Disclaimer: I do not own the vampire diaries.

19

Bring me to life.


"...We come from a lineage of powerful witches," Sheila Bennett had told her granddaughter one evening over a cup of tea, "The Bennett line is quite infamous amongst our kind." A corner of her lip lifted proudly, cheeky, "Dare I say, the most powerful."

Bonnie blinked at her, witches? Magic? The whole thing was insane, an idea born of an active imagination bored of a mundane life, that or... She looked down at her lap, hands intertwined before facing the older woman. It was not a secret to her what the town's people whispered about her grandma, about her issues with alcohol, but something in grandma, the intention in her brown eyes told her Sheila wasn't joking.

Questioning her sobriety aloud would be too disrespectful, she respected her grandma too much to reduce her to that, but that didn't mean she wholeheartedly believed what she'd said, she could give her grandma the benefit of the doubt, nothing else. If only to satiate the curiosity that sparked in her. Still, Bonnie discreetly sniffed the air to find the stench of alcohol, (just to discard the theory that her grandma was drunk) finding nothing besides the strange smell of herbs coming from her grandma's cup.

"Let's say I believe you," she began and her grandma sighed heavily as she got up, coming to stop in front of the bookshelf, pulling out a huge book that she handed to her, "What is this?" She asked, one hand gliding down the worn cover, it was old, that much she could tell just by looking at its yellowed pages and the dusty smell that reached her nose. For some reason her stomach knotted as she turned a page, the name Emily Bennett immediately caught her eye. It was faded, written in a beautiful calligraphy that reminded her of the letters written in the period dramas she liked to binge watch with Elena whenever they could, "Where'd you get this? This thing is like ancient, the committee would kill to get their hands on this," she said, happy to finally have an insight into the life of her ancestors.

Contrary to what her grandma had said, the Bennett line was not famous in Mystic Falls, their name nowhere to be found in the old library documents besides a brief mention in a journal belonging to a foreign noble woman. Compared to a family like Elena's or even Caroline's, whose legacy was one of the foundations of their town, her's was insignificant.

"It's a grimoire," Sheila answered at last, studying her granddaughter's reaction with care. Bonnie was an open book, especially to her, years of taking care of her had granted her the ability to tell what she was exactly feeling and as of right now, Bonnie was far from convinced. Since words didn't work, she'd let her magic do the trick.

A raise of her hand and a quiet incantation where all it took for the furniture to start floating around them, making Bonnie gasp, mouth left agape as her eyes darted around to confirm what she was seeing, one hesitant hand reaching to touch the floating coffee table, above and under to make sure there wasn't anything holding it in the air.

"... How is this possible?" Bonnie's question came out stranded, her mind formulating a millions questions at once. She felt faint, a ringing blocked her ears as she faced her grandma's 'I-told-you-so' expression.

"Take a seat, darling. I've got much to tell you," With those words, her journey into witchcraft began. What seemed like a simple task of learning foreign words and their intonation turned into learning about herbs and their properties and that turned into practising the actual spells.

It was overwhelming to say the least, hundreds of years of knowledge, well, what her grandma could collect from those times, were taught to her, continuing with their family tradition. There was no rest for Bonnie, her desire for new knowledge only grew as soon as she finished a new grimoire. A new world of opportunities had appeared before her, suddenly the impossible becoming achievable with just a few words.

But with these powers, also came responsibility, they were hand in hand with one another. She couldn't just prioritise one above the other. Witches had a duty with the nature that granted their powers, a duty her grandma had been very strict in reinforcing, they were to protect and maintain the balance in nature and they weren't above being punished if they failed to do so.

That's how she learned about the existence of vampires and their unnatural origins.

"We don't work with vampires," her grandma had explicitly said in one of their lessons, making Bonnie promise she would follow her example. Of course she had agreed, the satisfaction of knowing she was doing the right thing only lasted about a week before a knock on their door changed her fate.

Elena, or who she had assumed was Elena, was behind the door, smiling brightly at her, "Hey, are you busy right now? There's something I need to tell you. It's important." she remarked on the last part.

