TEtR OUTTAKE: The Catalyst

I know that it's been a billion years since I updated this story. I hit a large wall (storyline wise) and wanted to work on things that didn't make my head bleed. If anyone is still reading (or even vaguely cares), I definitely haven't abandoned this story.

This outtake represents the time period immediately proceeding the events in TEtR. As mentioned in the first few chapters of TEtR, Elijah went into Pon Farr/Immersion earlier than expected. This outtake explains why (kind of). I hope the frequent perspective changes don't confuse anyone!

I've been incredibly touched by all of the encouraging reviews I've received. Even when the show provides little in the way of inspiration, fanfic. readers know how to keep a girl goin'!


She prepares for each new voyage by researching the destination. She's always quick to share her observations with him - no matter how much he protests.

According to Elena, the title of the book is "1001 Things That Will Kill You Horribly".

"Finn, if I'm stung by a box jellyfish, I want you to drain me dry."

"I think Elijah would take exception to that plan."

"It would be a mercy killing!"

"For you perhaps but I'd be the one left to face Elijah. I assure you, he would be anything but merciful."

Elijah doesn't openly chastise her for the joke but that's only because he doesn't want to be caught eavesdropping. His brother doesn't have a sense of humor when it comes to the subject of her death.


Elena would love his accent. If she was the one answering his questions, heat would be rushing to her cheeks. The poor, sex-starved girl would be trying to hide her reaction as the handsome blond runs his hands across her skin. If the universe was as it should be, Elijah's eyes would be filled with envy instead of stark fear.

The young doctor is carefully optimistic as he explains her condition. Something called 'maculotoxin' is causing the paralysis. She won't be able to breathe on her own until her body has metabolized the venom but if she survives the next twenty-four hours, her survival is all but assured.

"Who would you die to protect?" He demonstrates no remorse for the invasion.

"Nina." As expected, the delivery is flat and dull. Elijah's control is absolute.

"For the next twenty-four hours, you will treat this girl as if she were Nina. Nothing is more important than her survival. Do you understand?"

"Yes." Elijah releases his hold on the doctor's mind. With that task completed, he'll be looking for another distraction. She hopes Kol is smart enough to steer clear of the hospital.


Kol picks Australia. He'd always wanted to wrestle a crocodile.

Their first stop is Sydney. With Elena acting as her wingman, Rebekah demands some quality beach time. The males know better than to argue when the girls are flying high.

Elena can convince his brother to participate in just about any activity but Elijah has final veto power when it comes to his wardrobe. He refuses flat out to wear a tank top.

"Look around! This is normal beach wear for Australian men."

"Than I'm exceedingly grateful that I hail from a different country."

"At least ditch the jacket!"

As far as he's concerned, Elijah's torso should be covered (at all times) but Elena seems desperate for a glimpse of that chalk-hued skin. An outsider might be inclined to question Elijah's sexual leaning. A gorgeous woman is practically begging him to disrobe yet he hesitates, seemingly annoyed with the attention. An outsider wouldn't realize that these two (sad) individuals are just engaged in an intimate game of chicken. Both waiting for the other to swerve...always a hair's breadth from collision. Kol is tired of choking on their exhaust.


"Aren't you going to finish the job? The doctor isn't the only one who has access to her."

"Yes, of course. I'll go." He resents being coddled by his baby sister. He thinks he might tell her that...soon...after Elena wakes up. He'll remember who he is again...when Elena wakes up.

He can't resist taking another look. He wants to fill her lungs with his own breath...use his own hands to complete the chest compressions. Her life should not be dependent on a machine.

He could end this right now. She has his blood in her system. He could press his lips to her neck...taste the oil and lust that still coat her skin.


She can't help being a little disappointed by his swift exit. If Elijah had stayed, someone would've died. She was prepared to attack Nik...give Elijah those few crucial seconds to fix Elena. She wouldn't have minded being temporarily killed if it meant Elijah acting on that oh-so-obvious impulse of his.

Just a snap of the neck...with vampire blood flowing through her system, she would simply turn...if she was killed before the poison has a chance to stop her heart. It's a race between the blood and the poison...it's an unnecessary risk. Nik won't be swayed but maybe he's not the one she needs to convince.

She presses her lips to Elena's forehead. It's the only weakness she allows herself. Elena demonstrates no outward signs of consciousness but the doctor believes that she can hear them. Rebekah shares that belief.

