Hello! I hope everyone had a good weekend. Mine was lovely 😊
Phonixonixwolf! Thanks for your continued support!
Guest! I'm so sorry! I obviously didn't explain well enough. I've done a second attempt in this chapter but just in case: Siren's are half gods. They, just like other gods, rely heavily on belief and faith. They still have their natural-born abilities, but they will never be as strong as they could be without religion and devoted followers. In her own world, she had that belief system. Here she doesn't. She's bound herself to this planet and in doing so its people. She still has a connection to her other planet, obviously, otherwise earth wouldn't have a use for her, but its like comparing a phone conversation to a face-to-face one. She's connected to her old planet, not attached. Therefore, while her siren song was powerful enough to learn things and influence, she was nowhere near as strong as she was back on her home planet. Therefore, she took the risk and adapted. On her old planet, she totally would have been weaker if she'd done this. Here, however, it was a smart trade. In my opinion, at least lol!
Darkpegasuzz! Thank you! I'm extremely keen to get my hands dirty! Ahahaha! Damon's in for a shit of a time aha!
Flowerchild23! Thank you so much! I appreciate it!
Shaedy Hoe! Naw thanks! Means a lot! If anyone has any recs for our new friend regarding a powerful OC/SI then let us know!
Alright fam, on with the story! Series-wise, we're in between eps 4 and 5!
Chapter 12"I'm so jealous," Caroline laughed wetly, blowing her nose for the umpteenth time as she looked at her beautiful mermaid. "You're so pretty when you cry, even your tears are pretty," she whined, looking at the pile of aquamarine teardrop crystals that had fallen to the bed.
Lia giggled, her hand coming to rest on Caroline's blotchy cheek. "You are always beautiful, Caroline. No matter what kind of fluids you leak."
Caroline laughed as she threw a cushion at her before sighing, flopping on her back across the bed. The pair had discussed everything. Every single thought that had flown through Caroline's mind, her reasons for staying away, what brought her back, Lia's feelings when Caroline had been gone, everything. There was only one thing left to discuss.
"So," Caroline bit her lip, looking over at Lia who was picking up her tears and throwing them in a Harry Potter themed jewellery box that looked like a little school trunk. "You're friends with Jeremy Gilbert now?"
"Yes!" Lia beamed. "He knows everything, too. He was my guinea pig."
Caroline didn't know whether to pity Baby Gilbert or envy him.
At Caroline's look, Lia explained what she had done with her powers and the resulting success and befriending of Jeremy, as well as his help with the compass.
"So, are you some kind of mermaid-vampire hybrid now? You're not a siren anymore, right?"
"What? Of course, I-" Lia blinked. "Huh. I suppose I'm not so siren-y anymore… I guess I'm just a regular mermaid? Maybe?" Lia's hand came up to her chin as she looked at the ceiling thoughtfully. "I'll have to talk to Slater…"
"It doesn't really matter, does it?" Caroline threw her last tissue in the bin she's stolen from Lia's desk. "Everything worked out in the end, plus you gave the compass. Do you think your compelling will be as effective as your voice was?"
"Compelling is definitely more accurate. My song influenced emotions while compelling gives direct commands. I haven't explored it fully; I only know that it works. I haven't tested whether it wears off over a certain period of time or if it works on supernatural creatures like my voice did. I'll have to ask Loren to let me see if I can compel him," Lia mused. "Regardless, if Slater's and my research is accurate, the ability to compel will have a stronger influence over my targets. I knew it from the moment I connected to this planet that my voice would only take me so far," Lia sighed as she tugged the ends of her hair. "My voice is – was – divinity.I don't mean 'so good you'll come back for seconds,' I mean Godly and that means 'affected by religion and people's beliefs.' I am a species born from a God and a deity is always influenced by two things; their age and the faith behind them. A Siren grows stronger as they age, however, their voice will not be nearly as effective if no one believes in them, prays to them, has Faith. In this world, there are very few that pray to who you call 'Greek Gods,' and even less that pray to my Forefather and his offspring; your world has made vast improvements to your sea travel and thus there are barely any sailors who pray to the Sirens. Now!" Lia clapped her hands, looking at the blonde with a stern expression. "You, madam, need to sleep."
