My longest chapter yet! 24 pages! Woohoo! Lol. Almost 10k words!
Ok, so it's probably not the best chapter I've written but I needed a time filler. I think it's still really good though. I introduce a couple of new characters and the POV changes A LOT in this chapter.
Again, A big thanks to SparklingTopazEyes! She influenced this chapter greatly! Thank you!
Enjoy.
Lights! Camera! …Read!
Edward's POV
Be safe.
They were the final and only words I heard in her mind as her plane left the ground.
Bella's gone.
Gone.
I feel like my chest has a gaping hole in it, like someone just reached in and tore my heart out. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak. All I could do was stare at the spot where she disappeared to board the plane.
I knew it was going to be hard seeing her leave, but I had no idea it would hurt this bad.
I feel…empty.
After what seemed like hours, though I'm sure it was only a few minutes, I felt some one put their hand on my shoulder.
Although the hand was cold, I made no movement to acknowledge their presence.
"Come on, Son. We need to be heading back home now." My dad said in a calm voice.
It'll be alright, Edward
Alice thought as she glided over to me. She took my hand pulling me through the crowds of the airport.
"Alice…" I started.
"Yeah, I'll drive don't worry." She answered.
I nodded.
I didn't think that in my state of mind that I could keep concentration on the road. I definitely didn't want to get myself killed. I had to keep myself safe for her return. If she returned. My stomach turned. I can't believe this is happening. I finally felt like my life was coming together, and now my happiness is torn away from me.
I sighed.
I was hoping for a quiet ride home but I kept hearing the thoughts of my family. I tried my best to keep it to a low hum in the back of my mind. It worked for the most part. I was able to keep my parent's, Emmett, and Rose's thoughts to low whispers but unfortunately it was much more difficult for my siblings in the car. Alice was at least trying really hard to keep her thoughts to herself. She knew I needed my space right now. But since Jasper had no clue I could read his thoughts, his mind was on overdrive.
Poor Edward. His emotions have been everywhere lately. One day he's completely jealous and angry. The next, he's completely and utterly happy. Then today he's completely distraught, insanely depressed. How can any human handle all these mood swings? I can barely keep up with it. I should…
Then I felt a wave of calm and peacefulness hit me. I internally groaned. I was grateful that he was trying to help, but these are fake emotions. Just because I can feel them, doesn't mean my thoughts were in any way pleasant. I didn't necessarily want to feel calm and peaceful when the person I love is risking her existence for me.
Somewhere along in my deep thoughts, I fell asleep. When I woke up I was in my own bed. I looked around a bit confused. I couldn't remember anything at first. The sun burned in my eyes and I pulled the covers over myself. But, then all of a sudden my mind's cloudiness passed, and everything came back to me. I felt the emptiness creep back, taking over my whole body. I was practically trembling.
Bella.
I groaned.
For a moment, I wished I still couldn't remember anything of the things that were happening, but as quickly as the thought came, it left. I would never want to forget my Bella.
I uncovered myself and let my eyes adjust to the brightness. I looked over to my digital clock. It was 9am.
9am!
Holy shit, I slept for nearly 16 hours…how the hell did that happen…
I groaned again. It was Monday. I was already late for school.
Perfect.
Starting the day off great, aren't I?
I shook my head and sat up in bed. I light knocking came from my door.
Can I come in, Edward?
"Come in." I said.
"Hi." Alice said timidly.
"Why aren't you at school?"
"I could ask you the same thing!" she said with a small smile.
"I guess I just overslept…"
"It's ok. Dad's going to write me and you a doctor's note. He said we didn't have to go to school today if we weren't up to it. The rest of them left. But I couldn't bare a whole day of trying to act normal when my sister just left…" she sighed. "But, I mostly wanted to stay and make sure you were ok."
"I'm fine, Alice."
She narrowed her eyes at me. "Don't give me any of that. I'm the one with an empath for a husband, you know."
I rolled my eyes.
"Alice! Please, I just want to be alone!" I nearly yelled. I was starting to get really frustrated.
"No, that's the last thing you should be doing!" she said sternly.
"Please Alice, I need collect myself. I'll be fine. Really."
I saw a flicker of pictures that I couldn't see clearly, flash in Alice's mind.
"No, you won't be. Edward…You can't lock yourself up and keep everyone away."
"Watch me." I said as I fell back down onto my bed pulling the covers once more over my face.
She sighed deeply.
Don't say I didn't warn you.
Ugh, I wish I could just fall asleep for three months straight and wake up the moment Bella got back.
Bella's POV
Be safe.
I chanted hoping Edward would hear it as the jet lifted off the ground.
I wasn't even gone yet and I felt the tares in my heart start to rip even wider.
I sighed. I want to get this over with as quickly as possible.
