v. A joker or two
FIVE, a joker or two
FOR AN EVENT named the Masquerade Ball Himari was expecting a more extravagant setting. Yes, the people were dressed formally with their fancy masks but it was lacking the spark a real Ball would have. There were no gowns, no grand rooms for dancing that had ceilings reaching the sky. Maybe, her expectations were set a bit too high, however, this would be the first event she would attend in years. She hoped for better next time around so hopefully Mystic Falls would deliver just that. She supposes It'll do for now. And anyway, she had other things to worry about... like making sure Katherine pulled her weight and stayed focused on the matter at hand, ergo getting the moonstone.
The vampire had already disappeared into the crowd in search of the Salvatores. Katherine knew the second she stepped foot into the Lockwood mansion, she was on her own. Himari would not take precautions to keep her safe and she made that very clear so Katherine needed backup. Another witch.
Now, of course, she didn't tell Himari about this. But Katherine needed security to feel at ease about whatever tricks Stefan and Damon had up their sleeves.
Himari was fully aware of the fact that there was another witch involved besides Bonnie. She felt the magic bouncing off the walls. It was unique in its own way and unavoidable and she knew it was Katherine's doing. She'd expect nothing less. She was under the impression that the Salvatores were going to be the only obstacles tonight. Unfortunately, things have become more complicated.
Himari's patience was being tested. Her anger slowly built up and reached its max. She settled on dealing with Katherine once and for all when this moonstone situation was over.
For the past half hour, she's been observing them. The Salvatores and the rest of their group. Himari knew they were nervous, perhaps even doubtful of their little plan not working out. Which was very probable. How could these people believe they had a chance against Klaus and not trust themselves with an opponent as minor as Katherine Pierce? They were doomed. The two brothers were tense and dare Himari say lacking confidence. Every single one of them was. It was a pitiful sight. Truly.
A waiter passed by with a tray of desserts in one hand and the other with drinks. Himari offered herself a glass of champagne and as she took her first sip, her eyes carefully skimmed the room. They landed on Bonnie Bennett who was with Jeremy Gilbert, the two were walking about with no direction just waiting for their next signal. Bonnie's demeanor changed in seconds as she looked down at her phone and left in a hurry.
The Kitsune narrowed her eyes, and her skepticism never faded away feeling a presence approaching beside her, she turned to see who it was. A pair of beautiful green eyes stared back at her — Stefan Salvatore.
Katherine had done her part, and the plan was now in motion.
Himari sent him a playful smile, a mischievous gleam danced within her eyes. A gold mask adorned her face, its detailed design resembling the sharp features of a fox, rhinestones tracing the outline of the eye and casting an alluring mystique upon her own features. Stefan's gaze lingered on her for a moment as if he was making sure this was the person Katherine said to look for. He couldn't deny the capturing beauty exuding from behind the mask. Despite that, he was suspicious no doubt and his guard was up. Was this a friend of Katherine and did that mean she was just as evil as the vampire?
"You must be Stefan." The witch began, noting the confused expression spread throughout his face. "Don't look so serious, relax. I only want to talk, but if I need to, I will use force."
He cleared his throat before speaking, trying to gain a sense of composure. "Ok, what do you want to talk about then?"
"Why don't you ask me to dance first?" Himari suggested, feeling a pair of eyes on them —Caroline Forbes. "It's best we avoid unwanted ears."
Stefan glanced at the blond across the room, who was watching them with a worried look. Deciding to play along, he offered the witch his hand before taking it, and she took it gracefully. Himari took one more sip of her champagne and placed the glass down on some random table. They walked outside, arms linked, to where most of the party was happening. This location was perfect. It was loud enough for their conversation to be drowned out.
"I'm sure I don't need to tell you what I'm after." She said, facing the vampire and unlinking her arm from his.
"The moonstone?" Stefan wanted to confirm.
"One point to you, Mr. Salvatore." She teased, placing her arms on his shoulders. This took him by surprise. "Where is it?"
