SEVEN, miscalculations

      ELENA GILBERT'S DISAPPEARANCE sent everyone who cared about her into a panic. But what else did they expect? She was the human doppelgänger after all and people were going to want her for a multitude of reasons, the main one being for Klaus Mikaelson. To offer her life in return for their own. It was a twisted mindset to have and when fear overpowers your morality, what can you really do except try to survive? Even the noblest hearts are driven to commit desperate acts. Stefan and Damon Salvatore had to learn one way or another just how far people would go to save themselves. They thought that by keeping Katherine prisoner in the tomb there would no longer be any threats looming over them and most importantly, Elena's life.

She was safe now.

Or supposed to be.

Had Klaus taken her right under their noses?

The news of her disappearance had caused a churning sensation in Stefan's stomach. His whole world had been flipped upside down. He didn't know what to do. This helpless feeling was suffocating him and he could only imagine what Elena must be going through. Damon, on the other hand, was drowning in guilt for dismissing Katherine's warnings so causally.

After so many lies and acts of deceit from Katherine, how was he to know she'd start telling the truth at the most convenient time? He was afraid of falling for one of her traps again. Maybe if he had chosen to listen this time none of this would've happened.

Since the mention of Klaus and his threat to Elena, they have yet to figure out why he even wants her to begin with. Yes, she's a doppelgänger but what does that have to do with him? How exactly did their two existences intertwine with each other?

A question the Salvatores were trying so hard to find an answer to. Every possibility they could think of ended in more questions. Things just didn't make sense.

"What else did she say?" Stefan asked, concern evident in his voice.

"Just that Elena's in danger... and we should probably start playing nice with Himari." Damon recounted Katherine's cryptic message.

Stefan rubbed his forehead, sighing, realizing they never officially gave the witch an answer. They couldn't. She had also disappeared soon after her intense confrontation with Katherine. 

"Did Himari say anything to you before she left?"

"Well, after she had her fun. She said to come to her once we made our grand decision," Damon quipped.

Stefan thought back to the moment Himari went inside his mind to look for answers about the whereabouts of the moonstone. She did it effortlessly and in a matter of seconds. If she could take what she wanted that quickly then she should have no problem finding Elena, right?

The younger one of the two furrowed his eyebrows, picking up on his brother's sarcasm. "Fun? What do you mean?"

Damon's mind replayed vivid images of Katherine's suffering as her body surrendered to Himari's power. "Let's just say our new witch friend has a creative way of making a point. I saw Katherine bleed profusely from her eyes and mouth. Not saying that she didn't deserve even a little bit of the torture, but forgive me for having a healthy dose of skepticism. I mean, do we even know what she really wants?"

"No, she's been elusive about her motives." Stefan's lips thinned, and his thoughts were scattered. "What I do know is that she was very determined to find the moonstone. She went as far as to look inside my head for it and..."

Damon seized onto the dawning realization on his brother's face. "And what?"

"Bonnie had a conversation with Himari before all of this— Himari communicated through a dream of some kind but when they talked in front of me it was like Bonnie had no recollection of Himari up until that moment," Stefan explained as he tried to fit the puzzle pieces together.

"So?"

"So what if it's one of her tricks, Damon? She got into my head and Bonnie's. That means if she can easily do that then she can find Elena with no problem."

"Great. Now you're saying this new witch can invade people's minds in dreams like she's some supernatural Freddy Krueger, and to top it off, she can do it in the middle of a public setting without raising an ink of suspicion. And not to mention Bonnie's the only one who could potentially know what Himari wants. That's just music to my ears." Damon retorted, a frown etching his features, clearly dissatisfied. His relationship with Bonnie wasn't the greatest.

"I know it sounds unsettling but listen we need to put whatever doubts we have about Himari aside and focus on finding Elena before it's too late. Understand?" Stefan waited for him to argue but Damon only seemed to nod to appease his brother's concerns.

"And how, pray tell, do we plan on doing that?

Stefan made a gesture with his hand. "We get Bonnie to accept the deal on behalf of all of us."

"Why her? Why can't we go to Himari directly?" Damon inquired, frustration leaking through his voice.

"Because... She'll feel less threatened if it's just Bonnie. They know each other somehow, they have a connection, and It's the best approach we've got." Stefan said with a knowing glance. "And no offense but you and I both know subtlety and diplomacy aren't your strong suits."