"Sure, let me tell grandma I'm going to take a break. Give me a moment- What are you doing just standing there?" Bonnie teased, "Come in, you know this is your house as much as it is mine."

Her smile had widened as she took one step in, as if testing the waters, if Bonnie had been more observant back then, 'This wouldn't have happened,'

Bonnie lamented as frustrated tears pooled in her eyes, blurring her gaze, though she could still see the orange glow of a fire below them. Elena's rigid body on the ground was a sight that made her burn with sadness and anger at the sister who sold her off to a man that was the definition of evil according to what Katherine had said to them when she first showed up.

"We arrived too late," Sheila said, voice trembling with anger and disgust as she glared at the culprit of it all. Alex's back was turned to them, unable to see them from their vantage point, "There's nothing else for us to do."

Shocked, her head whipped in her direction, hissing, "What do you mean? Grandma, we must do something! She can't get away with these. I owe it to Elena, she-" her voice cut off, a lump in her throat as she harshly wiped her eyes. The urge to empty her stomach grew as images of what they had witnessed flashed in her mind, How could Alex stand there and be completely unaffected, how heartless was she? To do that to Elena just for something as meaningless as power, Bonnie couldn't wrap her head around it.

She had broken the witches vows in the most terrible way, but that meant her glory wouldn't last long, as whatever power she gained from this would triple the punishment she would receive. The universe, karma, God, whatever or whoever was in charge of that would make sure she'd paid for this.

Sheila pulled her in for a hug, "I know you're angry, Bonnie. So am I, but there's nothing we can't do. Elena's gone," she ushered, holding her tightly, she glared at the other figures, so the brother was also involved in this? "We are outnumbered," she pointed out, noticing the man standing nearby the hybrid, she could tell he was also a witch just by looking. They couldn't fight them, not when Bonnie was like this, and most importantly, it wasn't worthy.

She might've agreed to help the vampire but only because Katherine was right, they couldn't allow the ritual to happen. The wretched vampire had dared to question her principles and what she stood for, even daring to mention her connection with Emily to gain leverage.

Though it wasn't like she could say no, they couldn't refuse and Katherine knew this, she was just giving them the notion that she was asking them for help, her sweet smile was just a mask to hide the consequences of refusing her request, saying no was off the table.

But they had failed, Katherine had warned them too late, unable to give them an exact location besides telling them to go to the woods. She sounded annoyed, her tone harsher and more demanding than it usually was, grating Sheila's nerves, she was only doing this to fulfil her duty as a Bennett witch and for the sake of the young girl she came to adore as another granddaughter. She couldn't care less about what that vampire wanted.

They watched as the Gilbert siblings retreated, leaving the bloodied mess behind. The hybrid's body contorted at odd angles, the sound of breaking bones reaching them despite the distance. It would be easy to take him down now.

That urge didn't come to fruition though as fur started to grow from his naked limbs at a rapid pace, covering his body as a long snout morphed into his face, his size growing as he turned into an animal, a dark wolf with bloodshot eyes.

He howled at the moon, his transformation now complete before dashing off into the woods, leaving the witch alone to clean up the mess.

"Let's go. It's not safe to stay around the area," the woman released her, circling Bonnie's wrist, pulling her along back where they came from.

Their lips remained shut while they walked, concealed in the shadows of night to remain unperceived by the danger lurking around. The moon was hidden behind by a cloud, blocking any light from lighting their path. 'It's better this way,' Sheila reasoned, it made it harder to spot them. Still, she looked back every now and then, especially whenever she heard a rustle nearby, making sure to keep Bonnie close by, she was in no state to defend herself and if she were to be honest, neither was she.

She had known Elena since she was a baby, changed her diapers, watched over her when her parents went out and Kelly Donovan was unavailable. She'd seen Elena grow and flourish into a lovely young woman thanks to the sacrifice of her own daughter. Her family's destiny was intertwined with her since she was a child. The memories brought a pang of nostalgia within her, weighing her down like a sack of rocks.