"Why do you want it? Why does Katherine?" He asked, desperately seeking answers as to why this rock was so important to anyone. He didn't know what game she was playing at but he decided it was best to play along. He placed his hands at her sides.
"It's very simple. I need it." Himari tilted her head. "And as for Katherine, she's just following orders."
Stefan's interest was piqued by her vague explanation. "She is? I find that a little hard to believe since she does whatever the hell she wants."
"Anything is possible if you rule with an iron fist." She spoke metaphorically. It confused Stefan even more, but it pulled him in all the same. "Enough about her. I've had enough doppelgänger talk to last me another century."
He frowned. "Another century? How old are you exactly?
"It's rude to ask a lady her age," Himari dismissed his question with a light-hearted joke, attempting to brush off the subject. "I'm older than you if that's what you're wondering. That should give you an indication of just how strong I am."
Stefan's inquisitive nature got the best of him and he couldn't help but take a guess. "So you're a vampire?"
Internally, she scowled at his poor assumption. "Ouch. I'm a witch. Ten points deducted from you."
Despite the topic being serious, Stefan couldn't help but half-smile at her playful response. He wasn't too versed on witches and the extent of their magic, however, it didn't take a genius to know that living for centuries as a human was the result of dark magic or something equally powerful. The mysterious aura surrounding Himari intrigued him, leaving him stumped, trying to decipher her true nature. There was something more to her than she was leading on, and he found himself struggling to figure her out completely.
"Katherine says you know a way to kill Klaus. Is that true?" He introduced the topic of the Hybrid which caught Himari off guard.
She was under the impression that they were completely clueless about Klaus' existence.
Stefan noted the subtle shock.
"I do." She nodded, "You wouldn't have to worry about lifting a finger if you put your trust in me, Stefan. Think about it. Think of Elena's life."
Himari knew using the doppelgänger would get him to crumble like a sandcastle in between her fingers that she would build up and mold into whatever she saw fit. She felt him tense underneath her stare and a glimmer of hope ignited in her heart. He was beginning to contemplate accepting her help. He had to or else Elena would be condemned to an awful fate. Himari did not wish to see the girl die knowing she could've prevented it. She couldn't live with herself even after her mission was done.
"It's kinda hard to believe you right now since Katherine of all people is vouching for you." Stefan voiced his skepticism.
Himari's rolled her eyes. "Katerina means absolutely nothing to me. She's a scared girl trying to do whatever it takes to keep herself alive by doing what I told her to do. Lure you here. I'm no friend to her. She knows that. The only reason I'm here entertaining you and your friends is because I don't want to be seen as the enemy. But I admit you're making it quite difficult."
"So why not come to us alone?"
Himari's lips quirked into a wry smile. "Would you have given me the time of day if I did?"
Stefan could only look away.
"Where's the moonstone?" She tried again.
"How do you know Katherine?"
Himari let out an exasperated sigh. "You know you bring up my connection to Katerina and quickly jump to conclusions about my morality. It's unfair. I can admit attending this Ball with her hasn't been one of my brightest ideas but it's better than having some history rooted in love. Though you don't see me using it against you now, do you?"
She saw the telltale sign of her words striking a nerve as his jaw clenched. She didn't know the whole story between them and didn't care to learn it either. Obviously, things had ended poorly.
"You don't know what you're talking about," Stefan let her go, taking a step back.
"I know so much." She said with an enigmatic smile. "I know that you and Damon have been playing the same game with Katerina for over a hundred years. I know the resemblance she shares with Elena is what drew you both in, and now she's in danger, and you have no idea what to do. I know you're scared. I know Elena's not aware that you're here tonight or of the reality that is Klaus. Poor girl."
Stefan looked conflicted, there was fear peeking through his calm demeanor that he tried to conceal, but Himari saw right through him.
