Summary: Life goes on after the vampires left Forks.
Warnings: Contain OCs, grammatical errors
Life goes on.
A week after the battle, the Cullens moved away. They brought along the newborn girl, Bree Tanner, with them. Charlie was unsure what to think at first. Eventually he settled with gladness. Bree Tanner will be treated well by the Cullens. It doesn't hurt that she will switch to vampire vegetarian diet. Alice wanted to stay for Bella's graduation but was vetoed by everyone. And so they left.
Hopefully for good.
Bella's graduation went off without a hitch. The next day, she left for Arizona. Charlie didn't go straight back home. He instead went to Anthony's place. Anthony have a look of understanding when he showed up at the door. He let him inside. Anthony went to make tea for them (because it's too early for beer). Charlie was never one to have a heart to heart talk but after everything, he needed it. Charlie told Anthony the myriad of feelings he's been having. Relief over Bella being safe, hope that she will recover, anxious over the possibility of something like this happened again, anger at himself for being slow at noticing, etc. He vented to Anthony. The man listens.
After Charlie finished with his vent, it's Anthony's turn. He told Charlie how scared he was when he learn more about the supernatural. The woman he loved just left. To make things even more complicated, she left baby Belladonna with him. No explanations given at all. It was only years later when someone from demigod camp showed up and explained things to him. Anthony have the Clear Sight. Meaning he can see through the Mist. It's what give him so much trouble back when they were young. Hecate, when she disguised as a human, was the only person Anthony ever met that have the Sight as well. He thought he found someone who understand. Someone who truly know what he's going through. Anthony even bought a ring to propose. And then she left.
It was hard. Anthony won't lie about that. Singlehandedly raising a daughter and managing your shop... It was difficult. Things get harder when monsters start to show up. Charlie's back went rigid when he heard that. Anthony reassured him that everything is okay. He and Belladonna are still here after all. He continued. Anthony learnt what he can about magic, weapons and traps. Whatever needed to protect his daughter. That explains how good he is at setting up traps. When he learned of the real identity of Belladonna's mother... He was angry. Anthony can't wrap his head around it. How the gods can just dallied with humans and drop off babies without a care. Didn't they think of how they would feel? Of their children's feelings and well beings? Did Hecate even loved him?
Charlie asked him if he regretted it. Anthony shook his head and said 'no.'
"I will never regret having Belladonna. Yes, the circumstances are less than ideal but I don't regret it. It makes me treasure her even more. I want to treasure every moment with her while it lasts… And… A part of me still love her mother… My time with her was the best days of my life… After my daughter of course."
Anthony told Charlie that it will sadden him greatly when Belladonna finally left. But perhaps that is something every parents feel when their children leave the nest. Despite the mortality rate, demigods can live normal lives. Some even went down in history as great figures. (Charlie don't think he will ever recover from the shock of finding out that particular tidbit.) Belladonna is smart and sensible. Anthony is confident that she will not only survive. She will live. Anthony can't ask for anything better.
His life right now is not what he expected but Anthony won't have it any other way. He have Belladonna, his shop and friends he can rely on.
Charlie raised his cup to that.
They clinked their cups.
Things went back to normal. As normal as it can be that is.
Charlie resumed his job as Chief of police. Anthony continue to operate Claus Security & Locksmith. The Quileute pack patrol the area. Belladonna have left to Camp Half Blood for the rest of summer vacation. She wrote letters to Anthony, Charlie and Leah. Charlie can't help but chuckle every time he read the latest shenanigans in camp. Then her letters grow shorter and shorter. They found out later on that there was a war (no other word can fully captured what happened in those two months). Leah hang out at the shop from time to time. She didn't say it but they can tell that she miss Belladonna. Between wolf business and the drama with Sam and Emily, she have distanced herself with her human friends. Belladonna is the first person who truly listened to her. The only one who agree that imprinting is not right. The single soul who didn't tell her to forget her feelings and just go with the flow. Anthony agreed. Leah is justified for feeling what she's feeling. Anthony then told Leah that he is welcome anytime at his home, that he will be there to listen.
