FOUR,         welcome to the devil's town!



HIMARI HAD A knack for disguising herself amongst the crowd. She liked to watch the chaos unfold from a distance and see the rise and fall of kingdoms as she tipped the first domino from behind the scenes. Hiding made it easier for her to observe and carefully calculate her next move without any mistakes. Mistakes weren't allowed. It gave her the advantage of learning all about her enemy's lives, their strengths, and most importantly their weak points. Figuring out someone's weakness interested her far more than how strong they were because it didn't matter. At least not to her. She believed once you knew how to break a person whether it be physically or mentally, the knowledge of their power was useless.

If she got her hands on your worst nightmare, your fears, hell even your insecurities, it would be enough to deteriorate your brain from the inside out and tug on your strings like a puppet. She's taken a nasty habit of using people as her pawn pieces in this sick game of revenge. She was aware of how bad it's gotten but that itch underneath her skin for violence was telling her to keep going and that damn voice she couldn't seem to shake. It was telling her she couldn't stop until justice was served to her on a silver platter.

That is what she deserved after all.

So Himari listened. She ignored the moral compass in her head yelling at her about how unrepentant she had become. Every heinous act she's committed so far, the bloodshed caused by her hands, everything would be worth it in the end.

It had to be.

And so here she was—Mystic Falls—keeping an eye on her new pawns.

The minute Himari stepped into this town, she could feel the magic flowing through it and it lead her straight to the only other witch involved in all this: Bonnie Bennett.

There was no doubt in her mind that the young girl had extraordinary powers. The Bennett bloodline was one of great strength, all she needed was someone to guide her in the right direction. She sensed that Bonnie didn't really have control, that she was afraid of her own magic for some odd reason. She was an outcast among her group of friends. And from what Himari could tell Bonnie had no one who understood her. There were no other witches in this town —besides herself but of course, no one knew that yet— who would take her under their wing. Which was sad, yes, but that feeling of isolation could be used to the Kitsune's advantage if she played her cards correctly.

The poor girl was surrounded by vampires so what a perfect opportunity for Himari to insert herself into her life little by little.

With the help of Dream walking.

It was one of Himari's favorite little tricks. To dive into a mind to make them see what she wanted them to see. And she needed Bonnie to see what would happen if Elena Gilbert were to surrender herself as of result of Klaus' own paranoia and fear of failure. Fear that he'd be bested by her. Bonnie needed to be warned of a future where Klaus does succeed. Many more would die in his journey to break the curse placed upon him long ago. To avoid the disaster of what was to come, the Kitsune could plant a prophecy in Bonnie's head of her little town becoming hell on earth if things were to go wrong so that Bonnie would have no other option but to trust and ask for Himari's help.

The Kitsune knows that trust is earned. It cannot be handed over so carelessly. She knew that better than anyone but she didn't have time to do side quests. Earning Bonnie's trust was one thing, earning the trust of those two Salvatore brothers was a different game. A very annoying one. She would try her best to get on their good side, though if that didn't work she'd just take the doppelgänger for herself until it was time.

Bonnie's eyes darted around as she was met with nothing but utter darkness. It was a void of sorts. She believed if she tried to call for help her own voice would be the only company she'd have. It was cold. She felt her heart sink when seeing ghostly spirits spread throughout this neverending plain. There were a million whispers. They were hushed and indistinct. But it was clear that some were scared and others were angry. That's when the fear was beginning to set in. Bonnie didn't know if this was one of those witchy dreams she always seemed to have when a new problem was about to reveal itself or if this was real. Either way, she wanted to leave.

"Do not be afraid."

At the sound of a soft angelic-like voice, the ghosts vanished into thin air as if they were frightened. It spoke from behind the girl causing her to turn around. Bonnie was met with a pair of umber eyes that instantly studied every detail about her. The red jewel on Himari's necklace had caught her attention as well. Familiarity struck Bonnie but from where?

It was silent for a moment.

Only a moment.

Before Himari offered a smile as if she were telling Bonnie she was satisfied with who was standing in front of her. This action stirred confusion within the young witch. She felt vulnerable, crossing her arms against herself.

"Who are you? What do you want with me?"

Himari ignored the first question. "I personally want nothing from you. No favors or requests just your trust."