"I can offer you a deal that ensures Elena's safety. All you have to do is stop resisting and obey. You and your brother want her to live, don't you? I can guarantee that. I am no threat to her if anything I am a friend."
"How can I know that for sure?"
"Bonnie knows I'm trustworthy."
"You talked to her? When?"
"Does it matter?" The witch shrugged. "You trust her, therefore you should trust me."
Stefan looked down, buried in his thoughts. If Bonnie really did have a conversation with Himari about all this and it somehow resulted in an alliance between the two then he shouldn't dismiss her so easily. After all, Elena's well-being was all that mattered to him.
Himari closed the gap between them and gently grabbed Stefan's face, forcing him to look her in the eye. He suddenly felt powerless under her touch. It was soft, yet it sent shivers down his spine as if she held some otherworldly force. The world around them had faded, living the two in this intimate moment, as Himari focused on entering his mind.
"Let me in."
The witch's eyes glowed faintly, a memorizing blend of orange and gold highlights. Everything from his thoughts to his darkest desires was on display for her to read like an open book. It wasn't as intricate. She needed to be in her domain to have a more thorough insight. She could feel his desperation and the weight of the responsibilities he carried for the people he loved.
"Elena... How can you protect her?" His concerns echoed loudly.
"Tell me where the moonstone is," Himari dismissed his question without hesitation.
She navigated as quickly as she could, her expression was serene unlike Stefan's who was troubled and couldn't look away. Her gaze seemed to pierce through his soul.
"Bonnie... Bonnie has it." He revealed, unable to keep the truth hidden.
His words triggered a subtle raise of Himari's eyebrow, a barely noticeable shift in her demeanor. She released her hold on him, and he felt himself coming back to reality. The world around them resumed. He had let his guard down and now she knew everything.
"How did you do that?" Stefan questioned, trying to make sense of what just happened.
"I told you I'm a witch." She said as if it wasn't obvious already. "And you're of no use to me anymore."
Himari strode away, her determination burning brighter than ever as she sought to find Bonnie. It wasn't a surprise to her that the Salvatores planned this whole night around Katherine so it made sense they'd give the Bennett witch the moonstone. She's the only one who Katherine would never approach willingly. Making her way through the crowd, Stefan suddenly caught up to her using his supernatural speed, appearing in front of her.
His hands were up in a non-aggressive gesture, trying to stop her. "Wait— give me your word that you'll protect Elena and we'll go from there."
Himari couldn't help but grimace at his choice of words. It reminded her of someone she desperately wanted to forget. She wasn't in the mood to lay out every detail for him. "Deal or no deal, Stefan."
Just as the words were forming on the tip of his tongue, a frantic figure interrupted them.
Himari's eyes met Bonnie's. She seemed determined like always but there was a slight edge to her. Anger. It was directed at Himari for some reason. Then as the young witch got closer to the two, her movements slowed as her clenched fists unfurled at the presence of the Kitsune. It was then that Bonnie's expression softened. Standing there immobilized, her initial anger turned to one of recognition.
"Hello again, Bonnie," Himari greeted, her voice infused with amusement.
"You're her." She said immediately with confidence. Even obscured by the mask, the mystifying energy emanating from her was enough confirmation. "The fox, the one from my dream."
Himari sensed Stefan's eyes on her as his gaze switched between her and Bonnie. She knew he had questions but hopefully, with Bonnie announcing their previous interaction he would be willing to accept her help now.
"Wait, why are you helping Katherine? You said you wouldn't hurt us." Bonnie frowned, betrayal was written all over her face as she assessed Himari's presence.
"And I haven't," Himari's frustration bubbled to the surface.
Stefan noticed the pure confusion Himari was showing, making him turn to Bonnie. "What happened?"
Bonnie's attention remained fixated on Himari. "Elena's linked to Katherine so everything Damon is doing is also hurting Elena. Did you do it?"
