Warnings: Language, PTSD, Death, Violence, Morbid jokes and Dark humor that might offend others e.g. jokes on contemplation of suicide, these are just used to describe the rather morbid sense of humor the character/s may have and are in no means used to offend anyone or make light of the serious topics that may be mentioned. For any sensitive topic used in a joke, I apologize in advance and hope you keep in mind I meant no offense.
Note: The dialogues in Italic show that the speakers are either a form of flashbacks or communicating in a different language, in this case spanish.
Calling: Definition: (Noun) A strong urge towards a particular way of life or career; a vocation.
'You would not have called to me unless I had been calling to you.'
-Aslan; The Silver Chair, Chronicles of Narnia; Clive Staples Lewis-
'~ And it seems like it's calling out to me, So come find me, And let me know, What's beyond that line, Will I cross that line?~'
-How far I'll go; Auli'i Cravalho-
Chapter V:
21st May, 2003; Bennett Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia; United States of America.
The door to Bonnie's room slammed open.
"What did the pirate say on his 80th birthday?" Elena asked the inhabitants of the room, her tone uncharacteristically serious.
"What?" Atticus asked, not questioning the answer to her inquiring statement but confused as to what exactly she had asked.
"Aye matey." She replied.
Elena stared at them for another moment before throwing her head back and dissolving into a manic fit of laughter. She wiped an invisible tear from her eye before leaning heavily against the door, slamming her hand against it. Her entire body shook as she gasped in-between her chortles.
After several moments of wheezing, she gasped, "Get it? Aye matey, I'm eighty! Oh god, I'm hilarious." She started clapping her hands together, like a seal performing in a circus, not quite breathing and a disturbingly wide grin on her face.
Zatanna stared at her before turning to an equally mystified Atticus -who simply looked amazed at Elena's reaction- and said in a solemn tone of voice:
"I've created a monster."
Atticus turned his gaze towards her, amusement filling his features. "You sow what you seed, querida hermana." He said unsympathetically.
"Oh my god, Elena!" Caroline tossed a pillow at the brunette's face, looking utterly done.
"Yeah, Gilbert, you're not as funny as you think you are." Tyler scowled from his place next to Atticus.
"Excuse you, jerk, my hilarity knows no bounds, thank you very much. Right, Bonnie?" Elena sniffed primly, smoothing out her Daffy Duck t-shirt, and straightening her Bugs Bunny headband (it was an interesting accessory, the long ears of the headband half falling over the brunette's face); Zatanna regretted the day she ever challenged Elena that she couldn't love both of the Looney Tune characters in the exact same amounts, the doppelgänger was out to prove her wrong.
Bonnie stared up at Elena looking torn between wanting to be amused at her actions or just outright ignoring her.
"I have no comments." Bonnie instead replied pleasantly, returning her attention to braiding Zatanna's hair.
Elena huffed, tossing her Bugs Bunny rucksack towards Matt -the poor child was actually attempting to do what they had all gathered for; solve his mathematics homework- who gasped as it hit him straight in the stomach. The doppelgänger then threw herself in Zatanna's lap.
"Zee and Ace think I'm funny, right?" She widened her eyes comically.
"Not in the least," Zatanna deadpanned.
"Nope," Atticus responded pleasantly.
"Ugh, none of you appreciate the beauty of my jokes."
"That's because there is no 'beauty' to your jokes. They're stupid." Caroline air-quoted beauty and lay back down on Bonnie's bed.
"I hate you all." Elena announced making herself comfortable; her head lay in Zatanna's lap and her legs had been thrown over Atticus'.
Tyler snorted before turning his attention back to Matt, both discussing something or other about American football.
Zatanna felt equal parts accomplished and exasperated at seeing Elena Gilbert. Staring down in those doe-brown eyes, Zatanna did not see exaggerated innocence that hid sly, selfish glints; All the Spaniard saw was lighthearted-mischief and cheerful warmth.
It made her feel like she actually did good.
For all her talks about fucking with the timeline, Zatanna's first course of action into actually attempting to do exactly that was slowly but surely influencing Elena Gilbert's personality. She had initially assumed that it would be rather hard to do but Zatanna soon realized that Elena was a child and her character was malleable. That, since she was in the age where her personality was developing, it would be astoundingly easy to influence the young girl.
Zatanna had started simple; spend time with the girl and understand her current deposition. Which she discovered was a 'turning into a goody-two shoes with a strict black and white view and an unintentional craving for attention'.
Upon discovering said traits, Zatanna would concede, she wondered how the hell would she influence Elena? And as mentioned above, it turned out to be ridiculously easy.
Seriously.
It was so pathetically easy that it was amusing.
Zatanna only had to use small gestures, little conversations that Elena seemed to absorb with avid attention. It was amusing to discover that the brunette seemed to idolize her (Atticus would not stop laughing his bloody arse off when he discovered that particular piece of information).
She had steadily gotten rid of Elena's pleasing and demure demeanor by avidly seeking out the doppelgänger and making her participate in all the mischief and pranks the Asturias siblings concocted; it helped that Elena wanted to remain in her good graces and went along with it; a nervous, worried smile painted on her face, but slowly that smile had faded away into amused giggles as Elena began genuinely enjoying their playful schemes. It was further a plus point that none of the adults particularly scolded them, in fact, that would laugh along and that relaxed Elena in ways unimaginable; showed her that it was okay to have fun, that she wouldn't get into trouble (Of course, Zatanna was also pleasantly surprised when she found that Elena had started playing pranks of her own and while the Asturias witch would deny it, Atticus was correct in his assumption that Zatanna felt like a proud mummy bear).
