CHAPTER THIRTY: Find Elena
WARNINGS: murder, violence, mentioned/implied homophobia, kidnapping

JEREMY KNOCKED ON ELENA'S DOOR from the bathroom. "Yo, Elena!" He shouted. It was already past her usual wake-up time. He glances up when he doesn't hear any movement. He opens the door and takes a look inside his sister's room.

Elena's bed is made and looks like it hadn't been touched all night. He frowned in confusion then realized that she was probably with Stefan. He went back to getting ready.

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"SO SARAH ATTACKS Tyler and he pushed her away and she tripped and she fell and she hit her head," Caroline explained to Lorelei and Hayley as she got ready for the day.

"Does Matt remember anything?" Hayley asked, raising an eyebrow at her girlfriend.

"Uh, he thinks he blacked out. I hit him hard," Caroline replied, shrugging. "But I think they were both compelled by that bitch Clara or whatever her name is. Katherine said she saw her talking to Matt. That's why Atty and I covered for Tyler and said it was an accident."

"Yeah, I don't understand that. Guy's a tool," Lorelei piped up.

"Well, gee, duh," Caroline said, pulling her shoes on, "but Tyler getting blamed for Sarah's death just opens up questions that he can't answer. And do you really think it's a good idea for him to tell his mom he's a werewolf?"

"I suppose not," Hayley said, tilting her head a bit.

"Werewolf Road leads right to Vampire Boulevard which leads to Witch Lane. Last I checked, our house is filled with all three," Caroline snapped her fingers. "I thought I was thinking fast on my feet."

"You were, you did fine," Athena said as she walked in. "I stopped by your house. Where's Liz?"

"Leading the search party for Aimee Bradley. They haven't found her body yet," Caroline explained.

"Yeah, well, they won't. Katherine killed her last night," Athena sighed.

Caroline spun around to face her girlfriend, shocked. "You didn't tell us?!"

"We were kinda busy!" Athena defended, frowning, "Stefan was being imbecilic like usual and tried to force Katherine's hand. She doesn't do well with that, especially from Stefan."

Caroline sighed, nodding her head. She understood that. She grabbed her bag and pulled it over her shoulder. "Look, Tyler doesn't know much. Honestly, he probably only knows about the triggering. Felt kind of bad for him," she said, frowning sadly.

"Yeah, well, triggering your curse and not knowing what's happening sucks," Hayley said, her eyes distant like she was remembering something.

Caroline smiled sadly at her girlfriend and pressed a kiss to her lips. Hayley blinked and smiled at the blonde. Caroline kissed Athena quickly and then gave Lorelei a kiss on her temple. "Goodbye, I'll see you all later," she said before quickly rushing out of the room.

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JEREMY WALKED UP to Stefan at school. "Hey, look, Elena's gotta let me know if I'm supposed to cover for her," he said as Stefan closed his locker. The two of them began walking. "And Jenna's cool with it, too but—but you guys are pushin' it."

"What are you talkin' about?" Stefan asked, confused.

"You and Elena. Now, look, I'm—I'm glad you guys are back together, but if she's gonna sleep over, you gotta—"

"Wait—wait—wait. Hold on a minute," Stefan said, stepping in front of Jeremy to get him to stop walking. He looked at him, confused. "We're not back together."

Jeremy frowned, confused as well. "Wait, she didn't—she didn't stay at your place last night?"

Stefan shook his head. "No. I mean, I saw her at the party, but that was it," he shrugged, brows furrowed. "She didn't sleep over."

Jeremy crossed his arms, getting worried. "'Cause her bed hadn't been slept in. And Mrs. Lockwood said that her car was still in the driveway. Where is she, then?"

Stefan felt his chest constrict. Something was wrong.

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DAMON AND STEFAN stood outside the school, in front of Damon's car. "This has Katherine written all over it," Stefan said, throwing his hands up.

"What does?" Lorelei asked as she and Athena walked up to them.

"Elena's missing. She wasn't at home and her cars were still at the Lockwoods," Damon explained.

Lorelei paled. "I knew I had a bad feeling," she muttered. She looked at Athena who looked just as confused. "Could it be Claire?"

Athena tilted her head, frowning. "Could be. But this doesn't feel like that," she said, crossing her arms. She tapped her foot on the ground. Then her face dropped. "Shit."

"What?" Stefan, Damon, and Lorelei all asked.

"Doppelganger," Athena said and looked at Lorelei with a sad expression. Lorelei's face dropped.

"But if they were scouting Elena, wouldn't they know you were here too? There would be no reason to take Elena when you already know about her," Lorelei argued, pacing a bit.

"What are you two talking about? Talk to us," Damon said, setting a hand on Athena's shoulder.

The redhead glanced between the two Salvatores before sighing. "Elena is in danger. She's needed for something. I've been here to protect her. Clearly, I'm doing an absolute shit job at it," she sighed, rubbing her eyes.

"There was a lot happening last night," Damon argued, "also—I'm so gonna kick your ass for screwing up our plan."

Athena rolled her eyes. "Sure," she said dismissively. "Look, I'm gonna track her down. Lorelei go see if you can find anything by Elena's car to help." The hybrid nodded. "You two, don't do anything stupid. I'll call you." 

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CAROLINE STARED AT the shrine for Sarah at the girl's locker. She sighed sadly. It's unfortunate that her classmates keep getting used as pawns in this. She just hoped they could end it soon.

"Caroline."

The blonde turned when she heard her name, coming face-to-face with Tyler. She smiled, "hey. How are you doin'?" She asked.

"Not good," Tyler replied, shifting uncomfortably.

"How's your mom? My Mom said she was pretty freaked out about everything that happened with Sarah."

"How did you know?" Tyler asked, staring at her intensely.

Caroline looked at him in confusion, shrugging. "What do you mean?"

"About me," Tyler emphasized, "how did you know?"

