Forks–
One Week Later...
A week had passed since the two Volturi girls had been accepted—
Albeit reluctantly—
Into the ranks of the DMC.
Their transformation in that short span was nothing short of astonishing.
Thanks to Inadu's powerful healing magic, the girl who had lost an arm to Biffer now had it fully restored, and the other, once branded with a literal boot-shaped mark scorched into her abdomen and thigh with a palm mark, stood as if she'd never been touched.
Both of them were still adjusting.
Though physically healed, the emotional trauma lingered.
They trained under supervision, observed by both Carlisle and Rosalie,
And they needed to slowly earn trust, and slowly began to understand that the DMC was no ordinary group.
Yet not all was calm beneath the surface.
Edward had grown increasingly restless.
Though the threat had temporarily quieted, he was convinced it was far from over.
"This isn't peace—it's a pause,"
He muttered during one of the few family discussions he didn't walk out of.
"It will escalate. And I won't let Bella be caught in the crossfire."
No amount of reasoning from Alice or Rosalie, no calming reassurances from Carlisle, could change his mind.
He made his decision.
And so,
Despite Bella's pleading eyes and hesitation, Edward took her and left for Alaska, hoping distance would grant safety.
Carlisle, unwilling to let his son walk into uncertainty alone and knowing Edward's impulsiveness could be dangerous,
Sent a group with them for protection—
Emmett, Jess, Edythe, and Jasper—
all powerful, experienced, and most importantly, family.
He and Esme chose to remain behind.
"I must stay,"
Carlisle said gravely, watching the vehicles disappear into the misty road.
"If more from the Volturi come, Forks may become a battleground. And without someone to keep the peace…"
Esme placed a hand on his arm, understanding his burden without needing him to finish the sentence.
War had not come yet—
But its shadow loomed ever closer.
If not treated carefully, a full-scale battle will definitely break out.
Present...
Jojo's Mansion...
The soft clink of a plate echoed in the cosy kitchen as Jojo leaned back in his chair, chewing thoughtfully on a misshapen sandwich.
The bread was torn unevenly, a bit soggy in places, and the fillings were… questionable in their placement.
Still, he ate without complaint, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"____"
Across the table, Inadu stood rigidly, watching him with wide, eager eyes that sparkled with anticipation.
She looked almost like a puppy waiting to be praised—
An odd comparison,
But strangely fitting for someone with her usual dark, stoic aura now trying to emulate domesticity.
Despite her intimidating power and the fact that she could crush a person with a flick of her finger, Inadu had tried her very best—
With help from Rosalie and Freya,
Who had guided her step-by-step through making a simple sandwich?
Though… clearly not enough guidance.
Jojo swallowed the last bite and chuckled, setting the plate down.
Chuckle~
"That was... something else."
He said with a playful grin.
Then, noticing her face fall just slightly, he softened and added warmly,
"Really—it was good. Comforting, even. Like a sandwich made by someone who tried from the heart."
Inadu's expression lit up immediately, a rare and genuine joy flashing across her face.
She practically beamed.
"R-Really?"
She asked, trying (and failing) to maintain her usual composed demeanour.
Jojo nodded.
Nod~
"Yeah. If we ever get rated on battlefield strength and sandwich sincerity—you're top tier."
Satisfied, Inadu gave a small triumphant nod, mumbling something about improving next time.
She made a note to ask Rosalie about seasoning next.
Jojo, still smiling, leaned back.
After finishing their awkward but heartfelt breakfast—
Complete with Inadu's handmade sandwich—
Jojo stretched and glanced at the calendar pinned near the fridge.
His eyes landed on a red mark circling today's date.
He smiled softly.
It was the day he had promised Hope Mikaelson he'd visit New Orleans—
A promise made before the entire mess with the Volturi, chaos had derailed everything.
"Guess it's time,"
He said, tossing the last of his tea into the sink.
"Time for what?"
Freya asked, entering the room while tying her hair into a bun.
Her eyes narrowed as she caught sight of the calendar.
"Wait. Is that today?"
Jojo nodded.
Nod~
"Hope invited us a while ago. We promised we'd visit. Looks like today's the day."
Freya's expression softened.
"____"
"I haven't seen my family in a while. It'll be good to check in."
Just then, Inadu stepped out of the hallway, arms folded casually but clearly listening.
"I'm coming too."
Jojo blinked.
"You sure?"
She nodded.
"If we're stepping into the Mikaelsons' territory, it's best to bring a little extra firepower."
Rosalie and Alice, who had just entered from the side room, exchanged a glance.
Alice's eyes twinkled with excitement, and Rosalie looked torn.
"Count us in."
Alice said cheerfully.
"It's been ages since we had a proper trip—assuming we don't get ambushed by ancient vampire royalty this time."
Rosalie crossed her arms.
"I'd rather stay, honestly. This doesn't seem like the best time to be leaving Forks."
"I agree,"
Said Esme, walking in behind them, her voice filled with concern.