Elena, too sweet to end like this, sacrificed by the ones who were meant to protect her. A blood bond meant nothing, she spared a look to an afflicted Bonnie and winced, her granddaughter was more of a sister than her own ever was. She should've known that Alex was up to no good when an old friend of hers contacted her to let her know that there was a vampire spreading around the news of the doppelganger's return.

Sheila had put two and two together, the pieces falling into place after Miranda's baby shower, the secrecy between the girl and her mysterious boss too suspicious to let it go so she had offered her advice, more of a warning, in hopes of preventing a disgrace from happening, but it had fallen in deaf ears, ones blocked by ambition and dreams of glory, to serve a powerful master was a big honour for some, and for a first generation witch like her that was all she could aspire if she wanted to progress in this world. An attractive offer than not many would pass on with a price according to the prize.

But what was the younger Gilbert's motivation? What was in it for him?

Sheila wondered, glancing upwards as if heaven would give her an answer, which came in the form of a howl, far too close for comfort.

She could question the Gilbert's actions once they were safe and sound, for now, Bonnie was her priority.


The lights in her house were on, a shadowed figure being visible from the porch, Sheila already knew who was their unwelcome visitor. The main door clicked open and she went in first, chin up in defiance, one protective arm shielding Bonnie.

"Welcome back," Katherine greeted, done with her act of being Elena, hair was out in its natural curls. With a smile in her red lips, she poured herself a glass of scotch, "Hope you don't mind I helped myself with your stash. You have a fine collection by the way," She raised the glass, eyes zeroing on Bonnie at last, her face grew sombre as she pointed a perfectly manicured finger at the girl, "I hope those are tears of victory." She said menacingly.

"We couldn't," Bonnie paused, sniffing, "It was too late," she said, defeated.

Katherine gulped the drink, the strong taste barely tingling her tongue as it went down like it was water. Lucky for them, she had predicted this result, as she herself had learned from the ritual not long before them. She had underestimated the girl's competence to find the moonstone so fast. Katherine had naively assumed she'd counted with more time to put her plan into motion, but alas, it was all ruined, all of her hard work was for nothing, her efforts in seducing Mason Lockwood poured down the drain like it meant nothing. At least it was fun while it lasted.

500 years of planning weren't enough to predict the variable that was Alexandra Gilbert, the girl capable of killing her own flesh and blood for her own benefit. Katherine was not a saint and she certainly wasn't a stranger into using others for her own gain but hurting her own, even she had her limits. But this was nothing but a stone in her path, one kick would suffice to get this girl out of her way. She wouldn't have made it this far in life if she weren't a resourceful woman.

"Stop crying," Katherine said to Bonnie, fed up with her uncontrollable whines, "Sweet Elena is not dead, well, assuming her sister is smart enough to have contacted Elijah first."

Sheila frowned, "What do you mean by that?"

Katherine smirked, emotions from a far away memory came to her, she could still remember his hopeful face as he promised he would convince Klaus to let her drink the elixir and then they were gone, crushed and buried, "He had an elixir capable of bringing a doppelganger back to life,"

"Then why didn't you drink it?" Bonnie countered, blaming her as well.

Her expression soured, she took a step forward, "Because he didn't let me and I'm not a martyr like Elena." and her family had paid the price for it.

"And what makes you think he'd let Elena drink it?"

She shrugged, uncaring, checking her nails, "Nothing, as far as I know she suffered the fate I was supposed to 500 years ago."

"Then why did you-" Bonnie gritted her teeth.

"I didn't promise you anything. I told you it all depends on her sister's cleverness. Though I doubt she'd be able to convince Klaus of doing such a thing. Not even his own brother could," she added the last part on purpose to get a specific reaction from the young witch.

"She can't- They can't get away with this!" Bonnie said, searching from her grandma's approval but found nothing but reproach.

"We've done enough as it is," Sheila said gravely, looking straight at Katherine, "It's time for you to go." She was as distraught as her granddaughter but falling down the road of vengeance wasn't the answer. Justice will come but it would not be served by their hand.

"Not so fast, grandma," The vampire said, making her way to the door with slow steps and pulling it open, "Our business relationship is just starting,"

"Mom?" Bonnie croaked, voice hoarse from crying, "What are you doing here?"