The 13 hour plane ride was hell. It dragged on forever. As much as I didn't want to be in Volterra right now, I was practically begging the jet to get there already. I needed to get off this plane. I needed to do something, anything, to distract myself from the pain my chest was wallowing in.
I hated having to leave Edward. All I could think about these dreadful 13 hours was how much it was killing me to leave him there alone.
No!
He's not alone, Bella. He has his family, our family. Our family will help him get through this. When I return I'll make this up to him. I'll never leave his side again…
The long flight was starting to make me go insane. I was even contemplating jumping out of the jet mid-air and swim the rest of the way to Volterra, just to give me something to do. Then suddenly the plane started to descend. Finally!
I gathered my things and made my way out of the small plane. As I stepped out, all the dread that was built up was slightly lifted.
"Ella!"
"Bethany." I breathed.
We closed the distance between us and hugged each other tightly.
"It's been too long. I've missed you so much." She said as we pulled apart.
"Yeah, way too long. I missed you too. Heh, I half expected Felix to be the one to escort me..." I rolled my eyes. "That would have been fun."
She laughed. "He almost was. He was already making plans on what flashy car to bring, but of course before Aro could tell him to pick you up; I jumped up at the opportunity and asked if I could do the honors. And now here I am!"
I gave her a small smile. "Thanks."
She winked at me and entwined her arm through mine.
We got in the limo waiting for us in the shadows of the airport entrance. It was a half hour drive to Volterra. We passed fields, mountains, trees, flowers, farms, houses and many of the other beauties of Italy that used to captivate me. I used to run through all of it to get away from the castle, basking in its graceful beauty. But now, I was affected by none of it. I lost interest. Not even the beauty of the Italian country side could give me a little escape anymore.
We reached the city limits much sooner than expected. As we passed Palazzo dei Priori, I pulled at my memories, remembering the buildings, the fountain, and the clock tower that surrounded me once again. A shiver swept through my body as we passed the dark narrow alleyway. The clock tolled noon and I jumped, startled, as the noise rang in my ears. I didn't understand why, but I got a sense of eerie déjà vu as I gazed at the alleyway losing its dark shadows from the sunshine. Lost in my observations, I failed to realize we were already here.
I took a deep breath as I stepped out of the limo into the shadows to face the large, haunting place that I once, and now again, lived.
"There's too much sun, so we'll have to take the alternate route."
I nodded and followed Bethany through the alleyway. She pulled out the grate from the floor and we both jumped down. We swiftly made our way through the dimmed tunnel and up the elevator to the main reception room. I nearly rolled my eyes as I saw the Volturi had found a new human secretary.
"Good Afternoon, Bethany. And you must be Isabella. Welcome back." She greeted with a smile. I just nodded trying to hold back my disgust that this woman would accept a job like this.
"Hello, Gianna." Bethany greeted back with a genuine smile. Gianna blushed.
I looked behind the desk, there standing at the doors were the three vampires I could definitely live eternity with out ever wanting to see again.
"Isabella. So nice to see you again." Alec called out as he made his way over to me and laid a kiss on either side of my face. Alec, although I didn't like certain views he had, was the most decent of the three. I could tolerate him.
"Yes, very nice indeed." Felix said winking at me. I shuddered.
"Swan." Jane scoffed. I tried to keep back from rolling my eyes; she was always just so overly ridiculous. I truly couldn't stand that girl.
I just nodded acknowledging their presence.
"Couldn't stay away from me, could you?" I turned to find a smiling Demetri.
"Hello." I smiled genuinely.
I was so grateful to at least have Bethany and Demetri here with me. I couldn't imagine having to deal with this completely alone.
He gently lifted my hand and placed a chaste kiss on the top of it.
"Aro is expecting you, Isabella." Felix sneered.
"Aro will be so pleased to see you again." Alec added.
"Let's not keep him waiting," Jane, of course.
My smile faded into a frown. I pulled at the edges and kept my lips in a hard line as I turned to face what is to come.
We walked the hall that led into the castle meeting chamber. Felix opened the double doors and I walked in with Demetri and Bethany at my sides. There were a few vampires lingering around. Some were from the guard and some were faces that I could not recognize. Aro, Caius, and Marcus sat at their throwns.
"Isabella, it's wonderful to have you back!" Aro announced cheerfully as he drifted closer to me. I let out a small involuntary shiver.
"Hello, Aro." I turned to face the others "Caius. Marcus." I nodded at each as I spoke their names.
They nodded back at me as their greeting.
"Isabella, as you know you're here to train my new guard. I'd like to introduce them to you before you go settle in." He motioned four of the unknown vampires that I noticed earlier. "These are Anthony, Charles, Bridget, and Kevin. They each have their own ability. Anthony can manipulate sound. Charles is telekinetic. Bridget has the ability to heal. Kevin can temporarily change the appearance of any object. They will be your responsibility. Your training sessions will begin two days from now, train them well. Do not disappoint me."