Caroline's brows furrowed, "know what? That you were upset? We were best friends at one point. We even dated. I think I know when you're upset. Besides, I thought I was doing a good thing by covering for you."

Tyler shook his head, glaring at her. "That's not what I'm talking about."

"Look, it was an accident, okay? And I've gotta run," Caroline said seriously. She gave him a look, "please don't blame yourself." 

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"MY MOM SAID she'd find her," Lorelei said, walking into the room Jeremy and Bonnie were in. Stefan came in a moment later. "Do you really not know how to follow directions?" She spat, glaring at Stefan.

"She didn't do a very good job at protecting Elena in the first place—"

"What and you did?" Lorelei rolled her eyes and walked over to the map. "Move," she told Bonnie. She lit the candles with a flick of her wrist and then grabbed Jeremy's hand. She took out her dagger. "This'll hurt," she told him before cutting his palm and letting the blood drip onto the map.

Jeremy grimaced in pain.

Once Lorelei had enough of his blood on the paper, she flicked his hand away and put her dagger back into its sheath. She muttered a couple of words in Latin, the spell sinking into the map and the blood.

Jeremy placed a towel on his hand.

The blood moved across the map until it hit Redfield. Lorelei's eyes opened and they flicked down to the map. "How did you get so far away?" She murmured, frowning. She pulled out her phone and called her mom.

"Find her?"

"Redfield," Lorelei replied.

"I'll be able to find her from there. I'll pick you up."

"Okay," Lorelei said, clicking the end-call button. She stuffed her phone back in her pocket.

"We need a more exact location," Stefan argued, "can't you get an exact location? You're supposed to be a powerful witch, right?" He demanded, glaring at Lorelei.

The hybrid rolled her eyes. "Relax, asshole. I'll find her," she said.

"We'll find her," Damon said, stepping into the room.

Lorelei groaned slightly. "Fine, whatever. Just—let's go. Now," she said, brushing past the older man and heading out front where her mom was already waiting. 

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 CAROLINE WAS TEXTING Hayley 'cause apparently Elena got nabbed last night. She was freaking out a little, but Hayley said that Athena and Lorelei were on it already. Elena should be back by tonight if not sooner.

She glanced up and jumped when she saw Tyler in front of her. "Hey, are you okay?" She asked a bit worried but also a bit freaked out since Tyler was staring at her intensely.

"You lied to me earlier. Why?" He demanded.

Caroline sighed, "look, Tyler, I think that you misunderstood me at the party. I get it. It was very traumatic."

"You're lying."

"Nope. But I am late," Caroline said, pointing to her car that Hayley just pulled up in.

She moved to walk past, but Tyler grabbed her wrist. "Hey!" He said.

Her eyes flared, annoyed. She twisted his arm, gripping his wrist tightly and pushing his shoulder toward the ground. The bones in his arms crack. He tries to get back up but Caroline is stronger, forcing him back down. He grunts. She shoves him forward and he crawls away from her.

He looked back, staring at her in shock. Caroline glanced around, grimacing a bit. Tyler stood up, holding his arm. He looked around, wondering if anyone saw that. "How did you... You're stronger than me?" He stepped toward her.

Hayley stepped up beside Caroline, taking the blonde's hand. "Please, that was nothing," Caroline said, trying to brush it off.

Tyler stepped back a bit at the look Hayley was giving him. He swallowed and looked back at Caroline. "Listen, if you know somethin', you gotta tell me. Because I can't handle this," he said.

"I'm sorry, Tyler, but I think that you're still in shock over Sarah dying," Caroline said, "and it's understandable."

Tyler stepped toward her, but Hayley shoved him back. "Do not," she growled. She knew Caroline could handle herself, the blonde just showed it, but that didn't mean Hayley was just gonna let someone threaten her girlfriend.

Tyler stumbled back and almost tripped over his own feet. He glared at the two of them before kicking a trashcan. It went flying, hitting a car and setting off the car alarm.

Caroline and Hayley watched him, uncaring about the attention that just come to Tyler. He glanced at them one more time before leaving.

"Fucking hell," Caroline muttered, pulling Hayley to the car. 

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LORELEI SHIFTED IN her seat, anxious energy radiating off of her. Athena glanced at her. It was just them two in the car. Damon and Stefan were trailing them in Damon's car.

"We're gonna find her, honey," Athena said, tapping her fingers on the door.

Lorelei shook her head. "I should've gone with her. I shouldn't've let her leave alone," she muttered.

"You didn't know this was going to happen," Athena argued, "you can't blame yourself for this. We're going to get her back."

"We shouldn't have to get her back!" Lorelei exclaimed, frustrated. She ran a hand through her hair. "She should be at school, going through her classes. Not—Not kidnapped in the middle of nowhere!"

Athena glanced at her daughter. "Lorelei," she said gently, "she's alive. They're not going to kill her. Everybody is much too scared of Niklaus and I. She will be just fine."

Lorelei sighed and nodded, frowning a bit. 

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ELENA LOOKED INTO the room where one of the people who kidnapped her was. The woman turned on a light, glancing at the books set out on the desk. "Why am I here?" Elena asked from the doorway.

"You keep asking me these questions like I'm gonna answer them," the woman said as she walked over to a picture frame.

"Why won't you?" Elena raised an eyebrow, throwing her hands in exasperation.

"That's another one," the woman said. She picked up the frame and used it to block a streak of sunlight coming in.

Elena frowned and walked down the steps. "Okay, you got me. It's not like I can go anywhere. The least you can do is tell me what you want with me."

"I personally want nothing. I'm just a delivery service," the vampire shrugged, walking back over to the desk.

Elena's brows furrowed. "Delivery to who? Elijah?" She feels like she's heard that name before.

The woman laughed. "Two points to the eavesdropper," she said.

Elena stepped forward, tilting her head. "Who is he? Is he a vampire?"

