6/17/2015

Mystic Falls

On the drive to Mystic Falls Pal had much to consider. He told Marcos to call Don and tell him to join them there. Then Pal considered the players who seemed to be involved. He was convinced he was on the right track, too much was happening and it all seemed to be centered in Mystic Falls, around Damon Salvatore. With Klaus on the doppelganger's trail, Pal expected her to be out of the picture by now, but if Salvatore was committed to protecting her, that loss would be plenty to drive him to reckless ventures like taking on organized crime. What did Alice call him, an adventurer? Yes, Damon Salvatore was a very likely candidate. The involvement of Originals was troubling. He needed to know where they stood in this affair. Pal was very confident, but he drew the line at antagonizing the Originals.

The town of Mystic Falls rang a bell for him. He called Anne-Marie. "Anne-Marie, what do you know about Mystic Falls, anything?"

"Pal, you're kidding right? I can't believe you need to ask me that. It's only the beginning place of vampirism. Also, we believe that two Originals were killed there and that their deaths were the cause of the death of hundreds of vampires around the world."

"Two originals were killed? How did that happen?"

"I don't have any details, but I'm pretty sure it happened in Mystic Falls. Also, I don't know what the relationship between their deaths and the mysterious deaths of vampires all over the world, but the lineage seems to be the root cause."

For the first time in decades, Pal felt a chill of fear. To think the death of some stranger, albeit an Original could cause his own death was disconcerting to say the least. For the first time Pal considered vampire genealogy a worthwhile subject. He knew nothing about his own, only that a vampire named Michael Larson turned him and saved his life at the battle for Buna-Gona in World War II. At the time he had thought that Michael had sacrificed his own life to save him, but now, knowing more about vampire physiology, he expected Michael had survived. Pal had looked for him over the years, but Michael had disappeared without a trace. Now, knowing about this threat, it was even more important that Pal find him. In any case, it appeared that Pal's search for an anomaly had led him to the epicenter of a metaphorical tsunami in the vampire world.

He considered what he had learned about Salvatore. The vampire interested him. Pal was always on the look out for talent he could recruit for his own purposes. Salvatore seemed to have potential. If Pal could get Salvatore to negotiate, they might be able to work out a deal. First he would have to demonstrate who was in control.

They arrived in Mystic Falls in time for supper. It seemed the most likely place to eat and drink was a place called the Mystic Grill. Pal told Markos and his friend, "You two go in first. I'm going to walk around to get a feel for the place. When I come in, don't acknowledge me at all. I don't want anyone to know that we are together. Find out when Don expects to get in."

"He sent me a message that it will be later tonight."

Pal acknowledged the information with a nod. "I need to get into my luggage, there is some sophisticated surveillance equipment I will probably need."

After the two went inside, Pal retrieved a cell phone scanner from his luggage. He also took out a capture device so that he could intercept cell phone traffic. He checked his scanner for active cell phones, but it didn't identify any Salvatores. Neither did it identify any Originals, at least assuming they were using any of their known identities. Satisfied, he went into the grill and sat down at the bar.

A waiter approached him and greeted him, "Hi, my name's Matt, can I get you anything to drink while you decide what to order?"

Pal responded, "I'll have a double vodka with tonic. Do you carry Absolut?"

Matt nodded, but said "Legal age is 21, do you have any ID?"

Pal smiled, he got this a lot in the US. He had been 20 when he was turned, but looked like he was even younger. He showed Matt his passport.

"Denmark, you're a long way from home. What brings you to Mystic Falls?"

"I'm a research psychologist who has specialized in supernatural phenomena, although most of my colleagues call me a quack," Pal replied humorously. "I've become aware that Mystic Falls seems to be a nexus of unexplained events and I've decided to come find out for myself. Are you aware of anything of that nature?"

Matt's friendly welcoming expression suddenly became closed and suspicious. "We don't like to talk about that stuff here. Sure there have been a lot of accidents and weird stuff, but it all has reasonable explanations. I'll get your drink. I'm pretty busy so I don't have time to chit chat."