"Do I ever, Aro?" I said with a forced smile. He chuckled.
"You, always surprise me." I didn't know how to take his response it could mean a number of things. "Now, we do have much to discuss, but we have plenty of time for that another day. First get settled in. You will have the same rooms as you had before, in the East Wing. Your belongings should already be arriving there."
Without another work Aro, Caius, and Marcus glided out of the room into the chamber that led to their private meeting room.
The four vampires I would be training stepped forward and I shook each of their hands as they introduced themselves personally.
"Shall we meet up tomorrow to get a little better acquainted before we start training?" Bridget suggested.
"I think that's a good idea." I said.
"We could meet up in the southern gardens at dawn tomorrow." Anthony stated.
"Sounds like a plan." I said. "I will see you all then. I have to get myself situated now." They nodded and I took my leave.
I took the long corridor at the far right corner of the room and then took the elevator six floors up. This part of the castle was much more modern than any other place within its walls. Bethany and I remodeled it completely after being bored of the dreary, monotone design it had before. Demetri, Bethany and I shared this wing of the castle. Our rooms were at opposite ends and in the middle was a large sitting room with a chandelier hanging from the ceiling. A fireplace was built in at one end of the room with a big flat screen TV hanging over the mantle. *** We used this room to hang out at and just watch movies when we got bored.
I opened the first door on the right. It led to my room. Though I guess it's more of an apartment. It has two floors. The bottom was the living area, with a simple, long white leather couch and a coffee table in front. Facing directly in front of the entrance were wall to wall windows I had specifically requested to be put in my room.*** At the far right end of the room was a door that led to my two leveled personal library.*** On the second floor were my bedroom and the bathroom. It was simple compared to the rest of the other's. My taste differed greatly from theirs.
I found my bags by the couch and took them to the bedroom. I emptied their contents in to the closet and dressers. I put my new grizzly plush on the bed and the copy of Wuthering Heights on my nightstand. I took the pocket watch Carlisle gave me and put it in my pocket. Then I saw the scrapbook that they made for me. I picked it up and sat on my bed. The front was so elegant. It had lace fringed on the ends and right in the middle of the cover lay the family picture we took in the living room. I smiled. We looked like the perfect family. I ran my finger over the picture, tracing Edward's figure and sighed. As I went to open the album to look through the pictures I heard a knock at my front door.
As I made my way to the second floor I called out. "Come in."
The door opened and Aro walked in. I took a seat on my leather couch and he shortly followed.
"Are you done unpacking?" he asked with a smile.
"Yes, I just finished."
"Good. Good. I came by to see if there was anything you needed." By the tone of his voice I could tell that wasn't the only reason for his visit to my room.
"Actually, I do have a request."
"And what would that be?"
"Well I've recently taken a liking to playing the piano. I would like one to be put in here, if that's possible."
"Of course. I will have one in here within the hour."
"Thank you." There was a small silence that came over us.
"Isabella. I must request from you something as well." He paused. "You must refrain from having any contact with the Cullen's during your stay here."
My eyes widened. I opened my mouth to argue but immediately closed it. There was no point in arguing about it. He was demanding it, and I would have to follow through. He could be so vile and manipulative at times. I turned away from him and closed my eyes. I could feel the tears building up in my eyes that would never be able to fall.
"It's for the best. I don't want your association with them getting in the way of the training process." I wanted to laugh at him. Did he really think I was ignorant, that I wouldn't see the real reason of him not wanting for me to have contact with my family? He knows my bond with them is strong, that's why.
"Is there any way I could at least speak with them once to let them know of my arrival and that I will not be speaking with them for the duration of my stay?" I said with a nearly pleading look on my face.
"I think I can allow that."
I nodded and he rose from the couch and made his way out of my room.
I took out my phone and dialed Carlisle's number.
"Hello Bella." He greeted.
"Hey Carlisle." I paused. "You have no idea how good it is to hear your voice right now…"
He chuckled before he responded. "Likewise." Then his tone turned serious. "Bella, Alice had a vision of what Aro has requested of you. We know that you aren't allowed to contact us until your return."
"I'm sorry." My voice cracked at the end.
"Bella, you don't have anything to be sorry for. You don't have much of an option. I wish you all the best. Alice wants to speak with you." I heard him pass the phone over to her.
"Bella! Oh god, Bella this really sucks…"
"Yeah, tell me about it."
"Well, at least there's a small loop-hole."
"A loop-hole?" I asked skeptically.
"Yes, well. For emergencies at least… If you need to ever tell me something important, just make the decision of telling me when you get back. That way I'll have a vision of you telling me!" I could hear the smile in her voice. I couldn't help but let out a small laugh.
"You're such a sneaky little pixie, sis."