"He's one of the vampires. The Originals," the vampire said, sorting through the books on the desk.

Elena frowned a bit. Wasn't Athena an Original? Why would an Original want her? "What do you mean the Originals?"

"Again with the questions, haven't the Salvatores been teaching you vampire history?" She asked disinterestedly, flipping through one of the books.

"So you know Athena, Stefan, and Damon?" Elena wondered. If she knew about Athena, shouldn't the woman know that Athena isn't really a Salvatore?

"I know of them," the vampire corrected, "a hundred years back, a friend of mine tried to set me up with Stefan. She said he was one of the good ones. More of a sucker for the bad boys, though, but I digress."

Elena ignored that, stepping forward again. "Who are the Originals?"

The woman paused. Then she closed the book and turned toward Elena. "Trevor and I have been running for 500 years. We're tired. We want it over. We're using you to negotiate ourselves out of an old mess."

Elena frowned, confused. "But why me?"

"Because you're a Pretrova doppelganger," the vampire said like that answered every one of Elena's questions. "You're the key to breaking the curse."

Elena's brows furrowed. "Curse?" She repeated, "the Sun and the Moon curse?"

"Oh, you do know your history."

"What do you mean I'm the key?" Elena asked, stepping closer to the woman, "the moonstone is what breaks the curse."

"No," the vampire said, "the moonstone is what binds the curse. Sacrifice is what breaks it."

"Sacrifice?" Elena echoed, eyes wide.

"The blood of the doppelganger. You're the doppelganger. Which means in order to break the curse you're the one that has to die."

Elena's eyes widened even more, the breath being knocked out of her lungs. She clutched onto Lorelei's shirt, the only thing that had brought her some comfort. 

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CAROLINE LET HAYLEY in before she closed the door behind them. "You think Elena's gonna be okay?" The blonde asked as she locked the door. Hayley nodded.

They both paused before they stepped further into the house. Somebody was in there.

"Mom?" Caroline called out, reaching for Hayley's hand. The werewolf grabbed it, linking their fingers. Together, they moved further into the house.

Caroline set her bag down and glanced around. "I'm going to check the rest of the house," Hayley murmured. Caroline nodded and let her go. Hayley disappeared as Caroline listened closely.

She turned around when she felt a presence, raising an eyebrow at Tyler. "What are you doing here?" She demanded, annoyed.

"I know," Tyler said, his voice firm.

"Breaking and entering the sheriff's house? That move will win you an award," Caroline mocked sarcastically, rolling her eyes at the boy's stupidity.

Tyler smirked at her. "Go ahead, keep dodging. Keep changing the subject." He slowly circled her. "But I know. You're just like me, aren't you?"

Caroline shook her head. "No," she denied.

"Keep it up, but I'm not buyin' it," Tyler said.

"You know, my girlfriend is waiting for me to give her one word then she'll kick your ass," Caroline said, glaring at her friend slightly.

Tyler ignored the threat. "I saw how strong you were. I'm not leavin' here until you tell me the truth."

"Tyler," Caroline warned, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"You're. A. Werewolf," Tyler smirked, smug. Caroline blinked at him, staring at him in shock. "Say it," he said.

Caroline's face broke out into a smile, amusement shining in her eyes. She started to laugh 'cause seriously? A werewolf? She brought her hands up to her face, trying and failing to stop laughing. "What?" She laughed, staring at her friend in astonishment.

Tyler growled, pushing her into the wall. Caroline gasped, surprised. "Stop lying!" Tyler demanded.

"I'm not lying!" Caroline yelled.

Tyler hit the wall beside her head and Hayley tackled him to the ground. Tyler kicked her off and she stumbled back. Caroline sped towards him, pinning him to the floor with an arm against his windpipe. "Don't touch her!" She snarled, eyes bloodred and black with veins protruding under her eyes. She shoved him toward the door, backing up into Hayley who set a hand on her waist.

Tyler crawled away from them, eyes wide and terrified.

Caroline held onto Hayley's hand, reeling herself back in. "I'm not a werewolf, okay?" She said.

"I am," Hayley raised her hand a bit, her eyes glowing. Then they stopped.

Tyler's heart thundered in his chest, staring at the two of them in shock.

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"TELL ME MORE," Elena said to the woman, wanting to know. She didn't know if Athena was part of the Originals, but she did know that Athena had been around for a very long time. There was no way that the redhead didn't know about this curse.

"Captivit's made her pushy, eh?" The other vampire said from behind Elena which caused her to turn around. He picked up a painting, grinning at her. "What do you want to know, doppelicious?" He blocked the sun with the painting.

"Who are you running from?"

"The Originals."

"Yeah, she said that. What does that mean?" Elena demanded.

"The first family," he said, kicking books out of the way, "the old world. Rose and I pissed them off."

"Mm–mm," Rose argued, giving him a look.

"Correction, I pissed them off," the guy said, "Rose had my back. And for over half a millennium, they wanted us dead." He threw a book on the ground and Elena stepped back a bit.

She frowned a bit, looking up at him. "What did you do?"

The vampire blew out a breath and didn't answer.

"He made the same mistake countless others did," Rose explained, "he trusted Katerina Petrova."

Elena crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Katherine."

"Mm. The one and only. The first Petrova doppelganger," Rose said, walking away.

"I helped her escape her fate and, now, I've..." the other vampire said, pointing at Rose, "sorry, we've been marked ever since."

"Which is why we're not gonna make the same mistake again," Rose said loudly, giving Trevor a look. 

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ELENA SAT DOWN on the couch, sighing. She had so much running through her mind. She heard a crunch and frowned, moving her foot. A piece of paper was there and she picked it u. She unfolded it.

Stefan and Damon are coming for you. —B

Elena felt relief course through her. She'd rather have Athena, Hayley, Caroline, or anybody from their close circle, but that worked too. She wouldn't complain.

