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Disclaimer: Don't own TVD, won't own TVD. Ever.

Chapter Eight

The Restless

Mystic Falls, Virginia 2010

When Caroline woke up, it seemed like any other day. She was lying in her bed at home, snug under the covers. Everything seemed all right… It was only a moment later, however, when the past day's events came back to her.

She immediately shot up in her bed, her hands flying to her neck, where she knew a different pair of hands had been.

"I'm sorry."

Klaus. She knew Klaus. Oh Lord, she knew Klaus. How-? When-? Caroline was vaguely aware that she was driving herself into a panic. Is this what she had been searching for all those years?

How could this be?

But then, she supposed she should have seen it sooner. All the signs were there, Katherine's little comments, the vague flashes. Why didn't she see it before?

Caroline knew Klaus. She knew that now. But, what did it mean?

He knew me. He knew my name. And the way he looked at me… like he saw a ghost.

He had snapped her neck. This she also knew. But why? Why would he not just kill her? Why did he do any of it? Why had he asked her that stupid question about knowing him in the first place? Why had he confirmed that he knew her? Why had he snapped her neck?

But, most of all, why had he said sorry? Klaus, from what she heard of him, was unremorseful. Evil. So why would he be sorry? Why would he be sorry and tell her of all people?

Caroline begun to get the feeling that she had more then just known him. Were we friends?

There was also one other major thing that kept running through her head.

What did it all mean?

Why can't I remember? Hasn't more than four hundred years of not knowing been enough? Don't I deserve to know? I can't keep living like this. I need to know.

She knew Klaus.

Klaus.

Klaus, the vampire, the Original, who had been hunting for her best friend all of his long life. Klaus, who was more than 1,000 bloody years old. Klaus, who killed and slaughtered and took life without a second thought. Klaus, the enemy.

Klaus, the one who had looked at her with those blue, blue eyes of his filled with something that Caroline denied.

Klaus, who had snapped her neck, right after doing the same to her friend.

Suddenly, it occurred to Caroline that she had not been the only one to see the man. Damon… She stood abruptly, her heart quickening in panic. He was bitten! A werewolf bit him!

Is he okay? Is he still alive? Caroline and Damon had had their rough moments, but she still considered him to be one of her friends, and she was short on those these days. He can't be dead, can he? After he all and his brother have been through…

And what about Elena? The sacrifice was going to happen and I've been out of commission all this time… Tears suddenly rose to her eyes. Is Elena dead too? Could I have helped her? Saved her?

No… no… I can't lose her too. She was the first human to ever accept me. Elena is too good to die.

Caroline found herself using her vampiric speed to travel through her house, to the front door.

I need to find out what happened… I need to be there for Stefan if they both really did… She gulped.

I can't think about Klaus now. I can't be that selfish.

My friends need me and I… I need them too.

Caroline ran as fast as she could, not caring who saw her. Now was not the time for that. She needed to know.

The first people Caroline ran into were, oddly enough, Bonnie and Jeremy. They were in the town square, watching Gone With The Wind. When they noticed her approach, both immediately stood with relief on their faces. Bonnie ran up to her and pulled her into a hug, whilst Jeremy graced her with a small smile.

"Thank God, you're okay, Caroline." Bonnie said. "Damon told us you went in with him, but that you weren't there when he woke up. We thought that you ran off again… or…" Bonnie looked upset for a moment, before she smiled at her again. "But you're okay so…"

"Yeah, I'm fine." The blonde confirmed. "What about you guys? The others? What happened?" At this Bonnie and Jeremy exchanged a look, causing Caroline's curiosity to rise.

"We're fine." Bonnie replied, before looking down… "Except, Jenna… she…"

"What do you mean?" Her heart began quickening its beat again.

"Klaus went through with the sacrifice." The witch met her eyes. "We managed to save Elena, but, Klaus – he used Jenna as the vampire sacrifice."

No… no…

"You mean…? She's…?" Her hands flew to her mouth as the horrible realization set in.

"Yeah. Jenna's dead." Jeremy said suddenly, his eyes full of anger. "My sister nearly died too. Everyone did." His gaze was accusatory. "Where were you?" For a moment it seemed like Bonnie was going to speak up for Caroline, but then she also glanced at the vampire, her gaze suspicious. Caroline felt her stomach sink, her earlier guilt amplifying.

