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.
Surprise: Definition: (Noun) An unexpected or astonishing event, fact etc.
'A rule of thumb for a warrior is that he makes his decisions so carefully that nothing that may happen as a result of them can surprise him, much less drain his power.'
-Carlos Castaneda-
'~It took me by surprise, The hatred in his eyes, I've pushed this man as far as he could go, But he lacked the words to let me know, He acted out, Now I can see it is my fault.~'
-It Took Me By Surprise; Maria Mena-
Chapter IX:
7th September, 2009; Mystic Falls High school, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.
Zatanna was wholly unimpressed by the History teacher.
The man was eyeing her with barely concealed discontent, before smiling at the students seated within class in an entirely fake manner.
"Good Morning everyone," He greeted insufferably, pausing for a moment to let the students drone out a similar greeting, "It's the start of junior year, and as you can see, we have two new people amongst us."
He nodded at Baby Salvatore, "Mister Stefan Salvatore," and then he glanced at her, "And Miss Zatanna Bennett-Asturias."
Stefan smiled awkwardly, looking as if he was in great pain, and Zatanna simply continued staring at Seňor Tanner in unimpressed disbelief.
Good God, what had the education system come to? Hiring morons like the man before her to mould young minds.
"Mister Salvatore here is a new student, and Miss Bennett-Asturias is a Teacher's Assistant, although why I would need an assistant is beyond me," He turned to Zatanna abruptly, a rude and arrogant smile on his face, "Tell me Miss Benn- On second thought, do you mind if I simply call you Miss Asturias? Miss Bennett-Asturias is too much of a mouthful."
Zatanna blinked slowly, an amused smile threatening to twist at her lips. She had handled too many individuals like Seňor Tanner. Individuals worse than him.
Yes, she would enjoy destroying this man's ego.
"If you so wish, Seňor," She shrugged carelessly, portraying the picture of perfect poise, "If that is the case, I'm sure you won't mind me calling you Seňor Tan. You see Tanner has one extra syllable, and it's honestly an annoyance to pronounce. Of course, this is only if you don't mind." She finished more innocently.
Seňor Tanner stared at her in muted shock. As if he couldn't comprehend anyone answering back.
Tyler snorted rather loudly before bending over, covering his mouth with a fist and pretending to cough. Elena and Caroline looked gleeful, and Bonnie was rubbing her hands together in anticipation. Matt had subtly taken his phone out and seemed to be recording the proceedings.
"Excuse me?" He bit out.
Zatanna shrugged, "Just an inquiry, although I see it makes you uncomfortable. I apologize if I've upset you."
"You haven't upset-"
"I will continue to calling you by your entire last name. And since I suppose it's only fair, you may refer to me as 'Miss Bennett-Asturias'. Please, and thank you." Zatanna finished pleasantly.
Tyler chortled, and then promptly smothered it with his fist.
Seňor Tanner seemed to gather his bearings and promptly glowered at the Spaniard, before smiling that cruel smile of his once more, "As I was saying, Miss Bennett-Asturias," He bit out her name in a manner as if he had tasted something bitter, "How did you even get this position? Do you even qualify?"
"Yes, of course, you are correct," Zatanna nodded sagely, "My education is far superior to the mediocre education you give, I have had none but the best as my own tutors. If anything, I am overqualified."
"Now, hold on a minute, that's not what I said-"
"And as to how I got this position? Well, when I displayed my interest, the Principal was very generous in accepting. According to him, a daughter of nobility wanting a meager position as teacher's assistant to an even uninspiring teacher would raise the school's standings within the society as well." Zatanna pretended to ignore the sputtering of Seňor Tanner.
Said adult was caught between gaping and scowling. In fact, he did not seem to know how to react.
"You-"
"But as flattered as I am by the attentions you shower me with, Seňor," Zatanna then tapped her wrist watch, "I do suggest, as your assistant, that we begin our lesson. Time is of the essence."
Elena shook in barely contained mirth, Caroline and Bonnie were whispering in each other ears, Matt looked too pleased with himself, and Tyler-
Zatanna blinked when she caught sight of the un-triggered werewolf.
He had his face buried in a handkerchief and was giggling.
Where in the hell did he get a bloody handkerchief from?
Zatanna then spied a thoroughly confused Baby Salvatore looking at her with great puzzlement. She could practically hear his thoughts. He had no idea who she was, and that threw him out of the loop.
Interesting, she just couldn't wait to interact with him face-to-face.
In the meantime, Zatanna had a job to do.
She handed a silently seething Seňor Tanner the lesson planner she had prepared, sighing mockingly as she said,
"Honestly, Seňor Tanner, how did you ever survive without me?"
Tyler wheezed.
Matt supposed they painted an odd picture if the stares they garnered were any indication.