She crunched up the note and hid it. 

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TREVOR CAME IN, almost trembling and with pure fear in his voice. "He's here. This was a mistake," he said, breathing heavily as he walked toward Rose.

"No, I told you I would get us out of this," Rose argued, "you have to trust me."

"No! He wants me dead, Rose," Trevor exclaimed, moving around the chandelier on the ground.

"Oh, he wants her more," Rose said, pointing to Elena.

"Huh! I can't do this," Trevor said, "you give her to him, he'll have mercy on you. But I need to get out of here."

Rose grabbed his hands, "hey. What are we?"

Trevor breathed in deeply, closing his eyes. He nodded, exhaling. "We're family." Elena watched on, smiling a little at that. "Forever."

There was a pounding on the door.

They both tensed and glanced at Elena. She frowned, confused. "You're scared," she said.

Rose ignored her, turning to Trevor. "Stay here with her. And don't make a sound," she told him quietly. He nodded, rubbing his hands on his legs. Rose quickly went up the stairs to greet their guest.

The door creaked open. A man in a black suit standing in the doorway. His hair was done in a middle part, and his posture held confidence. He looked as noble as ever.

Elijah Mikaelson.

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ROSE CAME DOWN the stairs hesitantly. Elijah was standing just inside, in the sunlight. She felt her dead heart clench with anxiety.

Elijah smirked slightly, "Rose-Marie. Is there somewhere we can talk?"

Rose breathed heavily, gesturing toward the other room. "Yes, in here." Her hands were shaking, her voice wobbling with every word. A heavy breath between each syllable. "You have to forgive the house."

"Oh, no. What's a little dirt?" He dismissed, grinning. "I completely understand." He closed the door, walking into the room Rose wanted to speak in. Rose followed him in. "So tell me, what is it that gives you the courage to call me?"

"I wanted my freedom. I'm tired of running," Rose explained. She paused for a moment, watching him. "Are you in a position to grant me that?"

"I have complete authority to grant pardon to you and your little pet," Elijah confirmed. His face scrunched up. "What is his name these days? Trevor. If I so see fit."

Rose swallowed. "Katerina Petrova." Elijah turned to face her at the familiar name. He hasn't heard it in quite some time. Not since he last saw his sister in 1901.

"I'm listening," he says.

"She didn't burn in the church in 1864," Rose explains.

Elijah tilts his head, sitting down in the chair. He crosses his legs, looking like a prince. "Continue."

"She survived," she said.

Elijah raised an eyebrow, not looking completely surprised. He had a feeling Athena didn't tell him everything that happened in 1864. Katerina was nothing, but not as slippery as an eel. "Where is she?"

"You don't seem surprised by this," Rose said, reading his facial expression.

"Oh, when you called and invited me into this armpit of civilization which is a mere three hours from the town we know as Mystic Falls, I surmised it had everything to do with Katerina," he explained. He knew his sister was residing there, her pack was there. It was her territory. "Do you have her in your possession?"

Rose smirked at this. "No. But I have better," she said, stepping closer to him, "I have a doppelganger."

Now, Elijah looked a little confused. "That's impossible. Her family line ended with her. I know that for a fact," he said. Athena had told him so and she didn't lie to him. Not usually. Though, Athena did have a soft spot for Katerina.

"Then the facts are wrong," Rose denied.

Elijah raised his eyebrows, sitting forward. "Well, show her to me," he wished.

"Elijah, you're a man of honor," Rose walked toward him, "you're to be trusted, but I wanna hear you say it again."

Elijah smiled a little at her. "You have my word that I will pardon you."

Rose let those words wash over for a second. Then she kicked into gear. "Follow me," she said, moving out of the room.

Elijah smirked a bit as her back faced him. Then he smoothened out his features and stood up, following after the woman. 

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ELENA PACED NERVOUSLY, holding the crumbled paper in her hand. She turned when she heard footsteps, meeting the eyes of a man in a black suit. Her heart dropped, and her breath came out faster.

The man stared at her, his eyes slightly wide. He sped down to her, appearing in front of her. Elena stumbled back a bit, gasping in fear. He stepped closer, his eyes going over every feature.

Just like Katerina. Just like Tatia.

He leaned forward and Elena swallowed in terror. His nose brushed her cheek and then went down to her neck. He breathed her in.

Doppelganger blood. Something unmistakable.

"Human," he said, lifting his head back up, "it's impossible."

Elena trembled slightly, eyes misty.

Elijah smiled down at her softly. "Hello there," he said gently. 

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ATHENA AND DAMON park their cars and all four of them get out. Stefan throws the bag over his shoulder. Lorelei gets her dagger ready. Athena glances around, eyeing the surroundings. There truly was nothing for miles.

"House should be just beyond those trees," Damon said, pointing in front of them. Stefan was already on the move. "Wait, now, I've got a little more experience than you do with this sort of thing."

Athena caught a scent. A familiar scent. A scent she would never be able to forget even if she wanted to.

"So what's your point?" Stefan asked, turning to face his brother as they stopped a bit behind Athena.

"His point is whoever has Elena is probably who was after Katherine in 1864 and before that," Lorelei explained.

"And?"

"And it puts them at 500 years old and strong," Damon said like it was obvious and Stefan was stupid for not thinking about it. "You sure you wanna do this?"

"Yeah, I'm certain I wanna do it," Stefan said.

Athena felt something cold settle into her body.

"'Cause we go in that house we may not come back out," Damon said.

"Alright, then I won't come out," Stefan shrugged.

"So noble, Stefan," Lorelei said mockingly. "Let's go. We're going in."

"Alright, alright," Damon muttered. The three began walking but Athena stuck out her arm, hitting Damon and Lorelei in the chest. Stefan paused as he saw the look on Athena's face. "Atty, what the hell?"

