AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yay for medical emergencies causing delays x.X Been rather laid up this last month and trust me was not really lucid enough to even attempt posting this at the time. Have the next portion in the works, just have to edit it, get it all arranged properly on the site and it will be up too. Also correcting my faux pas of them not knowing about the white oak. Forgot the whole white oak dead Michael bit.

DISCLAIMER: No I don't own Elijah, Elena, or anything to do with that which is The Vampire Diaries series. This is just my version of it. ;-)

Bound By Blood

~Previously in Bound By Blood~

Growling, Sage ran her hands through her hair. "Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Meaning they have every remaining piece of white oak that exists."

Arms going limp, Elena and Bonnie shared a horrified look as the implications of what could happen dawned on them.

Kol groaned and dropped his head on Rebekah's shoulder.

"Bloody buggering hell."

Chapter 19 - You Owe Me More Than That

The room was completely silent. They'd all gravitated towards the seating around the fireplace after everyone was filled in on the latest developments. Bonnie and Elena were slumped against each other on the couch. Life had put them through hell and back multiple times already, and now two people they relatively trusted were possibly about to destroy everything and everyone around them.

Eyes closed with her head resting against the cushion back of her, Elena sighed and dragged her hands down her face. "What do we do?" When no one answered after a few minutes she cracked her eyes open slightly to see everyone looking at her confused. "Seriously? None of you have a plan right now? Stefan and Damon have the one single object that can kill all of us with the exception of Bonnie, and none of you have a plan to fix it." Disbelief clear in her tone, she squeezed her eyes shut again in annoyance. "Brilliant. Just brilliant."

"Now you're starting to sound like us, love," Kol chuckled weakly, trying to lighten the mood. At her glare, he held up his hands in defense. "I know, I know, poor timing."

Bonnie let a small smile sneak out at the banter before standing up. "I might have an idea." Once she had everyone's attention, she began to explain her half-assed possibly going to get them all killed anyways plan. "First things first, no one here and I mean no one goes anywhere alone anymore. At least not until all the white oak is destroyed." Eyes flashing at Klaus when he went to protest, she shook her head. "I mean it, Klaus. Yes, your family is ancient vampires, but that doesn't make you invincible. Stefan and Damon might be babies compared to you, but you of all people should know not to underestimate what they're capable of. Or do I really need to remind you of everything Stefan did with his humanity switched off?"

"She's right," Elena cut in when she saw Klaus and Rebekah going to argue her point. "I've only known them barely two years, but even I know not to question their knack for insanity. Knowing how they are... They probably already have a plan. Part of that as you've seen recently..." Trailing off she nodded at Kol and Klaus, before continuing. "Is to try and split you up from one another. They're not stupid enough to think they can take on all of you at once or even two of you. They want you alone so you can't block every attack." Biting her lip, she tilted her head in thought. "Actually... Klaus, do you have your phone handy?"

Raising an eyebrow at the abrupt topic shift, he waved it in the air. "Care to elaborate?"

Grinning wickedly, Elena hummed briefly before responding. "Call Caroline. Tell her to come over."

Smirking when he started to get flustered, Bonnie caught on to what Elena was getting at and crossed her arms. "Now."

Watching their brother shift around in discomfort from their spot on the other couch, Rebekah and Kol shared a mirthful look. Propping her elbow on the arm of the sofa, Rebekah rested her chin on her hand. "Not that I don't love watching Nik squirm, but why is it so important he talks to Caroline?"

Glaring at him until she saw him hit the call button, Bonnie turned to Rebekah as they waited for Caroline to pick up. "It's important because she probably already knows what they're planning to do."

Skepticism apparent, Kol swirled his drink glass around in his hand. "How?"

Voice bitter as she remembered Alaric's injuries the night of the ritual, Elena stared at the fire as she said what Bonnie couldn't. "They like using people to do the dirty work for them. Especially Caroline in this case." Glancing at Klaus talking quietly on the phone, she frowned at the truth of the situation. "They'll try to use her as bait again."