The entire group had gathered around a single table for Lunch; and the object of the numerous stares was Zee standing stoically as Tyler was hanging of her. The Lockwood had his arms wrapped around her shoulders, his face buried in one of said shoulders and even Matt could tell that the un-triggered werewolf had leaned most of his weight against Zatanna's slender form.
"I love you." He gasped in between his hysterical laughter, as his entire frame shook.
"Careful, now," Zee immediately retorted, "Elena might get jealous."
Tyler snorted, "Nah, Elena knows I'm head over heels for her-"
Caroline hooted loudly, and Vicki thumped a silently blushing Elena on the back.
"Shut up," She rolled her eyes, sending a quiet wink in Tyler's direction.
"Honestly, why don't you guys date already?" Bonnie scoffed, a teasing smile on her lips.
"-BUT," Tyler continued loudly, "Zee's my pack sister."
Zee looked at Tyler with a half-amused, half-disbelieving expression after that.
"It's true," He continued obstinately, "She's the older sister I never had, and most of the time regret acknowledging but also awesome as hell. I mean, Zee's Zee."
Jeremy clapped slowly.
"Wow," The younger Gilbert drawled sarcastically, "What a beautiful description."
Jeremy then ducked behind Vicki in an attempt to avoid the punch Tyler aimed at him.
Zee's lips twitched, "Well, I'm glad you're more in tune with your wolf disposition." She commented lightly, "And I'm also glad I pleased you with today's performance."
"Pleased?" Caroline repeated, "Pleased? Damn it, girl, we're downright ecstatic!"
"God, Vicki, Jer, you guys should have been there," Elena sighed wistfully, "Tanner didn't even know what to say."
"He was speechless," Tyler howled, leaning against Zee in support, "It was awesome."
Matt lit up, entering the conversation, "Hey, I took a video, you guys wanna watch?" Vicki all but snatched the camera out of his hand, and Jeremy violently shoved him into a squealing Bonnie and peered over Vicki's shoulder.
And further outrageously, Bonnie pushed him away in her intent to watch the video as well, and as a result he collided with Tyler who cursed and shoved him towards Elena, who sidestepped and caused him to fall at Caroline's feet. Caroline stepped on his stomach (Damn, ouch) to walk towards Vicki.
In the end, he was left curled within himself on the ground, as Zee sniggered, and the rest of the gang crowded around Vicki.
Bitches.
"Yeah," He gasped in pain, "It's not like most of us were there."
"Shut up, Matty, don't talk unless you have anything smart to say." Caroline shot over her shoulder.
Matt's jaw fell open, and Zee cackled.
"Hey man," Stefan Salvatore's voice had Matt looking up, "Let me help you up." He smiled, offering a hand.
Matt didn't need to look at the deathly silent group of traitors, whom he unfortunately called friends, to know they were watching the Salvatore with a sudden predacious gaze.
"Thanks, dude," Matt grasped the hand and got up, his eyes straying towards Zee, who looked a lot like a cat who had just caught the canary.
May all the otherworldly forces help the poor soul in front of him.
7th September, 2009; en route to Caercastra Castle, Ancestral Residence of House Asturias; Lancashire, United Kingdom.
Atticus felt amused.
He was not only appreciative of her sister's impeccable word play, but also at Matt's stroke of genius where he had chosen to record the proceedings. The video was the only form of entertainment he had during the long four-hour drive it took to travel from London to Lancashire.
(Honestly, his Uncle better have been worth it).
He balanced his cheek against his fist, his elbow taking place upon the door elbow rest, and he watched the countryside pass by in a blur. The chauffeur driving the black Rolls-Royce was merely a formality, and to be honest, he would have preferred driving himself.
Still, he supposed warily while closing his eyes; the constant sound of the wheels rolling against the road lulling him in a state of peace, it was better he wasn't driving. He was so very much tired.
The jet-lag coupled with his constant comings and goings to not only meet with University officials for final interviews, but also meeting the multiple contacts from their network had left Atticus bone-tired.
He just wanted a good night's rest.
…Okay, maybe two nights. In a row.
He glanced at his wrist watch, finding it to be quarter to six, and if he was correct (which he most certainly was) then it was quarter to one in Mystic Falls; Lancashire being five hours ahead of Virginia. Further still, he wondered how much longer it would take to reach the ancestral castle belonging to the House of Asturias.
He stifled a groan and rubbed his temples in exhaustion.
As if hearing his agonizing and slugging thoughts, the chauffeur took pity on him and announced, while glancing at him through the rear-view mirror,
"Master de Asturias, it seems we have reached our destination."
Finally, his thoughts echoed the relief he felt, Atticus glanced out of the window and at a little distance, on top of a large hill he saw Caercastra.
