Boarding House
After arriving back at the house, Damon went to the kitchen to gather everyone's food and juices. Caroline stretched out on one of the couches, while Stefan and Klaus sat on the other. Damon came in and put the food on the coffee table before sitting in the chair.
"Care, are you okay? You haven't said a word and you look like you're going to pass out on us." Stefan asked. She just lifted her hand to give him a thumbs up before reaching over and grabbing her juice. She gulped it down before sitting up the rest of the way and grabbing another. She picked up a sandwich and started eating while the guys dug into theirs. "Well Klaus, was it what you were expecting?"
"It was amazing. I could feel everything. Is it always like that for you guys?"
"Well it is for us. Blondie usually has it rough." Damon answered while Stefan took a bite of his sandwich. Caroline rolled her eyes and finished up her sandwich. She didn't feel like eating anymore, but she did want more juice. She picked up her third bottle of juice and Stefan gave her a funny look.
"Are you sure you're alright? You're drinking a lot of juice."
"What do you expect Stefan? Everyone decided I needed to quit drinking, so I'm substituting." She said with another eye roll. Damon about chocked from laughing at her answer. Klaus quirked an eyebrow and gave her a smirk. Stefan shook his head and leaned back against the couch. "I might just crash on the couch if that's alright. I don't feel like driving home tonight."
"Blondie, I think you can make it upstairs to your old room. It's technically a guest bedroom now though."
"I'm not moving from here Damon. I see those stairs and all I can think is 'no way in hell'." She replied and all the guys laughed at that one.
"Real comedian Blondie. Now, march your ass up those stairs or one of us will carry you there."
"Whoever picks me up will have not walk away unscathed; I promise you that."
"Come on Care, he's just messing with you." Stefan interrupted.
"Well I'm tired and I just want to lay here for a bit. I promise I'll leave as soon as I wake up. You know I won't sleep more than an hour or two anyway."
"Fine, but good luck sleeping with all of us in here talking Blondie." Damon said reminding her of another unwanted presence. She could feel Klaus' eyes on her again, but she just put an arm over her eyes, and rested the other over her stomach. Oh and you might want to go change. You don't want that dress to show off anything when you toss and turn."
"Uhh… Shut up Damon. I'm going to change and find a damn blanket. Why don't you all watch TV or something and let me sleep? You know there's nothing to do in here."
"Well we could just watch you sleep and pull a prank on you. Remember when we made your face and hair an ice cream sundae?"
"You wouldn't. What are you 5 Damon? Just grow up already."
"Actually Caroline, it would be best if we were in here in case you needed woken up." Stefan reminded her. She just huffed and made her way to her bag to go change. After changing, she stopped in the hall closet to grab a pillow and blanket before heading back to the guys. She dropped her stuff down and went to the bathroom. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun and washed her face and hands. She never wanted to smack someone so much as she did at that moment. She positioned her pillow and unfolded the cover before stretching back out and facing away from everyone on her side. She fell asleep within 10 minutes listening to the guys explain what was to be expected from the Yule and other rituals. When they were sure Caroline was asleep, Damon stood up and wished everyone a goodnight before going upstairs. With only Klaus and Stefan left to stay awake, Stefan decided it was a good time to ask questions. "Klaus, can I ask you a question and you not jump to conclusions?"
"Depends on the question."
"What are you doing with Caroline? She told me Damon and Katherine about you finding her last night. Why do you want to get to know her after her telling you to ignore her?"
"I don't exactly know mate. I've been wondering that myself all day. I don't know why, but it's hard to shift focus off of her when I see her. I think I make her uneasy."
"Everybody has a tendency to make her feel uneasy. She doesn't like interacting with many people anymore."
"Last night, she made a fire in a fire pit with another one of them little fireballs. Those are really neat by the way. Anyway, when we went to leave, I was going to get water to pour onto the fire, but she stopped me. She pulled the fire back into her and I swear she was glowing; like she was on fire under her skin. I couldn't help myself… I walked over to her and reached up to see if she felt any different from doing that. She caught me before I could tell though and moved away. There were a couple of other things that stood out too. I think I make her uneasy any time we accidently make skin contact. She tried to avoid me with everything she has too."
"Well can you blame her? Even if she was normal, she lost her husband; she won't get over that so easy. Next, she doesn't like anybody touching her. Skin contact often leads her to seeing something or something else happening."