"I'm sorry." She whispered. "Klaus snapped my neck. I was out for the count." She turned to meet both their eyes. "I should have been there. I should have… I am so sorry." When she looked back to Jeremy, she noticed his anger had faded and turned into an inconsolable grief. He's lost so many people… "Oh, Jeremy…" She gripped his hand for a moment, causing him to look at her in surprise. "I wish you didn't need to go through this again…"

For a moment neither said anything. They didn't know each other that well. To Caroline, he was only Elena's kid brother and to Jeremy, she was Elena's best friend, her vampire friend. But they both had something in common; they both loved and lost. Not only that, Jeremy had been the only one to understand her pain when they both lost Anna.

So, the least Caroline could do was show that he was not alone.

After another moment, Jeremy offered her another small smile, an apology in his eyes and Caroline knew that they would both be alright. She squeezed his hand once more before letting go.

"If Klaus snapped your neck and you were right there, then why didn't he just use you?" Bonnie suddenly said, her brow crunched in confusion.

"I…" Caroline hesitated. Should I tell them what I found out? Should I put that burden on them? Should I tell them Klaus knows me? Can I let them know that, if I were another vampire, maybe Jenna would be alive? That Klaus could have easily used me? She looked at Jeremy again, the boy who had lost so much. No, she decided, they have more than enough on their plates. "I don't know."

Bonnie met her eyes and Caroline gazed back calmly. Come on, don't bring it up, just believe me. Eventually the witch looked away, but not before she gave Caroline a questioning glance; she obviously got the feeling that the vampire knew more than she was letting on.

"And Damon? Stefan?" Caroline changed the subject. "Are they good?"

Bonnie glanced at Jeremy for a second, as if hesitant to say what she had to say in front of him.

"Bonnie?" She asked again. "Are they okay? Did Damon-?"

"No." The brunette shook her head. Oh, thank the lord…"Not yet, anyways. But Stefan, he went to look for a cure. He was desperate, and I helped him by contacting the spirits. I had no idea they would give me what they did, otherwise-"

"Where did he go, Bonnie?" Caroline interrupted her, her voice almost deadly calm, hiding the utter panic she was feeling inside.

"Klaus. He went to Klaus."

Caroline's heart dropped completely, eyes widening.

Damn it.

Caroline was hesitant when she entered the very same apartment that had led to one of the biggest revelations in her life for a second time. The first thing she saw was Stefan, desperately gulping down blood bags, his vampire face frightening even to her. Oh, Stef, what did he do to you? She stared at him for a moment longer when her eyes met ones that she hated.

Katherine.

The odd thing was that, for once, the brunette didn't glare at her, or even give her a nasty look. No, instead, she was looking at her as if to say you should have stayed away. Caroline did not heed her warning. Katherine looked back to the Salvatore, her gaze inexplicably saddened by the sight of him drinking the blood.

Finally, her eyes settled on the center of all her problems, all their problems. He was facing away from her, seemingly looking intently at Stefan as he suckled down the bag of blood.

"Finish it. All of it." Klaus said, his voice urging the other vampire on, a dangerous edge to it. "You do everything I say, and I save your brother. That's the deal."

So that's why Stefan is drinking it. I have to put a stop to it.

"No!" She exclaims, causing Stefan to look at her in surprise, only just realizing she was there through his blood-filled haze. "You don't have to do this Stef, he can't make you." She glared at Klaus, who, for his part, just turned around slowly, not at all shocked at her appearance. His face was a mask, unreadable, and, for some unknown reason, this made her sad.

"Ah, there you are, love." He smirked at her, his eyes dancing dangerously. "I was wondering when you would make your presence known to us." He's known I was here this entire time? Her gaze hardened. Of course. This is Klaus, not some baby vampire.

"Well, here I am." She replied, her voice strong though her insides were tumbling in nervousness.

"So I see." He sat back down with a sigh, leaning his elbows on the bar top, and taking a swig from his drink. No one did anything in that moment, everyone wondering at how things were going to go. Stefan met Caroline's eyes for a slight second, his gaze panicked and confused.

Sorry, Stef, she thought, I couldn't let you do this on your own.

"Now, pray tell, why are you here?" He glanced at her, his eyes burning holes into her soul. Just as she was about to answer, the Original held up a hand. "Wait, let me guess, you are here to convince me to let your little friend go. Well, I shall have to tell you now, sweetheart, your friend and I have a deal; even you, for all your will, cannot break that."

Caroline felt the disappointment immediately; she'd known it was only a small chance but, now, he'd already turned her down. How can it be that I know this monster?

She looked back to Stefan who had returned to drinking the blood in his hands, the scent becoming too much for him. I have to do something.

