Chapter 17: Calling for Help. Part One: Egypt

(Demetri's POV)

I swam with the lower guard member, Chloe, to Athens Greece. It was nice to be back to where I was born, but I do have a mission so I can't enjoy my time back home.

"Chloe," I said as we walked towards her coven's home, "I'm not trying to be rude, but are you sure these people are trustworthy?"

She nodded clearly happy to be home, "Yes sir. Damien and Anthea are like parents to me. They also greatly support the Volturi and their beliefs."

I thought for a moment, "if you're so close to them then why did you join us?"

Chloe sighed, "I was becoming very bored living here and not finding a mate over the years wasn't helping." She paused. "Last year Damien told me to join the Volturi for a while because they would teach me all sorts of things about the vampire world."

"And was it worth it?" I asked curious.

Chloe looked slightly embarrassed, "yes. I've made so many friends and even have a crush."

"Oh," I raised my eyebrows at her, "do tell."

"It's nothing r-really," she stuttered quickly waving her hand, "oh look it's my home." She quickly ran off to a large house by the ocean. I watched her confused. Why was it so hard to tell who she had a crush on?

"Chloe!" A short blonde vampire looking around twenty years old came running towards us.

"Hello Anthea!" Chloe said happily hugging her creator, "It's nice to see you again."

"Like wise honey," Anthea looked towards me, "and this is?"

"Demetri," I said smiling.

"Oh," She looked towards Chloe with raised eyebrows. I noticed Chloe shook her head. I must be missing something...

"It was so nice to meet you but I need to head to Egypt now," I nodded towards Anthea, "Chloe have fun but remember why your here. I'll see you in a couple days."

Without a second glance I disappeared in the direction of Egypt and jumped into the Ocean.

It took me a day and a half to swim to Egypt. Thankfully when I reached Alexandria it was night time. It took me another hour to reach Amun's house right outside Cairo.

"Hello Demetri," Kebi, Amun's mate, said giving me a hug. Throughout my time here I was very close to her and thought of her as a sister.

"It's been too long Kebi," I said giving her a kiss on the cheek, "Amun." I said nodding towards my maker. He smiled and shook my hand welcoming me. When I first joined the Volturi he was furious with me and wouldn't even allow me to enter Egypt without permission. After a few hundred years though we made up. We're not as close as we used to be, but we are still friends.

"Demetri," he smiled, "this is an unexpected surprise." By this time the two other members of his coven had joined us. I've never meet Benjamin and his mate Tia. The only reason why I know about them is because I saw them when they witnessed for the Cullens.

Tia smiled at me shyly while Benjamin held out his hand; which I took.

"It's nice to finally meet you Demetri," he smiled, "I've heard so much about you."

"And I you," I smiled then turned to Amun, "while I wish this was a visit; I'm here on Volturi business."

Amun frowned. "Have we done something wrong?"

I looked at my maker and shook my head, "no, but we need your help."

Amun looked worried, "I do not want to get my coven involved in any fights Demetri. You know that."

"This isn't about fighting, but it's still very important."

"What's going on?" Benjamin asked sounding interested.

"Aro wants to inform all the covens personally." I sighed, "but this is very important. You know I wouldn't be here if it wasn't."

"I'm not sure Demetri," Amun said thoughtfully.

"Please Amun," I begged, "someone important to us has been kidnapped and I can't track her. Something's blocking me from finding her and she means a lot to the Volturi."

Everyone looked confused, "well I guess we are due to a visit to Volterra." Amun said looking at the rest of the coven who nodded.

I smiled, "thank you."

(Chloe's POV)

"This place is so beautiful Chloe," Anthea said as we walked to the guest rooms in Marcus's wing.

"It is," Damien said looking around then to me, "but how do you like it?"

I smiled, "I love it. I've learned so much, been to so many places, and made so many friends here and all over the world."

Damien nodded, "Anthea also tells me that you're crushing on someone in the guard."

"W-what," I stuttered, "no I'm not."

