew she was getting worse but didn’t want to worry anyone.

Kaashaa raised an eyebrow but said nothing, “So I was thinking if you felt up to it I wanted some air later would you like to take a small walk hunny?” she asked sighing as she took a wiggling Emily who looked more like a four month old instead of a newborn.

“Sure, can’t hurt to get out.  I just don’t want to go too far I get tired fast.”

Kaashaa smiled and nodded, “I do understand about that.  We won’t go far just a short walk to stretch our legs a bit.” She answered as Jasper came in with Joseph who had a smile on his face.

Kaashaa smiled as Esme held out her arms for Emily, “I’ll take her you and Cara go get some air just be careful please no need in you two getting hurt.” She said as Emily happily went to her grandmother.

“Trust me right now would not be a good time for anyone to start anything with me.” Kaashaa answered kissing Emily, Joseph then Jasper before both girls headed out the door.

“Okay call me crazy but those babies don’t look like babies – well not newborns anyway.” Cara said carefully trying not to provoke anger in Kaashaa.

Kaashaa smiled, “It’s the fact that they are three quarter vampire.  Vampire hybrids tend to grow fast.  I was told Nessie was like that when she was little and it slowed as she got older though she seems to age at least a year in six months and will stop growing when she looks seventeen but is only seven years old.” Kaashaa replied picking a path that was level with trees thinner.

Cara decided to accept that answer and nodded after a while wrapping her coat around herself closely eying Kaashaa and letting the silence ring for a few minutes, “I’m going on a limb here and saying that you and your sister don’t have the same parents?  I mean she looks nothing at all like you … not that it’s a bad thing I mean…”

Kaashaa laughed, “In that you’re right we don’t have the same parents.  My mom and Ely’s were best friends and when Ely’s mom died, my parents took her in and raised her.  We’ve pretty much been sisters since.”  Kaashaa stopped in a clearing sitting on a log watching Cara.

She didn’t look well, her coloring was too pale, even for her and the fact that she wasn’t eating and the treatments just weren’t helping explained why she relied heavily on her pain medication to manage to function.  Giving Kaashaa a wary look she frowned quietly, “I’m okay with dying, everything that lives has to sometime.”

Kaashaa nodded, “You’re right everything does die.”  Kaashaa wondered though if Marcus might convince her to turn so she could be with the family she was now part of.  She also wondered if Marcus would even do that considering he knew the rules as well as she did, and wasn’t she even now breaking them by being around this human.

A sound alerted Kaashaa to someone approaching from their left and in the clearing Kohyl and Jane appeared sneering, “So they finally let the broodmare out of the house.  And the dinner to stretch her legs.” Kohyl said with no amount of pleasure in his voice having found them vulnerable.

Kaashaa stepped in front of Cara shielding her from the two vampires, “Why looky Janie has a buddy.  Tell something does your butt buddy lover know you screw that behind his back and where is Felix and that thing you call a damn brother oh I forgot probably beating each other off huh.  As for you snot face you’re not even good enough to wipe the dog shit from Jake off of Jasper’s boots so you best scuttle back to whatever rock you crawled out from under otherwise I’ll shove you under one.” She sneered back her voice lowering to a growl.

As Kohyl opened his mouth to speak Elyshia’s voice filtered down from the tall oak tree, “Must be a day ending in y because your funky ass didn’t take a hint and split.” She said flipping gracefully out of the tree to glare at Kohyl, “Now take the wannabe and go because I just did my nails and I don’t feel like doing them again it takes an age. To dry polish.” She said holding up an ungloved, clawed hand aimed at Koyhl her glare warning.

“We’re not going anywhere just yet till we deliver our message so you can just hold your damn manners in check.” A voice to Elyshia’s right said as Felix and Alec came into view.

Elyshia rolled her eyes and flicked her fingers at Felix and Alec dismissively, “Yeah I’ve already heard it and the answer I’m cordially returning to your pathetic masters is ‘stick your head up your ass and blow bubbles.’ “ she said coolly offering Kaashaa her hand and then placed her other hand on Cara’s steering them away, “Come on now we wouldn’t want the wildlife to get testy and bite us now would we?” she said cheerfully  before teleporting them to the inside of the Cullen household.

Kaashaa laughed once they were inside, “Well that went real well didn’t it sis?” she said brushing off the dust from the log she had been sitting on.

