Idiosyncrasies of Death

by AndrianaWarrior7

Kol Mikaelson/SI-OC "Death favors us." Guidelines on how to deal with life, death, life after death and all the general stupidity that, undoubtedly, follows...In hindsight, she realized that she should've just stayed dead. But, let it be known; Zatanna Bennett-Asturias never does things half-arsed. Full Teen-Version summary inside.

9. Chapter VII:

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.

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Therapy: Definition: (Noun) 1. Treatment intended to relieve or heal a disorder. 2. The treatment of mental or psychological disorders by psychological means.

'Sometimes it takes dealing with a disability–the trauma, the relearning, the months of rehabilitation therapy–to uncover our true abilities, and how we can put them to work for us in ways we may have never imagined.'

-Tammy Duckworth-

'~Give me a therapy, I'm a walking travesty, But I'm smiling at everything, Therapy, You were never a friend to me, And you can keep all your misery.~'

-Therapy; All Time Low-

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Chapter VII:

25th June, 2004; Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Elena sobbed.

Admittedly, Zatanna grimaced at the sheer panicked expression painting the doppelgänger's face, this was a reaction she had been anticipating.

"Oh god, oh god. Nononononononono," The doppelgänger blubbered, her hands fisted in her dark hair and she slumped down on the large, slate grey colored couch in their living room.

The rest of the baby Scooby gang were scattered around the room looking just as stricken as Elena felt; Tyler and Jeremy had claimed the seats on either side of Elena's on the couch, Bonnie sat on the rug covered wooden floor with Atticus, Matt had taken to pacing in front of the couch and both Enzo and her father were, once more, seated on the charcoal arm chairs on either side of the ornate fire place.

Zatanna, herself, was sitting on one of the pair of one-seater sofas by the right of the couch with Caroline squeezed in next to her and both faced Vicki, who was curled up on the sofa opposite of them, at the left of the couch.

No one quite knew what to do as Elena cried earnestly and Zatanna bit her lip, regretting telling her about Katerina and the importance of the doppelgänger to Klaus.

Her father, however, had no such reservations as he calmly stood up from his seated position with all the grace of a prowling feline; his movements sleek and confident (she aspired to have such mastery and control over her body) as he approached the crying doppelgänger.

With an unreadable expression but soft eyes he crouched in front of Elena, reached out and brought her in the warm cocoon of his arms.

He murmured gently in her ear but it only seemed to make the crying brunette sob harder, hiccuping and gasping she had buried her face in Ignacio's chest and had her hands fisted desperately in his shirt.

"I…I'm g-going to die!" She wailed in a hoarse voice and Zatanna's heart broke.

"No, you're not, Seňorita, this I swear to you on my name as an Asturias." Her father whispered solemnly to the crying girl, smoothing back her hair and rubbing calming circles on her back.

Zatanna pushed away the sudden irrational (and stupid) jealousy that arose because she knew how comforting her father's hugs could be; his proper and special hugs, that is.

His hugs were rare and his true ones rarer still.

He did not give them often and if he did they were short, lasting a few mere seconds. But sometimes, he would give these long and fierce hugs and the person on the receiving end would feel as if all was right in the world. As if nothing was wrong while they were wrapped in her father's warm, comforting and (typically with his family) loving embrace.

"We're going for a drive," Her father announced, standing tall and already ushering the young brunette out of the living room, he sent a brief glance in Enzo's direction before sweeping his eyes over the rest of the shaken children, "I promise you," He spoke somberly, his eyes; nothing short of resembling a raging storm. Both eyes, somehow, seemed comforting as they –just for a moment- seemed to glow luminously, "No harm will befall on any of you."

Caroline and Bonnie were crying silently and while her cousin was being comforted by Atticus, Zatanna had taken to wrapping an arm around the usually cheerful blonde.

There was a moment of deafening silence as both Elena and her father left the mansion and it was broken only by a violent curse from Tyler.

"We can't let that happen," His eyes were much too wide and his movements, as he got up from the couch and stalked haphazardly around the room, were jerky and distinctly wild, "Elena can't d-die!"

"And she won't." Atticus interjected, "Well…not exactly, that is." Here he shared a glance with his younger sister, both looking a little more than uncomfortable.

Jeremy narrowed his eyes dangerously and Zatanna could suddenly see why he would be chosen as a supernatural hunter who was part of the Brotherhood of the Five. His eyes; so reminiscent of his own sister's (or cousin?) were the same doe brown shade but where Elena's eyes glinted with mischief and shone with laughter, her younger brother's had suddenly hardened until all Zatanna could see was an impenetrable brown wall staring back at her.

It was unnerving to see such an expression on a ten-year old boy.

"Explain, please," Jeremy began softly, leaning forward, "Because this is my sister we're talking about."

Caroline lifted her head from where it rested upon Zatanna's shoulder and looked at the Spanish witch confused and with trembling lips.

"I don't understand." She spoke in a wobbling voice, as if she was straining to sound relatively normal.

"Yeah, we have to save her," Bonnie intoned, determination lining her features before she took note of the pointed silence coming from both her Asturias cousins and Enzo and her expression faltered, "Right?" She asked suddenly unsure and fearful.

"Not exactly," Zatanna grimaced, ignoring the sudden attention and accusing stares she gathered.

"How could you?" Tyler growled in outrage, "This is Elena we're talking about and you're telling me that you're not gonna help her?"

"What do you mean, 'not exactly'?" Jeremy jumped up, his eyes flashing with hurt and anger. "You're witches and you won't even try to help her?"

"Don't," Vicki cut in warningly, her jade eyes watching them all carefully, "Let them talk."

"Thank you Vicki," Zatanna spoke tiredly, now came the hard part, "What we mean is that we're not going to stop Klaus from finding her," Zatanna scowled at the immediate uproar of voices and instead continued in a sharper tone of voice, "And when he finds her, do you know what we're going to do?"

"Save Elena?" Matt almost shrieked hysterically.

"No," Atticus refuted her statement calmly, "We're going to let him perform the ritual."

A momentary pause and Zatanna closed her eyes because she was certain this was merely the calm before the storm.

Lo and behold, proving her correct, everyone (including Vicki) immediately began protesting loudly.

Enzo was quiet, and Zatanna could feel through their bond that he was leaving this for them to handle. A wise decision. The baby Scooby gang, no matter how welcoming they had been towards him still did not know him quite well and would not appreciate the vampire's pragmatic opinion.

"What-" Zatanna began loudly so that she was heard clearly over the voices, "-is our main objective concerning Elena in regards to the ritual?"

"Keeping her safe?" Bonnie offered, although upset she looked at her cousin's with utmost trust in her eyes and –Zatanna found- it meant the world to her.

"Wrong," Zatanna corrected solemnly, "Our objective at the end of the day is keeping Elena alive."

"What's the difference?" Tyler asked snootily.

"Think for a moment," Atticus leaned forward, his elbows braced upon his knees, "Do you really think that when Klaus finds out–and yes, it's a when because it's an inevitable fact that Klaus will discover Elena's presence- he'll simply let her go?"

A stricken silence followed and Atticus smiled grimly.

"Stop being naïve, this is Klaus we're talking about, who never stopped hunting Katerina Petrova even when she became a vampire for the simple fact that she defied him, that she put a major kink in his plans. What makes you think he'll let Elena go? Even if we do manage to somehow prevent Elena from being forced to take part in the ritual, do you really think, Klaus will ever stop hunting her?" Atticus' words were a sharp slap in the face for the rest of the pubescent children, barring his sister, of course.

"Klaus is still hunting Katerina, even after five hundred years. Oh yes, she might have faked her death but Klaus has connections everywhere and do you really think he or any of the other present Originals, being the diabolical masterminds they are, would have actually fallen for Katerina's ruse? Predators like them, they enjoy the hunt the most." Her brother continued.

"And Klaus' fury was so absolute," Zatanna piped in, staring at each of the pale faces looking at Atticus and her, "That he hunted down Katerina's family and slaughtered them like sacrificial animals. To cross him would mean complete destruction for Elena and her family and everyone who helped her escape the ritual," The Asturias witch was not so arrogant to not acknowledge her own weaknesses or another's strength, and as a former soldier it was a lesson she knew all too well, "What we do need to do is simply outsmart him."

"H-how do we do that?" Vicki asked hesitantly, her hand curling around her younger brothers; for his comfort or her own, Zatanna knew not.

Zatanna smirked, "Simple, we let Elena take part of the ritual. But it's going to be on our terms."

This time there was no uproarious protests, only expressions of confusion as they stared at her.

"Now we all know what the ritual entails," Zatanna held up one finger, "First, Klaus needs to have the moonstone which binds the curse upon him, and we know Katerina bargained it for her freedom and it was last known to be in the possession of George Lockwood. Which means it's still in the possession of the Lockwood family."

Tyler's eyes lit up with realization before they hardened over in determination, "I'll find it, I swear." He promised, his eyes; dark and unfathomable.

Atticus nodded appreciatively and sent a half-smile the un-triggered werewolf's way.

"Second, he needs a werewolf, vampire and the doppelgänger to sacrifice; the werewolf and vampire representing both parts of him and the doppelgänger's blood is used to break the curse and as such, she would be the final part of the ritual," Zatanna explained, "Apart from this, he needs a witch to perform the ritual and the entire ritual needs to take place on a spiritually charged spot –usually where there is a lot of concentrated supernatural energy gathered at intersecting ley lines, and its preferable if such a spot is found in the doppelgänger's birth place."

"But how can we outsmart him?" Bonnie looked deeply engrossed in the conversation.

Zatanna grinned and her eyes flashed with subtle power, "I'm glad you asked, sweetheart." She almost purred, "It's because Klaus didn't take into factor one crucial detail."

"What's that?" Matt's eyes; baby blue and much too innocent.

Atticus grinned and took over, "Klaus' main motive for releasing the curse placed upon him is to free his bound werewolf side and to make other hybrids like him."

"But if he does go through with the ritual and Elena does die at the end of it," Zatanna ignored the simultaneous flinches that garnered, "He'll find he won't be able to do so."

"But why?" Caroline sounded completely lost.

"The theory of it is simple, after turning into a hybrid himself, he would proceed to feed his blood to other werewolves and then killing them to begin their transition into hybrids."

"The same way a vampire transitions." Jeremy stated, his eyes now contemplative.

Atticus nodded, "The only difference being that he's turning werewolves into vampires. But he's forgotten one tiny detail. He, himself was born as a werewolf and was turned into a vampire by a spell –a luxury no other werewolf has as they would be turned into hybrids by drinking the Original hybrid's blood- and even then Klaus needed the doppelgänger's blood to unlock that side of his after it had been bound by Nature's magic."

"To make werewolves into vampires and furthermore into successful hybrids, Klaus needs to feed them the doppelgänger's blood as a stabilizing agent." Zatanna concluded.

Bonnie's eyes lit up, "Because he needs Elena's blood to unlock his own hybrid potential, of course the werewolves would be needed to be fed her blood too!"

The Asturias siblings grinned, "And that'll be enough incentive for him to agree to Elena needing to be alive by the end of the ritual."

"Furthermore, we'll offer ourselves as the witches who are needed to perform the ritual." Atticus grinned.

"And a vampire as old as him knows of the Asturias family, vaguely at best, but he would, at the very least, know that we are powerful. And of course, he wouldn't pass up the chance to avail our offered services." Zatanna grinned.

"I do have to hand it to Seňora Esther Mikaelson. She's a devious one, ensuring her son never makes any more abominations like himself." Atticus mused.

"I suppose it would be easy enough to find a vampire and werewolf for Klaus to sacrifice as well." Zatanna commented softly to herself, her mind already deciding on which two individuals she could use.

"W-wait, isn't that wrong?" Caroline said suddenly, looking apprehensive. "You're choosing people for Klaus to sacrifice, to kill!"