Caroline glanced at the glow-in-the-dark clock on the wall, seeing that it was nearing 4 in the morning. She sighed her acceptance, wiggling out of her clothes and accepting the night shirt Lia handed her. She smiled happily as Lia tucked her in and kissed her forehead, closing her eyes as the siren ran a hand through her hair and started singing a lullaby. Caroline was pleasantly surprised that her voice hadn't lost any of its beauty even if there was no soul-reaching ability behind it and quickly drifted off to sleep.
Lia stared at her friend for another 20 minutes, grateful that she was here and promising to never leave like that again. She understood better now why she'd done it, but she was just so grateful that she had Caroline's word that she'd never abandon her again.
Sighing to herself, she got up from the bed and went to find the frustrated vampire. Enzo was sitting in the living room, the TV on but not being watched, with a bottle of whiskey in one hand and a half-empty glass in the other.
"I hope you know what you're doing," Enzo pierced her with a look as soon as she was in sight. "I refuse to see you hurt again, Lia. I will kill her if she repeats her mistake."
Lia's steps faltered at hearing her name come from his lips, unable to remember the last time he'd used it. She smiled tenderly as she finished her trek across the room, Enzo immediately setting his alcohol aside to wrap her up tightly as she landed in his lap.
"It won't come to that, Loren," Lia's temple rested against his shoulder as she smiled up at him. "Care needed time, though she went about it in the wrong way, she knows what's important. We matter to her."
"I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive her, angel," Enzo admitted, leaning down to bury his face in her hair. "I felt like I'd failed you every time I saw the pain in your eyes and your slouched shoulders. You can have your friendship, but just know, I will be ready and waiting to tear her heart out."
Lia shook her head, knowing that she'd never be able to say anything to change his mind. It would be hypocritical to try; she'd do the exact same thing. She settled for snuggling deeper into his arms.
"Love you, Loren."
"As I love you, sister of my heart."
They sat like that for a while longer until Lia's head snapped up and she made grabby hands.
"Gimme, gimme! I wanna see the magic thingy!"
Enzo frowned before his eyes widened in remembrance. He leaned back to reach into his pants pocket, pulling out the crystal pendant he'd nabbed from the Fell girl.
"Magic, ay?" Enzo watched as she turned it this way and that.
"Oooh, yeah. This, brother mine, is a talisman. A talisman with a purpose, apparently," Lia frowned, trying to make sense of the whispers that were coming from the pendant. It really was handy being the descendant of a Muse. "It's a… key?"
"Damon, Damon, Damon," Enzo sighed, picking up his whiskey and draining the glass. "Where is the lock, I wonder?"
"It smells like Bennett," Lia hummed thoughtfully, remembering what she'd read in the Gilbert journals earlier. "You know, Jonathan Gilbert mentioned something about a Giuseppe Salvatore apparently taking an Emily Bennett's Grimoire with him to the grave. Should we get digging?"
"He could have easily meant that he was taking the secret of it to his grave," Enzo stated with an eyebrow raised at her jump in logic. "It's a common enough saying."
Lia's wide eyes blinked up at him. "It is? Huh." She jumped up from his lap disappearing for a second before returning. She stood in front of him, dressed in his shirt, a pair of leggings and sneakers, the locket now dangling from around her neck. She was holding a shovel she'd taken from who-knows-where over her shoulder, grinning like the Cheshire cat. "Better safe than sorry."
Enzo could only watch her go as she skipped out of the house, sighing heavily. He looked at his empty glass, shrugging before taking a long pull directly from the bottle.