The years had been kind to Abby, the only lines adorning her face were the one born out of worry for her situation. Shame clung to her, slumping her shoulders and doubling down her spirit. She was unrecognisable from the brave woman that had taken down an ancient vampire on her own to save the life of little Elena. In this moment, Sheila could only see the small girl that would jump into her bed whenever she had a nightmare, her semblance was the same and her heart hurt for both of her girls.

Abby's lips trembled, the two figures by her side pushing her inside, only to be grabbed by Katherine while they stopped by the entrance, an invisible barrier stopping them from taking the final step to invade her home.

"Don't hurt her," Sheila snarled, raising her arm towards Katherine, using her magic to damage the nerves in her brain.

The vampire hissed, holding her head in pain. She moaned, almost falling to her knees, "Ah- just kidding," she sang, mockingly, "I didn't spend all of this time just thinking about killing Klaus. Your party tricks don't work on me." She said, addressing Bonnie now, "Don't bother trying, you'll just get the same result."

The man gave Sheila a chilling grin, two pointed fangs greeted her, "Why don't you invite us in, grams. It's getting cold." He said, exaggerating a shiver.

Besides him, the woman with short hair looked at her expectantly, raising a brow, "Well?"

Sheila looked at her daughter, Katherine's hand held her in place while the other rested in her neck, one swift movement and she'll be gone. The old witch nodded, "Come in,"

Katherine addressed the woman in her hold, "I heard you took down a powerful vampire years ago. One capable of killing Klaus, Is that true?" She asked although she already knew the answer. Abby nodded yes, eyes fixated on the ground, "Care to tell me where he is?"

Could she have asked Pearl for this information? Yes, but her old friend would be unlikely to give up her knowledge without a fight. Could she have used other 'unorthodox' methods to get her answers? Yes, but that meant getting others involved and the result would be messy and it would catch unwanted attention as it seemed Pearl was still a beloved member of the community and close with the Gilbert girl. Why go through that much trouble when she could just do this?

"So? Where is he?"

"I wouldn't tell you," Abby defied with a newfound strength, "He's a plague that mustn't be unleashed. Please, there's have to be another way to stop him,"

Katherine sighed, rolling her eyes, "That's fine, I've known plenty of ways to make you talk. Rose, grab the girl."

Rose muttered under her breath, voice full of resentment, "Don't tell me what to do."

"Leave her out of this," Abby cried out as Sheila stood in front of her granddaughter, "I'll help you. Just don't hurt her,"


(...)

Victory tasted bitter, the relief they should've felt from their success was obscured by the sight of Elena's lifeless body laying on Anna's bed. Anna's small room felt suffocating with all of them inside but having nowhere else to go, they had no choice but to stay. Most of the furniture had been rearranged around to make space for them, chairs had been brought from the dining area so they could accompany their sister.

When Elena didn't wake up in the first hour, Alex had called her boss, knowing they could stay out in the open while Elena was unresponsive. Jeremy talked to their Aunt, feeding her lies about their whereabouts that she happily believed, convinced they were out at a party having the time of their life, enjoying their teen years.

"Have fun," Aunt Jenna said, "And don't worry about your mom and John. The idiot fell asleep on the toilet, Can't you believe him? Ugh," she whispered, fighting back a giggle, "That's what he gets from driving all night and not staying at a motel..." She trailed off before Jeremy told her he had to leave just as Alex changed their course, heading towards their father's old clinic.

Alex had lost count of how long they'd been waiting for, but the light peeking from the dark curtains was an indicator that it had been far too long. Jeremy was restless, walking from one end to the other, tense and scared, his shoes leaving a trail on the purple carpeted floor. Alex's sweaty hand held her sister's like a lifeline, adamant of not letting go no matter how many times Pearl insisted for her to take a break. The one who needed the break was the other Gilbert, not her.

The older woman stood by the threshold, arms crossed, concern written all over her as she stared at them. Pearl had feared for this, vampires, especially old ones weren't to be trusted, their humanity was far too long gone for them to feel empathy towards anyone who weren't themselves. She had warned Alex but the young witch was set on this, convinced that this was the only way of reducing the casualties.