Damon huffed in annoyance. "Where are thing one and two anyway?"

Stefan rolled his eyes, his brother's nickname for the witches not going unnoticed. "Bonnie's looking for her right now. She promised to update me if she found her. She can't be too far."

Neither Bonnie nor Stefan were sure how exactly they were going to find Himari considering they never even exchanged numbers. However, if Himari truly wanted to be found she'd make her presence known to them. The idea of Himari being behind Elena's sudden disappearance had crossed their minds, but then it would raise the question: If Himari had the power to take Elena all along, why put herself through the charade at the Masquerade Ball? It wouldn't make sense. It had to be more complicated than that.

Stefan recalled Bonnie's words from the night before during her conversation with Himari.

"You said you wouldn't hurt us."

They served as evidence that Himari had no intention of hurting any of them. So why the secrecy? What was she hiding?

Stefan let the question linger in his mind for what felt like hours on end, there were so many possibilities of what this forming alliance could lead to. It was already beginning to build on distrust and manipulation and that's all thanks to Himari's brittle framework. The cards were barely stable, all it would take was a mere gust of wind to make them crumble.

Himari couldn't seem to shake the feeling that something was wrong. There was this slight prickle in the back of her head that seemed to call for her attention but she dismissed it. She assumed it was that same persistent voice clamoring for recognition. It resembled a distant echo, constantly getting drowned out by the other myriad thoughts inundating her mind. Perhaps, it was another warning from Keiko to tread lightly around these new people. Himari knew this already. She knew better than to trust this town. She knew in the end she was alone. So once again, the voice was forgotten.

And anyway, there was something else occupying her thoughts.

After the Masquerade Ball, she noticed that a certain group of people were tense and on edge. They were distracted and at first, the witch found this behavior strange because they had nothing else to worry about. Katherine had been dealt with. But then, a message from Elijah answered all her questions— Elena had been taken and they needed to talk. How convenient.

The news of the doppelgänger's disappearance was the sole reason Himari's in some sketchy alleyway waiting for the Original. A part of her was nervous to see Elijah again. They hadn't spoken to each other in a while due to their plan of going separate ways temporarily until one of them found the human doppelgänger. Himari, of course, succeeded. She deliberately failed to mention this to Elijah. Which she can imagine hurt him a little, but she couldn't find it in herself to care.

"How has Mystic Falls treated you so far?" The Original makes his presence known, causing Himari to casually turn around.

She was getting major deja vu. "Katerina is stuck in a tomb, so I'm wallowing in her misery."

His lips curved into a half-smile at the witch's humor. In the past two decades, he'd noticed that the times she'd expressed something resembling happiness were rare. As twisted as it may seem, seeing Himari slowly make those who have wronged her pay was entertaining. By the look of satisfaction on her face, Katherine's imprisonment must've been her doing.

He wouldn't have expected anything less.

"I fear that wasn't all Katerina endured for her crimes." He stated as he drew closer.

"Death would've been too kind," Himari merely shrugged, her gaze unwavering, and her tone devoid of any sympathy.

A pause.

Elijah's demeanor had shifted subtly. His eyes narrowed, and his expression had turned impassive. He was only inches away from her now. Himari fell victim to his cold gaze, she could tell he was dissatisfied, not angry, with the way she had made no attempt to mention the existence of the doppelgänger.

"Amid your little games, did the thought of informing me about the doppelgänger fail to cross your mind?" He asked, now circling Himari as some cheap shot of intimidating her.

The witch's eyes followed him, showing she wasn't afraid. "I was gaining their trust... I didn't want any distractions."

He lightly scoffed, not believing her. "Am I a distraction now? We made a deal."

"I'm aware of that, Elijah." She exasperated, unsure as to why he seemed so hurt by her lack of communication. "I've just been busy. Gaining these people's trust has been proven to be quite difficult— it's as if they have everything figured out while knowing absolutely nothing. They're being stubborn, and it's annoying."

"And how is that going?" He quizzed, appearing interested.

"They've yet to accept my offer to them," Himari admitted, losing his gaze for a moment. "But with Elena disappearing I'm positive they'll be willing to move forward with it. They need a witch on their side— a good one. Bonnie still has a lot to learn."