Apparently, he had some grave robbing to do.
*TVDM*
"This is ridiculous," Enzo deadpanned.
"I know!" Lia squealed, pulling the book from the bones of the skeleton just as the sun was starting to rise over the horizon.
"I cannot believe you were correct."
"Uh, rude, I'm always right. Or," Lia frowned and tilted her head as she contemplated. "I'm at least always on the right track. Regardless, it's always wise to listen to me. I'm old, remember?"
"Actually, no," Enzo grabbed her arm and pulled her from the hole, speedily filling it back in. "I hardly ever remember that you are hundreds upon hundreds of years old because you don't act like it."
"Oh?" Lia sassed; the grimoire tucked under her arm with her hipped cocked to the side. "Met many near-3,000-year-old beings, have you? Pray tell, how is an immortal creature over two and a half millennia supposed to act?"
"Well," Enzo smirked, throwing the shovel over his shoulder as the pair ran back to the house. "For one, I think they're supposed to be mature enough to prefer a fine wine over a caramel shake."
"Hey!" Lia warned, marching through the front door and pulling off her dirty shoes. "Stop talking about age-appropriate habits and focus. Do you realise what this means?" she asked as she waved the aged book under his nose.
"We have officially become a hurdle in Damon's path."
"Correct! Now, I would very much like to have a bath, so I'll read it later, but! I should warn you; there's another vampire in town."
Enzo immediately straightened. "Who?"
"I have no idea," Lia shrugged. "I only caught a glimpse of her when I was walking over to the Gilbert's for the party. She's short, Asian, smells older than the Salvatore brothers. I don't want you dealing with her, but I need you to be cautious because I don't know if she's alone. She might have friends." Lia looked her brother in the eye, a grim look on her face. "We have the compass and my excellent sense of smell for all things magic. I'm curious about her presence… It can't be a coincidence, can it?"
Enzo slowly shook his head. "You think she's after the same thing Damon's looking for?" Enzo asked, planning to catch a glimpse of the vampire as soon as able.
Sudden ringing turned the duo's attention toward Enzo's pocket. Digging for the phone, Enzo raised a brow at seeing Carol's name on the caller ID.
"Carol, I didn't think you'd be up this early," he quickly glanced at the clock which read just before 6. "To what do I owe?"
"Enzo," Carol sighed. "The compass wasn't with the Gilbert's collection and Elena claims it's still packed with her parent's things. Logan is stepping up his advances with Jenna. I was calling to let you know as well as possibly ask for your help."
"Ask away, Carol."
"I noticed your sister attend the party with Jeremy. Do you think it would be at all possible to ask her to search for it?"
"I'll see what I can do, Carol, but I do not want her dragged into this," Enzo warned, his voice sombre. "I refuse to let her step foot in a world of kill or be killed."
"Of course, Enzo, I agree completely. I promise, no further. We're desperate. We have 5 bodies drained of blood. We're trying to save lives."
"Of course, Carol. I'll be in touch."
Enzo hung up, raising an eyebrow at Lia. She shrugged. "We could always try to make something that hides you from whatever signature the compass picks up."
Enzo paused before holding out his hand. Lia raced to her room to grab the device, handing it over in the same second. Enzo watched the dial spin a few times before settling on him. He frowned.
"Gorgeous, do you have any of your tears handy?"
Confused, Lia ran to collect a few, handing them over while watching the dial. Her eyes shot up as she watched the dial actively avoid pointing in the direction of Enzo's other hand that now held the little gems.
"What? That doesn't make any sense. Why?" Lia muttered, hand coming up to her chin as she watched Enzo play with the mermaid tears and compass.
Enzo shrugged. "I decided to take a 'Lia Leap in Logic.' The earth called you here, the earth is the source of magic, anything involving magic with the intention to harm, even if not directly, should avoid you because you're literally helping the planet by living on it. I daresay, regardless of your immortality, the world doesn't want to jeopardise your stay."
