Chapter Seven

Sun and Moon

Mystic Falls, Virginia

July 26, 2010

Liz Forbes sat at her kitchen table with a cup of strong black coffee and a headache. Joining her were Rebekah and Pacari, both of whom sat on the edge of their seats as if expecting to jolt up at any given second. They kept glancing towards the stairs.

Liz had been making dinner when her front door had slammed open and Klaus had stormed in carrying his wife bridal-style. At his heels were Rebekah, Pacari, and Riko, all of whom wore grim expressions. Liz had started when she saw Riko, thinking it was Silas, but Pacari had quickly intervened to explain the situation.

That had been twelve hours ago. Caroline had yet to wake up. Klaus and Riko had remained at her bedside all night, and were still with her.

Pacari twisted his hands together and stretched them over his head. As he lay his arms back down on the Formica, Liz observed his intricate tattoos. There were layers upon layers of geometric symbols, spiders, beasts, suns, moons, and gods. She glanced up only to realize she'd been caught staring. Pacari raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Question, Liz?"

She reddened. "Did you have all those before…when you were human?"

"Or did I get them after I died?" he finished her roundabout question.

She nodded. "I guess I'm asking if the transition erases them."

"It does not," he stated. "By the time of my birth, the popular opinion was that the gods had given us perfect bodies not to be marred, but I was never one to do what everyone else was doing."

"And that means?"

He grinned. "I had a few."

Rebekah cut in. "He had sixteen when he died."

He gave her a small smile.

She shrugged, refusing to meet his gaze. "I should know; I'm the one who gave you most of them."

"I know," he murmured before turning back to Liz. "After the Empire fell, I began acquiring more and more. I wanted to remember my human life and have a record of the Inca civilization. My body has become living history."

A moan echoed through the house, making all three of them jump. Rebekah and Pacari disappeared within seconds. Liz stood up and followed them at a human pace to Caroline's bedroom. She paused in the doorway.

Klaus was kneeling beside his wife with one hand resting on her thigh. Mariko stood behind him staring down at the blond with anxiety and anticipation warring across her face. Rebekah and Pacari lingered in the back of the room.

"Whuzz going on?" the blond hybrid mumbled.

"Easy, Care," Mariko warned, placing a hand on her friend's shoulder. "You've had quite an ordeal."

Caroline blinked a few times as she shifted into a sitting position.

"Iki? When did you get here?" she muttered.

Mariko frowned. "Yesterday. Don't you remember?"

Caroline rubbed her knuckles into her eyes. "Yeah, I think. It's all a bit hazy."

"It'll come back, just give it time," Klaus cooed.

"Care, what is your last clear memory?" Pacari asked.

Her forehead scrunched up as she thought about it. "I – I was looking for Silas. Elijah had called and told us Mariko wasn't really herself, but Silas in disguise. There was a fight, wasn't there? Bonnie, then Iki – the real Iki – arrived. Silas was there, too… Did I get hit by a curse, or something?"

"You don't remember saving Nik?" Rebekah questioned.

Caroline turned to face her sister-in-law and asked, "Who is Nik?"

The occupants of the room stiffened in shock as the implication of her words hit them. Rebekah unconsciously grabbed Pacari's arm. Mariko closed her eyes as dread seeped through her. Liz gasped.

A terrible, haunted look crept over Klaus' visage.

"I am, love," he whispered in a shaky voice.

She squinted at him. "I do not know you."

He stared into her eyes determinedly, ignoring the pain in his heart. "I am Niklaus Mikaelson."

"I'm Caroline d'Ebanne," she introduced, misunderstanding that he wasn't introducing himself – he was trying to jog her memory.

As she struggled to get out of bed, Klaus remained crouched beside her. He appeared to be frozen.

"Caroline don't worry – we can fix this," Mariko vowed.

"Fix what? Why do you all look like you're at funeral?"

Rebekah stepped forward. "Do you know who I am?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Bekah. You're my sire, my closest confidant, my oldest friend," Caroline snapped. "And beside you is Pacari, the first progeny of my strain and your ex. Obviously, I recognized Mariko."

"Care, maybe you shouldn't exert yourself so soon," Pacari warned.

She scoffed. "I'm one of the most powerful creatures alive, Pacari. I think I'll be fine."

"You were hit with an excessive amount of magic yesterday, some of it very dark. You are not fine. You are suffering from amnesia – very specific and strategic amnesia," Mariko explained in a careful tone.

"What are you talking about, Iki?"

"I think Silas made sure you forgot one person – the one person who meant the most. And the one person who would be affected most by your ailment: Nik."

The witch hesitated and Caroline cast Klaus a curious look.

