AN: Here it is, everyone. The last actual chapter of this story. I hope everyone enjoyed it. And please keep an eye out for the epilogue, which should be up in a few weeks.
It was midmorning when the Cullens, Jacob, Cassie, Vermundr and Brynhildr left the estate. Nightmare, now back in her usual form of a black mare, was pulling the wooden cart transporting Abraham's body. It had been settled shortly after dawn that they would first venture to the site where the Cullens and Jacob had first arrived in this time, in order to send them back home. This had been decided on because Vermundr had agreed with Cassie's thought that Abraham would have wanted his final resting place to be the spot where he'd first met Vermundr. However, since the location in question was a ways away from Epping Forest, it would only make sense for the Cullens and Jacob to return home first. As Vermundr pointed out, it wouldn't be fair to make the rest of their families wait longer. None of the Cullens had really argued against only accompanying their friends for the first stretch of the journey, and they'd held an improvised memorial service before leaving the estate in order to allow everyone to say a final goodbye to Abraham.
As the small group made their way down the winding path that bordered the woods, Bella chanced a glance back at the wagon's driver's seat, where Renesmee was sitting between Cassie and Grimalkin. She had been feeling deep concern for her daughter since the moment they'd first learned of the Carnival of Darkness, and those worries had only gotten stronger after the night's ordeal. There was no denying that, regardless of how intelligent she was, Renesmee had only been born a few months ago. The knowledge that Renesmee had been forced to endure the threat of the Volturi, immediately followed by everything that had happened since Baba Yaga's spell had brought them all to the past, left Bella fearful over what sort of effect all of it would have on Renesmee in the long run.
Tearing her eyes away from Renesmee, Bella concentrated on lowering her mental shield for a few moments.
Edward? How's Nessie holding up? Will she be okay?
In response, Edward gave Bella's hand a gentle squeeze before casually draping his arm around her shoulder, bending down to press his lips against her head.
"She's doing okay for the moment," Edward whispered into Bella's hair, keeping his voice low enough to ensure only she'd hear him speaking. "It could be everything hasn't caught up to her yet, but it's too soon to know for sure. Right now, she's simply looking forward to being home again and seeing the rest of our family."
Edward's assurances were cut short when Vermundr reached out and gripped Nightmare's harness, stopping the cart.
"This will be it," he stated, staring off into the woods. "This is where we'd left the cart on the night when you first arrived in this time. If we enter Epping Forest here, we'll reach the spot where you can use Baba Yaga's potion and return to your own time. Nightmare? I have to ask you to protect the cart until we get back." Nightmare lowered her head, giving a soft snort of acknowledgement.
In silence, the group left the path to journey through the woods. It didn't take too long before they came across a foul smell, one that was soon revealed to be emanating from what appeared to be a lumpy mound of earth. Upon closer inspection, the Cullens all realized that it was the decaying remains of the troll Abraham and Vermundr had brought down the night they'd arrived in this time period, just over a week ago.
"Well then," Cassie announced, doing her best to ignore the rotting body as she addressed the Cullens. "It looks like this is where we say 'goodbye.'" Immediately, Bella moved forward, pulling Cassie into a hug. While she had known what this goodbye would mean, it wasn't until now that she fully appreciated the fact that this would be the very last time they would ever see Cassie. It was clear from Cassie's expression that she'd reached the same conclusion, but she forced a smile regardless as Alice stepped forward for a hug as well.
"Thank you for everything, all of you," Carlisle said, shaking Vermundr's hand before gently patting Brynhildr's shoulder. "If you have the chance when 2007 arrives, look us up."
"We shall," Vermundr agreed.
Renesmee, who had been cradling a content-looking Grimalkin in her arms this whole time, gave the cat one last hug before stepping forward to pass her back to Vermundr.
"Actually, Ness," Vermundr said, crouching down to her level. "I think Grimalkin would be much happier if she stayed with you."
"Really?" Renesmee's eyes widened.
"I was told how she came all the way from the estate just to help save you from Josiah. She never did that for any of us. I believe Grimalkin has made a stronger connection to you. Do you agree, Grimalkin?" In response to Vermundr addressing her directly, Grimalkin let out a contented purr. In that one moment, the small grey cat almost seemed to be smiling.
After everyone had gotten their chance to say their goodbyes, Vermundr, Brynhildr and Cassie stepped away, giving Carlisle room to pour Baba Yaga's potion on the ground. In seconds, a pillar of smoke had formed, stretching all the way up to the forest canopy. With one last look back at their friends, the Cullens all stepped into the pillar, entering what seemed to be a tunnel of fog.
"As much as I'm looking forward to going home, I do feel bad leaving them behind," Carlisle said as they journeyed down the tunnel. "They've got a very lonely journey back to the estate ahead of them."
"They're not going back to the estate," Edward announced. "That thought was very strong in their minds all day."
"You mean they were leaving the area for good?" Jacob asked.