It was not the biggest of castles, in fact it was on the smaller side, but its entire figure painted a picture of might and elegance as the sun's setting rays illuminating it in a burnt orange glow. Caercastra was a castle constructed by King Henry the Fifth of England, and Atticus knew his great-grandfather had it built for Beatriz de Asturias; the Plantagenet King's true mother.
He watched as the Castle came closer into sight, the car having a turned upon the road leading up to the gates; the large graceful iron structures were open and leading to the courtyard. The car drove round the magnificent fountain in the middle of said courtyard, before stopping in front of the main steps leading towards large grandeur wooden doors.
A butler, dressed with great finesse, stood by the doors, and bowed gracefully when Atticus had gotten out of the car (And resisted the urge to stretch, although by the twitch of his chauffeur's lips, it was a futile attempt) and strolled up the steps.
"Master de Asturias," He began in a smooth northern accent, after executing a precise bow, "On behalf of the Master of this residence, it is my pleasure to welcome you to Caercastra. Please, follow me."
Atticus nodded graciously before falling into step with the butler who introduced himself as 'Adrian Chambers', they walked through the main gallery, and Chambers soon showed him into a comfortable sitting room.
It was homely and well-lit, the floor carpeted in royal blue, a fire blazing in the hearth of the ornate fire place. A man stood by the tall glass windows, his back towards him, although he turned when Atticus entered the room.
And so, he found himself facing his Uncle.
Tío Lázaro looked every bit the Asturias that he was.
His eyes were the typical Asturias blend of teal and sea-green, his features, Atticus noticed, were less sharper than Papa's, more gentle and delicate. Although, Tío Lázaro did possess the well-defined cheekbones that seemed to pass down in the family.
What immediately stood out in contrast, was his short pale hair, they were silver colored locks that gleamed lustrously in the twilight. Tío Lázaro smirked at the attention, and if there was any doubt that Atticus was related to this man, it was washed away at the sight of that smirk. The same smirk he saw every day in the mirror, on his little sister, father, and even his great-grandfather's faces.
"Hola, my dear nephew," Tío Lázaro began, leaning forwards against the back of one of the arm chairs placed by the window, "It's about time that we met face to face, sí?"
"Sí." Atticus agreed, a grin lighting up his face, "Am I under the impression that it's directly down to business?"
"Why waste time?" Tío Lázaro shrugged carelessly, a sharp lazy smirk twisting at his lips, "Especially when I know this is not a social visit."
Atticus suppressed a scowl, "You sound entirely too much like Papa."
"Well," The man drawled sarcastically, "It is not as if we are brothers."
Atticus scoffed, "A brother whose existence we were not aware of till recent years."
"Shame on you then, not even aware of your dearest Uncle? Tsk."
The heir to the Lordship of Lazcano stared, "Oh Lord," He muttered with a long suffering groan, "There are two of you." Because in that moment, all Atticus saw was his Father.
Tío Lázaro chuckled deeply, "Oh, nephew mine, you have grown to be a remarkable young man." The smile on the man's face was genuine, "I, personally, cannot wait to meet your hermana. Now, on with it, so I may judge if what you have to say is worth my time or not."
Atticus walked towards the fireplace, standing close so that he could soak in the warmth. He glanced out of the tall glass windows, his eyes straying towards the twinkling stars becoming visible in the darkening sky.
He weighed his words carefully, before confessing bluntly:
"I wish to conquer the Other Side."
.
.
.
"…I'm listening."
7th September, 2009; Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.
Stefan smiled politely as he was seated between Tyler and Matt.
The group of high-schoolers had pushed two tables together and each had dragged a chair to seat themselves upon. Upon first glance they looked every bit the average, and rowdy teenagers that they were.
Honestly, Stefan had no idea what to make of them.
His eyes strayed towards Elena, and his breath once more left him when he saw that she was a carbon-copy of Katherine.
Of course, she had her own quirks, Stefan could see that from how her doe-brown eyes were much cheerful, and lacked the sly quality that was ever-present in Katherine's, and she certainly didn't have the long brown curls Katherine had been known to have, no, in fact the tips of Elena's hair brushed her shoulders and fell in lazy waves.
She studiously didn't meet his gaze, Stefan noticed, but he desperately wanted her to. He wanted to look into those eyes and see the innocence he was sure was present, and he wanted her to see the sincerity in his own.
He had watched her all summer, and Stefan would admit privately that it made him a stalker, but he couldn't help it. He was only coming to visit his nephew Zach, when he had passed the bonfire site and had seen Elena laughing with her blonde friend.
The shock he had felt in that one moment, the feeling of the earth slipping beneath his feet, when he had seen Elena –because damn it all, he thought he was watching Katherine. Was all-encompassing, and it threatened to consume him.
He thought it was Katherine, who had always laughed in light feminine, merry tones when he would tell her something amusing. Katherine, who would throw her head back revealing the long slope of her neck to his and Damon's eyes. Katherine, who was always accompanied by seductive, inviting smiles. Katherine, whom he had once thought he loved more than anything; his life, his dead mother… his own brother.
