A drunken Damon let it slip, Katherine said that I needed to be protected….Isn't that always what it comes down to? An ordinary human girl surrounded by champions protecting her. At what cost? Damon thinks she's lying, and knowing Katherine I wouldn't put it past her but still I need to know. Decided I grabbed a blood bag, a glass and a crowbar to make my way back to the tomb.
The drive to the tomb was eerie there was a lot to think about what could be after me and why I'm just a human. What disaster was about to knock on our door and could it be averted?
My mind raced at all the possibilities and before I knew it I was here. I almost wished that the drive was longer. After all even though Katherine was trapped she was still a manipulative bitch. If I wasn't desperate there was no way that I would ever willingly seek her out.
I made my way down to the tomb and used the crow bar to move the stone I managed to make a small gap.
"Katherine I need to talk to you" I called. She didn't arrive as fast as I would have thought using none of her vamperic speed she walked to the door as if on the prowl. A smirk made its way onto her face, she knew she had the upper hand even though she couldn't touch me as they say knowledge is power and in this case she knew all. Fear shot through me but I crushed it down she would tell me what I wanted to know. "You said someone was after me I want to know who I want to know what you know about them and you will tell me."
"Well aren't you turning into a power hungry little dominatrix? Something is after you honey and he will get you. You'll give him what he wants or you sweet innocent little Elena or he'll destroy everyone you love and believe me when I say he will enjoy it." She tried to give me a smile, like she enjoyed the thought but I could see fear behind her eyes. In such enormity that I had never come across before especially not in Katherine's cold calculating eyes.
"I brought blood and it's all yours if you tell me what I want to know." I poured some of the blood into the paper cup and pushed it towards the hungry vampire. "Now talk."
"I was going to tell you the story anyway little Elena just to see the horror on your face. This is one big bad that even the Salvatore's can't protect you from. He's been after me for 500 years, and I'm useless to him now. His name is Klaus. He's vampire an original vampire, and a werewolf. Of course a witch cursed him far before my time she trapped his werewolf side. He wants to let his inner wolf out. He wants to be indestructible. Apparently being the strongest vampire in the world isn't enough for Klaus. That's where I came in. He was quite charming and I was taken in by it, that was before I learned of his cruelty and what he wanted from me, what he'll want from you. I'm thirsty." She paused giving me an expectant look. I poured her another glass and pushed it over to her.
"What did he want?" She drank the blood with a moan and her eyes pierced mine.
"He wanted my life. He will want your life your blood. The ritual of the sun and the moon will unlock his werewolf side and he needs to drink every last drop of your blood to drain you dry in order to succeed. When I discovered this I enlisted help I had several vampires smitten with me, times haven't change that much. So I used them to secure my freedom. Then I tricked one into healing me and killed myself. After all what use would I be as a vampire. My blood was useless." She looked down and across her face was a shattering amount of pain.
"So if I become a vampire that's it I'll be free of him, useless?" I asked her, though it wasn't an optimistic thought, I had never seriously considered turning before and thinking on it now I wasn't sure it was an option for me, what about Jeremy?
"It's been 500 years Elena and I'm not free of Klaus he plays cat and mouse with me even now.
I have used and hurt countless vampires and humans in the game to keep my freedom. I am constantly moving, I keep no ties. He want's vengeance for what I kept from him he wants to make me suffer then he will make me bleed. There was an immediate cost as well. One you could never pay. After I escaped and ran he went to my home and murdered everyone I ever loved. He did so viciously and brutally." She paused as if remembering the ones she loved in such a condition. Her breath hitched and I have never understood her more than in that moment. "As a vampire you will be useless. That is true but Stephen, Damon, Jeremey, Jenna, Alaric, Bonnie, the list goes on and on and on…..all of them will be dead. If you fight or change or attempt in any way to keep your blood from him he will destroy everything you hold dear and then he will destroy you. After all there is a price to pay and you could never make the sacrifices I have. I'm tired Elena I want to be free to stop running." I could see it in her eyes how tired she was.