"Lorelei, get in the car," Athena said, her voice tinged with panic.

"What? I have to go get Elena—"

"Get. In. The. Car," Athena snarled, not taking her eyes off the house in the distance.

"No," Lorelei snarled back, "I need to help Elena."

"Lorelei, get in the fucking car," Athena demanded, turning to glare at her daughter. Lorelei faltered when she saw the look in her mother's eyes. It was a look that she had when she talked about Uncle Elijah. And Kingston.

"Ma..." Lorelei whispered.

"No," Athena shook her head, her eyes a million miles away instead of staring at her daughter. "Car. Now."

"Non può uccidermi. Starò bene. Voglio solo Elena e poi me ne andrò," Lorelei pleaded, keeping her voice soft so she didn't startle her mother. She knew the terror her mother felt at Lorelei even being this close to Elijah. [He can't kill me. I'm gonna be okay. I just want Elena and then I'll leave.]

Athena swallowed hard, her eyes slowly focusing. "Fine," she muttered, "but the second you even get a finger on Elena, you get the fuck out."

Lorelei nodded in understanding.

"Let's go," Athena muttered. 

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ELIJAH STEPPED TOWARD Elena again and the girl instantly stepped back, her body tensing up. "We have a long journey ahead of us. We should be going," he told her.

Elena stepped to the side, looking at Rose with pleading eyes. "Please, don't let him take me," she said, her voice trembling. Rose looked away.

"One last piece of business," Elijah said, speaking to Elena, "then we're done." He stepped backward and slowly turned around.

Trevor released a breath. "I've waited so long for this day, Elijah," he said as the man walked toward him, "truly very sorry."

"Well, no, your apology is not necessary," Elijah dismissed, smiling slightly.

Trevor nodded, his eyes continuing to stare at the ground. "Yes. Yes, it is," he said firmly. Elijah walked behind him. "You trusted me with Katerina." Rose wanted him to stop. "And I failed you."

Elijah walked in front of him. "Well, yes, you are the guilty one. And Rose aided you because she was loyal to you. That I honor," he glanced at Rose. He stopped in front of Trevor. "Where was your loyalty?" He asked the younger vampire.

Trevor swallowed. "I beg your forgiveness."

"So granted," Elijah smiled. Then he swiped Trevor's head from his shoulders. Rose screamed, clutching her chest as she felt her heart rip apart.

Elena's eyes were wide, a hand held to her mouth.

"You..." Rose stumbled down the stairs, glaring at Elijah with tears in her eyes.

"Don't, Rose," Elijah warned, uncaring of her cries. "Now that you're free." He turns toward Elena, holding out his hand. "Come," he prompts.

"No, what about the moonstone?" She asked, panicking as she tried to stumble backward.

"What do you know about the moonstone?" Elijah pauses.

"I—I know that you need it. And—and I know where it is," she stammers.

"Yes?" Elijah smirks, tilting his head.

"I can help you get it," she promises.

"Tell me where it is."

Elena shook her head. "It doesn't work that way."

Elijah opens his mouth and then closes it, slightly annoyed. "Are you negotiating with me?" He asked, raising an eyebrow in surprise. He looked over at Rose, wondering where this came from.

"It's the first I've heard of it," she deflects, her eyes red from crying.

Elijah looks back at Elena, searching her eyes. He realizes her can't compel her. "What is this vervain doing around your neck?" He asked, his fingers moving toward the necklace. He yanks it off, throwing it away. Elena gasps, turning her head away. He grabs her head, forcing her to look at him even as she tries to fight back. "Tell me where the moonstone is," he compels as soon as her eyes meet his.

"It's with Athena. She hid it," she told him.

He smirks a bit as his sister's name comes into play. "Where did she hide it?"

"I'm not sure. Nobody but Athena knows where it is," Elena replied which was sort of a lie. Lorelei knew too, but Elena could just not get her name out of her mouth despite the compulsion.

"Interesting," Elijah's smirk widens a tiny bit.

Glass smashes somewhere in the house and Elijah pulls away. Elena gasps, stumbling a little because of her dizzy spell.

"What is that?" Elijah wonders, looking over at Rose.

"I don't know," she said honestly.

"Who else is in this house?"

"I don't know!"

Elijah grabbed Elena and dragged her out of the room. "Move!" He demanded, forcing Elena up the stairs with Rose beside her. They got back to the entrance hall and Elijah listened, looking around.

Somebody sped behind him and he looked over there. Elijah shoved Elena into Rose. Another somebody sped from the right side of the stairs.

"Rose?" Elijah asked.

"I don't know who it is," she responded,

Somebody sped past them. "Up here," said a voice. Elijah sped up to a step below the landing.

"Down here," called another. Elijah spun around.

"To your left!" said one more. He looked to his left but nobody was there.

Suddenly, a stake flew into his hand. He sighed and grabbed it, pulling it out without even a grimace. His mouth twitched, listening. He tossed the stake over the railing.

When he looked down, he saw that Elena and Rose were gone.

"Excuse me," he called, walking down the stairs, "to whom it may concern. You're makin' a grave mistake if you think you can beat me." He paused, raising his arms up and looking around, "you can't. You hear that?" He ripped out the coat hanger from the ground. "I repeat, you cannot beat me." He ripped the extra parts off the coat rack. "I want the girl on the count of three. Or heads will roll." He ripped off the top part of the coat rack, creating a sharp wooden point. "Do we understand each other?"

"Oh, Elijah..." called back a voice that caused him to pause. To tense. For fear to strike his heart. A cold laugh echoed through the house causing shivers to run down his spine. "I think we understand each other... perfectly."

"ATHENA!" He shouted, looking around and listening for her, "come out! I'm not willing to play games with you!"

"Oh, but that is the only way that we will ever play, Eli," Athena's voice echoed in his ears like she was right behind him. He spun around but she wasn't there. "Or did you forget?"