(His brother, his heart wailed in that moment, shame overtaking him, his brother who had done everything for Stefan, who had taken their fathers brutal beatings for him, who had stood by with a heart-breaking smile on his face as he was ridiculed, constantly claimed as worthless while also making sure Stefan was seen as the apple of their father's eyes, who had asked for nothing and given Stefan everything.
Where was that brother now? Gone. Replaced by a stranger. A monster.
A monster of your own making, his thoughts crooned mockingly.)
NO!
It was Katherine's fault, he buried his previous thoughts viciously, not willing to acknowledge that guilt.
Katherine, who always wanted more, who took and took, and gave nothing in return, who had ruined his life.
Katherine, for whom his hatred knew no bounds.
In his confusion and sudden rise in blood lust he had been tempted to flash over there and tear Katherine's –no Elena's head off.
But he had been momentarily distracted when Elena doubled over and laughed loudly, without restraint, so hard that she was wheezing. It was nothing like how Katherine laughed, no dainty giggles or husky, seductive chuckles.
No, it was pure unrestrained and ugly chortles, filled with snorts, wheezes and tears of mirth.
Stefan had been mesmerized.
He watched now, as she laughed in a more restrained manner, but it was no less genuine, at something her Blonde friend –Caroline Forbes, his mind supplied distastefully- said.
Caroline seemed like the typical shallow cheerleader, Tyler being the typical football jock, Matt was friendly and approachable, Vicki seemed to thrive within sarcasm, Jeremy was someone Stefan wanted to get to know (if only to become closer to Elena), and Bonnie was the pretty quirky friend (whom Stefan decided to keep distance from, he didn't want her finding out about his being a vampire).
At least, that's what he thought.
Stefan's eyes shifted towards Zatanna Bennett-Asturias.
The unknown variable.
Her name suggested some relation to Bonnie, and therefore the Bennett bloodline, so she was most likely a witch. But that's all he seemed to gather. He hadn't seen her in town the entire summer, which brought the question where she had been, for he was certain he would have noticed her had she been in Mystic Falls.
She just had that sort of heavy presence.
Zatanna was beautiful, he had noticed immediately, and her entire countenance gave nothing away; a fact that made him uneasy. But mostly, it was her eyes that pierced through him. Perhaps it was their exotic color, or the ever-present knowingness they exuded, or even the way they made him feel small and insignificant.
Stefan Salvatore was not quite sure how to act in front of her.
And it was more than just that; he still didn't know why she invited him for lunch at the Grill, but his senses kept telling him to run the fuck away.
Why, though? Why was she so dangerous? And if she was as dangerous as his instincts told him, he wanted to know what her motives were. She might be a danger to the teenagers, to Elena, and Stefan had this unexplainable urge to protect Katherine's double.
But his theory only led to more confusion when he saw how the teenagers acted around her; the personalities he seemed to have pegged them with suddenly washed away when they were in the foreigner's (Spanish by the sound of her accent) presence.
Caroline subtly starting giving cunning remarks, Vicki turned downright assessing and calculating, Matt possessed a certain poise that made him seem like a soldier, Tyler seemed to adore Zatanna; unwavering loyalty in his eyes when he looked at her, Bonnie turned mischievous and confident, Jeremy's intelligence gleamed in his eyes, and Elena glowed brightly.
They seemed to revolve around Zatanna.
Which led to the nagging question; who the hell was Zatanna Bennett-Asturias?
And why did she look so damn knowing?
7th September, 2009; Bennett Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.
Bonnie waited till her Grams took a seat across the table, before springing her discovery.
"Okay, so I studied the prison worlds like you told me to, and can I just mention how cool it is that we can make bloody prison worlds! I mean, do you know how many prison world the Bennett witches have made? Like all forty of them! I mean, why do we even need so many Prison Worlds?" Bonnie babbled, waving her hands about animatedly, "But then I also found out that the Gemini Coven, that's the coven Malachai Parker is from, sort of stole two of those prison worlds, used it for their own means and linked it to the Gemini Coven's leaders, which is wrong, who gave them the bloody right?!"
Grams blinked at the onslaught, "No, please, continue," The older woman spoke sarcastically, "Just the kind of talk I enjoy over dinner."
"Grams!"
The sound of the front door opening saved the older woman from responding, and both Bennett witches turned towards the entrance of the dining room.
"Zatanna, is that you, dear?" Grams called out, although Bonnie was pretty sure she had already sensed who it was, "I thought you said you would stay out late, although I'm sure you know I don't approve of that."