"Bennett?"

Himari simply nodded. "Correct. I've been getting close to her in hopes the rest will follow suit."

Elijah was more curious than ever. "How?"

"My favorite trick in the book." She told him with a smug smile.

Dream walking, The Original recalled. "And a bit of persuading, I'm guessing?"

"As always."

Elijah Mikaelson has never met a witch quite as extraordinary as Himari in all his years of living. He often wondered, if she wasn't on this path of revenge rooted in hatred before she was even born, the good she would contribute to the supernatural community. Instead, her power is being wasted on petty endeavors to take down his brother. But he realized the hypocrisy in that. He was a factor, an enabler, of her actions in a way. So to say he wanted better for her would mean he'd have to stop chasing Klaus to the ends of Earth too.

Rather than doing that, he completely dismissed the thought.

"I have a peace offering," Himari suddenly announced, pulling out the moonstone in all its glory and showing it off proudly.

The Original lips parted, shocked that she managed to attain one of the important pieces to break the curse all by herself.

"Whose corpse did you pry it off of?"

"If I take another jab at Katerina, I'll start feeling bad." She responded with a playful jest, watching Elijah eye the magical stone like it was the most precious thing in the world.

The Original couldn't help but be impressed by her resourcefulness. With this, they had an advantage over Klaus. All they needed to do was keep the doppelgänger safe but it seemed that might be impossible if her friends weren't willing to cooperate.

"I know where the doppelgänger is," Elijah revealed, watching for Himari's reaction.

"That doesn't surprise me. Why else would you be here?" She says, putting the moonstone away. "Have I earned your trust again for you to share her location with me?"

"You never lost it." He assured her. "And as for her location, I'll give it to you when I arrive there first. This way when those friends of hers come to you and hopefully, accept the deal, you'll know exactly how to help."

"And you?"

"What about me?"

"Will you be going as well?" Himari asked, referring to the location.

"I plan to."

There was something in his eyes the witch recognized all too well. It was revenge. She pitted the person trying to bargain their life for Elena's. She simply nodded, asking no further questions about his secret vendetta. Elijah couldn't be talked out of doing things he was set on so Himari found it pointless to persuade his mind.

Elijah had one more thing on his mind. "Have you found it?"

"Unfortunately, no," Himari grew serious at the switch of topic. "Though I can bet it's in one of those old Bennett grimoires, or perhaps the Original witch herself may know where it's located?"

Elijah's posture stiffened at the mention of his mother— Esther. If anyone knew it was her. But there was no way of contacting her, Klaus made sure of that years ago.

"Might I remind you that she's dead," He cautioned, confused as to why Himari would even bring her up. She had better odds of attaining those grimoires than ever speaking with Esther.

"And I'm a witch." She stated, "I can commune with the deceased, the spirits, ancestors—whatever you wish to call them. I can talk to her. It would speed up the process, Elijah. We cannot afford to let him get to it first. You know this, don't you?"

"You do realize the potential consequences of striking deals with the departed, don't you?" Elijah's tone was full of disapproval as he countered.

"I believe It's worth the risk." She insisted.

"You don't know my mother. She'll undoubtedly demand something in return." He tried to warn her.

"Then that's for me to worry about."

Himari watched him intently, waiting for him to argue with her about the dangers she was walking right into if she decided to go through with this. But Elijah only stared back at her, a mixture of confusion and perhaps, even concern. She was unsure. She couldn't decipher his true emotions. However, it didn't really matter because she had no intention of asking him for permission.

The witch mocked surrender, putting her hands up. "Just because I can see you're so close to popping a vein, I won't do it, alright?"

Inwardly, Himari couldn't help but think what was left of Elijah's humanity sometimes clouded his judgment, keeping him from fully grasping the gravity of their situation. A part of her suspected he was holding on to hope that his brother would make amends somehow. She couldn't have that and she needed Elijah consumed by fury and vengeance to ensure he'd uphold his end of the deal or else she'd hate to see their oath crumble and watch the magic do its job.

Elijah felt himself let out a breath. He would rather not risk speaking to Esther and just find the artifact himself.

"I will find you the location, Himari. Do not go gamble your life just yet." He says, and the witch finds humor in his choice of words.