'And look where that led you,' Pearl kept that thought to herself, not being one to add salt to an open wound, quietly, she excused herself just as Harper's chimed in, carrying a tray with two steaming cups, she immediately recognised the smells of chamomile swept past her and she gave him an approving nod that he smiled at before offering a cup to Alex and her brother.

"It's been too long," Jeremy said, staring at the cup on his hand before looking at his sister.

Alex hummed noncommittally, taking a sip from her tea, "It's has," she agreed softly.

That set him off, all the pent up anger exploding at once, turning his face red.

"Why don't you go outside, boy. Take a walk, clear your head," Pearl cut him off while Alex remained motionless, deepening her frown, she continued, "You three agreed to this, now is not the time to start pointing accusing fingers. Your patience will be rewarded," she finished, then turned to leave, having said her piece.

Jeremy grunted, looking down, setting his cup down on the desk, "I'll be outside." He said, throwing Alex one last look that she didn't return as he left.

Anna, who had remained silent this whole time, spoke up, "I should go after him, make sure he doesn't do anything stupid," the vampire told her, going after him, "Jeremy! Wait," She called but he didn't stop until they were outside, standing by the front of the shop, "Talk to me, Jeremy. Don't close yourself." Anna begged, taking his hand and rubbing circles in his knuckles.

He kept quiet for a minute, swallowing before speaking, "It's just," his voice broke, "I don't know what to do if Elena doesn't wake up. I don't think I could live knowing that I was involved in her death,"

"Don't say that," Anna pleaded in a whisper, caressing his cheek, "It isn't anyone's fault,"

Jeremy snorted, humorlessly, taking a step back from her touch, "I could think of someone to blame," He said, looking straight into her.

She shook her head, "You can't be serious. This is not Alex's fault as much as it isn't yours,"

"It was her idea- I should've stopped her. Talk to mom or Aunt Jenna, I don't know, something!"

Anna put her arms on his shoulders, craning her neck to meet his eyes, getting his attention, "When I was on my own, trying to find a way to save my mother, I met two vampires on the run, living in an abandoned house. They let me crash with them for a bit and it didn't take long for the guy to tell me their story." She bit her lips, brows furrowed, "They were being hunted by Elijah for their treason."

"Elijah? The one that looks like he works in an office?"

She nodded, "Their only crime was helping Katherine escape from Klaus' claws." waiting for the severity of her words to set in, she continued, "They were terrified, Jeremy. Any little sound set them off into panic, and I've heard he's particularly tame compared to Klaus so I can't imagine what he would be like if you three choose to go against him. Doing this willingly was the only way, Jer. You know that,"

He looked away, "I know. It's just-" He looked at her and Anna took advantage that she was already touching him to pull him into a hug, "I'm so scared."

She hugged him tight, "I know. But you need to be hopeful, Alex's feels just as bad as you do. You two need each other right now. Fighting will only make things worse."

They stayed in each other embrace for another minute, enjoying the feeling of being this close to one another. Jeremy's heart was beating loudly, she could literally hear the blood pumping around his body, it brought her joy to know he was just as nervous as she was.

The door was flung open and Pearl peeked from it, "No public display of affection in front of my establishment."

They both flushed, jerking away from each other, embarrassed to have been caught.

Pearl smirked, motioning with her chin, "Come in, Jeremy. I warmed up some soup for you. It can't be healthy for a human to stand outside in this cold,"

"Yes, ma'am." He accepted shyly while Anna stared in surprise at her mother's actions.

Meanwhile upstairs Harper came to Alex's side, dragging an empty chair along and sitting down on it, "Miss Pearl it's right. Your patience will be rewarded,"

"When?" She questioned, not taking her eyes off Elena's pale face, aware that it was a pointless question.

"Soon," Harper reassured her, pushing his chair back and getting up, "The elixir was protected by a powerful magic, one not even time itself could weaken. You know that."