Zatanna was slipping off her jacket when she entered the room, an apologetic smile on her face, "Forgive me, tía abuela, the only reason I would have stayed out even later was to reinforce the protection shields around everyone's respective households. The entire process ended earlier than anticipated, so I found myself making it in time for dinner." She sounded hopeful in the end, eyeing the plates of steaks in front of them, with poorly disguised hunger.
Grams smiled fondly, "I know, now come on, I'll get you a plate."
Her cousin grinned, "Ooh, thank you, I'm starving!"
"Evidently," Bonnie interjected sarcastically, and then promptly dodged the fist that was half-heartedly aimed in her direction.
"Cállate, Bonita."
Grams placed a plate in front of Zatanna, pausing to ruffle the Spaniards hair before taking her own seat, "Have you talked to your father?"
Zatanna nodded once, before humming in pleasure at the taste of the steak, "Sí, he said he would arrive some time tomorrow night."
"And Atticus?" Bonnie asked.
"According to him, Tío Lázaro is a pain in his behind."
Bonnie sniggered behind her hand.
"But," Zatanna continued thoughtfully, "I can tell Atticus likes him…it makes me all the more curious."
"You'll get your chance." Grams pat her arm comfortingly, "I've met your Uncle once before, at your parents' wedding."
Instead of grimacing at the reminder of her Mother's absence, Zatanna glanced at Grams with intrigue clouding her eyes.
"Oh? Do tell."
Grams smiled wistfully, "He's a handsome man, clever, playful; a little less serious than your father. And Lord, he used to tease Pauline mercilessly." She turned a tender smile towards her grand-niece, "You have been blessed with a beautiful family, Zatanna."
Her cousin nodded seriously, "Indeed, a fact I am ever so grateful of."
It was then Bonnie noticed that Grams expression had suddenly turned wistful when looking at the Spaniard, and wondered if instead of Zatanna, the older woman saw Aunt Pauline in her place.
The rest of dinner was a comfortable affair, as always filled with lighthearted laughter from Grams side, sardonic jibes from Zatanna's, and actual god-honest funny stories –as opposed to ahem Elena's- from her own (Grams cackled like the witch she was when Bonnie retold the events of that morning, according to the older witch Tanner deserved nothing less).
It was when Zatanna and she had changed and sidled beneath the bed covers, that her cousin pinned her with a stare.
"You're planning something."
Bonnie winced, "It's that obvious?"
Zatanna's brow quirking had her sighing in defeat. The tea-skinned witch turned fully to face the Spaniard in front of her and bit her lip before explaining.
"Okay, so during my research about the prison worlds, I've kind of figured which two the Gemini coven stole, and I've pinpointed which one holds Malachai Parker…"
Zatanna frowned thoughtfully, "Two prison worlds…" Her eyes widened minutely as they suddenly filled with realization, "Oh yes…The first one was for the Heretics." Teal-sea green eyes suddenly pinned her with a solemn warning lighting them up, "Do not tread in the first prison world, Bonita, it is best the ones who remain trapped there, stay there. I honestly do not need more problems to top the ones we already have."
Bonnie searched Zatanna's face, before nodding, "Will you tell me why?"
Zatanna gave a half-smile in turn, "Of course, Bonita. Do you wish to know now?"
Bonnie would have agreed if she hadn't suddenly noticed that it was drawing closer to the time when the moon reached its apex, and she really needed to harness its power for a spell she was about to cast.
"In the morning, right now I have to do something…"
Zatanna narrowed her eyes.
"Don't look at me like that," Bonnie defended, "Okay so like I said, Malachai is in Prison World 10, and well, I've been studying Grams' grimoire, and the tome Mister Henry gave me, and there's a spell where I can astral walk in different planes of existence…so, I was gonna...sorta…do it?"
Zatanna did not condemn her thoughts or even outright give her negative on the idea, in fact, her cousin frowned thoughtfully, "Astral projection has quite a lot of demands and complications, you need to make sure the dimension upon which you mean to project yourself has no specific conditions, than you need to have necessary precautions; such as finding an anchor to tether you to your own plane of existence, and you need to find a source of power…"
Bonnie nodded vigorously, "I know! I already went through most of the checklist, the prison world are bound to the Bennett bloodline, and after the Gemini coven stole two of the worlds; the remaining have been secured so that no one but a witch with Bennett blood can access them."
"You're using the moon as a power source aren't you?" Zatanna guessed correctly.
"For now."
"And the anchor?"
"Well, I was gonna tie myself to the magic of the dream stone I made, but can I use you instead? Having a living anchor is much better."
"And you used all necessary ingredients to enchant this dream stone? You're going to use it to project yourself, sí?"
"Yup!"
Zatanna nodded thoughtfully, before grinning, "Go ahead then, Bonita, and yes, of course you can use me as your anchor."
