A far better chapter then in the previous story... he is less cocky, less self assured to the point of madness...

'Gods I look cute.' Liam looked at himself in the mirror, happy at what he was seeing. Dressed in all black, including a black button down, all of his muscles showing clearly. He was proud of each and every one, having earned it in the countless days since his parents had passed. Proof that even in the worst of times, something positive could come of it. For him, in part, that meant molding his body and reclaiming his health, as he used to be pudgy and borderline fat for most of his childhood due to his love of cooking savory dishes.

It was in this vien of thought that Liam stopped looking at himself and started to remember the handsome man he saw the night before. 'I wonder if Care called the smexy guy, probably did... the sexy bitch.' Happy that his friend may have gotten something that made her really happy, Liam turned on heel and marched out of his room.

... Only to hear Jenna say to Elena. " Do I look adult? As in respectfully parental?"

"Depends on where you're going." His sister snarked out.

"Jeremy's parent-teacher conference. Hair up or down?"

"Wait, he's got a conference already? It's been a day, how is he already in need of a conference? Hair down, you look more respectable... and if you have Tanner, ignore his doucheness. He's like that to everyone." Liam snarked. " I am so glad I don't take any of his classes, I might have killed him already."

Jenna nodded, keeping her hair down. "Noted and yeah, he's the one. How much of a douche as we talking?"

"Level eight at least on a good day, he has this thing in his ass... it's a giant pike, the size of a blue whale. Just ignore him."

Elena snorted. "Can't argue with that. Where's Jeremy.?"

Jenna frowned as she put on some makeup. " He left early. Something about getting to wood shop early to finish a birdhouse. " She paused, seeing the look their collective faces. "There is no wood shop, is there?"

Both Elena and Liam sighed. " No."

"Yeah."

Liam sighed again. " I will kill him later, he needs to learn to seperate himself from Vicki, she is really bad for him, an anchor on his life. This is going to suckkkkk!"

''''

After a fun and actually challenging Math class, Liam walked out of said class and saw Bonnie and Caroline chatting and decided to hurry over to them.

Caroline, naturally was talking to Bonnie with some deep question. "I'm confused. Are you psychic or clairvoyant?"

"Technically, Grams says I'm a witch." Liam stopped in his tracks, the mere notion of such a thing... it was... well, he'd bring it up to Sheila when he got the chance to talk to her. "My ancestors were these really cool Salem witch chicks or something. Grams tried to explain it all, but she was looped on the liquor so I kinda tuned out. Crazy family, yes. Witches? I don't think so."

Caroline snarked. "And then you poured her another shot. "

Seeing it as the perfect moment to intrude, while also grimancing at Caroline's rudness, he moved in. "Hey ladies, how you doing?" He threw an arm over Care, well he tried too but she was too tall... which made him pout.

The girls both smiled at him, with Bonnie's eyes widening. "We're doing fine... and Grams wants to meet with you too, after school today. What are you going to ask her about, you were pretty vague yesterday?"

"Perfect, I am excited. And really anything, your Grams is a vault of wisdom I could learn from but mostly things about witches for anything I may want to write. Besides, I've always like Grams, she was never anything but nice to me ... Anyway, I got to get to AP English, see you later ladies. Thanks again Bonnie, I appreciate it." He gave the girl a rare smile, he may dislike her but that did not mean he did not appreciate her assistance there.

"Yeah, not a problem."

Care hugged him tight. "I'll see you later, come hang after you see Miss Sheila, kay?"

He beamed at her. "I'd love nothing more."

'''

Thanks to his unique schedule, he only had a few classes a day since they were all AP and he took most of his senior classes the year before so he got out of school early and was able to make it over to Sheila's house right after lunch. Since she had raised Bonnie for all intents and purposes, he had been there a few times in his youth when she baby sat or he visited Bonnie with his Twin sister. It brought back a lot of memories, coming to that place and for a moment he stood outside of the door, a wistful smile on his face.