"You want to give me to Klaus in exchange for your freedom." I could see the allure after 500 years she was tired.
"I'm not that stupid if he ever sees me again he will kill me before I can explain I need someone else to give you to him and attempt to procure my freedom or at least to make his ire of me somewhat less apparent. Really though the power is yours right now. So far he has not come for you, but he will and when he does you'll need to choose your life or the lives of those you love?" She knew what I would pick and yet I am a human neither Damon nor Stephan would let me go. Bonnie would get herself killed and Caroline. If they knew if he came for me they would all die and so would I. But perhaps there was another way to make this work.
"Do you know how to get in contact with Klaus?"
"I try not to contact the monster that wants to kill me, but you're in luck since I am in possession of the moonstone I was going to have to call him, so I may have his number what are you thinking about my doppelganger? Are you going to be self-sacrificing?" She knew the answer to that.
"Yes I am. He can't take me they would never let him. I'm going to surrender to him. I need his number, and you need somebody to procure your freedom. You want me out of the way this is your chance." She looked at me as if she were measuring how serious I was then tossed me her cellphone. I scrolled through the phone and found the number. I pulled my phone out and dialed. My heart beat faster and faster as the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Klaus?"
"Indeed, I believe you have me at a disadvantage who am I speaking to luv?" His tone held amusement and a sharp edge.
"I'm Elena Gilbert we've never met but I have something that you want very much and I'm willing to deliver it to you, my demands are very reasonable and limited."
"Well Elena" He spat my name "If you want to make It out of this agreement alive I certainly hope what you have is very valuable otherwise I will hunt you down and rip out your heart." He chuckled like it was a joke but I knew he was deathly serious.
"I already know I won't survive this agreement that was decided the second I called you. I want your word that you will not harm any of my loved ones. I also want you to stop actively attempting to kill Katherine Petrova." I told him attempting to keep the fear out of my voice. His laugh in response was chilling and I shook from the depth of cruelty it provided.
"There is nothing you could offer me in important enough for me to spare that bitch." He seethed.
"She has the moonstone. I know that you need it to break the curse. She's willing to give it to you in exchange for her life."
"The moonstone was useless to me the moment that bitch betrayed me. Has she got you wrapped around her little finger like so many before you?" His amusement was lessening I needed to get to the point.
"No I hate her more than any vampire I have ever encountered I find her to be a cold manipulative bitch. However she has the moonstone and she gave me your contact information and the information I needed to make a decision regarding your curse."
"She seems to have given you everything there is just one problem luv, and I'm a bit confused. The most important ingredient I need is extinct. And calling me now to remind me has only insured that I go after your loved ones."
"If what I deliver to you gives you the power to break the curse do you agree to my terms?" I used the last shred of resolve to sound strong.
"It's impossible but I'll humor you, sure luv you have my word that I won't harm Katerina or your loved ones but that ingredient has been gone for 500 years and there's no way to bring it back. So consider your family dead by the New Year. Goodbye sweet El..." I cut him off
"I'm the human Doppelganger." I rushed to tell him before he could end the phone call. "Tell me where to go and I'll deliver myself to you." There was an intake of breath.
"If this is a trick I won't kill you, I'll torture you, then feed you my blood kill you and torture you for centuries do I make myself clear luv?" He threatened.
"Crystal. Where should I book my ticket?"
"London, and luv wear something sexy?" The phone call ended and I felt my last resolve leave me as I fell into a heap on the floor. Tears trailed down my face, I looked up to see Katherine. She didn't look like her master plan was finally a success she looked sad.
"I need the moonstone if you want your freedom. Also you can't tell them anything about what you've told me if you want them to survive this and I know you care about the Salvatore's so please just keep it to yourself." Katherine handed it over to me without a word and I tossed her the remainder of the blood before turning around and leaving the cave. I was on the phone booking my ticket and heading home to pack my bags before night fell.
I had my bags packed. I grabbed a pen and paper and began to write.