"That's so simple," Lia was floored. "That's too easy. I feel cheated. Where's my challenge?"
"Hey, no looking gift horses in mouths, little songbird! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some jewellery to make. Feel free to tell the littlest Gilbert that he can have the compass back. Maybe let him know the council is plotting to snatch it, so if it disappears..."
Enzo tossed the pocket watch over with a shrug before he strolled away, whistling as he went.
Lia caught it and sighed, frowning in disappointment. She trudged up the stairs, intent on enjoying her self-promised bath.
*TVDM*
Jeremy groaned as he stretched his arms above his head, squinting against the light that was piercing through the gap in his curtain. He rolled over into a warm body, bolting upright in shock.
A naked Vicki Donovan mumbled before rolling over.
Jeremy blinked.
Stumbling to his feet, he quickly pulled on his boxers and shuffled into the thankfully empty bathroom. Locking all the doors, he came to a stop in front of the mirror.
He examined himself, wondering if anything had changed. Sure, he'd slept with Vicki before, over the summer, but this time felt different. He wasn't sure if he liked it.
Lia's face flashed in his mind. He would admit, if only to himself, he'd clung to Vicki so tightly because she was the light he'd looked to at his darkest. The difference now was that Lia presented another option. One that didn't involve drugs and sex and complicated feelings. She was an option of genuine friendship, no judgement and complete acceptance.
"Jeremy, you turned to drugs because your remaining family kept you at a distance. The one person who pulled you close took your hand and dragged you along for the ride. You will never be to blame for trying to look forward, to find happiness in a world that, at that particular point in time, had shown you how dark it can truly be. You were all of 14 years old, still a child that relied on his father to be his role model, and your mother for her comfort. Your sister closed herself off and your aunt was so lost that she turned to the only thing she knew; her psychology studies. You shouldn't be sorry that you ever took a step in that direction. You shouldn't regret that you ever sought out comfort that you were so severely lacking. You now have the opportunity to re-examine where you are and decide if you want to stay the course or jump ship."
He mulled over Lia's words as he stared into his reflection's eyes. They were lonely; as lonely as Lia's had been in the Grill. He nodded, turning to complete his morning ablutions, running over what he would say to Vicki when she woke up.
His siren promised him a swim, after all.
*TVDM*
Caroline woke slowly, feeling both exhausted and refreshed. She frowned in confusion as she looked around the yellow, black, white and gold room.
Lia.
She bolted upright, looking around the room again to find it empty. She ran to the bathroom and reefed the door open, vaguely wondering if she was experiencing some form of separation anxiety before instantly calming down.
Lia was happily humming to herself, her head and her tail the only things above the bubbles in the tub.
"Good morning!" Lia chirped, waving a bubble-coated hand at the blonde. "Sorry, I went grave robbing this morning and I felt icky."
Caroline didn't even blink.
"Sounds like a fun time," she rolled her eyes, walking over to sit on the closed toilet lid. "Find what you were looking for?"
"Yes, we certainly did! You are looking at the proud owner of a witch's spell book!"
A knock on the door interrupted Caroline's next words, her heart jumping in her throat as Enzo entered the room. He didn't spare her a glance.
"Baby Gilbert has entered the building," Enzo smirked at the excitement on his sister's face, noticing in his peripherals that Caroline had tensed at the name. "He's in your bedroom."
"Ok! Tell him I'll be 5 minutes."
"I'll do it," Caroline quickly hopped to her feet, unable to meet Enzo's examination before he turned and left with Caroline following close behind.
Jeremy's eyes widened at the sight of Caroline. His gaze immediately flicked to Enzo, frowning in worry. Enzo clenched his jaw but nodded before leaving the room.
Caroline stared at the boy she'd known since he was a baby. He was wearing a plain red T and black boardshorts, a towel draped over his shoulder. She had never spared much thought about the younger teen before, but he now looked like a large, muscular threat to her spot as best friend. A spot that she'd foolishly left open and had now come to reclaim.