A sudden silence followed and it was entirely unnerving as Zatanna stared at them with cold, detached eyes. She had been anticipating such a reaction, and she supposed that now was a good a time as any to rid them of those foolish misconceptions. They might lose a sense of childish optimistic naivety but…

It didn't matter, not in the long run, when they were all, in some way or another connected to the supernatural world. They couldn't afford to see the world in a black and white view when in reality it was an entire spectrum of grays. There was no simple good and bad. Better they learn it sooner rather than later.

"Tell me," She began quietly and coldly, "Do you think everyone who kills someone is bad?"

"Trick question," Matt scowled, "Duh, they are."

Zatanna gave a sudden shark-like grin, "Dumb answer. No, they are not."

"Killing people is wrong." Bonnie said convincingly.

This time Atticus grimaced, "Oh, Seňorita Bonita, if only it were so simple."

"What's your opinion about the soldiers who fight for their country?" Zatanna continued to question, something within her burning with anger at the ignorance shown before her.

They're just children, they don't know any better, Zatanna's mind supplied soothingly, Stay calm.

But it was hard. For some reason, Zatanna –the usually calm and easy-going Zatanna- felt her patience thinning. She felt so angry.

"They're heroes," Tyler frowned, looking lost at the line of Zatanna's questioning.

That particular answer left Zatanna feeling cold all over, before simmering anger took over.

No, they're not. We're not. I'm not. Her thoughts betrayed her.

Her blood roared within her ears, the anger and the sudden stifling panic she was feeling became apparent.

Zatanna wanted to scream.

Her breaths came out harsher and her teeth gnawed at her lower lip, she was losing all control and Zatanna fought with the instinct to give into the overpowering panic. She couldn't lose control. She couldn't lose herself.

Hero.

What an entirely naïve notion.

Is that what the civilians thought? That as a soldier, she, automatically became a fucking hero?

Blank onyx orbs stared up at her, lifeless and dead, torn lips spread open in a frozen smile.

The snarling sob ripped through her throat.

A sudden shout from behind her overtook her hearing senses.

"Saoirse!"

Zatanna snapped her eyes shut, barely controlling a whimper from escaping.

No.

She was no hero.

"Zatanna," Enzo's voice snapped her out of her panic-attack, her eyes snapped open and she stared into warm, soothing ebony-brown (not onyx, not onyx, not onyx) eyes.

"Love," He continued softly, "Breathe."

And just realizing the deep gasps she was emitting, Zatanna swallowed and tried to do exactly as Enzo told her.

Breathe.

He rubbed her back soothingly while whispering quiet assurances in her ear.

"That's it, love, calm down, you're safe." He brushed back the stray strands escaping her French braid and pressed a quick kiss on the top of her head.

Zatanna's heart almost burst with the pure love and adoration she felt for the vampire before her and, as a response, she looped her arms around his neck and hugged him with all the strength she had.

Unlike his typical response (which was tensing comically) he wrapped his own arms around her and held her close.

"Feeling better, sweetheart?"

And just like that, all the anger raging within her drained out, until she was left feeling bone tired and deflated.

After which, of course, she was reminded that she had an audience which was just wonderful.

She cursed under her breath in Greek.

She lifted her face from Enzo's shoulder and cast a wary glance around her. Atticus stood just behind Enzo and other than looking tense, he looked completely unaffected. Zatanna was not fooled, however, she could see his magical aura reacting in a volatile manner and almost seemed to be lashing out.

With softened eyes, she reached out a hand which her older brother grasped immediately, and squeezed it in comfort.

Staring at his scowl she could almost read his thoughts.

I'm the one supposed to be comforting you. His eyes said.

I'll be fine, perhaps a little out of it but ultimately fine, I swear. Her own eyes conveyed.

And finally he relaxed.

The rest of her baby Scooby gang looked shaken and confused, Bonnie immediately making her way over to Zatanna.

"Are you okay?" She asked worriedly, her eyes open wide with fright.

"I will be." Zatanna did not lie, "I might need a hug though." She added for her younger cousin's benefit.

Bonnie immediately wrapped her arms around Zatanna, and the Asturias witch closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth it offered.

Clearing her throat decisively, Zatanna ignored the inquisitive eyes aimed at Atticus and her and instead looked at Enzo, smiling thankfully, which he returned with a calm grin of his own before he got up from his crouched position and moved to stand next to her, the motion entirely protective. Atticus had taken to seating himself on arm of the sofa, on her other side; and so as a result Zatanna was flanked on both sides by her older brothers (because that's exactly what Enzo had become).

"And," Zatanna began again, staring at her hands, "Don't soldiers kill too?"

Her entire audience was speechless.

"Doesn't that make them murderers too?" She continued, "You all seem to agree they're heroes, and maybe they are. But ultimately, they are people too. They might not think of themselves as heroes. Our soldiers might be perceived as enemy murderers to others, just as others are perceived as the same by us."

She swallowed thickly, "How do you know, that the ones soldiers have killed, are innocent or if they deserve it? How do you know anyone who dies is either of those two?" At the horrified expressions facing her, she immediately softened her countenance, "I'm not saying people deserve to die, or that innocent lives are never lost. That's not what I meant."

"My point is, you never know what might occur in the future; what happens if one day, Tyler does accidentally kill someone and unlock his curse? Will you suddenly abandon him or justify his action as an accident? Every death might have its reason, some might not even have that. Innocent lives might be lost. But please, don't just assume everything is good and bad, heroes and villains. The world is not like that. It's not black and white."

"To assume so, it makes you no better than the judgmental servants of nature; who justify everything they do as for the greater good of Nature. It makes you selfish and naïve and pathetic. You have no room to judge others for their actions. You don't, not when you could have done the same, or if you haven't judged yourself first."

Zatanna stared up into Enzo's eyes, letting the warmth and calm in them wash over her, "And if you do kill someone, and it might be inevitable that one of you does –because you are so involved in the supernatural world, it might be impossible not to. Would you justify your actions, defend them and then proceed to judge others for doing the same?"

"The least we can do," And this time, Zatanna was speaking about herself, the firm rule she had established for herself, "Is not justify our actions if they resulted in hurting or even killing someone, it's not fair to the person who died or was hurt. The least we can do…is accept our actions, its consequences and move on. We owe them, that much."

Her brother grabbed her hand in support, "The world is not a happy place." He said in a solemn and grim voice and Zatanna was taken-aback at how much like their father Atticus sounded,

"But…I don't want to kill anyone," Caroline was crying earnestly.

"I will make sure you don't have to," Zatanna promised, "I might fail, but you can be damn well sure that I won't stop trying."

Bonnie wiped at the tears in her own eyes, trying valiantly to control her distressed sobs and Zatanna's magic seemed to react mournfully to the sound of her cries; it didn't settle well within her that she caused her cousin's tears, that she caused any of her pseudo-family's tears.

But, it was necessary.

Better they get rid of any of the prejudiced or judgmental streak they might have left.

They're just children. A stray thought betrayed her.

Biting her lip, Zatanna suddenly regretted what she did, but then she remembered what had occurred in the original timeline.

The future Scooby gang's unwillingness to listen to anyone else, their constant justifications of their own actions as necessary, the immediate judgements passed, the foolish and selfish actions, the labeling of villains and the high and mighty attitude that no other lives mattered more than their own and Elena's.

And her sudden guilt vanished just as quickly as it came.

She was a soldier at heart, she thought with a bitter smile, and in a battlefield, in the war, miscalculations like the aforementioned ones, and the sheer stupidity of them could cost you your life and many more as well.

Selfish actions, foolish self-righteousness and naivety did not matter in a battle. Alliances did. Something, the Scooby gang of the original timeline could never grasp.

Which brought her to her next point.

"Now, keeping Elena safe." She changed the topic as quickly as she breathed, "The Originals, well the ones who are currently un-daggered-"

"Elijah and Klaus, right?" Vicki confirmed, looking just as shaken as her crying brother, but like Tyler, she did not allow herself to weep and in fact welcomed the change in topic.

Atticus nodded, seeing the direction of conversation Zatanna was steering to, "All the Originals possess a network of communication, the current active ones belong to the youngest three Original brothers. Elijah, Klaus and Kol."

"But wait," Jeremy asked from where he was sitting next to Caroline, an arm wrapped around her shoulder in comfort, "Isn't Kol daggered?"

Atticus gave a half-smile in response, "Kol is…you know, he's…he's said to be the most volatile, intelligent and cunning of the Originals, which is saying a lot because Klaus is one conniving mastermind himself. Kol's established network never stops working, they consist of witches he's allied himself to, as well. The ones Klaus or any of the other Originals have allied themselves to; they fear their respective superior Original instead of respect, that makes their loyalty fickle. Not Kol's though, his network, his allies respect him and that-that keeps them working so that when he wakes again they will not have failed him."

"It's admirable truly," Enzo sounded appreciative, "It makes you wonder, what kind of a man Kol Mikaelson is truly like?"

Zatanna allowed herself to wonder the same, she had long since learned the show only portrayed its characters in a 2-D manner. Now living, in that particular world, she could gather that everyone had so much more depth to their characters, certain quirks and habits that were never shown in the show, certain changes in their appearance that marked them subtly different than what little she remembered of how they looked like.

She had discovered this fact a little later on (a fact she was ashamed to admit); fact being that she might stare at a person and recognize who they were in the show, but Zatanna discovered that she couldn't remember their appearance. Not truly, that is.

When she had first met Enzo, she instinctively knew who he was, perhaps it was attributed to the knowledge she had, but prior to the meeting, she hadn't really remembered what he looked like.

She supposed it was a side effect to her rebirth.

And then she wondered, how the Originals would be like when she met them in person.

Zatanna cursed herself for looking forward to such an event.

"Anyways, Papa has his own supernatural network as well; one he shares with Tío Lázaro, apparently. And he encouraged us to form our own." Atticus continued, "Enzo here has volunteered to help us manage it."

"Translation, I'm going to be doing the main brunt of the work," Enzo smirked.

"Only because no one takes children seriously." Zatanna scoffed.

"Indeed." The former Augustine-vampire rolled his eyes fondly.

"So we're going to be tracking Klaus and Elijah's movements, even Katerina's." Atticus explained.

"Katerina's weird." Matt shuddered.

"Yeah, I can't believe she played the Salvatore brothers like that." Tyler gagged.

"Elijah and Trevor, too," Bonnie scowled. "Poor Rose. She has to constantly be on the run for Trevor and Katerina's mistakes."

Zatanna grinned tiredly, feeling strangely proud of all these children who were hers.

"We'll keep track of their movements and any other threats that might target Elena or any of you, I'll try to keep you safe to the best of my ability. I solemnly swear it." Zatanna gave her oath, her magic quivering with the power; binding the promise she made.

"You know," Caroline mused, "I still can't believe most of our parents are part of some vampire-killing society."

"I know!" Tyler pointed at her animatedly, "It sounds so weird."

Enzo snorted.

And Zatanna wondered why she surrounded herself with these idiots (Also no, she did not sound fond while thinking this).

---

8th December, 2005; Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Tyler raced into the Asturias living room, where in the entire past year, everyone had taken to meeting for group therapy sessions; each of them (that included Zee, Ace and Enzo) had private, individual sessions with the patriarch of the Asturias family but they also had group sessions so they could work through common problems together.

As it was, Tyler found it reassuring and comforting he could share his problems involving his parents (key word: his father) with a reasonable and responsible adult (besides Mister A was cool).

"I've found it!" He announced triumphantly, the immediate feeling of success he was feeling seemed to overpower him, "I've found the moonstone!"

"Who cares?" Zee refuted uncharacteristically. "We have more important things to worry about."

And successfully stomping all over his feelings of triumph, Tyler was left blinking at the Asturias witch in confusion.