Furthermore, the young witch had discovered that Elena had a challenging streak. Tell her she can't do something and she would do it (to be honest, that explained a lot). Which brought her to Elena's obsession with Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny. One dreaded conversation where Zatanna had accidentally commented on how Elena couldn't possibly love each of them with the same fervor...well, the rebelling and 'watch me' expression painted across the doppelgänger's face spoke for itself (and led to a possibly unhealthy obsession with the two looney tune characters).
Of course, let's not forget Elena developing a love for reading (brought on by the fact that Zatanna and Atticus, mostly always had their noses in one book or another in their free time); ironically and hilariously, Elena's preferred reading materials were non-fictional and factual (because Zatanna always thought Elena was a sucker for romance, incidentally, she was pleased to be proven wrong).
Her love of reading have often led Elena to the study room in the Asturias manor; because it -while incomparable to the actual library possessed by the noble family back in Spain- was filled to the brim with all kinds of reading materials.
It was coincidentally here, that Elena stumbled upon a ridiculous joke book that had been gifted to her father once and remained untouched ever since. For some reason, Elena Gilbert, fell in love with it.
She recalled her father giving the doppelgänger a bemused look when she begged him to let her keep it (while also sending Zatanna a knowing and a disbelieving expression that portrayed her attempts at changing Elena might be successful but she would soon lament over what would follow as a result of the doppelgänger's sudden interest in those horrible jokes...he was right, of course).
It was hilarious at the time, but Zatanna eventually regretted laughing at her father because soon enough, Zatanna found herself and the rest of the future Scooby gang being Elena's test subjects and unwilling audiences (Atticus didn't seem too bothered by the horrible jokes, only amused and fascinated by Elena's reactions).
"Yo, Zee?" Elena snapped her fingers in front of Zatanna's face. "You still with us?"
And because the brunette raised her brows mockingly, a cheeky smile playing on her face, Zatanna did the one thing Elena couldn't stand.
She pinched the doppelgänger's cheeks.
"Ugh, no! Let gwo, you mwonster." Elena struggled to speak, her hands grabbing Zatanna's trying to pull them away.
"You deserved it," Tyler muttered scowling over at Elena, his eyes widening when she aimed a kick at him. "Did you-? Did you just try to kick me? What the hell, Gilbert?" The mayor's son sounded completely flabbergasted.
"You're annoying, shut up." Elena glowered, rubbing at her red and abused cheeks, her eyes throwing daggers at a smiling Zatanna, whose entire countenance was that of a person who held nothing but a sunny deposition.
Tyler sputtered, "I'm annoying? Take a good look at yourself, buddy."
"I do," Elena replied promptly, her brow quirking. "Every single day, I just stare at myself in the mirror and I'm like, 'Jeez, Elena, there has never been and never will be anyone as good-looking as you.' I mean have you seen this face? It is one of a kind and utterly unique."
Zatanna couldn't help it, she really couldn't. But hearing her say that, while being completely aware of the fact that Elena was a doppelgänger; a mirror image of three other women...well that did it.
So, exchanging a quick look with her brother, who looked just as amused as her, both dissolved in fits of snorts and giggles.
"Wow…come on guys, it wasn't that funny." Elena's voice oozed offense, typically, that only fed their laughter. "Yup, feeling the love, right in my heart."
Bonnie rolled her eyes while getting up from her position behind Zatanna, having finished braiding her hair, and proceeded to push Elena towards Tyler (both children flailing their arms as they fell into a tangle of limbs and shouts). The young girl then turned towards her cousins, both of whom lay flat on the carpeted ground heaving as to regain their breath.
"Come on, we have to get ready." The Bennett witch said.
"For what, Seňorita Bonita?" Atticus asked, lifting himself up, supported by his elbows.
Bonnie opened her mouth to answer them, before faltering. She stared at them with confusion, "I don't know, we just have to get ready." She shrugged, her hazel-green eyes staring at them in a matter-of-fact way.
"And that made no sense whatsoever, you know that, right?" Caroline looked unimpressed, her sunny gold locks swinging over her shoulders as she sat up on the bed.
"Hate to admit it, but she's right." Matt shrugged, ignoring the scowl Caroline sent his way.
Bonnie's brows furrowed, "Come on! I just know we have to get ready."
Atticus looked at the young Bennett witch with realization dawning over his features, he turned towards his sister, who shared his suspicions, if the knowing look on her face was anything to go by.
As if to prove them right, the door to Bonnie's room opened with Sheila poking her head inside, she gave the children an amused smile when she noticed all of them watching her like cats caught in the headlights.
"I'm sorry for disturbing you kids, while you were obviously studying," Here she sent them a look, which caused most of them to laugh sheepishly (Except Zatanna, Atticus and Matt; Zatanna and Atticus because they didn't go to school and had already finished their assignments –given by their various tutors- for the weekend and Matt because he was actually doing his homework).
"Sorry, Miss Sheila," Caroline said, her tone suddenly all cute and adorable, her eyes much too wide with faux innocence. "We won't do it again."
Sheila's lips quirked up into a smirk, "Oh, honey, that's not gonna work on me. I know you won't do it again."
Caroline suddenly looked ashamed at being caught out and nodded meekly, sending a momentary scowl a sniggering Tyler and Elena's way.
"Now, I came to ask, seeing as its Friday, would any of you like to come with me to Whitmore? I have some work to do there and we'll be back by tonight."
Zatanna being naturally curious about her Grand-Aunt's working place and wanting to see the college for herself, instantly agreed. Her brother (predictably) gave his consent too, and seeing as they were both going, Elena, Tyler and Bonnie easily joined in too. Caroline, though, excused herself, politely stating that she was spending the evening with her family. Matt, too, said he couldn't go, as he was going to try and spend some time with his mother and sister (that, honestly, angered the Asturias witch, because what 10-year old needed to act responsible, needed to look so cautiously hopeful at the idea that maybe he could spend some time with his mother; Kelly Donovan was an extremely horrible excuse of a mother, every time Zatanna had seen her, she had always looked stuck in her own world, not realizing she had two children who craved her attention, following around like lost pups -it was things like this, that made her glad she had been blessed with two loving parents- and she also made a mental note to keep an eye on Matt; he was a good kid).
