Review responses:

Sarcasm15Key: I'm so glad, and I hope I can do her justice. Like yourself, I wish we'd gotten more Jenna. Hopefully I can give her a decent arc for the future.

Bornkiller9: Still got this chapter and next weeks one and then that will wrap up this book – and hopefully set up a few more surprises for the third book. I have some news on the progress of the next story but I'll put that in the notes for the next chapter. But hopefully it won't be too long before I start releasing the next book.

Raiden Kagutsuchi: I can understand that. The Endgame is most likely going to be Sarah/Elena (Sarena), but since I've been developing Sarah and Jenna's relationship over the past few chapters, I can totally understand why some people would start shipping them. Maybe down the road I might do a non-cannon one shot or something. But I hope they remain best friends for the rest of the series. I really like the two of them together. So no, your absolutely not crazy.

Thanks for the continued support you guys! The final chapter will be released next week so see you then!

Chapter 44: While My Brother Lies Dying

When Sarah awoke the following morning, she was pleasantly surprised to find the kitchen table aligned with a breakfast spread. There were jugs of orange juice, apple juice, water and coffee. Plates piled high in a buffet fashion. Some with slices of fruit, others with meat. Some having scrambled eggs, boiled eggs and omelettes, all spread around the table. There was even fresh bread, croissants, pancakes and even branded breakfast cereals at the far end of the table, along with milk. There was something for everyone.

Hearing a whistle behind her, Sarah looked back to find Jenna entering the kitchen behind her. "Is this how you guys eat every morning?"

Sarah shook her head. "No. This is definitely unusual."

"Who made it?" Sarah could only shrug as Stefan and Scarlett joined them.

"Did either of you do this?" Sarah asked, gesturing to the table.

"No," Stefan answered, just as surprised.

"But remind me to thank whoever did," Scarlett said, mouth drooling as she dashed in to grab a seat on one of the benches. "After eating nothing but canned food for the last few days, this is my kind of welcome home treat," she continued, stacking her plate as she stabbed at every plate of meat with a fork.

Joining her, Jenna sat down on the other side, taking the end nearest the branded cereals. Sarah had started working with her yesterday and again at night after John's funeral. She was still getting the handle on her bloodlust, struggling to pull away once she got a taste. And there had been a few times last night when she'd been eyeing those who were undead. Her eyes transfixed on their veins, as specks of blood drifted into her eyes. But with everyone's help she managed to keep her cool and stay in control. It was a learning curve, and Caroline's speech on the subject had reassured Jenna, even if it was longwinded. But with her stomach still adjusting to the new diet plan, she chose to just have cereal this morning. Besides, it wasn't really wise for a newbie vampire to put to much stock in solid foods while learning blood control. It usually left them feeling a little sick.

While Jenna helped herself to cereal, and Scarlett continued to add to the mountain of meat on her pleat, Sarah leaned over towards her brother. "Do you think it was Damon?"

"Who else could it have been?" Stefan shrugged back.

"But why?"

"I have no idea," replied Stefan, both of them watching as Scarlett and Jenna ate. But then suddenly, Scarlett's chin lifted. Ignoring what was in her mouth, the girl then sniffed the air, frowning as she looked towards the Salvatores and swallowed.

"Anyone else smell something burning?"

"Burning?" Stefan frowned.

"Where from?" asked Sarah.

"The living room," Scarlett said with a nod in the direction. The brother and sister looked at each other, both frowning before it clicked in their head. Simultaneously they both dashed from the room at supernatural speed, running into he living room to find Damon stood before a set of open curtains. They'd previously closed them all for Jenna's sake, but now Damon was stood in the sunlight – burning because he'd removed his daylight ring.

Charging, Stefan and Sarah each grabbed an arm, as they tore Damon from the sunlight and ran into the safety of the hallway. "Get off me," growled Damon, though he put up no fight.

"You're not doing this," Stefan growled back, both he and Sarah holding him against the wall.

"Just did," Damon shot back, but it lacked his usual conviction. Almost like he'd give up. "You both know what happened to Rose. It's better this way, for all of us."

"For you maybe," Sarah snapped, angrily shoving her brother for trying to take the easy way out. "But that doesn't matter 'cause you're not dying toady." In another flash of supernatural speed, Sarah and Stefan had Damon down in the basement, shoving him into the cellar before they locked him in.

From the floor, Damon rolled over, looking up at his younger siblings through the bars of the door. "What's the plan then, Wonder Twins?"

"We're going to save you, and then you're going to apologise for trying to kill yourself," Sarah declared, though the shake in her voice gave away her uncertainty. She was scared, sacred of losing her brother, and they all knew it. Stefan shared it, and apparently, Damon had resigned himself to it, in spite of his little brother and sister's wishes.

"Good luck with that," groaned Damon, flopping back against the dirt floor.

"We've got Bonnie looking for something, anything. Even if to just slow it down for now," Stefan explained, a similar determination to his sister. But just as much fear and uncertainty seeping into his voice.

"Why can't the two of you just tell me goodbye and get it over with?" asked Damon, before he abruptly shot up, coughing fiercely before blood began to burst out. Sarah had to look away in distress, but by the time she'd turned back, Damon was on his back again, groaning in pain with blood around his mouth and hands.

"Lie still. Conserve your strength," Stefan ordered, before taking Sarah's arm and leading her away. They weren't going to be doing him any good by arguing with him. Best thing for them to do right now was let him rest. Considering the funeral last night and the full breakfast buffet this morning, Stefan doubted his brother had gotten much, if any sleep last night. And he'd need some if he was going to hold out long enough for them to find a cure to this thing.

As they ascended the stairs into the hallway, they found Scarlett and Jenna waiting for them. Obviously having heard everything, judging by the frown on Scarlett's face and the concerned look on Jenna's. "What's wrong with him?" asked Scarlett bluntly.

"Yeah, is everything okay?" Jenna added, a little dazed by the sudden commotion.

Sharing a look, the two Salvatore sighed as they took various defensive stances. Not the kind for fighting, but rather for giving news they'd rather not give. News they were still coming to terms with themselves. "Damon, he…he got bit the night of the ritual… By Tyler Lockwood."