"And Matt," Bonnie interjected softly, holding Rebekah's gaze, even when the blonde's eyes narrowed in a silent warning. "I want the word of everyone in this room that those two will remain unharmed. Don't punish them for Stefan and Damon's stupidity."

"You have it," Klaus whispered solemnly with his family as he placed his phone down on the table. "Caroline's already on her way over." Eyes softening as he regarded Elena, he kept his tone light. "I simply said that her friend needed her."

Gulping at the underlying edge of concern to his voice, Elena briskly nodded.

"Okay then," Bonnie sighed, tapping her foot nervously in thought as she looked around the room. "Does anyone have a map I can use for a good old locator spell?" Seeing Elena stiffen when she realized what she left unsaid, Bonnie squeezed her friend's hand in reassurance.

Getting up, Sage walked over to the desk and slid the stack of books to the side as she grabbed the rolled up poster before handing it to Bonnie. With a subtle flick of her eyes in Elena's direction, she saw Bonnie's chin tilt in understanding. "This should be more than sufficient for what you need." Nodding at the young witch in respect, she returned to Finn's side. It wasn't her place to judge the doppelgänger being in love with Elijah or vice versa. Even if they were both too stubborn to own up to it quite yet. She had been human once when she'd fallen in love with Finn. She had turned for him. Out of everyone there, with the exception of Kol, Sage had a fairly decent idea just what the poor girl was going through.

Shifting uncomfortably, Bonnie bit her lip as she held her hand out to Elena. "May I borrow the letter?"

Frowning at the paper, Elena shoved it at Bonnie and walked over to the bar. "Burn it for all I care," she grumbled sullenly as she poured herself some whiskey. Holding her hand up when she felt the quiet disapproval through the bond, she tipped the drink back and swallowed it before speaking. "Save it, Rebekah. My underage drinking is the least of our problems right now, and given the circumstances," she thrust her hand in the direction of the map before continuing. "It is beyond necessary." Slapping the empty glass on the counter, she walked over and flopped down on the couch between Rebekah and Kol, relenting when the blonde wrapped her arm around her shoulders.

Sighing, Rebekah stroked Elena's hair as Kol grabbed the girl's left hand. We're just worried about you.

Eyes closing in defeat, Elena minutely shook her head. I know... I'm just so...

We know. Kol assured her, his eyes following Bonnie as she moved around the room. Sensing the unease through the bond and the tense hand grasping his, he flexed his fingers around hers. It's alright, Elena, we understand. No one here expects you to be alright with everything going on. We're simply lending our support when you need it. Watching Bonnie light the candles on the table just by lifting her hand, Kol felt envy flow through him for a minute at the memory of what he'd lost before it was replaced by the immense fascination and respect the young witch demanded just by her very presence.

Unaware of the affect she was having on the man across the room, Bonnie unconsciously started tapping her foot on the floor again causing said man to snicker quietly. Slipping the letter out of the envelope, she debated her options on how to proceed. Locator spells could be tricky, and she knew that despite what Elena had said, her best friend would be devastated if the letter was destroyed in the process of finding its author no matter what he'd done to her.

Taking the envelope in her hands, she carefully set the folded letter off to the side out of the circle of candles. Better safe than sorry.

"Need anything, darling?" Kol breathed cheerily on the back of her neck, causing Bonnie to jump straight in the air.

Whipping around she shoved him back from his close proximity to her. "Yeah, it's called don't sneak up on me, smartass. I could've caught the whole table on fire." Eyes widening she quickly checked to make sure the letter and envelope were still intact. "It wouldn't be just me that you'd be answering to if I had," she hissed quietly, tilting her head towards the table. His jaw clenched in recognition of the letter she'd been referring to sitting precariously on the edge of the table. The pain and worry flickering in his eyes caused her to loosen up. "Just be more careful next time." Turning back towards the table, she was acutely aware of him coming to stand beside her.