I was but I wouldn't tell either of them. Damien is that father who, once he found out, would embarrass you to no end. Before he could respond we heard talking coming from behind us. I turned with my family than felt like one of those excited teenagers meeting a celebrity. Coming down the hall was Demetri with the Egyptian coven. I've always wanted to meet the leader of that coven. He's one of the oldest vampires in the world other than the Romanians.

"Chloe," Demetri smiled, "this is my former coven and maker Amun."

I smiled like an idiot, lucky for me Damien and Anthea have meet Amun before so they reacted a lot quicker.

"It's nice to see you again Amun, Kebi." Anthea said smiling. Damien smiled and shook Amun's hand.

"We were on our way to the guest rooms," Amun said smiling, "would you care to join."

Damien nodded, "so were we so I guess we're going the same way."

"You go ahead," Anthea said, "I'd still like to see Chloe's room." She smiled that 'we are going to talk about boys' smile.

I nodded, "is that ok sir?" I asked Demetri.

He smiled, "of course it is, just remember when everyone else arrives you will need to be in the throne room."

"Ok," I smiled, "my room is this way." I quickly led Anthea away from the group who continued to walk to their rooms with Demetri.

Once we were in my room I showed Anthea around before sitting with her cross legged on my bed. I haven't seen a room that belonged to the elite guard, but I heard that they're four times larger than the lower guards' rooms. Our rooms are like college dorms, but not as small. There's still enough room for a medium desk and a book shelf. However there's not enough room for any couches. My TV hangs on the wall opposite of my bed.

"This is cozy," Anthea said looking around again.

"Ya," I replied, "I'm hoping to make it into the elite guard though. They get so much in this castle including large rooms."

"You'll make it someday." She said, "remember they all had to work for their positions too."

I nodded and smiled at the woman who turned me four years ago.

Before I could speak she continued, "so he's cute and a perfect gentleman too."

"What?"

"Demetri," she smirked, "you like him."

"I- well he's a friend." I said fiddling with my fingers.

"Oh don't try to lie to me Chloe," she chuckled, "I pretty much raised you and I know when you like someone." She rolled her eyes, "it's so obvious that you like him."

I didn't respond and the minutes ticked by as I played with my dress. Before Anthea could continue to tease me a knock came at my door.

"Come in."

Demetri opened the door, "Chloe we're needed in the throne room," he looked to Anthea, "can you find your way to the guest rooms or should Chloe show you." He asked.

She jumped up, "oh I can find my way you two go and do what you do." She smiled at me then left.

Demetri and I walked down the hall in silence for a while until he spoke up.

"So do you know Alec?"

I nodded. Who doesn't know him, he's pretty much a legend in our world along with his sister, "yes sir, why?"

"Well the girl that was kidnapped," he said looking ahead, "he's completely in love with her but won't admit it."

"Oh," I said, "why?"

Demetri shrugged, "he's just a stubborn kid." I noticed that Demetri is the only one in the world that's brave enough to call Alec a kid. I wonder why he does that.

"So what are you talking about exactly?" I asked curiously

Demetri smiled down at me and, had I been human, my heard would've picked up double time.

"I have a plan," he said smirking, "when we get Raven back and she's recovered from this event, I'm going to force Alec into a confession of his feelings."

"How?" I was curious now.

"I'm going to continuously flirt with Raven until Alec either explodes from jealousy or admits to her how he feels."

"Oh," I murmured, "that's a good plan, but are you not afraid of Alec killing you?"

Demetri chuckled, "oh I'm not worried about that."

"Well good luck then." I smiled opening the doors to the throne room.

"You too," he said, "with your crush I mean."

My eyes widened as he walked in. Does he remember everything?

Thankfully though it's not obvious to him. I hope...

Chapter 17: Calling for Help Part Two: The Cullens

(Alice's POV)

I was cuddled up with Jasper as the family played games and watched TV. Nessie was having fun plying UNO with Jacob and her parents. Suddenly Edward's head snapped towards the front door causing me and Jasper to tense.