Jenna wasn't entirely sure what this meant, still learning the dos and don'ts of vampirism, but Scarlett understood immediately as her eyes widened. "Is he going to die?" Scarlett asked in a small voice.

"No," Sarah said firmly.

"We're not going to let that happen," agreed Stefan, more in control.

"So, what's so bad about Tyler bitting him?" asked Jenna nervously, not sure if it was the right time to ask or not.

"Tyler's a werewolf, like Scarlett but not – but that's not the point…" explained Sarah rather quickly, struggling to get it all out as she edged closer towards hysteria. Until finally she had to stop herself. Taking a breath before she completely broke down. Too much was going on for her to do so now, she had to stay focused, for her family's sake.

Thankfully, Stefan picked up on the explanation for Jenna. "If a werewolf bites a vampire, they die."

Jenna gasped, "Oh, my God."

"But we still have time," Stefan stressed to them all. "It's a fast acting thing but it can still take a day or two. So we're looking for a cure."

"Is there a plan then?" asked Scarlett.

"I'm going to meet with Bonnie right now to find out," explained Stefan, before nodding towards his sister. "Sarah's going to stay here and keep an eye on Damon for now. But he shouldn't be much of a problem while we have him locked up."

"I guess, I'll stay here with you, if that's okay," Jenna offered Sarah, to which the rave haired vampire nodded gratefully. It wasn't like Jenna could do much else, at least while the sun was up.

"Caroline's dragging me, Jeremy and Elena to this movie thing in the town square–" Scarlett began to explain.

"Go," Sarah said, nodding. "We can call you if we need you."

"Plus, Damon doesn't want Elena knowing, and to be honest, I think for now that'd be for the best. If you don't show up, they'll think something's up and come asking. For now, let's just try and keep this quiet," pleaded Stefan, to which Scarlett nodded.

"Sure, but if anything comes up–"

"We'll call," promised Stefan. He then gave them each a look, before making his way out of the house to go and meet Bonnie. As for the girls, they returned to their breakfast, but with much less enthusiasm than had first been seen.

The last day and a half had not been pleasant for Leiah. The bite the cute bitch had left on her neck, was taking forever to heal. But worse than that, was the werewolf venom making its way through her system. And while it couldn't kill her, she was still subject to all the nasty side effects. For over thirty-six hours, she'd been forced to endure horrible hallucinations, random memory flashbacks, a sharp increase in her bloodlust and agonising pain throughout her whole body. And even when she did drink blood, it came right back out on the floor.

She was just grateful when she finally managed to get to sleep. Once she did the time passed quickly, and bar a few nightmares, the experience was relatively painless from that point on. So much so that when she awoke the next day, she was pain free. The bite on her neck had finally healed, and even her bloodlust had subsided enough for her to control it. She was still hungry, and would happily eat, but at least she was no longer acting like a crazed alcoholic.

However, her good mood dropped when she rolled over in her bed, finding her unwanted sister sat at her bedside.

The rest came back to her after that, the stuff that she'd chalked up to the werewolf venom. The disaster that had been Klaus' ritual, and how Amelia and Elijah had almost ruined everything for him. Only to then be persuaded to give Klaus a second chance, after the mention of their siblings. They'd helped saved them from the witch and then split up, Amelia taking Leiah back to the teacher's apartment to rest while Elijah followed Klaus in his new wolf form. What came after was foggy memories of Amelia holding her down and trying to help her. A sharp contrast to the calm woman sat in the chair next to her bed now.

Behind her, Leiah spotted Katerina, sulking against the wall. Clearly deeply concerned about it all. But still there, still compelled to obey Leiah, at least until she stepped outside the apartment.

"How are you feeling?" Amelia asked.

Leiah scowled back spitefully, before flopping over onto her other side, her back to her older sister. "I see not much has change since we last met, then," sighed Amelia regretfully. Not that she was one to talk in Leiah's opinion. The woman had barely changed over the millennia they'd been on this planet. Her hair style was more or less the same, always tying up her long her hair to look more superior. The same could be said for her fashion sense in that stupid raincoat, and the way she sat in the chair with her hands on her laps, pretending to care about her when all she wanted to do was boss her around. Leiah knew her sister all right.

"I guess your right," Leiah spat back, as she glared intently at the wall.

Just wait until Niklaus comes back, Leiah thought to herself. Then they'd make the bossy boots twins sorry they'd ever came back into their lives.

The movie wasn't due to start for another couple of hours, but despite that the town square was already filled with people. All having brought their own blankets and picnic baskets for the occasion. All smiling happily, laughing and talking, oblivious to anything that had happened last night. It was almost surreal to Scarlett, as she made her way through the square with Jeremy and Elena, that none of these people knew of the supernatural battles that were going on around them. Or even the battle going on between her and Jeremy right now.

"I can't believe you knocked me out," he grumbled for the umpteenth time.

"Jer…" Elena whined, as sick of it as Scarlett. Only she could talk back were as Scarlett couldn't. She didn't exactly have a leg to stand on. She could point out it was technically Bonnie that knocked him out, but she figured she wasn't going to be winning any points with Jeremy for that one.

"No, Elena. It's not okay. You and Jenna were in danger and I should have been there."

"She did it for your own protection. Right, Scarlett?" Elena asked, to which Scarlett shot Elena a glare for dragging her into this. No matter what she said, she couldn't see it helping things between her and Jeremy. As far as he was concerned, knocking him out and leaving him behind the night of the ritual had just been another betrayal. Not as serious as the Mason thing, but enough to wash away all the progress they'd made while isolated in the witch house.

"Well, she shouldn't have," Jeremy said before Scarlett could say anything. Not that she had anything to say. "I mean, what was the point in teaching me all that stuff about defending myself if you're still just going to leave me behind?" he asked as he turned towards Scarlett.

"Look, Jeremy, I said I was sorry. I got scared, nervous, whatever, and I just wanted to know you were safe. Was it right or fair...probably not. So all I can say now is sorry, and that I promise not to do it again," Scarlett offered, brushing her hair from her face as she looked at Jeremy's harsh expression.