So... What is the problem, Miss Bennett? You're tapping your foot again. Scanning the map as he waited for her response, Kol wished he could will Elijah to appear simply by looking at it. He wanted to help Elena, but he also wanted to know that his brother was safe.

For once being grateful of the strange connection they had, Bonnie hung her head. The spell has a chance of backfiring... Sure it will locate Elijah, that's a given, but the letter might not survive it. Especially if the witches cloaking him are as powerful as I suspect they are. We both know Elena didn't mean it when she said to burn it. I was going to use the envelope instead as a precaution, but I'm not sure if that's enough.

Brows furrowing in thought, Kol glanced around as he had an idea. Do you have any sort of knife with you?

"Knife?" Bonnie asked out loud in disbelief, drawing everyone's attention to her as she hissed at him. "No, Kol, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not the type to go around carrying sharp objects on a daily basis."

Running his hand down his face in frustration as he waved off his siblings concerned gazes, Kol shook his head and chuckled at her reaction. "Relax, darling, I have an idea." Walking over to the small writing desk in the corner, he rummaged through the drawers, before he found what he was looking for. Moving to stand next to Bonnie once more, he beamed and held out the letter opener to her. "Here," he chirped triumphantly, enjoying her slight confusion as she took it from him while he calmly held out his hand with his palm facing up. My blood along with the essence from the envelope should suffice as enough of a link for the spell. If anything my blood should guarantee it. He is my brother after all. When her eyes snapped to his at what he was suggesting, he nodded his head in confirmation. I trust you, Bonnie. "Just try not to leave a scar," he joked, causing her to roll her eyes at his lame attempt at humor, but he caught the smile creeping across her face.

Taking a deep breath, Bonnie moved the papers aside. Gently grasping Kol's larger hand in her small one, she moved their joined hands over the map. Lifting the letter opener in her left hand, she glanced at his eyes one more time. Pursing his lips in a small smile, he tilted his head at her. It's okay, Bonnie. Do it.

Grimacing, she quickly slid the blade across the palm of his hand, wincing at his hiss of pain. "Sorry," she whispered as she set down the blade, causing him to shake his head in denial.

"Don't worry about it, Bonnie. I'll be fine. Just find my brother," he assured her, holding his right hand under hers that was holding his bleeding left one. Grunting, he flexed his left hand to allow some of the blood to fall on the map.

Closing her eyes, she started chanting as the blood gathered into a small puddle on the paper. Feeling the wind swirling around her face, she scrunched her eyebrows together as she felt the magical barriers trying to keep her away from Elijah.

Kol sensed the magic building around her as the red on the paper started shifting back and forth in a struggle. Moving closer so that their sides were touching he squeezed their joined hands encouragingly. "You can do it, Bonnie. You're stronger than they are."

Chanting louder, Bonnie felt the mental shield faltering and slammed her free hand down on the map as the candles all blew out with the end of the incantation. Trembling, she felt herself swaying as Kol deftly slipped an arm around her waist to steady her.

I knew you could do it. Kol's enthusiasm was contagious even in her now thoroughly worn out state.

Panting, she took a few deep breaths before opening her eyes to stare at the map in front of her. Smiling tiredly, she was pleased with herself. "It worked." Relieved to still have her friend's private letter in one piece, she gently clasped her fingers around Kol's hand on her waist. Thank you, Kol. I couldn't watch her get hurt again.

Wrapping his now healed hand around her shoulders, Kol pulled her in for a tight hug. "Thank you, Bonnie," he whispered in her hair by her ear. "We'll keep them both safe now. Thank you for finding my brother."

"It wasn't easy," she confessed, brows knitted together at the memory of the barrier. "Elijah's got some pretty serious magic protecting him. I almost couldn't break through."

"He always did have a knack for collecting powerful allies," Rebekah butted in, her curiosity getting the better of her rather than letting the private moment continue. Staring at the dot firmly planted on the map, she didn't entirely recognize the location surrounding it. "So where is our dear brother hiding?"

