AN: To those who have reviewed before, I invite you to take another look around and let me know what you think! I've redone just about everything and I'm still working on more!
"You're serious right now? Like, serious serious?" He stifled a chuckle, she spoke American so well for being Australian... Maybe he should have taken her to Great Britain and had her taught proper English instead of bringing her to Florida... The thought gently floated away to the back of his mind as he finally turned to face the black-haired 17-year-old girl in front of him. The one that he was about to abandon to the harsh world of reality without him for her own good. At least, that is what he told himself. The truth was much harsher.
"Yes Edith, I am, as you so eloquently put it, serious serious." Her eyes were two green pools of turmoil as he gazed down at her. "You will indeed someday have to sacrifice your life, but not for nothing," He caressed her cheek with a single finger, "You are meant to save the entire world, natural and supernatural." As the cursed words were said aloud once again, her beautiful eyes suddenly went blank, and he grew worried. She stood silently staring at the ground for the next hour. He waited, still as stone, for her to return to herself. It was like a switch had shut off, but once she snapped out of it the light from her eyes had been replaced with a blazing inferno.
"I have to die. And there's nothing that says when, where or even HOW? I'm just supposed to sit around my whole life and wait for something or someone to come for me so I can use this amazing power I've been given to fucking KILL MYSELF?!" She pulled away from him, hurt that after her cruel beginning of life fate had given her something good it decided now to rip everything away from her.
"I'll never be my own person...I was born to be a pawn in some universal game of bullshit."
Elijah let out a sigh, expecting her reaction to be much larger but thankful that it wasn't. She was hurt, but he could see the strength in her and it helped to remind himself this was right. It was not every day someone tells you that you were literally born to die, by your own hands. That your life would never end on your own terms… He absolutely hated that he had to tell her the same day he would have to leave.
The Original was never the one to show off his emotions. Pain, happiness, all of that was of the personal experience and he was selfish. His emotions were his, and his alone...But every now and again, something would pull it out of him. Here, standing in the apartment he bought for her, the very one they had happily lived in together for three years now, the very place that had become his home more than any other dwelling… With only his daughter by right as witness, he allowed a single tear to be followed by two more. He needed her to know how much he truly loved her.
"Essentially, yes. That is why I fetched you from that awful orphanage and taught you everything you could ever need to know about magic. I've shown you everything darling, everything from the purest to the darkest most evil forms of magic. Shamans, healers, witches and demons... The most powerful beings in all of history you have learned from and it was all to prepare you for the power you hold within you. I need you to control it, to bend it to your will. Protect yourself." He gently took her hand and pulled her to sit on the stylish couch of their apartment.
"Look at me." He said as she turned her eyes away from him. He caressed her cheek softly as she looked up to him, tears shamelessly falling. She closed her eyes, and when they reopened he saw her steel herself, the tears now gone and a new resolve in their place. He knew she'd predicted what was about to happen just months before, but he had to say the words to make it real for both of them.
"I love you, and I loathe myself for keeping it from you, but I was bound by magic to never reveal the plan until it was time for you to do this on your own. I must leave you now, love...And know that I hate not being able to stay. I've given you the best of everything I possibly could in these years we've been together, and now you must finish this lesson on your own. You do have to die… I do not know the who, when or how, I've researched and searched the world over and it's just not possible to save you from this, Gods know I tried. And I will keep trying" his voice dropped low, only cracking slightly as he spoke, "but before I leave I would have you know…Nothing I found said you have to stay dead."
Even Elijah's blank expressions were enough to unnerve the bravest and most dangerous of creatures. He had rarely needed to use compulsion in his life, he was very persuasive without it.
The quiet man radiated the kind of energy even a human could sense, and it spoke volumes about the violence he was very capable of. That charming smile and old world mannerisms did not hide the fact that he was a predator… In fact, they only seemed to highlight it. Using this to his advantage was something he could easily take for granted, but never did. He was always thankful when a simple look held enough power to keep others compliant and him from shedding blood more often than he'd like. He had enough on his hands.
The bouncer at the door of a hopping little club in Orlando was no different; with only the briefest flash of a smile he gained entry.