Pal had his capture device ready when he saw Matt pull out his cell phone to place a call. He heard the last part of Matt's call, "… I don't know Bonnie, this guy is just asking about supernatural stuff. He may be on the level, he may not. One thing, his ID says he's 25 but he looks younger than me. It may be nothing, maybe he just looks younger than he is, but it may mean something else entirely. What do you want me to do?"

"See if you can keep him there or find out where he is staying. I'll be right over to check him out," replied Bonnie.

Pal smiled to himself, the nice thing about small towns was you didn't have to look long to find someone in the know. When Matt brought his drink, he took his time with the menu. He didn't want to make it difficult for Matt to keep him there. Within a half hour, an attractive black girl and white guy came in together. When Matt saw them he gave them what he thought was a discrete nod towards Pal so that Pal guessed she must be the girl Bonnie. Pal nursed his drink wondering if they would make any kind of move.

Finally, the guy approached him, "Hi, my name is Jeremy. My friend Matt says you have an interest in the supernatural."

Pal rose and extended his hand, "That's right, my name is Pal. Can you help me?"

"I don't know how much help we can be, why don't you join us and you tell us what you want and we can see?"

"Sure, that will be great." When he joined them he extended his hand to Bonnie, "Hi, my name is Pal Nielsson."

Bonnie took his hand, but couldn't conceal her reaction when she realized he was a vampire from his touch. "I'm Bonnie."

"It's good to meet you Bonnie …" Pal waited to see if Bonnie would volunteer her last name but Bonnie refused to go along.

"So, Mr. Nielsson, what are you looking for in Mystic Falls?"

From Bonnie's reaction when she touched his hand, he guessed she was a witch. He decided playing it cagey was not worth spending the time so he decided to try to provoke a reaction. "Do you know Damon Salvatore?"

Bonnie nodded, "Sure, everyone in town knows Damon, but he's not been around for several months. Why, you don't think Damon is supernatural, do you?"

Pal chuckled, "I'm sure he's no more supernatural than you are, Bonnie. I just heard he would be a good source of information. There are some other people I'm trying to find, members of the Mikaelson family for example, Klaus, Elijah, Kol, Finn, and Rebekah, do you know them?"

Bonnie was becoming increasingly nervous with this line of questions. She couldn't make out what he was about. She shook her head, "I don't know whom you're talking about."

"Well, I have one other name, then I'll leave you alone, Katherine Pierce?"

"She's not here anymore either."

"Not here, meaning she's someplace else, or do you mean something else."

"Not here meaning not here," replied Bonnie.

Pal sighed, "Oh well, I'm sorry to have disturbed you. By the way, Mystic B&B, would you recommend it as a place to stay?"

Bonnie relaxed as Pal ended his interrogation. "Yes, it's very nice, you'll be comfortable there."

Pal finished his drink and left. As he left he made himself ready to capture Bonnie's cell phone as he was certain she would be calling very soon. She did not disappoint him. He had barely left the grill when his device alerted him that she was placing a call. It also informed him that her name was Bonnie Bennett.

"Hello," Damon answered.

"Damon, a vampire who said his name was Pal Nielsson is looking for you. I don't get what he is after. He named off all the originals and Katherine, but he didn't mention Stefan or Elena."

"Did you say Pal Nielsson?"

"Yes, do you know him?"

"I know of him, he's a problem solver. Somebody must have hired him to look for me. Damn, how did he come up with my name?"

"I don't know, Elena warned me that someone might come looking for you."

Damon sighed, "Yes, looks like she was right and I was wrong."

"Wow, I guess that's a new experience for you," replied Bonnie sarcastically. "So what are you going to do?"

"I'll talk to Elena, but it looks like I'm going to have to visit Mystic Falls."

Pal shut his device off deciding he wouldn't need it anymore. He had learned all he needed. He placed another call to Anne-Marie. When she answered he instructed, "Look up Bonnie Bennett and the Bennett family will you? She's a witch and was very cagey about not giving me her last name. Also, look up the names Stefan and Elena. See if anything significant turns up and get back to me."

Within 15 minutes, Anne-Marie called back. "The Bennett name is associated with a long line of powerful witches. Bonnie Bennett is only 19 years old but sources already have her involved with some extraordinary events around Mystic Falls. Be careful with her Pal. I wouldn't take her on head to head. Stefan is Damon Salvatore's brother, he's got quite a history for violence. Looks like he has issues with self-control. Elena doesn't turn up anything at all. There is an Elena Gilbert, but she's a human."