"Scarlett, you did the right thing," Elena insisted.

"No, Elena, I didn't. I took away his choice. Which is the exact same thing you've been fighting for with Stefan and Damon this whole time," Scarlett pointed out with a glance to Elena, before looking back to Jeremy with an apologetic look. "I get it now, at least a little bit. I am sorry, Jer. And in future I will try to step back and let you make your own choices. Whether they make me scared or not."

They stared at each other for a moment, having stopped in amongst the picnickers, until Jeremy's expression cracked. He let out a sigh, head dipping to avoid giving it all away, before he looked back up and nodded. "All right," he said softly, meeting Scarlett's blue eyes. "So, you'll let me make my own decisions from now on?"

"I'll try," Scarlett offered with a weak smile. But it didn't seem to convince Jeremy. "And if I start worrying I'll talk to you," she added, taking his hand, which seemed to satisfy him.

"Okay then," Jeremy said, still holding Scarlett's hand as they began to walk again, searching for an open patch of grass for them to lay down the blanket Elena was holding.

"So, how's Jenna holding up?" Elena asked after a moment.

"She seemed good this morning," explained Scarlett positively.

"I still don't see why she won't take the daylight ring from Bonnie," said Jeremy.

"She wants to get herself under control first," Elena explained.

"Yeah, but Caroline got hers right away," Jeremy argued.

"Everyone's different, Jer," Elena shrugged back with a sad smile. "Caroline needed it to feel normal. But Jenna just wants to know we're safe. And for her, right now, the best way of keeping us safe is for her to isolate herself. That means no daylight ring, no invitation in to our house. She wants as many barriers as possible between us and her until she's ready."

"Well, I think it's silly," Jeremy sighed.

"But it's what she needs to feel comfortable. So, we're going to give her space for now, and distract ourselves from all the weird in our lives," explained Elena, as they finally found a spot to lay down their blanket.

"By watching a girl movie," Jeremy groaned, reminded of what they were doing.

"Hey, as a girl, I resent that. It's not like I like this movie either," argued Scarlett.

"Have you even seen this movie?" asked Elena, as they each took a corner and lay the blanket down on the grass.

"No. But Sarah says book adapted movies suck," Scarlett said as if that justified her opinion.

"Which is why I didn't invite her," Caroline proclaimed, joining the group with two whicker baskets of food and a bright smile. "So who's hungry?" Although, no sooner did the question leave her mouth did her eyes shoot to Scarlett. The werewolf grinned back teasingly.

"Okay, this one is yours," Caroline said, dropping one of the baskets on the girl's lap. "The rest is for those of us with table manners, and who try to avoid indigestion on a regular basis. Also, if you eat it all now, you're getting nothing from this basket later, so you've been warned." Scarlett just continued to grin mischievously back, as she stuck her hand into the basket to see what Caroline had brought her.

"Are we really doing this?" groaned Jeremy.

"Yes, we are really doing this," Caroline shot back. "We're taking a page from Scarlett."

"Huh?" said Scarlett with half a sandwich already in her mouth.

"Not you. That Scarlett," Caroline said, pointing to the screen where the movie, 'Gone With the Wind,' would eventually be shown. "You're pages would all be about how to get heart burn and fit as many marshmallows in your mouth as possible."

"Did you bring marshmallows?" asked Scarlett, prolonging her chewing just to annoy Caroline.

"Don't even think about it. I'm not listening to you say, 'Chubby Bunny,' throughout this movie. In fact, you know what, give me back that basket," Caroline decided, snatching the basket away from Scarlett, who instantly began to complain while Elena and Jeremy laughed. At the very least, it was a distraction. And that was something they could all use after everything they'd been through.

Most of Sarah's morning consisted of sitting with her brother. He didn't say much, asleep for most of the time. The rest he spent mumbling to himself, caught up in some hallucination. Just like Rose had been.

Sarah couldn't help herself from seeing the comparisons. Comparing Damon's state to Rose's, trying to mathematically work out how much time he might have based on the degree of his symptoms and what Rose had been like. She gave him some blood to drink, but as expected most of it wound up on the floor, mixing in with his own blood.

When he finally was conscious enough to talk she had to leave. He tried to get to let him out, and when that failed, he tried to get her to come in and comfort him. She wasn't an idiot though, she knew when she was being played. But sometimes even knowing isn't enough. Because Damon was good at manipulating her, hitting the right notes to lure her in like a siren. By the time she pulled away, tears were streaming down her face and Damon was shouting after her angrily, banging against the door until he fell back down, groaning in pain.

Reaching the top of the stairs, Sarah swiftly shut the door, cutting of Damon's groans and replacing them with her own small whimpers. If she didn't focus her hearing, then she didn't have to listen to him. But it would be a few minutes before she got herself together again. This whole thing was hard enough without her brother guilt tripping her.

"Hey," came Jenna's soft voice. Sarah turned from the door she was still leaning on, finding her friend reaching out to her. Placing her hand on Sarah's shoulder. "What's happening?"

Sarah turned, brushing at her tear stains as she did. She needed to be strong. Not just for herself but for Jenna. Because despite what was going on with Damon, Jenna was still a new vampire, and she needed someone calm and sensible to keep her on the right path. And while Sarah might not fit that qualification right now, she could at least fake it until it was all over.

"Nothing. Damon's just-just angry and getting worked up," Sarah said, failing to keep the tremble form her voice. "It's fine. He'll be fine…" The tears were coming back, as Sarah thought about the alternative. Her eyes connected with Jenna's, and the facade she'd been trying to put on fell away.

"I'm scared, Jenna."

Sarah then felt the first of Jenna' vampire strength, as the woman pulled her into an embrace, squeezing her tightly. It was something Sarah could bring up later, but now she didn't care if it hurt. She just really needed a hug.

"It's okay," Jenna said as she pulled back, her hands remaining on Sarah for support. "I know it's scary. I'm still scared too. But whenever I've been scared about…what I am now, you've been there to help me through it. So I'm here for you, like you were for me. 'Cause we're friends after all."