The Kitsune scowled at the accusation, shaking her head vehemently. "There's another witch involved besides me. It's Katherine's doing, not mine, I have no intention to harm Elena as I've told you and Stefan already."
"Can you help us?" Stefan asked, his desperation was palpable.
Himari's eyes flickered between Stefan and Bonnie. This was her chance to prove to them she wasn't a threat to Elena. That she could be an ally against Klaus.
"Yes, I can," She wore confidence like no other. "But first I really am going to need the moonstone, Bonnie."
The young witch was caught off guard. How did she know?
"You can trust me, remember," Himari reassured taking a cautious step closer to the girl. Her voice was soothing in a way that eased the tension that hung in the air. All her approaches had been non-threatening so far. And still, uncertainty was evident in Bonnie's eyes. Trust was fragile, a delicate thread, that needed to be weaved carefully. But maybe, Himari was genuine.
Bonnie took a breath. "How do you know about the moonstone?"
"I told you I've been watching. I know a lot of things." Himari replied with self-assuredness.
Bonnie took note of Himari's unwavering confidence. There was something about her demeanor, a sincerity that resonated despite the secrecy surrounding the Kitsune. It was that same feeling she got in the dream. That same sense of familiarity and inclination to just obey blindly. Bonnie glanced at Stefan seeking confirmation and he simply nodded. In that, Bonnie found reassurance. The simple gesture from him encouraged her to follow her gut.
Himari saw the subtle interaction, curious as to what the young witch's next move would be. To her satisfaction, Bonnie pulled out the moonstone offering it to her. Hesitant as always. A glint of triumph danced within Himari's eyes as she accepted the moonstone in her hands. She held it delicately, this represented a symbol of surrender and an alliance in the making.
"Thank you, Bonnie." Himari voiced her gratitude.
"Now, you do your part." Stefan stepped forward, urgency laced in his words.
Himari gave a slight bow of her head, her expression unwavering. "Of course. Bonnie, you find that other witch and get her to unlink the doppelgänger. I'll deal with Katherine."
Bonnie nodded, determined. She left hurriedly in search of the other witch. Each step she took was filled with purpose, a sense of responsibility, and slowly she disappeared.
"Take me to her," Himari requested, her attention now on Stefan, who wasted no time in leading the way.
The two walked into the Lockwood Mansion, where people were still dancing and mingling with each other. Clueless about the world of supernatural living right underneath their noses. Himari's adrenaline was overflowing. The reality of finally obtaining the moonstone hadn't hit her yet. It was surreal. She waited years for this exact moment to have the upper hand. And soon she'd be steps ahead once she got her hands on what she came to Mystic Falls for.
Stefan led her up the stairs and into this hallway that had a room with its doors already open.
As Himari got closer to the scene, she saw two figures. Katherine sat comfortably on the couch with a nonchalant demeanor, her posture revealing nothing but manipulation. While Damon stood a few feet away from her pouring himself a drink. The tension was high within the room. Now more than ever since Himari arrived.
The Kitsune's gaze met Katherine's, it was filled with justified anger. It was no surprise that the vampire had gone behind her back, but Himari would've thought that maybe by instilling fear into her it would've made Katherine think before pursuing such idiotic schemes. She was wrong.
"Let me guess, you must be Himari." Damon broke the silence, taking a swig of his drink.
"And you're the other Salvatore." She briefly acknowledged his presence for a moment before returning her attention to Katherine. "You've got some nerve bringing another witch into this."
Katherine inhaled sharply, avoiding eye contact. "You gave me no choice. If looking out for myself is a crime, then guilty."
"And did your little friend manage to find the moonstone?" Himari pressed, her tone was masked with sardonic curiosity. She already knew the answer but watching the vampire respond with silence filled her with satisfaction. She was happy that Katherine's audacious gambit had ultimately failed.
"At least I'm not dead." Katherine casually shrugged.
"Yet." Himari quickly shot back.