"Do you know where Stefan Salvatore is?"

"Last information I have is he is in California."

"Thanks Anne-Marie." Pal smiled to himself. People often didn't realize the mere effort to hide information was more significant than the information itself. So now he knew, whatever he ended up doing with Salvatore, he would need to stay clear of Bonnie Bennett. He had no intention of tangling with a witch. He recalled the phone conversation he intercepted between Bonnie and Damon. There was a new name mentioned, Elena Gilbert. Who was Elena and why would she be important to Damon Salvatore?

Well in any case, he had preparations to make. Salvatore would be coming soon and he had to be ready. He was going to need some help, some vampire help. He also was going to need a base of operations. He began to make a list to give the three stooges that Kukla had sent with him something to do.

Gloucester

After Damon disconnected with Bonnie he simply stood there thinking. How did Pal Nielsson come up with his name? It was about ripping off the money, there was no other reason for Nielsson to be looking for him at this time. He had covered all his tracks, he was sure of it. He hated to have to break the news to Elena. She had been totally correct. He had thought she was just paranoid, but she had known all along.

Elena noticed his reaction from the phone call. "Who was that, Damon? You look worried."

Damon sighed, "That was Bonnie. You were right Elena, we have a problem."

Alarmed Elena asked, "What is it? Has anyone been hurt?"

Damon shook his head, "No, but there is someone looking for me. Someone who is very good at finding who he is looking for."

"Oh Damon, how much does he know?"

"Not that much. He was fishing for information from Bonnie. He mentioned the Originals and Katherine, but he didn't know about you. We need to give Katherine a heads up. He may think she knows something and make things difficult for her."

"What are you going to do?"

"I'm going to Mystic Falls to confront him. Maybe I can make a deal with him."

"Is that wise? He may just kill you."

Damon shook his head, "There's no way that is going to happen. They want their money more than anything else. If it comes down to it, I'll give the money back to protect us, I promise."

"But will they be satisfied with that?"

"Nielsson and the people he's working for are percentage people. They'll assess the cost verses benefit. If they get their money, I can make the cost of revenge not worth the benefit."

"I'm coming with you."

"Elena, that is an absolutely stupid idea! Nobody knows about you, if you come with me, everyone will know. You're too vulnerable."

"I can still compel."

Damon paused to consider, "You have a point, but it's too dangerous for you to come to Mystic Falls. Maybe I can arrange for him to rendezvous at a place we control. Where you can compel him without being seen yourself. Then you can compel him to close our negotiations the way we want it. In any case, there's no way your going to Mystic Falls. You show up, pregnant, we'll have major problems. Wait here, and I'll call you when I've worked out the details. I'm going ahead to book a flight to Mystic Falls."

Elena nodded, "That makes sense, Damon. Okay, I'll wait." She hugged him and then said, "Remember Damon, it's not just you anymore. What happens to you happens to me."

Damon grimaced, "I really hate that part of the oath."

"It was true before we took the oath, Damon."

After Damon left, Elena picked up her phone and dialed a number. "Meredith, I need your help. I need you to go with me to Mystic Falls."

The weekend Meredith spent in Gloucester had been a special time for both Elena and Meredith. Elena realized that as good friends Bonnie and Caroline were, their negative feelings towards Damon caused her to close off the most important part of her life from them. To find a friend who not only understood but shared those feelings was incredibly important for her. Elena couldn't comprehend how two women could care for the same man and not be rivals, but she was grateful for the fact that it was true for her and Meredith.

Elena saw Damon off on his flight to Charlotte the next morning. He had decided to fly there and drive to Mystic Falls thinking that he could arrive undetected. After he left she bought tickets for Meredith and herself on a flight that departed a few hours later. Meredith arrived soon after and Elena explained all that had happened. They went to have drinks while they waited.

"It means a lot that you came at such a moments notice, Meredith."

"I'm glad you called. I know you have friends in Mystic Falls. I'm not in competition with your friends but I'm glad you called me instead of them."