"Well, go home, grab what you need, get ready and be back here in a hour. We need to leave by two, okay?" Sheila informed the children receiving nods in return.
Zatanna however was concentrating on two of her Grand-Aunt's words; Get ready. The same two words Bonnie had been repeating, as if she had known that they were going to go somewhere. Zatanna knew it was Bonnie's magical traits that allowed her to do simple predictions; it was so because the ability to manipulate magic led to Wiccan's holding more awareness of the surroundings i.e holding the ability to sense shifts in behaviors and emotions, it was possible Bonnie had sensed her grandmothers intentions before the woman had arrived in the room.
As such, while Zatanna had wanted to involve Bonnie in her magical teachings, she also respected her Grand-Aunt who had wanted to wait till Bonnie was twelve (and her magical traits manifested and strengthened) before teaching her anything. That, however, didn't mean that Zatanna could never tell Bonnie about her own magical heritage (In fact, Zatanna should probably tell all of the eventual members of the future Scooby gang, while they were children and believed in such things much easily. Furthermore, telling them would prove advantageous as that way Zatanna could prepare them for future events as well).
Atticus nudged her, drawing her attention away from her thoughts, "Come now, querida hermana, we need to get ready," After saying that, the twelve-year old glanced in Bonnie's direction before turning back towards his sister and smiling softly.
Zatanna grinned at her brother before following him out of Bonnie's room; she swore up and down, he was the most amazing person ever –second to her father, in her humble opinion- (this had nothing to do with the fact he was very accepting of her true nature, and still easily and flawlessly fulfilled his role as her older brother –according to him, she was still younger than him, no matter how older she might be mentally-, it also had nothing to do with the fact he was generally the best sibling ever…no, of course not, it had nothing to do with either of those facts).
"You have a very creepy smile on your face." Elena commented from where she stood by the front door of the Bennett house.
"What she said," Tyler nodded his head towards the doppelgänger.
"Well, she can't help it," Atticus commented, his voice was pure sarcasm, and his eyes; deep and dark, glinted with mischief, "She's an old woman at heart, maybe a witch in disguise…?"
There was a pause for three long seconds.
Zatanna cracked up.
Oh god. That was beautiful.
It was nothing but beautiful, those words had been begging to be said out loud. And it was executed and delivered magnificently.
Now that was hilarious. As opposed to a certain 10-year old's horrifying jokes.
"Zee, you've lost it," Caroline was nothing but blunt.
"Did she ever even have it?" Matt retorted, looking at the cackling female Spaniard with genuine concern.
"I don't get it," Bonnie's nose scrunched up, "Ace, why is she laughing?" The Bennett witch asked Atticus.
"Zee's weird, Bonnie. Get over it." Tyler rolled his eyes.
Atticus, being the ever-supportive brother, had his flailing sister in his arms, making sure she was upright at she leaned against him heavily. He offered the rest of them an innocent, saccharine smile, "It seems senility is a going to be a fairly smooth transition for my hermana."
"Stop!" Zatanna gasped, because that just made her laugh harder.
At the inquisitive and borderline disbelieving expression the young Spanish Warlock received, he further elaborated, his tone of voice nothing less of polite,
"It's an inside joke," He informed them, now effortlessly dragging his sister away and out of the house, towards the sleek black car and the chauffeur that awaited for them.
Inside joke, her bloody arse.
Zatanna stared at the campus building with disinterested eyes; it was large and had a cheerful ambience about it (oh, the cold, cold irony) but it wasn't very impressive.
In her last life, she had been admitted into the 'The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst' back in the UK, right after passing three of her A-levels (English Language, Ancient History and Geography). Somehow, remembering the vast and intimidating grounds of Sandhurst, the impressive building itself; Whitmore College seemed to just pale in comparison, and Zatanna decided, then and there, there was no way on earth she would attend this college.
University was a serious topic for her, and she had decided that wherever she would go, it wouldn't be in the USA. Not that there was anything wrong with the universities here, she reasoned as she caught a glimpse of the sun that was steadily beginning its journey to the west. For her though, Spain had always been her home. Spain and the UK. And nothing could ever compare to the two lands; both places where she was born, places with which her roots lied.
Places she wanted to return to.
"Woah, this is so cool!" Bonnie's voice was laced in excitement as her hazel-green eyes danced from one spot to another, simply taking in all the sights.
Sheila's lips twitched up into a smile. "I'm glad you think so. Now, come, I have to go to my office."
"What do you teach, Miss Sheila?" Tyler asked, his voice, uncharacteristically polite.
"Occult studies." The old woman responded, leading the five of them towards the main and most obvious building present.
Tyler frowned as he mouthed the words to himself.
"Occult studies, Mystical or Supernatural studies." Elena explained helpfully, as she stuck close to the Asturias siblings.
"Oh," Tyler said in response, "That's kinda cool."
Sheila chuckled, "That's what you think now, wait till you're older, you'll probably think I'm crazy."
"We'll never think you're crazy, tía abuela." Atticus spoke, his voice solemn yet the cheeky smile on his face gave him away.
Sheila gave him a knowing (and amused) glance. "Of course, you wouldn't."
"I don't get it." Bonnie looked back at them, her eyes glinting confused.
Her bright eyes warmed Zatanna, and the sudden need to smother the adorable and younger Bennett witch (not that Sheila wasn't adorable) in a heartfelt and comforting hug overcame her.
