Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight or any of its characters.

Unexpected Reunion

Anna swam at Edward's right side following his lead. She had never been taken interest in ocean waters before. She took great pleasure observing the life they passed. Fish fled in different direction when they sensed them. He led her lower down to the darkest waters of the ocean and left her to her thoughts when they were safely away. Her thoughts went to her previous life.

She thought about Nathan, whose birthday would be in five weeks' time. It broke her heart to know she would not be there for him, ever. She let their memories flood her mind. From the day she discovered she was pregnant, the day he was born and to every little first they shared together. Every precious smile she remembered was burnt to eternal memory. She had the same thoughts about her family, friends and work. Everything she had known that was now gone. In her way she said her goodbyes to it all. She realized that she had remembered much more than she would have had she been human.

Her memories didn't spare her from unpleasant thoughts. She remembered her awkwardness with people around her. She had never fitting in anywhere in her life. She chanced a glance at Edward swimming by her side. She felt a sense of belonging with him. Like it was right she was there.

She wondered about that a long time. 'Why was it so? Why had the mythical world fascinate her so much before? Why it took so long for her to find her way, and why couldn't it have happened before Nathan was born? She grieved the loss of her son. A part of her felt deep guilt that she didn't feel the same depth of loss for her own life, friends and other family.

Daylight marked passing time for them even though it was darkest closer to the ocean floor. Anna cleared her heard of all thought when her head broke the surface of the water. Edward was already seated on a rock outcropping watching the ocean over her head.

"I am sorry for your loss Annabel." He had not yet taken to calling her by her shortened name.

"Master, I made my choice. This way I can watch over my Nathan from afar. It is better than being dead." Anna had forgotten that Edward could hear all her thoughts while on their swim. She wondered if he thought her weak and unable to break ties with her former life.

"I do not think you weak. In my time females were mates and maidens, never generals or fighters. House affairs were run by men. Your sex only fought to protect themselves when there was no man to do it for them."

"Men can detach from emotions better. I will step down if you wish to have a male general Master." Anna offered.

"That will not be necessary. I will prepare you thoroughly for your duties. I chose you because it was the right decision for my house. You are a good student of life and a good strategist Annabel. You will make a fine warrior." He smiled.

"I do not believe you would be happy running a house and seeing to a male. Speaking of…" He broke off and tilted his head to the south.

"We have company. Go inland Annabel. Run across the land to the other end. I will come to find you soon." His instruction was urgent.

"But Master –" Anna panicked. She could sense that Edward was sending her away to protect her. She had not been properly trained therefore she could not stay to help.

"Go before they sense you too. I will not communicate with you until it is safe. You must live for that moment."

He left her one of his swords and broke into a run towards the south. He ran his fastest to put as much distance between himself and Anna as possible. He had sensed two of his brothers moving towards their direction in the north-east. They had sensed him too. Their reunion would either be bitter or joyous. He could not protect Anna from being claimed by another male because she was not his mate. He had sent her away to protect her. It was the only solution.

He ran past the think forests and open fields. He moved around small towns and big cities following his senses. No human or animal could really see him before he'd long disappeared again. His brothers also ran faster towards him. They were not alone. Edward sensed at least six travelling his way though some were young. He stopped on a mountain top against a cliff face for a better view of their progress towards him.

"Brothers" He greeted first when they were within hearing range.

"Brother" They replied in greeting.

The young ones stood two feet behind his brothers. Their stance was protective and ready to defend. There was a long moment of silence where the group took Edward in as he did them.

"You live" The youngest of his brothers broke into a smile.

He was Lord Kira of the house of Usha in Africa. The house of Usha had ruled over the African continent. He was tall, dark, lean built and the most attractive of them all. He kept his head and face clean shaven. He was known for his playfulness and gentle nature. All the brothers were fiercely protective of him.

"Yes I live. It is good to see you brother." Edward could not help returning the smile.

Kira moved forward and embraced him. Edward knew from his thoughts how truly happy he was to see him again. He also heard few painful thoughts of how Kira had missed him. His brothers had missed his leadership and company at difficult times. When he let go, Kira moved back to the safety of his group.

"It is good to see you brother." Edward addressed his brother Evan, Lord of the house of Kiva in the East.

The house of Kiva had ruled over the eastern region and surrounding islands. Evan was a man of few words and a bad temper. He hardly laughed or showed his emotions. He was short with a wider muscular body. He kept his jet black hair long and tied to the back in a plat. His black eyes never broke contact with Edward's. Edward heard he was happy to meet again after so long and angry with him for abandoning them.

His brothers knew nothing of his mind reading ability. He did not want to alienate himself from them because of it. It was good he had practiced to ignore the urge to respond to thoughts while in Volterra. Evan didn't respond to Edward immediately. He just watched him, taking in his familiar appearance and stance. Edward was at a defensive position against the cliff face but alone and in a relaxed posture. Evan concluded he was no threat to them.

"Yes brother, this is a good day indeed." He finally responded with a slight smile. Edward knew to treasure that smile. There were too few where that came from. "You are alone?" Evan asked.

"Yes, I am alone here." Edward sidestepped the truthful answer to that question. He wanted to learn more from his brothers before he would tell them of Anna. It was very strange for him to feel very protective of another female that wasn't his mate, daughter or mother.

"These are our guards" Kira started pointing to each one of the men behind them. "Luke, Antonio, Carl and Edward" he finished with a mischievous smile.

At Edward's raised eyebrow he explained. "I call him Edward because he reminds me of you. His name is Deon." He laughed at Edward's glare. Kira was too happy to see his brother again.

"Where have you been brother?" Evan asked Edward – all serious.

"I was captured when the Romanians destroyed my house. Soon after the Volturi overpowered them and continued to keep me prisoner. I have been in Volterra ever since." They all stared at him, unsure what to make of his answer.

"What news of the outside world? Why are you here brothers?" Edward asked them.

"We sensed you on the move. We were not sure it was truly you. We had to see for ourselves. It's been so long" Evan answered with deep emotion. It was uncharacteristic of him.

"We have been living in the south of Africa and sometimes Australia, far away from Italy and Russia. We keep our numbers to a limit of six in each house. Here before you stand all the men. Our women are left behind without protection. Come with us dear brother, we have much to talk about."

Edward knew Evan was telling the truth. Except that their true mates were dead, like his. They now had concubines, one each to keep their numbers small. Antonio was the only one truly mated. The females were hidden, not awaiting their return at their houses.

Evan was a testing him with the invitation. He wanted to see if Edward would come willingly, alone and unprotected. He wanted to know whether Edward trusted them and whether they could trust him. Edward worried for Anna. She would be left alone longer if he followed his brothers. However, he could not risk losing their trust.

"Yes, there is much to discuss. Lead the way brothers." He accepted

All seven men started to run further south. Edward did not chance contact with Anna. His brothers would sense the strength of their bond which was still too new. He ran in the middle behind his brothers. Their guard ran at the back. He listened to all their thoughts and gathered information on the state of things in their world. He saw their lives and lifestyle. It was sad to him. Kings living in hiding and left with nothing.

He knew that he would also live like that. The Volturi would never leave him and Anna in peace. He considered the option to build his house in South American region to be closer to his brothers. Anna would be nearer to Nathan. He wasn't concerned about the numbers he would have in his house. For now Anna's companionship was plenty for him. They reached the waters again and dived in for a swim to the southern tip of Africa.