"Like what?" He asked, flabbergasted.

Matt laughed at his expression and ignored the scowl he received in return.

Ace and Zee gave him similar grins of excitement (the un-triggered werewolf swore those two looked more like twins every passing day), in fact Zee seemed to be bouncing on her feet.

"Like Narnia!" The Asturias witch squealed.

"What the fuck?" Tyler deadpanned, looking and feeling creeped out (because Zee never squealed, it was apparently beneath her), he glanced at an amused Elena (and ignored the sudden giddiness that overtook his senses when she turned her big doe eyes towards him), "Are they high?"

"Language," Mister A sent an unreadable yet entirely intimidating glance in his direction.

Tyler apologized.

"No," Elena grinned, her eyes glinting with mischief, "They're excited."

.

.

.

"Sooo, they're not okay." Tyler summarized.

A cushion met his face and Tyler winced while also hiding a grin.

"Cállate," Zee grinned good-naturedly, her long hair pulled up in a high ponytail, "The Chronicles of Narnia's first movie is releasing tomorrow!"

"Do you have any idea, how long we've been waiting for this moment?" Ace agreed.

"I'm pretty sure that's not more important than the moonstone…you know, the one that Tyler just mentioned he found." Vicki interjected, looking up from the book she was reading.

"Where is it?" Jeremy asked eagerly.

Tyler deflated.

"Yeah, about that, I don't have it."

A pause.

"Gee, Tyler," Bonnie began sarcastically, she didn't look at him, her eyes instead concentrated upon the open grimoire placed on her lap, "You're so helpful."

"Yeah, you scrounge around my dad's study, when I've been so obviously forbidden to enter it." He scowled, his lips pulling downwards, before wincing when the movement caused pain to bloom across his jaw.

Enzo and Mister A immediately zeroed in on the movement, "You're hurt." The vampire frowned and Mister A's expression fell into that blank canvas, something which Tyler had learned to be wary of.

"What? No, of course not." He tried to deny, internally panicking and hoping against hope that the make-up foundation on his face hadn't rubbed away.

Caroline watched him like a hawk and Tyler knew she was noticing all his little movements (internally, he cursed her perceptiveness).

"That's…you have make-up on your face!" Elena got up from her seat worriedly (Tyler changed his mind, he cursed Elena's perceptiveness, no matter how pretty she was).

But it was Zee who reached him first, her own face mirrored her fathers as she rubbed away the foundation lining his jaw with a gentleness he did not expect.

He clenched his jaw (and then once more winced when it caused his jaw to ache), and studiously did not look anyone in the eye.

Matt and Caroline gasped when the bruise, adorning his entire jawline on the left side of his face and spread to the corner of his lips, became visible.

"Damn it, Tyler, who did this?" Matt's anger was apparent through his voice as he ran an agitated hand through his short blonde strands.

Ace came to stand behind his sister; the 15-year old Asturias warlock inspected the bruise before sharing a glance with his father.

Tyler got the feeling the entire Asturias family (and that included Enzo, because Tyler was pretty damned sure that Zee and Ace had adopted the vampire) was furious. But like always, they're anger was quiet, almost calculative.

Now, as it was, Tyler, of all people, was familiar with anger; bright explosive, erupting anger. He, himself, knew all about the intense feelings that accompanied the loss of temper, the sheer quaking anger that could consume a person's entire being.

But it was an anger that depended upon and resulted in the loss over control of emotions and ability to think rationally.

He had learned that most people possessed such anger. Such loss of tempers.

As it was, Tyler was not afraid of such anger.

What he was deathly terrified of was the ice cold fury possessed by any individual; because it meant that single individual's ability to think, to use their brains becomes tenfold. Because igniting such a fury meant preparing for a losing war; it meant being completely and irrevocably defeated before one even stepped upon the battlefield.

To be the object of such a fury was dangerous. Because, if they had to, the person possessing such a fury would wait years to gain retribution.

Such a fury did not entail loss of control or drowning in overwhelming emotions. It meant complete awareness and that was absolutely frightening.

Tyler was well-aware that the Asturias family and Enzo possessed such a fury.

In that single moment, where they watched his bruise with frightening blank eyes, they ceased to be simply Mister A or Ace or Zee or even Enzo…

In their place stood the formidable Spanish Lord; Ignacio Asturias, his similarly daunting children; Atticus and Zatanna and their entirely intimidating family member and cherished vampire; Lorenzo St. John.

Tyler shivered.

"Did your father hit you?" Atticus (and yes, Tyler felt compelled –Ha! did you see what he did there- to make such a distinction because playful, clever Ace had been replaced with the heir to the Lordship of Lazcano) asked rather bluntly.

Tyler swallowed, "He…I-I was caught snooping around in his study." He was hesitant to confess, "I didn't give him a straight answer so he…"

Tyler would forever deny that his breath hitched in that one moment, but in reality, it had. Confessing the fact, had also led to him recalling the fear and shock he had felt at that moment.

His father had hit him. He had, with no doubt, raised his hand and struck Tyler. Sure, they had terrible arguments before and sometimes Tyler would stay up late at night listening to his parents yelling at each other before his mother would collapse in tears and his father would leave the house in a huff, but never before had Richard Lockwood physically attacked him.

He knew the were-wolf gene was partly to blame for that horrible loss in temper, but, he also knew it could be controlled.

He, himself had issues with his temper, but Mister Asturias had given him calming exercises and encouraged him to release his pent up frustrations in healthy manners (sports, mostly, but he also encouraged early morning runs).

The most useful calming technique, or well, the most effective one for him was where he had to concentrate on a single calming focus point (image, object or person, it didn't matter); imagine it in his mind and steady his breathing.

(Doe Brown eyes flashed through his mind, and Tyler decided he would never admit to those being his focus point, ever.)

Anyways, Tyler resented his father for being so controlling, so over bearing and so quick to anger. To be so out of control that he would easily lose himself to his anger and then to not even try to control himself.

"Loss of control and losing yourself to your anger is the most basic and childish of mistakes, Tyler," Mister Asturias' voice resonated through his head, "When you succumb to losing yourself in your anger and the raging emotions it brings with it, you will find that you have already lost."

Suddenly, Tyler felt ashamed for baring his problems in plain view in front of everyone, they were his problems to deal with. He shouldn't need anyone's help, he especially didn't want pity-filled stares aimed at him.

"Don't be foolish," Ignacio Asturias' stern voice pulled him out of his, admittedly dangerous thoughts, "No one will judge you here, nor pity you. Or have you forgotten? You all know each other's secrets. There is no room for shame, do not allow such thoughts to plague you. You are much closer to your companions than that. It would be equivalent to spitting on the trust they have offered you."

Tyler's thoughts silenced at the commanding yet lazily delivered words. How was it, that Mister Asturias always seemed to know what was going on in his head? Was he that easy to read? Or was it a magic thing?

"Papa is right, of course," Zatanna continued in a no-nonsense tone of voice, "Now, since you went through such trouble, tell us where the moonstone is."

The un-triggered werewolf stared at the conniving gleam flashing through her eyes and suddenly felt nervous, he knew that the entire of the magical Spanish family held great dislike for his parents; his father for obvious reasons and his mother because of her overbearing nature where she constantly tried to involve herself in the affairs of the aristocratic Spanish family and she had also recently started encouraging Tyler to (ugh) pursue Zatanna.

"You'd make such a nice couple, Tyler dear." She had once said, "And she comes from such a nice family."

Tyler loved his mother with everything he had but when it came to this matter…

No.

Just…no.

Zatanna was a lot like a big sister who always watched out for him, he would never see her in the way his mother was pushing him to (ew).

Besides, he already had a crush on someone.

"I would like to point out that I really don't like that look in your eyes." Tyler spoke weakly.

Zatanna grinned a shark-like smile, her beautiful eyes lighting up with a familiar kind of mischief, and Tyler was relieved to see that Zee was back (partially).

"Oh, Seňor Lockwood," Zee almost purred, "You really shouldn't either. Now tell me where the moonstone is."

"Better do it," Caroline looked proud? What even-? "She's a woman on a mission."

"I think I would approve of this mission." Elena looked almost reverent of the mischief on Zee's face, she sent him a reassuring glance as well (although, her eyes glinted with anger and sadness when they caught sight of the ugly bruise on his face).

"Count me in." Bonnie smirked, resembling her cousins in that moment (Tyler was pretty sure that their Asturias friends were a horrible influence).

"I'll cover you." Vicki offered offhandedly.

Jeremy and Tyler exchanged an alarmed glance.

"We better get to it quickly, though," Ace (and yes, Ace was back too) cautioned. "After all, we have Narnia to get to."

"That's tomorrow." Matt offered hesitantly.

"Exactly," The Asturias warlock looked like he couldn't be bothered but also like he was doing them all some big favor, "We have much to prepare for."

"I swear, you're all weird." Jeremy rolled his eyes.

"You're only just now discovering this fact?" Enzo smirked mockingly.

"No, I mean," Jeremy then proceeded to point at the females of their group, "Them, I get, they're girls." The Gilbert ignored the uproar at that, "They're always weird. But you and Ace, I've found to be just the same. How do you handle them, Mister A?" Jeremy aimed a long-suffering glance at the Asturias patriarch.

"I ignore them," Came the blunt response accompanied with a devious smirk.

"Back to the topic at hand," Zee snapped her fingers near Tyler's face, her face gave nothing away save for amusement but Tyler got the feeling she was as angry as she had been before, in fact, he knew she (and the rest of her family) was as angry as before.

They were masking it, however.

For his sake.

Tyler was overcome with intense fondness for his Spanish friends.

"Yeah?" He responded to Zee's statement.

Her grin grew disturbingly wide.

"Leave your window open, will you, querido?"

Tyler began contemplating his life choices and wondered how he had landed in such a situation.

He also sent a prayer for his father.

Good luck to him.

(Even though, he did deserve what was coming to him).

---

Later that night, Zatanna was given a piggyback ride courtesy of Enzo to the Lockwood mansion.

As it was, she currently stood beneath Tyler's bedroom window with her brother and adopted vampire. Usually the security system would have been a problem for anyone else when sneaking in someone's house but a wave of Atticus' finger had disabled all the cameras and warning systems, leaving the trio unworried.

A careless glance towards her wrist watch showed it two in the morning and that she had ample time to accomplish what she had come to do.

"You'll need a boost." Enzo observed, "And I can't get inside the house, as you well know."

Which, of course, she did. Enzo had remained discreet and as such none of the prominent families (i.e the apparent founder families; conveniently those who were part of the vampire hunting council) knew of Enzo's presence.

"His window is open," Her tall older brother mused (he had shot up another two inches in the past year and now stood at 6'1, his constant physical exercises had also caused his previously lanky limbs in filling out, resulting in him looking much less awkward than before –she would, however, like to point out, his stiff facial hair remained, it was hilarious).

Atticus then turned to look down at his significantly shorter sister expectantly (she would defend herself by saying that she too had grown two inches in the previous year and was now the tallest female of their group; standing at 5'7).

The thirteen-year old witch raised both her brows at her brother, "What? Don't expect me to give you a boost," She chuckled disdainful, before continuing in a grumble, "I get enough of that in our training lessons."

Atticus rolled his eyes and ruffled her hair, in which's response she smacked his hand away.

"Children," Enzo interjected in an exasperated tone of voice, "Don't fight."

Zatanna privately marveled at how much their adopted vampire brother sounded like their father.

Atticus apparently thought the same as he leveled the vampire with a disbelieving expression, "Clearly, you're spending too much time with Papa." He remarked.

Enzo smirked before bracing his back against the wall below Tyler's bedroom window and cupping his hands in front of him, "Do hurry, will you?" The former Augustine-Vampire scowled, speaking in his smooth British-accented tenor.