"Trust?" Bonnie narrowed her eyes.

"Yes. It appears we share an enemy." The Kitsune revealed. She waited for a reaction, a light bulb to switch on in Bonnie's head.

Bonnie's breath hitched. "What do you know about Klaus?"

The Kitsune took note of the fear radiating off the girl. It was raw and unfortunate but inevitable, to say the least. The hybrid tended to ignite panic just by the mention of his name. It also told Himari they were not prepared to face him. These people were missing so many puzzle pieces. They were running like headless chickens, completely controlled by the anticipation of his arrival.

"I know more than you. More than your little friends," Himari says with contempt. "I've lived for five centuries carefully planning my first move in the shadows, waiting for the next doppelgänger to be born. Elena Gilbert, is it?"

Bonnie's demeanor changed at her best friend's name. Her jaw clenched as she took a step forward. "I won't let you hurt her."

Himari couldn't help but smile at her attempt at a threat. "Do not worry, I wish no harm to her or you."

"Then what? Why am I here?"

"I told you. I want your trust."

"That can't be it," Bonnie shook her head, skeptical of this stranger.

"But it is." The Kitsune said simply. "I need you to be on my side so when the time comes and I see you in my actual body outside of this realm you won't question my intentions like I know your friends will."

Actual? The witch titled her head. It clicked. "You're the fox. The one I've seen follow me around."

"Correct. I've been watching the mess that is Elena Gilbert's life unfold from a distance. I know your friends aren't any closer than they were yesterday to finding a way to kill Klaus once and for all. What you don't understand is that you alone cannot kill him without taking yourself out or without risking innocent people's lives in the process. It's suicide. It is not your job. I understand wanting to protect the people you care about but it is not your burden to carry," Himari explained, there was a hint of desperation laced in between her words. They needed to understand the dangers of their situation.

"You can't expect me to sit back and not do anything to help my friend. I have to at least try, don't I?" The Bennett's voice was beginning to strain. 

"You will die in the process. Is that something you truly want?"

"I can handle it."

"You're brave I'll give you that but you can't fool me," Himari tsked, moving behind Bonnie as she rested her hands on her shoulders. "Bonnie Bennett you've unknowingly opened your mind to me in this dimension. I see everything. Your fears, your thoughts, the things causing you sadness and pain. I know how much you care. I see your dreams. And you want to live, don't you?"

Yes, she did. She didn't want to die. She was scared but Elena needed her. Stefan and Damon were counting on her.

"You have so much to learn about yourself, your ancestry, and I'm going to grant you that opportunity to live. Such power cannot go to waste. You will not die," Himari reassured. At that moment, Bonnie felt as if someone was finally looking after her like a sister she didn't know existed until now. It was comforting in a way.

"How are you so sure that I will die if I attempt to take him out?"

"Because you are not destined to kill Klaus."

"Then who is?"

A spark of mischief presented itself in Himari's eyes. "Me."

Bonnie grew silent. She tried to understand how Himari could be the solution to all their problems and all she needed to do was trust this stranger with the lives of her friends. It all seemed too good to be true. There had to be some catch somewhere in between her words that hadn't caught. But what if there wasn't?

"What do you mean you're destined?" Bonnie questioned, furrowing her eyebrows.

"It's quite a long story that I do not wish to bore you with," Himari deflected, looking down.

"Why do you do that?"

"Pardon?"

"You ignored me when I asked you who you were and you're doing it again now. How do you expect me to trust you when you won't even tell me your name?"

Himari sensed the girl's frustration. It was valid. In any other situation, she would've mind controlled her. She was impressed by Bonnie's persistence despite the fear.

"It's Himari if you must know." She says with a smile. "And if you're truly interested in my story I will tell you when the time calls for it. How does that sound?"

"I can work with that. But I need to know how would you do it— Kill Klaus I mean," Bonnie asked, before giving her any indication that she was considering becoming an ally.

"That's where you come in. I need your assistance in finding... something," Himari began to circle the Bennett, taking note of the confusion her vagueness had caused. "It's bound to be hidden in one of Mystic Falls's crevices. Concealed by enchantments and spells no doubt. You would know this town better than I do."

There it was again. The secrecy.

"Something?"