And there it was. A ray of light in the otherwise bleak world. In spite of everything, or perhaps because of everything, the void that had been between Sarah and Jenna had shrunk down to nothing. They were almost back to where they had been before, before Jenna learnt about everything. Only it was better now, because she did know. And in that moment it clicked for Sarah, giving her something to grab onto. Her friend.

She smiled at Jenna, before pulling her into another hug and whispering, "Thank you."

The embrace was cut short however, when Sarah's phone beeped from her back pocket. She took it out, finding a text from Stefan on her screen. She said so to Jenna, before unlocking her phone to read the full message. "He's got a lead!" Sarah exclaimed hopefully.

"What is it?" asked Jenna eagerly, looking down at Sarah's phone as she held it out.

"Something the witches told Bonnie. It has to do with Klaus, so he wants me to meet up with him so we can confront him."

"But won't he and his crazy ass siblings just kill you?" pointed out Jenna.

Sarah thought about it for a moment as she replied to Stefan's text. "No, I don't think so. During the ritual they could have killed us even if they weren't willing to trade us for you in the sacrifice – but they didn't. And there's something weird going on with them, especially Leiah."

"What do you mean?"

"She keeps saying she knows me, like we've shared history together."

"Do you?"

"No that I can recall," Sarah sighed as she sent her text to Stefan, telling him she was on her way to meet him. "Could you do me a favour and keep and eye on Damon while I'm gone. I know you're still adjusting and I shouldn't leave you but–"

"Don't worry about it," Jenna insisted. "I've got enough control I think to survive a few hours alone with your brother. Besides, it's not like I can even go outside until nightfall anyway."

"Thank you," Sarah said again, giving Jenna a hug before running out the door.

Grabbing her bike from the garage, Sarah quickly got her gear on before racing into the centre of Mystic Falls, meeting Stefan at the town square. She'd wondered why he wanted to meet here, but then remembered the movie and Elena. He'd been supposed to join her for a normal day while Sarah supervised Jenna, but that had been when they were keeping up the lie about Damon being fine. Now, as Sarah arrived, she saw that Stefan was telling Elena everything and pointing out that if she wanted to say anything to him she should do it now. Acknowledging this, Elena then left the square as Stefan spotted Sarah, and made his way over to join her.

"So, we're looking for Klaus?" Sarah said, sparking up a conversation as they walked.

"Yeah. I'm now hoping he hasn't left town."

"Knowing our luck, he probably has," groaned Sarah.

"Well, the best place to start looking is Alaric's. That's were Klaus seemed to set up base and Alaric's not been back since."

Sarah agreed with him, as they began making their way towards Alaric's building. Once there, Sarah remembered they still had to be invited in, and called Alaric to do so. When they reached his door, they found it unlocked. Alaric then invited them in, and once they both put a hand over the threshold, they thanked him and hung up.

Cautiously, they then proceeded into the apartment, only to stop when they saw who was waiting for them. "Bit late for a get well card," said Leiah from the bed, the usual grin on her lips as she eyed the two intruders playfully. "But I'll take what I can get. And you can tell, Cutie, there's no hard feelings. I understand, it's just business."

"Leiah, that's enough," Amelia reprimanded, to which the younger sister rolled her eyes as she climbed off the bed.

"Whatever you say, Sis," Leiah replied, bumping deliberately into Amelia as she passed her, heading into the kitchen where Katherine was stood in silence.

"I must say, I'm surprised to see you both," Amelia said, turning back to Stefan and Sarah, still stood at the front door, unsure of how to proceed.

"We're here looking for your brother," Sarah said, leaving it at that.

"Why so?" Amelia asked, only to met with two green eyed glares.

"We'd rather not say," Stefan replied stiffly.

"Of course, I understand."

"I'd hope so," snickered Leiah as she poured herself some coffee. "You're the one that stabbed them in the back after all."

Deciding it best to ignore her sister, Amelia continued on, "Niklaus and Elijah are out at the moment. I'm not sure when they'll be back."

"But you're welcome to wait here with us," offered Leiah with another grin. "We could talk about old times, Sarah. Or maybe talk about that dead girlfriend of yours, Stefan." At that Stefan charged. Not genuinely though, he was just doing what Leiah wanted him to. Playing into her game to keep up the pretence about Elena. Obviously his emotions would be running high if Elena really was dead, so he had to act like that was the case, and let Leiah take advantage of the hypothetical situation.

But since Leiah had been the one to initiate the move, she was ready for it. Dropping her coffee cup down on the island before vaulting over and hitting Stefan low. He went down, and Leiah swung around, mounting Stefan as he dropped to the floor. "You know, I hear sex is a great way to get over a dead girlfriend. What's say we test it out?"

With a growl, Stefan pushed Leiah off of him, before flipping back up to his feet and running at her again, only to get sidestepped and shoved into the wall as Leiah laughed. She was clearly having fun, and after the past few days of suffering from a werewolf bite, Sarah imagined the girl was keen to have as much fun as possible, in as short a time as she could cram it into.

Unfortunately for her, Amelia stepped in before it could continue. Standing between her sister and Stefan, as she pushed him back against the wall. "That's enough, Leiah," warned Amelia in a raised voice, her blue eyes heating as they bore into Leiah's defiant ones.

"What, just because you feel guilty about back stabbing them, I don't get to play. I fail to see how that's my problem, Amy." The next thing Sarah knew, Amelia had abandoned Stefan and had Leiah pressed against the kitchen island, even prompting Katherine to jump back in fright. Sarah couldn't recall seeing Amelia like this, this angry. Maybe during the dinner party incident she might have been, but she didn't recall anyone mentioning anything like this. A rage in her eyes as she bared her tightly clenched teeth. Holding her sister down with a steel like clamped hand against her throat.

"I've just spent the last two days looking after you, you ungrateful child," Amelia snarled, in the most angry tone Sarah had ever heard from her.

"Well, I never asked you to," Leiah snapped back, before finding the strength to shove Amelia off her. "But then again, you always know best don't you, damned what I want."

"Grow up," snapped Amelia.