"Hear these words and know them for truth. If you die...if you rip Elijah's heart from his chest, I'll find Jeremy and return the insult." It's a promise...the only one strong enough to tether her to this world. Elena doesn't realize how deeply her death would affect Elijah. Rebekah doesn't want her to have any doubts as to what the consequences would be for Jeremy.

"Blackmail is a powerful motivator." For Nik, it's the only explanation that's needed. She knew he'd understand her reasoning but his slight nod, the glint of approval in his eyes...she doesn't want to have this in common with him. You shouldn't be proud of your willingness to inflict pain on someone you love. What she just did was necessary but it was also disgusting.

"Why didn't you ask me to do it? She already hates me." Because it would've been the worst sort of cop out. Elena had stabbed two Originals...assuming retaliation to be inevitable. Elena was brave enough to risk her life. Rebekah can certainly brave the wrath of one human girl.

"It wasn't your idea." The threat was hers...she would own it.

"I don't foresee many slumber parties in your future."

"As long as she gets her ass out of that bed, she's free to hate me for the rest of eternity."


When Finn compliments Elena's 'modest' outfit, she doesn't bother to explain the difference between a cover up and a swimsuit.

"Would it kill you to offer your sister a compliment?"

"What exactly would I be complimenting...your choice to swim naked?"

"You're just too old-fashioned to appreciate modern swim wear."

"I don't think it deserves the designation of swim wear if it becomes transparent when exposed to water."

"You're not entitled to an opinion until you lose the dress pants. Even Elijah managed to dig up a pair of khakis."


He ignores them both. Rebekah's obvious bids for attention are not worthy of comment. He has better things to occupy his time (and sight). Elena has just begun applying suntan oil.


"We have to wait 24 hours. Stay away from the hospital!" He doesn't respond to Rebekah's text. He's more than a little insulted by the obviousness of the message. Darwin is a charmless city but it has the compensating virtue of being separated from Sydney by thousands of miles.


Kol is quick to volunteer. He's always been such a giver.

"Momma told me never to trust a man wearing a speedo. Bekah...would you?"

Scowling at Kol is deeply satisfying but it loses much of its appeal once Elena turns onto her stomach. He silently wills Rebekah to provide a reason...any excuse as to why she can't handle this strenuous task.

Elena practically melts into the sand when Rebekah drizzles the fluid across her back. He's too entranced to immediately notice - there is a pattern to the liquid lines.


Kol doubles over as soon as he deciphers the emerging word. Elijah in runes now anoints Elena's spine. Now that is a declaration. His sister is fecking brilliant!


He should be in her place right now! He needs to man up and take the bottle! In Old Norse, she tells him all that (and more).


None of his siblings have maintained a long-term relationship with a human. Even Finn isn't qualified to offer advice seeing as he turned Sage within a year of their initial meeting. Rebekah's little rant doesn't make much of an impression but the sight of his name...it's as powerful as the thought of his ring on Elena's finger.

"Elena, I hope you don't mind if I take over. You know how protective Rebekah can be when it comes to her manicure." As far as excuses go, it's not one of his best. Not that it matters. He wasn't really asking for permission. It was just a polite way of telling Rebekah to move.

Elena's whole being stills. She doesn't turn her head but he can hear her words slightly muffled by the sand. "Thank you, Elijah."


Her half-dressed body + Elijah's hands + oil...this is going to be worse than when he agreed to tango with her. She gave herself permission to have lusty thoughts about him (years ago) while in the privacy of her own bed (and a few over-sized bathtubs) but this is a public beach! His family is within smelling distance!


His siblings fan across the beach. They provide a semblance of privacy while remaining close enough to hear any words that might be spoken.

He feels a rush of power as he unhooks her top. She gives no indication that she's offended by the presumption. Her body jerks as he places his hands against her bare back but he's certain the reaction isn't caused by a difference in temperature.

"Tell me if the pressure is too strong." He isn't just referring to his hands. He's spent five years easing her into a pot of boiling water. They're so close...he can't afford to frighten her...

"You have beautiful skin." And his eyes are devouring every inch of it. The bottom of her suit has ridden up so far...the swell of her ass is an unholy temptation...

She doesn't respond...at least not with her mouth. Her right hand eases down...almost there...almost...if she thinks he won't notice...