Steadying Cara she smiled darkly at Kaashaa, “If not for her I’d have cheerfully thrashed Kohyl I’m in the mood to beat something and he’s due a solid beating.  I’ve called Theron and told him firstly about the babies and second to tell him that Kohyl’s back to being a dick.”

Kaashaa nodded and was about to speak when a knock was heard at the front door.  She glanced briefly at her sister before heading into the living room and finding Felix, Jane, Alec and Koyhl standing there Alec’s gaze fixed on Demetri, Edward and Emmett who stood frozen.  “Hey sis they’re back again.  Good grief don’t you idiots ever learn.” She said raising a shield that immediately dampened the effects of Alec’s power.  She glanced around looking for Jasper and the twins.

“Do you need a clarification of my message?” Elyshia replied as she partially saw Cara’s collapse frowning a bit turning toward the stairs, “Hey Carlisle emergency down here and for once I don’t mean the door.” She turned then to the other three.  “What do you want we’re kinda busy you know.”

“Master Aro and Master Caius are coming and they aren’t happy about the rules being broken.  They demand that something be done with the human or they will do something with the human as well they would like to extend their best wishes and would like to see the newest addition to the Cullen Coven.” Jane said throwing a letter at Elyshia.  Kaashaa and Carlisle bent down beside Cara conversing in low tones both ignoring the group at the door.

“So they’re basically having a snit about Carlisle keeping his Hippocratic Oath god what babies.  Good then they can come here and get spanked again.” Elysia glared at them tearing the letter in half then half again.  “Now since you weren’t invited take a hike.” She snapped closing the door quite literally on Jane’s nose.  “Good riddance to bad rubbish.” She muttered turning to look at Carlise. “What’s the verdict?” she asked taking a crouched pose near Cara as well.

“She’ll be okay but she’s had another episode we need to get her to her room and let her rest for the time being,” Carlisle answered as Emmett picked up the fragile girl and followed Carlisle and Kaashaa upstairs.

“I’ve hooked her up again to the IV drip.  Is there anything else we need to do,” Kaashaa asked as Carlisle checked Cara’s vitals again.

“No, for now we let her rest.  I’m afraid she’s getting worse.” Carlisle answered as he straightened up and shook his head at Kaashaa.

Kaashaa sighed and both left heading back down stairs.  “Well anything of interest happen since we left?” She asked sitting next to Jasper who had Joseph in his lap.

“The question is what do we do.  We could change her and it would rid us of Aro and Caius at least concerning her?” Esme suggested looking at Carlisle and Marcus.

“Could, feasibly yes.  The question really might be should we.” Carlisle replied looking to her carefully considering that very idea with no small amount of seriousness.

“I think we should ask her if that’s what she wants.  I mean what if she doesn’t even want this.” Rose commented her voice strained.

“Its something we should talk about when she’s a little stronger,” Kaashaa stated.  “The next question is in the mean time what do we do to keep Aro at bay.” She asked her focus on Marcus.

He stared out a window for a moment pondering, “I am not sure that anything at this point can keep Aro from coming back, more important however I think is Caius.” He turned to give Carlisle a calm look, before his attention drifted to the stairs.  “He’s already got an axe to grind with your family, and that I’m here is enough to drive him to irrationality.”

“Yeah that axe is me.” Kaashaa said still unable to control the note of agitation that crept up into her voice.

“Yes,” Marcus nodded gravely, “You were, to Caius and indirectly to a lesser degree Aro a great coup for the Volturi.” He had to agree with the young woman, “A union with you, as is well known by now for the Cullens, a great asset that would have for many generations assured Volturi dominance.  Now… “ he trailed off as Elyshia spoke up quietly from her place curled up with her head on Taron’s shoulder.

“That dominance is in limbo as is their absolution in being the last uh what’s the word in English?  Um authority?” she looked at Kaashaa for help.

“Yeah that’s the word you want, granted they never got that Daddy was always the final say on things he just let them do it their way a long time.”

“Theron got out of politics after Kohyl.” Elyshia said calmly flexing her fingers as if itching and trying not to scratch. “Rotten egg that one, shoulda tossed that fishie back in the hole.”

“You really don’t like him,” Jasper said shuddering a little at the flash point of anger and hate that radiated off of Elyhshia with the thought of the male.

“Sure I like him – with a nice garlic sauce and broiled.” Elyshia countered with a dark smile, “After what he’s done in the past he ought to be happy I let him breathe.”

“Regardless,” Carlisle broke in with a weary smile, “We should begin preparing for whatever may come so that we are not caught unawares again.”