"Hey, hey, Miss Sheila?" Tyler asked, suddenly looking like the adorable puppy that he was. Dark eyes wide and expression; eagerly childish.
"Yes, Tyler?"
"Is there any chance I could be a vampire?" He gushed suddenly, "Like those really cool ones, you know like Spike from Buffy."
And for the third time that day (this time Atticus joining in), Zatanna dissolved into laughter.
A werewolf wanting to be a vampire.
And not just any werewolf; Tyler bloody Lockwood.
Oh Lord.
Oh dear lord.
What was wrong with the world today?
Sheila stared at the two snorting siblings, her eyes showing fond exasperation. "Really?" She shot at them before turning to Tyler. "And why on earth would you want to be a vampire?"
Tyler frowned. "Cause, they're cool. Duh."
"Oh yes, duh. Silly old me," Sheila muttered to herself opening the door to her office, a name plate reading 'Sheila Bennett' hung by the door.
Seeing the inside of her room, however, had the two magical siblings tensing; there was a tall, lean man relaxed on the chair behind the brown oak desk, looking mildly annoyed as if he had been waiting for quite some time. He was doing nothing that would seem even remotely threatening, his hands were clasped together, fingers lacing each other and lay harmlessly on the desk; a deliberate move, she could tell, one to show them his appendages in plain sight.
And while he portrayed nothing but passiveness and complaisance, Zatanna could tell he was anything but.
That was perhaps what had her reacting; her hand reached forward so that she could pull Bonnie behind her, but her brother's warm palm around her wrist stopped her.
She looked towards him and quirked a brow at the peculiar expression on his face, he was staring at the rest of their company as if he wasn't quite sure what to make of it and Zatanna was quick to follow his gaze.
And she noticed what she hadn't before.
They were unmoving.
Everyone; Sheila, Bonnie, Elena and Tyler.
Frozen stiff; limbs motionless and still.
It was an interesting scene, Sheila was looking over her shoulder, her mouth opened to say something but no words escaped. Elena had one foot of the ground, hovering mid-step in the air. Tyler was reaching forward to push the door open to the side. Bonnie was standing on her tip-toes, her hair suspended in the air, a result of her gleaming locks bouncing with her every step.
But it was the lack of sounds and movements from the entire surroundings that mostly unnerved Zatanna.
It was as if time had stopped.
And Zatanna was curious and intrigued to notice that she might not be that far from the truth.
"Nae, time hasn't quite stopped, young one." The man lounging in the chair commented softly, his accent crisp British, his voice was nothing more than a soft caress and yet, it somehow held stone-cold authority.
She shivered, not out of fright, no, instead it was out of simple fascination. There was something about this man…something familiar.
"It has slowed down," Atticus murmured from her other side.
The man tilted his head in acknowledgement, before swiftly rising to his feet. He was tall, Zatanna noted again, easily six feet (Maybe it was her current small stature but she felt like he was a giant), his long legs were covered with expensive black suit pants, his lean torso enveloped in a crisp sky blue dress shirt that was tucked into his pants. He exuded detached regality, his posture impeccable and his gait, confident.
Zatanna immediately felt nothing but respect for him.
That particular thought stunned her.
No one, and she quite literally meant no one had ever managed to earn her respect by their mere presence alone.
What was it about this man?
A single glance was exchanged with Atticus and she was pleased to see they had both come to a similar conclusion.
So gathering all the dignity, all the etiquette lessons she had been drilled with, all her adult maturity and her skill for impeccable word play; Zatanna and Atticus stood tall, this man had demanded their respect effortlessly and they would earn his in return.
He treated them as equals and they would meet up to his expectations, faultlessly and flawlessly.
"A pleasure, Seňor. I am Zatanna, this is my brother Atticus," Zatanna gestured to her brother, her back straightening automatically.
"A pleasure to meet your acquaintance, if you would be kind as to offer a name?" Atticus greeted in a calm voice, a layer of strength coating it.
The man observed them, his eyes not quite clear, as if he had specifically caused the light to shine in them so they would be indistinguishable -and perhaps, that was true, because every time she looked into them, her temples would ache with a sharp pain and her head would spin-, his lips were pressed together softly in a straight line, and Zatanna could not help but stare at the emphasized cheekbones that demanded her attention. The man's face was sharp, handsome features; having a calculated depth to them that made her curious.
Finally, he nodded, "Thee may call me Henry," his voice remaining soft, and yet that tone of cold sharpness made itself known.
Thee. Middle English formal form for 'you' as opposed to thou which was more informal and perceived as disrespectful back in the 14th century Yorkshire, although in some places neither Thee nor Thou was perceived as either formal or informal; in fact in some cases Thou was used in subjective form rather than Thee which was objective (if she was correct, truthfully she marveled at the fact that this particular literature lesson actually came into use; because she could tell from his sentence formation that whoever the man was, he must have been in present somewhere in northern England or England in general during the 14th century or somewhere around that time, enough to be affected by the dialect of Yorkshire -of course, this was merely a deduction-).
Strange but perhaps not so, this man certainly proved to be old (although, she could tell he wasn't a vampire); if the old terms that left his lips was of any significance at all; it was as if the word had slipped due to an unbreakable habit even though the rest of his tone of voice and articulate manner of speaking pointed towards modern British noble heritage (although, he could very well be from a noble family of middle age England, but who knew?).
"Seňor Henry, absolutely charmed." Zatanna intoned, politely.
And his lips twitched -just barely- upwards. "Likewise, now if thee shall follow me?"
Before any assumptions were made; yes, she realized, following an unknown, dangerous man out in an unfamiliar territory was absolutely stupid but there was something about this man; something about him that even her magic had sensed that he meant no harm and so, Zatanna trusted her magic.