That ended when the door opened up, revealing Sheila. who looked amused with her perfect eyebrows. "Any reason your just standing there?"

"Hesitation, mostly... and some fear. I hear you the one to go to for witchy problems around here, I was wondering if you could help me."

The women's smirk turned into a soft smile. "And where did you hear that?"

"Bonnie, mostly. I am hoping she's right... can I come in?"

She gestured with her head past her. "I made some tea and cookies, help yourself."

Happy, and desperate, he moved past her into her warm, comfortable house. Making his way in, he moved over to her coffee table and couch where the aforementioned cookies and tea were waiting for him. He happily took one and made himself a cup of sweet tea, before sitting down. The clattering of the dishes barely withheld his fear, the utter terror that came with sharing his secret with someone.

"Dear, you look ready to faint. What is it that is so terrifying to you?" Sheila reached over and grabbed his hand, steadying it so he didn't drop the tea, only to gasp in shock and actually recoiled from him. "It can't be possible... but Elena doesn't have... you... your a witch." Her words were so definative, so stunned he could not help but cringe in pain.

After taking a long breathe, he nodded, slowly. "To be honest, I didn't know til you told me... I ... I met somebody and when I touched them, I felt this cold, dark,... deadness that shot up my arm and stuck in my soul. It was terrifiying, cold and just wrong. I can't explain it past that, even if I tried. If I am a witch, maybe it's attached to that? I don't know..."

Sheila nodded, slowly, her hand on his his once more, her eyes deeply serious. "You were right to come here, I can help you master you powers so you can safely use them. I can teach you a lot, and I will but only if you don't mind learning with Bonnie. She's a witch too, and her powers have recently started to surface. You'll be seeing a lot of her when it comes time."

"That's fine, Sheila... really, I appreciate any help you can offer."

"We'll have to start small. Your not a very powerful witch, but that doesn't mean you can't be great. Skill means more then power and there is more to work with then just one path to power. I'll teach you to draw on as many sources as you can... but Honey, you have to know... when I touched you, I sensed a curse."

"Curse?"

"A specific curse... one placed on a once powerful bloodline of Witches called Travelers. They can never draw from the Earth, the traditional source of magic, or join as one. They... they specialize in possession, and are not a very kind group of people. They act as Mercinaries more often then not. They are called Travelers because the curse states that if they gather as one, the land will turn on them. If I teach you this, you can never pass your powers onto your children unless you want horrible things to happen to your family. Nor can you awaken any lingering power Elena may also posses, if she posseses them for the same reason."

"That... would suck. What does the whole, no channeling from the Earth mean?"

"It means that you must draw from within, which isn't much magic, and other sources like herbs, blood, talismans... things of that nature. I can help you, create a talisman so you can at least defend yourself but you must understand that if you use all of the power in it, it will no longer be usable unless it is reenchanted. It could only be used in emergencies, self defense and the like."

"Why would I need to... wait, first answer my first question. Why would people feel like death?"

Her dark face paled, a stark contrast. "You felt death on someone... that is a sign anda very specific one. It means, to be frank, that they are a vampire, and that means trouble is afoot. Where vampires go, misery follows. What is their name?"

"Stefan Salvatore, he's a new student interested in my Sister... judging by the look on your face, you know him?"

"I did, when I was a young girl. He is a kind soul, but still a vampire. I guess I am going to have to work on your talisman quicker then I realized... and help Bonnie sooner then later. Thank you for telling me, this... this is not a good thing. Every time vampires come to this town, death rains. I knew I should have looked into the animal attacks, I let myself get complacent."

"Not a problem... any time. So... where do we start?"

She smirked. "How do you feel about setting candles on fire?"

He could not help but return her smirk, eager to set shit on fire. 'I can't believe that searching for a single answer led me to learn so much about myself... I am a witch, i am cursed...' His eyes widened. " Sheila...that curse... is it why my parents died?" He had to know, if it was even a little true...