A few seconds later a knock came at the door.

"What is he doing here?!" Edward hissed. Bella picked up Nessie and followed the rest of the family to see who our visitor was. Carlisle opened the door to reveal Alec Volturi.

'Now what?' I internally groaned.

Before anyone could greet him or ask why he was here he spoke in a tone I never thought he could use.

"We need your coven's help Carlisle." He said softly sounding upset.

What could've happened to cause the most feared and powerful vampire look so...defeated?

(Alec's POV)

After the Volturi's private plane landed in Seattle Jane and I made plans to be back here with the Cullens and Denalis in a day. Not wanting to waste time at a car rental place, I decided to run to Forks. As I got closer to Forks my confidence on this plan begun to fade. I know the Denalis will help because Aro spared Irina's life the day of our conflict with the Cullens. However, why would the Cullens help us? The only person in our coven that respects them is Aro. By the time I reached their house I was a complete wreck. We need their help to find Raven, so if it comes to it I'll have to beg. I just hope it doesn't come to that.

I knocked on the door and Carlisle answered with the rest of his coven behind him. They all seamed surprised and worried at my presence so before anyone could ask I got straight to the point.

"We need your coven's help Carlisle," I said completely upset and defeated.

Carlisle looked a little confused and worried, "is everything alright? Did something happen?"

"I'm afraid so, but Aro wants to tell you personally," I said, "my sister is asking the Denalis for help as well. The plane is ready to leave for Volterra. I'm sorry that this is sudden but it's an emergency."

Carlisle was quiet for a moment as he glanced towards his family for suggestions. I noticed his eyes lingered on Alice for a few moments. Of course he didn't trust us, why would he? I decided to speak the truth, it was the only way.

"Carlisle I know you don't trust us," all attention returned to me, "but we do need help. Someone important to the Volturi has been kidnapped and Demetri can't track her because one of her kidnappers is a shield."

"I believe him." Edward spoke looking at me with concern, "can you give us a few hours to pack up some things?" I nodded greatly relieved. For once I was glad he could read my mind.

"I'll be in Seattle," I said, "the gate number for our plane is C56." I turned to leave but not without thanking Edward in my mentally for his support. He nodded as a response.

(Alice's POV)

"What do you think this is about?" Rosalie asked looking at me.

"I don't know," I said confused, "I can only see decision and nothing is really clear right now."

"Whatever it is," Jasper spoke up, "he was very concerned, tensed, confused, and upset when he was speaking. After we agreed to help I could feel a huge wave of relief, but he was still upset about something."

"Let's not waste time then," Esme said walking up the stairs to pack, "we should hurry if this is as important as he made it out to be."

I thought for a moment then had a brief vision about my decision. Of course I was right.

"Jacob," I said, "can you get Leah and Seth. You will be joining us as well," I turned to my mate, "Jazz why don't you call Peter and-" my sentence was cut off by another knock at the door. When I opened it Peter and Charlotte were standing there smiling.

"Hay Major!" Peter shouted smiling, "got one of those feelings that you would need us."

I rolled my eyes and smiled. Peter's gift was getting feelings about events. His gift was like mine except he didn't get visions, just feelings. However, unlike my visions, his feelings are more accurate.

"Yes we do," I said, "the Volturi need help with something and I had a vision that the more vampires that came would make Aro feel better."

Peter nodded, "weird, but ok we'll join." Peter sure knows how to brighten the mood. He's also well known for going along with anything without asking questions.

A few hours later we were packed and arrived at the gate Alec told us about. Standing outside the plane was the Denali coven; they looked like they had just arrived as well because they were loading their luggage.

"Eleazar," Carlisle said smiling, "glad to see you again."

After we had loaded our luggage we all boarded the plane. Jane told us to sit anywhere and once we were in the air we could move around.