"I know!" she said enthusiastically. "Bella…" she trailed off. I already knew what was coming. "Edward, he's completely distraught. I had a vision of him keeping himself lock up in his room and only coming out when necessary. He's not taking this situation all too well."
I frowned. I did this to him.
"Can you put him on the phone?"
"I'm sorry, Bella. But he's sleeping…" I felt a tightening in my chest. "I tried to wake him up when I saw that you were going to be calling but he's completely knocked out. He won't be waking up for another three hours."
My breathing caught. I felt like sobbing again. Not only am I stuck here, but I won't be able to call any of them anymore. I won't even get to hear Edward's voice one more time…
"No…" I said in barely a whisper.
"I'm sorry." She repeated.
I sighed heavily, my chest heaving. "You don't have anything to be sorry for, Alice. Please, keep him safe." I paused. "And tell him I said he better not go cliff diving or do anything dangerous while I'm gone." She giggled.
"Will do. And Bella?"
"Hmm?"
"I love you." Another tear pulled at my chest.
"I love you too, Alice." I tried to keep the sob from my voice. "Tell the family that I miss them all."
"We miss you too." She said before hanging up the phone.
This was going to be a long three months.
Edward's POV
Later that day, I found out that Bella had called a couple of hours before I woke up. I wanted to throw myself in front of a moving car for being so stupid and sleeping in. I was enraged when I found out that the Volturi was denying her to have any contact with us. I was hoping that we could have at least random phone calls every now and then. But now! Now that's ruined.
It's been a long, rough month.
I kept to myself in my room away from everyone. I would only leave my room to eat and go to school. I only spoke when necessary. It wasn't like I really did it on purpose though…I just feel numb. I don't feel like doing anything anymore. It's like my life doesn't have a purpose without her. I can tell my mood is bringing everyone in the family down and it just makes me feel worse in return. I've practically run Jasper out of the house now. He can't take much of my emotions and has pretty much given up trying to influence them to change. I felt horrible for bringing more sadness to everyone around me. Maybe…I really should have listened to Alice that day.
I told you so…
I rolled my eyes. "Come in, Alice."
"Hi…" she said as she walked in and sat beside me on my bed. "You ok?"
"Yeah. Though I still feel like shit for what I'm putting everyone through…"
"Don't worry about it, Edward. We're all grieving, just in our own way. But please, do try and cheer up a little. You should do something to keep yourself busy. Try and do something fun."
Something fun?
I didn't really want to have fun without her. But I owed it to my family and myself to stop wallowing in my sadness. I sighed.
Maybe I could call Seth to see if he wants to do anything…
Alice smiled. "He'll say yes."
I narrowed my eyes at her and she gave me a playful push. I lay my head on her shoulder and she combed her small hands in my hair as she rubbed small circles with her hand on my back.
"Thanks, Alice." I said giving her a half smile. And stood up to go downstairs and get my phone that I had left in the kitchen.
"Hello?"
"Hey Seth, its Edward."
"Oh hey! What's up?"
"Just calling to see if you wanted to hang out or something."
"That would be awesome! We could go down to first beach. Jacob and the rest of the pack are down there taking a swim."
"Sounds good. I'll pick you up in a little bit."
"Sweet. See you then."
"Yeah. Later." I smiled. I liked hanging out with Seth. He was a genuine, good hearted kid.
I walked by my music room to find the door open. I peered inside and saw my mom dusting my piano. I hadn't touched it since Bella left…
"Oh, Hello Dear. Are you going out?"
"Yeah, I'm going to La Push for awhile and hang out with Seth."
"Ok, don't be back too late." She said turning back to dust. She sighed.
I really wish he would play again. I was completely happy to hear him play after so long when he started playing with Bella…
I frowned as I walked out to my car. I didn't like making mom sad. But I couldn't help it, I didn't want to touch or go anywhere near that piano. It reminded me too much of her…
I walked to the garage where I had parked my car. I felt my chest tighten and my eyes swell as I found myself in front of Bella's Audi. I held back and walked passed it towards my own car.
Everything reminds me of her.
I picked Seth up and we made our way to First Beach. We walked and talked for awhile catching up. I didn't have much to catch him up on. My life was pretty empty for the last month. He had loads to talk about.
Seth's POV
"…and Embry has imprinted now too! Just yesterday actually." I looked over towards Edward. He had such sadness in his eyes.
"Edward, are you ok? You look so sad and distant. You haven't said much today."
"No, not really…"
"What's up?"
"It's complicated." He paused. "I met a girl. And she's absolutely amazing…" he sighed. "But she has to stay away for awhile…and it's tearing me up being apart from her."
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you must have imprinted on her. Apparently that's how it feels to be away from the person you've imprinted." If I didn't know any better I'd think he was a wolf! That would be awesome. Edward would be a kick ass wolf too. We could run and hunt together if he was. I'm sure Jacob would let him join are pack. He likes him too.