She wasn't really concentrating on her surroundings, in fact as she and her brother followed Seňor Henry, she found her eyes straying towards him, observing him (dimly, she was aware that everyone they passed were completely still in their positions as well or twitching in barely there movements that showed her that time had indeed slowed down, or perhaps they were the ones moving too fast for it to cope); as she had previously mentioned, she couldn't quite distinguish the color of his eyes and truthfully she didn't really want to try else she might get that god-awful headache again.
Her eyes drifted up to his locks; short but she noticed they curled at the nape of his neck. Furthermore, they were an interesting shade of color; had she been a duller person -which she, thankfully, was not- she would have simply said, they were an auburn shade and been done with it, but she would be lying because his hair was not a simple auburn. It was unique in its shading; numerous strands of dark mahogany, deep wine and glistening brown tumbled into one another, the distinct affect it gave was an immediate reddish-brown color that gleamed dark copper brown in the light of the sun. It complimented him, made his regal exterior look perhaps even more pronounced.
"Does mine own face interest thee so much that thee shall not question where I am taking ye." He spoke suddenly, not looking at the two siblings following him; Zatanna noted that on any other person, those words would sound ridiculous but it was the way the man delivered his speech that somehow hooked her in, that gave her no choice but to listen.
"Would you answer us, good sir, if we asked?" Atticus questioned, his eyes glinting knowingly.
Seňor Henry glanced at them through the corner of his eyes, approval passing quickly over his features before he looked to the front again. "Perhaps not, child, But what harm ever came from inquiring?"
He was waiting for their response, Zatanna realized, he wanted to see how they would answer.
It seemed Atticus saw as much, because his lips quirked upwards in an easy smile; exuding calm pleasantness, "If worded wrongly, the cost may as well be one's life, Seňor Henry,"
His answer seemed to please the man as he became quite once more but the cold calculated aura he had been releasing eased up, turned calmer; but it still gave her the impression that he was simply the calm before the storm and her curiosity swam within her; she wanted to know who he was, and why he seemed so familiar?
Seňor Henry soon stopped outside what seemed to be a office in the more private part of the college, a place reserved for important individuals of Whitmore's staff and to Zatanna's surprise she found the name plate outside this particular office to read 'Doctor. Grayson Gilbert'.
She exchanged a glance with her brother who seemed just as bewildered as she was and turned to the tall man who led them there and opened her mouth to put her confusion to words before the young 10-year old choked on her words and shuddered violently.
Her magic immediately reacted violently, expanding and intermixing with Atticus' who she suddenly noticed had the same reaction as her, for he had grown as white as a sheet and small pearls of sweat were visible on his brow.
She didn't quite know how to explain what she was feeling, she truly didn't. It was as if she was feeling someone else's pain and Zatanna felt horror etch deep within her, because what she felt was a minute and extremely dulled version of whatever this person was feeling and for some reason she felt furious. Her magic suddenly returned back to her, cloaking her entire form but it felt dangerous, like a coiled snake just waiting patiently for its prey. She had this incessant need to find the person who was hurting so much, because for some unfathomable reason their hurt did not settle well within her, because somehow she just knew whoever this person was, they deserved more than what they had been dealt with in life; they deserved the world in their palms.
"My purpose is fulfilled," The man, Seňor Henry, intoned in a quiet reserved voice, turning away, his intention to leave becoming apparent. "If thee shall excuse me."
"Wait," Atticus' voice sounded uncharacteristically sharp and serious, the Spanish accented word sounding strained. "Who are you?"
"A mere guide," The older man responded, his head tilting to the side as he observed the two children in front of him; something in his gaze made them feel bare, as if he could see right through them, as if he knew all there was to know about them.
"With all due respect, Seňor, but there is nothing mere about you." Zatanna responded, trying to ignore the need to search for the person who was suffering quietly.
His lips twitched once more, "No, there is not," He admitted, yet it didn't sound arrogant, if anything it only sounded as if he was stating a simple known fact. "The one that calls for thee, just as thee call for him will be found inside that room," He changed the topic as easily as he breathed.
Zatanna blinked and unconsciously she reached for the door handle, she needed to open it to find the hurting person but stopped when she heard her brother's voice once more.
He spoke lowly yet surely, "You did not answer my question, Seňor."
Seňor Henry did not blink just stared at them in an entirely unnerving manner, and then he closed his eyes, but when he opened them again both Atticus and Zatanna jerked back in shock.
Where there had been indistinguishable irises were now filled with an easily recognizable splash of colors;
The siblings stared at that odd yet familiar blend of dark teal-green and deeper sea-green, those wild untamable eyes that always roared and always reminded them of the uncontrollable and feral sea; fierce, relentless, merciless and ferocious, predatory in the most primitive of ways.
The Asturias eyes.
"You-" Zatanna couldn't find it in herself to complete her sentence, so shocked was she.
"An Asturias," Her brother spoke for her, his eyes gleaming in interest.
Seňor Henry, finally, let his lips curve into a smile and Zatanna's heart almost stopped beating, because that was the same wicked smile she shared with her father and brother and it became obvious then; it was probably a family trait.
"Indeed, child." He voice layered with just the barest tints of amusement. "Thee could say I am here to watch over ye."
"Like a guardian?" Zatanna couldn't help but blurt earning a disbelieving look from her brother and to be honest she was internally smacking herself senseless. Guardian? What the genuine fuck was she thinking?
The man did not mock her, only stared at her with eyes the exact replica of her own, "Aye, thee could assume as such."
"Papa has never mentioned you," Atticus stated carefully, his eyes following their (apparent) family member's movements watching for any slip up.