"The Volturi aren't done. You all know that."
But before the mood could darken too much, Carlisle entered with quiet confidence.
"Which is exactly why I want you all to go."
They all turned to him in surprise.
Carlisle continued,
"You've all been fighting non-stop. You've earned a moment to breathe, and Hope is not someone we ignore—especially considering what's coming."
He turned to Esme, Rosalie, and Alice.
"I'll stay behind. If the Volturi make a move, we'll be ready. But I insist you go."
There was a heavy pause.
"____"
"____"
Rosalie sighed, clearly frustrated but relenting.
Sigh~
"Fine. But if anything goes wrong here—"
"You'll be the first to know,"
Carlisle assured her gently.
Alice grinned and nudged Jojo.
Grin~
"Guess you're our travel guide now."
Jojo chuckled.
Chuckle~
"Buckle up. New Orleans isn't ready for this."
Mystic Falls...
Principal's Office, Salvatore Boarding School...
The warm lighting of the principal's office bathed the room in a comforting glow.
A crackling fire in the hearth provided a soft soundtrack to the conversation as Alaric Saltzman, Caroline Forbes, Elena Gilbert, Damon Salvatore, and Bonnie Bennett sat around the wooden desk,
Sipping glasses of red wine and catching up since they were friends who had been through too much to pretend otherwise.
Damon swirled his glass lazily, his signature smirk in place.
Smirk~
"You know, for once, I was starting to think we might get a year without some world-ending crisis."
Bonnie raised a brow.
"That's because you've conveniently forgotten the last three omens that showed up on our doorstep."
Caroline chuckled softly.
Chuckle~
"Can we not jinx it, please?"
Before Damon could respond with a sarcastic remark,
A knock came at the door.
Knock~ Knock~
"____"
"____"
"____"
Instinctively, everyone went quiet, their relaxed posture shifting ever so slightly.
The door creaked open.
Hope Mikaelson stepped in, her expression casual but with a faint smile tugging at her lips.
She nodded at everyone before locking eyes with Alaric.
Nod~
"Sorry to interrupt your reunion,"
She said with a trace of amusement.
"Just came to let you know—Jojo will be arriving in New Orleans soon."
The weight of her words hit immediately.
Alaric exhaled, clearly relieved.
"Good. We've been needing someone like him close by."
Elena looked toward him curiously.
"Who is he?"
Hope gave a proud look, declaring.
"My boyfriend."
Bonnie narrowed her eyes, picking up the unspoken layers.
"And if he's coming..."
Damon downed the rest of his wine.
"Well, fantastic. Once again, Bonny goes cryptic."
Hope smirked faintly.
Smirk~
"Just thought you all should know. He kept his promise."
With that, she turned and walked out, the door closing softly behind her.
Caroline looked around the room and turned to Alaric and asked her a question with narrowed eyes.
"Who is he, Alaric? Are you hiding something from me? And also, why did you ask me to return as soon as possible? You know the reason why I am busy."
Alaric stared at the door for a moment longer, his wine forgotten.
His fingers tapped rhythmically against the armrest of his chair as his mind churned.
Then, almost to himself, he muttered,
"He might be the answer… the one you've been searching for all this time, Caroline."
Caroline, who had just lifted her glass, froze mid-motion.
Her eyes snapped to him, wide with disbelief.
"____"
"What did you just say?"
Alaric didn't look at her right away.
He took a breath, measured, cautious.
"I'm not completely certain yet. But if I'm right… I'll explain everything soon. Just give me a bit more time."
Caroline's lips parted to press him further, but she saw something in his expression—
Something rare.
A glimmer of genuine hope and guarded belief.
She nodded slowly, deciding—for now—not to push.
But the uneasy silence didn't last long.
Elena, sitting cross-legged on the couch, let out an annoyed scoff.
"Okay, wait a minute. Am I the only one in the room who doesn't know who this Jojo person is? Because it's starting to feel like I'm invisible here."
Alaric rubbed his temple, exhaling slowly.
"Trust me, Elena, you're not the only one. I don't know everything about him either. What I do know is… he's not ordinary. He's not like anyone we've ever met."
Bonnie raised a curious brow.
"How so?"
Alaric glanced at her, voice dropping.
"He can neutralise curses. Real ones. Ancient, binding, soul-tethering kinds. He broke the curse of Inadu."
The mention of that name sent a ripple through the room.
"____"
Caroline whispered,
"You mean… he broke Inadu's curse?"
Alaric gave a solemn nod.
Nod~
"According to what Hope said, he did it effortlessly. And if he could do that… maybe he can do more."
Elena leaned back, clearly dissatisfied with half-answers.
"So, what, I ask Hope? She seems to be the only one with all the pieces."
"Exactly,"
Alaric said.
"She's the one who contacted him for me. She knows more than she lets on."
Damon raised an eyebrow, finishing the last of his drink.
"Well, guess I'll can't bug Hope. Since her father will come knocking on my door."