A few hours into the flight I looked to Alec. He hasn't moved since we boarded the plane. He's just sat in the front seat staring out the window. To be honest with myself, I was getting worried about him. Apparently I wasn't the only one. Before anyone could react, Nessie had run up and sat by Alec.

Then she did something that made my mouth drop open.

Nessie patted Alec's cheek to gain his attention, "are you ok Alec?" she asked in her soft voice. I could feel my family tense around me as the dangerous witch twin looked at Nessie.

"You're one strange child you know that," he said softly, "not many vampires would willing come to me like that."

Nessie smiled, "but you looked upset. I wanted to know why."

Alec shrugged, "it's nothing."

From the back of the plane I heard Jane mumble: "noting my ass you idiot." It took all my strength to not laugh at that.

Alec heard it too and rolled his eyes. He was about to continue staring out the window when Nessie grabbed his hand. Again, my eyes almost popped out of my sockets.

"Would you like to play a game with me?" she asked hopefully, "my father always says that time goes by faster when you play games. He also says games help you forget about your worries for a while." It was silent for a few moments and Nessie's hopeful look never faded. I wanted to tell her to give up on him. I can imagine Alec doing a lot of things, but playing with kids wasn't one of them.

So of course his responses made all of us stare like idiots.

"What do you want to play?" Nessie smiled brightly and ran to her carry on case to pull out her favorite card game, Phase 10.

"Lets play this one," she said, "it forces you to think and it lasts a long time." Alec nodded and read over the instructions quickly. Before he dealt out the cards Jane had appeared and asked to join.

I couldn't believe it; our Nessie was playing a game with the witch twins. Last time I checked those vampires were supposed to be the most cruel and dangerous vampires in the world. I briefly wondered if I was thrown into another dimension.

(Alec's POV)

After a few hours of playing Phase 10 with the child; Jane and I decided to give up. One reason was because we kept loosing which was infuriating. The second reason was because the girl was getting tired. Despite her parent's asking her to return to her seat to sleep, she insisted on sitting by me. Jane had returned to the back of the plane to read while I continued to stare out the window. The Cullens, Denalis, nomads and the wolves decided to gather and have a Phase 10 tournament.

After a few minutes I heard a soft yawn and look at the child, Nessie I should start calling her, falling asleep beside me. I looked back to her family, but they were too focused on their game.

"If you're tired than go to sleep," I whispered, "we still have another five hours."

She nodded than looked at me through tired eyes and held out her arms. I stared for a moment then glanced back at her family for help, but they were still too focused on their game thinking she was already asleep. I caught Jane's attention and she mouthed to me what the gir- Nessie wanted. I looked back to Nessie who continued to hold out her arms towards me.

'What would Raven do if this happened to her?' I asked myself.

Finally I sighed and swallowed my pride I pick up the child letting her sit on my lap. Nessie curled up and rested her head on my chest over my dead heart. When she shivered, I took off my cloak and wrapped her in it. After a few minutes she was sound asleep.

After watching her sleep for a few moments I wrapped my arms around her so she wouldn't fall. Then I leaned back against my chair and continued to look out the window. When night fell over the sky I leaned my head back against the head rest and closed my eyes.

Though out the rest of the flight I kept my eyes shut listing to the heart beat of Nessie. Since I wasn't able to dream I allowed myself to think about Raven.

"You like to draw too Alec?" Raven asked looking excited. I nodded smiling at her excitement.

"Yes, but it's been a while." I admitted

"What do you like to draw?"

"Anything I guess." I said think about all my drawings.

"Go get your sketch pad and we can draw together." I nodded and left only to return a few minutes later with my sketch pad.

We started to draw in silence when I decided to make conversation.

"What do you like to draw?" I asked not taking my eyes off my drawing.

"Flowers, people, animals," she said softly, "anything or anyone I've seen."

"What about places?"

"I haven't been anywhere to really draw a place. It would be nice to know how the rest of the world looks like though." I looked up to see her staring at the pond while she sketched her surroundings. I had an idea and started on a new sketch.

