~~Sorry for a super long update! I hadn't been able to write a lot because of my work schedule but I promise to get more of these out. Trust me, I miss the show more than anything and I wish I could update quicker like before. Fear not, this whole thing is just getting started~~Reanna.

New Orleans, three years ago.

Violet had been in the elevator trying to process everything. She had just returned after a week in Mystic Falls at the Salvatore Boarding School and now she was home. Her only problem was that she returned home by herself.

She called Josh in order for him to come get her because she didn't know where Marcel went. They decided to go their separate ways for a while because they weren't getting on the same page. She figured he needed space for a few days and he'd come back but he didn't. Instead she rode with Josh mostly in silence back to New Orleans; the only noise was her breaking.

As the elevator door dinged and opened, Violet slowly walked towards the doors of the penthouse. She dug into her bag for the keys and turned the lock but didn't open the door. There was something she was slowly realizing and it wasn't what she wanted to face. Instead she pushed herself through the door but left it open.

Glancing around the place, Violet was hit with a thousand thoughts that ran through her head. It ranged from people, to memories to places. There was something that came over her and it was out of a place of rage.

Violet had been trying her best to keep her mind off of the card reading by doing anything she could. It was scary to her because there was a truth hidden within all of them. She really thought it was going be a waste and harmless at that but things proved to be wrong.

She was supposed to pick four cards but the three already killed her inside. Having the weight of the city on her shoulders was her priority right now rather than worry about her future through a card trick. Violet knew she wasn't qualified to do the job exactly like Marcel could but there wasn't anyone else who would step up. Josh wanted it as well but knew his own inexperience wouldn't help anyone.

It should be a surprise to many that she wasn't all that great at it but in Violet's defense she had been the background pawn. She followed Marcel's orders and did what was needed. Of course she benefitted watching everything but she wasn't doing anything wrong. It just seemed like too much to take on and Violet didn't like it at all.

The werewolves were hardly a problem as she listened to them more so than she did before. It was due to Aaliyah and Jordan but she had no choice if she wanted to run the city peacefully. The witches were never a problem because she had close ties to Freya and Vincent. It was a surprise to her that the vampires were harder than expected because of this new group that constantly challenged her.

Pouring some blood into her tea like she enjoyed occasionally, Violet sat down on her couch and listened to the silence. The place had no noise and the only sound she could pick up on was all the people down on Bourbon Street. The first floor looked pretty much like a loft's floor plan with everything open and just a few little walls to separate the kitchen and living area. Violet honestly enjoyed the home but she wanted someone or something to share it with.

Hearing footsteps come around the side, she wondered if it was Josh but he always went to the front door. Every time she entered she took the back way but he seemed to wait at the window and wait until she answered the door. Violet figured it would be Marcel but one she reached the door she ended up staring at a letter at her feet.

Josh's Loft, 1 PM. Be there.

She had to get herself ready because apparently the letter was important. Of course no one was calling her back and she had reached out to everyone. Something must have been up and Violet wondered if it had something to do with Hayley. It was very mysterious and troubling but she was the Queen and even she had rules to follow.

Driving to Marcel's old loft, there were no other cars and the only thing that stood out was her famous purple car. Now feeling more on guard, she couldn't help but wonder if it was some sort of a set up as it seemed suspicious. Things took a left turn when she began to step through into the living area and were faced with three people.

"Finally, you're only about twenty minutes late" Marcel spoke turning his attention towards her.

Making a face at him, Violet spoke. "Well you know if you sent a text I would have been here quicker but apparently you want to send a letter. Keep up with tech Marcel...What's going on?"

"Says the girl who constantly writes me letters. We need to have a talk with everyone"

Lisina and Greta had been standing across from Marcel looking at her. Both women stood there with their arms crossed clearly in mood. Violet had no idea what she was walking into but there was one thing on her mind, when did he get to call the shots?

"Who are we?" Greta asked then turned her attention between the former couple. Lisina seemed more interested on what was going on because she wondered if something big was going on. "If you two are working together I'd like see how well that's going to work out"

Violet stepped over towards the others and took her place near Greta. She was still angry at her for the other night but she did want to stick to the vampire side. Giving her the side eye, she crossed her arms letting Marcel deal with her attitude.