Bonnie grinned half-excitedly, and half-nervously, she reached underneath her pillow and pulled out a dark crystal stone, she handed it to Zatanna to hold, before the Bennett witch swung herself out of the bed, and brought the grimoire on her study table to the bed.
Bonnie then opened a bookmarked page, and quickly went through the tethering spell once more before she looked at her cousin expectantly.
"This is a Shamanic dream crystal," Zatanna sounded impressed, inspecting the dark crystal in her hand, "Where'd you get it from?"
Bonnie snorted, "Mister Henry,"
Zatanna rolled her eyes, "Oh, of course, how could I forget? Well then, hit me with it."
The Bennett witch reached out and pressed her fingertips on either side of Zatanna's temples, frowning in concentration. She felt the power of the moon and at the moment where it just felt right, Bonnie muttered the spell she had memorized.
Internally, she felt relieved when she felt the tethering spell flit into place, and perhaps some of that relief was shown on her face, because Zatanna immediately smiled in encouragement and pride.
The two then lay down on the bed side by side, and Bonnie made sure to activate the effects of the dream stone and place it beneath her pillow, Zatanna stared at her with solemn eyes and when Bonnie felt the lull of sleep overtaking her senses, she quickly muttered the spell for astral projection, and pictured the prison world within which she intended to walk.
As darkness filtered through her, she felt reassured knowing she had her cousin by her side.
Bonnie's eyes snapped open and she sat up with a distorted gasp.
Immediately she felt the difference; her entire body was discolored and hazy, as if she was a forgotten spectre, doomed to wander the world with no direction.
She tried to wrestle with her sudden panic.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and held it in, before releasing it in a deep sigh. And as she repeated this process she recalled her cousins, her uncle, and Mister Henry. As she imagined their forms in her minds eyes, with them simply standing there, watching her with unwavering eyes, and unrelenting postures, Bonnie found herself drawing strength from that image.
Okay, okay, she tried to organize her thoughts. She was here because she was curious, and also because she wanted to find out all she could about travelling between different planes of reality.
Finally looking around her surroundings, Bonnie noticed that she was in a very old version of her own room, the childish bedspreads and stuffed toys rekindling old, forgotten memories. She was lying on the floor by her too-small bed, and she found it odd; how she could still touch the ground but couldn't really interact with anything else.
She pushed herself to her feet and staggered at the sudden nausea attacking her, "Ugh," She muttered bending over, steadying herself by placing her hands on her knees.
"Okay, Bonnie," She muttered to herself, more than a little unnerved by the silence, "You just need to get one good look at Malachai."
Feeling slightly reassured by the pep-talk she gave herself, Bonnie closed her eyes and allowed the magic around her to expand in a concentrated bubble, all while trying to trace the only single life force in the purgatory.
There!
Her eyes snapped open as she felt her senses tingling, the magic flowing through the purgatory had immediately pin-pointed the single living being and it seemed to glow like a beacon. It was easier to locate an individual in the prison world, Bonnie noticed, as opposed to in the living plane. Perhaps it was because of the lack of the millions of lives inhabiting the prison world, or maybe because it was Bennett magic that had made the purgatory.
In any case, Bonnie let those thoughts rest at the back of her mind, instead concentrating at the task at hand. She pictured that glowing life-force and then she allowed herself to be pulled towards it.
.
.
.
She was never doing that again.
Nope. Nah. Nada.
NEVER!
Bonnie retched; dry heaving (because astral projections can't throw up, can they?) and groaning when she was finally thrown out of the other side of the proverbial magical vacuum.
"Son of a god damn bitch." She muttered uncharacteristically, before freezing when she heard footsteps.
Her head snapped upwards and she stared in surprise (because, it worked! HAHA!) at the masculine form of the young adult who was strolling casually along the rocky path, his lips rounded as he whistled a random tune.
Bonnie blinked, because Malachai Parker was surprisingly good-looking (What the fuck?), his hair were neatly cut short strands of walnut brown, his face was clean shaven which brought her attention to the sharp slopes of his shapely jaw-line and straight nose.
His facial expressions were something that made her heart beat quicken; as Bonnie suddenly swallowed thickly at the dangerous boredom painted across said features.
Figured; all the psychopaths just had to be really gorgeous.
So unfair.
Curiously, she looked around her surroundings, finding herself in some high mountainous terrain, and definitely not in Mystic Falls.
Not entirely satisfied with just seeing the prisoner of the world, Bonnie decided to follow him towards where he seemed to be taking a barren path towards a cliff edge.
Malachai was taller than her, his strides much longer which made it hard for Bonnie to keep up with him; although, Bonnie thought with a private snort, basically everyone was taller than her. She was most definitely a midget.
He was dressed in casual clothes but they were a little old-fashioned, a style she barely recalled Mason Lockwood adopting quite some years ago.