"Yea but I saw something when I grabbed her arm. She said I shouldn't touch her because she could see into my life and when she's doing magic, I could see into hers."
"I have an idea. We just did a ritual, which means you're still really open. She's sleeping and that means her blocks are down. Go pick up her hand and let me know if you see anything. You won't be able to move if you do, but you can talk."
"I asked her to do this last night, but she wouldn't let me. Are you sure she won't get pissed about this?"
"Oh I'd say she will be, but I told her I wasn't going to back down from finding everything she has planned out. If it will save her life, I'll take the blame for it. She won't stay mad at me for long."
"Alright mate. Well, here goes nothing." Klaus replied as he sat down on the floor next to the couch. Caroline had already turned on her back, so it made things easier for him at that time. He reached his hands up to grasp her hand in his. Stefan scribbled a small note to Damon in case they didn't come out of what they would see for a while. Stefan sat down next to Klaus and made him wait for him.
"On the count of three, take hold of her hand. I'll grab her arm. Focus on staying together in case I have to try and pull us out. One… two… three." Stefan spoke and they both made contact at the same time.
Caroline, Stefan, and Klaus POV
The guys were pulled into a scene that had both of them shocked. It didn't look like it was even in their timeline and they both darted their heads around until they saw Caroline. It wasn't hard to find her because she was still dressed in her modern clothes. They approached her and she turned around.
"What are you both doing here?" She asked. They looked down knowing they had ticked her off.
"Care, what is this place?" Stefan asked cautiously.
"The beginning of all of this. I won't be asleep long, but time slows when I see all of this. It will feel like days here, but it will only be a couple hours in the waking world. You won't be able to pull out until it stops. I suggest you stay close. Don't interfere because it will do no good; this has already happened and can't be changed. Besides, no one can see us. Just follow me; you both get to see me die over and over again tonight." She replied as she turned from them and started walking behind a similar blonde that had her arm looped around a soldier's arm. The guys followed her wondering why they did this.
"Care, is that you that we're following?"
"Yes. I always look close to what I do now. The guy who she's holding is the past self of my mate. He always looks different, but it's still him. I actually think this version of him is the most similar with our time's self."
"Why are we here?"
"Because apparently you two don't know when to butt out when I tell you too. You both would have had to touch me at the same time to be here together though."
"I know that, but why are we here; in this era?"
"Because you wanted answers and this was how the gods chose to answer you. Now, both of you just watch. I've seen this all before." She replied and turned to watch the scenes play forward. They watched quietly for a while. Klaus watched as Caroline watched everything happen. As the war spread out, they followed her past self and watched as she tried to help ward off the enemy. When the walls crumbled, they didn't have to walk anymore. The scenery changed around them and zoomed them where they needed to be. Stefan and Klaus watched the scene as Caroline turned her back from it. She didn't want to watch herself die again and she knew she was going to feel the pain of the sword when it entered. It was one of the reasons she had heart problems in her present self. Stefan and Klaus drew nearer to the scene as they saw the thrust of the sword. They almost ran to her, but Caroline gritted her teeth against the pain and stopped them. "You can't stop it; just watch." She said as she fell to her knees in pain.
"That's why you have heart problems. Is this how you always die?"
"It's always a blade, and it's always by my mate. Can you understand my reluctance now?"
"Care, how do we get out of here?"
"We don't until you see everything. 5 more rounds to go unless the gods decided to throw some of the future events in."
"Why did you fall when the sword went through the past you?" Klaus asked, although he had a feeling he already knew the answer. He felt a sting when the guy she was with had his throat cut. He felt he already knew why he was seeing this.
"Because I feel the pain of my death every time I see it. The reason I have problems with my heart is because my current body recognizes that I haven't died yet. I've never lived this long. The longest I've lived before this life was 21. That's how old I was here. Don't worry; the next one won't take as long as this one. We're going forward a couple centuries." She answered as the scene changed to when the goddess told her what would happen in her future lives, and then on to the next time era. Once again, they watched as she helplessly got caught in a battle and her mate accidently killed her. Klaus felt every time the guy would die, but didn't say anything for a while.
"Do you feel anything mate?"