He spoke the truth, she had verified herself that the magic surrounding the bottle belonged to her dear Lola before giving Elena the okay to drink it... But still, doubt crept onto her as the clock above the bed marked that another hour had gone by and her sister showed no signs of waking up.

Alex was numb by now, worn down from putting on a calm face for Jeremy and hoping the spell on Elena's ring was enough to keep her safe from the dangers wandering around on the other side. She finished her tea, the chamomile not doing much to release the tension within her, she set the cup down, using both hands to hold Elena's. The blood had been cleaned off her neck by Anna and whatever had dripped down had been absorbed and concealed by the black shirt she wore. The sight of Klaus drinking from her will forever be burned in her mind, a reminder that he wasn't one to be messed with.

Elijah's absence hadn't sat well with her, confirming Klaus wasn't above twisting any situation to his favour.

'Cunning bastard.'

At least she knew Elijah would be safe while Klaus was running around doing whatever a newly transformed wolf was supposed to do... She should put a pause to her running activities until he gets tired of being an overgrown dog.

Outside, the town started to come to life, the sounds of cars and voices started to filter through the room, letting her know that it had been far too long. Anxiety clung to her like a second skin as she contemplated returning to the old witches house and beg for their help when Elena's chest moved. Not trusting what she saw, Alex moved closer, pressing one ear to her sister's chest, eyes watering when she heard the soft thud of her heartbeat moving rhythmically.

Elena breathed out slowly before she squinted her eyes, peering them open, disoriented, she wet her lips, "I feel like crap,"

Alex laughed, the sound catching the attention of everyone outside, "Welcome to the land of living. How what's it?" She kept her tone light as if she hadn't been near a nervous breakdown moments ago.

"I," Elena frowned, tiredly closing her eyes to help herself recall what she went through, "Don't remember," she sat upright, confused as Alex fixed a pillow behind her sister's back for support.

"Maybe that's for the best," Alex offered, "The other side it's not know for being a five star experience,"

Elena rubbed her temples, "All I can remember it's someone screaming at me,"

Alex tensed, "Was it a woman?" She asked and Elena shrugged, unsure, "Do you remember what she said to you, anything?"

"No, just screaming," Elena confirmed, asking in a small voice, rubbing her neck, "Should I be concerned?"

"No," Alex was quick to answer, glad that the ring had accomplished its purpose, "The other side is full of spirits. Maybe one of them thought it would be fun to mess with you,"

"You're awake," Jeremy stood by the door in disbelief.

"Hi, Jer." Elena waved, setting him into motion, he went to her side, pulling her for a hug before smacking her arm, "What was that for?"

"For making us wait this long. I spent all night thinking about what to tell mom if you didn't wake up," he confessed and Alex felt her chest tight with guilt before Jeremy also smacked her arm.

She yelped, rubbing her sore arm, he had definitely hit her harder than Elena, "Why?"

"Just felt like it." He shrugged, smirking before Alex returned the hit just as hard.

"It's good to see you awake," Pearl walked in, giving both Alex and Jeremy a look that made them stop in their tracks before approaching Elena, handing her a cup of something green that smelled like freshly cut grass, "That should help you ease your stomach. Coming back to life after being dead for so long it's not an easy task. Give your body time to readjust itself,"

"Thank you ma'am," Elena gratefully took the cup, pinching her nose at the smell but drinking it nonetheless, "So how long was I out?"


This has definitely been my most productive month this year, hope everyone is enjoying it as much as I do. I will try to push for another chapter before the month's ends but I promise nothing.

So, Katherine has joined the game along with an unwilling trio of witches, one of them in the search of revenge, wonder how that'll play out.

Next chapter we'll get more of Klaus c:

Insert name here XD: Thanks c; I do try my best

AnosDT95: Thank you for reviewing so often 3

Musa22lbl: Thank u for reading!

NightQueen1507: Thanks! My AO3 user is Lady_Alexandra and the name of the fic is the same.

Guest: Thanks you C:

jingerr: Nope, these are all of the stories I've posted so far. Thank u kind Jinger 3

XxReviewIncominx: I like Elijah, I think I can now safely say that we've reached the point in which I'll be changing most canon content :p