He grits his teeth in annoyance. His younger siblings liked to play mind games with him after everything that happened almost a millennia ago. "Just come out! You did it all those years ago. This time isn't nearly as nerve-wracking," he shouted, aware that she could hear him, but wanting her to know that he truly wasn't willing to put up with her childish acts.

"Ah, yes, the first time you ever saw me with a woman." A laugh reverberated off the walls, ringing in his skull. "That was funny. I did miss your humor, I suppose."

Elijah smiled a little. "Come on, Lilly. Let me see you," he wished, his head on a swivel.

A creak to his left and he swung the coat rack toward it. It swiped nothing but air. "Missed me, pretty boy," Athena sang, appearing on his right and punching him right in the face. He stumbled too, caught off guard. He reached for her but she had already disappeared.

He snarled. "ATHENA LILLITH! My darling sorella... I do beg that you show yourself. Do you wish me to get on my knees?" [sister.]

"Well, now, that would be quite the sight, wouldn't it, fratello?" Athena laughed again and he shuddered. It sent shivers down his spine, sending sparks of adrenaline and anxiety into his heart. [brother.]

"Stop hiding from me!" He wished.

Athena appeared at the top of the steps. "Hello, Elijah," she said.

He spun around, his eyes alight when he saw her. He grinned softly. "You look as beautiful as ever," he complimented.

Athena tilted her head toward him. "Your hair looks cute like that. I think I like it," she said back.

Elijah sped up to her and she sped down. They appeared in each other's places. Elijah grits his teeth, "Lilly," he warned.

Athena smirked at him, giving him a wink before disappearing further into the house.

Elijah sped back down, moving to follow, but a creak at the top of the stairs stopped him.

"I'll come with you," Elena said. He turned his head slightly at her voice. "Just... please don't hurt my friends... Athena—she just wanted to help me out."

Elijah turns, looking up at her. He appeared just below her and she gasped, backing up a bit. "What game are you two playing with me?" He asked.

Elena's face took on a determined expression, uncrossing her arms and pulling the clip. She tossed the vervain grenade and lept out of the way.

Elijah screamed as the vervain touched his skin. He growled, looking up at Elena with a burned and blistered face. His face went back to normal quicker than Elena's ever seen.

Elijah shook his head, walking up the stairs. Stefan came down the stairs, shooting wooden stakes at him. None of which even deterred Elijah. He just kept coming up. Lorelei jumped down from the top, landing on top of Elijah and dragging him down the stairs.

They slid down the stairs and Lorelei grimaced a bit. Elijah popped back up effortlessly. He stared down at her, annoyed. She met his eyes which paused his advance. He stared at her, his eyes wide in shock and astonishment and maybe even pain. "Nipote," her murmured. Lorelei's eyes widened just a tad. [Niece.]

Athena drove the coat rack through Elijah's heart and Elijah roared. Athena stuck him to the door, meeting his eyes the whole time. Elijah jerked upwards, gripping the wood.

He looked at her, his eyes sad. "Nipote," he repeated before his skin grayed out and he went limp.

Athena let go of the piece of wood.

Damon helped Lorelei up who brushed herself off. Rose came speeding in, looking at Elijah and Athena. The redhead met her eyes. Rose gulped, body trembling as she felt swallowed—drowned—by the ocean staring into her eyes.

"He—He pardoned me," she stammered.

Athena gave a short nod, dismissing her, and Rose disappeared further into the house. Damon moved to go after her, but Elena's voice stopped him.

"Just let her go." She stood at the top of the stairs, breathing heavily. Damon smiled up at her, nodding. Elena gave him a small smile back. Stefan put a hand on her back which got her moving. She rushed down the stairs and into Lorelei's arms.

"Did he hurt you? You okay?" Lorelei asked worriedly. Elena didn't answer her, just buried herself in the girl's arms. Her eyes met Athena's and the redhead knew... she knew Elena knew.

Knew about the sacrifice.

Athena gasped a bit, her head spinning suddenly. She stumbled a bit. Damon rushed over to her, catching her before she fell completely to the ground. Athena groaned in pain, clutching onto Damon tightly. The vampire winced, feeling the bones in his shoulder shatter. Athena's whole body tensed, the feeling of cold, sharp knives stabbing into her worked up her thighs to her hips. She whined a bit, breathing heavily.

"Ma..." Lorelei said.

Athena's body untensed, the pain going away. She fell into Damon's arms, exhausted. "Shit. I'm fine. All good," Athena said, letting Damon help her stand up.

"What the hell was that?" Damon demanded, "and how the hell did you know this dude?" He gestured to Elijah who was trapped against the door, dead.

For the moment.

"Old friends," Athena replied, grimacing as she stretched out her back. "Don't worry about it. I'm fine."

"Don't worry about it? You're a vampire! You shouldn't be feeling spasms or whatever!" Damon argued.

"Damon," Athena said sharply, giving him a stern look. Damon deflated, frowning. "Girls, car. Now," she said, opening the door up. Damon jumped out of the way of the coat rack.

Lorelei nodded, gently helping Elena to the car.

Stefan walked down the stairs, his face screwed up. He watched Lorelei and Elena with a frown.

Damon raised his eyebrows and grabbed his brother, pulling him out of the house. They were done here.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

JEREMY WATCHED BONNIE sleep, noticing how peaceful she looked. A contrast to when she was awake. He heard the door open and his heart thundered. "Elena?" He called out loudly, hopefully. Bonnie woke up immediately at that, the two climbing out of bed.

They rushed downstairs, seeing Jenna and Bianca hugging her tightly, muttering things to her that either made Elena wince or laugh.

"Elena!" Bonnie exclaimed, relief flooding through her. Elena pulled back from the two women and turned toward her friend, smiling. She limped toward her a bit, Bonnie wrapping her arms around her. Elena grinned, placing her hand on the back of Bonnie's head, happy to be in her friend's arms.