Charlie later found out that Anthony have prepared a few sets of clothing for Leah in case she showed up in her wolf form.
Jacob stop by from time to time. He asked how's Bella doing. Charlie have keep track of Bella's condition via phone call with Renee. The recovery is slow but his daughter is getting there, now that she get help. Renee and Phil spared no effort. Therapist, group meetings, making sure she stays healthy and so on. Charlie would love nothing more than for Bella to contact him... But he have to be patient. They can't rush this kind of thing.
He and Billy start to hang out regularly, usually on weekends. Their friendship is not exactly the same but Charlie is glad that they still have it anyway. Anthony joined them fishing sometimes (it's not his cup of tea though). Anthony and Billy get along well. They can talk about the supernatural for hours.
They throw a surprise party when Belladonna returned from camp. It's just dinner of four really. Charlie and Leah come over at Claus residence one evening. Leah pull Belladonna to a tight hug. Anthony cooked Belladonna's favourite food using the herbs from the garden. He takes care of Belladonna's herb garden when she's at camp. Belladonna regaled them of tales from the camp. Her half siblings in Hecate cabin, taking care of the pegasus, magic lessons with their mother, Capture The Flag' shenanigans, hanging out with half siblings and friends, more shenanigans. Charlie can't remember when was the last he laughed that hard. Leah share the same sentiment, judging from her expression. The young girl told them about the almost conflict between the Greek and Roman camps, continued with attack by monsters. Hundreds of demigods died. Children and teenagers. She witnessed her half siblings and friends cut down. Charlie sensed that there's more to the story but decided not to push it. The poor girl have been through enough. Leah have pulled her to a tight, long hug before going home.
Belladonna told the camp counsellor about vampires and werewolves. He is very curious. Word just spread around afterward. Now everyone knows about Forks. Belladonna apologised for this. Leah told her that it's fine. She will still need to tell the council though.
Billy was surprised when she told him but he's not angry about it. Instead, he look forward to meet other demigods. The pack take the news rather well. They are still uneasy about the supernatural world being larger than they previously thought. But it's reassuring that they are not alone. There are someone else out there who fight monsters.
They later learn that there are also Egyptian wizards in New York and Norse demigods. Perhaps they will meet creatures and figures from First World legends. Who knows? Maybe even the Great Wolf. One could never know what's out there.
This world sure is a big place.
Trouble started again on September. Jacob's Alpha genes finally kick in, leading him to leave Sam's pack. Leah and Seth soon followed. They joined Jacob's pack. Sam tried to convince them to come back but it's useless. Charlie noted how happier Leah become afterward. Embry Call and Quil Ateara joined the pack not long after. Sue signed up Seth and Leah to a yoga class. It seems to be helping. A monster sprung on Belladonna when they are on their way to Port Angeles. She took care of it. Both father and daughter are fine.
Not much happened on October. The highlight of the month is Halloween, which coincides with Anthony's birthday. Anthony hates the holiday with great passion. He have been teased all his life for it by his peers. His parents always use monster theme for his birthday party. He got more tricks than gifts (Charlie is guilty of this and he apologised at once). Belladonna made everyone swear not to wear orange, wear costumes or say anything related to Halloween in Anthony's presence. Aside from interruptions by kids trick-or-treating, they have a lovely dinner party.
Belladonna's birthday is on November 11th. Anthony hold a BBQ party at their house. The Black Pack is invited. Charlie offered to buy the birthday cake. If the pack is coming, they will need to prepare a LOT of food. The birthday girl received a lot of gifts and birthday cards from camp. Leah got her a new pair of boots. They capped off the party by opening a bottle of potion that spew multicolour smoke and glitters (courtesy of Hecate Cabin).
Forks is in no shortage of supernatural guests it seems. A number of demigods stopped by at Forks and La Push. Intrigued Roman demigods wanting to meet the Quileute shapeshifters, Hermes' and Mercury's children currently travelling, satyrs (Charlie sees them as men with crutches though) and there was this one memorable day when Hunters of Artemis passed by. The immortal maidens took a shine on Leah. They offered her to join. Leah politely turn them down. The offer still stands though.