Dear Stephan and Damon,
I care about the both of you, but all of this supernatural crap is just too much. I need a break. I'm leaving town please don't attempt to find me because I need this space. It is my hope that you two will come to forgive each other for all the pains of the past. You both love me, and while I care for you both truly I cannot be with either of you. If we see each other again all I can offer you is friendship. The supernatural world and I need a break please respect it.
Elena.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and dialed Caroline's phone number.
"Care, I need you to do something for me and you're not going to like it." I told her
"Is everything okay? You're worrying me." She had panic in her voice and in order to alleviate it I needed to pull myself together.
"This vampire supernatural boyfriend, witch friends crap it's too much Caroline I need a break I need to get away. I don't want anyone to worry so I need your help." I paused to catch my breath. "Compel Jenna to think I've gone away on exchange from school. I just I can't do this right now and being here is killing me Please Care."
"Elena it's going to be okay, I think you should just stay its fine. I'll call Stephan." I cut her off.
"NO Care, I left a note for Stephan and Damon I just need time can you make sure that everyone leaves me alone?" I was begging now
"Ok Elena, Call me I love you." She hung up. I could tell she was mad and thought that I was taking the easy way out. I needed to make one last call and then I had to go.
"Hey Bonnie I need a favor."
"Sure Elena what do you need?"
"Can you come pick me up?"
She arrived at my house a few minutes later and took one look at the bag I had packed before a frown appeared on her face.
"Where are you going?" She asked me.
"After everything that has happened. I need to get away Bonnie. From this place from all the people. The supernatural is just too much and it flocks here. I need a break from the pain and death of it all. Can you take me to the airport and no matter what anyone says or asks don't find me. When I'm ready to be found I'll come here. Please do this for me. I love you Bonnie but, I just I'm about to break trust my judgment on this." I told her tears started to collect in my eyes.
"Alright Elena I get it. Believe me. I'll take you."
The drive to the airport was awkward and I could tell that she was unsure about what I was doing. Bonnie knew me better than almost anyone and she could tell how close I was to falling apart at the seams. I told her that I loved her before making my way into the airport.
By the time I was checked in and through security it was nearly time for my flight to leave. As I settled into my seat on the plane my phone began to vibrate I pulled it out with a sigh not recognizing the number. I answered it.
"Hello luv." His voice rang through the other end and my breath caught.
"Hello Klaus what can I do for you?" I asked him in a business tone.
"Well my dear doppelganger I've looked into your life and you look just like Katerina. Now I know how unreliable these background checks can be put I find myself impatient to have my package arrive. When will it be here?" The charm and sarcasm he breathed into his words would make a model tremble.
"I'm currently on a plane heading to London now. Flight 2907 International. Would you like to send someone to the airport to pick me up?"
"It's an important package I may just pick it up myself. But if you try any funny business just know that I can have somebody in Mystic Falls with teeth ripping into your brother's throat before you can pull a stake out of your purse." He told me with chilling ease.
"My family and friends all think that I am taking a break from the supernatural tragedies of town so that they don't attempt to get in the way of the ritual, I'd like to keep it that way. I don't want them to know that I've died."
"If you are entertaining and cooperate that can easily be seen to." He told me. "I hear your phone needs to be turned off and your seatbacks placed in the right position luv so I'll let you go for this one last time. See you soon luv" He ended the call quickly. I closed my eyes and slipped into oblivion.
The plane was making its final decent and I was more nervous that a girl going on her first date. I was about to meet the monster that would kill me. I sold myself to him for the safety of my family. The entire thing was medieval. I brushed my teeth, and hair, fixed my makeup and righted my clothing. There was no turning back.
I exited the plane with butterflies rushing through my stomach. I hadn't eaten anything in almost 24 hours and my nerves were getting the best of me. I had no idea what or who to expect. As I made my way through the lobby and past security I scanned the room. It's not like I knew what he looked like or where to go exactly. Would he see me? He was a vampire if he didn't see me he certainly would hear me. I whispered his name. "Klaus" Nothing happened so I took a seat on a bench and waited…..and waited…and waited…Time passed slowly and suddenly I felt like an idiot. I grabbed my phone and was about to call his number when strong hands enveloped me from behind. The smell of cologne assaulted my senses and something almost earthy. I elbowed the pervert who dared touch me and then let out a gasp as pain filled my arm….he wasn't human.