Caroline turned toward Alaric, eyes searching.
"This better not be another dead end, Ric."
He met her gaze and gave a small but sincere smile.
"For your sake, and ours… I hope not."
Two Days after...
After two long days of travel, the group finally stood at the grand doors of the Mikaelson mansion.
Since they solved a cursed object supernatural case on the way here.
Jojo raised his hand and knocked firmly.
Moments passed before the doors creaked open—
And without hesitation, Hope Mikaelson flung herself at Jojo, who instinctively caught her mid-air.
"I missed you so much!"
She said, her voice muffled against his shoulder.
"I hated being forbidden to visit Forks until I got my father's approval. It was torture!"
Before Jojo could respond, a very audible grumble came from behind her.
Grumble~
"____"
He glanced up—
And there stood Klaus Mikaelson, arms crossed, eyes narrowed, looking as though he'd just bitten into something sour.
Jojo gave Hope a gentle squeeze before she slid down to her feet.
Then, without hesitation, he approached Klaus and wrapped him in a bear hug.
Klaus didn't move.
Stiff as a tree.
His expression remained unreadable—
Until his gaze shifted slightly and landed on someone behind Jojo.
Inadu.
Her presence made the atmosphere instantly heavier.
Tension sparked like flint to steel.
Klaus's jaw tightened.
"Why… is she here?"
Jojo turned slightly, his tone calm but firm.
"She's with me. I give you my word—Inadu won't cause any more problems."
There was a long pause as Klaus stared hard at Inadu.
Then, slowly, he exhaled and nodded once.
Nod~
"For your sake, Jojo. But she's still banned from New Orleans unless Marcel says otherwise."
Jojo nodded in return.
Nod~
"Fair enough."
Just as the tension started to settle, Alice practically bounced past them, wrapping her arms around Hope.
"Oh my god, you've gotten prettier! And your hair is so cute—how do you even manage this weather?"
Hope laughed as Rosalie and Esme joined in, greeting Hope warmly while Klaus took a step back, watching the growing crowd with a kind of reluctant acceptance.
Then, just as things began to feel a little more like home, Klaus's eyes flicked toward Hope again—
Then Jojo—
And his expression darkened.
"No sleeping in the same room,"
Klaus said firmly, narrowing his eyes.
"I read your thoughts like an open book by your dreamy look, Hope Mikaelson. Not happening."
Hope groaned dramatically.
"Ugh, Dad! I'm not a kid anymore!"
"You're still my daughter,"
Klaus snapped.
Hope grabbed Jojo's hand defiantly.
"And I'm still a Mikaelson! Which means I do what I want. No one's stopping me from being with Jojo."
And with that, she began dragging him inside, leaving a stunned Klaus muttering to himself.
"I swear, where did she get this reckless streak from?"
Without missing a beat, Freya walked past him, patting his shoulder.
"Gee, Klaus. It's a mystery."
Café...
The warm scent of coffee and beignets filled the air as Hope led Jojo into the familiar little café just down the street from the Mikaelson mansion.
A bell chimed softly above the door as they entered, a nostalgic sound that brought a small smile to both their faces.
They slid into the same booth they used to sit in back when Jojo lived in New Orleans.
The table was a bit worn now, but the view out the window and the gentle hum of jazz in the background hadn't changed.
Hope stirred her iced coffee with her straw and smiled, resting her chin on her hand.
"It's kind of surreal, isn't it?"
She said.
"Feels like just yesterday you were living here… working with Freya..."
Jojo smirked, leaning back.
Smirk~
"I wasn't that bad."
"You made a vampire cry."
Jojo shrugged.
"He had it coming."
Haha~
Haha~
They both laughed, letting the comfort of the moment settle in.
The weight of the past two years—
The battles, the revelations, the scars—
Felt lighter in this bubble of familiarity.
Then Hope's expression turned a bit more serious.
"So…"
She began, twirling her straw,
"When are you going to visit Mystic Falls? Specifically, the Salvatore Boarding School?"
Jojo raised an eyebrow.
"Why? Something going on?"
"Headmaster Alaric wants to talk to you."
She said.
"He didn't tell me the details, but he said it might be something he is been looking for too."
She paused, watching his reaction.
"He's been acting weird ever since I told him you were coming to New Orleans."
Jojo leaned forward slightly, his tone thoughtful.
"Huh? If he wants to meet, then yeah… I am busy now."
Hope smiled, but her eyes still held concern.
"Just… be careful, okay?"
Jojo gave her a half-smile.
"Threats have a funny way of introducing themselves to me anyway. I'll be fine."
Hope reached across the table and squeezed his hand.
"I know. But still… I don't want anything to happen to you."
Jojo met her gaze and gave her hand a gentle squeeze back.
"I'll be careful. I promise."
**********************************************************************************************************************************************************
(Author's POV)
(A/N):
Thanks for reading the chapter!
Please give a review and power stone!!!