"What if I made a deal?" Klaus continued looking at her, his gaze dissecting her, trying to find any evidence of foul play. She met his eyes head on, not allowing herself to back down.

They were so eerily familiar, and they made her insides do this odd dance; it frightened her. I really do know him… But how? He's the most powerful vampire, no, the most powerful creature on the planet and I know him.

How? How do I know this monster?

"Intriguing." Klaus stated, his voice gruff. Caroline felt herself hope for a moment, maybe I'll be able to save Stefan and Damon after all… "But, I'm afraid I will have to decline, despite the temptation."

"Why?" She demanded, forgetting for a moment just who she was talking to, her frustration over-taking the bigger part of her that was ringing warning bells. "Is it because you know me?"

There was silence all around. She felt Stefan's shocked gaze on her. Heck, she even felt Katherine looking at her in surprise.

Caroline looked at neither of them, saving her gaze for only one. Klaus.

He stood slowly, approaching her like the hunter does the hunted. When he stood before her, they were so close that their breath mingled together. At this distance she could see all the flecks and shades of blue in his eyes, the intelligence and age in them. He raised a hand and placed it on her cheek; she tried not to flinch away.

The disconcerting thing was, this touch was familiar, just as he was.

"Just as sharp as always." He said, his voice low as he continued to burn through her. She felt her breath catch. And then, just as abruptly as he stood before her, he turned away. "And just as naïve." As he was walking away, Caroline let go of all the inhibition and warnings and used her speed to appear in front of him. However, when she got there, he was already gone, and was behind her. He's so fast, she thought in wonderment.

One of his arms held her hands against her chest, whilst the other was under her chin, pulling her back so that her throat was exposed. He's strong, too strong. She felt his breath against her ear, causing a shiver to run through her spine.

"You forget yourself, Caroline." The way he said her full name made her almost shrink. I am going to die. This is the end. "I could kill you now. It would be so easy, just one bite… But I will not…" And then the strangest thing happened; he let her go. Caroline was quick to put some distance between the two of them. When she looked back at him, she found him staring at her again. Why? Why would he let me live? And for the second time?

Why can't I just remember?

"I have been merciful to you, you should be grateful." He stated.

"Merciful?" She asked, incredulously. How is this merciful? Leaving me the dark, never knowing… "Why won't you tell me how I know you?" She demanded. "You told me you know me but you won't tell me how. I need to know."

"You're treading dangerously, love. I would hold your tongue." His voice was angry now, his glare fierce. Only when it seemed like Caroline would do nothing more against him did Klaus turn away again, sliding another bag of blood towards Stefan.

"No." She whispered, causing Klaus to freeze and Katherine to look at her as if she lost her mind. "No." This time her voice was strong, a stubborn edge to it as Klaus looked to her. "You cannot control me."

This comment seemed to get to him as the Original's gaze turned into some akin to wonderment and recognition. For a moment, he was completely open to her, and Caroline could see the same look as the one he had given before; the one he'd shown her when he first saw her… The look she wanted nothing more than to deny.

And then he was closed again, like the locking of chest.

"No." He said. "No, but then I never have." What does he mean by that? "I'm sorry, love, but there is nothing you can offer as you are now. I will honor the deal with your friend and give you the cure and that is where our interaction will end."

"I won't do it." Caroline insisted. There was no way in hell she was going anywhere without Stefan.

"Oh, but you will, sweetheart." His smirk was mocking. He then beckoned Katherine over and handed her a vile with what looked like blood. That must be the cure. "Take this and bring it to Damon and make sure she goes with you. I want her gone." I'll be too weak to fight her off, she's older than me and I haven't fed recently enough to have a chance, Caroline realized in defeat. She met Stefan's eyes again, her gaze speaking miles of apologies and guilt, when she noticed Klaus suddenly grabbing Katherine by the throat, choking her. "But do not harm her." He warned the brunette vampire, growling, his compulsion running through other vampire. Caroline watched on wide-eyed and confused; do not harm me?

"You want me to leave?" Katherine asked once he let her go, her voice slightly hoarse as she fought for her breath.

"Yes." Klaus confirmed.

As soon as the word left his mouth, Katherine was up and out the door, only stopping to drag Caroline out with her. For a moment, she tried to fight but Katherine was too strong. He was too strong. They were all too strong.

And she was too weak.