"It's a key factor in all of this. Without it, Klaus cannot complete his ritual. It's the only advantage I have." Himari revealed, there was a spark of satisfaction within her knowing he could fail.

Those words unexpectedly lifted this crushing weight off Bonnie's shoulders. This was it. No one needed to die. But how can she know for certain that this wasn't some trick?

Himari noticed the hesitation on her part causing a bubble of annoyance in her chest. This was becoming more difficult than she expected.

"Listen, I know how this may look but when the time is right you will know why I kept everything confidential. I'm trying to help you, Bonnie. Believe me. I could've let you and your friends feel as though you had everything to defeat Klaus. I could've watched you walk right into his trap and die. If I truly wanted to hurt you I'd kill you right now and no one would ever know. But here I am telling you I'm going to carry out the task of killing the abomination once and for all so you won't have to. Is that not enough?" Himari stopped so she could be face-to-face with the young girl once again. Bonnie could feel the irritation radiating off her, she felt uneasy in her presence all of a sudden.

There was something about Himari that was unnerving. Maybe it was the soulless stare when she tried to smile to appear less harmful, or the amount of powerful energy flowing off her that was overwhelming Bonnie just by being in her presence. If Bonnie wanted to try to fight against it, she couldn't. Himari had to be something more. A species greater than just a regular witch. That had to be the only explanation for whatever this strange feeling was. It was telling the young girl to mind the person in front of her but with caution.

"I want to believe you..."

"But?"

"But I'm worried that you'll betray me. That's the last thing I need right now."

Himari's eyes unconsciously softened. "I am no enemy to you. I swear it." She took the young girl's hand, letting her feel the magic that bonds them together. A warm sensation spread to Bonnie. Comfort. Protection. Recognition. As witches, they have to look out for each other because who else will? They were a community, they speak this language no one else can understand except them. That's what Himari was doing, talking through the magic, letting Bonnie acknowledge that rare connection between them despite only meeting today.

Himari let go hoping it would be enough to convince Bonnie.

"Okay..." Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper lost in the wind.

Himari exhaled, finally. "When you return, your memories from here will disappear. They will be restored when you're in my presence again but until then I want you to continue to live your life as you did before. And I need you to keep a close eye on that doppelgänger for me."

A mixture of sadness and confusion hit the young girl. "I won't remember anything at all? Why? Isn't it better for me to know? So that I can start looking for this thing you need."

"I will let you know when to start searching... I need to sort out a couple of miscalculations first." Himari informed, her voice was harsh. The Kitsune held out a hand prompting Bonnie to shake it. "Do we have a deal?"

Bonnie felt inclined to agree. "Yes."

And it was on to the next quest.

It was mid-day now and the people of Mystic Falls were operating fast. It seemed as if everyone was on a tight schedule. But usually, when an event like a Masquerade Ball rolls around in such a small town, it didn't surprise Himari at all. If anything, It was entertaining to watch certain people play a losing game. They huddle and come up with plans all while little Elena Gilbert knows nothing and is left completely in the dark. How secretive. It was a matter of time before the Salvators foolishly showed their cards and everything fell apart. Himari didn't think they'd be so stupid to blindly believe this night would go as they planned, though she guesses when gambling you're bound to end up with a Joker card or two.

One being Katrina Petrova. Or is it Katherine Pierce these days?

Himari would be lying if she said she hadn't thought much about the vampire since the day of her ritual. The memories constantly plagued her mind, they were followed by rage and a restless yearning to know what happened to her brother that night. That feeling of loneliness through the centuries was a reminder that she couldn't let Katherine walk free after everything was said and done. She would get answers one way or another.

But not now. Maybe later...

There were bigger things at play here. The fate of the balance of nature was practically in her hands and she couldn't be distracted.

The buzzing of her phone knocked her back into reality, Himari sat there in an unfamiliar chair just waiting. She stared, unconcerned, and let the phone continue to ring until the screen went back to normal, adding to multiple missed calls from an unsaved number she had been ignoring. She would get back to them when she felt like it. The sound of approaching footsteps, heels to be exact, caused a rush of adrenaline to spread throughout the witch. With a devilish grin, Himari cloaked herself and again waited. The doorknob turned slowly almost with caution as if they knew she was in there. Regardless, in came Katherine Pierce with a load of shopping bags.

