The water was cold. Unbelievably cold! Any human who entered the depths of the lake would sure to be affected by the violent tides that now appeared. Luckily for Elena, she wasn't human. As much as she hated to admit it, she was glad Damon had stopped Katherine from jumping down here. Yes, vampires hated water but they could tolerate extremes likes these better than humans could.

As Elena swam further down, it became more difficult to see anything. The water was dirty and it only got dirtier the further down Elena went, preventing her from seeing clearly. Admittedly, vampires did have better vision than humans but the dirt was thick, it clouded her sight. However, something glistened in the corner of her eye. Something small and gold. As she swam closer, she was surprised to see it was gold swirly writing. The same writing that was engraved on the safe in the Salvatore house. Confusion overtook her. Did Stefan use the safe to transport Silas? She wasn't sure. At the time, she was too preoccupied with Katherine to even be concerned with Stefan and Silas. Katherine… It still amazed her that suddenly, not only did she have Jeremy back in the family, but she had Katherine to look after now too. And it was herself who shoved the cure down her throat. It was true she didn't have to look after her ancestor. She could have just compelled her to leave Mystic Falls and forget all about her and the supernatural world but she felt deep down that it was the right thing to do. Where was this nice attitude towards Katherine coming from? She quickly shook her thoughts away and focused on finding Stefan. The safe could just be empty for all she knew but she thought she'd check anyway. Goodness knows what state he would be in if Stefan was inside the safe. She didn't even want to think about it. Elena tried to prise open the safe but it wouldn't budge. She didn't know the combination for it and she doubted it would work right now seeing as it was engulfed in water. She quickly skimmed the lake's floor but there was nothing in sight that she could use to force it open with. Using every ounce of vampire strength and her determination, she tried again. And this time, it worked! The door to the safe jolted open and she used all her strength to open it fully to reveal… Stefan! Her eyes widened at the brown haired boy she once fell in love with. He was unconscious. Who knew how long he had been like that? Elena pulled him out of the safe. She put her arms around his shoulders and dragged him with her until both of their heads were above the water level. Elena let out a huge gasp. She didn't realise how long she had been holding her breath for. It must have been quite a while. Looking back over at the younger Salvatore, she could see he looked lifeless. She wondered whether he could feel pain at all. She felt sorry for him.

Elena carried Stefan over her shoulder as she approached the cliff she jumped down before. It was going to be a struggle getting back up but she knew she had to do it quickly.


"Stefan!" There wasn't even a second pause between the moment Elena reached the top of the cliff and when Katherine had got up like the speed of light to reach for his side. Katherine was in tears, both of happiness and sadness. She hated being human. She hated it so much! But Stefan was now here and he was alive and now conscious. Maybe everything would be okay now, she hoped. "I've missed you Stefan." She sobbed as she helped him walk away from the cliff. "I've missed you so much!"

He collapsed onto the floor, gasping for air. Damon took his jacket off and placed it around his shoulders before wrapping his arm around them. Stefan was here, yet his eyes were distant. He was out of it. Damon even wondered whether he knew who was around him or if he had registered Katherine speaking to him a moment ago. He certainly didn't seem to register anyone's presence. "We're all here for you, little bro." He said as he helped him stand up. They all helped him get into the car. Elena drove back this time. Damon stayed in the back with his brother. Stefan had an unreadable expression on his face. He looked shocked and full of pain but at the same time, he also looked emotionless. Dead. It worried everyone. Especially Katherine.


A/N: Well, there you have it... Stefan is back! But what will he be like now that he is out? And what is to be for Katherine and Stefan? Will Katherine ever get a chance of getting back with him? Find out soon! XD