Did you really think that you would get rid of me so easily?

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The Merge had always been a dark cloud looming over the Saltzman twins, Josie and Lizzie. As they grew older, the inevitable event drew closer, and with it, the fear of losing one another. Despite their efforts to find an alternative, the day finally came, and with heavy hearts, they faced the grim reality of their fate. In the end, Josie, always the more selfless of the two, lost her life so that Lizzie could live.

The Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted was shrouded in grief. Josie's death left a void that no one could fill, but it was Hope Mikaelson who felt the loss most acutely. Hope and Josie had shared a deep bond, a love that had grown stronger with each passing day. Josie was Hope's anchor, the one who kept her grounded and helped her control the darkness within. With Josie gone, the weight of the loss became unbearable, and Hope did the only thing she could to escape the pain: she turned her humanity off.

Hope's descent into darkness was swift and brutal. She became a shadow of her former self, lashing out at friends and foes alike, her eyes void of any emotion. The Salvatore School, once a place of refuge and learning, now echoed with the cries of those who tried to reach her. Alaric, Lizzie, and the others did everything they could to bring Hope back, but their efforts were in vain. Hope's heart was encased in ice, and nothing seemed capable of thawing it.

Weeks turned into months, and the school struggled to maintain a semblance of normalcy. Lizzie, carrying the guilt of her sister's sacrifice, threw herself into her studies and responsibilities. Every night, she would visit Josie's grave, whispering apologies and wishes for a miracle.

Unknown to everyone, Josie's spirit lingered in the in-between, a realm where she could see the living but not interact with them. She watched Hope's descent with a broken heart, desperate to reach out and bring her back. Josie knew she couldn't rest until Hope was herself again. She had to find a way back, not just for her own sake, but for Hope's as well.

One night, as Lizzie sat by Josie's grave, she felt an inexplicable pull. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, and she heard a faint whisper, "Lizzie... help me." Startled, she looked around, but saw no one. The voice sounded eerily familiar, and she realized it was Josie's.

Fueled by hope, Lizzie sought out powerful magic and ancient texts, searching for a way to bring her sister back. She consulted witches, sorcerers, and anyone who might have knowledge of resurrection. Eventually, she discovered a ritual, dangerous and complex, that could potentially bring Josie back from the in-between.

Determined, Lizzie gathered the necessary components and enlisted the help of her closest friends. On the night of the new moon, they performed the ritual in the forest, their chants echoing through the trees. As the final words were spoken, a blinding light enveloped the clearing. When the light faded, Josie lay on the ground, weak but alive.

Lizzie's eyes filled with tears as she helped her sister to her feet. "Josie, you're back," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion.

Josie hugged Lizzie tightly, overwhelmed with relief. "I couldn't leave you," she said softly. "And I couldn't leave Hope."

With renewed determination, Josie made her way back to the school. She found Hope in their old spot by the lake, staring blankly at the water. Josie approached cautiously, her heart aching at the sight of her love so broken.

"Hope," she called gently.

Hope turned, her eyes widening in shock and disbelief. "Josie?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "This can't be real."

Josie stepped closer, her hand reaching out to cup Hope's cheek. "It's real, Hope. I'm here."

The ice around Hope's heart began to crack. Tears welled in her eyes as she reached for Josie, pulling her into a desperate embrace. "I thought I lost you forever," Hope sobbed.

Josie held her tightly, tears streaming down her own face. "I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere. I love you, Hope."

Hope's humanity came flooding back, overwhelming her with emotions she had tried to suppress. But with Josie in her arms, she knew she could face them. Together, they could heal the wounds and move forward.

In the days that followed, the school slowly returned to its vibrant self. Hope and Josie, their bond stronger than ever, became a beacon of hope for everyone around them. They had faced the darkness and emerged victorious, their love a testament to the power of connection and resilience.

Life would never be the same without the shadow of the Merge, but with Josie by her side, Hope knew they could face anything. Their love, tested by loss and strengthened by reunion, would guide them through whatever came next. Together, they were unstoppable.

As the weeks went by, Hope and Josie found solace in each other's presence. They spent long hours talking about their dreams, their fears, and their future. Hope often confided in Josie about the darkness she had felt during her time without her humanity. Josie listened with patience and understanding, offering her unconditional support.

One evening, as they sat by the lake, Hope turned to Josie with a serious expression. "I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come back," she admitted, her voice trembling with emotion.

Josie reached out and took Hope's hand, squeezing it gently. "You don't have to think about that now," she said softly. "We're together, and that's what matters."

Hope nodded, her eyes filled with gratitude and love. "I don't want to lose you again, Josie. Ever."

"You won't," Josie promised. "We're stronger together, and we'll face whatever comes our way."

Their love grew deeper with each passing day, their bond unbreakable. They became a source of inspiration for their friends, showing them that even in the darkest of times, love could light the way.

One night, as they lay under the stars, Hope turned to Josie with a smile. "Remember when we first met? I never imagined we'd come this far."

Josie chuckled, her eyes sparkling with affection. "Neither did I. But I'm glad we did."

Hope leaned in and kissed Josie softly, her heart swelling with love. "Me too."

As the months turned into years, Hope and Josie faced numerous challenges, but their love remained steadfast. They traveled the world together, seeking out new adventures and making memories that would last a lifetime.

Hosie~ One ShotsWhere stories live. Discover now