"Who are Rebekah's siblings?" Mariko tested.

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"

"Humor me."

"Finn, who I've never met, is the eldest. He's been daggered since before I was born. Elijah's next – he's in Italy right now, yes?"

"Correct," Mariko confirmed with an uneasy glance at Klaus, who remained unmoving except for his eyes, which were narrowed on Caroline. "Anyone else?"

Caroline sneered. "Kol."

"Do you have a problem with Kol?"

"Is that a serious question, Mariko?"

"It is, because the Caroline I know let go of her anger towards Kol long ago."

"I don't understand."

"Where is Kol now?"

Caroline opened her mouth to respond, then frowned. "I don't…know. I have a fleeting memory of seeing him in a…mansion? There was a grand staircase in the background. You were all there, weren't you? And Elijah. But it – I don't – I can't," she broke off with a gasp, clutching her head painfully. "Why does it hurt?"

Mariko grimaced. "This will happen anytime you try to remember an event in which Nik was present."

At this Klaus finally resurrected. He leaned forward to rub her back with soothing motions. "It's alright, sweetheart; we'll fix this."

When she lifted her head from her hands, her eyes were filled with tears. "Who are you?"

He swallowed. "Nikl-"

She shook her head. "Who are you to me."

He placed his hands on her shoulders. "I am your husband."

She withdrew from his grasp, a startled sound escaping her lips. "Husband?"

"That's right, my love."

She gazed at the bedspread with a faraway look. "I was married once, but Andre's been dead for a very, very long time. I killed him myself, actually."

Liz almost laughed at her flippancy to mariticide but refrained. This was serious. A bigger question loomed: who or what else had Caroline forgotten?

Klaus made a noise of impatience. "That was an arranged marriage when you were a human, Caroline."

Her eyes roved over his face. "That is the only marriage I remember," she said after a beat.

He clasped her hands. "You have been my wife for over six centuries. We've seen dynasties fall and empires rise. You saved me from the Hunter's Curse, and Mikael-"

"Mikael?" She glanced at Rebekah. "Mikael is your father. He killed me."

"He's my father as well," he insisted. "Rebekah is my sister."

She blinked, trying to remember.

"That's it, sweetheart. Fight the magic. I'm right here at your side, as is my place. Your last love."

Her mouth shaped the words last love.

"Please remember. You must remember your Nik. Please, Caroline!"

"Nik, you need to back off," Mariko warned.

"Perhaps it is best if you leave the room for a moment, give her some space," Pacari suggested.

Klaus glared at him, but then a shrill ring from his pocket temporarily broke the tension. When he saw who was calling, he stood up and started to exit, gesturing his sister to follow him. He did not spare a glance in Liz's direction as he brushed past.

"Did you translate the Mark?" Klaus asked once they were on the front porch and his brother was on speakerphone.

"I did," said Elijah. "It is surprisingly good news."

"I need some of that right now," Klaus muttered.

"There is only one dose of the Cure."

Rebekah gaped at the phone. "What does that mean?"

"It means we have worried for no reason. Qetsiyah created the Cure to punish Silas. Only one person can consume it and become mortal again."

"So, we're safe," she breathed.

"Unless it is shoved down one of our throats, yes."

"But who has the Cure now? Silas, or whoever woke him?" she questioned.

"You would have a better idea of that than I."

"At the moment, I'm not sure of anything," Klaus muttered.

"Niklaus?"

When she saw her brother could not bring himself to explain Caroline's amnesia, as if doing so would make it real, Rebekah leaned into the phone. "Caroline got in the middle of a fight between Silas, Riko, and the Bennett Witch last night. She was unconscious until just moments ago."

"Is she alright?" Elijah asked in alarm.

Rebekah swallowed hard. "She does not recognize Nik."

"Caroline has amnesia?"

"Only of Nik and any memories associated with him," she said.

He cursed in Norwegian. "Silas' doing?"

"Yes."

"You said Riko was there? She arrived?"

"Right as this happened. She witnessed the whole thing. The Bennett Witch was being manipulated by Silas and tried to fight Mariko, and Caroline stepped in to break it up. When Bonnie turned on Nik, Caroline jumped to protect him. The combined magic of Mariko and Bonnie and the curse all hit her simultaneously."

"But why is Silas even there? What does he want with us?"

"All we know is he's targeting the most powerful of us. He tried to kill Mariko, and now he's attacked Caroline."

"Which means either Pacari or the two of you are next."

"Are you flying back tonight?" asked Rebekah.

"I am leaving Italy, but I need to stop in New Orleans before returning to Mystic Falls."

The siblings exchanged a glance.