After hours of drawing John came up and told Raven that her mother wanted to see her.

"Ok. I'll meet you at the gate John." She said smiling.

As we stood up I carefully ripped out my sketch and handed it to her.

"Here," I said as she looked at the drawing, "It's Paris." I said pointing to the drawing, "that's the Eiffel Tower. The view form there is amazing."

"I bet it is," she said smiling, "I would love to see it in person."

"Someday I'll take you. I promise."

Raven smiled at me kindly with her usual sadness, "Thank you Alec. I shall see you tomorrow then?"

I nodded and watched her leave, unaware that would be the last conversation I would have with her...

I was pulled out of my thoughts when someone sat by me. I opened my eyes to see Edward looking at his daughter, who was still sleeping in my lap. I looked back to see his family still playing their tournament.

"Win already?" I asked trying to sound uninterested.

He nodded, "I would be lying if I said I didn't cheat." He smiled; I couldn't help but smirk at that. We sat in silence for a while before her spoke again softly so no one else would hear.

"That vampire you were thinking of," he said, "she must be very important to you. Is she the girl you mentioned was kidnapped?"

I nodded, "yes, Raven is a very good friend to me."

"I believe she's more than a friend." Edward said. I sighed even here people won't leave me alone about this topic.

"No, she's just a friend." I said stubbornly trying not to wake up Nessie.

"If you say so." He said. Finally, someone who was willing to drop the topic. Maybe he can teach Demetri how to do that.

When the plane landed Edward tried to grab his daughter, but she tightened her grip on my jacked half asleep. I even tried to hand her to Bella, but I had to give up because this was my favorite jacket and the only way to get her to let go was to tear the jacket.

I sighed after our fourth attempt to get her to release her hold; and her parents trying to talk softly to her didn't work either, "I'll just carry her; I don't want to rip my favorite jacket." They both nodded in agreement apologizing to me for her behavior.

When I stood up Nessie wrapped her small legs around me and wrapped her arms around my neck resting her head on my shoulder. I wrapped one arm under her to support her so she wouldn't fall and grabbed my cloak off the ground with the other. When I exited the plane I could tell my sister was trying so hard not to laugh at my current situation. I rolled my eyes, I'm never going to hear the end of this when the rest of the guard sees me.

When we entered the castle Demetri was there waiting to escort everyone to their rooms. The second he saw me carrying Nessie he smirked in amusement. I just glared at him and rolled my eyes.

"Carlisle," Aro said appearing form his wing, "thank you so much for coming. I hope the twins were good to you." He said smiling.

"Well Nessie is very fond of Alec," Carlisle said looking at me, "we couldn't get her to let go of him." Aro looked at me and chuckled.

"Well she's not the only girl that refused to let go of him." He frowned at this. Nessie was like Raven in that way. They both have death grips that make me fear for my cloths.

"What's happened Aro?" Elezar asked.

"I'll inform you and the other covens tomorrow morning when the Amazon coven arrives. Until then make yourself at home and I can't begin to express my gratitude." With one more smile and an amused smirk towards me he disappeared towards the throne room.

"Your rooms are this way," Demetri said walking towards Marcus's wing.

"Has she loosened her grip yet?" Bella whispered coming to walk by me. I shook my head and she sighed, "I'm sorry Alec, I don't know why she's doing this."

I thought for a moment about Raven, "She's probably scared or nervous about what's going on." I said. Bella looked at me surprised, but before she could ask I stopped and looked over my shoulder. Demetri and Jane did the same.

John appeared a few moments later, "Alec, Demetri," he said quickly, "I found something in the garden."

Demetri nodded quickly, "Jane can you take them the rest of the way?"

"Ok," she said looking at me.

I looked to Edward for help and he was by my side in a second. After a few more tugs on Nessie's arms we were able to get her to release her hold on me. When she started to protest I handed her my cloak, which she accepted quickly.

Me, John, and Demetri quickly ran to the private garden. I could feel the curious stares from behind me and felt bad for leaving Jane behind.