Her soft, pained smile was all the answer he needed. "No baby, you weren't tapping into your gifts nor were you in a coven... no, in no way is the curse responsible for their deaths. Chance alone caused your parents death."

For some reason that only made him feel a little better.

""

Setting candles on fire, as it turned out, was easy. Even for a Traveler, with weak magic and an inability to draw power from the earth. All it took was a tad bit of focus and the will to make it happen, channeling his power had become second nature at that point so it wasn't that hard to manage. However, as he figured out, channeling the power of the fire into his hand was the hard part. His vessel was weak, due to the curse, making it harder to channel the power of any outside force due to a lack of exposure to the Earth's magic.

After managing to light a few candles easily, but not the fireplace, Sheila had him lighting a line of salt on fire. That, somehow, was far harder then the candles which were meant to light up. Still he easily managed it, getting a smirk from Sheila.

"You've got a talent for using your more active powers, that's goodThe next step in my training, fast tracking that it is, would be to revive dead flowers but that might kill you since you cannot channel the Earth... I guess the next part will be to channel from a talisman, which means I have to make you one. This is going to be hard on me, I am old and magic takes it's toll, but your going to help and that will take some of the burden off of me."

Excitement over took him and he followed the women into the dinning room, where he saw her lifting a nice masculine looking ring from her desk. It was a dark silver color with a dark green stone attached to the end. It was simple, with no design, but he liked it's look. " This belonged to my brother, he was a witch and a powerful one. When he passed, I inherited all of his stuff. I want you to have it, once I enchant it."

"Are you sure, it's your brother's?" He was touched, but also a little wary of her overwhelming kindness. It almost felt... forced.

"He would appreciate it getting use rather then just sitting here. Besides, all witches are family and that includes you as far as I am concerned... but be aware, most witches hate Travelers. They won't extend the same courtesy, no matter how much they should." Her eyes were soft and sad and he knew the news broke her heart. "Life won't be easy for you if you pursue magic, but I can ease the burden somewhat. Now, shall we?"

With more excitement and a lot of love, he walked over to her. "What do we have to do?"

"You put a drop of blood on it, binding it to you so it can't fall off or be stolen. We channel the Spirits, who I serve and who've agreed to let me teach you. Then we hope the spell works, simple enough."

"Sure, how do I prick myself?"

She pulled out a tiny knife, one one might use on herbs or clothes. "Give me your hand." He did as she said and pricked his finger, he didn't even flinch. Turning his hand over, she dripped a single droplet of blood to the ring. " Now, repeat after me. Neque alliges, O spiritus suas. Et sanguis per magica, anulus in ditans guttura hanc potestatem ut numquam capta est defluent, et non sit fortitudo in tempore opportuno. Fortitudo congregabit quasi dormit anulum sensim reponunt."

He did as she said and instantly felt the strain, a headache forming as his power drained from him. It was a strange feeling, using magic, it was like there was this extra warmth he was only just becoming aware of. It felt hard, rigid and molding it took a lot of effort... but when he managed it was like a release, even if it was a bit painful.

"Neque alliges, O spiritus suas. Et sanguis per magica, anulus in ditans guttura hanc potestatem ut numquam capta est defluent, et non sit fortitudo in tempore opportuno. Fortitudo congregabit quasi dormit anulum sensim reponunt. Neque alliges, O spiritus suas. Et sanguis per magica, anulus in ditans guttura hanc potestatem ut numquam capta est defluent, et non sit fortitudo in tempore opportuno. Fortitudo congregabit quasi dormit anulum sensim reponunt. Neque alliges, O spiritus suas. Et sanguis per magica, anulus in ditans guttura hanc potestatem ut numquam capta est defluent, et non sit fortitudo in tempore opportuno. Fortitudo congregabit quasi dormit anulum sensim reponunt."

Over and over they cast the spell, and over and over he felt a wave of exhaustion over take him until he collapsed on his butt, the spell's connection to him breaking leaving him tired and in pain.

"Did it work?"