"Why?" Rebekah demanded. Neither of them had seen New Orleans since Michael's sacking in 1919.

"I returned to our city a few years ago to see what had been left behind and discovered Esther's grimoires survived. I kept them there in our old library. She adapted the immortality spell – there must be information about the Travelers in her notes. We'll need to pull all our resources to fight Silas."

"Fine. But don't be long," Klaus ordered. "Things are starting to get out of control here."

"Too late for that, brother," Rebekah drawled.

He hung up and shoved the phone back into his pocket. "I'm going to make that witch pay."

"Nik, it was Silas' fault. Don't do anything that would upset Caroline," Rebekah warned.

"Caroline is in no state to judge my actions," he protested. She glared at him until he sighed. "I at least need to find out what spell she used."

"You're going to scare her."

"Good; then she'll be compelled to tell the truth. I need to know every last detail while the memory is still fresh," he snapped.

"Let me go, Nik." Pacari had joined them on the porch. "Bonnie has known me longer. She trusts me."

Rebekah placed a hand on Klaus' shoulder. He relented with a nod. Pacari shot Rebekah an anxious glance before hopping into his car and driving down the street.

"He has one hour," Klaus told his sister.

"Go for a run, Nik. It'll calm you down."

"Don't tell me what to do."

She threw up her hands in surrender and returned inside. Klaus could not bear to face his wife again; it would be too excruciating to see the blankness in her eyes as she regarded him. Instead, he followed his sister's advice (not order) and went for a run.

As he whooshed through the woods, he tried to keep his anxiety from turning into despair. Never in his darkest days had he imagined such a catastrophic event. It was unthinkable.

Caroline, my love. My wife…not knowing me.

A flash of color in his peripheral vision distracted him. He stopped running to peer into the dense thicket of oaks and maples and pines. A twig snapped behind him. He whirled around. Caroline was weaving through the trees towards him, her features twisted with guilt and angst.

"Caroline, what are you doing here? You should be resting!" he scolded.

"I had to find you. I have no idea what just happened, but my memory is back now. Nik, how could I ever forget you? After all we've been through together," she sobbed, falling into him. "You're my constant."

"It's alright, love. I would have gone to the ends of the earth to get your memory back, but I am glad it didn't take that," he soothed. Relief like he'd never known spread through him.

"I'm so sorry, my love," she whimpered.

"Sweetheart, there is nothing to forgive," he whispered, closing his eyes as her arms wrapped around him. The exposed skin on her wrist grazed his neck.

"Are you sure?" her voice murmured in his ear. She stabbed him in the back; Klaus could feel something splinter off inside him.

As he stumbled away from her, her lips contorted into a malicious sneer.

"Foolish, hybrid. Did you really think it'd be that easy?"

"Silas," he hissed through the pain.

"That is correct. Removing Caroline from the playing field gave me direct access to the real prize – you. I need your assistance in proving a point," Silas drawled, stepping around Klaus as he clutched at his back. "I've just snapped off a piece of the White Oak Stake into your spleen. It will take a few hours for the shard to reach your heart, but that is all I need. The full moon will reach its apex tonight."

"Full moon?" Klaus spat out.

His wife's face smiled at him. Silas pulled a small, milky stone out of his pocket, tossing it into the air and catching it. "I'm finally ready – just in time, too. We'll need a full moon to break the Hybrid Curse."

The early morning light seeped through the blinds, painting horizontal slats across Damon's face. He'd stationed himself in front of the window in the Donovan kitchen hours ago and had yet to move. Bonnie watched him from the couch, which was where she'd been all night. She hadn't slept. Matt came out of his room and took in the scene.

"Right where I left you," he muttered, shaking his head. He opened the fridge and pulled out a gallon of milk. "Breakfast?" he offered as he grabbed a box of Cheerios from a cabinet.

"I'm not hungry," Bonnie mumbled. Damon did not even bother responding.

With a shrug, Matt poured himself a bowl and began eating.

When he was halfway finished, Damon flashed to the door in one swift motion. He opened it and glared down the walkway, where Stefan stood with his hands in his pockets.

"What? I got your message," Stefan said, his eyebrows lifting towards his forehead in silent question.

"Yeah, I messaged my brother – but you could be Silas," Damon responded, crossing his arms. "How do I know you're really Stefan?"

"Because it's me, Damon."

Bonnie appeared beside Damon; he laid a hand on her shoulder and shifted so he stood in front of her.

"I'm not Silas," Stefan insisted.

Matt continued to crunch his cereal as he watched the exchange and hoped no one was thrown through a window or otherwise destroyed his property – he couldn't afford a handyman.