"Klaus wanted me to get all of you together so no, we are not a team right now. Well in all honesty we have to act like one in order to find Hayley" Hearing a scoff come from the vampire, Marcel paused staring intently at Greta. "Something funny to you?"

"Still running on his heels…" She took a few steps towards him and looked him over. "Marcel Gerard, former king of New Orleans. You are a self-made legend with werewolf venom coursing through your veins yet you are still under the control of the Mikaelson family"

He shifted his eyes towards Violet who had been smirking at him. She knew that Greta or her vampire friends wouldn't listen to him either and it was going to be interesting to see him handle it. "Look, I've saw you maybe three times in my entire life so I don't know who you think you're talking to"

Lisina was waiting to speak up and checked her phone before putting it back in her pocket. "I got to get back out into the Bayou so what is this all about? Has Hayley been found or anything special news?"

Narrowing his deep brown eyes, Greta stepped back waiting for him to speak. There was no way she was going to help because she had been the one causing trouble. In her mind they were all too blind to notice it but this way she could keep tabs on everything going on in the city.

"Klaus wants to get all the factions of New Orleans working together to find Hayley. The wolves, vampires and witches need to come together and find her because I don't think things are looking good right now"

"Can I ask a question?" Violet asked. "Why did you have to get all of us down here to ask? Clearly I've been on the case and I'm sure the wolves have been as well. You don't have a witch here so I must be completely missing the point"

Shrugging faintly he looked between all the females. "Klaus asked me to do this and I agreed because I want to help as much as I can"

"Right…You want to get back on everyone's good side because you want to take this city by the reigns to take control" Greta now shifted her focus on Violet. "What are you going to do about it? You have been running this city without him; you are his true protégée to speak"

Greta had been making a point and Violet knew it. She had been under his wing long enough to develop his actions and understand how to run it. She just didn't have the will or experience to take care of everything. Not wanting New Orleans to begin it, it was something that Violet felt she had to do. It kept her mind off of her problems and she didn't want to see the city turn into a disaster.

"I know you would love to see me get out of here but I'm not going anywhere. He's not waltzing back in here just he has ran this place. What I say goes so I'm not going to play your little mind games Greta. You can think what you want but you are still answering to me"

Both female vampires took a step towards each other and Lisina watched them. She wasn't going to get involved in vampire business so she looked at Marcel for him to intervene. He wouldn't do anything unless it was necessary but it seemed it was about to be. They were still firing words back and forth, getting close to exchanging blows and Violet went for the first punch.

Marcel now took it upon himself to stop them before things got serious. He launched forward and grabbed them both by the neck and it made the wolf jump back to a degree. "We get it, you two are never going to get along but we have a bigger problem on our hands"

Letting them go, Violet was beyond enraged and actually became embarrassed. Greta had fixed her jacket with irritation reading on her face and she cracked her neck. "Exactly my point…"

He cut her off quickly, "Hayley Marshall is in our number one spot right now and we need to find her. I don't think anyone in this room here had anything to do with it though some of us are acting pretty suspicious...I don't care what has to be done but she needs to be found"

"You know that the werewolves have been trying anything and everything to find her. With Henry dead and Hayley missing, I can't help but think the vampires are part of it" Lisina spoke still standing behind everyone.

They all looked at her but Violet had been smoothing her t-shirt down after Marcel decided to grab her. She spoke still focusing on her shirt, "I didn't' do anything to Hayley nor did the vampires. I would have no purpose; her kid goes to school with mine. I listened when she had wolf problems, I went to her wedding, and I babysat for her. I've done a lot for her and I wouldn't have a point in taking her hostage" She felt that she was being blamed and that the vampires were going to be the next targets.

"I'm not worried about you Violet…I'm worried about her" Her eyes flickered towards Greta who smirked in return.