Atticus did not reply, instead he swiftly moved, placing a foot within Enzo's cupped hands and using it as a platform; her brother lithely jumped up, his fingers easily grasping the windowsill before he pulled himself up and slipped within the open window with impressive catlike grace.

Zatanna hoped she looked just as impressive as her lean older brother.

Atticus popped his head out of the window and gestured at her to follow and so Zatanna too repeated her brother's movements.

Put a foot in Enzo's hands and push herself up towards the sill, where she deftly and athletically pulled herself within the room.

The room was pitch black and warm (thanks to the internal heating system) and she found Atticus standing by the bedroom door, looking at her with impatient eyes. Zatanna's own gaze, however, found itself fixed upon the snoring un-triggered werewolf lying asleep and oblivious on his bed.

She snorted, amused, at the loud guttural snores escaping his mouth but the amusement soon dashed away once she caught sight of the dark bruise smattering his face.

Pursing her lips, Zatanna scowled, her dislike for Richard Lockwood having evolved into hatred and she bit her tongue in an attempt to keep the loud, vicious promises of retribution at bay.

All good comes to those who wait. A vengeful voice purred in her mind's eye.

She tilted her head to the side, until the cold anger pulsing through her veins calmed; it was still present, thrumming beneath her fingertips but she did not allow it to overtake her common senses.

Her lips tugged into a smile once she caught sight of Tyler's night-wear and she smothered the sudden hysterical urge to laugh.

He wore a full-sleeved thermal T-shirt with Bambi decorating the front and mismatched pajama bottoms that were littered with small little bunnies.

Fearsome werewolf, indeed.

With a grin, the Asturias witch nicked the black marker lying on his study table and approached the young supernatural and scrawled a message across his visible collarbone:

You're welcome ;)

Atticus huffed a laugh in her ear before whispering, "Add a moustache on his face."

Zatanna paused before nodding sagely and doing just that.

Atticus pulled her away the moment she was done, shushing her amused, mischievous giggles as Tyler murmured in his sleep and turned on his side, his back facing them.

"Come on, querida hermana," Atticus slowly opened the bedroom door and the siblings walked lightly out of the room and towards where they knew Mayor Lockwood's study room was located.

The door of said room was locked but Zatanna snapping her fingers had it opening with ease, the room was organized and decorated with, admittedly, tasteful pieces of furniture and other home décor.

Both siblings, before entering, swept their eyes across the room in a calculative glance; observing all possible exits, entries and items that could be used to their advantage or disadvantage. Observing the minor disturbances across the entirety of the room (and what it told about its usual inhabitant) and carefully slotting away said interpretations for future analysis.

It was an ingrained habit for the both of them; Zatanna having already possessed it (much to her father's pleasure) since young age, a fact attributed to her previous status as a soldier, and Atticus having it ingrained into his habits from the moment he could gain a semblance of situational awareness.

'Never doubt the simple power; observation, common sense and intellect can bring you, hijos míos.' Her father's wise words resounded in her ears.

Atticus walked in a careful yet assured manner to the painting behind the dark wooden desk; his foot falls light (another trait attributed to their physical training) and his movements sleek and elegant.

She followed her brother, closing the door behind her as she did, and watched as he lifted a painting from its perch against the wall behind the desk. And as the electronic built in safe came into sight, Zatanna had to suppress her immediate eye-roll; why was it that most people hid their safe lockers behind obvious, gaudy paintings?

Internally, she was also impressed with Tyler being resourceful enough to avail the opportunity to inspect the safe when it presented itself. The fact Richard Lockwood had left said safe open, even for a moment, showed much about his care for responsibilities.

However, Tyler seemed to pay for his actions when the Mayor caught his son examining the insides of his safe (no matter, by the time she was through with the Mayor; he would regret even thinking about hurting his son).

Atticus barely blinked at the keypad and the password needed to open the metal strongbox; this was where Tyler could not help them, as he had no idea what the password was.

Her older brother cast a critical glance across the room once more before tilting his head thoughtfully, "A man like Mayor Lockwood believes himself to be a self-important one, with a rather large ego…" He muttered thoughtfully before turning back to the safe, his eyes glowing as he hovered a single hand over the keypad.

"What's your theory?" She asked, curious to hear her brother's thoughts.

He glanced down at her with a half-smile, "The day he became Mayor."

Zatanna nodded in agreement, it would make sense, and Richard Lockwood (bloody, violent arsehole that he was) did indeed hold a primarily controlling personality and was obsessed with his self-image, importance and worth.

"Now, just to confirm it," Atticus glanced at the keypad and after a slight sizzling sound being heard; visible green fluorescent fingerprint marks appeared over the keypad.

Zatanna smirked; whoever had said magic didn't work well with technology obviously did not either broaden their horizons by outsmarting such innate rules or were bound to bloody Mother Nature.

Personally, she thought it was a mixture of both.

Atticus had his own smirk of triumph painted across his lips as he stared at the numbers that had lit up with finger print marks; "The same digits of numbers present in the date of when he became Mayor."

Sending a careless glance her way he punched in the date and the safe clicked open (as if she expected anything else).

There were many miscellaneous items present; multiple thick wads of dollar bills, family heirlooms, bottles of precious alcohol and various black pouches.

With a shrug, she reached forward and grabbed one of the pouches; opening the cover only to close it when it didn't display what she was looking for. The process repeated itself until Atticus, who had joined in the search paused and grinned when he looked into one of the last pouches.

"Ay, hello precious," Atticus emptied the contents of the pouch in his hand and grinned at the sight of the milky pale stone.

Zatanna moved closer to her brother, tracing a finger against the stone's smooth surface; she could feel restrained magic humming within the solid object and as much as she despised Esther Mikaelson (it was actually sad when she thought about the amount of people she hated in this universe, the number being quite a lot, but hey; at least she was honest), she would acknowledge the woman was learned.

She stole the spell from Ayana, our maternal ancestor, Her mind reminded her. So in virtue of context, it was the knowledge of the Bennett line which granted Esther the power to give her family immortality.

With a smirk playing over her features, the thirteen-year old witch dimly wondered what exactly happened to Ayana's grimoire. Perhaps, she should ask her grand-aunt?

"Phase one for the night, completed," Atticus grinned, mischief lighting up his teal-sea green eyes, "I say we have quite some time to accomplish phase two. What do say, pequeňa seňorita?" He continued in their native tongue.

"You're forgetting phase one point five," She replied briskly in return, the lilting Spanish words leaving her lips in a whisper.

He stared at her uncomprehending, and sighing irritably she held up a smooth dark stone; roughly the same size as the moonstone.

His lips circled until they formed an 'o' of realization and he then smiled sheepishly at her unimpressed stare.

Zatanna eyed the black stone critically, before gazing at the moonstone; changing the entire property of the stone was typically a tiring task for a normal Wiccan; it required special materials, specific rare conditions applied to an incantation before the property of an object could be changed completely; and it might still hold a risk of failure.

Alchemy; Magical alchemy at that, was an especially interesting topic.

For herself (with her status as an Asturias), it was a much less complicated matter. She needed to magically carve the Egyptian hieroglyphs for appearance upon both stones (in current case; Atticus manipulating flames into said carvings and engraving them upon both stones-one magical and the other decidedly ordinary, with both hovering mid-air) and silently murmur a magical verse of ancient Egyptian origin.

The smooth black stone faded in color until it shifted into a pearly, milky white color and there were no visible differences between both stones.

Atticus snagged the real moonstone out of the air and slipped it into the pocket of his dark blue denim jeans. Zatanna, on the other hand, grabbed the magical stone's doppelgänger (Ha! See what she did there) and inspected it for any differences. Aside from the lack of magical aura, the stone held no major alterations.

A simple strengthening spell later (so the fake stone would withstand any attempts at destruction and to also leave behind a magical residue, so that no one suspected it was a fake), Zatanna slipped the fake-stone into the black pouch and placed the pouch in its proper place before closing the safe and covering it with the picture frame.

She turned to find Atticus grinning at her, his smile decidedly vulturine and resembling more of a show of baring teeth than a grin.

"Show time."

Zatanna grinned in return.

---

The next morning found Zatanna, Atticus and Enzo seated around the island in the warm kitchen of the Asturias mansion, all three sniggering at a set of developed pictures.

A maid placed steaming hot plates of their breakfast in front of them, an indulging smile on her young face.

"Where do you get all these ideas?" Enzo sounded admiring, biting his lip in order to control the laughter that threatened to burst forth.

Zatanna looked away from sending a brief smile in Lola's (the kitchen maid, a pretty woman of twenty-three with sleek chestnut hair and pale blue eyes) direction and gave her pseudo adopted-vampire older brother a mischievous smirk.

"When you enjoy pranking, there are no limits and endless possibilities." She replied promptly.

"Well said, hermana," Atticus nodded sagely, taking a bite of his waffles, "I couldn't have said it better myself."

In front of them lay pictures of Richard Lockwood or someone who once resembled how the mayor of Mystic Falls usually looked like.

The man in the picture had one of his eyebrows waxed off (Zatanna admitted she took inspiration from Paper Towns; a novel which would be written in the future by John Green and was yet to be released) and his hair dyed magically into a neon pink color (the color wouldn't disappear until they willed it too). And in a particularly vindictive move, Atticus had planted a minor persuasion spell in the werewolf Mayor's mind where every time Richard Lockwood would even contemplate physically hurting his wife or child, he would instead punch himself.

Zatanna had thought it was genius.

She longed for the day he would make a public fool of himself (hopefully, said day wasn't too far off).

And finally, upon Enzo's suggestion (the vampire was brilliant) they had taken pictures of the mayor with help of the Polaroid camera the vampire had innocently brought along.

"For insurance purposes, of course, in case the good mayor does not learn his lesson," He had drawled lazily, appreciative of the adoring expressions that suddenly painted both Spaniard's faces.

The giggling (yes, she would admit, they were indeed giggling) trio were brought out of their amused revere when the doorbell started ringing incessantly.

Lola exited the kitchen quickly and proceeded to open the front door from which a huffing form that was Tyler Lockwood barreled through and into the kitchen before launching himself at all three of the occupants.

"Iloveyouohmygodyou'rethebesteveriloveyousomuch-" He rambled so quickly that it was hard to distinguish what he was saying but Zatanna understood the gist of it.

Enzo laughed –an honest to god, deep baritone and light-hearted laugh where just for a moment all his emotional burdens slipped away- and Zatanna's heart practically melted with the warmth she felt (a romanticized concept but true nonetheless).

"I'm glad you liked our surprise!" He grinned wickedly and Zatanna wondered whether they were the bad influence or that Enzo had always possessed such a streak.

"Liked it? Liked it? I LOVED IT!" Tyler yelled throwing his arms in the air, "I am so glad we're friends, I mean I hated the moustache and message but I loved what you did to dad and that-" Tyler faltered in his good cheer before softening and looking so grateful that it was heartbreaking to see, "-that you would do that for me."

"You matter, Tyler." He brother said simply, "All of you do, and like we said before, we always have you're backs, no matter what."

"But," Zatanna jumped in, wanting to get rid of that vulnerable expression painted across the un-triggered werewolf's face (the scribbled moustache on his face, did little to hinder the intensity of his expression), "If you're about to do something stupid, we're also obliged to chew into you and basically troll you until you realize your own ability to be a moron." She was rather fond of that slang; 'trolling', and hence, did not care if it had been invented yet or not.

"And just when I was starting to like you," Tyler replied sarcastically.

Zatanna grinned, "You little shit."

"Learned from the best," He snarked, his dark eyes lighting up with glee.

Zatanna was unashamed to admit she launched herself at the young Lockwood who shrieked (he wouldn't admit it) and, in retaliation, tried to wrestle her into submission.

Needless to say he failed.