Damon's suspicious gaze slid over Stefan's shoulder to the newcomer who was walking down Matt's driveway. Stefan frowned at Pacari when he stopped beside him and grabbed his forearm. After a beat, the hybrid called to them.

"It's fine – he's Stefan."

Damon stepped aside to let them in somewhat reluctantly. "And how do we know you're not Silas?" he grumbled.

Pacari's response was to offer his hand to Bonnie. She hesitated.

"I can teach you how to read auras," he said.

She took it.

"Close your eyes and concentrate, Bonnie. Breathe. Deeper. That's it. Now, reach out with your mind. You can sense my vampirism, but also my magic. Go deeper. Do you feel my aura? Is there malintent? You'd be able to sense malice – if I wished you harm, there would be a dark undercurrent to my aura," he guided. "It's easier with people you know well."

Bonnie opened her eyes. "I can feel it."

"Good."

"How's Caroline?" she questioned with a guilty expression.

Pacari did not mince his words. "She has severe amnesia."

She frowned. "She forgot the fight?"

"No. She remembers it – mostly. She has forgotten Niklaus," he clarified.

Niklaus – Klaus. Bonnie could still see his face as he'd glared up at her in accusation with Caroline's limp form in his arms. Livid did not even begin to describe his bloodthirsty look.

"Listen, Klaus knows this was all Silas' fault, but it will be hard for him to behave rationally while Caroline is...indisposed," Pacari was saying.

"He blames me," she said flatly.

"Er-"

"I get it. I hurt his wife. I don't even know why I tried to attack him. It's like…my actions weren't my own," she admitted.

Pacari grimaced. "You attacked him because Silas wanted you to. He manipulated you, as he's been doing for the past month. He taught you Expression so you would lose control of your magic. He knows the Bennett Line is powerful. That's why he tried to kill Mariko and cursed Caroline. He's attempting to rid the town of any threats to his scheme."

"What scheme? Why is he here?"

Matt went to the sink to wash his empty bowl, praying the vampires would leave soon.

"We do not know yet. For now, I beg you refrain from using Expression and make sure those around you are not Silas by testing their auras. I can help you become invulnerable to his manipulations."

"Is Expression really that bad?" Damon interrupted. "I know Bon-Bon had some issues with it yesterday, but that was because Silas left her unsupervised. Seems like it could be dead useful."

He hesitated. "Truth be told, we all use it: Caroline, Mariko, me. It is a useful tool. Vampires have better control of it because there is already darkness inside us. But in the raw hands of the unlearned, it can be lethal to both the wielder and those around them."

Bonnie clenched her fists. "I'm lucky I didn't kill anyone."

"Silas purposefully led you in the wrong direction, Bonnie. With better mentors, you'll master it," he assured her. "The irony is that Mariko is the most qualified to teach you."

"Will Caroline recover?" she worried.

"All memory spells wear off eventually, but it would be in everyone's best interest to expedite the process. Will you tell me the incantation Silas whispered into your mind?"

He blanched when she repeated it for him.

"What is it?"

"There is a cascading element to the magic," he said with a frown.

"Meaning?"

"A ripple effect. I have to go, but please heed my words: stay out of sight, do not use Expression, check auras, and don't trust anyone who is acting out-of-character."

"But can I do anything else for Caroline?"

"As soon as we've properly prepared, you and Mariko can remove the magic together. But such an extraction requires delicacy so as not to cause further damage. It will take some time to plan, even if we rush. Try to meditate and relax; that will help you find control and close your mind off from Silas. Once things have calmed down, we'll start your training."

He left. Bonnie looked at the Salvatores. "Can you bring me to the Boarding House? I can meditate and research there. And shower."

"Bonnie, you shouldn't leave with Klaus on the loose," Matt said in exasperation. "Pacari just said he's pissed."

"I can't do nothing, Matt," she argued as she threw her bag over her shoulder. "I'm doing as he asked – Damon and Stefan will be with me."

She led the way outside with Stefan right behind her, leaving Damon and Matt alone.

They appraised each other for a moment before Damon furrowed his brow. "Stay outta trouble, Matty."

The vampire zipped out of the house and Matt shook his head.

"In this town?" he muttered. "I'll get right on that, dude."

Angry voices awakened Elena much earlier than was acceptable in summertime. She rolled over to check the time – it wasn't even eight yet. As she lay in bed listening, she could hear Jenna saying something; she sounded upset. There was a deeper voice, male, talking over her. Elena pulled her hair into a ponytail and crept down the staircase. She paused in the doorway to the kitchen when she saw who was sitting at the table opposite Jenna with his hands folded neatly in front of him.