He laughed. For the first time today it was the first time he had any kind of happy expression. I guess my joke about the imprinting actually worked. I was proud of myself for getting this kind of reaction out of him. I smiled and his grin got wider.
"Hey you want to go to the store and buy some chips and stuff? I'm starving." I said.
"Sure, let's go."
"We could walk there. The store's only about a mile away."
We walked in the direction of the small convenience store. Edward started to look a little glum again.
"Hey Edward, wanna hear a joke?"
He smiled. "Shoot."
"Well, there was this teacher and she called on…there was… this…I…she…oh my god."
Crossing the street was black haired beauty, a goddess. She had a streak of blue hair gently placed over the left side of her face. She swayed as she walked, looking around in all directions. What caught my attention were those deep blue, sapphire-like bright eyes of hers. I couldn't take my eyes off her. She was the ideal of perfection. I wanted to go to her. I wanted to take her in my arms. But I couldn't move, like my mind was already next to her, but my legs stay frozen in shock.
As if he could read my mind, Edward pushed me towards the goddess. Pulling me along with him to the other side of the road where she stood looking confused.
"I think she's lost…" Edward whispered in my ear.
She suddenly dropped her bag on the floor and I rushed over and picked it up for her. We stood up at the same time and our eyes locked together. She was about 5' 2" to my 5'8". She smiled the most beautiful smile I have ever seen on anyone's face. It was almost angelic, she glowed. Her lips were a beautiful deep red and I longed to place my own over them.
"Hi." She breathed.
Dear God. Her voice was musical and sounded like bells. She is an angel.
"H-hey." I stuttered. "I'm Seth Clearwater." I said as I handed her back the bag she dropped.
"I'm Jessica Benson." She said as she looked up to me through her eyelashes. My breathing got heavier.
"So, are you new here?" I asked. "I haven't seen you around here before…"
"Yeah, I just moved here two days ago. And now I'm completely lost!" she said with a sigh.
"Well I've lived here my whole life. I'm sure we could help you get to where you need to go."
She grinned and my heart beat uncontrollably in my chest.
Edward's POV
I silently chuckled to myself. He was completely lost in her presence. I was really happy for him. The look in their eyes as they gazed at each other made my own heart beat a little faster. I decided right then, that as soon as I saw my Bella again, I would tell her how I felt and I would make her mine. I couldn't bear not being with her for another moment. I only hoped she would return my feelings…
Holy cow, did I just imprint?!
I grinned as I watched their conversation unfold.
"So uh, where were you going anyways?" he asked her.
"I was going to the grocery store to buy a couple of snacks 'cause I got bored. I started walking in no particular direction and then I realized I have no clue where it is."
"Well you're in luck, we were just heading there!" He said with a large grin.
"Lucky, indeed." She replied. God, this boy is gorgeous. I hope he doesn't have a girlfriend… Crap I'm already thinking about being his girlfriend? Oh Jess, but you've just met him! Ahh, I don't care. For some reason I feel like I've known him my whole life…
Then she turned to acknowledge me. Oh crap. She turned back to his gaze. Ooooh, please, please, please. I hope he's not gay…
I cleared my throat loudly and Seth turned to look at me.
"Oh, um. Jessica this is my good friend, Edward." He said motioning his hand towards me.
"Nice to meet you, Jessica." I said.
Oh, thank God! I can have Seth all for myself then…
I smiled.
"Come on, the store's this way." He said to her and we walked a couple of blocks to where the store was.
We chatted about music and how nice the beaches were. She mentioned she hadn't been to the beach yet.
I nudged Seth's side inconspicuously. He looked up at me and I smiled.
He then combed his hand through his hair nervously and turned to Jessica.
"So, would you like to see it? If you have nothing else to do, you could come with me, I mean us, so we could hang out and such. I…I can introduce you to some of my other friends and my sister...and…" I nudged him again, rambling isn't always that cute to girls. "So what do you say?"
Oh my god, of course I will!
"Um, sounds like fun." She said timidly. Completely different than what she was thinking. She was practically yelling with excitement. This looks like it'll end very well for them.
We bought some things at the store and made our way back to the beach. We met up with Jacob and the rest of the pack. The day so far was going nicely. I was still missing Bella, more so than ever. But at least I wasn't sitting at home depressed out of my mind. I guess a few fun distractions wouldn't hurt.
Maybe I will be able to survive the next two months better than I thought…
Bella's POV
It's been two months and it feels like an eternity…
I'm surprised I've lasted this long though. It has gotten a bit easier. Bethany and Demetri have been my rock. If it wasn't for their distractions I'd probably be in a corner sucking on my thumb in the fetal position. Not a pretty picture.