Hermes/Mercury children are troublemakers. They pranked the shapeshifters before they skip town. One notable instances was when Jacob's hair (and fur) dyed pop pink. They have switched his shampoo with a magical one. Vinegar, soap and other normal means didn't work. Belladonna fixed it with magic but the damage is done. There were pictures.
(Belladonna later managed to get payback for the pack. It was no small feat, considering their opponent are children of Hermes. She relied on demigod networks to track down the pranksters. And no small amount of favours. And pulling strings. Turns out there's a lot of other victims wanting to get revenge. They banded together. Charlie don't know the full story but he was told that it was glorious. The shapeshifters may have not been able to see the carnage, but they are pleased nonetheless. They have been avenged. Next child of Hermes/Mercury to show up better watch out.)
A demigod named Nico di Angelo showed up one day. Charlie was taking a small stop when the boy rap his car window. He asked him the name of this town and his exact location. When Charlie told him that he's at Forks, his eyes widened in recognition. He then asked for directions to Claus residence. It didn't take long for Charlie to make a connection. The boy is a demigod. That and Nico have this weird aura around him that reminded Charlie of his close call with death. Or death in general. He promptly gave him directions. The boy thanked him politely and left. Charlie called Anthony almost immediately. His friend informed him that was Nico di Angelo, son of Hades. Belladonna have told Charlie about him. Kid is misunderstood due to his heritage and power. But his heart is in the right place. Apparently, Nico was taking care of Underworld business when he got lost to Forks. The Claus family let him stay the night before he go back to his business the morning after.
Forks is completely covered by snow in December. Sue invited Charlie for Christmas celebration at her house. Anthony and Belladonna are invited too. Gifts are exchanged, eggnogs were served, marshmallows roasted, and snowball fights ensued.
His favourite part of this year's Christmas is when a letter from Bella arrived.
In her letter, Bella wrote that she've been doing a lot of thinking this past half year. She realised how ungrateful and snooty she was to others. How badly she have treated them. Bella asked for forgiveness from Charlie. She is still not completely over the whole fiasco with the Cullens, but she's getting there. She's recovering. Renee and Phil have been most patient with her, which Bella appreciates. Bella don't think she's going to go to college anytime soon, but she've been taking classes. By trying out many things, hopefully Bella will figure out what she want to do. His daughter also have sent a letter to Jacob.
Bella is getting better. That is all Charlie need to hear.
Years went by. There were not a lot of changes in Forks and La Push. However, the changes are significant.
With the frequency of demigods (and occasionally Hunters of Artemis) passing through Forks, the number of vampires getting near the place dropped. Sure, there were monsters but vampires apparently figured that Washington and nearby areas are danger zones. All vampires who get close are killed. Be it by shapeshifters, demigods, hunters or mages. The Cullens have been spotted at Rio de Janeiro by a local demigod. Demigod networks are so extensive, something Charlie is thankful for. They seem to be doing okay. Bree Tanner have learnt self control, for she was seen walking at a crowded plaza.
Jacob have graduated. He is taking classes at a community college nearby. He found a part time job at an automobile shop. He and Bella are penpals now. Jacob is still holding out for her. Charlie don't have the heart to tell him that Bella have found someone else. Well, they are not exactly dating per se. It's worth noting that this is the first time since Edward that Bella show interest in dating again. Charlie totally did not sent Belladonna to investigate. He totally did not asked her to check if Isabella's crush is human or not. He definitely did not grilled Renee and Phil for details over the phone.
(He turns out to be 100% human.)
Billy is now the proud grandfather of Ruth Finau. His daughter, Rebecca, gave birth to a healthy baby girl a year and a half ago. Rachel Black moved away from La Push again. Without Paul Lahote who have imprinted on her. They tried to work things out but Rachel just don't like Paul that way. Jacob, Leah and Belladonna were nearby when she break the news to him. Paul did phased but thankfully he didn't attack Rachel. He ran to the woods instead. Paul came back 2 weeks later. By the time he got back, Rachel is already gone. The other members of the Uley Pack who have stayed behind, they tried to change Rachel's mind but she remains undaunted. Belladonna used her Mist to help her get to the airport.