"John," she said, glancing from her biological father to Jenna to Alaric, who was leaning against the island. Juxtaposed against the tension oozing off of Jenna and Alaric, John was as calm and smug as ever. There was coffee and toast on the table, but both had gone cold from the looks of it.

"Good morning, Elena," John greeted, nodding at her.

"What are you doing here?" He'd returned a few weeks prior when he'd heard Klaus was in town, but he'd been keeping his distance.

"Taking care of my family," he told her pointedly.

Jeremy sauntered down the stairs and stopped beside her. "What's going on?" he asked as he read the room.

Jenna leaned back in her seat and raised her eyebrows as she stared at her niece and nephew. "John just finished telling me that vampires, werewolves, and witches exist. He said that you, Elena, are a 'doppelgänger' who is currently dating a vampire and – what was it? – oh, yes – a crazed, ancient vampire named Klaus wants to kill you. Jeremy, apparently you're also privy to the supernatural." Her voice rose higher and higher until by the time she got to 'supernatural,' she hit a new octave.

The siblings exchanged a worried glance.

"No, no! None of that!" Jenna ordered. "No more secrets. Both of you sit down and explain yourselves."

"Jenna," Alaric started to say, but she cut him off.

"Ric, you too. As the adult, you have the most explaining to do."

He pulled out a chair looking thoroughly chastened. John smiled at his daughter and nephew in expectation. Jeremy rolled his eyes but joined them. As Elena followed him, her phone went off.

"Elena," Jenna warned. "Don't you dare."

But she answered anyway; there was too much going on to ignore it.

It was Stefan.

"Hey," she said, turning her back on the kitchen. She could hear Jenna slap the table in annoyance. "How's Bonnie?"

"She's shaken, but fine. We're taking her to the Boarding House; Pacari just came to Matt's."

"Did he say anything about Caroline?"

There was a pause. Her grip on the phone tightened. "Stefan?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm here. Caroline's awake and physically unharmed, but there was damage. She has amnesia, Elena. She doesn't recognize Klaus," he explained.

Her jaw dropped. "How is that possible?"

"She got hit with a mushroom cloud of magic last night. Hopefully, Riko and Pacari can figure it out. But we're all a little nervous about what this will do to Klaus."

"Elena," Jenna barked, making her jump. She turned around and held up her index finger. Jenna glowered at her.

"Stefan, I gotta go. I'll visit Liz's later to check on Caroline."

"Elena, I don't think that's-"

She hung up and slid the phone into her pocket. John pulled out the chair beside him. She ignored this, choosing the seat at the end of the table.

"I would like someone to start explaining why there is a conspiracy of deception and lies against me," Jenna ground out.

Jeremy, who was sat at the opposite end from his sister, shot her a look that clearly said, "This is all you."

"NOW."

Elena let out a deep rattling breath and began.

Katherine Pierce paced the inner chamber of her prison in disquietude. She hadn't had any visitors since Pacari, Damon, and Klaus the previous day, and they'd flashed off as soon as they heard the mysterious explosion. It was infuriating. She had been looking forward to bargaining; it had always been her key to power.

She hadn't been lying when Pacari had mentioned Silas. It was not a name she recognized, but she did know there was much they weren't telling her. As soon as Pacari visited again to restock her blood supply, she'd push for answers. The more she knew, the more leverage she'd have.

The sound of footsteps echoing through the tomb put her on alert. She turned to face the dark tunnel with narrowed eyes. Who was crazy enough to enter the crypt?

"Katerina," a musical voice called from the darkness.

Katherine squinted until she made out the slim figure of a woman. She recognized her as soon as she saw the almond-shaped eyes that glinted like two amethyst crystals. She'd wondered the wrong question – it wasn't who was crazy enough to enter – it was who was powerful enough.

"Are you actually Mariko Kurosawa or are you this Silas character I've heard about, playing tricks?"

The witch stepped into the light. Instead of the intricate updo, silk gown, and opera gloves they'd both adorned the one and only time they'd met, her hair was cut in a stylish bob and she wore jeans and a bomber jacket. Katherine honestly wasn't sure which witch she preferred; she knew all too well the ruthlessness of the Undying Witch. Silas or Mariko, this was a person to fear.

"You really are the cleverest doppelgänger," the witch murmured, an ironic smile twisting her features. "Are you ready to leave your prison?"

She assumed she was being offered a deal. She leaned against a tomb and crossed her arms. "What's the arrangement? I tell you who sent me here, and you let me out?"

"I already know who helped you," the witch said with a dismissive wave. "I require your services."