I missed my family like hell. And more so, I missed Edward like hell. That hurt the most. I only wish I could at least speak to him…
And now, I'm getting a bit worried as the days go by. Aro has yet to use his gift on me. He hasn't extracted my thoughts or memories from me at all. I didn't understand why he was waiting so long. Was it a way for him to keep me here longer?
For the most part I tried to keep myself busy so that the days went by faster. I end up just training most of the time I spent here. I train the special guard members almost every day. They've gotten really good, very fast learners. I've learned even a few things from them. I was impressed by all their gifts as well, especially Bridget's.
She had the power to heal. She mostly used it in battle, so that if a vampire got one of their limbs torn off she could heal it much quicker than it would normally take. I asked if she ever used it on humans and she said it's pretty much a miracle worker for them. It mends broken bones, stops bleeding and makes them completely fine within a couple of seconds of having contact with them.
Anthony could manipulate sound. He used it to disguise his voice to change the way others hear it. He could also manipulate sound waves from radios and TVs. He said it came in handy if there was ever a police officer on his trail he would mess with the frequency. He said he rarely ever had to use his gift, but that he liked to mess with the some of the guard. When they're watching TV he would walk by and cause the sounds to be static or silence and they'd get all pissy because they'd miss what was being said.
Telekinesis was a very handy ability as well. Charles said he loved it. He could use if for just about anything. Besides the obvious of being able to make any object move with the will of your mind, he liked the fact that he didn't have to lay a finger on an enemy to hurt or kill them. He could solely rely on his telekinesis do the work for him. He'd capture the victim in his 'bubble,' or so he calls it and could tear them limb from limb without even touching them, quite scary actually.
Last but not least, there's Kevin. He could make any object turn into something else. Modern day shape shifting, it could definitely work in our favor. If there was ever any danger he would just touch something and think of it changing and *poof* there it was. I made a few suggestions of him trying to change his appearance and he said he never really thought about trying that before. I absorbed his power and tried it; it worked and I showed him how to do it. The only downside was that the change would only last two hours.
The special guard consisted of Bridget, Anthony, Charles, Kevin, Bethany, Demetri and I. But I should only be temporary. We would all train together 3 days out of the week. And I decided I would dedicate one day out of each week to train the four that were new to the Volturi, to help them in enhancing their powers. Today I was working with Charles when Bethany interrupted our session.
"Ella. I'm sorry to interrupt, but Aro would like to have a word with you and the special guard in the grand hall."
"We'll be right there."
I gathered the others and we walked to the grand hall. I could feel their tension and nerves running through the roof.
"Relax guys, seriously you're worrying for nothing. You'll see." I sent them a wave of calm.
We came to a stop at the double doors of the hall. Bethany opened the doors before we could step closer. We walked in and Aro, Caius, and Marcus were already waiting for us.
"Well, well. You've done well Isabella. I've seen the work you've done with the guard, very impressive. They have progressed much quicker than I thought."
"Yes, they're very talented and quick learners. You picked them well." He smiled at the compliment.
"Hmm. Do you believe they are ready for their first mission?" Caius voiced to everyone.
I nodded.
"Very well. You will all board the jet and go to Egypt tomorrow morning. There is a small coven of 3 in Cairo. We suspect that one is being held against their will. We would like you to seek out the truth and take the necessary procedures to eliminate any more manipulation."
That was the main purpose of this new special guard. Our job was to visit different vampires that would need our 'help' when they were in a sticky situation.
I know the way Aro thinks though. His true intention is to have Bethany there so she can recruit more vampires for the original guard. You see, Bethany has a rare gift. She is able to see a colored aura around any person. The aura's color determines weather the vampire or human has or will have a gift. Everyone either has a red or a blue aura around them. The darker the red the least likely they have a gift. The brighter the blue the more power and extraordinary their gift will be. When also factoring in the scent of the person, depending on the color of the aura, she is able to tell what their gift is. Bethany is an important asset to him. He uses her just as bad as he used me all those years. Bethany just doesn't mind as much.
I have a feeling this vampire that is being 'held against their will' has some important power that Aro wants.
We walked out of the hall and retired to our rooms to rest before our trip. The next morning we took the Volturi jet and landed later that afternoon in Cairo, Egypt.
We didn't have much time to take in the scenery. As soon as we landed we went in search of the coven. Demetri was able to faintly track them from Aro's description of the leader of the coven. Usually it wouldn't be too difficult for him to track anyone. He usually has their scent and mind essence locked away in memory and he used that to find them. But since he hadn't ever met any of the Egyptians, it was not as easy.
We hit a scent about ten miles out of Cairo. Demetri, Bethany, Bridget, and I were all vegetarians so we had to change our eye color to red because we were very close now. I used Kevin's gift to change our eyes to red. I liked that we didn't have to use the contacts anymore, they were always uncomfortable.
"Show yourselves." Demetri said sternly as we arrived to a clearing that had their fresh scent lingering.