"How about instead you just get lost!"

"Sisters, please."

Sarah jumped around, finding Klaus and Elijah stood behind her, having silently entered the room. She'd been too preoccupied with the squabbling Original sisters to notice them. But now that she had, she quickly backed up to her own brother for protection, feeling reassured when his hands caught her from falling backwards.

"My apologises for this, unsightly insight into our private lives," Klaus continued, grinning in the direction of the two Salvatores. "I hope my dear sisters haven't done anything inappropriate in my absence. But then, if you will drop by unannounced…"

"We need your help, for our brother," Stefan said, stepping ahead of Sarah and focusing his attention on Klaus, while Sarah tried to watch every other Original and Katherine at the same time. It wasn't the most comforting of spaces for her, surrounded by her mortal enemy and four all powerful Originals vampires – including one that was now classed as a Hybrid.

"Well, whatever it is, it's gonna have to wait a tick. You see, I have an obligation to my brother," Klaus explained, gesturing back to Elijah as he continued to grin. "It requires my immediate attention." As he made his way into the kitchen, Elijah stepped towards Stefan and Sarah, though kept a fair distant between them.

"You both understand how important family is, or you wouldn't be here. My brother gave me and Amelia his word that he would reunite us with our own," explained Elijah, as Klaus suddenly appeared behind him with a sinister smirk.

"And so I shall," declared Klaus, as Elijah turned only to get stabbed in the heart by a silver dagger. A dagger Sarah recognised along with everyone else. The dagger that could be used to kill the Originals, so long as they remained inside them.

From next to Sarah and Stefan, Amelia screamed in anguish, her voice overpowering everyone else's shocked reaction. But before she could even think of what to do next, Leiah spun her around and rammed another identical dagger through her sister's heart. The action only further surprised, Sarah, Stefan and Katherine, as all three stared with wide surprised eyes.

"Sorry, Amelia," Leiah said quietly, something like understanding in her cold blue eyes, as her sister reached for the dagger through her heart. But it was too late. Like Elijah, neither had the strength to fight back, as their skin turned grey. Their veins began to show, the blood stopping in their bodies, and as the light left their eyes, they went limp in their siblings arms.

Klaus then let Elijah go, watching him collapse onto the floor, while Leiah more gentle lowered Amelia to the ground. Sarah watched her, wondering what was going through the blonde's head, when suddenly she and Stefan were up against the wall once more. Klaus before them, with a hand on each of their throats. Now more stronger and powerful than anything Sarah had ever come across, as she squirmed along with Stefan in his hold.

"Now, what am I gonna do with you two?" asked Klaus, eyeing the brother and sister as they stared back at him. "Let's start with you," Klaus decided, eyes settling on Stefan as his grin returned. "Leiah," he called. "This ones all yours," he said as he shoved Sarah aside. She stumbled away, unable to stop herself as Leiah appeared in her path, catching her and throwing her on towards the bed. Before she could get back up, Leiah was up on the bed, feet planted on either side of Sarah as she loomed over her.

"Stay there, please," Leiah warned with a smile. "I'm trying to be considerate, but cause any trouble, and I will make this uncomfortable for you."

"Like how?" snapped Sarah, though remained on the bed. But upon hearing her brother's groans of pain, she looked over to see Klaus shoving a stake through his chest. Naturally Sarah went to get up, but Leiah's foot pushed her back down. She looked up, ready to fight, until she saw the stake Leiah held in her hand. She got the message and lay back, while Leiah smiled sweetly.

"Good girl."

When the knock at the door came, it was getting close to sun down. But even so, Jenna wasn't keen to try her luck. She'd been scorched by the sun a few times since becoming a vampire – most because of her own forgetfulness. Of course that would change once she had a daylight ring like the others, but she wanted to be ready before then. Which meant she had to invite whoever it was to come in without opening the door herself.

"It's open!" she called, taking cover behind the corner in the hallway, watching for any rays of light that came in. None did, but she heard the door open and close as the guest came in. She peered around, smiling when she saw it was Alaric. More importantly, Alaric with a bottle of booze in hand.

"Hey," Alaric said with an awkward smile. The one he'd been wearing ever since the truth came out. About his wife being a vampire, him a vampire hunter and how he'd been helping her niece and nephew with all the crazy supernatural stuff going on in their lives. She hadn't properly thanked him for that yet, but at the same time, she'd rather he'd told her than keep her in the dark, so maybe she'd hold of on the thank you.

"Hey," Jenna replied, remaining by the corner. Part of her still frightful over hurting him. She felt fine though. Her senses were in check, unable to hear the blood pulsating through him or the alluring beat of his heart. Plus she'd had some blood after inviting him over, just to be safe. She had only intended to have one bag, but it quickly turned into two and a bit before she was able to get a grip of herself. But it meant she was good for when Ric arrived, so she guessed it was worth it for the momentary slip up.

When the silence began to stretch out for to long, Jenna awkward added a, "Thanks for coming." Nervously brushing back her hair as she did.

"No problem," Alaric replied, holding the bottle in both hands as he turned it over.

"I just…I just don't think I should be alone with anyone right now, even Damon," Jenna said lamely, feeling her cheeks heat up. It was like being a teenager again, awkwardly tip toeing around the guy she liked, despite the fact they'd already been going out. Everything about her previous self really had been heightened – even the stuff she thought she'd gotten over.

"Jenna, you can be honest with me." Her heart stopped, think somehow, she'd been caught. Her cheeks, if they could turn red, were probably the colour of a fire truck now – even if Alaric had already known about her feelings and shared them. Man, it was like everything was reset because of this vampire thing.

"I know you just wanted the booze," he said with a grin, tossing up in the air before catching it.

They both laughed, Jenna feeling a little normal again for a moment – but also perhaps laughing a little too hard to. "Yeah, thanks for bringing that."

"Well, I've been told it helps with urges and what not. And if your best friend's dying, the least you can do is share one last drink with him."

"Right," Jenna sighed, remember how close Alaric and Damon had gotten since he came into town. And suddenly feeling very saddened by it all. "Are you okay? I mean, what with Damon and everything?"