Suddenly but not surprisingly, Mariko's features transformed. She grew; her hair lightened and shrunk; and her form bulked up. When her violet eyes changed to a very familiar green, the vampire forced herself to not visibly react.

He looked like Stefan. He sounded like Stefan. He even smelt like Stefan. But this was not her ex-lover.

"Are you afraid of your own face, or something?"

Silas smirked. "You have no idea. There were so many vampires to choose from in this town, but I like the irony of picking you for the ritual."

Katherine felt like all the air had been sucked out of her. "Ritual?"

"For 500 years you successfully evaded Niklaus Mikaelson. Now it all comes to an end. You may not carry the doppelgänger blood anymore, but you can still help break the Hybrid Curse."

Her eyes widened. She backed away. "No. No."

But there was nowhere to go.

"It's a shame, really. A waste of talent. But as I said, the symbolism of it all is too good to pass up."

As Elena sped towards Sheriff Forbes' house, her mind kept replaying the morning's confrontation. Jenna was still understandably pissed, but they'd at the very least explained the basics to her – good vampires, bad vampires, Silas is the one to fear. Alaric had taken her to the Grill for a drink so she could digest all the new information, leaving her and Jeremy alone with John. When her uncle (he'd never be 'Dad' to her) had brought Jeremy to the backyard for target practice, she'd seized her opportunity to escape. She wanted to check on Caroline.

Bonnie had texted her right before she left saying Pacari suspected Silas was trying to take out the most powerful beings in town before making his next move – whatever that was. They all needed to be on alert.

"What the hell!" she screamed aloud when she turned down Liz's block.

Fully antlered and unblinkingly stoic, a stag stood in the middle of the road. She stomped on the brakes and swerved left, nearly slamming into an elm tree. Mouth agape and heart racing, she recovered enough to check to see if the deer was okay. It had disappeared. None of it made sense – this was a residential area. Where had it come from? Where had it gone?

She tried to undo her seatbelt, but it had locked. Her vision went fuzzy as she struggled against the restraint, and the last thing she saw was a dark shape looming over her.

Rebekah smacked the mantlepiece in frustration as her brother's phone went straight to voicemail again. It was the 10th time she'd tried calling him. He'd gone for a run in the early morning, and it was now after sunset. There was no way he'd stay away from Caroline for this long, no matter how upset he was. It was impossible he would ignore his phone when she was ill. Something was not right.

She slid the phone into her pocket with a hiss and turned to the door with the intention of tearing the entire bloody town apart until she found her brother. Caroline stepped into the hallway at the same time as her, making her pause.

"Where are you going?" the Original asked, taking in her sister-in-law's purse and shoes.

"I forgot it's a full moon; Tyler just texted me asking where I was," Caroline explained.

"Tyler? Tyler Lockwood, the werewolf?" Rebekah snapped in confusion.

"Yes. I help him every full moon with his transformation. He only unlocked the gene a few months ago."

"He can take care of himself for one bloody night, Care. You're not in any condition to be chasing werewolves, especially with Silas out there," Rebekah protested.

Caroline frowned. "I can't abandon him when he needs me. Besides, what if he gets out? I made a promise to Liz I'd protect this town, and I intend to keep it."

"It's too risky. You could get hurt," fretted the Original.

The hybrid pecked her on the cheek.

"I'll be fine, Bekah."

Then she was gone.

Mariko and Pacari joined Rebekah in the hallway. She glared at both of them.

"Oh, like we can control Caroline," Pacari huffed.

She rolled her eyes. "Did you prove – or hopefully disprove – your theory?"

Pacari had returned after locating Bonnie Bennett that morning with bad news. The curse Silas had made Bonnie use had a ripple effect. He suspected it meant that Caroline's magic was affected along with her memories – because Niklaus had been present when she had been born anew as a hybrid and regained use of her magic, essentially having to relearn how to be a witch, she would have trouble remembering how to use it.

Mariko answered. "He was right. Caroline's ability to access her magic is damaged."

Rebekah swore loudly. "And Nik is still missing."

Pacari's phone rang. "Bonnie?"

"Jeremy just called; Elena was supposed to be home hours ago and she's not answering her phone. Is she still there?"

"Still here? Elena was never here today."

"She told Stefan this morning she wanted to check on Caroline. She never did?"

"No," Pacari said, drawing it out.

"If you see her, please call." Bonnie hung up.

"That doppelgänger is more trouble than she's worth," Rebekah hedged. "I need to find Nik." She exited.

Mariko was frowning into the floor. "Pacari, I have an ominous feeling this is no coincidence. Caroline was weakened on the eve of a full moon. Nik's been missing since this morning."

"He wouldn't," Pacari argued. "He knows Care would never forgive him – memory or no."