Through the darkness his eyes searched for her, the reason he would even bother with a sleazy techno bar. Through the obnoxious ultra-violet pinks, greens, oranges and yellows he finally spotted her. He couldn't deny that she was a vision sitting cross legged on the bar, her hands and body moving animatedly as she spoke. She was wearing clothing he would only classify as "techno-garb", and looking remarkably like he would imagine a pixie, if such things existed.
Reverberations could be felt throughout the club, and he would bet any amount of money that none but the two of them knew she was the source, not the deep humming bass line of the song playing.
She was slowly sucking their energy right out of them and not a single person had any clue. Her power throbbed in time with the music flawlessly. The clueless patrons must always be so hopped up on one drug or another that they never questioned their lack of strength when they got home.
As her neon green eyes caught his he smiled genuinely. Her face blanked for a second, the shock spreading over her featured slowly. The crowd around her sat obediently, waiting for her next word. Elijah could almost see Edith force herself to appear stern. He was still as stone standing against a wall on the far side of the room, his gaze never once leaving hers.
Her hands clapped together excitedly as she suddenly returned her attention to three girls standing in front of her. She dismissed them with a short shooing motion and hopped off the bar. It was obvious to Elijah that these poor girls were under her spell, but from the adoring looks they cast back at her as they watched her walk away, he could tell no actual magic was necessary.
As she approached he took the moment to study her. She had changed so much since he had left. The odd fluorescent tubing surrounding a select number of her dreadlocks threw him for a loop and amused him to no end. The odd things modern humans came up with would forever be a mystery to him. His inner musings were cut short as she finally reached him, her eyes sparkling with irritation.
Her stature may have been a meager 5'2" but she had cut through the crowded room like a hot knife through butter and if looks could kill….
His eyes were losing the war the strobe light was waging against the laser light-show. Without a word he offered her his arm, more than ready to escort her away from the screeching noises considered to be music. Her head bobbed down as she fell into a graceful but obviously sarcastic curtsey, and Elijah had to hold back a laugh… He'd never seen anyone in a mini-skirt and knee-high boots do such a thing. As she slowly rose back up her eyes sparkled at him something mischievous and he had to smile when she calmly laced her hand through his arm and led him away.
"Elijah. It's nice to meet you as a grown woman, I wasn't sure I ever would." Her pearly white teeth and pale skin contrasted with the pitch black night surrounding them. The street they had chosen to walk down was appropriately deserted, not even alley cats were around to disturb their tense reunion.
"Did you really think after footing the bill for your life I would never return?"
"Yeah I guess you're right. I haven't used your money for a long time though."
"Yes well, you still should have known. Aside from your eccentric fashion and music choices you seem to have grown up nicely." She didn't miss his sly smile as they continued to walk arm-in-arm down the sidewalk. Her small chuckle brought him warmth on the cold night, bringing a bit of hope to his heart.
"Thank you, I think." Her mind briefly flashed to the past… To the day he had plucked her from the orphanage, telling her she was going to be one of the most powerful witches in the world and her training was to begin now. She'd been eight years old and felt like she'd fallen into the best dream she could imagine…
Elijah did not miss her soft sigh. He'd missed her, and could only hope she didn't harbor feelings of ill will after so many years of his absence.
He had been aware of the driving reason behind why he was teaching her everything he could, but he had become entranced by her intelligence and wit even as a child. He loved her as a daughter, while always keeping in mind why he needed her to be as strong as she could be. The Original had always been afraid of revealing the truth to her, but when she finally knew, he couldn't believe she'd taken such a shock in stride.
Her hand tightened around his elbow as they reached their destination, the glorious three-story townhouse that she had called home since she was fourteen.
"You're staying for a while, right?" Her eyes were cast downwards and her voice soft, but he felt the hopeful conviction in her voice and smiled.
"Yes dear, I think after ten excruciating years apart we have much to discuss." Her smile finally appeared, and was radiant as he walked her up the stairs and ushered her inside.
"How about a drink?" Edith poked her head into the window that viewed her living room from the kitchen, only to see Elijah already seated comfortably on the large recliner He examined all the make-up on her face. In the light it was obviously gaudy and way overdone, the plastic tubes in her hair no longer glowed. They were actually ugly colors if he had to be honest, but her choices were her own and Elijah would never begrudge her that, not with her death looming uncomfortably in the future.
"Yes, a drink would be lovely." Her eyes sparkled still as she pulled a bottle into view, he could easily read the year and couldn't help the smile coming over his face, it was his favorite.