"Yet?" She questioned, "When do you consider it would be the most appropriate time?"

He only smiled finding amusement in the way she picked out his words. Himari was an observer and he knew this to be a fact with all the time they had spent together. It's one of the reasons he had to be careful when speaking, he couldn't let the wrong things slip out.

The witch eyed him intently, waiting for an answer but it never came. The rise of doubt began to present itself at her core. Doubt about his intentions and this alliance. She accepted it was too good to be true a long time ago, and ever since that night, she has waited for the day Elijah finally revealed his true plans.

"I suppose that's my cue," Himari broke the silence, uneasiness solidified within her core as she bid her farewell. "The location, Elijah. Soon."

The ever-present prickling in the back of Himari's mind has grown more intense as she made her out from behind the Mystic Grill's building. This wasn't a normal headache. She didn't feel dizzy or like she needed to lie down somewhere— it was an echo that grew louder when nearing the cause of it. Basically, another witch was moving her strings like a marionette and leading her straight to the source of magic. Any doubts that were overcasting Himari's thoughts from her previous encounter were quickly dismissed as she caught sight of Bonnie Bennett.

The Kitsune stopped momentarily and looked through the window at the younger girl, who seemed to be trying really hard to find her. Seeing her struggle, Himari entered the Grill and walked up to her.

"You found me. Impressive," Himari praised, watching the pained expression cease from Bonnie's face and shoulders relax all at once just by her mere presence.

"Why weren't you inside?" The Bennet asked immediately.

"I needed some fresh air." She said simply, scanning the room for an unoccupied table the two of them could converse at. "You look like you could use a break. Perhaps some food and water can help."

Sitting down, Himari gestured for Bonnie to join her. After eyeing the Kitsune weirdly for a second, Bonnie decided to get straight to the point. "We need your help. Elena is missing."

This was it.

Himari furrowed her eyebrows, feigning worry, "Missing? Since when?" She inquired, giving the young girl her undivided attention.

"Since yesterday— the masquerade ball. She wasn't at school this morning, she didn't wake up in her own bed." Bonnie explained, her voice laced with sadness at her friend's disappearance. "So that's why I'm here. To accept the deal on behalf of everyone, and once it's done, you have to find Elena."

"I can do that. I will do that. But first, I'm intrigued by that little trick you did earlier— you know making my head pound," Himari says, resting her chin in her palm.

Bonnie's confusion was evident. The dismissal of her words was strange, to say the least. It was as if Himari didn't sense the urgency of what Bonnie said— like she didn't care.

"I needed to find you so I did," Bonnie began, realizing Himari was expecting an answer. "I thought back to the moment you came to me in my dream and how you showed me I could trust you. I remembered that feeling, your aura, and it led me to you, here at the Mystic Grill, which you weren't inside of."

Himari's expression changed subtly, now leaning back into her chair and crossing her arms. She was genuinely impressed. In her years of living and staying hidden, no witch has ever demonstrated such magic. She pondered, seeking an explanation, and the only thing that made sense was that Himari had allowed Bonnie to see within her mind when she entered the girl's dream unknowingly creating a connection between them.

"Have you been practicing since we last spoke?" Himari asked.

"No, not really. It just sort of happened, you know? I guess I was desperate." She shook her head, unsure of what had actually occurred.

"I like determined better. Location-type spells are usually on the easier side for newbie witches like yourself, especially since Bennett blood courses through you. You should have no problem with it." The Kitsune hummed, her voice carrying a note of encouragement causing Bonnie's lips to curve up a bit. "Speaking of spells, you'll need something that belongs to Elena— blood relation, a brush, anything. A map too."

"I know what the spell needs I just don't think I can do it."

"Well, how will you ever learn if you don't practice now?"

"I don't want to practice— I want to find my friend," Bonnie leaned in closer, her eyes carrying concern.

"And you will. I will guide you through it," Himari reassured, in that sweet tone Bonnie was growing used to. "Once you learn and grow with your magic you won't need to rely on anyone else to protect those like Elena and yourself. You won't be forced into vampire drama and you'll be able to fend for yourself."

Bonnie shifted in her seat, a mix of hope and apprehension settled within her. Himari's words carried a promise of self-reliance, something Bonnie longed for in the midst of the supernatural chaos she'd been sucked into.