"What is it?" Demetri asked once we reached the garden.

"Over here," John walked towards one of the large trees across from the pond and where Raven usually sat. John stopped under the tree, "do you smell it?" he asked.

We took a couple sniffs and immediately realized what he found.

"Whoever this scent belongs to has been hanging out here for a while." Demetri said.

"That means that Raven's kidnappers were here for who knows how long and we never noticed." I said angry, "why didn't we ever notice them?"

Demetri and John nodded in confusion.

The next morning covens slowly started filling into the throne room. They were making small talk while we waited for the last coven, the Amazons, to arrive. The majority of the conversations were speculations on why they were here. When Edward and Bella entered the room, Nessie ran up to me and handed me my cloak smiling. After I took it she ran to the boy Benjamin who played with her.

Bella came up and apologized again, "she slept in all night and refused to let go of your cloak."

"It is very comfortable, she's more than welcome to borrow it whenever. I don't use it very much." Bella smiled and walked away toward Edward.

Finally when the Amazon coven arrived with Felix, Aro called for attention.

"Friends," he started not being as energetic as he usually is, "we've asked you here because we're facing a horrible issue. We trust all of those present here to tell you the truth and ask for your help." Aro looked around frowning, "once you know the story and what happened it will be up to you if you would like to help us." Once Aro was sure he had everyone's attention he started from the beginning. When I say beginning I mean the very start. Aro told them about how Raven came to live to the Volturi, why no one knows about her, and the events of the past few days.

Once Aro was done the room was dead silent, "so can you help us find her?"Aro asked clearly desperate. I was afraid to look around, why would they help us?

"Caius," I heard Edward speak up causing me to look at him, "knowing what it is like to be a father you have my help. I will do what I can to help you find Raven." The rest of his coven along with the Denalis quickly agreed smiling at Nessie.

"Egypt gets many travelers," Amun spoke up, "I'm sure I can find something."

"Ireland may be out there, but if I hear something I'll inform you." Siobhan said smiling.

Soon all the covens quickly agreed to help. For the first time I begun to feel hope that we would find her.

"We'll stay here and help you," Peter spoke up looking at his mate who nodded.

"Jasper and I will stay too," Alec said jumping up to stand by Peter, "I may only be able to see people's decisions, but I'm sure I can see better if I stay here." After the ancients thanked everyone personally, covens talked to one another exchanging ways to get a hold of each other. My play was working and I couldn't be happier.

After a day, everyone headed home and I personally escorted the Cullens to our private jet.

"Alec," Nessie asked as we were all sitting in the limo heading towards the airport.

I looked at her, "yes?"

"What is Raven like?" I could feel all eyes form both covens and the wolves on me.

After a moment I sighed, "She is very shy and kind. Raven is a very good listener and she doesn't ever get angry at you. Despite her age, Raven is like a child. Everything to her is amazing and beautiful. At times it's hard to believe she's a vampire."

"I'd like to meet her some day." Nessie said.

"When we find her I'll let her know." I said looking out the window.

As everyone was loading on the plane Nessie stayed with me talking about stories she's read. What caught my attention was that her favorite author was Jane Austen. Edward was the last to board the plane knowing I want to say something.

"Thank you for being the first to speak up," I said, "I really misjudged you."

"And I you," he said then smirked in amusement, "I would trust you to babysit my daughter any day." I looked to Nessie who was waving at me from her window in the plane.

"Well I guess I owe you if you ever need it."

"I'll keep that in mind." He said walking up the steps then turned to face me, "We will find her Alec. It might not be right away, but someone will find her." Then he entered the plane and sat by Nessie.

'I know we will now.' I thought, 'we just have to find her.'

Author's Note:

See, I promised this would be a lot longer.

So who do you think is going to find Raven?

What do you think about Alec's experience with Nessie? Yes I have a chapter in mind with him babysitting her :)

What do you think about Chloe and her crush on Demetri?

Review please and thanks for reading.