Rewrite: Kind but Scary

Chapter 17: The Training Grounds

Chapter 17: The Training Grounds

Deep within the clearing, the green canopy of the forest filtered the pale Washington light. Jasmine's family and the Volturi forces stood in their customized, runic fighting gear that Jasmine had personally crafted.

Jasmine spotted Marcus standing near the edge of the clearing. "Father!" she exclaimed, running toward him and throwing her arms around his middle.

Marcus hugged her back warmly, his cold features softening. "My beautiful daughter, how are you?"

"I'm okay," Jasmine giggled as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Hello, my love," Marcus said, his eyes shifting to Severus.

"Hello, Marcus," Severus replied smoothly, stepping forward and pressing a firm, affectionate kiss to his lips.

Jasmine smiled, greeting Aro and Sulpicia before joining her mates.

Jasper stepped into the center of the clearing, his eyes sharp and focused. "Alright. The thing to remember about a newborn army is that they possess the strategic mind of a five-year-old. They crave one thing: human blood. They have immense physical strength, and they will constantly look for any opening to take you down."

"Emmett," Jasper called out. "Don't hold back."

"Not in my nature," Emmett grinned.

Emmett charged forward with blinding speed, but Jasper anticipated the move, utilizing his momentum to flip the giant vampire over his shoulder. Emmett landed heavily but swept Jasper's legs, pinning him to the forest floor. Jasmine let out a sharp, appreciative whistle, prompting several of the guards to chuckle.

"Carlisle, Edward," Jasper called, dusting himself off.

The father and son nodded, charging at each other. Edward managed to flip Carlisle, but Carlisle landed gracefully on his feet, dragging Edward down by the ankle and pinning him.

As Edward looked up at Jasper, Jasper began to walk away. "One more thing..."

Suddenly, Carlisle swept Edward's legs from beneath him again, pinning him flat.

"Never take your eyes off your enemy," Jasper finished with a smirk. "Hey, Jas, want to give us a hand here?"

Jasmine grinned, drawing her wand. "Let's see how you handle this!" With rapid, silent casting, she began firing non-lethal spells, forcing the vampires to dodge and weave as they tried to maintain their combat focus. She waved her wand, transfiguring the surrounding stones into animated warriors and conjuring thick, grasping vines that attacked from all sides.

"Okay, okay! I think that's enough, Jasmine!" Jasper called out, panting as he sliced through a conjured vine.

Jasmine pouted playfully, waving her wand to dissolve the spells. She walked over and threw her arms around Caius, who was trying desperately to hide his amusement behind a fake cough. She tapped his chest lightly before hugging Athenodora and Theo, letting their comforting presence soothe her.

(Very sorry if this is short)