"Jeremy, I'm surprised to see you here. I'm sure I drove past Vicki on her way to you last night. Did you send her packing, or did she leave before you woke up?"
Jeremy raised an unimpressed eyebrow at the defensive cattiness. He couldn't help but sigh internally as he watched her self-doubt and jealousy struggle to stay hidden.
"Caroline. How's Lia?"
And just like that, Caroline deflated.
"She's better, we're better," Caroline gave a small, weak smile. "I really screwed things up but Lia forgave me."
"I figured she would," Jeremy nodded, dropping into an armchair.
The pair looked to the bathroom door as it was yanked open. Lia skipped into view wearing a simple black bikini top and matching skirt that tied together at her hip.
"Mimi! I was hoping you'd come! Care, your bathing suit is still here, if you want to join us?"
Caroline hid her wince. They'd shopped for the bikinis together the day before the pep rally in preparation for the pool being ready. Still, Caroline nodded, grinning as she was instantly handed a shopping bag before moving to the bathroom to change.
"You're ok, right?"
Lia's eyes were wide at the genuine concern coming from the young teen. She smiled softly, squeezing him in a tight hug.
"You kiddin'? I have Loren and you in my life and Care Bear's come back! I don't think anything could throw off my groove today."
Jeremy chuckled as he accepted the hug. He was surprised at how quickly their friendship had developed, but at the same time he wasn't. Between their shared desire for company and their secrets, they were the epitome of a house on fire.
Just as Caroline stepped out of the bathroom, Enzo swung the bedroom door wide as he reappeared dressed in his own boardshorts.
He grinned. "Race ya," he decreed before he blurred away.
"Oi!"
Lia vanished.
Jeremy blinked.
"Something tells me Lia is faster," he muttered, raising an incredulous eyebrow at the blonde. She scoffed, rolling her eyes as she led the way out of the house.
"Please, she didn't tell you? Lia is literally the fastest and strongest being that roams the planet. She's an alien mermaid."
Jeremy laughed. "An alien? Fair point. I didn't realise she was that powerful."
The pair passed through the open pool house doors, watching in amusement as Lia was carried on Enzo's back for a victory lap.
"I call foul play," Enzo declared as he dropped her back to the ground. "I had a head start."
"Darling brother," Lia sighed in exasperation as she patted his cheek. "I'm simply better."
Laughing, the siren – ex-siren? – dove into the water, immediately shifting to reveal her tail. Sighing in content, she quickly untied her skirt, throwing it to the side of the pool before enjoying some lazy laps.
"Whoa…" Jeremy felt like the wind had been knocked out of him. "She's so…"
"Gorgeous?"
"Mesmerising?"
"Long."
Lia beamed as she giggled at Jeremy's response.
"I know!"
The four enjoyed the water for an hour, talking about light-hearted topics until Caroline received a call from her mother asking her to come home. Caroline pouted as she bid her goodbyes, cautiously finding herself being escorted to her car by Enzo.
"I don't think I need to say this, Caroline, but I will," Enzo started without preamble. "You pull a stunt like that again; I will make you watch as I torture your mother to death before I repeat the process step-by-step on you."
"Lorenzo," Caroline's shoulders were pulled back, her head high as she met his gaze. "If I hurt her like that intentionally again, I would let you. I'm not in the habit of hurting friends. I wigged, I thought I was losing myself, but in reality, I was throwing a pity-party because I felt bad for not feeling bad. It won't happen again."
Enzo blinked, hiding his surprise by scrutinising the sincerity in her expression. He nodded once, stepping away as she turned to climb into her car.
Back at the pool house, Lia finally asked the question that had been burning in her mind.
"Are you OK? I heard Caroline mention Vicki."