"Well, I'm hardly the priority," Alaric said, walking into the living room to grab some glasses, while Jenna remained by her corner in the hallway, still a little scared to move in case it somehow broke her concentration. "And of course I'm worried about him, that's why I'm here." He grabbed three glasses that were already laid out on the bar in one hand, holding the booze in the other. "But I'm confident Stefan and Sarah will figure something out. I mean it's their brother, and if they need me then I'll be there. But to be honest, I'm pretty happy just seeing you…and supporting Damon through this difficult time."

"Right," Jenna quickly agreed, as Alaric came back over to her. "Well, he's down here," she said, opening the door that lead down to the basement and leading them down. When they reached Damon's cell, they both looked in to see him staring at his bitten arm. It was the first time Jenna had seen the infectious werewolf bite, and it did not look good. If she'd seen anything like that before finding out about the supernatural, she'd have freaked and maybe even screamed. Even now she still had to look away, grimacing at the disgusting sight of his boiled arm, as he himself poked at it.

"Well, that looks bad," Alaric said, grimacing himself as Damon rolled down his sleeve.

"It feels worse," Damon assured him, as Alaric set up one of the three glasses on the space in between the bars. He then handed the other two glasses to Jenna, as he opened the bottle. "My subconscious is haunting me. Please tell me you have something for that," Damon groaned, looking over from where he lay against the wall.

"A double shot?" Jenna suggested, as Alaric finished filling the glasses.

"Good idea," agreed Alaric, doubling the height of Damon's drink. He then watched Damon slowly get up and stagger over towards the door, before turning towards Jenna, finding one glass empty and the other against Jenna's lips as she downed it. It was only when she finished she notice him staring at her.

"Sorry," she said nervously. "Cravings."

"Looks like I'll be the sensible one tonight," Alaric chuckled, pouring a double for Jenna and a single for himself. Quickly taking the glass from Jenna before she had a chance to down it.

"Oh, by the way, I found this on the floor," Jenna remembered, as she pulled out Damon's ring and placed it next to the glass in between the bars.

"Thanks," Damon said weakly, as he put the ring back on and sipped at his drink. "So, my dear siblings asked you to keep watch?"

"Not like I've got anything better to do," pointed out Jenna, as she drank half her double shot, admittedly feeling her tension leave her, if only a little at a time. She was beginning to realising that vampire or not, alcohol was still useful. Maybe even more so actually, now that she was a vampire. Although, she had to admit, it would have suited her far better to have become a vampire back in her partying days. She could have consumed a lot more drink that way.

"Besides, you could do worse than us," added Alaric, taking a sip.

"Suppose so," agreed Damon as he walked away, only to then hunch over as he groaned in sudden pain. A coughing fit followed and most of his drink ended up being spilt before he stood back up, having recovered. "Still," Damon began as he wiped his mouth with his free hand. "You should both want me dead." Jenna began shaking her head, seeing where this was going as she got Ric to give her a refill. Though this time he only gave her a single shot. Even if she was a vampire, she was still a new vampire. Better to pace herself. "I left you behind last night, Ric."

"Yeah, you did," agreed Alaric as he took a drink. "And I'm mad, but I don't want you dead."

"But if I hadn't you could have saved Jenna from becoming a vampire," Damon argued as he turned back around. His goal painfully obvious.

"No, he couldn't have," Jenna said as looked into the cell. "It had already happened long before you guys even knew what had happened to me."

"Sorry about that, again," Alaric apologised, to which Jenna smiled at his sweetness.

"It's okay."

"But it's my fault you got turned into a vampire in the first place," Damon continued, taking a step towards them and almost collapsing. "If I hadn't interfered with Klaus' ritual then–"

"Then it could have been Caroline who was killed instead," Jenna cut in, having been told by Sarah. "Trust me, Damon. While I'm not thrilled about becoming a vampire, it's far from the worst thing that could have happened. And I in no way blame you."

"Then you're an idiot," Damon growled, before moving back to Alaric. "And you. Shouldn't you be a lot madder with me. This is the second girlfriend of yours that I've turned into a vampire after all. Remember Isobel?"

"That was her choice," Alaric said, though from the frown on his face, Jenna could tell her was trying to suppress his emotions on the subject. In truth Jenna was trying to do the same. After all, thinking of Isobel only reminded Jenna of the betrayal she'd gone through with all her friends. And she was Ric's ex on top of that, who'd handed him over to Klaus to be used as a host body – she could feel her anger starting to build. Perhaps the alcohol hadn't been such a good idea. For what she'd been told, she was more of a party drunk, but that didn't mean she couldn't get violent. And with her heightened emotions as a vampire, there was no telling how out of hand she could get.

Then suddenly Damon was up against the door, his hand reaching through the bars to grab Alaric by the throat. "Kill me. Please," he begged in a weak voice, his arm trembling despite the strength with which he held Ric. And while he couldn't get out of it, Jenna realised just how weak Damon was when she pried her boyfriend free. Clawing her fingers around Damon's, she pulled them loose enough for Alaric to slid out, and then shoved Damon back into the cell. He stumbled, before collapsing on the ground, apparently using a lot of strength in that last act. And with Jenna just being a new vampire and all, he was clearly very weak if even she could over power him. But the victory did little to calm the racing blood inside her.

"Don't tempt me, Damon!" Jenna warned, her voice deep as she glared down at him through the bars.

"Jenna," Alaric said, catching her attention as she swung around, snarling at him until she saw his raised hands. "Jenna, just take a breath." Unbeknownst to her, the blood then left Jenna's eyes and her fangs shrunk away with her anger. "Sorry," she said to them both, taking a few deep breaths until her anger subsided.

"It's okay, nobodies hurt," Alaric assured her, stepping towards her even when she stepped back. Worried she might lose it again and this time hurt him over Damon.

"I'm hurt," Damon groaned from the cell.

"He's delusional," Alaric cut in, still stepping towards Jenna. "But you only did what you did to protect me. Remember, it's just like Sarah said, you care about family and your loved ones. So it was just an emotional rush when you saw Damon grab me, that's all. You're still in control, everything things fine."