Jared Cameron proposed to his imprintee, Kim. They are saving up for the wedding now.
After graduation, Embry Call do part time work in the same automobile repair as Jacob. He is saving money to enroll at a nearby community college.
Sam Uley and Emily Young have gotten married a year ago. Emily asked Leah to be her maid of honour. Leah outright refused. Drama followed. Leah did showed up at the wedding, but she left as soon as the ceremony ended. There are attempts from Emily to rebuild the bridge but Leah rebuffed her every time. Sam tried to make her see sense (read: lecture). The drama escalated when Jacob stick up to Leah. It took Anthony giving the newly married couple a few choice of words before they back off. That landed Anthony in Leah's good book forever and ever. Belladonna was at camp when all of these happened, so she can't be there for Leah. She did sent a few care packages to cheer her up.
Speaking of Leah…. Well, these past few years have been eventful to her. Shortly after Claire Young's fifth birthday, her parents are noticeably uncomfortable over how much attention Quil Ateara put on their daughter. Everyone doesn't find it strange. They encourage it even. They can't tell them yet. Claire is still too young. All except Leah. So they told Leah about their worry. Leah in turn told Claire's parents the truth. Claire's parents are horrified. Like back then with Rachel, Belladonna helped the Youngs leave by manipulating the Mist. Claire's parents ceased all contact with Emily or anyone else from La Push. An enraged Quil attacked Leah. Jacob quickly subdued Quil using Alpha order. It caused a division in the Black Pack. Seth sided with Quil over his own sister. Embry doesn't want to take sides and Jacob don't know how to fix it. The Youngs are not coming back. The Uley pack antagonised Leah even more upon learning the news.
Anthony have been the most cross when he learn what happened. He offered Leah a place to stay until everything sorted out. Her home have become so unbearable due to all the drama, Leah accepted. She ended up living with the Claus for months before she got her own place.
Charlie is with Leah on this one. He knows what it feels like when someone have bad intentions towards your daughter. Quil insisted that it's the imprint. He really care for Claire and would never do anything to hurt her. At that point, Charlie told him that Edward did care for Bella (in his own twisted Edward way) and they all know how that turned out. Quil got even angrier, having been compared to a leech. Charlie calmly told him that while he doesn't really get imprinting, he understand that Quil's relationship with Claire is all kinds of wrong. Claire is a minor. Quil expect Claire to have a romantic/sexual relationship with him when she's of age. To make things worse, everyone encourage her to have romantic feelings for Quil. From the age of two.
Anthony advised Leah to get away from La Push. It's not running away, it's simply getting away from toxic environment. Turns out, Leah have the same idea for years now. She have saved up quite a bit of money. She never really had the opportunity until now. But she doesn't know where to go.
Belladonna contacted her camp. She found two demigods living together in Seattle and they are willing to take in Leah. She told the young woman that these two are okay. There were oppositions from the council (especially Sue) and the packs. Leah angrily tear it to them how much more beneficial it is for everyone and herself if she leave. Weren't they the ones who complained about her? Telling her to get over it? Her own brother told her to her face that she ruin things. Et cetera, et cetera. They can't argue back. So Leah packed up and left. This time Belladonna don't need to use her powers.
Charlie was later told that Leah really hit it off with her new roommates. A daughter of Apollo and a daughter of Aphrodite. The daughter of Apollo is in medical school while her friend is studying chemistry. Leah's case is very puzzling to the future doctor. She have this theory that Leah couldn't possibly be barren. After all, shapeshifters are designed to make offsprings. Isn't that the purpose of imprinting? It doesn't even matter if it's with their imprints or not. Leah should try not to phase for a few months. By doing so, her body would revert to its pre-shapeshifter state and Leah's period will return. Leah is eager to try out this theory. Their other roommate was put off by imprinting (which is very telling according to Belladonna, because Aphrodite kids are the love gurus.) Imprinting is not real love. If Aphrodite kids say so, it must be so. Belladonna advised him to never never never argue about love with them. Ever. Aphrodite kids are hardcore about it. They will destroy you.