"No I'm not in this time frame. I was in the first one. I was the one who lit the fire on her funeral pyre. I'll only be in one other one, and I'll die right after her and her mate. Why are you asking me this? Do you feel anything?"
"Somewhat."
"Well that answers my question. You knew her before. Now who are you feeling?"
"I don't think you really want to know."
"Guys just shut up and watch. This hurts a lot and I can't pass out here, so at least let me have some peace and quiet." Caroline interrupted. She knew what they were going to say and she didn't want to hear them voice what they all already knew. As the time kept changing, they got to the point, where they could sit and watch everything play out. She refused to look at either of them until they were caught up to their present selves. She noticed the scene change to something that hadn't happened yet. "Guys, this hasn't happened yet. Pay attention; we might need to know something that's important." She instructed as they saw her running through the woods. There were shadow figures darting everywhere. When she broke through the woods and looked out over town, she saw the power go out and she turned to look at the woods again. She held her hands out and was breathing heavily as she closed her eyes and focused on building a barrier to keep those things out of town. She turned to see the shimmering wall rise up and over the town as the lights slowly started coming back on. When she saw the town protected, she turned back to see all of the figures standing there. They watched as fear crept up her face for a moment before she pushed it down and focused. When they zoomed to attack, light burst out of her to surround her and fend off the incoming attack. Knowing they couldn't penetrate the light, they retreated. Falling to her knees with her nose bleeding, she closed her eyes and looked like she was focusing on something. When her eyes shot open she started running down the hill in the direction of the ritual area. When she got there, the scene she saw had her falling to her knees. She could see different people she knew possessed. Klaus and Stefan were in shock when they saw themselves and Damon in the center with their eyes black. Caroline made a barrier to keep them in and made it fill up with light. The wind picked up around them as the people started dropping from the figures leaving their bodies. One by one, they came out of the barrier and ran to help. Eventually, it was only Stefan, Damon, and Klaus left in the barrier. They hadn't been released yet. With a heavy breath she pushed more light in and it released Stefan and Damon. They rushed out to anchor her and finish the job. Once they left the barrier, the scene disappeared. Stefan started yelling wanting to see how it ended. Caroline was breathing heavy and just dropped her head. Klaus sat there shocked and glanced to Caroline.
Suddenly, they all woke up in the living room of the boarding house with Damon shouting over them. It was barely daylight outside and Caroline shot up off the couch and rushed to get her stuff.
"Caroline, you aren't going anywhere. Sit down and explain what the heck we just saw."
"Stefan, I have things to figure out and do before I can do that. You saw everything I did. You know as much as I do. I have to go."
"Wait!"
"No! Did you not notice your surroundings or what we all were wearing? My guess is that everything we saw will happen in May or June. I have to see if I can see the ending. Now, I'm going, so don't look for me for a while. I'll be back for Yule, but you won't see me before that."
"Care wait!"
"WHAT STEFAN?! WHAT?!"
"You need help with this. Let me help you."
"Didn't you see what happened to you? I have to figure out why all of that was happening because as bad as it was, it wasn't what we've been expecting. The trouble coming is worse than that, and it looked like their first tactical move. Divide and conquer looks like the route they're going to take."
"I know, which means we should stick together. We'll put up stronger protection wards on everybody's houses and make some amulets for everyone to wear. We have to do something to stop that from happening. You know the easiest way to fail is to go at this solo."
"I'll be back in two weeks Stefan. I have to go talk to my uncle's coven. I recognized a couple people in the vision from there, and I have to warn them that something could happen to them beforehand."
"Fine, go and come back soon. We'll start with the amulets and wards; although they would be stronger if you were here to help with those."
"I'll be back for Yule. Consult the other covens and let them know what's happening. They were there too. Tell them we've seen the first attack."
"What about me?" Klaus spoke up.
"Stick close to Stefan and Rebekah. Make sure Elijah and Katherine are okay too. My house already has a protection ward in place. I'll tell Katherine to invite Elijah to the house while I'm gone so she has someone there and they're both protected. You and Rebekah need to stay here. I reinforced the wards on this house a while back, so I know they're strong. Nobody can be left alone right now."
"Then don't you think you should stay here instead of going off alone?"
"Do you honestly think they're going to try and come after me right now? No, they go after others before coming after me. That's always their first move."
"When were you going to tell me?"
"I wasn't. I'm not repeating the past. I'm changing the cycle this time."