When he finally came to the edge of the cliff, Malachai Parker suddenly stopped causing her to almost bump into him. Although she found it interesting how when she instinctively brought a hand up to stop herself from crashing into him, said appendage just faded before it could grasp his shoulder.
She also perhaps mildly panicked, because her hand wasn't there, but when she pulled it back, the hand just reformed, the vapours gathering back into their original form. Her panic might have mounted when Malachai Parker suddenly went rigid, turned around, and stared straight at where she stood pining her with his gaze.
Her heart jumped into her throat when stormy blue eyes, with prominent flecks of grey glowed with a certain calculated insanity, his expression had lost its merriment and suddenly, if possible he seemed more dangerous with that quietly hooded stare.
Bonnie was sure that he couldn't see her, but that didn't mean he couldn't sense her…
She shivered violently at the intensity of his stare, how was it someone could look at another so dangerously while not really seeing the other individual?
The warlock suddenly began to smile, it was gradual; a slow stretching of the lips, took a step closer to the edge of the cliff and then-
-he stepped right of the edge.
Bonnie covered her mouth as a scream threatened to rip through and closing her eyes, she immediately pulled herself out.
IWANTTOGOBACK
She gasped violently as she sat up in her bed, her heaving gasps alarming Zatanna who had immediately sat up with her, her arms coming around Bonnie's shoulders.
The Bennett witch couldn't exactly pinpoint which of the turbulent feeling plagued her the most. The intense uncertainty she felt when looking at the reported psychopath, the fear when he leaped of the cliff oh so casually, or-
.
.
.
-or how her heart was still beating in excitement.
8th September, 2009; Mystic Grill, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.
Caroline tried to keep the uneasiness from her face.
She knew that there were two more vampires in Mystic Falls (apart from Enzo), and she knew that Damon Salvatore had likely killed the couple from the newsreel a couple of days ago, and again, tonight, she was pretty sure he was the one who killed the two campers too.
So much for enjoying the back-to-school party.
Sighing, Caroline leaned back against her chair, staring at the minimal crowd surrounding her. She supposed, suddenly feeling a strange mixture of scared and thoughtful, that there was something very different when watching the news, and then actually witnessing two dead bodies in front of her eyes.
Something final.
She sighed again, only to squawk in sudden outrage when she was slapped on the forehead.
"What the hell, Vicki?" She hissed, glaring at the teenager opposite of her.
"Don't think too hard, Care-Bear," Vicki crooned, her lips twisting into a saccharine smile, "You'll lose the minimal brain cells you have let."
"Why I oughta-"
"Guys!" Bonnie scowled, slumping forward resting her head upon her folded arms on the table, "Is now really the time?"
"Ugh, she started it!" Caroline pointed at the Donovan.
Vicki huffed, looking both defiant but also chastised, "Better than thinking about what happened tonight."
At that, Caroline sobered instantly, it seemed they were all bothered with their first bout of witnessing death. Sad part was, the Forbes knew it wouldn't end just here.
Bonnie wasn't frazzled per se, but she did look preoccupied and uneasy, Vicki, tough and private as she was, seemed to be using sarcasm as a shield for her actual thoughts, and Zee…
Well…, Caroline's eyes drifted to where the Asturias witch stood by the bar ordering shakes for them all, Zee looked unaffected.
The blonde cheerleader could never forget the urge to vomit when she had first seen the two dead bodies; what with their heads hanging precariously, as if they would fall off, detached from the rest of the body at any moment, the gaping gory wounds at their necks, the way their mouths were open in soundless screams.
But perhaps more than that feeling of revulsion, what bothered Caroline the most was the clinical stare Zee had through the entire proceedings; she had watched the dead bodies with a certain uncaring precision, as if they were just that, simple dead bodies meant to be examined, and not actual people who had lost their lives.
She had been indifferent, like she was used to the entire proceedings.
Now, there was no doubt that Caroline loved Zee, that she trusted her. But perhaps it was because of that, she wondered, when had Zee become so pragmatic, so cold to the concept of death?
Or wait, she had always been like that, hadn't she?
The sudden sharp gasp from Bonnie had Caroline looking up, and she blinked when she witnessed the sudden ferocity lining the Bennett witch's eyes, the sharp glare that was aimed at…
…Caroline repressed the urge to curse when she finally saw the very vampire who had killed the two campers.
Admittedly, he was good-looking, in a way that Caroline knew; had she met him not knowing his true nature, and his actions towards Enzo, then she would have very likely been taken by that bad-boy smirk.
Damon Salvatore looked nothing like his younger brother; where Stefan had wind swept light-brown hair and forest-green eyes, Damon had thick inky black locks and icy-blue eyes.
And currently said Salvatore was attempting to give Zee (of all people) a sultry smirk.
Caroline resisted the urge to cackle.
Thankfully, because of the night's proceedings, the Grill was mostly uninhabited, as such the lack of noise made listening to the Salvatore scum and Zee's conversation easily.