"I have nothing to do with your precious Hayley Marshall so you all can think what you want. I may hate your kind and despise you but my hands have no blood on them" She held them up and looked between the other three. "If you'll excuse me I'd like to get back to my day so tell Klaus Mikaelson not to bother me anymore"

Non one said a word as she walked away. It was going to be a smoother conversation without Greta and one that Marcel and Violet wouldn't have to tip toe on. Both vampires didn't trust her and were careful of what to say. They both had their own thoughts on her but Greta seemed very suspicious from the beginning. She and a couple of vampires clearly didn't listen to Violet nor were they going to like Marcel.

Lisina stepped forward to where she was and Violet turned away to get a drink from the bar. She wasn't planning on worrying about Hayley all day but Klaus wasn't going to drop it. She had a few things for Mardi Gras to take care of and she had to check on the kids later. Pouring two drinks of Bourbon, she walked back over and held one towards the wolf.

"I don't really drink but thank you for the offer"

"Oh I'm sure you'll be drinking after today" Violet commented then held it out towards Marcel. He was honestly surprised at her gesture so he took the glass. They both took their drinks as he put the glasses back.

"The wolves want nothing to do with Klaus due to the fact of him slaughtering one of our own…We going to help find her but it's not going to be because of him" Lisina said which in fact was the cold stone truth.

Marcel nodded at her figuring nothing less. The witches probably weren't going to do anything to help but say they tried the entire time. "I appreciate it; I know she is the alpha of the pack and everything. Don't worry about those vampires; I'm sure Violet's got it under control. Right Vi?"

Violet had been staring out one of the windows remembering the view from the neighborhood. It was weird being in the French Quarter after being in the loft and penthouse for so long. It was always a nice view and she couldn't complain.

"Whatever you say Marcel…" She said in a tone that wasn't pleasant. "Are you okay? I'm sorry about Henry. I never got the chance to apologize; I really wanted to protect that kid"

The female had offered a faint smile towards the vampire. It was something unexpected to her and she really didn't have anything to say. It was a huge loss for her as she was the one raising him but they all had something in common. Losing Henry and David in the last few days were a major blow to the pack and they felt on defense against everyone.

"How are the other two? I know you've been having trouble with them lately" Lisina said referring to the adopted children.

Violet hesitated saying anything because she didn't want to really talk about it around Marcel. "You know exactly how they are. One's adjusted and the other doesn't want to be there and rebels. Jordan's had a tough life, I just wish he was more like his sister…I don't think he really likes me"

Marcel narrowed his eyes towards her finding this a surprise. Aaliyah and Jordan were able to hop into the other Crescent pack as they were still part of it. Even though their Mother's side had been wiped out, they were still part of them. Their family and friends were all gone but at least they had other werewolves that took them in. Lisina was very welcoming knowing about the tragedy and knew their Father personally. When in New Orleans, they had spent time out in the swamp living their wolf life while splitting their time with Violet.

"Anyway, it's nothing to worry about and I'll keep you posted. If you have any trouble with Greta or those other vampires come find me. I have no problem putting her down in the garden for a very long time"

Lisina agreed knowing that her vampires were going to be troublesome. They had spoken a little bit more before she had left. Violet had to stay back because she wanted and needed to talk to Marcel which he probably wasn't going to like.

"What's this about Jordan giving you trouble? I talked to him like you asked and he said he was over it" Marcel said watching the woman leave before looking at Violet. She had asked Josh to text Marcel while they kept their distance and she didn't want him to know her number.

"Nothing, you know he has anger issues, he's been that way since he was what, eight? Maybe you should spend time with him more than with your mistress"

Rolling his eyes, he should have known he was going to be the one to blame. "I did talk to him but what good is it going to do? Jordan's smart and he's going to lash out because of everything he's gone through. And if you think Rebekah is around them you can guess again. I kept away from her for you"

Pausing, she always figured that they were around her. Violet never asked too much about New York and she did occasionally but Aaliyah was always eager to tell her about the visits. She never wanted to bring up Rebekah because she couldn't care to hear about her.

He noticed the look on her face change and it honestly put something in perspective. When he left Mystic Falls, it did kill Marcel inside that he was leaving Violet but things happened. He still cared for her, still loved her and always would. Times changed and he pushed it away as the days went by.