"That wasn't a very considerate welcome luv, I'd much prefer a hug or kiss. Come now dear make up for it." He spun me around and gave me an expectant look. I nibbled on my lip then rose to my tip toes and whispered in his ear. "I don't know you well enough to kiss you, and a hug between strangers just wouldn't be proper"
"Luv you were made for my purposes. Whether that be a kiss or death at my lips. Nobody will know you better than I in time." Time? What did he mean by time…surely he wanted to do this ritual as soon as possible. I reached into my purse but his hand circled my wrist. "What are you searching for luv certainly not a stake?"
"I thought you might like the other portion of the package, the moonstone." He released my wrist and I handed him the stone. A predatory smile appeared on his angelic face. It was ironic really how beautiful this monster appeared to be. I couldn't imagine blood smeared on his perfect face. His smile broadened as he realized I was checking him out. Heat rushed to my face and I looked down.
"Come love time to take you home." He placed his hand on the small of my back and led me out into the streets. A car pulled up and a man got out, to my bag and opened the door for us. Klaus gestured for me to go in first and I slid in, he followed. He was quiet for a time studying my face as I looked out at the city it was my first time in London and I marveled at how incredibly different it was from home.
"First time to London luv?" He asked me
"Yes, I've barely left Mystic Falls. We were going to travel around Europe last summer but well the accident happened and then it just wasn't really important anymore." I told him warily.
"Hmmm, I've been all over the world I suppose when your 1000 years old you tend to see a lot." My eyes grew huge he was old! "I see my age is surprising. Katerina didn't give away all of my secrets then."
"Katherine, and I aren't friends. Currently she's trapped in a tomb courtesy of a witch friend of mine. She said that I was in danger and since it fit her purpose she told me about the danger you presented to the people that I care about, she told me how she turned and the revenge you sought. I would never deem my life as more important than the people I love so I made a choice. To give myself to you. That doesn't mean I like her or that she would want me to know your secrets after all if I ruined the ritual you would go after Katherine. You don't have to worry though I have no intention of ruining anything. If the ritual fails it won't be due to anything on my part. I'm not Katherine, I don't manipulate people or vampires I don't use people and then throw them away. Like she says there is a price to pay and the price for me to live isn't worth it at all." I told him with conviction
"You gave yourself to me? Does that mean you are loyal to me luv?" He asked.
"I suppose you could say that, I'm not an idiot if someone ran at you with a stake I wouldn't jump in the way. But I also wouldn't attempt to stake you or run. It's not the kind of loyalty most people want though. It doesn't stem from our relationship, it stems from the love and loyalty I have for others. But I hardly know you so that's all I can offer. Especially knowing that soon you will be the cause of my death. I can offer you one thing though as a token of this loyalty." I moved my hands around my neck and removed the necklace. "I said that I would give myself to you in exchange for not harming my family. Somehow I doubt you want your packages to wear vervain." He took the necklace from my hands and offered me a charming smile.
"I wondered if you would make me aware of the vervain I smelled or hope I didn't notice. Very good choice luv." His lips brushed my ear as he said this and his hand played with a strand of my hair. "Now how about that kiss luv?" He asked with a smile. My eyes connected with his and I teased my bottom lip with my teeth. Slowly I closed the distance between our faces and brushed my lips against his cheek. He laughed in delight. A deep slow rumble.
"I suppose that will do for now luv. Look out the window and see your new home." He directed me to look at a large mansion made of stone and clearly old. Flowers bloomed in vibrant colors and it almost appeared to be a castle from one of those fairytales. Only I knew that this castle and this prince both held dark secrets no matter how kind and charming he appeared there was a beast inside just waiting to escape. In fact he had two beasts one locked away deep inside the other dancing on the surface prepared to bite at any moment and I was sure the castle had seen more bloodshed then any human eye could imagine and yet they both looked so perfect.
