I'm glad you guys are still enjoying this story even though I've been away for awhile. I know the last chapter was short because I had to go to work (and then the event I was working got cancelled anyway!) so I'm sorry but I just got home and I'm already working on the next chapter! I know two chapters in one day doesn't make up for leaving you guys for eight months but it's a start! Enjoy!

Hopeless637: Yes she is going through with the sacrifice but on her terms. And I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do about Stefan or some of the other characters like Tyler. Also this story is mostly, if not entirely, from future Caroline's point of view so the other characters might not feature as much, especially when Klaus shows up but they'll definitely be around a little.

The Wake of Devastation

Chapter Seven

Caroline was already having trouble keeping time together in her head. Everything was starting to unravel around her and she needed to get a hold of it if her plan was going to succeed. By keeping Katherine hostage at the boarding house a number of things that happened in her time line haven't happened here. Jenna never got stabbed; she's no longer out scaring my past self into doing her bidding, she hasn't compelled Matt into attacking Tyler. All these dominoes that Caroline has prevented from tipping over are getting in the way of her goals, particularly getting Elijah here. It appears he does not wish to respond to Katherine's message. Who could blame him?

Fortunately for her, because Katherine was on a bit of a hiatus, Elena and the rest of the gang didn't have any problem with going to the Masquerade Ball at the Lockwood's tonight. It was going to be a much quieter evening than she had experienced, without all the schemes to try and kill Katherine but she hoped the night still ended with a bang. She needed her best friend to get kidnapped.

Caroline had hoped to avoid this particular part of history. She thought for sure that Elijah would take the bait if he got a message straight from Katherine but she thought wrong. He always was reserved and treaded lightly into every situation but he came the first time around for Rose. It's possible, likely even, that Katherine had weaseled out of sending a message at all which makes Elena being taken tonight that much more important. Elijah was essential to her plan.

"It's quiet tonight." Katherine joked while walking into the living room. "I hope the kids don't stay out too late. They've got school in the morning."

Caroline rolled her eyes from her place on the couch, "Don't you ever get tired of just…being you?"

"No, not really. That's sort of what the last 500 years has been about. Continuing to be me."

"Yeah and look where that's got you." Caroline said.

"Oh because you're doing so much better?" Katherine scoffed back. "How's your great plan to save the world going? What's it been, almost a week that we've been stuck in this house and what exactly have you accomplished that might one day save vampires from extinction?"

"Actually my plans going great. You're the one who failed in your part in getting Elijah here."

"Hey I did my best," She replied, "It's not my fault he doesn't walk blindly into things that could so easily be a trap."

"And what could you be trying to trap him with? Your legs?"

Katherine only glared back so Caroline continued, "And if you have such a problem with my plans why don't you just leave?"

At her confused expression she went on, "I mean I am keeping you "hostage" here but if you really wanted to I'm sure you could manage some way of escaping. You've certainly had enough practice with running away. But no, you stay here because you're scared. My being here has thrown quite the wrench into your grand plans hasn't it? You've lost the ability to move forward with your own wicked schemes so you're sticking around, biding your time, waiting to see how things play out, hoping you end up on the right side of things, and alive."

Katherine remained silent with an ashamed look on her face, not liking that Caroline understands her so well.

"Or maybe," Caroline said, "You're hoping that Elijah will come sweeping in, realize how much he's still in love with you after all these centuries and protects you from the big bad wolf."

"You don't know what you're talking about." Katherine replied, trying to appear unaffected by Caroline's words.

"Maybe I don't," She said, "But I do know one thing, you should thank your lucky stars that I'm here because the way I remember tonight, you ended up locked in a tomb again."

Katherine's eyes went wide but before she could respond the door to the boarding house flew open and an angry Stefan and Damon came rushing in.

"Elena's been kidnapped."

"Ah, right on schedule."

I know it's another short one! Had I not gone to work this chapter and the previous one would have been one longer chapter but at least I got up two in one night! The reason I ended it here, other than the fact that it's after midnight and I should go to bed, is that I like ended things on punchy one liners. Just a particular style to my writing. I'm not working till 7:30 tomorrow so hopefully I'll have another chapter up before then or Saturday. Thanks again so much for putting up with short chapters/inconsistent updates and anything else I do that annoys you.

Also! Elijah will (most likely) be in the next chapter!