"And how are you supposed to do that? By sacrificing yourself? Do you honestly think everybody is going to just sit back and let you do that? You said it yourself; you're older, you're stronger, and things are already different now than they were before. You can change it another way. Do you think anybody wants to see you die? If you let us know what to look for, then maybe I won't kill you this time!"
"Wait a minute… what am I missing?" Damon asked quickly. Caroline glanced at him and then back to Klaus before she ran out the door to her car. Stefan spoke up while Klaus started pacing.
"He's her mate Damon. I suspected it but she refused to tell me an answer. She doesn't want to be bound to him, and now he knows everything."
"So Klaus and Blondie? So Klaus, what are you going to do with this news?"
"What can I do? She clearly has no interest in me or being bound to me. I don't even know what to think about all of this yet. I just found out about you guys and it's been a bloody mess since. You know I asked her last night why I couldn't stop being drawn to her and she said it was the magic and not her. I told her I thought it was her, but she denied it."
"Can you blame her? You've seen what has happened every time you two have been together throughout time. She doesn't want to do this anymore. And if she uses her free will to choose not to, we can't make her do otherwise. The same goes for you Klaus. If you choose not to use the information you've learned and not bind with her, then no one can make you. It's all about choice." Damon informed him. He knew Caroline didn't want to fight anymore, but this was their life. He had questions of his own to deal with too. "Now Stefan, what did you all see?"
"After seeing her past lives, we got a glimpse of the first attack. All of us were possessed. She managed to fix us, but the vision ended when Klaus dropped to the ground. My guess is because you woke us up or we aren't allowed to know yet."
"What could you see about us when we weren't possessed anymore?"
"WE helped her and we were both stronger. I think by May or June I will be bound to Rebekah and you will be bound to Elena. It's the only thing that makes sense. No amount of practicing or training would get us that strong without being bound."
"What about Caroline and Klaus?"
"I don't think they were, but I couldn't tell. He was possessed until the vision ended and I wouldn't have been able to tell until he left the barrier. I think it's up to them. Klaus, what are you wanting to do?"
"I really don't know. What does it mean to be bound?"
"When soul mates are bound, it's like a mystical marriage. It goes beyond a normal marriage, and it's divided into 3 parts. Since you both are aware of each other, the first part is halfway over. The first part isn't finished until you both decide it's what you want. The second part is the handfasting ceremony, which is a pagan marriage. The third part is self-explanatory."
"What do mean self-explanatory?"
"Oh come on Klaus think about it… what happens when people get married? They consummate the marriage."
"Is that done a special way too?"
"Not usually, but with her it would be a little different. The dilemma you both would be facing is that you can't use any form of birth control and chances are likely she would conceive because fate wants her bloodline to continue. After its continued, she won't have to fight anymore because a new era will be born with them. The battle we're worried about will be over and her powers will carry on to the new generation where there will be peace. They will fix the problems this world has."
"They?"
"3 children are what have been predicted. So think long and hard about this. Before you even think about joining with her, you have to prepare yourself for a very fast rollercoaster ride. Not only would you have to go through being bound, but it would give you abilities that you would have to learn how to use and control. Do you really think you're ready for something like this?"
"That's a lot to take in. I don't know if I could be ready for all of that. Why is it me?"
"She used to ask that same question before she found the answer. What you didn't see during the vision was how the story really began. She was originally an immortal; the daughter of a goddess. Her task was to help guide and protect humanity. Witches were formed to help her carry out this task. Normal humans would go to her for help and she would help them. A few would even serve her as warriors. You were one of those warriors. In time she tried pushing her feelings for you away because she was with you all of the time and you both fell for each other. She gave up her immortality so she could live a life with you. She became a witch so she would still have the power to help people, but war broke out because these entities heard about what she had done. Since she was no longer immortal, the gods couldn't help her like they could before and the darkness attacked. You saw what happened when it did. When she died, her mother found a way to fix the mess that was created with her daughter' choice. You two were bound as soul mates and forced to repeat everything until you could break the cycle. To do that, you have to be bound and you both have to survive when darkness attacks. Then you have to carry on the bloodline. When you accomplish that, the cycle is broken and you both will be at peace and be able to choose whether or not you want to live any more lives. If you do then you get to have a normal happy life, but if you don't you get to journey together forward into the next world where you will still be happy."