The two magical siblings and their father would later drag Tyler to the cinema where they watched the masterpiece that was Chronicles of Narnia (Liam Neeson had such a deep voice; something that still shook her while simultaneously making her sigh dreamily and Edmund Pevensie was still the most relatable character and there was something about his eyes and character development that made Zatanna fancy him. Again.).

The three teenagers also laughed until they cried and collapsed against each other when they encountered a silently fuming Mayor Lockwood on their way out of the cinema; he had both his brows shaved off and an unprofessional and entirely fake looking wig covering his head.

He had glanced at a laughing Tyler, turned a decidedly obvious red color and raised his arm (presumably to drag his son away) only to slam a rather hard punch across his face before falling dazed upon the ground.

Their father had ended up dragging the three wheezing supernatural beings to the parking lot and into the car, and of course, this was not before he, himself, spared a contempt filled glance in the unimpressive mayor's direction.

---

25th October, 2006; en route to the Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Vicki was furious.

Angry tears sprung up in her jade-green eyes and her cheeks were an angry shade of red, her strides were harsh and fast and she had to swallow multiple times to curb that incessant need to scream.

Matt followed behind her, his entire countenance on the opposite spectrum of her own. Where she felt anger coursing through her veins, blood roaring in her ears and was also very close to seeing only red in her vision, Matt was simply upset.

His expression had fallen into a heartbroken one, a defeated one and that only seemed to increase her own livid stance at the entire situation.

(She studiously ignored the ball of hurt that threatened to erupt from within her chest, she was angry, damn it, not sad).

Matt's own baby-blue eyes shone with unshed betrayed tears, his demeanor entirely downcast. She hated seeing that, she hated seeing her little brother so upset, he was responsible and kind and held an innocence which had remained unmarred even after their revelations of the supernatural world. Vicki was supposed to protect that.

The urge to scream seemed harder to resist and thinking about the words hurled at them by their own mother in an uncaring manner seemed only to infuriate her further (she was not feeling hurt, damn it).

"I'm leaving," Kelly Donovan announced that morning, dragging a suitcase behind her, and stumbling her hungover self into the kitchen, opening the glass jar where her children had piled spare money in.

"What?" Vicki had looked up from where she was attempting to finish an English assignment on her rickety second-hand laptop.

Her mother shoved the dollar bills she had scooped up from the jar (every bill and cent; a solid amount of sixty dollars) into her purse and spared a careless glance in her daughter's direction. "Are you deaf, sweetie?" She spoke in a sickeningly sweet tone, "I said I'm leaving."

Vicki scowled at the woman she had the misfortune to call her mother and when her eyes met similar jade-green ones, Vicki had to swallow down the bile that rose at the realization she had often been plagued with; she looked so much like her mother.

Vicki hated that.

"Where are you going? And when are you coming back?" Matt intervened quickly, knowing if the conversation continued in the way it had turned to, an argument was likely to follow.

"I'm leaving with Pete," Kelly replied bored, referring to her current boyfriend "Probably to Florida and I'm not coming back, well not anytime soon."

A momentary silence.

"What?" Vicki repeated her earlier question, her ears ringing with her mother's words and her anger was rising steadily.

"Yeah, yeah, cry if you want to, whatever, just don't call anytime soon," Kelly continued, dragging her feet to the front door, "I'll call if I have to, anyways, catch you later."

"Mom!" Matt, her sweet thirteen-year old brother Matt, stared after their mother in horrified disbelief. "You can't just…you can't just leave us!" He cried out in betrayal, his voice having an odd gasping overtone to it, as if he couldn't quite breathe properly.

"Ugh, don't be clingy Matty, you're old enough to look after yourself, besides I got fired from my job and I'm so done with having all these responsibilities and burdens, I need a long break." Kelly snapped back irritably, opening the front door, sparing a wave to her boyfriend who was leaning against his car.

"Burdens?" Vicki's voice cut through the air with all the sharpness of a knife, Matt had fallen silent and simply stared at his mother with his mouth agape and wounded tears leaking from his eyes. "You think we're burdens?"

The 'duh' look she received in response had her gritting her teeth and Matt gasping in pain.

"How could you?" He croaked out, staring as if he couldn't quite recognize their own mother.

Kelly Donovan rolled her eyes as if they were troubling her, "If you're worried about money, just go to the Gilbert's. Miranda's my best friend, shell spare you a few bucks."

"Fuck. Off." Vicki hissed, fury taking over her entire form with ease.

Kelly huffed and slammed the door shut behind her, a disbelieving silence was left in her wake, and Vicki was dimly aware of tires screeching away from their house.

Her hands trembled and Vicki felt this odd out of body experience as she grabbed her brother's hand and stumbled out of their house, barely stopping to lock the front door before she stalked towards one direction.

The Asturias Mansion.

Vicki knew, she knew, that she needed to see the formidable patriarch of the Asturias family, she needed him to listen to her with calm eyes; eyes that never judged and never faltered and only demanded respect, she needed the silent support provided to her by the Asturias siblings (including their adopted vampire).

She needed to see them before she did anything stupid, she needed to relieve herself of her anger (and hurt) and more than anything she needed them to tell her what to do now?

(Once upon a time, she might have been wary of her dependence on the Spanish family but now it came as a relief, they were the pillar of support all of the teenagers in their group relied on.)

Panic intermingled with the anger and horror she felt. How were they going to get money to run their entire household, how were they going to pay for everything? How was she going to take over all the responsibilities?

Oh god, oh god, oh god, what was she going to do? Vicki thought frantically.

"-Vicki, damn it, Vicki, slow down!" Matt grasped her by the shoulder and turned her to face him.

Vicki stared into her brother's sorrowful eyes and almost gave into her desire to cry.

"We-we have to go to Mister A," She sputtered out, "We-they'll help us and-"

"I know they will, Vicki! But how're we gonna get there, they live in the outskirts of the other side of town," Matt spoke frustrated, "We can't just walk there."

Vicki stared at him stricken and with a softened demeanor Matt pulled his sister into a big, warm comforting hug, "Its okay," He whispered into her dark hair, "We'll be fine, we always are."

Her loathing was now aimed at herself, she was the older one and she was supposed to be comforting her visibly distraught little brother. Instead, here she was soaking all the comfort he had to offer her.

Matt was so good to her, always someone she could rely to always have her back just as he could rely on her to do the same.

And there was a time where Vicki thought that Matt and she were all they both had. But that wasn't quite true was it?

She recalled Elena and her mischievous doe-brown eyes and her favorite quote,

"If I'm going to die, might as well do everything I want with my life before that." Elena's excuse to everything stupid and reckless she does.

She recalled Tyler's obvious crush on the doppelgänger and the blatant overprotective worry he showed.

"You're a bloody idiot," Tyler had fisted his hands in his short, dark hair, looking close to ripping it out when he had discovered Elena had jumped out of a window to avoid being caught as the culprit who pranked his father (a standing joke among their group where they all pranked the man who had violent tendencies).

She recalled Caroline's long-suffering sighs and candid, blunt remarks,

"She's an idiot but it was so worth it, did you even see your Dad's face?" Caroline high-fived Bonnie, a snide smirk on her face. "And did you see the look on your Mom's face when the entire bowl of punch fell on her dress? Priceless!" The blonde almost cackled.

She recalled Bonnie's impish expressions and tendency to magically move chairs out of place only so she could watch random people fall back and flail while doing so.

"Awesome! Next time I'll turn her hair green!" Bonnie wiggled her fingers, turning Tyler's hair green, and she stared in surprise at the hair and then at her fingers before smiling sheepishly, "Whoops, still need to control myself, I guess," And she ducked out of way, running from the young Lockwood and his furious yells.

She recalled Jeremy's know-it-all smirk and mirth-filled side-glances.

"I think it's an amazing new look," He drawled, exchanging an amused look with Matt, "Tyler should invest in dyeing his hair all the time, It'll be like the time Mayor Lockwood had pink hair."

She recalled Enzo's handsome lazy drawl and articulate manner of speech, and the dark depth to his eyes.

"For all intents and purposes, I blame you two and the horrible influences you present." Enzo glanced away from the entertaining sight in front of him and at the grinning magical siblings who were his adopted family.

And she finally recalled the rather enigmatic Asturias family, and the quiet power they exuded and respect their exotic eyes demanded.

"If this is the result, I'll gladly take the blame," Ace responded in the same eloquent manner Enzo did.

"You can't take all of the credit," Zee snorted, her manner of speaking as fluent as her brother(s).

"I suppose you can take five percent," Ace teased, dodging when his sister aimed a punch at his arm.

"Children," Came Mister A's bored reprimand.

Vicki trembled with relief at having all these people standing behind her; and they were, weren't they? It was something they all had made sure each of them knew. They stood together, no matter what. And the noble Spanish family had ensured this.

Dimly, she wondered, what would have happened if the Asturias family had never moved to Mystic Falls in some other distant life? Nothing good, she was sure.

With those thoughts filling her head, Vicki wrapped her hands around her brother and let a few tears slip through.

Because they're mother just left.

The sound of tires squealing to a top and the rumble of a car engine had the two siblings turning towards the sound.

"Vicki? Matt?" Miranda Gilbert blinked as she stepped out of her car, "Are you okay? What are you doing out here, and…are you crying?" The woman walked towards them alarmed, "What happened? Where's your mother?"

Vicki was exhausted and perhaps that showed on her face because Miranda stopped her questioning and stared at both of them with shrewd concern, "What do you need?" She asked instead.

And licking her lips, Vicki replied honestly,

"A ride to the Asturias Mansion, please?"

---

Ignacio Asturias felt his own fury mounting as he listened, unimpressed, to the eventful morning the Donovan siblings had.

Miranda Gilbert, who had done the courtesy of dropping them off, insisted on staying until she too found out the source of the siblings' obvious distress and Ignacio had agreed (internally sighing at the stubbornness steeling her moss-green eyes).

And he found, that she too was staring in disbelieved anger at the hurtful explanations given.

Victoria –or Vicki as she had taken to being called- was pacing across the room in agitated straight lines, "What do we do, Mister A?" She ran her hands through her hair and Ignacio wondered if it had been this large change which had caused Vicki to turn to drugs; in a misguided attempt to gain respite.

No matter, even if it was, Ignacio would make sure, the future his daughter had witnessed would not come to be.

"What are your priorities?" He asked instead, noticing from the corner of his eyes that Miranda sent a confused glance in his direction, but when Vicki turned to look at him, he could easily identify the appreciating gaze she pinned him with.

"Money, food, money, pay bills, and did I mention money?" Matthew (or Matt) sounded a tad bit hysterical not that Ignacio could blame them.

There already fragile status quo had been uprooted with their mother abandoning them (Ignacio felt disgusted, what, exactly, was it with this town and producing bad seeds more often than not?).

"You need a place to stay," Ignacio corrected, "Obviously, you cannot run an entire household and its expenses by yourselves, and it would be foolish to attempt to do so."

"They can stay with me," Miranda offered immediately, glancing at the two teenagers with worry and…she seemed ashamed of herself. Interesting.

Ignacio tilted his head to the side in contemplation, "A pleasant sentiment, Seňora Gilbert, but an illogical and unneeded one."

Miranda interrupted him from continuing, "I knew their mother; Kelly is…she was my best friends and I feel as if it's my responsibility and privilege," She emphasized, sending a quick glance in the two children's direction, "To offer her children a place to stay."

Vicki laughed bitterly, "Yeah, she already said that."

Miranda frowned, confused.

"If you're worried about money, just go to the Gilbert's," Matt quoted, looking emotionally exhausted.

Miranda's lips pursed in displeasure, "Do you want to come with me?" She asked them, instead, leaving them to make a decision on their own.

"To be honest?" Matt took the reins of the conversation, "Not unless we absolutely have to."

Miranda nodded her head slowly before turning to Ignacio expectantly.