"I can imagine so," His smirk was small but portrayed his amusement well enough. "Thee still have much to learn, young ones."
"There is always something to learn," Zatanna piped in and Seňor Henry inclined his head towards in acknowledgement and approved agreement.
"I shall take my leave now, young ones, and thee should find whom thee yearn to," The impressive man said.
Atticus narrowed his eyes before asking, "Will we ever see you again?"
"Of that, I have nae a doubt, child." The man responded solemnly and while he was not physically smirking, Zatanna could tell he was still smirking.
Atticus and Zatanna exchanged a glance but when they looked back they found the man gone and the surrounding existence returning to its normal state, birds chirping, talking voices and moving forms heard throughout the campus.
Atticus ignored it all and instead reached for the office door which he opened without any resistance; the two siblings found the office empty but seeing the half-full glass of alcohol with an un-melted ice cube in it suggested that Grayson Gilbert was present on the campus grounds but not currently in his office, probably having left recently.
For a moment, she wondered, what business Grayson would have here in Whitmore; she recalled he took often trips here and gave guest lectures in medicine, but what was he doing there on a weekend?
And as if wanting to taunt her momentary lapse in memory, a single fact rose to the forefront parts of her mind;
Grayson Gilbert was a member of the Augustine Society.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck.
He could she forget? How could she forget? And unknowingly, she had allowed such a man to live under the same roof as Elena and Jeremy, innocent children who had no idea that their father most likely experimented on living people; his only excuse (probably) being that they were vampires and therefore not humans.
Suddenly, all she felt was pure and utter disgust for the man with the bright blue orbs, he probably justified his actions with a horrifically naïve view of the world (she pondered if whether it was him from whom Elena had gained her personality in the show, it seemed a likely explanation; after all from what she had gathered about Miranda Gilbert, Elena's mother was a quirky, fair and delightful woman none of which Elena had been).
Atticus easily saw the revulsion on her face and deciphered her expression with an ease only known to him and their father.
"You remembered something," He shifted around to look at her properly.
Atticus was aware of how the world they were in was actually a TV show in her past life, their father had explained the multiverse theory to him as well (finding out that most of their favorite TV shows were probably alternative realities was an awesome notion –the thought that the Thunder Cats might be real was a thought that filled her with glee, seriously though, have you seen Tygra and Ben-gali? Those were two attractive feline humanoids, on that note, she couldn't wait for the 2011 version of the show to come as well seeing as she had enjoyed both old and new versions of said show- but she digressed, again).
"I'll explain later." She said after a second's hesitation.
Atticus nodded sharply before moving to a door at the back of the office, she didn't ask how he knew to go there; it was probably his magic guiding him, hers was doing the same after all; urging her to go there.
The door was steel reinforced and had a distinct aroma which took Zatanna a moment to recognize.
"Vervain," Atticus spoke, a grim expression crossing his face.
He reached for the intimidating looking door lock and placed his hand on it, his eyes flashed, and a click signaled the door was no longer locked shut. He opened the door and the two siblings stepped inside the laboratory room.
Zatanna stilled; her eyes widened, her heart raced; blood roaring in her ear as her magic expanded dangerously, stray test tubes and other glass tools shattered feeling the wrath of her power. But, it wasn't simply her magic alone, it was Atticus' as well, both of their mystical auras intermixing dangerously and felt almost suffocating to anyone other than them.
There, strapped on a steel surgical table, lay a man. He was naked, utterly bare, save for a white towel which covered him; from his abdomen to his knees. His hair was an jet-black in color and his eyes a deep and dark ebony-brown; his facial features were strong, a defined jaw line and hard planes of structure, lining his entire jaw was the barest hint of a stubble.
His expression, however, was pulled into one of stunned disbelief; "Oh that Gilbert is truly a repulsive man," He announced, his eyes, dark and weary attempting to comfort them, "This is no place for you, little ones, you should leave." He spoke soothingly, as if they were the ones who were meant to be harmed, as if they were uncomfortable and scared.
He spoke as if he wasn't the one who had been put through immeasurable amounts of grotesque torture and pain. He spoke as if he hadn't even fathomed that they would help him, that anyone would help him.
He spoke like it was about them and not him.
Zatanna wanted to cry.
Because the moment she had laid her eyes on him, her magic had reacted.
Instantly.
She could feel an unbreakable tendril of her magic tether her to the vampire lying on the table, but it didn't stop there, no, the same tendril of magic that connected her to the vampire welcomed and connected itself to the other strand of magic that had latched itself on the vampire as well; her brother's piece of magic.
They had just formed a three-way magical bond.
Family, her magic insisted.
Family, she, herself, welcomed.
This man was claimed as family and Zatanna wanted to cry earnestly because he was hurt and tired and she would do anything to make him feel better.
Atticus gave a shuddering breath.
"Don't worr-" Her brother's voice cracked and he looked away trying to calm his overwhelming emotions.
"Hey, don't worry, right? No need to cry, I won't hurt you," Here the man sounded patronizing, "Not as long as I'm strapped to this table, you need to leave, if someone finds you here, you might get into trouble,"
"We don't want to leave you," Atticus' voice sounded stronger than before but it still wavered in emotion.
The vampire stared at them speechless, but then, his eyes warmed, and Zatanna caught a glimpse of kind reassurance and sadness filling those tired eyes; "I had forgotten how genuine children can be," He murmured to himself before saying in a louder voice, "It's alright if you do, I'm Lorenzo, but…but my friends call me Enzo." He introduced himself, his lips stretching into a small smile, he looked as if he had forgotten how to give a genuine smile.
Enzo; one of the few vampires she had genuinely respected in the show.
"I'm Atticus, and this is my little sister, Zatanna," Her brother attempted to return the smile.
