Ric ended up taking Caden- or as Mel calls him, Jack Ass- outside to get some fresh air. He was already healing, so he thought there was no need to do all that healy remedy stuff. His words.

"I swear, next time she won't catch me off guard," he said in a grungy voice.

"You sure it's a good idea to face her again? You obviously pissed her off."

"Are you saying I deserved this?"

"No, but the fact that you said she and Hope should die? Come on, man, that's not cool."

Caden shook his head. "They're too different, Dr. Saltzman. They're nothing like the rest of us."

"Why? Because they're wolves? Vampires? Witches? That's what they are. Nothing more, nothing less."

"Except there is more. They're too powerful and how long will it be before that Mikaelson girl becomes like Klaus?"

"Hope's nothing like Klaus. Besides her stubbornness. Look, Caden, you're misjudging them."

"Tell that to my throat."

Alaric rolled his eyes, patting the boy on his shoulder. "Just go get some ice or something at least okay? And stay away from those girls, you've provoked one more than you should've already."

"Whatever, man."

Caden walked off into the school as MG and Kaleb both walked out. Each of them had huge smiles on their faces, clearly stoked about Mel's one punch TKO.

"Dr. S, I don't care what anyone says, that hybrid is badass."

"And scary, man. Like, don't get me wrong, she's like, super sweet but when you piss her off? Ohhh, boy. I am never getting on her bad side," MG huffed, shaking his head.

Ric was listening to their rambling, smiling widely at their excitement. "We heard her heartbeat, Dr. S. And saw her face after CJ said what he said. I could've pooped myself just watching and I wasn't even the one that she was glaring at!"

"Alrighty, boys, let's calm down."

"Nah, man," MG cringed. "Someone in there actually did crap themselves."

Kaleb sniffed in MG's direction, eyeing him up and down. "It wasn't you was it?"

"Wh- no! I-"

"Okay, I get it. Basically it's good that Melori's on our side, right?" The boys nodded simotaneously. "So you're good with her being here?"

"Yeah. I can tell she ain't so bad, and not because she punched the hell out of Caden's throat," Kaleb chuckled.

The vampires both heard the a silent car quickly approaching the school. Alaric saw the looks in their faces and turned around. They all saw the headlights before the black car skidded to a stop.

"Go get the others."

Before either of the boys sped off, the front two doors opened and out stepped Freya and Marcel. Freya waved her hand, both breaking the barrier spell and the gate at once. She and Marcel walked through, not at all caring about the damage done.

Marcel bared his teeth, his eyes flowing bright red in the dark. "Where is she?!"

"MG, go get the others, now!"

MG didn't waste another second, speeding off into the school to find Hope and the others.

I was the first to rush out of the room, running through the halls and down the stairs to the main entrance. I found myself freezing just before I even got out. Everyone else rushed outside, no problem, but Hope noticed my hesitation and lagged behind.

"Mel? Are you okay?"

I shook my head, looking everywhere but into Hope's eyes. "I'm not ready," I mumbled.

Hope grabbed both my hands and have them firm but gentle squeezes. "Hey, you're ready, okay. You're just nervous."

"What's he doing here anyway? Do you think he remembers me?"

"I don't know, but it's best we go out there and find out. I'll be right here with you."

Behind me, there were pacing footsteps coming in our direction. It didn't take long to figure out who it was.

"Hey, I heard something's happening. Other students are looking out the windows and stuff, panicking," Landon huffed, trying to catch his breath. "I didn't get a look. What's happening?"

"Let's just go outside," Hope told us, turning to walk out. She didn't let go of one of my hands, so she was practically dragging me out.

We walked out and stepped around the others at the entrance. Marcel and Freya were both standing there, looking rather pissed.

"Aunt Freya?" Hope questioned, just as confused as the rest of us. The blonde woman smiled at the sight of her niece, but when she and Marcel noticed me, his glowing red eyes went back to normal. In his eyes was something I didn't want to see; a mix of recognition and regret.

I knew he'd think my disappearance was his fault.

"Lori..." he gasped, tears starting to form and fall within seconds. And despite me not wanting to, I began to cry as well.

Marcel opened his arms in which I immediately ran into without a second thought. If he wasn't as strong at he was, I'm convinced I would have tackled him to the ground, but instead be wrapped his arms around, squeezing me tight. I of course did the exact same.