Himari remained hidden until Katherine was vulnerable and then decided it was time to reunite with an old foe and reappeared. "Back from your long day of terrorizing the town, Katerina?"

The vampire instantly dropped the dress she had pulled out from the bag to try on. She took a few steps back, hitting the mirror behind her. She never expected Himari to show herself in a million years because she's supposed to be dead along with her brother. Klaus should've killed them that night. So why— How is she here? This had to be a figment of her imagination.

Himari relished in the pure fear and shock Katherine was displaying by her appearance just how she imagined their reunion would be. The witch had the upper hand like always.

Himari smiled, feigning innocence. "Why that somber look? Didn't you miss me even a little bit?"

Katherine was speechless. Frozen in place while her breath fastened as the witch observed her like a predator to prey. She had to say something. "How... How are you here?"

"Alive, you mean? Well, If my memory serves me right, my mother killed me so I could be reborn and the next thing you know I woke up surrounded by my dead coven. It's all very tragic. You know I wondered for years who did it. Tell me, do you know?" The witch had gotten up from the chair, an accusatory tone in her voice.

"It wasn't me. I swear." The vampire shook her head. "I didn't stay long after I found out I was no longer linked to you. I ran like hell."

Himari hummed in response. "Something you're very good at I've gathered. Who are you running from this time?"

Silence. It was obvious.

"Oh, don't tell me it's Klaus," Himari stifled a laugh, moving to sit on the bedroom bench. "Still after so long? How exhausting."

"I underestimated his talent to hold a grudge." She said, through her teeth. Not wanting to participate in this conversation and instead looking for an escape. She knows how this ends for her.

The Kitsune thought back to when she was spying on the whole town and noticed Katherine was very close to Mason Lockwood. She wondered about the story behind those two, how could they have possibly met without the vampire having some ulterior motive?

"And you came to Mystic Falls? The place where the human doppelgänger currently resides? Where Klaus is bound to show up at any moment? You're hiding information... Tell me." Himari urged, her eyes darkening.

"I want to offer up Elena and strike a deal with Klaus so I can finally be free from him," Katherine revealed, unable to control her words from spilling out. 

Himari was not surprised by this. It was in Katherine's nature to be selfish and toy with people's lives for her own gain.

"So you tricked that Lockwood, who Damon Salvatore killed, into getting the moonstone for you, is that right? Promised him a dream of lies and everything sweet," Himari tilted her head, trying to piece everything together. "You turned Caroline Forbes into a vampire as well. Oh, you've been quite busy, Ms. Pierce. You've got yourself a doppelgänger, a vampire, the moonstone but where's your werewolf?"

"Tyler Lockwood will work," Katherine says, straightening her posture. "He just needs to trigger his curse... and I don't exactly have the moonstone anymore."

Himari furrowed her eyebrows. "Why is that?"

"The Salvatores have it— they took it." She said tight-lipped as she crossed her arms in frustration.

"Mhm... Those two, I see." The witch thought for a moment. The brothers have a skill for making things complicated especially Damon Salvatore from what she gathered. He'll do anything to keep Elena safe which worked in her favor. She contemplated her next move if she should even entertain the idea of helping Katherine. It would mean going to the Masquerade Ball which was bothersome. But it was the perfect opportunity to finally make an entrance. In a public setting at that so if things do get out of hand at least an audience would be present to keep everyone at bay.

"Listen, I know you hate me and that's fine. I get it. But we both want the same thing: Klaus dead. We can do that by working together and getting the moonstone tonight. I doubt Stefan and Damon would give it up without a fight..." The vampire's voice trailed off.

"I can get the moonstone but no one would enjoy the measures I'd go through to get it. Not even you," Himari stood up, approaching the vampire. "Let's get one thing clear. If I go to this Ball you will need to understand that I'm not getting the moonstone for you or your freedom, but for me. You'll also be getting it for me. Not yourself. So don't think about double-crossing me. Is that understood?"

Katherine inhaled sharply before nodding.

"Great." The Kitsune began to walk around the room. "Now I've devised a plan and I've already gotten that Bennett witch under my hold. All I need..."

Himari's voice became a whisper and Katherine couldn't decipher what she had said.

"You talked to Bonnie?" Curiosity flared in the vampire.