Himari's threat shot involuntary chills down Katherine's spine. She knew there were years of pent-up anger for what she had done or rather what she let happen to Junpei. It was only a matter of time before all of Katherine's crimes finally caught up to her.
Himari was going to make sure the vampire regretted ever meeting her.
The Salvatores exchanged glances as they watched this interaction with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. It begged the question: What kind of history did those two share?
"Even though I would love to dive into whatever you two have going on," Damon spoke, sarcasm dripping from his voice. "We have bigger things to worry about starting with Elena."
He quirked an eyebrow at Katherine, drawing attention to her wounds which were also inflicted on Elena.
"Yes, the doppelgänger." Himari breathed, regaining her composure. "Bonnie's working on it and once the spell has been lifted I'll deal with Katerina."
Katherine stood up, eyes narrowing as she walked up toward the Kitsune, who was on the other side of the magical barrier. The vampire didn't like the sound of what Himari was implying.
"What do you mean?" Fear was evident in her eyes. A hint of vulnerability breaks through her nonchalant facade.
Himari clasped her hands behind her body, chin up while smiling condescendingly. "Exactly what I just said."
"You need me," Katherine said matter-of-factly.
"You misunderstand. I don't need a damn thing from you. You will rot in your own misery as you deserve once this night is over and I'll be there to watch every moment." Himari taunted, letting out a small laugh.
Stefan was beginning to understand Himari's situation with Katherine. While talking with her earlier, he had tried to decipher the relationship between the two women, but it didn't make sense. Not immediately anyway. Himari's distaste for Katherine was clearer now. There was deep-rooted hatred in her eyes any time she glanced at Katherine. There was no sense of friendship whatsoever. It was the same old story: Katherine had betrayed Himari like she's done to others so many times before. It was impossible for him not to sympathize with Himari.
"Whatever, I've survived much worse than you." Katherine walked away in defiance from Himari as she sat back down, toying with the stake in her hand.
"Have you? We shall see, we won't?" Himari's fixed gaze turned chillingly predatory.
"Can you two save the showdown for another time?" Damon interjected as he looked at Himari. "You. How we can know for sure that you'll keep Elena safe?"
"Ask Stefan." The witch responded curtly, her stare unwavering.
Damon directed his attention to his brother waiting for a further explanation.
"She and Bonnie spoke before this apparently and I trust Bonnie with Elena's life so we're in the process of making a deal." He says and Katherine lowly scoffs.
"In the process?" Damon repeated, incredulously.
"Correct. I'm proving to him— you, even Bonnie, that I am a friend. You shouldn't worry about my intentions. They are pure." Himari answered for Stefan.
"They're not going to give it to you," Katherine said, referring to the moonstone. Himari let out a chuckle, which confused her. She sat up in her seat completely disregarding the wooden stake to the side. "You have it..."
"Do I?"
The atmosphere shifted perceptibly, the air seemed to tingle with a newfound energy. Himari was the only one who could detect the absence of magic in the room. The invisible barrier keeping Katherine and Damon trapped in the room was gone. Bonnie had gotten the other witch to lift the spell which also meant Katherine was no longer linked to Elena anymore.
"Well, Do you?" Damon asked, curiously. Realizing the leverage they had was given away.
Himari only smiled, taking a step into the room. Katherine mirrored hers, fully getting up from the couch. The Salvatores shared wary glances, their apprehension was palpable. The witch got closer and stood face-to-face with the vampire, who was dripping was an unquestionable terror at the mere proximity they shared now.
All of a sudden, Himari slipped her mask off and tossed it to the side. "I want you to see the pleasure your suffering brings me."
Katherine was immobile, stricken with fear. There was a hint of the same evil she had been running from for five hundred years behind Himari's eyes. It spurred unwanted feelings she longed to forget but it was as if Himari knew that and she was using every tactic to wear Katherine down. The constant use of her old name and dangling her life in front of her like Klaus had done.
