Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or any of its characters. The plot, however, is mine.

C1 The Awakening

Damon groaned and opened his eyes wearily, slightly confused as to what happened the day before. His entire body felt sore. Blinking a couple of times, he managed to bring everything into focus. He carefully slipped out of the bed and stole a sideway glance at the alarm clock on his night dresser. 6:00 in the morning. Running his digits through his raven locks, he looked around the room until he found what he was looking for. He dressed himself as quickly as he could manage and headed for the stairs. It was only then that he noticed something wasn't right. He twisted on his heels and sucked in a sharp breath. The abrupt movement burnt in his muscles. Yet, that wasn't his main problem. Elena wasn't there. His brows furrowed and he trotted over to the bathroom, taking a quick peek inside. No sight of Elena. Feeling rather nervous, he descended the stairs. ''Elena, are you here?'' He called out for her as he reached the bottom of the stairs. He remained silent for a moment, but no one answered. Curling his lower lip anxiously between his canines, he lowered himself on the leather couch. He pondered to himself for a moment, as he remembered Rebekah's thread. The words resounded through his mind.

''Maybe I'll kill Elena.''

Damon cringed at the idea of Rebekah holding Elena somewhere he couldn't reach her. Speaking of Rebekah, she was the reason why he was feeling so sore. He closed his eyes, recalling what had happened.

(Three days earlier)

Damon gritted his teeth and screwed his eyes shut tightly, the chains around his wrists being the only thing keeping him upright for the moment. Oh, he knew she was enjoying this. He couldn't help the small cry of pain passing his lips as the wooden stake laced with vervain found its way through his flesh once again. Damon struggled to keep his eyes open, his breath coming in short, rapid spurts. He could feel himself slip away bit by bit. ''Just finish it already.'' He muttered, mustering up some strength to lift his head. Oceanic-blue spheres narrowed as he studied the blonde original standing in front of him. Rebekah shrugged carelessly. ''As you wish.'' She said, yanking the stake out of his chest. Damon closed his eyes, waiting for the feel of wood being jammed through his heart forcefully. It didn't come. Instead he heard the sound of air moving swiftly, and the unmistakable sound of breaking bones. There was a loud thud, and Damon opened his eyes to the sight of Rebekah lying on the floor. Motionless. Where she had stood only mere seconds ago, now stood his younger brother. ''Stefan.'' He sighed in relief. ''Good to see you.'' Stefan quickly freed Damon, wrapping an arm around his brother's waist as he nearly fell over. ''Easy, brother. Easy.'' He muttered. ''Elena's been worried sick. Let's get you out of here first, okay? Then you can thank me for saving your ass.''

Now the roles were reversed. This time, Elena was the one who was missing. Pushing himself off the couch, Damon walked into the kitchen and grabbed a blood bag. He bit the cap off, quickly downing the blood. He could feel some of his energy return instantly, almost feeling the blood flow through his exhausted limbs. Damon disposed the empty bag in the bin before sauntering off into the living room. Settling himself back upon the couch, he stretched his arms and legs, lips parting to make way for a yawn. A little nap wouldn't hurt anybody, right? Besides, maybe Elena just needed some fresh air. Maybe she just went outside to take a walk, or to visit her friends. Yeah, that was it. She'd been talking about practicing a spell with Bonnie last week. He was sure she just went over to her place and forgot to mention it to him.

Everything is fine. Damon assured himself as he allowed lids to drop over bright blue oculars. But as he forced himself to repeat those words, other words began to form in the back of his mind.

What if it isn't?

AN: Guess who's back...ish! Haven't updated for weeks. I know, and I apologize for that. But, since apparently a lot of you like my story 'Waking Up In Darkness' (Which can be found on my old account or on .) I decided not only to rewrite it for a second time, but also to make the chapters a bit longer. Besides that.. I'm working on the next chapters of my other stories, 'Breaking The Fixation' and 'A Little Infinity In The Present Tense.' Make sure you keep reading. Your love and support is much appreciated!

[Throws glitter bombs at whoever reads this.]

Keep sparkling and see you soon. :)