Her hand hasn't ventured beneath the material. She hasn't dared...not yet. He needs to add more oil to the fire.


Did he just dump the whole bottle on her back?! Too much...the oil rolls down...over her sides...beneath her swim shorts...


He wants to follow the path of that oil with his tongue. Those tiny shorts are no deterrent.

They can't stay here. He doesn't trust himself to behave. The beach (packed with tourists) is no deterrent.

Would she follow him back to his room? He knows he could convince her to share his bed. The challenge is to keep her there.


"What is that?!" It's wet and rubbery. She shrieks as it makes a home for itself across her back. She knows who's responsible before Kol enters her peripheral vision.


One of the tentacles hangs low...grazes the side of her breast. The contrast of the blue, iridescent rings is startling against Elena's tanned skin. The visual is arousing...disturbingly so. Aquatic wildlife should never feature in ones sexual thoughts.

She's smiling as he lifts her to her feet. He dangles the creature in front of her face - the answer she requested. "Kol wanted to introduce you to his new friend."


She uses every ounce of strength she possesses to force the animal from his grasp.

"Did it bite you?"

"Elena, what's wrong?"

"DID IT BITE YOU?!"


He knows it's only a (short) matter of time before they begin teasing Elena for her irrational behavior. Other than Niklaus, there isn't a creature on earth that poses a threat to his existence.

"Elena, is that one of the animals from your book?" Finn's question is innocuous enough but his tone raises the hairs on the back of Elijah s neck.

"Yup...one of the most poisonous."

"What type of medicine is available?" This is not idle curiosity.


"Nadda. All they can do is hook you up to a ventilator until your body fights off the poison."

Elena needs a healer. He doesn't direct the silent warning to Elena herself. In many things, he is still a man of his time and has clear expectations for his eldest sibling. Elijah must do whatever is necessary to ensure the survival of his mate.


He doesn't take the time to explain. He just scoops her up in his arms as he attempts to destroy the sound barrier.

Her eyes are fixed and dilated by the time they reach the hospital entrance. Poison moves faster than an Original.


She made a full recovery in less than two days. It's been two weeks and he's still unable to sleep through the night.

A pinprick of blood...Finn was the only one who had noticed. Finn, who would always be a servant of nature ...ever respectful of its dangers. Finn, who had not forgotten (not even for a moment) that their immunity did not extend to Elena.


He rarely leaves her side these days. He doesn't seem to trust that her lungs will do their job unless he's there to monitor them.

"What about your work?"

"I don't work. I have hobbies...some of which happen to generate an income."

"You know what I'm asking."

"If spending time with me has become such a chore, I'm sure Finn would be willing to discuss his career aspirations."


"What is wrong with you?" He has no earthly idea.

"It was a freak accident. You can't put your life on hold just so you can continue bird dogging me." She keeps her voice low and easy. Her kid gloves are showing.

"Nothing has been put on hold. Let me prove it to you."

"What are you up to?" There goes the kid gloves. Her caution is warranted. He wants to finish what he started.

"I want to go to Martinique." Specifically, a private beach.

"We'll have to wait a few weeks. Finn has his heart set on attending Hogmanay."

"I won't be asking Finn to join us."

"If you're trying to force Rebekah and I into close quarters..."

"On the contrary, I think you would benefit from a lengthy separation."


She agreed to accompany him (alone) to Martinique but it's too early to mark it as a victory. When she asked about hiking trails, he realized that the sole purpose of the trip still eluded her. As soon as they arrive at the bungaloo, he's going to throw her clothing in the ocean...including the outfit she's wearing at the time. At that point, he imagines it will be fairly impossible to mistake his intent.


No goodbye...no phone calls (definitely no letters).

He left without her. He resumed his life ...without her. He did what she told him to do.


"Where is he?"

"That's not the proper way to begin a conversation. You should inquire after my health. Perhaps offer an opinion on the weather."

"Did he go to Martinique?" None of her usual fire...not even an ember.

"No." He doesn't want to play with a broken doll.

"Then where did he go?"

"He never left."

"Is he avoiding me?"

"Sit down, Love. We need to have a little chat about Elijah."


TO BE CONTINUED - in chapter 6

FYI, Elena's faux book title "1001 Things..." was meant as a joke (from both Elena and myself). Bill Bryson deserves the credit for that one. He writes a similar description in his book 'Down Under' re: Australia's many dangers.