The man raised a single arching brow in amusement before glancing at the two siblings, "As I was about to suggest before I was so rudely interrupted," He spoke pointedly, which Miranda (surprise, surprise) ignored just as pointedly, "I have a rather lavish house and invite you to stay with me, if you so wish, or at least, until you can stand up on your own feet." It was important to take control of their spiraling life but also give control back so that they may have a certain independence to their decision-making abilities.

Matt looked hesitant but Vicki looked as if she was honestly contemplating it.

"We're not a charity case," She announced.

Ignacio let his lips curl in disdain, "I would call you foolish for even assuming yourselves as such."

Vicki's lips twitched in amusement, "We won't be a burden."

"Good for you," He smirked.

"And I need a distraction," She admitted, a mixture of pain and anger crossing her intelligent eyes, "Or I'll probably end up doing something way stupid."

"…I might have just the thing for you," Ignacio grinned cheerfully, "Also please use correct forms of grammar and vocabulary, the slangs these days are just atrocious."

"Is that gonna be a thing?" The sly smirk on Vicki's face as she purposefully used common teenage slangs was much apparent.

"Oh without a doubt," He grinned widely and Vicki's smirk faltered at the blatant challenge the curve of his lips gave.

"We'll be good," Matt assured, elbowing his sister in the side.

"Now, I'll drive you back to your house where you can gather all your requirements. Then I'll send a caretaker to manage the house in your absence and until you wish to return. Any objections?" He clapped his hands together and lifted himself of the armchair he sat upon.

"Can we hug you?" Matt asked honestly, "I mean I really need a hug right now and I know Vicki does too but she'll never admit it."

Blinking bemused, Ignacio spread his arms open in invitation.

And dragging a half-heartedly protesting Vicki with him, Matt wrapped his arms around the tall Spanish Lord's waist with Vicki joining in after a few moments of hesitation.

Furthermore, Ignacio ignored the wet tears that leaked through the front of his full-sleeved navy colored sweatshirt and instead, in an attempt to calm them, asked,

"You are gifted in computer programming and operations, am I correct Vicki?"

She nodded her head silently.

Ignacio hummed, running a hand through her dark strands, and over Matt's blonde ones. "As you know, my children and Enzo have begun operating a network of communications of their own, would you like to assist them in gathering information?"

Vicki pulled away to stare at him in surprise and asked in an oddly touched voice, "Really?"

He smiled more amused than anything, "It will be a good distraction for you and you are gifted in the basics of computer engineering, is that what you aim to become?"

She nodded fervently, "Yeah, a software engineer." Vicki then paused, "I-Thanks Mister A."

Ignacio smiled warmly, "There's nothing to thank me for, work hard, achieve what you want to accomplish and perhaps that will be payment enough."

A determined drive seemed to light up in her eyes and privately Ignacio smiled, he had accomplished in his task of giving the young teenage girl a focus point.

"Besides, let me give you a piece of advice," He informed, addressing both children now. "Sometimes, the best way to have a certain form of revenge is to do nothing. To live your life to the fullest so that when the person who betrayed you returns, he or she returns to face the fact that there lack of presence did nothing to falter you from your life goals. That they weren't worth you having your life in tatters. That your own lives did not revolve around theirs."

"But what if it did," Matt had renewed tears in his eyes, "We-I did everything I could to make her proud. And it never enough!"

Ignacio ruffled his hair, "Then live your life as you want it, even if to show your mother, in the end, she had chosen to give up, for her to see her successful children and regret her actions at the very least; regret that she had given that up, willingly."

Matt bit his lip, nodded furiously and buried his face back into Ignacio's chest.

"You're good with children," Miranda spoke softly, breaking her previous silence.

"Ah, I am a father, after all." Ignacio replied, pride lacing his tone when he thought of his own children; Atticus and Zatanna, both of whom had gone over to their Grand-Aunt's for the day, so as to help Bonnie practice her magic, and Enzo, he knew had gone to meet a local contact a few towns over and would return in the early hours of morning if his business was concluded in a timely fashion.

A moment of silence where both children sniffled (or rather Matt sniffled and Vicki wiped her tears away furiously) before Miranda Gilbert asked,

"Who's Enzo? And what network?"

Ignacio blinked slowly.

Right.

Miranda had no idea that her children knew of the supernatural, in fact, she probably did not even know of Elena's status as a doppelgänger.

Huh.

Time to rectify that issue.

---

23rd December, 2007; Forbes Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Caroline plastered a fake smile across her lips and opened her front door (momentarily shivering at the chilly breeze that seeped in).

"If you're feeling cold, imagine how we feel," Elena grumbled shuffling past her and into the warmth of her house.

"Ugh, d-ditto," Bonnie stammered rubbing her hands together and glancing at her gratefully when Caroline moved to the side.

"Pftt, it's just a cold," Vicki rolled her eyes, "Woman up."

Zee glanced at the Donovan in amusement, "I approve of that quote; it fills you with a sense of fulfillment."

"I know right?" Vicki slid off her thick woollen jacket just as Zee slipped by Caroline.

The blonde felt her smile become a little more genuine and she shut the front door quickly, lest the warmth of the house was affected. But as she turned back she felt her smile faltering when she found Zee staring at her speculatively.

"What's wrong?" The witch asked bluntly.

Caroline would not cave to those eyes; those teal-sea green eyes that seemed to stare through your soul. She would also not recall late-night arguments and hurtful accusations and confessions thrown about, she would, further, not recall the grim (but inevitable) decision she was informed of by her parents. And she most certainly would not think about the bitterness that had taken root in her heart.

Caroline's eyes filled with tears.

And Zee was there immediately, her arms wrapping themselves around Caroline's form and the blonde cried in the Spaniard's shoulder.

She dimly heard Elena and Bonnie voice their concerns but she was aware when more thin forms wrapped themselves around Zee and hers until they resembled a cocoon.

"This is nice and warm," Elena sighed in comfort just over her shoulder.

A few seconds of silence.

"Elena," Zee and Bonnie voiced out simultaneously and exasperatedly.

Vicki sniggered in her ear and Caroline couldn't stop the (slightly hysterical) laugh that bubbled through her own lips.

She pulled away from her friends and took a few deep breaths to calm herself down, but the truth was she was already feeling a whole lot better.

Warmth encompassed her insides as she looked into the quite concern lighting up Zee and Vicki's eyes and the more obvious one painting Bonnie and Elena's faces.

These were her friends.

"Let's go up to my room," The silent message that she would explain soon enough was also conveyed.

She lead her friends to her room; it was, admittedly, crowded when all five of them shuffled in and dumped their overnight bags across the floor and seated themselves upon her bed (and with no space left for herself, she noted feeling slightly exasperated) before looking at her expectantly.

Caroline stared back at the four girls and took a moment to assess them

And found that she couldn't help but compare herself to all her friends, they were all just so special.

And Caroline felt guilty at the jealousy she felt when comparing herself to her friends. She couldn't help it, to be honest.

Elena was the bravest person she had ever known; after all, who would continue living their life, being fun-loving and optimistic while also knowing that they would die in some sick ritual at the machinations of others, all because she shared a face with someone who started this whole mess (Amara or Katerina, take your pick). Caroline on the other hand, was rather pessimistic and self-centered and had a tendency to talk before thinking her words through, and it irritated people more often than not.

Vicki was so smart and confident, her intelligence and cunning seemed to attract people around her and when she talked, people listened with their full attention. She, herself, on the other hand, seemed to come off as shallow when she tried to seek attention (was that wrong? Seeking attention?).

Bonnie was such a reliable, loyal and self-assured person, her witty advice and faithful presence automatically made her seem like the most likable person there was. All Caroline seemed to do was drive people away, annoy them.

And Zee was simply on a level of her own; just so beautiful and intellectual and poised; she was a noble by birth and seemed untouchable, lounging in a place that remained unattainable.

Caroline felt unworthy in front of her friends. She felt insecure and foolish and vain. And none of them really needed her, did they?

"Care, we can't help you if you don't tell us anything," Bonnie spoke softly, her hazel-green eyes gentle and soft.

But Caroline needed her friends.

And she suddenly felt ashamed of thinking such thoughts about her friends. Of being jealous of them.

"I'm a terrible person," She blurted, tears filling her eyes again.

Zee stared at her. A proper stare where she seemed to look within her soul.

The fifteen-year old noble then narrowed her captivating eyes and pursed her lips.

"No," Zee looked dismayed and also seemed to want to hit something, "Caroline, please, please tell me you're not feeling insecure."

It was Caroline's turn to stare at Zee, because somehow the Asturias witch had proved herself to be as insightful as she always was and had hit the nail right on top of the head.

"Insecure?" Elena sounded as surprised as Caroline felt, "Of what?"

Her genuine question and confusion at what could there possibly be that Caroline was insecure of had anger and shame bursting through Caroline.

"Yes, I'm insecure!" Caroline snapped, struggling with her ugly emotions, "How could I not be? And yes, Zee, I'm a terrible person! After all, what kind of person is jealous of their own friends? What kind of a person does that make me?" She cried, tears springing forth and slipping from the corner of her eyes.

Zee's quiet and assured response had her falling speechless.

"It makes you human." Zee waved her hand dismissively as if Caroline was being foolish and before Caroline could snap back she was rendered speechless for the second time that night when Bonnie huffed out a laugh.

"That's it?" The Bennett witch rolled her eyes, "Come on, Caroline, like that's a big deal. I get jealous of you guys too."

"I-what?"

Elena grinned, mirth filling her doe-brown eyes, "It's a natural response, dudette, I feel jealous of you guys loads of times too."

"Ew, Elena, do us all a favor and never use dudette again." Vicki scowled.

"Seconded." Zee agreed, a lazy smirk twisting upon her curved pink lips.

"Wait, what…what do you guys have to be jealous of?" Caroline was so confused. Here she was loathing herself for her feelings of envy and there her friends were easily admitting to being jealous, looking proud of it even.

"You're kidding right?" Bonnie looked incredulous, "Damn, Care, I'm jealous of Zee for being a magical prodigy and also being an Asturias; not having to answer to Nature must be a helluva experience, and I'm jealous of Elena for already snagging a guy-" She ignored Elena's vehement protests with a grin, "-I'm jealous of Vicki for having her whole life planned out and being so strong, I'm jealous of you because you're always honest and beautiful."

"I'm petty and shallow," Caroline refuted.

"My turn," Elena grinned, "I'm jealous of Zee because she's gorgeous and smart and strong, I'm jealous of Vicki because she gets to live with Zee and Ace and Mister A and Enzo, I'm jealous of Bonnie cause she can do magic while I'm a stupid doppelgänger who's gonna die in the next few years and I'm jealous of you because you're so confident and headstrong."

"Your turn," Zee nudged Vicki who rolled her eyes and gave an audible long-suffering sigh.

"I'm jealous of you all because you had positive maternal presences in your lives." Vicki deadpanned.

.

.

.

"Dude!" Elena exclaimed, "Not cool."

"Yeah, you went dark pretty quickly." Bonnie looked disgruntled.

"I personally thought it was perfectly delivered." Zee looked mildly impressed.

Vicki grinned, "I live to please," She practically purred.

"Anyhow, it's my turn, I suppose," Zee tilted her head staring at Caroline with piercing eyes, "I envy you the most Caroline, because you remind me of the sun, unwavering in its intensity and always a source of warmth and comfort, of course there are days where you're unbearably hot," She wiggled her eyebrows at the innuendo, "But you're a force to be reckoned with and somehow we all revolve around you."

Caroline crushed Zee into a bear hug because that was most heartfelt and nicest thing anyone had ever said to her.

"Damn, that was better than ours by miles." Elena looked as if someone had gone out of their way to rob her.

"And gee, thanks Zee, nice to know we matter too." Bonnie scowled.