Jeremy sighed, a slight smile on his face as he sat on the side of the pool with his legs kicking lazily in the water. He appreciated that Lia waited until Caroline was gone to ask, even if it was a topic he was still in turmoil about.
"We spent the night together," Jeremy started softly, looking at the water rippling around his calves. "It was amazing, but… It's different. I… I'm not desperate to make Vicki my girlfriend anymore. She helped me in a dark time, took away my pain, but she's… she's still hurting, and I'm not the one that she wants to help her through." He huffed a laugh. "You know, she said she wanted to make one more bad choice before the night was over? I don't want to be a 'bad choice.' I know that I'm not the one, I know that she's not my one, but I sure as hell don't want to be anyone's bad choice."
Lia scoffed. "You're one of the best choices I ever made."
Lia lifted herself easily to sit beside him, wrapping her arms around his torso. Half his mind instantly focused on the scales brushing against his partially-exposed thigh, feeling the silken texture glide across his skin easily.
"I think I want to jump ship," he whispered, wrapping his arm around Lia's shoulders as his nose started to tingle and his eyes stung.
"I'm already in the water waiting for you," Lia stated, so matter-of-factly that he grinned.
*TVDM*
Lia was dressed in a yellow tartan-patterned pinafore dress with a black long-sleeved shirt underneath and a pair of black heeled booties. The witch's amulet was resting just below her clavicle.
"Oh, my God. Hey Cher," Caroline grinned as Lia climbed in her car.
"You're feeling Clueless? Damn, I was aiming for House pride," Lia pouted as she buckled in.
"Sorry, if you were aiming for Hogwarts, you should have brought your wand or a pointy hat," Care rolled her eyes as she flicked on the indicator and took the right turn.
"And here I was thinking my newly-acquired witch's talisman would do the job," Lia sighed sadly before timidly looking at the blonde. "Speaking of witches…?"
Caroline sighed. "Bonnie is coming into her powers and officially believing it. She lit the candles in my bedroom last week and took off in a hurry."
Lia looked at her lap and nodded her acknowledgement. Bonnie was going to be a sore topic for a while.
Caroline frowned at her friend and reached over to grab her hand.
"You know I wasn't trying to replace you, right? By hanging with Bonnie?"
Lia sighed tiredly but offered the blonde a small smile. "I know. It's just, it hurt; you said you needed time away from the supernatural and yet Bonnie…"
"Oh Lia," Caroline quickly squeezed her hand before putting it back on the wheel to park. As soon as the car stopped, Caroline turned back to the sad mermaid. "I'm sorry if you took it like that. I went to Bonnie because she's been my friend forever, you know, pre-perspective change," Caroline whispered as her eyes scanned for Stefan. "I felt like I needed normal, and normal for me was my life before-" Caroline winced as she grabbed Lia's hand tightly. "Before you."
Lia squeezed back, a more genuine smile pulling at her lips. "Thank you for explaining, Care. It was one thing that I just couldn't climb over, you know?"
"I totally get it," Caroline nodded emphatically. "If you have anything else you need cleared up, just ask. I'm an open book."
Lia giggled lightly as the pair separated, climbing out of the car and heading into the school building. Lia's giggle died as her smile dropped when she caught sight of Bonnie waiting impatiently for Caroline at the front doors. Bonnie seemed to freeze when she saw the pair, squaring her shoulders before marching toward them. Caroline noticed and offered the brunette a smile before looking at Lia with concern.
"Lia!"
Whatever Caroline was about to say died as she caught sight of Jeremy jogging toward them. Half of her wanted to snap at him while the other was grateful.
Lia, upon the sight of her other friend, beamed.
"Mimi!"
He held out his arms even as he continued to walk closer. Lia needed no other prompt as she jumped on his offer.
While the pair were greeting each other, Bonnie finished her journey.
"I tried to come over yesterday, but your mum said you weren't home," Bonnie stated, her tone bordering on accusing. "What happened?"