Himari focused as her eyes slightly glowed orange once again. Katherine felt a rising temperature beneath her skin as her blood reached a boiling point causing her breath to come quicker, and more ragged.
"Elena—" Stefan panicked, stepping forward.
"She's fine. I felt the spell lift. Damon can leave now if he wishes to. You both can go check on Elena." Himari responded coldly, keeping her focus fixated on her prey victim. "But one of you will need to come back to clean up the mess."
"Go," Damon said to his brother. "I'll stay back."
Stefan hesitated for a moment, unsure about leaving him behind. Damon gave him a reassuring nod that it would be fine and the younger one left in a hurry.
"Look at me," Himari commanded, crouching down to be at eye level with Katherine. She grabbed both of her wrists forcibly as the vampire groaned in pain as the witch dug her nails into her skin. "Do you feel that? The heat spreading through your body? Perhaps I could relieve you of the discomfort all you have to do is ask."
"Please! Stop this!" Katherine begged, pathetically. This was reminding her of her previous altercation with the witch centuries ago. And again, Himari had the upper hand. Katherine's vision blurred as sweat formed on her forehead. She tried to pull away from Himari's grasp but it was fruitless, her state was feeble.
The Kitsune concentrated and Katherine felt her body cool down for a moment — a deceptive respite from the torture. It was short-lived. It was instantly replaced by a new kind of agony. The sensation of choking on her own blood. Himari's grip remained tight as she watched the pure confusion and fright in Katherine's wide eyes.
Himari's control in this situation was shocking and a bit troubling in Damon's opinion. But he was fascinated by the way Himari controlled Katherine.
Blood began to pull into Katherine's eyes and ears as she cried out for Himari to stop. Amid the torture happening under Himari's hold. There was an odd feeling tugging at her. A distant voice trying to reach out and tell her that this brutal display of power was wrong. Himari has never listened to it before so why should she start now? And for Katherine of all people?
"Quit dragging it and hurry up," Damon says, uneased by the scene.
Himari knew he was right. She needed to end this but killing Katherine seemed like an easy way out. She needed her to suffer just like she had for five hundred years. Roaming the Earth alone without her brother, searching for some other purpose instead of living and waiting for her death that had been intertwined with Klaus' because that's all Himari was made for. She was not created to play make-believe about a life she couldn't attain.
Her bottom lip quivered involuntarily in frustration at the realization of the harsh truth about her existence. A sad reality she couldn't escape.
What would Junpei think of her?
Katherine's head fell limp, and soon the rest of her body would follow suit in a slow, agonizing descent. The pain had become too much for her to bear.
Himari watched the girl become lifeless under her hold, her features impassive. It snapped her out of her thoughts as she released the vampire and allowed her to collapse completely onto the floor. The witch rose to her feet, her expression remained stoic.
"She's not dead." She explained, turning to Damon, who seemed to have let out a breath of relief. "Do want you want with her. I'm done here. You can come find me when you decide if want my help or not."
Her voice was devoid of any emotion. He simply nodded in response.
With those words, Himari walked out, trying to regain her composure and set her thoughts straight. She needed to focus on finding what she came here for now. It was the last piece of this complex puzzle. As she made her way through the hallways and rooms, she noticed the party was over. A foreign feeling of disappointment became present. Some part of her wanted to enjoy this occasion and, relish in normalcy for once but that wasn't possible.
Reaching outside, the crisp air hit her. It was refreshing and she felt like she could finally breathe. It was nice, basking in the calmness. It was a contrast from the suffocating intensity that had occurred inside. She let out a sigh, her phone began to vibrate disrupting any sense of peace.
There was only one person who could be calling her at this time.
2nd ring.
Himari pulled her phone out of the pocket of her dress. She stared at the caller ID, thinking.
3rd ring.
Her thumb lingered over the buttons and before it could reach the fourth ring, she answered. A voice cut through the silence, a voice she both expected and dreaded.
"You just don't seem to give up, do you, Elijah?"
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