"You look so different," he said as he kissed the top of my head. "I should never have sent you away, Mel, I'm s-"

"Don't apologize, Marcel, non of this is your fault." Despite wanting to stay in his arms forever, I pulled back and glanced between him and Freya. "I don't get it though, how are you here right now? How do you remember me?"

"Please," Freya smiled lightly. I saw that she had a few stray tears falling down her cheeks too. "You're looking at an ancient witch right now."

"But-"

"I found this," Marcel said, pulling out a small picture of me from four years ago. "About a week ago, actually. Ever since I saw it, something felt off. So yesterday I asked Freya and Davina to help me figure out what this was. We followed the address in the back and found your apartment. Then Freya mentioned this thing and what it did with Hope-"

"I restored everyone's memories."

Hope and Alaric came up to us. Hope hugged her aunt, but Dr. Ric pointed to the gate. "The gate and barrier spell was there for a reason, you know."

"Sorry, I was worried about my god-niece."

"Just... please fix it on your way out."

Freya nodded. "I'll even do some improvements."

I heard their car door shut to find not only Davina, but also Kol walking towards us. Hope smiled wildly as she gave both of the. hugs as well. "You guys came along too?"

"Of course, darling." Kol clasped his hands together. "Now I hate to be rude and skip the pleasantries but I'm in desperate need of a drink. Still got those, mate?" Kol slapped Ric's shoulder while walking passed him. The rest of the group made way for the original vampire to enter with no complaints.

Davina shook her head and followed her husband.

"Kol's got the right idea," Freya sighed. "I'm gonna fix the barrier. Meet you inside?"

Hope nodded, then I, and we headed right inside of the school. I kept my head low in hopes that no one decides to hate me more for this one.

Hope nudged my side as we walked. "You okay?"

"No."

"Wanna talk about it?"

"Not really, but I will say that Marcel being here is... it's good and bad."

"How's it bad?" Hope stopped briefly before pulling me into a small hangout room. She sat in a chair and pointed to the other one next to it. It was separated only by a cute little side table.

I sat in it and kept my eyes on the floor. "He remembers not remembering me for three years. You saw how much that affected him. And to too that he brought your aunts and uncle."

"Yeah that part is probably the most surprising. I haven't spoken to Uncle Kol in a while. Or Davina at that."

I scoffed, glancing at the girl. "You're probably wishing your family came to visit on different circumstances, huh?"

"Only a smidge. But don't you think it's good you have people who remember you now? People who can be there for you?"

"Not when one's a super powerful witch might be thinking of ways to murder your adoptive father for losing me."

Hope winced, "yeah that... that's probably not do great." She reached over to grab my hand for comfort. "Hey. If it means anything, I'm glad they remember you now."

"Why, so you can interrogate them for more dirt on me?"

"That. And I think it's good for you to have family."

I nodded and let the conversation fade. The princess had a point, even though I know the situation I'm in will only grow more challenging in the near future. Now that everyone that knows about me remembers me, it's possible that my hunt for those vampires will be a lot more difficult. Maybe they'll hide, maybe they'll try getting me before I get them. I don't know. Point is, a lot of dangerous situations comes with this.

Hope squeezed my hand a little before letting go. She stood and walked towards the door and opened it. "I'm gonna go check on Landon and the others. You should probably go to Dr. Saltzman's office."

"Do I really have to?" I groaned, sliding out of the seat. Like, literally sliding down until my butt was hanging over the edge.

Hope rolled her eyes at my dramatic actions. "Go willingly, or get dragged. Your choice."

I huffed, getting up from the chair and stood like a normal person. I walked passed her and left the room, making my way to the headmaster's office. "As you wish, your highness."

third day into school and I'm already soooooooo exhausted. and I've eaten ONE meal within the last.... 50 hours maybe? that's two days..... heh... oops

anywho~

I'm fine. I promise, and I'm still finding little cracks of time to write so that's at least something good in my day :}

also, fun fact; the amount of published chapters and drafts combined makes 20! although technically 19, but that's not important. what is important that TOL has really turned into something I'm fully committed to and it honestly feels good. so as always, thank you for bestowing the gift of your attention towards my story. I hopes your day is (or has been) doing awesome.

kisses x