"Hm, believe me when I say that it was a genuine pleasure to meet you," Enzo said warmly, "I haven't really had a friendly conversation like this in many years. But I think you should leave…it's not very safe here."
That quiet admission did it, because had it been any other vampire, they would have attempted to manipulate the children into releasing them, but not Enzo. No, he didn't even think about himself, he just wanted to let them leave safely, he didn't sweet-talk them into releasing his bonds, because he feared what he would do if they did, he didn't want to hurt them because they were children.
He didn't want any of it and Zatanna knew that because she could feel his emotions and intentions.
She could feel him, and he was hurt in unbearable ways; mentally, emotionally and physically. He was so, so tired.
She couldn't bear that.
Determination rose within her, she exchanged a quick, fleeting glance with her brother and stepped forward, quickly walking to the table and trying to find a way to undo his metal restraints.
"What are you doing?" Enzo looked at her with sudden alarm.
"Shut up," She hissed back, tears blurring her vision and her hands shaking because all she wanted to do was give this man all he deserved. He was family now, damn it.
She heard her brother searching through the hospital freezer units behind them and snapped back to concentrating at her own task at hand.
"I'll hurt you," He said, but there was forbidden hope shining in his dark eyes, as if he wanted to squash it down, as if he didn't dare to hope.
She was slightly stunned because his eyes also showed that he had always hoped –always hoped for the best- and that he might have been completely spent with his life but he never lost that flicker of hope.
That was all Zatanna needed to see, to decide, that Lorenzo St. John was an honest and sincere person with a good heart. She would be damned if she extinguished that spark of hope, his hopes would be met, that she swore to herself on her honor, her soul and her name as an Asturias.
Stepping away from the table, her eyes glowed and her magic lashed out, flinging the vervain coated metal bars of his body.
Enzo lay stunned, disbelieving that he was no longer pinned down on the table, Zatanna, on the other hand, reached out and ripped out the IV drip that was feeding concentrated doses of vervain into his system -enough that it weakened him while also keeping him conscious (this angered her even more seeing as she knew that vervain was acid to vampires)- and Atticus came over, three blood bags held in his arms, he immediately offered them to the vampire who was still unmoving.
"Quick, Seňor Lorenzo," Her brother encouraged.
Enzo swallowed deeply, raising himself of the table but his limbs still trembled minutely, "You're witches," He stated, taking one of the offered blood bags.
"Yes," Atticus replied patiently.
"Why would you help me? Aren't you judgmental and well…aren't I an abomination of nature?" He mocked slightly.
Zatanna's scrunched up, "We're witches but we are most definitely not servants of nature."
He stared at them, having moved to the second blood bag but pausing mid-bite (personally, Zatanna was impressed with his restraint) "I'm confused."
"Of course you are." Atticus sounded amused.
"We're Asturias, you'll understand what it means soon enough."
"Right." He had finished his third blood bag and was now just staring at them.
Zatanna stared back and giving into that incessant urge she reached forward and looped her arms around his waist, he immediately stiffened in her hug and she could feel him staring down at her in mystification. "What are you doing?"
"Its called giving a hug," Her brother responded for her, drily.
Enzo remained silent before patting her head awkwardly, "Yes, well, that's nice," He sounded as if he was out of his element.
She pulled back to look up at him unimpressed but there was sadness lurking within her eyes, the vampire before her hadn't felt physical comfort in such a long time that he wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
"Get used to it, there's a whole lot more on its way." She informed him.
He blinked before nodding, his eyes now expressing discomfort and dutifully Zatanna stepped back.
"We should leave." Atticus said, handing Enzo some more blood bags he had fished out of the freezer. "Before anyone comes back."
The reminder was all Enzo needed before he straightened up, climbed to feet, stumbling just for a second as he tied the towel around his waist. His expression had darkened, "Yes, we should, I have a certain doctor to visit after all."
Zatanna followed the taller man out, "Wait."
He stopped, looking down at the two siblings, his eyes softening momentarily, "Yes?"
"I…um…after you're done with whatever you need to do, you could stay at our place…we live in Mystic Falls, sadly…in a mansion by the southern outskirts of the town. Come over tonight, if you can? Maybe?" She, for the first time in her second life, sounded pathetically nervous.
Enzo looked at them in an assessing way before opening his mouth and saying hesitantly, "I might swing by…I-" He faltered in his words before crouching down in front of them, she noticed the deathly pallor of his complexion had receded revealing a more healthier light olive skin tone; the lightest shade of that particular skin pigmentation there was. "I am extremely and unspeakably grateful," He spoke, his voice wavering, "You have no idea, how much...you have honestly saved me from a fate that I wouldn't even wish on the worst of my enemies and I am forever in your debt."
"No debts." Atticus refuted the last statement instantly.
"Never from you." Zatanna elaborated.
Enzo was struck speechless once more before he gave them a small smile.
"Thank you."
And never had those two words sounded more genuine and heartfelt.
Enzo had fed himself, he had dressed himself and he had also gotten rid of the security footage taken of Grayson Gilbert's office and experiment laboratory (because he'd be damned if those children were caught on the camera and therefore garnering the Augustine Society's attention, he would not let those children fall in that society's horrifying fingers).
Having done all of that, the vampire -who still couldn't quite believe that he was free and in the outside world- was tailing a rather worried Grayson Gilbert and his car.
The despicable man, who had no heart and no remorse, who had done horrific experiments on him because he was a vampire and therefore, in the doctor's eyes, unable to feel.
It was tempting.
Turning of his emotions that is, but Enzo reasoned that his emotions were what connected him to his humanity, and had he been human he wouldn't have had the luxury to turn off his emotions, so why should he turn them off when he was a vampire? Why should he get that momentary relief as a vampire when he couldn't have had it if he was a human? It was a simple matter of Ethics. Besides, he had always thought it was the coward's way out.