Nodding along with what he was saying, and willing herself to believe it, Jenna allowed Alaric to step closer until he was hugging her. She did however pull away, when she realised how close her mouth was to his neck. It was still a weak spot for her. She could be in the same room as humans but not right up against their veins. That wasn't healthy for any new vampire.

"I could use some blood," Damon groaned out from cell.

"Sure," Jenna called back, though her eyes remained on Alaric's, before she broke contact and made her way further into the basement to where the fridges full of blood where. Alaric followed her, walking in as Jenna opened up the fridge, only to then be over come with the urge to feed.

She quickly stepped back, hand covering her mouth as she tried to control it. But just like back at the ritual site, it was too tempting, too alluring to ignore. Especially with a fresh blood supply in Alaric. And seeing the blood fill her eyes once more, with an animal like hunger, Alaric threw up his hands once more. "Jenna… Come on, Jenna, you can beat this."

"I…I…can't…" Jenna squeezed out, closing her eyes and trying fight the urge to rush Alaric and rip his throat out. To take his blood and drain him dry, to fulfil her urges and taste her sweet sweet reward.

"Just remember who I am. Remember your emotions. What you feel is stronger than the bloodlust." When her eyes suddenly flew open, he was right in front of her. His arms at his side in a relaxed way, as if he had nothing to fear from her. "Jenna, you've got this." And as she swallowed the lump in her throat, she felt the rush subside and let out a breath of relief, as she fell against Ric.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. You're doing great. And soon, all this will be behind you." She hoped that was true. But none more so than when she looked up, and saw who was standing in the doorway behind Alaric.

"Eh…Ric," Jenna said nervously, as Alaric turned to see what she saw. The sheriff stood with a gun pointed at them both.

"Where's Damon?" she said calmly.

"You know, now's not a good time, Sheriff. Trust me," Alaric said calmly, while Jenna remained hidden behind him. She'd heard about the Sheriff and the founders council from the others. About how they hunted vampires. Vampires like her, and killed them. Least to say, she was feeling a little boxed in and scared suddenly.

Before the subject of her could come up however, another voice from down the hallway called out to the Sheriff. "Sheriff, over here!"

"I wouldn't go in there," Alaric warned.

"He's right, just leave him alone," Jenna added, though not as bravely.

"I just want to talk to him," the Sheriff said, stepping out and closing the door behind her as Alaric ran for the door.

"I wouldn't go in there!" he shouted after her, trying the door only to find it locked. "Damn it!"

"Move, I'll get it," Jenna declared, suddenly filled with courage now that the Sheriff was gone from sight, and mind apparently.

"No, no, no. You break that open when I can't and they'll figure out your a vampire," Alaric pointed out, now standing between Jenna and the door.

"Yeah, and if I don't break it open then they'll kill Damon for being one," Jenna argued in turn. Her courage and determination building with heightened rush of emotions. She'd made a promise to Sarah after all, a promise to look after Damon in her absence and keep him alive until she got back. And she wasn't about to let the Sheriff or anyone else take away Sarah's brother before she got back with that cure. She wouldn't let her down, not after everything she'd gone through for her and her family. Now it was time for Jenna to do something for her.

At least that was what she thought until she heard the commotion from beyond the door. Her hearing focused automatically, hearing the officers going for their guns and failing to fire them because Damon was too fast, knocking them and their weapons aside before racing from the room and out into the night.

"Or…not," Jenna added with a worried look to Alaric, as they both heard the Sheriff and her men running out after Damon.

On screen, Scarlett looked around in dismay at the dying and wounded soldiers around her. On the picnic blanket, Scarlett sat beside Jeremy, her head resting on his shoulder as she let out yet another bored sigh. "I told you to stop that!" hissed Caroline with another of her dagger like glares. From in between the two, Jeremy and Bonnie grinned. While Caroline was content to watch the movie while they waited for news, it was obvious Scarlett was not. And had hence found other ways to amuse herself.

"Sorry. I'm just so…" Scarlett forced a yawn. Stretching one arm as she snuggled against Jeremy's side, inhaling his scent. It had been a while since she was able to do it this close. She missed it.

"You're just trying to ruin Scarlett for me!" Caroline continued to hiss, practically leaning over Bonnie now.

"No. I'm just bored," Scarlett replied, returning Caroline's glare as the two locked eyes.

"Round number four," Bonnie muttered to Jeremy. He laughed as his phone began to ring, quieting as he answered it.

"Alaric, hey."

"Who's there with you?" Alaric asked urgently.

"Eh, Scarlett, Bonnie and Caroline. Why?" Jeremy frowned, while Scarlett and Caroline listened in curiously.

"What about Elena?"

"She went to go and see Damon and Jenna," Jeremy answered.

"She what?!" Scarlett heard Jenna shout from the background, alarmed.

"Listen, the cops just showed up here looking for Damon. They've locked Jenna and me in the basement, but Damon got out and now they're chasing. He's in a real bad shape, Jeremy, and getting worse."

Jenna then spoke up, loud enough for Jeremy to hear her as well as the others eavesdropping. "Jeremy, I want you to find your sister and get somewhere safe, somewhere were me or Damon can't get in." Even with a delusional Damon on the lose, Jenna still considered herself more of a threat to her niece and nephew. Sarah was going to have her work cut out for her.

"But what about you, how are you going to get out?" Jeremy asked, before Jenna's effortful screams came blaring down the phone, followed by the snapping off wood and metal.

"I think she's got that part covered," Alaric answered for her, before hanging up.

Jeremy looked to everyone to explain, but since two out of the three had already heard it he wasn't sure on how to streamline the information. But Scarlett did, "Damon's got out."

"Alright," Bonnie said as they started getting up. "Me and Caroline will look for Damon. Jeremy, you–"

"No! I'm not being sidelined, not again," Jeremy protested.

Scarlett took his hand, turning him towards her. "Jer–"

"No!" Jeremy snapped, pulling his hand from hers. "You said you were going to let me make my own choices–"

"Jer, you're coming with me to look for Elena," Scarlett explained, watching as he deflated, realising that he was now being included.