"I figured out I was an idiot and didn't want to lose Lia over a stupid fight that really had nothing to do with her anyway," Caroline raised an eyebrow at the judging. "I didn't get a chance to talk to her at the party, but I sure as hell made sure I got a hold of her before the night was done."
"That's…" Bonnie didn't know how to respond. While she was glad that Caroline was back to her happy self, she was nervous because Kaliope made her nervous.
"Just be happy for me, Bonnie; I got my bestie back. How's your bestie? Did Elena end up kissing and making up with Stefan?"
Bonnie sighed and decided to let the topic drop – for now. She was learning new things from her Grams, having finally gone to her about the things she'd been able to do recently, especially when it came to fire. Her Grams was already looking into what Kaliope was, though for some reason all magic directed at the strange girl washed away and faded out of existence. It's like nothing could get near her, though it didn't feel like it was being fought. It felt like it just didn't want to reach out to her, like everything they tried just went around her.
"Elena is… not so good," Bonnie sighed, looking around to see if she could spot the topic of discussion. "She apparently found Tina with bruises and bites all over her and is up in arms again. For some reason she's letting Stefan handle it instead of going to the sheriff? I don't really know what's going on, if I'm honest. She hasn't spoken much to me except a phone call after I dropped you off. She didn't want to hang after the party."
"So," Caroline started slowly, trying to comprehend the idiocy of her friend since childhood. "What you're saying is, Elena's trying to stick her nose in the Salvatore family drama again instead of doing what any normal person would do, which is report a potential crime to the police?" Caroline scoffed, flipped her hair over her shoulder as she looked toward Lia who rolled her eyes in agreement and turned to, no doubt, fill Jeremy in. "I mean, I love drama as much as the next cheerleader, but please, even I know there's a time and a place."
Bonnie opened her mouth to defend her friend only to close it again. She really didn't have anything to say as she was in complete agreement with Caroline. If Elena had seen evidence of abuse on Tina, she should have informed an adult, at least, if not the police.
"She's respecting Stefan's wishes. He wants to deal with Damon, apparently," she offered weakly with a single shoulder shrug.
Caroline rolled her eyes. "Of course, he does! They're brothers, duh. Even if they hate each other, I don't think Stefan wants to see his only brother go to jail. Which he totally would for domestic violence."
Bonnie blinked in shock as she realised the truth to that statement. "Oh, my God," she breathed.
"Hey," Lia grinned at Care, her arm linked with Jeremy's as he offered a nod of his head to the girls he'd known for years. "We're gonna head in, you coming?"
Caroline grinned and linked her arm with Lia's free one while Bonnie finally spotted Elena. She waved the others ahead while she jogged to catch up with the female Gilbert.
"Hey, how are you?" Bonnie asked with a sympathetic smile as she joined the girl on her march into the school. Elena huffed, pushing her hair back as she tried to offer Bonnie a smile.
"I'm fine," Elena paused before she groaned, rolling her eyes. "Ok, not so fine. Stefan has been ignoring my calls since the party. I haven't seen him this morning and the only thing I heard from him was the message two days ago; uh, hi Elena, I uh, have something I have to do. I'll see you in a few days." Elena, finished with her locker, slammed it shut. "He didn't mention Damon at all."
"And Tina?" Bonnie asked with a frown.
"What?" Elena asked, pushing her hair out of her face as Bonnie finished with her own locker.
"Tina Fell? You know, Damon's victim?" Bonnie asked with a frown. "Have you spoken to her? Does she want to press charges?"
Elena's eyes widened at the thought. "I don't know. I haven't seen her since the party."
"Maybe we should see how she's doing, then?" Bonnie raised an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Elena nodded quickly, feeling sheepish that she'd forgot the reason this drama had started in the first place. "We'll see her throughout the day."
The bell rang just as they crossed the threshold of their newly-dubbed study period until the school got a new history teacher.