Immediately, three vampires appeared about 20 feet away from us.
"What can we do for you?" the largest one of the three spoke.
"We are here on behalf of Aro, Caius, and Marcus Volturi. Introduce yourselves." I said.
"I am Amun. This is Kebi and Benjamin."
I pulled at my gift and focused on Bethany's mind to see if any of them had gifts.
Amun had a dark blue aura as did Kebi which usually meant they only had heightened characteristics like strength or speed. But Benjamin was a light blue.
"What is your gift Benjamin?" I asked.
They all stiffened. I focused on their minds to see why they were all so hesitant.
No! They will not take him. I will never allow it. He is mine! Amun thought.
I could tell he would be a problem.
I knew this was going to happen. I told Amun this was a bad idea, he would never get away with it. Kebi thought.
I turned to Benjamin. And I was taken back. His mind was empty. I couldn't read any of his thoughts. It was as if he wasn't there.
Bethany leaned into me and whispered. "A shield."
"Ah, I see." I turned to look at Amun. "We have reason to believe you are keeping Benjamin here against his will."
I could hear a small growl forming in Amun's chest. Benjamin looked like he wanted to run away from him.
"No such thing is happening. He wants to be here." He sneered.
"Well I think that Benjamin could speak for himself." I turned to Benjamin and he took a small step back. "Benjamin you don't have to be scared of us. If you do not want to be here, you do not have to and there is nothing Amun could do to stop you with us here. In fact, we would like to invite you back to Volterra. Aro would like to meet you." I smiled at him.
His brows scrunched up together. He was thinking, trying to decide what to do. I could tell he was scared and hesitant he kept sending glances to Amun. After a few moments he finally spoke.
"If I choose to leave," he looked over to his right and Amun let out a small growl. "Will I have your word to protect me from them and make sure they do not follow or look for me afterwards?"
"You have my word." I said confidently.
He smiled and looked relieved. He took a step forward towards us.
Over my dead body. I'll kill you first! Amun thought.
"Charles." I said as Amun thought about attacking me.
As soon as Amun went to strike, Charles lifted him into the air and put him in a telekinetic choke hold.
"Amun. We are giving you an official warning. If you fail to agree we have orders to dispose of you. Benjamin will be leaving with us, and you will go on about your day. You will not follow him or hurt him in anyway or the Volturi will take action." Charles let him fall to the ground. "Do I make myself clear?"
Amun took a step back, surrendering.
"Very clear. Come on Kebi." He took her hand and they ran off together.
"Thank you." Benjamin sighed. And we all introduced ourselves.
We ran back to the airport and started our way back to Volterra.
"So, Benjamin…" I started.
"Please, call me Benji."
I smiled. "So, Benji how exactly does your gift work?"
"Well as far as I've been able to see. It's a block to my mind. No one can penetrate it with their gifts. I can still be affected by physical abilities but anything that requires access to my mind wouldn't work. I can also extend my shield to protect other's minds like mine naturally does."
"That's very impressive. I do have to inform you though. Aro will be asking you to join the Volturi guard when we get back, especially with your extraordinary gift. He will offer you a place to stay and give you what ever it is you may need if you choose to stay. I just ask that when he does ask you, please take some time to consider the outcome of your decision."
"Thank you for being up front about it. And thank you for getting me away from there. I was getting desperate. I owe you so much."
Two hours later we reached the Volturi Castle. Aro and the others were already waiting for us.
Edward's POV
"What the hell was that…" I yelled.
"Oh my god…she just disappeared. I can't get any more visions of her… Carlisle!" Alice panicked.
He was standing next to us in a flash.
"What's going on, Alice?" he asked.
"It's Bella. The Volturi sent her on a mission in Egypt. She was confronting a coven and was going to take a captive vampire away from them. All of a sudden the leader attacked Bella and she just disappeared! Carlisle I can't find any visions of her future… She's…I…oh no, no….what if she's…" she trailed off.
"No!" I hissed.
Bella cannot be dead. Something must have just happened. She's fine. She's alive. I can feel it. I won't believe it. She's not dead.
My dad embraced me and held tightly. It wasn't until then that I realized that tears were running down my face and my chest was heaving.
"Alice, are you sure of what you saw? Maybe everything is just a misunderstanding. There must be some kind of explanation." My dad offered.
I pulled away from him and ran to my bed room. I couldn't sit around here doing nothing. My dad was right; it has to be some kind of misunderstanding…
And if it isn't?
No…
How will I go on without her?
I won't.
I grabbed a small luggage bag and packed my things. I'll get to the bottom of this. I'll go to Volterra and find her.
And if she is….gone. Then I'll give myself to the Volturi.
"I'm going with you." Alice said as she walked into my room. I nodded.