"Scarlett…" Caroline said uneasily, her eyes shifting between the werewolf and Jeremy.

"It'll be fine. If we find Elena – or Damon, we'll call you and meet up," Scarlett said, which put Bonnie and Caroline a little more at ease. After all, they were still older than both Jeremy and Scarlett. Maybe only by a year, but for them it probably made them feel more adulty. And if anything happened to Jeremy – their best friend's little brother – when they could have prevented it, they'd never forgive themselves. Scarlett understood, because she felt the need to protect Elena sometimes for that very same reason.

"Okay, stay in touch," Caroline said, as she and Bonnie walked off.

Turning to Jeremy, Scarlett asked, "Which way did your sister go off in?"

"That way," he said pointing, already leading the way as Scarlett gathered a scent. There was still enough of her presence left over on the blanket and in the air that Scarlett was able to confirm that Jeremy was right. Of course, she knew the trail would lead to her car, but they had to start somewhere. So she quickly caught up to Jeremy as they began searching around the square for Elena.

From across the room, Stefan fought to stand up straight. But he was only barely standing, and that was in part because Klaus was holding him up. Still, he had the strength to speak, even if it came out hoarse. "The witches said you had a cure. Make us a deal. We'll do whatever you want, just as long as you give us the cure."

Abruptly Klaus pulled the stake from Stefan, letting him fall to the floor as he healed. Again Sarah felt the urge to go to her brother's aid, but with Leiah's foot still pressing down on her chest she didn't have much of a choice. All she could do was watch her brother gasping on the floor, while Klaus made himself comfy at the kitchen island. Pouring himself a glass of blood.

"Trouble is, I don't know if you'd be any good to me the way you are now. You're just shy of useless." He shot a smirk towards Katherine, watching her squirm from within the kitchen. He then took his glass of blood, and made his way back over to Stefan, crouching down to his level.

"Now, let me tell you about someone useful. This one vampire I heard about, crazy bloke, always on and off the wagon for decades. When he was off, he was magnificent," Klaus explained announcing each word individually at the end. Then he stood up, continuing his story. "1917, he went into Monterrey and wiped out an entire migrant village. A true ripper. Sound familiar?" Klaus asked, grin growing as he took a drink of blood.

Composing himself, Stefan looked up at the Hybrid. And with a casual reluctance replied, "I haven't been that way in a very long time."

"Well, that's the vampire I can make a deal with," Klaus said without any budge to his tone.

"What about me?" Sarah asked, prompting Klaus to look over.

"You?" He smiled. "You've got talents for sure, but your not your brother here."

"Then why am I still alive if you don't want me?" asked Sarah curiously. The thought suddenly occurring that she might have just sighed her own death sentence.

"I would have thought that was obvious. Because of her," Klaus said, gesturing to his his sister, still stood over Sarah.

"You can thank me later, hot stuff," Leiah said with a wink.

"While we're here, Leiah can decide what happens to you. But once we leave town, I'll just be wanting your brother's talents. You'll be staying behind for now," Klaus explained, smiling almost fondly down at Stefan, who stared up in confusion.

"What do you mean, 'when you leave town?'" Sarah asked, only to then feel Leiah's finger pressing down on her lips. The Original was now on her knees, properly straddling Sarah as she shushed her quietly.

"What did I tell you about causing trouble?" Leiah said playful, but with a clear edge of warning to her tone. Backing down for now, Sarah went back to watching in silence, as Stefan forced himself to stand opposite Klaus.

"Like I said, whatever you want. But first, prove you have a cure," Stefan demanded.

Surprisingly, Klaus just smiled back, before looking to his sister once again. "Leiah," he instructed.

With her grin broadening, Leiah rolled off Sarah, landing on the bed beside her with a bounce. She quickly got up into a siting position and pulled Sarah up to join her. And while the raven haired vampire frowned, Leiah commanded. "Katerina, please make your way over to Niklaus' side."

Still pretending to be compelled, Katherine had no choice as she removed herself from the corner of the kitchen she'd been hiding in. "You'll enjoy this," Leiah whispered eagerly, as Katherine came to a stop at Klaus' side. "Now hold out your arm towards him." It seemed that was when it clicked for Katherine, what was about to happen. But her choice on whether to blow her cover or not was taken away from her, when Klaus grabbed her arm and bit into her. And as a Hybrid, she was more than sure what would happen when Klaus bit a vampire. A theory which was made fact, when they all saw the mark on Katherine' forearm. A bite mark which wouldn't heal, infected veins already spreading outwards as her skin began to bubble and flare angrily. It was working even faster than a normal werewolf bite.

As Klaus then realised her, Katherine began to panic, staring down at the bite as she mumbled to herself. Sarah couldn't help but smile a little, at the sight of the worst woman alive getting what she deserved. A slow and painful death.

"Couldn't have happened to a nicer gal, could it?" Leiah said sarcastically, chuckling along with Sarah as they watched Katherine freak out in her own little world. And as Sarah enjoyed the moment, she became aware of Leiah, watching her. She turned, her happiness fading into further confusion as she saw a fondness in the blue eyes of the Original. A longing.

"Oh, do be quiet," grumbled Klaus towards Katherine, before he bit into his own wrist. Turning back at the sound, Sarah and Leiah watched, the previous moment forgotten, as Klaus held his exposed wrist to Katherine and she drank his blood.

And then, the bite on her arm healed. As if it were any other wound inflicted upon a healthy vampire.

"You want your cure? There it is," Klaus said, like a man who knew he held all the cards. Because he did. The only man in the entire world, with the cure to a werewolf bite. With in him he held the power to decide who could live and die. That was power, and they all knew it.

"Your blood is the cure," Stefan said in defeat, seeing that it wasn't something they could steal so easily. And knowing that, a little bit of hope died inside Sarah. Because it meant they truly were at his mercy, and would have to do whatever he wanted. All just to get a chance at saving Damon.

"Gotta love Mother Nature," Klaus said with a grin, as he placed his hand on Stefan's shoulder, and turned him towards the kitchen island. "Now, let's talk, you and I."