"You're insignificant and boring." Zee shrugged uncaringly, though her eyes glinted with mirthful mischief and she bumped her fist with Vicki's.

"I take it back, I'm always jealous of people Zee likes." Bonnie admitted, "She's my cousin and I'm a little more than possessive of her."

"Aw, Seňorita Bonita," Zatanna cooed mockingly, "You know I love you,"

"Screw you," Bonnie threw a pillow at her cousin's face.

"No, but seriously," Elena leaned forward until she was inches away from Zee's face, "How do you do it? Just use a few words and suddenly everything is right as rain?"

"It's a gift, seňorita." Zee shoved the doppelgänger's face away, watching as she fell unceremoniously into a heap on the floor.

And Caroline, in the privacy of her own heart, disagreed with Zatanna. If anyone was the sun among them, if anyone had integrated themselves so seamlessly in their lives that they were all dependent upon them, without a fear that their trust would be betrayed; than it was Ace, Zee and Mister A.

Those three with their sarcastic yet assured smirks, their lazy yet perfect stances, their drawling yet fluent manner of speaking, their kind yet calculative shrewd eyes, their proud history yet sensible outlook, and their contained strength and powerful magic and sheer knowledge.

She knew that the Spanish family was not a kind family; she knew Zee and Ace and Enzo teamed up in their revenge pranks, she knew they all had unforgiving vindictive streaks, she also knew they were patient in their hunt of prey and were oh so powerful.

They were aristocratic in every sense of the world. An almost otherworldly sense.

And somehow, it made them all the more powerful.

The way they carried their strengths and faults. The way they acknowledged their faults and made those faults into their strengths.

There powerful standing was a privilege offered and given to them, but it was a privilege they worked hard every day to earn and retain.

And that was true commanding influence; they acknowledged themselves completely and utterly.

"Now, that's out of the way," Vicki feigned relief, "Mind telling us what the real problem is?"

Caroline couldn't even find it in herself to be shocked anymore, "You could tell?" She smiled weakly.

This time all four of them stared at her unimpressed.

She winced, "Right…" Biting her lip, she wasn't sure how to explain.

"Caroline," Elena started, he voice low and soft, "Where are your parents?"

At the blonde's flinch, realization dawned on each of their faces (although, Zatanna looked grim more than anything).

"Where are they?" Bonnie repeated the doppelgänger's question.

"Mom's at the police station and Dad is…" Her lips quivered, "Probably with the g-guy he's been cheating with Mom on…f-for who knows how long!"

The blonde gasped deeply and her hands quivered just as they did when her parents informed her of their imminent divorce.

"Oh, sweetling," Bonnie looked sympathetic and sorrowful, "Tell us everything,"

And so she did, Caroline told her of the recurring arguments and the accusations thrown about. She told them of her Dad coming out as being homosexual and admitting to cheating on her Mom with another man who had a daughter of his own, she even told them about the divorce that would be taking place soon.

"How could he do that? Why would he cheat on Mom? Doesn't our life matter? Don't I matter?" Caroline spit out the questions that had plagued her, "Wasn't I enough for him, for them to stay together for? Do you think he cares for the other guy's daughter more than he does me?"

Zee reached over and smacked Caroline at the back of her head.

A pause as everyone stared at Zee's unimpressed face with varying degrees of emotions; ranging from Caroline's outrage to Vicki's amusement to Bonnie's exasperation and finally to Elena's hysteria.

Elena was the first one to give in as she turned her head to the side and wheezed in an attempt to control her laughter.

"What the fuck, Zee?" Caroline cursed, a move which was uncharacteristic of her, "I just poured my heart out."

"You're being a moron," Zee rolled her eyes, "This explains your insecurity too. You think you're not enough and therefore, having started judging yourself harshly and started comparing yourself to us."

Caroline's mouth fell open but she found she couldn't quite refute those claims. Because that had been exactly what was going on. And now faced with the reality of it, she couldn't deny it.

Zee groaned and muttered something in Spanish under her breath before continuing in her rich, exotic accented voice, "Caroline, none of this is your fault, in fact when all of this was going on, you were probably the last thing on your parent's minds."

Ouch, Caroline would admit, that stung. And rather harshly at that.

"Oi," Zee snapped her fingers in front of Caroline's face, her tone annoyed now, "Don't act like a martyr, and you're fifteen not five. It's not all about you. Think for a moment, even if your parents had stayed together, do you think it would have changed the situation? The tenseness and hurt and accusations would always be present. The situation would never get better."

"Besides," Zee continued, her tone softening, "I don't excuse your parents, what your father did was an act of betrayal and infidelity and he should be ashamed of himself; but that's his call and his fault not yours."

"But Mom was so hurt." Caroline cried, "I know Mom and I have been arguing for some time now but I love her."

"Why exactly have you been arguing?" Zee narrowed her eyes and Caroline had this need to justify herself.

"Because, she never has time for me, it's always work this and work that." Caroline confessed, her inner resentments rising "I feel like…sometimes, I feel like she's a horrible mother."

Zee reached over and smacked the back of her head again.

"I agree with that one," Vicki piped in laughing bitterly, "Caroline, do you have any idea, just how lucky you are?"

Caroline reared back, looking troubled.

"You have a mother, a god-honest loving mother who would do anything for you and whose only crime is she can't properly manage her time and you're going to throw that away for your petty resentments?" Vicki scowled at the floor, before looking up and staring into Caroline's sky-blue eyes with hard jade-greens, "Do you know that I would give up everything just to have that?"

Caroline sobbed.

With all the arguments between her parents and her own questions about her self-worth she had been lashing out to her mother, hadn't she?

She had been cruel and had uttered harsh words in an attempt to relieve herself of her own frustrations all because of her petty insecurities?

She had been an awful, ungrateful brat.

Her mother returned late every night from work (work from where she earned her money; money with which she fed Caroline and gave her clothes and other luxuries to possess), tired to the bone and she had somehow aged ten more years with all the arguments going on between herself and Caroline's father.

And Caroline had done nothing to make it easier for her.

Oh god, she had been horrible.

"Your parents love you, Care," Bonnie uttered pulling the blonde out of her newly realized revelations, "And you're mother especially so. But sometimes, people need to do things for themselves too, and you're mom needs this divorce for herself."

"I'm such a selfish brat." Caroline muttered, she had been thinking only about herself and how the divorce would affect her, but what about the pain her parents, her mother more so, was going through?

"We're not excusing your own struggles, Care-Bear," Elena grinned cheerfully, "Seeing your parents get a divorce, that's an emotional struggle for everyone, the kids especially, but your Mom needs you more than ever right now."

Zee grinned when she saw realization painted across the blonde's face, "And you know the best part? As our parent's children, we possess the greatest ability to relieve them of their worries, to understand them, to judge who was right and who was wrong or whether it was a more complicated matter than that where both parties were at fault or no one was, to become their steadfast support…and believe me, that bears fruits all on its own. You just have to be strong enough and understanding enough to do it."

Caroline was so, so thankful of her friends in that one moment; so thankful that they had given her this reality check. That they had made her feel better while also making her realize her own faults.

And when she heard the typical shuffling from the kitchen and her mother's quiet thoughtful mutters to herself, the blonde scrambled out of her room and barreled straight into her surprised mother's chest where she sobbed and muttered apologies.

"I love you so much," She cried into her mother's shoulder barely aware of the strong arms that wrapped around her and the lips that pressed a kiss at the top of her head.

And then the emotional whisper in her ear,

"I love you, too, Caroline."

And everything seemed better than alright.

---

18th September, 2008; Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Bonnie concentrated on the water poured into the spare flower pot and with a willful flick of her hand and by imagining what she wanted in her mind, the water lit up with flames licking its surface.

She aimed a triumphant grin in both her cousin's direction.

Atticus rolled his eyes fondly while Zatanna stuck her tongue out.

"Childish," Bonnie groused at the unenthusiastic response, "Besides, don't be judgy, I can't help it if I was born a Wiccan."

"Excuses," Her soon to be sixteen-year old cousin grinned, her eyes lifting up from the chemistry book she was reading, "You're descended from a powerful line of Wiccan's, the Bennett bloodline is regarded as Wiccan royalty, even if we are related to Qetsiyah. At least try to live up that legacy?"

"Bleh," Bonnie stuck her own tongue out.

"Mature, Seňorita, real mature." Atticus, tall and handsome, flicked an unused pencil in her direction which Bonnie caught mid-air with her magic and with a flick of her finger sent it careening back towards her eighteen-year old cousin who, himself, blinked once, causing the piece of wood to be consumed in flames and burn until ashes fell by his feet.

"We'll probably always be better than you," Zatanna observed, a teasing smirk on her face as this had been a running gig among the three of them for years now.

"Yeah, yeah, rub it in why don't you?" Bonnie scowled, waving her hand and extinguishing the flames in the flowerpot, "Arrogant much?"

"Only for the right reasons, querida prima." Atticus assured her, lounging back on the wicker garden chair.

"Bah," Bonnie fell back into the soft grass of the Asturias front yard, "My ass."

"Well, it is a shapely behind, shortcake." Zatanna deadpanned.

Bonnie gave her a full view of her middle finger.

"Rude." Atticus huffed.

"Where's Enzo?" Bonnie rolled over on her front and rested her cheek against her folded arms, her legs rising in the air behind her and crossing at the ankles.

"Gone to meet a contact in Seattle. Vicki's keeping us updated." Zatanna informed.

Bonnie hummed and glanced at Atticus, "How's prep for your A-levels going?"

"It's going," Atticus shrugged, "I aim to get into Cambridge or Oxford in England, so I do need outstanding grades. Even so, hopefully these exams in May won't be a pain in my behind."

"Doubtful, but with the amount of studying we've done since we were born, I'd say we have a safe bet." Zatanna offered her brother silent comfort, both exchanging resentful glances aimed at the thought of their education and lessons regarding aristocracy.

"How about your O-level prep? These will be your final O-level exams right? You'll move onto A-level after?" Bonnie questioned, making her female cousin sigh tiredly.

"Yup, hurray for me," She groaned tiredly.

"Tough." Bonnie gave her cousins a saccharine smile.

She was awarded with matching scowls; it was so strange how both Atticus and Zatanna practically looked like twins; with their similar colorings; dark honey-brown strands, light olive skin and the Asturias eyes. Although, they did have a significant height difference, Atticus now standing at 6'2 and Zatanna at 5'8 (probably the tallest they were going to be), both were the tallest in their specific genders among their group of friends.

However with their similar smirks, same regal facial structures and captivating eyes; both were more twins than anything.

In fact, have both of them stand next to Uncle Ignacio, you wouldn't even see a difference; not in their features, nor in their demeanors. And certainly not in their behaviours.

She was relieved of further questioning when she sensed an ancient but commanding presence make itself known within the vicinity.

Atticus and Zatanna dropped their carefree exterior and stood, alert and calm, their eyes sweeping across the entire expanse of the yard, and their magic pushing outwards to see where there eyes could not.

Bonnie had gotten up from her lounging position as well and had taken a place by Atticus' side, closing her eyes to search for the intruder.

Where her cousins could instinctively and effortlessly control their magic, Bonnie had to put in conscious effort to accomplish what she set to do.

And as such she envisioned her magic pushing outwards and so it did, her connection to Nature opening and she could sense everything around her; which made it easy to pinpoint the tall male presence who stood within the surrounding thicket of trees, hidden in its shadows but also in plain sight.

Bonnie mentally stumbled once she noticed how Nature's magic seemed to bow in respect around the man's unconcerned form and unconcealed aura, cautious and respectful, the roots of Nature's magic hummed carefully around the man. As if Nature itself was scared or at least, wary, of his presence.

With surprise, Bonnie realized she had only seen this happen to three other individuals; Zatanna, Atticus and Uncle Ignacio.