"Of course I did. About what? It's strictly witch business," Himari says, making it very clear she doesn't want to disclose information.

Katherine noted her secretiveness. There were so many questions to ask but she knew it would be pointless to search for answers. She watched the witch play with the various miscellaneous objects on the vanity. "So you'll help me then?"

"If you wish to see that way."

Himari is not an ally to Katherine. She'd toss the vampire to the side the second she got her hands on that moonstone. She didn't care what happened to her or any other person involved who got in her way. In the end, she only had herself so she would go through this alone. She didn't need help from anybody, but it seemed like everyone else needed it. Pathetic.

"I have a question," Katherine prompted, gaining a bit of confidence.

Himari turned to face her with a hand gesture, urging her to proceed.

"If you didn't die, where have you been these past five centuries?"

"Preparing. Learning control."

"Okay... cause that's not vague at all," Katherine muttered under her breath, rolling her eyes.

"I'd ask about your whereabouts but I don't particularly care to know." The witch shrugged. "Now I have a question. Do they know the sun and moon curse is not real? That it's a hoax...?"

"No— No, they don't."

"Good. Let them continue believing it."

Katherine simply nodded in response. She's always wondered how exactly Himari would be able to take on Klaus. Yes, a witch can use as much power as they want but it'll kill them in the end. Bonnie was going to attempt it that way. There had to be something else. Another variable. Himari appeared to be full of confidence like she had an advantage under her sleeve. Katherine wanted to know what it was. Maybe she could get to it first.

"What are you thinking about, Katerina?" Himari asked out of nowhere. Her gaze grew cold and intense, she looking through the vampire like she was glass. Everything was on display.

"I'm just wondering how do you plan on killing Klaus?" The vampire quirked an eyebrow and quickly changed subjects. She hated feeling weak.

"Does it matter how I do it?" Himari blinked, deflecting. "You only care about surviving."

Katherine looked away from the truth. "And are you going to allow that?"

The witch said nothing in return. Instead, she let the silence swallow Katherine whole. She wanted her to shake with fear at the possibility that might not make it out alive. Dangling Katherine's life in her face was the only assurance she had to trust the vampire wouldn't try anything disingenuous. It would make everything a little less stressful than it needed to be.

Himari walked past her and over to bags of different clothing, looking through them. She took various dresses, a couple of shoes, and fancy jewelry out. Her eyes sparkled with child-like wonder instead of the mischief that usually resides in them. Katherine watched, stuck in place, having no idea what to do.

The witch picked up a blue dress and measured it against her body. She scrunched her nose before putting it back. "Do you believe the Salvatores are going to be an easy fight?"

"No— I mean I could take them on by myself since I'm older but it'll still be difficult." The vampire explained, stepping closer to Himari.

"They both are in love with Elena Gilbert, correct?" Himari inquired, noticing Katherine tense at the mention of the other doppelgänger.

"Yes."

"I can work with that..." Himari says, "Now are you aware that she has no clue of what's going on?"

Katherine shook her head.

"If they're keeping her in the dark it means they're planning something against you tonight. Elena's made it very clear that she's playing by your rules... I mean how could she not? You forced Stefan and her to break up and made her aunt stab herself. Jealousy doesn't look good on you," Himari chuckled, "It's rather silly pursuing a man who doesn't want anything to do with you."

"By his choice of girlfriend, I'd say he hasn't gotten over me," Katherine argued, obviously hurt by the witch's words.

"Delusion at its finest."

"Do you have a plan or not?" The vampire switched the topic and sat down as her shoulders deflated.

"I do. But do not expect me to look after you when this all goes down."

Himari knew this wasn't going to be easy. Everything was already too good to be true with having every single factor she needed in this small town of all places. Some things were bound to not go her way and that was fine. There would always be a backup plan if the last one didn't work. There would always be strings to pull to get what she wanted. In this case, Katherine would serve as a distraction to one of the Salvatores while Himari took the other. Separating those two would be their best chance at obtaining the moonstone. But she had to think about the others. Those pesky friends who couldn't seem to mind their business.

They would be a problem.

Letting Bonnie in on her plans beforehand could potentially help so Mystic Falls suffers from fewer casualties.

It was only a matter of time. Absolutely nothing could go wrong tonight.