Ironically, he found that Grayson Gilbert lived in Mystic Falls (the same place where Atticus and Zatanna said they did and if he remembered from a far off memory, it was also Damon Salvatore's birth town).
For a moment, he considered whether he should let the man go; he had his own family, Enzo could recall from the rambles of the remorseless doctor as he cut him open to extract his kidneys. But remembering that memory also fueled his rage, the memory of his resigned helplessness made him unforgiving.
So with a silent apology to the Doctor's family, Enzo stepped on a bridge, standing right in the middle of the road, a sign by said construct read 'Wickery Bridge'. The Doctor was talking on his phone and hadn't quite noticed him yet, but when he did it was too late.
The human man swerved the steering wheel of his car violently but this unfortunately led to him driving straight of the bridge and into the river below.
Enzo felt nothing as he stared at the sinking car, his ears could easily hear the panicked heartbeat of the man in the car, until it slowed down and there was nothing left.
He had contemplated killing the man himself, to sink his fangs within his neck and bite so hard that his very head would tear off but then again, the vampire didn't want to put any effort in his death, he wanted the doctor to die a meaningless and worthless death. He wanted to show him that he did not matter at all, that he wasn't worth killing.
Releasing a breath he wasn't sure he had held, he watched the car sink completely, only its hood barely visible, and Enzo turned away. He contemplated hunting down Damon Salvatore's treacherous arse and setting it on fire but something stopped him.
Yes, he had plots to make, an Augustine Society to murder but then he remembered honest and glowing teal-sea green eyes and an invitation to stay with them; no sign of deception and only genuine care visible. He didn't know why but something in him tugged, it filled with warmth at the thought of the two children who freed him, who offered him a place to stay, who essentially saved his life.
Enzo turned and ran.
He followed the vague directions the two magical siblings had given him until he stood before a homely and yet expensive looking mansion. The tall glass doors and windows revealed warm spotlights that lit up the inside of the structure.
It was late, nearing 1:00 am. And the lights remained on as if the inhabitants were waiting for something…or perhaps, someone.
He gave into that urge to walk up to the front door and, reaching forward, he pressed the bell buzzer.
He heard running footsteps, and through the glass he caught sight of relieved grins and happy eyes. The door opened and he barely registered the man who had an uncanny resemblance to the children following behind.
"You came," Atticus smiled, bouncing on his feet.
"I did." He answered, trying to smile, it felt strange to do so.
Thin yet strong arms wound around his waist again and he was taken aback to find the girl -Zatanna- hugging him. Again.
"I'm glad," She grinned up at him. "Now, would you like to come in, Enzo?"
Enzo. They had called him Enzo.
My friends call me Enzo. His own voice resounded in his mind and for some unspeakable reason he was relieved. He was welcomed and what a beautiful feeling that was.
"It would be my pleasure," He responded in his British-accented drawl as opposed to their Spanish-accented one.
And as he stepped over the threshold of their house, Enzo felt like he had come home.
Additional Information: thou - singular informal, subject (Thou art here. = You are here.)
thee - singular informal, object (He gave it to thee.)
ye - plural or formal, subject
you - plural or formal, object
Furthermore; 'Thou' is historically perceived in Yorkshire (England) as being disrespectful, or over-familiar in a formal context, e.g; if used to address a teacher, or upon greeting a stranger. However, 'thee' is perceived to be more respectful.
Date of Births:
Ignacio Asturias: 12th May, 1968.
Pauline Bennett: 1st January, 1969.
Atticus Bennett-Asturias: 7th August, 1990.
Zatanna Bennett-Asturias: 31st October, 1992.
All other birthdays of canon characters are as have been listed according to Wikia, with the only exception being those who's birthdays have not been given, of which I shall take liberty of giving them specific dates of birth myself.
A/N: Okay, so I apologize for the delay in updating but I swear I was drowning in exams, in fact my last one was yesterday. I updated as soon as I could and thank you guys for being patient with me.
On that note;
Wow.
The response received was amazing and you people are so awesome! The reviews were heartwarming.
Thank you for all the views, favorites, follows and reviews. On the topic of reviews; thank you so much; Kristina'sMyName, Adhara Snow, Alessandra12 (I made the corrections suggested, love, and don't worry, I'm not offended at all. On the contrary, I care very much about what you had to say), marlastiano, RebeliousOne, DarkDust27, RedAro, AlianaGabriellaWinchester17, AyonSage, keikei313, PrincessMagic, Smiling Seshat, Lotte2265, Pheonix Labonair, DevilSurvivor, mybrainexploded and Annie (Thank you so much for saying that, it was flattering to read and I blushed the whole while), for leaving your reviews, its motivation I tell you.
Further thanks to Leah Petrova and JollyLoser for adding this story in their respective communities; 'Diaries of the Displaced' and 'Can't Get Enough Of'.
Anyways, hope you enjoy this chapter.
Like/Favorite and Review/Comment, please. I respond to all reviews via PM.
Translations:
Querida hermana: Dearest/Dear sister or Sister Dear.
Seňorita Bonita: Miss Bonita.
Hermana: Sister.
Tía abuela: Grand-Aunt.
Seňor: Sir.
Seňor Henry: Sir/Mister Henry.
Note: All translations were taken with the help of Google. If there are any mistakes, I would like to apologize as I do not know how to speak the language.
"Mors nobis favet; Death favors us."
-The Asturias Family Motto-
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction; I do not claim any ownership over any characters, situations or anything of relation from the TVD world. I do, however, own the Asturias Family, anything related to them, any other Original-Character introduced and the plot of this particular story.