𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗜𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 | 𝖢𝖺𝗋𝗈𝗅𝗂𝗇𝖾 𝖥𝗈𝗋𝖻𝖾𝗌

{𝟱𝟳} 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐥𝐞𝐲

Klaus and Caroline arrived at the location where Hope and Roman were supposed to be.

"I don't get it," Caroline said. "They should be here."

"Where the bloody hell are they?" Klaus asked, looking around. Caroline began dialing a number. Hope's phone was resting on the ground, and they made their way towards it. Caroline answered the ringing phone. "Man, they really don't want to be found."

Klaus picked up the other phone and they looked at the selfie of Hope and Roman." Hmm," Klaus said, going through the photos on the other phone, seeing one of Roman anf Greta. "Why is he with her?"

"Greta is Roman's mother." Caroline told him.

"This isn't just two kids running away," Klaus replied.

"My daughter's in real trouble."

When Klaus's phone began to ring, he immediately answered without glancing at the caller. "What!" he exclaimed. "Is that how you speak to your brother?"

Klaus's eyes expanded in surprise. "Axel?" Caroline lifted her gaze to Klaus upon hearing the name. "What's the matter?" Klaus questioned him. "Hope and her little friend were left me at the Gas station, but I managed to locate them in an old house," Axel shared over the phone.

Klaus questioned, "Hope was with you?" Axel confirmed, "Yes, she found me and requested my help to locate her mother. Since Hayley is family, I couldn't refuse. I'll give you the address of the house." Klaus looked at his phone and said, "I've got it."

"I'll catch up with you later," Axel stated before ending the conversation. Klaus then pocketed his phone and turned to Caroline. "I know their location," he revealed, receiving a nod from her. They both entered a car and drove off.

Klaus and Caroline finally arrived at the house to see Axel down the street. Axel's eyes widened when he saw Caroline who looked down before turning to Klaus." Let's go." Klaus said and they all marched towards the house.

Caroline followed them but she was stopped as Elijah had snapped her neck, sending her unconscious. Klaus heard the Hollow's whispers and turned around in surprise. Axel looked at Elijah. Elijah picked up a rake, removing the handle.

"What are you doing here?" Klaus asked.

"Protecting my family," Elijah answered, rushing to break the handle over his knee and throwing one half towards Klaus.

Klaus was shocked Elijah would try to kill him. "They're your family?"

"Hope is in there!" Klaus told him.

Elijah looked at him as he broke the stick." It's not my problem."

"I'm going in," Axel said to Klaus, who simply nodded. Axel entered the house and was immediately greeted by the sounds of destruction coming from within.

Hayley looked at him while Greta followed suit. Axel forcefully threw Greta against the wall. Hayley collapsed to the ground as Axel effortlessly fought Greta. Hayley went to Hope as Roman moved away.

Witnessing Axel pulling Greta's heart out, Hayley saw Roman's distress as he called for his mother. Although feeling sorry for Roman, Hayley believed Greta's death was necessary. Klaus entered the room to protect Hayley and Hope, while Elijah and Roman quickly left.

Axel approached Hayley, who embraced him. "I knew you couldn't stay away from this family for long," she remarked. He chuckled and nodded in agreement. "I guess not," he replied, glancing at the still-sleeping Hope. "Let's take her home." Hayley nodded and then turned to Klaus, who smiled at her.

With a smile, Hayley acknowledged Klaus before shifting her focus to Hope. Axel swiftly picked her up and carried her out of the house. Caroline, who was awake, watched Axel's every move without receiving any acknowledgment as he placed Hope in the car.

Axel glanced at Caroline, noticing her frown. He quickly averted his gaze before stepping into the car. Soon after, the family parted ways with Caroline.

Rising from her bed, Hope glanced around the room. As she turned her gaze towards the corner, she noticed her mother engrossed in looking at a picture.

"Mom."

Hayley's eyes met hers, and a smile graced her face. She settled herself on the bed, wrapping her arms around her daughter in a tight embrace. "I thought I had lost you," Hope admitted, her voice filled with relief. With tears in her eyes, Hayley responded, "I'm tougher than I look. I will always come back for you."

Hope started crying as she laid in her mother's arms. Once they were done Hope told her on what had happened while she was gone. Axel and Klaus stood outside on the balcony.

"It's great to hear that Hope reached out to you for help," Klaus said, with Axel nodding in agreement. "I'm here to help," Axel replied. The two of them stood quietly.

"How have the past couple of years treated you?" Klaus inquired, casting a glance at his brother. Axel responded, "Despite being alone, it has been a peaceful time for me. I can proudly say that I'm now a grandfather." Surprised, Klaus congratulated him, saying, "Congratulations!" Axel smiled back at him.

"Davina had a girl years ago. She's finally married and I am happy that she is now living her life away from everything." Looking back on the past, Axel remembered when Davina had a daughter years ago. Seeing her happily married now and starting fresh brought him so much joy. The memory of meeting his granddaughter for the first time was still vivid in his mind, and he was thrilled that Davina had found her happy ending after everything she had been through.

Curiously, Axel questioned Klaus, "What were you and Caroline doing together yesterday?" Klaus, keeping an eye on the people passing by, responded, "We were actually searching for Hope. Caroline, as the headmistress of the Salvatore school, informed me that Hope had gone missing from school."

Axel gave a nod while Klaus flashed a smirk. "Don't stress, brother. I'm not interested in your girl. I've got too many things going on to be thinking about a woman at the moment," he reassured. Axel couldn't help but chuckle at his brother's words.

"Now that Hayley is back home safe with her daughter, I think it's time for me to head back to where I was," he expressed to Klaus. Klaus, however, expressed concern and urged Axel to reconsider. "Are you sure? Perhaps maybe you should stay. New Orleans still has enemies, and the rest of the family can't be here to defend Hayley, Freya, and Hope due to the hollow. Nobody knows that Gods exists in New Orleans, so you'll be safe from any weapons that can kill you," Klaus reasoned. Axel glanced down at the people, contemplating his next move.

"I don't know, Klaus. Somehow, they've managed to survive without me for years," he admitted. As if on cue, the door swung open and Hayley and Hope stepped out. Klaus took a step back, wary of Hope's presence. "Please, Uncle Axel. We need you," Hope pleaded, her eyes filled with desperation. Axel glanced at Hayley, seeking her approval. With a nod from her, he sighed and gave in. "Fine," he reluctantly agreed. "I'll stay here." A wave of relief washed over them all, and they exchanged smiles. "Come on, let me show you your room," Hope said, eagerly taking hold of his arms and leading him away.