"No, he wouldn't," she agreed. "But Silas has been suspiciously absent today."

"You think this is Silas' doing? To what end?"

The door reopened and Rebekah walked back in, her entire body tense. "Elena's car is down the street – abandoned."

Pacari turned to his mentor. "What does he need to break the Hybrid Curse?"

Mariko inhaled. "One vampire, one werewolf, and the doppelgänger – all to be sacrificed. Plus, a witch to perform the ritual. Rebekah?"

"Yes?"

"Where is the moonstone?"

Rebekah and Pacari exchanged a worried glance.

"Nik has it."

Klaus realized he'd been moved as soon as he heard the waterfall. His lids felt heavy and sore and his entire body was in severe pain. The shard was moving closer to his heart; he could feel it. He struggled haplessly against magicked ropes that bound him to a tree on the edge of a quarry. It was night, and the full moon was directly above. A hooded witch chanted over a fire-filled dais nearby. There were three rings of fire on the grass in front of the dais, all imprisoning a different woman. One was a blond werewolf he didn't recognize, and the other two were identical. Elena's eyes were filled with panicked fear. Katerina looked like she was plotting escape plans. Their eyes locked briefly. Her stare was penetrating. He pulled at his bonds in vain.

"None of that," a voice crooned from behind him. "We wouldn't want to spoil the party."

"What does it matter to you whether or not I'm a hybrid?" he snarled. "In a few hours, I'll be dead."

"Ah, ah, ah. Don't jump to conclusions, Niklaus. Why would I go through all this trouble just to kill you?"

Silas came into view wearing the face of Stefan Salvatore. Klaus wondered if he wore that particular mask to distress Elena and Katerina.

"How would breaking my curse benefit you?" he demanded.

"Can't you just thank me for making this easy for you? Now you get what you've always desired without having to do the dirty work yourself. It's a win-win."

"I don't trust handouts. What do you want from me?"

Silas grinned as he observed the moon. "Not everything is about you, Hybrid. Ah, look at that! The moon is nearly ready. Greta?"

The hooded figure looked up; it was one of Klaus' trusted witches. He had not summoned her here.

"Greta, whatever he said to you, don't believe it!" he tried.

Her eyes were vacant as they slid over him to Silas. She was clearly under a trance. "It is all prepared, Master."

"Watch it with the banging! That door is an antique!" Damon yelled as he strolled through his home at a leisurely pace. He opened the door to reveal Riko d'Ebanne and Pacari.

"What's up, Elphaba?" he asked as Riko barged inside. "Assuming you're really you."

"We have reason to believe Silas is otherwise occupied at the moment," Pacari announced, following her in.

"By all means, enter," Damon drawled sarcastically.

"Have you seen Elena?" Stefan asked as he rushed down the staircase.

When the witch and the hybrid shared a loaded look, both brothers went on high alert.

"What happened?" Damon demanded while Stefan asked, "Where is she?"

"We think Silas took her. There is a possibility he is trying to break the Hybrid Curse tonight," Mariko explained.

"What?" Bonnie stood in the hallway, her eyes opened so wide, the whites were visible all around her irises. "But the only way to break the Curse is by ritual sacrifices."

"That is correct. We are about to search for Silas and hopefully stop him before he finishes the ritual."

"And if you don't get there in time? Or if Silas overpowers you?" Stefan insisted.

"That is why we are here," Mariko said. "There is a spell that can save Elena – but it comes with a terrible price."

"We'll pay it," Stefan vowed.

She shook her head. "You cannot. This requires a human sacrifice. Is there a human who would die for Elena?"

Stefan's phone went off. When he saw who was calling, dread darkened his expression. He showed Mariko and Pacari the screen. "I think this answers your question."

John Gilbert was calling.

It was as if a spirit had entered his body and had taken command of it completely. Nik tried to fight it as he felt his body being pulled towards the werewolf, he tried to fight as his hand raised a knife, and he fought desperately as he stabbed the woman, whom Elena was calling Jules.

"He's too strong," he panted out, beads of sweat rolling down his face from sheer exhaustion of trying to fight Silas' compulsion. Elena was sobbing. Katerina decided the fire was worth the risk; she jumped only to fall back as Silas hit her with an aneurysm. He then made his way to Klaus and snatched the knife from his hands, bringing it back to the dais and letting the dead werewolf's blood drip into the fire and onto the moonstone. The first sacrifice was complete.

"If this isn't about me, then who is it about?" Klaus yelled across the clearing through gritted teeth.

"Patience is a virtue, Niklaus. You won't bother worrying about these details when you've felt your true power."