Bella's POV
I left for my room soon after we gathered to report back to Aro. He did offer a spot on the guard to Benji and he asked to be given sometime to think about it. They told him he could stay at the castle for as long as he needed to.
I went to my bedroom and pulled out my family scrapbook. I've looked through it a million times but I never get tired of looking at it. There were hundreds of pictures of the family in it. Some were of only them from pictures they had taken of at previous homes before we met. There were pages of some objects that reminded me of some of certain things we had done. There was a receipt of all the food she bought the day I brought Edward to my apartment, the ticket stubs of all the movies we had watched over the weeks including the most recent Underworld one. Alice had also added in pictures that she apparently secretly took of me and Edward. There were some of Edward and I playing the piano, walking by the river, at school, sitting around watching TV. Those were the ones I usually looked at the longest. I missed him more than I could ever think possible.
While I was going through some of the pictures, when all of a sudden I had a feeling of dread come over me. I felt as if something wasn't right. Like something was going on and the out come would not be good. I worried for my Edward and quickly decided to use Alice's gift just to check up him and the family.
Edward and Alice were boarding a plane. They looked extremely depressed. Edward's eyes were swollen red. He had been crying or was on the brink of tears.
"Edward, please promise me you won't do anything stupid if Bella really was…killed. I keep seeing you telling them to kill you." Alice said.
Edward shook his head. "Alice keep trying to look for her. Maybe that Egyptian didn't attack her. Something must be going on that she just disappeared like that."
I pulled out from the vision.
They thought I was dead?! How could that be?
Wait, my future disappeared. Alice can't see me anymore. Could it have possibly been because of Benji's gift? I must have absorbed it unknowingly.
My vision clouded and I was thrown back into another vision.
Edward walked up to Aro and demanded to see me. Aro told him he wasn't allowed to see me, that he was being foolish and ushered him to return home. Edward refused and stupidly took a few steps closer to Aro yelling at him to call for me. Felix immediately jumped in and grabbed Edward throwing him into a wall. At that moment, I ran into the chamber rushing toward a bleeding Edward lying on the ground. He brushed the back of his hand over my cheek right before it fell to the ground and his heartbeat was gone.
I gasped.
No! How can he be so foolish? Risking his life like that… and for me?
I couldn't allow that to happen. But how was I supposed to stop it now? I'm not even allowed to call them and tell them I'm fine…
Then I remembered what Alice told me about how to contact her in an emergency. I quickly made my plans to tell her in the future. I made sure I didn't have any of Benji's gift lingering over me. I picked up my laptop and started to write a letter that I told myself I would mail to her.
"Alice I'm fine, there was a mistake. I unintentionally absorbed a gift that prevented you from seeing me. It was a shield. It blocked my mind from you. I'm so sorry to have worried you. Please don't come to Volterra. If you come Edward will die…please, before it's too late."
I sat looking at my laptop willing it to be sent as a vision to Alice. Hoping she would see it. I cannot bear to lose him.
Alice's POV
"Stop!"
"Alice, what did you see? I wasn't able to catch that, I was paying attention to driving…"
"Edward, she's not dead! She's fine! It was really a misunderstanding. She absorbed some kind of power that forced me out of her mind. It's why I couldn't see her before."
I'm so relieved! I seriously didn't know what I was going to do if she really was dead. It would be completely unfair if God would send me my sister back only take her out of my life again. I mean she was already taken away from me prematurely twice. And I definitely didn't want for her to be permanently taken away from my existence.
My vision clouded over and I was pulled into another vision.
Edward was lying under Bella on the floor of a big hall. He was bleeding and…dead.
"Edward, why are you still planning on going?! You'll get yourself killed!"
"Alice, I have to see her…I can't take this anymore…"
"Edward please, she was begging me to make sure we didn't go. She must have had the same vision I just had. I will not let you get yourself killed!"
Edward pulled over on the side of the road.
"How can I keep living like this, Alice? Being away from her is killing me…"
"But if you go to see her, you'll literally be killed."
"I love her, Alice. I miss her so much…"
"I know, Edward. Just one more month. You'll be able to handle it. After that, she'll be back. Everything will be fine."
He sighed and turned the car around to head back home.
I quickly thought about a message I would give her.
"You had us worried there, Bella. Keep yourself safe. We miss and love you. See you soon!"
Bella's POV
I was so relieved. As much as I wished I could see Edward right now, there is no way I would risk him coming to Volterra like this. Especially after that vision…
I shook my head trying to erase the memory of him dead beneath me.
Just one more month.
Sorry if I lost you guys anywhere there. I know, there's a crap-load of info and details I threw at you guys in this chapter. Most of this chapter was just a filler. I needed the time to pass for what I have in store for the rest of the fic!
Hope you guys liked all my new vampires though!
***New pictures added to my profile! =D
I have a list up of all the characters in my story too, if you haven't gone to check that out yet!
-Jan