"You okay?" Jeremy asked, his eyes a little teary.

Elena's eyes were teary too. She nodded as she looked at her little brother. "I'm okay," she promised, "I'm okay." She and Bonnie pulled away. "I got your message," she told the witch.

Bonnie smiled through her tears and hugged Elena again. They pulled away quicker this time and Bonnie stepped back to let Jeremy have a turn.

The siblings hugged, tighter than they probably ever have. Except for the night their parents died. Jeremy held the back of his sister's head, his other arm wrapping around her waist.

Lorelei watched them silently then turned to Jenna and Bianca. "Lei sa," she said. [She knows.]

Jenna's head snapped toward her, the smile on her face dropping as the color drained from her skin. Bianca closed her eyes, sighing. That was not how they wanted Elena to find out.

Elena pulled away from Jeremy, wiping her eyes. She turned toward her aunt and Bianca. "Did you know?" She asked, looking toward Jenna mostly.

Athena hovered around outside and Jenna met her eyes. Athena shook her head. Jenna looked back at Elena, "yes." Athena closed her eyes, clenching her jaw. That's not what she wanted Jenna to do, but, okay.

Elena frowned, staring at her aunt with betrayal. "And—and you were just... just gonna let it happen?" She demanded, her eyes watering.

"No," Jenna said quickly, "no, no, no." She reached for her niece, setting her hands on her cheeks, "Athena will not do it unless there is a way you can survive. You understand? She doesn't want you dead, she doesn't even want to go through with this. You just have to trust her, okay?"

Elena looked over at Athena who stared back at her solemnly. She nodded in agreement with what Jenna was saying. They haven't told Elena about Athena dying. Athena refuses to put that pressure on the girl 'cause knowing Elena... she'd let herself die if it meant the people she loves get to be happy.

"I do not blame you if you hate me, Elena," Athena said sincerely, tilting her head, "I was going to tell you. When I found a solution. If I hadn't... I would've told you still, but the ritual would not occur." She gave her a slight nod and then walked back to her car.

Lorelei hesitated, unsure of what to do. She looked at Elena, but the doppelganger couldn't meet her eyes. Lorelei nodded, "I'll see you all later," she said then disappeared out the door.

"I can leave too if you want," Bianca murmurs.

Elena glanced at her and then shook her head. She just needed time away from those two. From Lorelei. She hadn't expected any of this. Her friends knew she was supposed to die. Be sacrificed. And it looked like Athena was gonna serve her up.

"...but the ritual would not occur."

Could she believe that? Other than this, what has Athena truly lied to her about? Has Athena ever given her a reason not to trust her? No. Not really. Neither has Lorelei.

She just needed a night. To think.

"I'm gonna go to sleep. I'm really tired," she said.

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

"I KNOW THIS sounds crazy, but alcohol helps," Caroline said as she walked back into the living room where Hayley was sitting on a chair and Tyler was sitting on the arm of another. "Or, at least, it helps me." She poured three glasses. "You know, with all that inside jittery stuff."

Tyler nodded. "I'm hot," he said, taking his glass. Caroline handed Hayley hers and set the bottle on the banister. "It's like my skin is on fire."

"It's the fur beneath your skin," Hayley explained, "makes you run hot. You're a walking furnace." Caroline sits down beside Hayley's legs, taking a sip of her drink. "Your temper is gonna be worse than it was before."

Caroline nodded. "Your emotions are heightened. At the beginning, I was very, very emotional. Everything—everything was heightened." Hayley nudged her, scoffing a bit when she heard the tone hiding underneath that second 'everything'. Caroline smiled cheekily back at her.

Tyler nodded, "I have that." He glanced down at his drink then back up at Caroline, "how can you be a vampire?" He asked.

Caroline raised an eyebrow. "How can you be a werewolf?" She shot back.

Tyler sighed and got up. He set the cup down on the table. "Who else is like you?"

Caroline glanced at him. "Just me and Athena," she replied, "how many other werewolves are there?" She raised an eyebrow again. She's wondering if maybe Athena missed some. Some that weren't a part of her pack.

"I don't know, why don't you ask your girlfriend? As far as I knew, it was only me," he replied. "Well, and my Uncle Mason, but he left town."

Caroline nodded in understanding. "Look, Tyler," she said, getting up and setting her drink down. She moved toward him. "You can't tell anyone. Okay? Not about you, not about me. No one will understand."

Tyler nodded, "I know."

Caroline gave him a serious look. "I want to tell you about my mom and yours and the founding families and the council, but I need to trust that no one will find out about us," she said.

She loved Tyler, he was her best friend for the longest time, the only ex she actually liked. Even though he's done some messed up shit, she still loves him as a friend.

He didn't respond, just staring at her.

Caroline stepped closer, her eyes darkening a bit. "This is life and death, Tyler. If someone finds out and they come after her," she points to Hayley who was watching them closely, "or Athena, I will put you down and string your dead body up for your mother to find."

Tyler swallowed at the threat, his eyes slightly wide and more than a little terrified. He gave a firm nod. "I have no one else to tell," he said.

Caroline stepped back, giving him a slight nod.

"I'm sorry about earlier," he said, glancing between the two women, "it's just... I thought I was alone with this. It's gonna happen to me. On the next full moon, I'm gonna turn. And I won't be able to stop it." He swallowed harshly. "I'm scared, Care," he admitted, his eyes tearing up.

Caroline gave him a sad look and pulled him in. She let him cry into her shoulder, rubbing his back gently. Hayley watched on sadly. She knew what it was like, to be alone and unsure of what was going to happen on the full moon. She remembers the pain of her first shift like it was yesterday.

"I'll help you, alright?" Hayley said and Tyler turned his head to look at her, not exiting Caroline's warm. "I'll help you." He nodded. 