*TVDM*
"So, the tears refract magic?" Slater asked over the phone, astonishment coating his words.
"Correct," Enzo grinned into the phone, twisting and turning the necklace he'd crafted. No matter what he'd tried, he couldn't pierce the jewel with anything, so he'd had to create a little cage for it; twisting a few wires so it spiralled tightly around the teardrop and formed the loop he could thread a leather cord through. He'd made it long enough to hide under his shirt thanks to the slight glow it emitted, however, that could easily be explained away as a glow-in-the-dark stone. "I've made several necklaces. I'll send one to you just to be safe so that you have one coming into town."
"Sounds good, thanks man. How is our little mermaid, anyway? No other side effects regarding the lack of siren ability?"
"Not that I've seen," Enzo pondered the question. "She said she's getting used to everything being so numb in comparison. She's lost her connection to souls near-completely so she's getting used to reading body language to distinguish how those around her are feeling; an art that she's picked up ridiculously fast, of course."
"Of course," Slater sighed. "Keep me updated."
"Always," Enzo was almost offended. "You've essentially become the leading expert on all things Lia, you have to be kept up-to-speed."
Slater laughed before sighing again. "You know, it makes me wonder what that witch is doing, the one that gave us the daylight rings?"
Enzo balked at the random question. "I have no idea. I don't think there'd be much she could do with them. They'd be good for defence, I suppose? They can't hurt anyone; they can't be harnessed…"
"True, maybe we should keep an eye out; she might be hiding something valuable," Slater commented, intrigued.
"My dear Slater!" Enzo sounded ecstatic. "How very scandalous! You speak of thievery! How utterly Slytherin."
Slater scoffed. "God, you sound like Lia."
"The highest form of praise, I'm sure," Enzo chuckled.
The pair spoke for a while longer before hanging up, leaving a sighing Enzo to his new-found jewellery business. He figured he should have at least half a dozen on hand just in case, in addition to those for Caroline, Jeremy and Slater. Who knew when they'd have to arm someone with an amulet of magic-deflection?
*TVDM*
"Here."
Lia caught the two necklaces as she stepped through the door, raising an eyebrow at the swirling wire that clung to her tears. On was black wire attached to a leather cord and one was silver wire connected to a delicate chain. "Pretty?"
"For your humans," Enzo said, rolling his eyes. "It's not just the compass we should concern ourselves with. It should protect them from any kind of harmful magic, or all magic entirely; honestly, who knows? I do know that it has no effect on my daylight ring, thankfully."
Lia smiled gratefully at her brother. "Thank you, Loren. I appreciate it." She was quick to wrap him in a hug.
Enzo easily dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "I've already posted Slater's so he doesn't have to enter the town unprotected."
"Good thinking, 99!" Lia rested her chin on Enzo's chest, looking up at the vampire with wide, vibrant eyes. "Have you put any thought into what to do with Damon?"
"He's stuck for now," Enzo sighed, swaying from side to side, slowly spinning his guardian angel in a circle, dancing to music that wasn't there. "I happened to hear something extremely curious when I went to visit, too," Enzo grinned widely.
"Don't keep me in suspense!" Lia whined, pulling away to twirl before grabbing Enzo's hand and shoulder; their lazy swaying turning into a classic waltz.
"Stefan removed Damon's daylight ring," Enzo chuckled darkly, easily falling into the unheard rhythm. "Even if Damon gets out of his cell, he'll be confined until nightfall."
"Oooh," Lia breathed, eyes wide. "Do you think we could find it?"
Enzo tried to recall everything he'd heard between Zach and Stefan before slowly shaking his head in the negative. "We'd have to look manually, and I wouldn't even know where to start."
"I'll keep my senses open," Lia hummed, stepping out for a spin before coming back in. "In the meantime, Emily's Grimoire?"
"Emily's Grimoire," Enzo nodded, spinning her away a final time before bowing at the same time she curtsied.