"That it it, that detaching feeling is the sense of success. Now you are the owner of an enchanted ring, it's really a simple enchantment. Since you are unable to ever channel magic from the earth, even when stored in other objects, the ring will draw from you while you sleep in tiny increments to fill it up. If you miss a day of sleep don't expect much power. Hell as it is don't expect much power, it is going to drawn in only the ambient magic you naturally bleed off which isn't much. With it, at full power, you could probably cast a single pain infliction spell on a young vampire or do a burst of telekinetic energy to shove someone away. You are never going to be able to do a whole lot magically to defend yourself I am afraid but I will teach you it regardless."

"Thank you, Sheila,... seriously, thank you..."

"Like I said, Witches are family... now, since you need to rest, we aren't going to cast any spells but we are going to learn what are a witches and vampires weaknesses. That way you can at least fight a vampire and not be their prey. Sound fair?"

"Sound's lovely."

" Wonderful, let's get started."

'''

Elena's voice was the first Liam heard as he entered his home. " He's on the rebound and has raging family issues."

Jenna, naturally, made him laugh. "Well, at least it's an ex-girlfriend. Wait till you date a guy with mommy issues or cheating issues. Or amphetamine issues." A moment later Jeremy came in behind him, smelling of pot and booze and just general douchery. "Jeremy? Jeremy, where were you?"

His annoying brother make a cocky face. "More stoner stories? Look, Jenna, I get it, you were cool. And so that's...that's cool." Then the brat made his way up the stairs, as if he wasn't being a right dick.

" Oh, no, no, no!" Jenna, with apple in hand, tossed it at her nephew, right in the shoulder.

"Ow! Why? Why...why did you do that?"

"Listen up! Quit ditching class or you're grounded. No discussion."

"Parental authority, I like it. Sleep tight."

Liam had enough right then, and with his deepest voice, barked out. "ENOUGH!" Jeremy froze, looking at him with a touch of fear. "If I hear you miss one more class, come to school high once more, anything I will beat your ass. Clear?"

"Thought you didn't care if I smoke or drink?"

"Not at school moron, Shape up or she loses all of us. Do you want to be in Juvie or a foster home? If so, keep on being a brat." Frowning, he moved past his aunt and on to his sister. "And you, you just met Stefan. I don't know what happened but give him the benefit of the doubt and let him show you what he is, what problems he has. Now, I am tired, and I need a nap so leave me alone. No shouting or douchery until I wake up. Am I clear?"

Only later would he realized he encouraged his sister's pursuit of a vampire, something he would swear to correct later... but for now, nap time. Magic and magic lessons were exhausting damn it.

'''

To Liam's utter lack of surprise, Matt had invited him to the Grill to hang out before the comet, after his nap. He agreed, naturally, since Matt was okay and he still needed to rest from the spell work he cast earlier that previous day. Unfortunately Tyler came with him, the jerk, came with him as did Elena, Caroline and Bonnie. Surrounded by his favorite people, he noticed time passing all to slowly. He wanted to see the comet, Sheila had told him that it had left the land filled with power last time it was around, infused with darkness and pain and slaughter. It would be amazing to see a piece of actually interesting history for once.

Eventually, about an hour or so in, Jeremy approached them with a panicked look on his face. "Hey, has anyone seen Vicki?"

Tyler, the jerk, could not let up even once. " You're her stalker. You tell us."

"I can't find her."

"She probably found somebody else to party with. Sorry, pill pusher, I guess you've been replaced."

Elena and Liam shared a look. " What's with the pill pusher?"

"Ask him."

"You wanna do this right now?" Jeremy snarked, looking panicked.

Elena almost growled out. "Are you dealing?"

"She's never gonna go for you."

"She already did." Jeremy did growl out." Over and over and over again."

"Yeah, right."

Caroline almost choked out. " You slept with Vicki Donovan? I mean, Vicki Donovan slept with you?"

