The Struggle: Sequel to The Return. Elena is increasingly being driven out of her mind by an unseen force. She fights to keep her sanity while fighting to become accustom to the life of a different kind of vampire. Will focus more on the Originals and New Orleans than the first story, The Return. Picks up where The Return left off.

Author: Sarah August

"I didn't see this coming," said Elena while walking down the grand staircase with Elijah. "I mean, what is it? Why does this keep happening?"

"Hopefully we'll get some answers," said Elijah. "We should try to speak with Rachael before she leaves town."

"What? One of Klaus's witches?" Elena said, surprised. "How can we count on her?"

"She's firstly a Bennett witch," suggested Elijah. "I believe we can count on her for answers."

"I just want to know what's happening..." Elena shook her head. "It's like the hunters curse...but scarier..."

"I think this is the right thing to do, Elena," replied Elijah softly. He held her hands in his and pulled her closer. "Let us go and find her. We'll figure this out."

"Alright," Elena agreed. She then continued moving towards the front doors to the house, following Elijah. She just wanted to know what was happening to her. Was it even real?

"You want to see me?" asked Rachael while opening her apartment door. She stepped aside to allow Elijah and Elena past her.

"Elena has been having day dreams about a man trying to capture or hurt her. And she recently had a spell where she hallucinated being grabbed and she had some sort of slime on her palm..."

"Wasn't Elena recently changed into a vampire? And by you?" asked Rachael softly to Elijah.

"What has that got to do with it?" asked Elena. "I've been a vampire before. I know what it's like...it was never like this...only when I had the hunters curse."

"I don't believe your cursed," said Rachael. "I think this might be what to expect from getting turned again. No vampire has become one twice before...this is new. It's logical to expect some side affects..."

"Logical..." Elena was furious. "I want my sanity back...that's all..."

"Give it time, Elena...and you will."

Elijah started pulling Elena away.

"This was a mistake," raged Elena. "I knew she wouldn't be able to help me..."

Elijah kept her going until they were out the door together.