"How did you manage to do that?" She asked.

"I'd figure out a way around it. Rebekah would either leave to go see Elijah or I just stayed someplace else. I knew you wouldn't want them around her so out of respect for you I did that. She doesn't know about these kids, no one in that family does besides Freya and Hope. I asked them to keep it quiet"

Violet's face had a soft thankful look but it was still masked with hurt. She couldn't help but feel it as vampires' emotions were always heightened and her heart was shattered. "Can I ask you a question?" He nodded slowly to her. "Why did you come back? Was it really because you missed this city? Or did you think that I'd take you back because Rebekah is gone?"

There was a point to her asking because she had a reason to lure this into the conversation she wanted. Before Marcel could get a word out Violet continued on, "Last time I checked I ran this place and for you to try and overstep me isn't going to work. You showed off to the vampires of this city long enough and now it's my turn. You came here to get New Orleans back because you lost everything, this city, your girlfriend and the ride or die who has been at your side for ninety some years. You need to check your ego because I'm not putting up with it. Not now and not later"

Marcel had no idea where this change of personality was coming from. He knew she was referring to earlier when he grabbed her and Greta but things would have taken a crazy turn if he didn't do anything. Sure he didn't have to grab either one but Marcel was doing what he wanted.

"I came back here to…" Violet raised her hand to stop him again.

"You came here to run this city because you knew I had it. You have nothing Marcel, you lost everything and you expected me to carry on and hand it over. Well guess what, you do that again I won't back down. I'm not going to let you embarrass me in front of Lisina, Greta or anyone else for that matter. This isn't your city anymore and I'm not being pushed aside again"

"You just know me so well, don't you?" Marcel had more to say but she shushed him once again.

Crossing her arms, she looked him up and down before turning on her heel walking away. He reached out and grabbed her wrist spinning her around.

"I'm done with this. Stop trying to lure me back in to get on your good side. Go help Klaus with Hayley because you just lost your biggest ally. You know how to run the place so go use your skills and find her because I'm not helping any one of you"

"This isn't us Violet, you know that. Every single time I try to talk to me you come at me and stop me when I need to say something. You really think Jordan's acting out just because of his parents being murdered? No it's because of the way we are acting, mostly you"

Scoffing, she yanked her wrist back. "Me? Fine, blame me. I let you go, I never stopped you and I never reached out. Why? Because I loved you enough to let you be happy because apparently I didn't do that. Get the hell out of my city because by morning I will hunt you down myself'

Moving into the room, she flipped the couch as hard as she could. Violet moved onto the coffee table and kicked through it to break it down completely.

She tore apart the chairs and ripped everything off the bookshelf. Shoving that down, she moved towards the bedroom. Tearing the drawers open, she tossed the clothes and ripped them apart. She didn't care if it was her own stuff, Violet had emotions pent up that were needed to be taken out. The curtains were next and the bed was the last thing. She stared at it remembering the times she shared with Marcel, the bed she died on. She could feel a tear slip from her eye as she made her way to shredding it.

Violet wouldn't settle for being the second choice and that broke her inside. She couldn't do it, there was nowhere in her mind that would allow it. Freya told her once she arrived home about the situation and she couldn't handle it.

Moving back out into the living area, she was breathing heavily and realized she forgot another case that was filled with books and random figures. She zipped over and kicked it over letting everything on it shatter. The glass that didn't break she grabbed and squeezed it, allowing the pieces to crumble.

"Violet?" Josh called out running inside. She had ran away from he and Freya and with his vampire hearing he could hear what was going on.

He saw her sitting on her knees, crying out loud. It was something he never saw her do but there was so much she had been feeling at once. Josh quietly approached her and she raised her head. Violet's hands had been stained with blood due to the glass cutting into them but the wounds already healed.

Gathering herself, she wiped her cheeks with her forearm and rose to her feet. Looking back at Josh, she looked a mess but didn't care. Her mascara had run down her face, she wiped her hands in her jeans and took a long deep breath. It wasn't the last time she was going to lash out as she had many more moments to come. That time however, she broke and rose up from her shattered mess and carried on the only way it made sense, take control of the city.