Liam snorted. " If he's dealing, I'm not shocked. She would do anything for a fix, but that doesn't matter. Jer, what did I say about doing or messing with hard core drugs, Hmmm?" He stood, and Jer actually turned pale, he knew Liam would win that fight. "Shall I beat your ass here and now or later?"

Matt had enough. "You know what, how about all of you shut up and help me find my sister?"

Bonnie nodded. " We'll check the back."

"I'll check the square."

Jeremy almost leapt forward. " I'll come with you."

Elena reached for their brother. " Oh, no, no, no. You are coming with me. So that's your game now, dealing?"

"I'm not dealing."

Elena shook her head. "Look, I'm sick of the tough love speech, Jer. It's clearly having no impact."

"You and Jenna and Liam, between the three of you. Enough already!":

"We can stop if you want. Send you to a therapist where you'll be forced to deal with it or to rehab where you'll sit in group and tell some stranger how you let your life fall apart. Or you could talk to me."

Jeremy tried to move past her. " I vote for none of the above."

Liam was done and grabbed his brother's arm, twisting it before slamming him face first into the brick wall of the Grill near the entry way where no one could see them. Jer actually let out a whimper. "Enough, you don't talk to your sister like that or about Jenna. You will grow up or we will force you into a group, a therapist or a respite. Grow up Jeremy, your not the only one to lose them, your not the only one grieving. Get over yourself or I will break something. Now let's find your girlfriend so I can beat her for getting you into drugs."

He threw Jeremy out of the door, following him as they looked for Vicki.

To no one's shock, they found Vicki high and wandering around... only, Liam noticed the mark on her neck, it looked angrier and exposed and it made him realize something dire.

A vampire had attacked her and the only vamp he knew was Stefan...

He had to get his sister away from Stefan and fast.

"Vicki... I hear you are sleeping with my underage brother and getting him into drugs." The girl turned around, only to fall on her ass with a scream when he decked her hard in the face. As she lay on her back screaming for Matt, he leaned down. " Touch him again, breathe near him him again and it will be your last breathe, Just because you are willing to waste your life on drugs doesn't mean my brother gets to go down with you. It stops now."

And with that, he turned and moved on, grabbing Jeremy and yanking him forcefully away from Vicki and a Pissed Matt. "Your going home, now. I don't care what you want Jer, This is me taking control. Go, now." Jeremy resisted for a bit but one look at his brother' wrathful gaze and he moved on, cursing and angry the whole way like the child he was.

That brought Liam some satisfaction and ended his day nicely... as did watching the comet race across the sky, leaving him with a sense of awe, wonder and curiosity. Would he impact the world so much like the power of that comet, or would he be forgotten... like the actual comet...

Who knew...

It wouldn't occur to him til much later, when he learned that Elena stayed the Night at Stefan the Vampires house. He had far more important things to worry about when he learned that... like planning on killing Stefan... slowly and preferably with fire.

'Yeah right, I'm a weak witch and he's an all powerful vampire chomping his way through Mystic Falls... I need to get vervain and fast. Even if I am immune to compulsions according to Grams, It would make my blood like acid to him... Google, here I come.'

"""

Sheila ached, the act of creating the boy a talisman took it's toll on her, even with his aid. Still, she didn't regret it, the boy was kind and loving and deserved the power boost. She only wished her intentions had been more pure...

'Watch over the boy... and if he becomes a problem... you must take care of him, Sheila Bennet. He cannot be allowed to aid his fellow Travelers, make him loyal to you and to yours.'

The Spirits' orders had been clear... and she knew better then to disobey them. Their hate of the boy had been clear, it infused every fragment of their magic, she was grateful Liam was too weak and inexperienced to sense it just yet. It would have caused far too many questions, questions she just could not answer.

So would do as she was ordered and watch the boy and if he crossed a line, she would deal with him as ordered... no matter how it would pain her...

Chapter end, tell me what you think in the reviews.

This is a fun chapter.

Love, your Ninja Overlord,

Mika.