Leah really does sound happier over the phone when she called Charlie. New city, new friends, new life. Perhaps a new love in the future. For now, Leah want to focus on getting her period back.
Belladonna, Seth Clearwater, Collin Littlesea and Brady Fuller are now seniors. The demigoddess is doing all right at school, as much as her dyslexia allow her. There were a few more conflicts in Camp Half Blood but Belladonna survived them all. The kids got along pretty well until Claire. It saddened Charlie to see friends drift apart but Belladonna insisted that it's for the best. Not only that, her assisting the Youngs to get away severely cooled her relationship with La Push. Billy didn't let it get in the way of his friendship with Anthony. He still have regrets about it, when he and Harry drifted apart from Charlie. It took longer for Sue to come around but eventually she realised that it's really better for Leah.
Belladonna decided that she would pursue a degree in Childhood Studies. Many were perplexed by it. She Just doesn't seem to be the type that likes children, but she is. Belladonna told them that many people in Camp Half Blood have issues. Learning difficulties, complexes, mental disabilities and so on. She want to help kids from early age so no one have to suffer like they do. No kid deserves that kind of suffering. And this way, she can find demigod children sooner and teach them early. Belladonna is still unsure which university she should pick. She hope that she get to go to the same school with her best friend (a daughter of Demeter) and boyfriend (a son of Hermes).
What about Charlie then?
Well… His routine is mostly the same. Charlie wake up, take a shower, have breakfast, go to work, go home, have dinner, take a shower, stay up a bit doing things before bed. On weekends, he buy groceries and hang out with his friends. Some might find it dull. Some might find it fulfilling. It's not the perfect life. As far as Charlie is concerned, he have it good. Charlie loves his job. His relationship with his daughter Isabella is going great. He have friends whom he can count on. He have enough excitement for a lifetime with vampires. But he sure as hell won't hesitate to jump back if his friends need it.
Charlie Swan is happy.
Aaaaaaand scene!
It's a wrap everybody!
Oh, this is not the END end. I still have plans for Belladonna and other Percy Jackson OCs. This is won't be the last time you see her~
That being said, I want to add more addendum to satisfy your curiosities.
Yes, the Cullens are still around. The Edward disaster have taught them some things so this time they will be a lot more careful. Carlisle and Esme being stricter. Jasper being more sterner with Alice (I always thought that Alice is the dominant one in the book so here's something). Emmet and Rosalie... Well, they don't miss Edward much. More space in the garage! (I don't have any problems with these two). Bree is more or less happy with her second vampire life. She still very much in love with Diego and miss him very much. One day she decided to go see the world. Bree will reunite with Fred eventually.
Leah will eventually stopped phasing and get her period back. She can have kids again! Hooray! Leah did wonderful now that she's away from all those memories and heartache back home. Her new friends helped her a lot and she help them back. A few supernatural fights here and there perhaps. All three ladies kick ass. They have to part eventually once the demigoddesses finished their education. But they are lifelong friends now. She still go back to La Push but only to visit her family and friends. It is no longer her home. Leah will eventually meet someone and it will be natural. Meet the person, exchanged phone numbers, get to know each other more, have a few dates, a few fights and all that jazz. It's a gradual thing. No imprinting.
Jacob and Bella never become a thing. He will eventually move on with his life. He never imprint.
Embry never imprint either and he's okay with it. He is the second shapeshifter to leave La Push after Leah. Do a bit of soul searching before eventually settle down somewhere.
Rachel never go back to La Push. Paul managed to get enough self control to go see her. She rejected him for the second time. He never tried again. Rachel build a life for herself, free from supernatural drama.
Rebecca is happy with her life in Hawaii, never knowing the supernatural truth.
Billy totally doted on his grandkids.
The kids graduated without a hitch. The shape shifters stayed at La Push while Belladonna went to college.
Sue is doing fine.
Charlie, Billy and Anthony are now bros. Hey! We have ABC!
There you go!
Thank you so much for reading this fanfic!
NO FLAME PLEASE