Glancing over at Elena, the girl grew suspicious when she saw the knowing look in Bonnie's eyes.

Standing up, Elena came over to see what Bonnie wasn't saying. "What is it, Bonnie? Where is he?" Finding the place on the map wasn't hard. Realizing what she was looking at and just knowing in her gut that he'd been there this whole time had her growling and yanking the papers off the table as she stomped towards the door. "Damn you, Elijah."

Sharing a look of confusion with his siblings, Klaus jumped in front of Elena before she could go storming outside. The glare she gave him almost made him afraid of a human. Almost. "Elena, love, where is Elijah hiding?"

Grinding her teeth together she held her hands in fists at her sides partly crumpling the letter in her hand. She wouldn't take her frustrations out on Klaus no matter how badly she wanted to do it. Walking around him she threw the keys at his face over her shoulder hearing him huff as his hand just barely prevented them from hitting their mark. She was angry, but she wasn't stupid enough to venture outside alone. "The house where he and I first met."

Yanking the door open, she almost ran headlong into Caroline who was just lifting her hand to knock. "Can't talk, Caroline. Have an Original child to deal with. Klaus will explain everything."

Shaking his head at the whole mess, Finn clapped Klaus on the shoulder in sympathy at being bossed around by the girl and took the keys from his still raised hand. "I'll keep an eye on her, Niklaus, you just fill in our friend here."

Darting forward, Rebekah and Kol followed Finn and Sage out the door as Kol shared a brief knowing look with Bonnie. Please stay here at least until we get back. Nik and Miss Forbes can keep you safe.

Crossing her arms, she shifted her lips to one side. I can take care of myself, Kol.

Knowing her stubbornness was one thing that had kept her alive so long, he couldn't fault her for it. At that moment, he just frankly was more concerned with her well-being than her independent nature. I know you can, Bonnie. Trust me I do. What I don't know is just what the Salvatore's might try to do to you if you leave. I don't want to put you at unnecessary risk. You said yourself that none of us are safe on our own. That now includes you as well. Please just this once. Stay.

Expression softening at his words, she closed her eyes and nodded in acceptance. Alright, just this one time. I'll see what I can do about the binding spell while you're gone.

"I'm sure brother dearest would be more than happy to assist you with that endeavor. Be careful," Kol quipped at her as he slid the door closed after Rebekah not so nicely slammed on the car horn.

A confused Klaus and Caroline stood there staring at her as they were left with silence in the house. Squirming under their unblinking gazes, she cleared her throat awkwardly as she turned and walked back into the den.

Trailing after the petite witch, Caroline blushed when Klaus motioned for her to go first. "Thank you."

Smiling at her, Klaus was selfishly grateful for the chance to see Caroline again even under the dire circumstances they were dealing with. Raising an eyebrow at Bonnie his curiosity finally peaked. "What exactly am I more than willing to help you with?"

Dropping a grimoire in his hands and then another in Caroline's, Bonnie spread out the remaining books on the table. "Finding a spell that will remove the bond tying your lives together. I suggest you search fast given that Stefan and Damon could act at any time."

Brows scrunching, Caroline looked between the two as she sat on the sofa. "Alright, what's going on? I knew Esther bonded your family and Elena together, but what's Stefan and Damon have to do with unbinding everyone? "

"That's what we were hoping you could tell us, love," Klaus sighed as he rubbed his forehead in thought.

"Me? But why?" She blinked looking totally perplexed and lost. "Stefan called me on my way here and asked me to come over later, but didn't say what for." Klaus and Bonnie shared a worried look causing Caroline to slap her hand on the book in her lap. "Stop that! Tell me what's going on!"

"Caroline... We need your help..." Bonnie trailed off, fidgeting with her hands.

"With what?" The blonde prompted, growing impatient at the continued silence.

Klaus took up where Bonnie left off. "You know my family is basically immortal, yes?" At her immediate nod, he smiled grimly.