"Trust me, Bonnie. You're stronger than you think. I'll help you realize that," Himari affirmed with a warm smile.

Bonnie felt a glimmer of confidence. She took a deep breath before abruptly standing up. "We need to head to the school first. I promised Stefan I'd update him."

"And then?"

"We do the spell and find Elena." She said simply. "I have the supplies in my bag. We need to go now."

Himari agreed, also rising from her seat and letting the Bennett witch take the lead. The Kitsune was pleased to see Bonnie with a little more pep in her step. It was obvious Bonnie cared deeply for Elena and she would do anything to save her, even if it meant making deals with strangers. But Himari was not that. She was something different. It was easy to put your trust in her. Maybe it was the way she calmed Bonnie down just by being there, or this gut feeling— some unknown entity telling the young girl that it was okay.

Whatever it was, Bonnie chose to listen to it.

Himari glanced around as she entered the school. Her eyebrows pulled together at everything she saw and heard while walking down the halls full of teenagers. Curiosity pulled at her as she laid her eyes on the different labels outside classrooms that read a variety of curriculums she'd never heard of. In some alternative universe, she would've enjoyed attending school and living an average life.

"Himari."

The call of her name snapped her out of her reverie, and she turned to look at Bonnie.

"In here."

It was an empty classroom where Stefan and Jeremy stood waiting for them. Himari noticed the visible relaxation in Stefan's posture upon her arrival as he casually unfolded his arms.

"We meet again," Himari greeted, her lips curving into a smile as she acknowledged the vampire.

"Thank you for coming," Stefan responded, showing gratitude.

Bonnie didn't waste a second before unpacking the materials needed for the spell. She laid the map across two desks and set candles on top of it to keep it in place while the spell was performed.

Himari felt a pair of eyes staring at her, glancing up from the map she caught Jeremy's gaze. It was filled with distrust and fear. She could understand his emotions toward her and he had every right to be suspicious considering she was an outsider slowly weaving her way into their friend group.

"Do you have something on your mind?" Himari addressed him, not breaking eye contact with the boy.

"I just find it a bit strange you're suddenly so involved. I mean, no offense, but we barely know you, and all of a sudden, you're apart of some big plan to find Elena. How do we know we can trust you?" He expressed his concern about Himari's involvement.

"Trust doesn't come easy. I know," Himari replied, her tone earnest. "Let my actions speak for me. I'm not here to cause trouble, just to only to assist as the deal implies. I'm at your service."

The Kitsune turned her attention to Stefan, seeking a gesture of solidarity. He approached the desks, attempting to defuse the tension. "Jeremy, she's here to help. Let's focus on finding Elena, okay? We can talk more later."

The boy—unconvinced—shifted his eyes toward Bonnie who was ready to begin the spell.

"All I need now is your blood and something that belongs to Elena," Bonnie informed, igniting the last candle. Jeremy placed the hairbrush down, then offered the palm of his hand to her.

Himari watched the young witch bring the blade to his hand and cut as gently as she could. A bit of blood dripped onto the map creating a small pool. Bonnie inhaled deeply, and just before she began doing the incantations, Himari placed a hand on her shoulder. At the grill, Himari noticed the Bennett's evident struggle while finding her— she was not sure why Bonnie was having so much trouble with such simple spells but she knew this one would take a toll on her so she decided to help just like she promised she would.

The candles flared brighter and Bonnie felt comfortable this time around doing magic.

Stefan followed the blood with a keen stare that was slowly creating a path to where Elena would be. He glanced at Bonnie briefly, to make sure she was okay then at Himari, who appeared to be calm.

The blood reached its endpoint and Bonnie's eyes opened.

She pointed at the location, "There."

Himari let her go and stepped closer to the map. "In the middle of nowhere. Perfect place for a hostage."

"Is there any way to pinpoint the exact spot?" Stefan asked.

"I'm sorry. This is the best I can do," Bonnie says, shaking her head.

"It's alright. Thank you." The vampire smiled at both of the witches, swiftly heading towards the door, followed by Jeremy.

Himari watched them leave. She wished she could disclose Elena's location, but she was awaiting Elijah's signal. So in the meantime, she decided to focus on Bonnie and figure out what exactly was holding her back from growing.