"So this cycle is pretty much a punishment for her?"
"For both of you. The love you shared in that first life was forbidden. Immortals and mortals are not supposed to be together, but you both broke that rule. This is the only way to make up for that, but you can't be forced into it. You have to choose it and so does she. You can leave her alone now and stay far from her if you choose to, but I really hope you don't."
"I need time to think about this. I'm going to stay here and learn more about all of this before I make a decision."
"That's fair enough. At least you didn't just say no and run. Listen Klaus, I know you. You would do anything to protect your family; the same as she would. I think you guys have a better shot at fixing this in this life than you've ever had before. There are already so many things different already."
"I saw that, but I still need time to decide. I'll give you my choice when she comes back. I want to talk to her first. By the way… what date was it that her husband died?"
"Why are you asking me about that?"
"It's just something she talked about."
"Well her birthday is in 2 days. Add a week and you have her anniversary, and then another week and you have Yule. December is a very busy month for her."
"You aren't kidding mate. It feels like I've run a marathon since Friday. I don't know if I can handle this kind of stuff all of the time."
"Listen here Klaus AND Stefan… do you think she wants to do this anymore? This is destiny and you both may have free will, but how long do you think the pull can be fought? I feel the pull to Elena every minute of every day; I'm not waiting much longer. Elena will be coming to Yule too. Stefan, you feel that same pull to Rebecca and she feels it to without knowing what it is. Klaus, you've been drawn to Caroline from the moment you laid eyes on her. Has she talked to you about the pull?" Damon interrupted and asked.
"Yes. She mentioned that she knew who her mate was and where he was; thinking about it now, I guess I should have known who she was talking about. She said she was fighting the pull and that she was going to continue fighting it."
"How long do you think she'll be able to fight it with everything going on?"
"I don't know because she seems both the strong and stubborn type."
"How long do you think you can fight it? You don't have magic, and you may be stubborn, but without powers you will give in before she will. You might want to think about that when you're making your decision."
"I am thinking about that. Yes, I feel a pull and it's strange and strong, but that doesn't mean I can't fight it like she does."
"No, it doesn't, but it will be harder as time goes by. Each time you see each other or get close to each other the pull will get stronger. That's why she's left. Even after she gets back, don't look to see her often because she's going to avoid you more than anyone else." Damon explained as he poured them a round of drinks. Stefan looked like he was deep in thought and finally spoke up.
"What if he decides to give in? How could we help him with her?"
"What makes you think I'd give in before she would?"
"Just hear me out. She's told you to ignore her and you didn't. She's been trying to avoid you, but you haven't tried to avoid her at all. You think it was an accident you saw her on the road? You were drawn to her without even realizing it. If you both decide to fight this… you'll give in before she would. I think you already are, but I'm not getting into that right now. Right now, Damon and I need to figure out how to help you when the time comes."
"If I decide to pursue the bond, I won't need your help."
"You might be a ladies man, and have the pull on your side, but that doesn't mean you don't need help. She'll push you away with every move you make. What I was thinking was making sure you knew her schedule and all of the places she disappears to. Study it and then you can pop in on her and she won't have a choice, but to allow your company. She does still use her manners and she thinks it's rude to make someone leave."
"And what's to stop her from leaving?"
"Well you'll just have to use your charming personality to get her to stay. We'd help you as much as we could too."
"I have an idea of my own. I know what she's going to be up to in a week, so I'm going to sneak up on her when she's done. She'll need someone to talk to then."
"What is she doing?"
"I promised I wouldn't say anything, so to stay on her good side I won't say it, but it's nothing bad. It's just going to be a very hard time for her. I'll start there and see how things go. I still want to get to know her; even if I don't decide to do the bond."
"Okay well let us know how it goes."
"I will. Now what do we do while we're waiting on her to get back?"
"Do as she says. You call Elijah and let him know Katherine will need someone to stay with her. I'm sure Katherine has already been informed to let him stay there. Bonnie and Jeremy need to be kept out of here, so I suggest we give them an early Christmas present and buy them some cruise tickets. Elena and Rebekah need to stay here so Damon and I will call them." Stefan instructed quickly and pulled his phone out. Damon and Klaus pulled theirs out and walked off to different areas to make their calls. Everybody agreed to do as they asked and plans were made.