Was this man, whomever he was, also an Asturias? Perhaps, Uncle Ignacio's brother?

No, she refuted internally, his existence was an old one, something even Uncle Ignacio did not emit in his aura.

Atticus muttered in Spanish, glancing at his sister with incredulous awe.

And that shook Bonnie more than anything else could have, because whoever this mysterious person was, he seemed to have already captured the undiluted respect of her Asturias cousins.

Her cousins who, while not arrogant, were also prideful, whose respect was very, very hard-earned and this man seemed to have it in irrevocable measures.

That made Bonnie swallow thickly in anticipation.

And perhaps, sensing her unrestrained curiosity, the man chose to relieve her of it and stepped out of the boundary of trees.

Bonnie's breath hitched in her throat.

A tall form; perhaps as tall as Uncle Ignacio, gracefully prowled across the yard. He carried himself with all the grace of an elite, a curious predator where he exuded contained intensity. Each step was measured and calculated, nothing he did seemed to be without a purpose. His hair lit up like copper rust flames in the sun's light, the reddish-brown color alight like a blaze.

His features reminded her off…Zatanna and Atticus' strangely enough, with those sculpted cheekbones and curved lips and even the straight Roman nose. And as he came closer, Bonnie felt her eyes widen in shock when she saw his eyes.

That drowning blend of the dark shades of teal swimming in an ocean of sea-green.

He was an Asturias; that much was certain.

Bonnie felt her confusion mounting when she saw both Atticus and Zatanna lowering their heads in a humble display of respect; it was the strangest sight she had encountered, with Atticus bowing and Zatanna curtseying low.

"Honrada sea, Vuestra Majestad," Atticus announced calmly yet deferentially.

"Póngase de pie," The mysterious Asturias spoke in the same fluent manner, where every word seemed to be specifically chosen so as not to be wasted, with which her cousins and uncle spoke; although, it was all the more pronounced. A manner of lazy ease in his speech that wasn't present in Zatanna or Atticus'.

Zatanna and Atticus lifted themselves from their bows and stood with their backs erect and postures impeccable. Zatanna had her hands folded demurely in front of her while Atticus had his wrists crossing at his back and both looked straight into their guest's(?) eyes.

"Puede llamarme, Henry, si lo desea." The auburn-headed man uttered softly, his heat titled to the side in the same action she had often seen her Spanish family members imitate; resembling a cat flicking its tail back and forth while evaluating the best way to capture its prey.

"Nosotros no seríamos capaces." Zatanna spoke in her usual assured manner, but the lazy drawl typically present in her impeccable speech was missing.

"Insisto en," The man continued calmly.

A momentary silence as they stared at each other before her cousins acceded with a minute bow of their heads.

"Gracias, Seňor Henry." Zatanna intoned but Bonnie had stopped listening to her as at the same moment, the man turned his head towards her and his breathtaking eyes met Bonnie's much plainer hazel-green ones.

She blinked rapidly, unsure of what to do and glanced at her cousins for help. Both of them were staring at her expectantly and she felt her hackles rise because Bonnie did not know what to do.

"I trust introductions are in order?" The mysterious man reverted to smooth British-accented English that left Bonnie both reeling at the immediate change and also swooning at his voice.

Atticus coughed meaningfully and widened his eyes at her, obviously signaling for her to do something.

Bonnie stared at him helplessly before glancing back at the man who was steadily looking more and more amused.

"What do you want me to do?" She finally hissed at her cousins both of whom looked exasperated.

"Bow, show some respect," Zatanna hissed back.

"Why?" She snapped confused.

Atticus looked close to groaning and Zatanna to face-palming. "Because that's Henry!"

"Henry who?"

Atticus looked affronted. "Seňor Henry."

"Who the hell is that?" She shot back clueless.

"Our ancestor." Zatanna interjected, torn between amusement and embarrassment.

"Who now?"

Zatanna looked up at the sky and muttered something under her breath. "King Henry? Remember?"

Bonnie continued staring blankly before she turned to look at the man who had been identified as Henry, "They're horrible at explaining things," She spoke to him candidly and the man gave her an amused tilt of lips in response.

"A fact I find myself witnessing." Henry responded, his posture relaxed.

"Oh for the love of-" Atticus exhaled slowly before speaking through gritted teeth, "Remember our family tree? And the fact we're descended from King Henry the-"

"-the fifth of England," Bonnie completed, "Yeah, I remember, the guy whose dad was crazy weird and-"

Bonnie faltered as she blinked rapidly and snapped her head towards Mister Henry with renewed realization.

"No. way." Bonnie gaped at the King(?).

"Way," Atticus looked smug.

Bonnie stared for a moment longer before she shot forward invading the (much older) Asturias' personal space as question upon question left her lips.

"Oh my god, I can't believe–Is history really a hundred percent accurate? How old are you? What was your real son's name? How are you even alive? You're magic is so ancient, you must have so much knowledge! Can you tutor me? What if I-"

Zatanna had launched herself forward and she covered Bonnie's mouth with her hand looking entirely exasperated and fond.

"Of course, this would be your reaction, Seňorita Bonita." Zatanna groaned.

Bonnie shoved the hand away from her mouth and stuck her tongue out her Asturias cousin, before she aimed a sheepish glance at Mister (King?) Henry.

"I'm sorry, I hope I haven't offended you." She bit her lip and apologized quickly.

Mister Henry chuckled deeply (Bonnie swooned) and gave her a small smile (her heart stuttered), "Not at all, thy enthusiasm is infectious."

Shit.

Bonnie was so crushing on her cousins' ancestor.

Great.

Well, at least she had good taste.

"I hope you don't find it presumptuous of us to ask, but why now have you chosen to reveal yourself, Seňor Henry?" Zatanna ignore Bonnie's bright (and distinctly dreamy) smile as she chose to address her many times great-grandfather.

"Especially after so many years." Atticus agreed with his sister.

"Doth thee recall what I told thee many a year ago, during our first encounter?" He deflected their question with ease, his long fingers running over the surface of the silver band surrounding his ring finger of his left hand (a wedding band, her mind supplied with slight disappointment).

"As if we could forget such an eventful day and the occurred incidents." Atticus gave a slight smirk.

"I told thee I was a guardian of sorts, aye?"

Zatanna looked oddly (and curiously) embarrassed at that reminder and studiously ignored the amused look her brother shot her.

"You did," She nodded.

"As it is, it is now time for me to attend to mine own duties." Bonnie thought his old English way of speaking with obvious modern influences was awesome.

"Pardon me, but I don't quite understand." Atticus narrowed his eyes in contemplation, likely mulling over his ancestors words in his head.

"T'is a tradition among the members of our family," Mister Henry offered, now taking long strides towards one of the empty garden chairs, "A rare tradition, where our much learned ancestors or elders offer to be a source of guidance for the younger generation. T'is more often grandparents or parents who offer to guide the young ones but sometimes and rarely so, one of our ancestors chooses to be that source of leadership."

"Are you saying you chose to guide us, to teach us?" Zatanna sounded incredulous.

"Is thee surprised?" Mister Henry smirked and Bonnie's heart stopped once she recalled the same smirk painted upon her Spanish relative's lips.

"Why?" Atticus asked, looking suddenly shrewd.

Mister Henry lounged back on the chair and drawled carelessly, "Thee have an interesting life ahead of ye and I very rarely come to guide mine own descendants, but let me assure thee, by the time I would have accomplished in teaching ye and imparting mine own knowledge, thy greatness will be unparalleled."

"That did not answer my question," Atticus looked –Bonnie blanched at the sight- overwhelmed.

"All will be revealed over time." Mister Henry shrugged. "I only waited this long to have thy magical knowledge develop and-" Here he glanced knowingly at Zatanna, "-to give thee an opportunity to form the basis of thy strategic planning."

Mister Henry then glanced at Bonnie and smiled warmly (she was sure she'd die of heart failure soon enough), "If thee wish to learn, thou art most welcomed, after all, thou art bonded to an Asturias, that makes thee a dear one."

Bonnie swelled with anticipation. She would be taught by a King.

Zatanna swallowed. "You will…teach us?"

And Mister Henry's smile was downright predatory as he responded,

"Every bit of knowledge I have."

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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. 'Art' and 'mine own' is translated as 'are' and 'my' respectively and used according to context.

All usage of historical accounts and the changes made to them are purely for the usage of this story. Also, the information about the TVD world explained in this chapter is taken from Wikia.

'Bonita' is basically the Spanish, Portuguese variant of the Scottish name 'Bonnie'. Both names have the same meaning; 'Pretty, cute, attractive.'

Also, I would like clarify that any point of view given in this chapter regarding sensitive topics e.g Zatanna's point of view of being a soldier is her own interpretation of the idea, and is unique only to her and no one else.

Regarding, the noble title given to Ignacio Asturias; the title itself is real i.e 'Seňor of Lazcano; Lord of Lazcano' is a real title but it's usage in this story is entirely fictional. As far as I'm aware, in real life this title belongs to the Ducal House of el Infantado.

Edit: Credits to the guest reviewer for clarifying who the title of Lazcano belongs to in real life.

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.

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A/N: This is forty Microsoft Word pages and, I swear, a pain in my arse to write. It's also hopelessly unedited, so please excuse any mistakes. But I hope you all like it.

A further piece of good news would be that the AU of pilot episode is next chapter and you might just see a glimpse of a certain Original.

Maybe.

If I'm feeling nice.

:)

Lol, anyways, thank you so much for your patience and support and positive feedback; trust me the reviews gave me the motivation to get of my lazy arse and type this all out.

Speaking of which; thank you so much for all the views, favorites, follows and reviews.

I'd like to give my shout out thanks to: Rose1414, Mad167, Wienberg, Kristina'sMyName (You're the best person, love, how're you doing?), Guest#1, Guest#2, Daughter of Trickery, Gallag-whore, saku hyuuga, DevilSurvivor, Guest#3, Twister60, lightwalnut64, shadowing, PrincessMagic, AlianaGabriellaWinchester17, timijaf, RebeliousOne, Queen of Darkness Oo, M1A, LadySeraph (Hello amazing person, hope life's treating you well ;)), Krislyngera, MoonlightMiracleSakurianaHime, Lexi, keikei313, The Darker Side of the World22, La'Rae and Ninjas Incorporated, Dezzi95, hexandvex, TheShortMuffin07, kitsunez00, ItaSaku1220 and LadyAlexandraNoir.

Thank you guys for leaving your reviews, I loved reading each and every one of them. So keep them coming ;). Just kidding (not really) but love you guys.

Also, would further like to thank; lunersheza and InvasiveDream1 for adding this story into their respective communities; Random Stuuff I Like and Worlds Appart. Thank you so much.

Like/Favorite and Review/Comment, please. I respond to all reviews via PM.

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Translations:

Seňorita: Miss.

Seňora Esther Mikaelson: Madam Esther Mikaelson.

Seňorita Bonita: Miss Bonita.

Tío Lázaro: Uncle Lázaro.

Cállate: Shut up.

Seňor Lockwood: Mister Lockwood.

Querido: Dearest/Darling.

Querida hermana: Sister dear/dearest or Dearest/dear sister.

Hijos míos: My children or Children mine.

Pequeňa seňorita: Little Miss.

Hermana: Sister.

Seňora Gilbert: Madam Gilbert.

Querida prima: Cousin dear/dearest or Dearest/dear cousin.

Honrada sea, Vuestra Majestad: Honored greetings, Your Majesty.

Póngase de pie: Rise or Stand up.

Puede llamarme, Henry, si lo desea: You may call me, Henry, if you like.

Nosotros no seríamos capaces: We would not dare.

Insisto en: I insist.

Gracias, Seňor Henry: Thank you, Sir 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.

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"Mors nobis favet; Death favors us."

-The Asturias Family Motto-

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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.