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

STEFAN HELD UP the emergency stake, glancing around. "Who's there?" He called out.

Rose appeared, stepping into the light. She tilted her head at him. "I'm not here to hurt you," she said.

Stefan's brows furrowed. "Why are you here?"

"Lexi once told me that you're one of the good ones," she said, shifting. She doesn't know if she can trust her old friend's word considering she also thought Athena was one of the good ones. Athena was anything but good. She was worse than Elijah and Klaus. She was terror in human form.

"You knew Lexi," Stefan said, his voice sad as he spoke his late friend's name. He missed her so much.

"Trevor was my best friend. For 500 years, I have lived with one person," she explained, "and he's gone." Stefan frowned a bit. "And I don't wanna run anymore because I don't have anywhere else to run to."

"Well, I'm sorry, but I can't help you," Stefan said.

"I don't need your help. But I think you need mine. Elijah may be dead, but this isn't over."

"What do you mean it's not over?"

"It isn't over," she repeated, "the Originals. They'll come for her. They have to. Athena's already here. They're doing it for him."

"For who?" Stefan asked, confused. His sister knew who was after Elena? Was helping them?

"Klaus."

┍ ∞ ○ ∘ ɹǝʌǝɹoɟ puɐ sʎɐʍlɐ ∘ ○ ∞ ┙

ELENA WALKED OUT of her bathroom, running a hand through her hair.

"Cute pjs," Damon said and she jumped, gasping.

"Damon," she muttered, placing a hand on her heart. "What—what are you... I'm tired, Damon."

Damon nodded in understanding. He got up and held his hand out, revealing the necklace Elijah ripped off earlier. Elena's eyes widened in shock.

"I thought that was gone," she said and Damon shook his head. "Thank you."

He nodded. "Here, I'll put it on," he said. She turned around and held her hair up.

"Can I... Can I ask you a question?"

"You just did."

"I'm serious."

"Alright," Damon sighed, "go ahead, Bambi."

Elena thinned her lips out and dropped her hair when Damon finished. She walked away from him, her fingers shaking slightly.

"Elenaaa," he drawled.

Elena sighed shakily. "How'd you... know?" She asked hesitantly, wincing.

Damon cocked an eyebrow, sitting down on the end of Elena's bed. "Know what? That I'm devilishly handso—"

"That your gay, dumbass!" Elena was quick to cut in, rolling her eyes at the man.

Damon's face changed. "I'm bi, not gay."

Elena gave him a look. "Okay, I'm sorry. How'd you know you were bi then?" She asked.

He raised an eyebrow at her and then patted the space next to him. Elena hesitated for a moment before sitting down. "I was young. There was this... boy. A son of a maid. He was cute and I loved playing with him as a kid. I didn't understand really. Back then, being anything but straight was a sin. A reason to be burned at the stake. The only person who knew was Athena. She had noticed, watching in silence, and protected me from our father when he caught me staring a little too long."

Elena frowned a bit.

"I felt comfortable around Athena all the time. I didn't care that she was a witch, I didn't care that she was interested in girls. I was too, you know? It was another thing to bond with my older sister with. We have the same type too, clearly. Brunette, protective, kinda crazy. Katherine. Anyway, she taught me that it wasn't wrong. That I just couldn't... tell anyone. Because others believed it to be wrong. But she told me this man in the woods—who she talked about all the time—had told her it was okay. Told her that there were others who liked the same sex. I didn't think much about that then—the man in the woods. We were young. Now though, I guess that was extremely weird," he laughed a bit.

Elena gave him a look. "Just a little, yeah. Has she ever talked about him again?"

"Um... yeah. About six years after we turned. I met up with her and she had told me she had found solace with the man in the woods. She never told me his name, but she told me he was like an older brother to her. I didn't find that too bad so we never talked about it again. Then some shit happened that caused all of us to fall apart—even more so anyway—and we didn't really talk until 25 years ago and... now, I guess."

Elena hummed, curious.

Damon shook his head. "We got so off track. Anyway, my first love was a boy. About a year before Katherine showed up, he died. Or so I thought. I just... I knew I liked him because every time he'd look at me... I'd get these butterflies, I guess, in my stomach. My heart would race, and my palms would get sweaty. I'd be nervous. I wanted to kiss him, hold his hand, and hug him. That's how I knew that I liked boys just as much as I liked girls."

Elena nodded, taking in everything he said. She pulled Lorelei's shirt further around her. She had put it back on after giving it a quick wash while she was in the shower—it was a really long shower—and it brought her comfort.

Damon eyed her silently for a moment, watching her hands twist into the material. "Does this have anything to do with a certain, I don't know, werewolf-witch?" He asked innocently, raising an eyebrow.

Elena's cheeks burned red. "No! No, of course not. No. Lorelei's—she's my friend. I'm not..."

"Bellamy was my friend too," Damon shrugged, smiling at her, "doesn't mean I didn't want to be more."

Elena's cheeks darkened if that was even possible. "Shut up," she muttered.

Damon's smile widened and he raised his hand in surrender. He nudged her shoulder, more serious now. "I know how difficult it is to... to come to terms with it. If that's how you are feeling, I'm... I'm here for you, okay? Forget about my brother and—and... I'm here, yeah?"

Elena turned to look at him, her eyes filled with tears.

Damon's own eyes had tears in them too. "You don't have to forgive me. You don't even have to be my friend. I understand that what I did to Caroline is... it's unforgivable. I don't deserve any of you. But... but if you need me, you just have to text me, or yell, or—or call. I'll be there."

Elena wiped her eyes, sniffling. She nodded. He leaned toward her slightly and when she didn't back away, he pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Goodnight, Elena," he said then disappeared out the window. 

AN: ELIJAH! he's here folks. shit is about to hit. the. fan. fr! hope you enjoyed!!

edited:
finished: 01/22/24
wc: 8957