Caroline waited until Katherine gave Damon the cure to confront the other vampire, standing outside the elder Salvatore's bedroom as she did so. In all honesty, she thought that she would never figure out the enigma that is Katherine Pierce. Every time she thought she had the brunette pinned down, she threw her for another loop. Don't get Caroline wrong, she still hated the bitch, but she was curious too. Why would she follow Klaus' orders when she was on vervain? Why not just hurt me like she'd always wanted?

Just then Katherine exited Damon's bedroom and Caroline pushed away from where she was leaning against the wall.

"Why did you do it?" She asked, getting straight to the point.

"Why did I do what?" Katherine turned, flicking long brown curls over one shoulder.

"Don't play stupid. We both know I don't buy it." Caroline stated with a sigh. "Why didn't you just escape right away? You had your freedom."

"And what makes you think I would tell you?" At this the blonde vampire smirked mockingly back at the brunette.

"Oh, I don't know." Caroline approached Katherine until she stood right in front of her, arms crossed. "It might have something to do with the fact that you could attack me right now, probably kill me too, and you aren't. I wonder, why is that?"

"Why would I when you are doing just fine on your own?" The brunette scoffed. "It's just so much more entertaining to see you and your Klaus tear each other apart; it's better than anything I could've done to you." With that Katherine turned to leave.

"Wait!" Caroline suddenly called, running after her and grabbing her arm. "You know who I was. Tell me." She commanded, tightening her grip unconsciously as her desperation to know shone through. Katherine, for her part, merely narrowed her eyes into slits and used her other hand to pry Caroline's off her arm. The blonde vampire visibly winced at the iron grip.

"No." Katherine hissed before releasing Caroline and blurring away so fast that she couldn't be caught.

Caroline could only watch her go. She had had all the answers, and now she lost them.

She found herself leaning against the wall, sliding down so she was seated on the floor, her head in her hands. What was she even doing? She wasn't able to help anyone not even herself. First she wasn't there during the sacrifice, then Jenna died in her place, then she tries to save Stefan but that doesn't go well either… And now, now she only has half-bits of information to a past which she cannot remember.

The only remotely good thing that has happened is that at least Damon is well and alive.

Even that wasn't by her doing though. No, that was all Stefan. And, as selfish as it sounded, part of Caroline wished he had never been so noble and left for the sake of his brother. Part of her wished he was like every other cowardly person on the planet and just saved himself. Now, that was not because she wished to see Damon suffer, it was because she just really wanted her best and oldest friend with her now.

She needed him here because, right now, nothing was concrete in her life anymore. Everything had gone to crap but she had to keep it together for every one else and the one person who she could've opened up to was just… gone.

She just wished he was here so he could tell her that, hey, it would be all right bella… She just wished she could believe that again. She wished everything would be all right.

But it wouldn't and nothing would ever be the same anymore.

Soon enough, Caroline felt tears coming out of her eyes, the exhaustion and pain of it all finally getting to her. Why is all of this happening to me? Her tears turned to sobs and, though she tried, she couldn't stop them from coming. She wasn't sure how long she cried but eventually she was joined by Elena who put her around and pulled her in close.

As Caroline heard her friend's human heart beating, she couldn't help but feel that Elena was lucky.

She still believed that everything was going to be all right.

It wasn't.

The summer months passed by in a blur but, in that time, Caroline had come to a decision. She wouldn't allow herself to be controlled by her fear and her confusion any more. She needed to step up and be there.

Stefan may not be with them for a long while but the others were, and they needed her help.

Still, most of her time spent over their holidays was helping Elena and Damon look for the missing Salvatore. Caroline, despite her extreme motivation, hadn't even looked more into her past. No, she decided to put the others before her.

The past is gone now and, until things have calmed down, she should put it behind her.

There was one thing that kept back into her head, though.

Or, well, one person.

Klaus.

How could I know that monster?

Sorry for the long wait for this update; I was writing a few other things, including a couple of klaroline one-shots and a new klaroline multi fic (thanks for all the ideas, btw!). But, anyways, I just wanted to reassure you all that despite the fact that I won't be only focusing on this story anymore, this fic will have priority over everything else. I mean you guys have stuck around for a sequel and I don't want to leave you hanging :)

I actually got kind of nostalgic in this chapter because, part of me, feels like it was kind TLTLB reminiscent, like, you know, when Caroline saw Klaus kill the spy girl and stuff…. Yeah, sometimes I miss writing 1500s… I guess it'll be flashback time soon ;)

Next chapter: More Klaus' POV and some actual season 3 ;)

Thanks for reading and let me know what you think!

RW