"There were practical reasons, Meredith. This vampire, Nielsson, tracked Damon to Mystic Falls. He probably knows about my friends there. He doesn't know anything about you. Also, when it comes to Damon, I can trust you, more than them."

Meredith nodded. "How is it you can trust me so much, knowing how I feel about Damon?"

Elena decided to let Meredith know a little bit more about her ability. "I can sense things about the people that are around me Meredith. I can't read their minds of course, but I know what they're feeling. I'd know if you had negative feelings towards me. I'd know if Damon had different feelings for you."

"I see, and if Damon were to begin having different feelings for me?"

"I don't know Meredith. I'm not as generous as you. I'd fight for him. I'd fight you. Damon will always come first for me."

Elena glanced at her watch. Since they had a little more time she decided to broach a sensitive topic with Meredith. "Have you thought anymore about your sire bond with Damon?"

Meredith looked at her sharply, "Does it bother you, Elena, that I'm bonded to him like that?"

Elena shook her head, "Not really, so long as Damon doesn't know, I don't think it's a problem. It doesn't bother you? I think I could break it, if you wanted me to."

"Really? How would you do that?"

"I can compel you to turn your feeling for him off, or to feel a different way. Once the feeling changes, the bond is broken."

Meredith shook her head, "I've thought a lot about my circumstances, Elena. I'm in a really good place right now. Our friendship means a lot to me. I'm enjoying being friends again with Damon. I think my sire bond helps in making all this work. Because you and Damon are obviously happy together, then I'm happy to be with you. I want to leave things as they are. If something should change then we can discuss it again. Did you resent your sire bond with Damon? Is that why you had it broken?"

The question startled Elena, she had never given the matter any thought before. "I didn't have the bond broken, it was broken for me. To tell you the truth, I never resented it. I resented Damon for questioning how I felt for him because of it."

Meredith nodded. "If Damon ever finds out about me, would you compel him to forget, so we can continue as we are?"

"I've promised him that I would never compel him, but in your case, I would consider it."

Mystic Falls

Pal was relaxing in his room at the B&B reviewing his preparations. He had recruited two vampires to help him out along with Marcus, Doug, and their friend. Pal was sure that when Salvatore arrived he would go to his house first. Pal had his three humans there waiting for him along with one of his vampires. The other was watching the Mystic Grill in case Salvatore showed up there. His job would be a little tricky since Pal didn't have a photograph and no one knew what he looked like. He did know all of Salvatore's friends so if someone unknown came into contact with any of them then they would know he was Salvatore.

Pal had just finished arranging for an abandoned warehouse to be set up for interrogation. He had all the needed supplies in place and the equipment set up. His two vampires had been instructed what to do with Salvatore once he had been captured.

Pal was certain the action would take place at the old boarding house. If he read Salvatore correctly he was a straight ahead direct confrontation kind of vampire. Salvatore would be expecting a trap at the house and therefore would go directly there to spring it. All Pal had to do was wait and let Salvatore do all the work.

In Damon's case, Pal was right on target. As Pal was reviewing his placement of resources Damon was at the front door of his house assessing the situation. Damon's hearing told him there were people waiting for him in the house. Nonchalantly, Damon opened the front door and let himself in. As he entered the living room he felt the sting of vervain soaked rope being wrapped around his neck from behind. Damon reacted instantly, ignored the sting of vervain and pulled its wielder up close so that Damon could reach for his head and snap his neck. Damon felt the sting of a bullet in his shoulder before he heard the sound of gunshot. It was a normal bullet. The idiots didn't know what they were dealing with. With his vampire speed, Damon was on top of the shooter in an instant and ripped his throat out with his fangs. The third man, Marcos, saw enough and turned to run away. His running saved his life. Since it was no longer self-defense Damon's oath prevented him from killing this last assailant. Damon contented himself with simply breaking both the man's legs.

Damon paused, surveyed the carnage, and smiled. He had to admit, he enjoyed cutting loose like that. His moment of gloating was interrupted by the sting of a dart pricking his back, and then he felt the burn of vervain being injected into his body. That dick Nielsson had used these humans as decoys while someone set up the real ambush. With that last thought, Damon faded into unconsciousness.

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