"It's the real reason why Vermundr suggested seeing us off before going to the burial site. They had no intention of returning to Epping Forest afterward. There are…too many memories there."
Shortly after Edward had revealed this, the fog around them dissipated, revealing their surroundings had completely changed. They were no longer in Epping Forest, but along the bank of a river nestled between two mountains covered in pine trees.
"This is it!" Alice whispered, looking around in joy and relief. "We're back on Mount Queets! I know it!"
Before anyone could reply to Alice's statement, the sound of something large moving through the nearby trees caught their attention. Moments later, a gray wolf emerged from the tree line, coming to a stop in front of them.
"Leah!" Jacob exclaimed, recognizing her instantly. In response, Leah fixed him with a sharp glare before throwing her head back, releasing a loud howl. Within seconds, the woods around them were filled with the sounds of a large number of animals running toward them. In next to no time, the mountain valley was filled with Quileute wolves. Three of the wolves instantly broke apart from the rest of them, walking right up to Jacob who greeted Embry, Quil and Seth in turn.
"Carlisle?" Upon hearing his name being an eye, Esme spoken, Carlisle spun around, just in time to see Esme racing toward them at top speed, followed closely by Jasper, Rosalie and Emmett. In the blink ofhad run right into Carlisle's open arms while Jasper went right for Alice. Rosalie instantly had scooped Renesmee up, and a laughing Emmett nearly tackled Edward before swinging Bella around in a bear hug.
The kitchen in the Cullen family's home was filling up with the reddish light of the setting sun before Carlisle, Edward, Bella and Alice finished telling their family the story of what happened. Jacob had returned to La Push with the rest of the Quileute wolves to do his part of relating the same story to the elders of La Push. Renesmee, whose eyes had started drooping a few hours ago, had fallen asleep on a makeshift bed on the sofa in the next room, with Grimalkin curled up at her feet.
"So, if it weren't for Abraham," Esme said once the story was finished, "none of us would be here now. I wish we could have thanked him."
"I'm sure he knows we're all grateful," Carlisle reassured her.
"I hope we didn't worry you too much while we were gone," Bella said.
"Of course, we were worried," Jasper stated.
"Didn't Vermundr keep his promise? He told us he'd send you word the moment he could, explaining things."
"Oh, I believe he did," Esme replied. "A man from the post office came to the house the day after you disappeared. He had an old letter that he said had been around since the mid-1800s. The letter had come with instructions that it was not to be delivered until that very day."
"What did it say?" Edward asked. In response, Esme stepped away from the table and picked up a yellowing letter that had been left on the nearby counter.
"If my instructions have been followed," she read, "you should be receiving this letter after your loved ones, Carlisle, Edward, Bella, Renesmee, Alice and Jacob, have seemingly vanished. I assure you all that they are safe and unharmed and are not gone for good. The reason for their departure is because their assistance is needed for a matter of great importance. If all goes well, they will return home after a week. Once again, I give you my word that they are safe. I beg your forgiveness for not explaining more, but the full story is not something you can properly explain in a letter. I'm confident that they will want to tell you everything when they return to you."
"We had wondered about the authenticity of the letter," Jasper said. "How could someone write that letter so long ago and know exactly that you would disappear when you did? But, considering what you've told us about what's happened to you, I suppose it makes sense now."
"Do you think Vermundr and Brynhildr are still out there somewhere?" Emmett asked. "If we agree that letter was from them, it was written in the mid-1800s. But…anything could have happened since then."
"I hope they are still out there, Emmett," Bella replied.
"Now that I think about it," Rosalie spoke up, "I did check the mail before we went out to look for you this afternoon, just in case there was something from you, further explaining things. There was an envelope addressed to you, Carlisle. From a J. Seward. I left it unopened, thinking it might be someone you knew through your work at the hospital."
"J. Seward?" Carlisle mused, taking the envelope when Rosalie held it out. "I don't remember meeting anyone by that name." In silence, Carlisle opened the letter and started to read through it, his eyes winding after a few seconds.
"It's from Vermundr!" he cried. Without preamble, he began reading the letter out loud.
Dear Carlisle, Alice, Edward, Bella, Renesmee and Jacob (if you're there),
If you are reading this, I can only conclude you made it back safely. I'm glad to know Baba Yaga's potion did what it was supposed to do.
First off, I'd like to apologize if the name printed on the envelope has caused you confusion. As the years went by, and the knowledge of our kind's existence faded from human memory, Brynhildr and I agreed that it was best to adopt aliases, particularly since our real names had started falling into obscurity. If we continued to introduce ourselves as Vermundr and Brynhildr, it would undoubtedly lead to unwanted questions. Thus, we began to answer to John and Brynn Seward when in public. The fact that it also offers us further protection from the Volturi learning that I'm still around only solidified the necessity of having new names.