"Wait, what do you mean basically?" Mind spinning, she felt beyond confused. "You guys can't die. Stakes barely harm you. The daggers only put you to sleep. The only stake that existed that I could see maybe possibly killing you was destroyed when Alaric killed Michael."

"I'm afraid therein lies a bit of a loophole," Klaus explained, folding his hands together against his chin. "It appears that there was in fact another white oak tree in existence some time in the last 200 years. We thought Michael had the last piece, but we were wrong. The only way we know about it at all was the Lumber records from the Boarding House after Rebekah discovered the cave paintings of the calendar in the tunnels under Fell's Church."

Eyes widening as she caught to what he was saying, she started feeling panic creep into her chest. "You mean..."

Lips pressing into a thin line, Bonnie crossed her arms over her chest. "The white oak that can kill them is in Mystic Falls, Care."

"And the entire vampire race goes with us," Klaus whispered, taking her hand to comfort her as her face went white.

"Oh god." Mouth opening and closing, she barely registered his hand wrapping around her own. "So when you're saying the spell has to be broken soon, you mean Stefan and Damon are..."

"Planning to kill his entire family," Bonnie finished the thought for her.

"But they'll die in the process! They're vampires, not suicidal!" She protested, shaking her head frantically. "They wouldn't do that!"

Shrugging helplessly, Bonnie wished she could agree with her friend, but it wouldn't be the truth. "They don't believe it, Care, they think it's just a trick to keep them from killing Klaus."

"But they wouldn't risk Elena's safety like that," she whispered, before hanging her head as she realized they already had and then some.

Bonnie pulled at her hair in aggravation. "Something isn't right about this." When they silently waited for her to continue, she tapped her hands on her hips. "I saw Stefan and Damon the night of the ritual. My mother agreed to be turned into a vampire to save Elena's life and it almost broke Damon to have to do it. I get that they tried to dagger Kol to knock all of you out that night, but they didn't know about Elena being tied to you then. They saw her afterwards, and they knew how hurt she was. This isn't like them to knowingly just put her life on the line when there's the slightest chance of proof that you're telling the truth about the bond. Killing you would kill her. They'd kill themselves before they would let her die."

Remembering how Stefan had to have his humanity forced off to even remotely consider harming Elena, Klaus felt dread creeping into his mind. "As much as I hate to agree with you, Bonnie, I have to admit you're right. We're missing something here."

"Come to think of it, I haven't heard from either of them since Damon brought Abby back to her cottage after she decided to transition. At first I figured they were giving me space. It's been weeks of total silence," Bonnie murmured, lost in thought.

Gulping at the reality of the situation, Caroline bravely lifted her chin. "So I go in as bait."

Jerking his eyes back to the young vampire beside him, Klaus tried to deny it. "You can't, love, it's too dangerous."

"He's right, Caroline, we don't know what's going on with them. It could be a trap," Bonnie argued shaking her head adamantly.

"Which is exactly why I have to go tonight," Caroline pressed, her eyes firm. "We all know I can act like the dumbest dingbat on the planet. Who they happen to like using as a pawn," she growled in annoyance. "If we want to know what they're up to, I have to go."

They both knew it was futile to try and stop her. Once she set her mind to something, there wasn't anything that could change it. All they could do was protect her as well as they could.

"Fine, but you're drinking a large dose of vervain beforehand and not going in without a protection spell on you," Bonnie concluded, as she held out her hand for one of Caroline's bracelets. Taking the plain looking metal bangle from her friend, she pointed to the books. "Now you two start looking for any binding spell you can find while I work on giving Caroline some witchy protection." When they bowed their heads and started reading without protest, Bonnie smiled at the way they both simultaneously reclined against the back of the sofa. Smile fading as she turned back to her Gram's grimoire in search of the shield enchantment, she rolled her head from side to side. Bonnie could feel the tension building in her shoulders. Something was coming. She just wished she knew what it was.