The flames lit Greta's eyes as she chanted. Moments later, she fell silent.

Silas turned to Katherine.

Katerina Petrova stood to face her death. "Serves me right for running so long," she said with a small smirk that didn't match the haunted look in her eyes.

Nik was filled with a feeling that felt uncomfortably like guilt as Katerina stared at him. He knew he was responsible for what she had become. He had clung to his vengeance too long. Was this really how the wily Katerina would meet her fate?

"I know it won't mean much at this point, Katerina, but I do apologize for all the hurt I've brought you," he said soberly, offering a rare apology. Silas manipulated his body towards his old nemesis.

"It made my life interesting, didn't it? Besides, I'm a survivor. I'll claw my way out of the Other Side, and then I'll plague you for all eternity, you sad bastard."

The stake arced through the air and landed in the middle of the vampire's heart. Her skin shriveled instantly.

"NO!" An unearthly scream pierced through the night.

Stefan Salvatore stood at the edge of the quarry with a terrible look on his face. His brother appeared beside him. Rebekah and Pacari, who was carrying Mariko, whooshed to the dais.

"Elena," Damon breathed out, his eyes on the doppelgänger. He was shaken, but relieved. Stefan's gaze darted from Katherine's corpse to Elena. He visibly relaxed when he realized she was alive.

"Welcome to the party, everyone. You're just in time for the climax!" Silas proclaimed.

"There won't be a climax," Mariko hissed.

Silas turned. "Ah, Mariko! Is it my destiny to be continuously harassed by grudge-holding witches?"

Mariko sneered at him. "Will you never take responsibility for your own actions?"

"Touché." Silas chuckled and then everyone burst into action. Stefan and Damon charged Silas, Rebekah flashed to Klaus' side, and Pacari and Mariko whipped balls of fire and crackling energy at the Immortal Witch. But Silas was prepared: he swiped a hand at Elena almost lazily, forcing her body straight into Klaus' arms. He then shoved Rebekah away with another sweep and sent the fire surrounding the ring straight up into the air. As he and Greta fought off two vampires, a witch, and a hybrid, he entered Klaus' mind once more.

"Bekah!" screamed Klaus. "He's using mind control on me!"

Rebekah fearlessly charged through the fire to help her brother, but it was too late: his fangs were fastened to the girl's neck, and she did not have the strength to match his own. He drained Elena dry within seconds, and her lifeless body dropped to the forest floor like a ragdoll.

Stefan froze in horror as his girlfriend collapsed. Damon's wrath compelled him to snap Greta's neck before he fell to his knees.

Mariko dug her heels into the soft grass and grabbed Pacari's hand. Together, they launched a mental attack on Silas that was too powerful even for him to fend off. They were at an advantage – he had used up a lot of energy to break the Hybrid Curse.

He had bested her in Greece because she had been unprepared, but she wasn't going to let it happen again. With one final push, she felt his mind close down. He fainted with blood leaking from every orifice.

The flames disappeared. Stefan flashed to Elena and cradled her petite frame in his arms. Damon was right behind him. He pushed the hair back from her face.

"Bonnie better have finished that spell," he muttered.

Stefan swallowed. "She did. She had to."

A muscle twitched in Damon's jaw. He turned away to lift Katherine.

Klaus' eyes glowed golden as his neck snapped up towards the moon. A bone in his back audibly broke and he arched backwards in pain.

"Get out of here!" Mariko ordered the brothers. They flashed into the woods with their cargo. She turned to Pacari. "We need to remove Silas."

She raised her arms until Silas' body was airborne and began guiding him out of the quarry. Pacari glanced at Rebekah, who gave him a fierce nod. He could see in her eyes that she would stay at her brother's side. He hesitated before following after Mariko.

Niklaus Mikaelson screamed as all the bones in his body broke. He could feel the power rushing through him, power he had not felt for a thousand years. He looked at his sister with tears in his eyes, not knowing if the transformation or the shard would kill him first.

"Silas – he – he snapped off a piece of White Oak in my bloodstream; it will soon reach my – my heart," he stuttered.

She knelt beside him and palmed his back. "Where?"

He gestured.

She did not give him any warning, and for that, he was grateful. Her fingers probed around his spleen and lungs, searching his innards for the shard. "I don't feel anything."

"I know it's – AHHHHHHHHH!"

The last bone broke and he felt the wolf take over, his body twisting and changing. His scream turned into a howl.

His final thought was of Caroline's face before he lost all awareness.

A/N: I had to make some obvious changes to the way this went down, but I tried to keep what I could, like John sacrificing himself for Elena and Jules dying instead of Tyler. Hope you enjoy! ~L