To the members of the Cullen family we have yet to meet in person- Esme, Emmett, Rosalie and Jasper- I hope my last letter had reached you as I'd intended. I admit that I had doubts that the humans handling it would deliver it when I asked. Brynhildr urged me to have a little bit of faith. I do hope it wasn't unfounded.
You should all know that Brynhildr and I are doing quite well for ourselves. As you might have guessed, there's not much demand for Monster Hunters anymore. But changing times lead to new opportunities. Since we parted ways, Bryn has discovered an aptitude for entrepreneurship. Of course, up until the 19th and early 20th centuries, she had to disguise herself as a man, but even then, she managed to lay the foundation for quite a few successful companies. As for myself, I've dabbled in a few different jobs throughout the years. At present, I'm seeking a position as a history professor at a few universities. How many historians can claim that they actually witnessed certain events in person instead of just learning about them from textbooks and microfilms of old newspaper headlines?
We hope to be able to come visit you sometime soon. However, it might be best if we meet somewhere away from the Olympic Peninsula. While I know the chances of it are probably slim at this point, I somehow doubt the Quileute elders would be pleased if we risk the wolf packs getting any larger. If it is possible, please feel free to contact us anytime. I trust Alice will be able to see where we can be located.
Before I end this letter, I'm confident that Cassie would have wanted me to convey this to all of you, particularly to you, Bella. She often spoke about how she missed you all, right up until the end, when she passed peacefully in her sleep. Roughly six months after you returned home, she gave birth to a healthy baby boy. The name she chose for her son was Gabriel. He grew up to be a fine young man and was every inch his father's son.
Until we meet again, my friends.
Edward took one last glance back at Renesmee, sound asleep in her wrought iron crib, before stepping back out of her bedroom to rejoin Bella in the cottage's living room. He had been concerned she would have been woken up when they had carried her from the main house to return to their cottage, but she hadn't even stirred once. That alone was a relief to Edward. She needed a good, long sleep.
Leaving the door to Renesmee's room open a small crack, Edward moved through the cottage, finding Bella standing by their filled bookshelf, studying a leather-bound book.
"Bella, love?" Edward asked, instantly noticing Bella's furrowed brow. "Is something wrong?"
"No everything's fine," Bella answered quickly, looking up at him with a warm smile. "It feels wonderful to be back home again."
"Then why did you look so sad?"
"It was that name Vermundr is now using as an alias," Bella explained. "John Seward. The instant I heard it, it sounded so familiar. I was sure I knew that name from somewhere, but I just couldn't place where. I almost started to wonder if he had been one of my teachers back when I lived in Phoenix, particularly when he said he was applying to be a college professor somewhere, but I somehow knew that wasn't it. Besides, Vermundr couldn't have taught a class in Phoenix. At least, not during the day. It was too sunny there."
"So, did you figure it out?"
"I think I did," Bella replied, handing Edward the open book. After taking it, Edward took a quick glance at the book's cover.
"Dracula?" he asked, an air of amusement in his face and tone.
"Emmett gave it to me as a joke," Bella explained, looking like she would be blushing if it was possible. "Back when I was recovering in that hospital in Phoenix a few years ago. But I think Vermundr must have read it at least once, too. Just look at this part here." Edward obediently read the passage Bella pointed to.
"Dear Madam, I pray you to pardon my writing, in that I am so far friend as that I sent to you sad news of Miss Lucy Westenra's death. By the kindness of Lord Godalming, I am empowered to read her letters and papers, for I am deeply concerned about certain matters vitally important. In them I find some letters from you, which show how great friends you were and how you love her. Oh, Madam Mina, by that love, I implore you, help me. It is for others' good that I ask, to redress great wrong, and to lift much and terrible troubles, that may be more great than you can know. May it be that I see you? You can trust me. I am friend of Dr. ….. John Seward!" Upon reaching the name, Edward's eyes snapped up to meet Bella's.
"In the novel," Bella explained, "the character of John Seward is a friend to the literary version of Abraham Van Helsing, one who helped him defeat Dracula. When you take that into account, it's really not too surprising that Vermundr chose to pick that particular name. I think it's Vermundr's way of continuing to honor his best friend's memory."
"It's a bit of a risk, though," Edward said, setting the book aside. "A vampire going around with a name taken from the most well-known novel about vampires?"
"I don't think so," Bella disagreed. "I think that if I didn't already know that there were vampires, I wouldn't have suspected anything, even if I had noticed where the name had come from. If anything, I'd have concluded that his parents had just been very big fans of the novel. At least we know that it's worked for him so far. The letter he sent us proves that he and Brynhildr are still alive."
With a gentle smile, Edward crossed the room and pulled Bella into a hug. "We should talk to Alice in the morning," he said. "I'm sure Vermundr and Brynhildr will want to know for sure if we made it back safely. Bella nodded in agreement.
"And we'll need to make arrangements for them to visit," she added. "It's only been a few hours for us, but for them, hundreds of years have passed." Edward responded by tightening his hug, knowing what Bella was thinking without her lowering her mental shield.