"Thought so." Her smug voice was music to his ears, and he watched as she exited the kitchen. The bottle appeared on the table infront of him along with two glasses, already filled.
He gave her a concerned glance, "You don't think that's a bit overdoing it? Careless use of magic and all that." Her snarky grin was something he realized he didn't miss. Her attitude wasn't malicious but it was never-ending.
"Nope, and that's one of the things we gotta talk about. Magic is more a part of my life than ever. I don't know what I would do without it." Her soft smile spoke not of addiction, but of one completely in balance with herself. Still, he was worried.
"At the bar..." She nodded at his ventured question, he knew already but he wanted to hear her story behind it. The very idea was unprecedented, at least in the way she was executing her plan.
"Technically it's a club." His raised eyebrow pointed out that she hadn't answered his question.
"Yes, I absorb their energy." Elijah's eyes were smoldering as she began to explain. He'd expected hints of remorse and found none, only a strength of pride that upset him. Her hubris would get her killed. As if reading his mind, she continued, "I don't hurt anyone Elijah, I only take what I need from each individual, there's a limit on what I can take from them depending on how much strength they have at the time. Limits, so that I can get enough energy to do what I have to, without hurting anyone in the process." She tilted her head to the side at his unreadable expression, her long dreadlocks falling gently to the side, finally all free of any decoration.
She'd removed every part of the facade and was down to her natural self in a pair of shorts and an overlarge t-shirt…But he wasn't sure when she'd changed.
Elijah couldn't believe how much he'd missed her as his anger faded into pride for the intelligent woman she'd become. She'd done remarkably well keeping herself and her energy off the radar, he hadn't heard about her from any nefarious sources over the years.
"I store their energy 'Lijah, everything that I take is in one secret spot. Well technically, item." A sly smile spread over her face, the kind that spoke of hidden treasure, "All the magic I use daily is my own, with little to no side-effects like, ever. I am... One with nature, so to speak, I don't depend on the spirits for anything, its brilliant and I can't wait to share it with you. I'm brilliant" Elijah processed this information, wondering how he had never heard of this from one of many people he had compelled to keep an eye on her.
"All magic has a price Edith. It's the first lesson you were taught."
"Yeah well, not anymore. Not my magic."
"Well…" Elijah did his best to hide the concern he was feeling. Tomorrow would be a better chance to speak on it. "I cannot wait to see and hear all about what you can do sweetheart, but the details can wait until tomorrow. Tonight," He rose from his chair and approached her, his hand held out flat and a small smile playing on his lips, "we drink." She sighed and gave in to his silent demand.
Elijah couldn't hold back a full-fledged smile, "Brilliant darling, so tell me..." He took a sip from his glass and led her out to her own third floor balcony, "When exactly are you going to let your hair out of those dreadful locks?"
He stroked her hair as she lay in an alcohol induced slumber, her head in his lap and her legs curled up on the couch. The centuries old vampire couldn't believe how this one little witch meant to die for a purpose much greater than any of them, had completely captured his heart. How had he thought he would be able to avoid any attachment?
He curled one of her locks around his finger absently, his mind wandering off to the prophecy. He'd completed his mission. Nine years with him for ten years without, but now what? His part of the prophecy was fulfilled and she still had to die, but he'd left her with hope on purpose that day. There was without a doubt a way to bring her back, and he knew he'd rightly put his faith in her to find it. She hadn't mentioned it all night, but it hung heavy in the air.
She stirred, a few mumbled words escaping her lips as she turned over in sleep, her face now buried in his midsection and her hands reaching up to grab his shirt. Her sigh of contentment made him feel an old warmth. He was glad he was now able to come and go from her life. Together they would find a way, if she hadn't already, and he could properly introduce her to his family and his world…He would make it work…And make them understand just what she was to him.
Welllll hello there lovely reader! I thank you so much for pushing through to the end! This idea came to me and I just couldn't let it go. Hope you enjoyed it, and I have more written, but I'm probably not going to post without a few reviews, so if you liked it PLEASEEE let me know! :D Even if you didn't actually, I would still like to hear your thoughts. If continued this would end up being a KolxOC story, with the original family being central characters and the mystic falls gang being thrown in the mix as well. Also, IN NEED OF A BETA, so let me know if you're interested! I edited this thing like 7 times and still I'm not sure its perfect lol