As the car slowly rolled to a stop at the end of the long gravel driveway where it met the street, Kol and Rebekah both turned to look at Elena sitting in the front passenger seat. The girl had been quiet the entire drive there. She'd barely even moved. The bond wasn't helping any either since it felt almost blank. If it wasn't for the simmering anger they could feel behind it, they would think she'd somehow managed to turn her emotions off altogether which for a human was completely unsettling.

Resting her hand on Elena's shoulder, Rebekah leaned forward. "You don't have to do this, Elena. We can get Elijah and bring him out ourselves. You don't have to go in."

Hand clenching into a fist at her side, Elena jerked her seatbelt loose. "Yes, I do. He doesn't get to leave town after we all almost died, only to hide out here of all places. Not now, not ever." Shoving the car door open she hopped out and muttered, "I'm done waiting." As the siblings climbed out of the car after her, she scrunched her nose at the realization one of them would have to carry her or Elijah would hear them coming long before they got to the house. "Kol... Can you..?" Trailing off she shifted from side to side in frustration.

Getting the hint from their bond, he simply stepped forward and extended his hands to her, wisely deciding not to crack a joke at the moment. "Sure thing, just hold on tight." As she wrapped her arms around his neck, he slipped his hands behind her back and under her legs. Nodding to Finn and Rebekah, he took it upon himself to give orders. "Finn you take the back entrance, and 'Bekah take the side. Elena and I will cover the front," he stated darkly, as he felt the rage coursing through Elena now that they were touching. Breathe, Elena. It'll be alright. We found him. Just focus on that. When she averted her eyes to the side, he sighed as he hoped Elijah didn't decide to be difficult today of all days. "Let's do this."

He let Finn and Rebekah take the lead, giving Elena a moment to prepare herself. Flashing to the door, he could sense his siblings around the house, and refrained from smirking as he heard Elijah go still inside the house. No more hiding, brother. Elena touched his chest drawing his attention.

Let me down, Kol. He did as she asked, but she shook her head when he went to follow her. I need to do this on my own.

Tilting his head, he looked at her concerned. Elena, are you sure? We don't know what he's like right now.

Smiling slightly at the worry in his thoughts, she squeezed his hand. He won't hurt me, Kol. At his disbelieving expression, she amended her statement. Not physically at least. Sensing another protest coming up, she hugged him. Trust me on this, Kol. Please. Let me do this.

Relenting, Kol exhaled through his teeth, and gave her a comforting squeeze back before letting her go. We'll be here if you need us.

Nodding her head she turned to go in the house. Squaring her shoulders, she took a deep breath as she pulled the door open and slipped inside. Letting her eyes adjust to the darkness around the entryway, she refrained from snorting as she quietly walked further down the hallway. Not even any running electricity. Elijah really is hiding from the world. She didn't need supernatural hearing to know where he was in the house. Whatever bond they had was leading her directly to him.

Swallowing hard as she realized he was in that particular room, she frowned and released her left hand from the fist it had curled into. Reaching out to grab the door handle, Elena paused her hand in midair almost regretting her decision to do this alone, before shaking herself. You can do this. It's just Elijah. Grasping the handle tightly, she pulled the lever down and let it swing open in front of her. Feet pattering softly across the floorboards, she saw the man that they, that she, had been worried sick over and searching for, tense his shoulders and turn his head to the side from his position by the bay window as she entered the room. Elijah didn't say anything to acknowledge her, but she knew he knew it was her. He always knew.

Arching an eyebrow at his stoic silence, she let her eyes trail over the red couch as she made her way over to him. So many memories. Coming to a stop a few feet away, she crossed her arms as she waited silently. I'm not talking to your back. You owe me more than that. She wasn't sure if he'd heard her, but his shoulders twitched as she watched him. After a moment he blinked slowly and sighed as he turned around to face her. For an instant, Elena thought she saw some unreadable emotion slide across his face, but then it was gone.

Looking him over, relief ran through her as she finally had proof that he wasn't hurt. With the relief came the anger and pain as she schooled her expression into a blank mask, similar to the one he greeted her with.

"Hello, Elijah."