"Hey," Damon smirked, moving to stand closer to Zee, all while nursing a glass of alcohol in his hand.
Zee turned her head slowly towards the vampire, and both her brows raised in an equally slow manner; looking nothing short of unimpressed.
"Hello," She responded drolly, her eyes flicking over him in a cursory glance, before she looked away in an obviously dismissive motion.
He, of course, mistook the entire action as her checking him out, if the smug glow in his eyes was anything to go by.
But, yuck, even Caroline knew Zee had way better standards.
"I'm Damon Salvatore." He introduced coolly.
Zee nodded once in acknowledgement before resuming waiting for the waiter to deliver their drinks.
"You know," The blue-eyed vampire began again unperturbed, "Typically when someone gives you their name, its polite to give yours in turn."
A pause and a muffled scoff from Vicki's direction.
Zatanna then turned towards Damon, an amused smirk on her lips but her eyes, god, her eyes were so cold and so dark.
"Pity, it seems I've got no manners," Zee spoke mockingly, "Whatever are we going to do?"
"Well," The Salvatore seemed to move closer, and Zee's eyes turned more dangerous, "I can think of a thing or two."
"Salvatore, was it?" Zee spoke, blatantly changing the topic, in a manner that left Damon Salvatore blinking, because Zee showed not an ounce of discomfort or attraction towards him, "Are you perhaps related to a Stefan Salvatore?"
Damon looked displeased for a moment before he masked it with a smile, "Yeah, he's my little brother," The vampire suddenly expressed faux sheepishness, "I'm sorry, do you know him?"
"I had the misfortune of meeting him yesterday, Seňor,"
Damon suddenly looked entertained, "It sounds you don't like him that much, I'm sorry if he offended you."
Irritation passed through Zee's face; it was so quick that Caroline doubted anyone who didn't know Zee would have noticed.
"No need to apologize for his actions when you haven't even apologized for yours." Zee grinned dangerously.
Damon blinked, "Oh? And what do I have to apologize for?"
Caroline swore she could hear Bonnie's teeth grinding, and Vicki's knuckles cracking.
Damon Salvatore was such an entitled ass.
Zee leaned closer towards the vampire, and the Salvatore smirked at the movement, his eyes trailing over the Asturias witch's form. He stared however, when all pleasantry left Zee's face, replaced with a cold, cold, expression; her eyes glinted with chaotic intentions, and she spoke in an icy voice that dripped with dark malice;
"You had the audacity to stand in my presence, filth."
Even Caroline flinched at that; those words were meant to unsettle, to terrify, and to belittle.
Damon Salvatore was speechless, watching as the Asturias walked away leaving him standing by the bar, in her hands was the tray of milkshakes, and when her eyes met theirs, the teal-sea green color of them glinted protectively.
Caroline supposed Damon Salvatore's suddenly dark expression as he stared at Zee, explained why the Spaniard had been adamant in having them all within her arms reach the entire evening.
But…Zee's facial expressions were more dangerous than anything Damon could have shown.
And again, Caroline wondered, when exactly did Zee became so used to death?
9th September, 2009; Central Park, New York City; New York, United States of America.
Enzo had a clear view of the dark-skinned witch from the room he had rented across the street. She walked confidently towards the woman he had assigned at the contact point, smack dab in the middle of the Central Park. Beside him stood a professional ex-marine officer who had served in the Republic of Korea Marine Corps.
The South-Korean man, Ryu Hak-Jin, had his sniper aimed carefully to the compelled man following the Bennett witch.
"Any other tails?" Enzo asked sweeping his eyes over the scene, his superior vision allowing him to carefully inspect Lucy Bennett and her surroundings.
The Asian man was silent for a moment before he answered, "There is one more man, by the ice-cream vendor, wearing a leather jacket." His voice was slightly accented, but not much.
Enzo allowed his eyes to settle upon the pointed out man, before humming in agreement. The man was casually sitting but also glancing frequently both at Lucy Bennett and the compelled man who was following her at a distance.
"Well," Enzo spoke out loud, "That would suggest that Katerina Petrova has invested much into Lucy Bennett, enough to keep an eye on her, but not too much because she doesn't truly believe the Bennett witch would go against her."
"Such arrogance is deplorable." Disdain dripped from Hak-Jin's voice.
Enzo felt a smirk pull at his lips, "Indeed."
The ear-piece in his ear flared to life, Lucy Bennett's voice filtering through,
"Susan! It's so good to see you again!"
So, it seemed Lucy Bennett had agreed to play the charade.
Momentarily he glanced at the open laptop, and the e-mail he had sent to the Bennett witch through an encrypted line.
Hey Lucy,
Lord it's been years, hasn't it? I've missed my favorite cousin! I was hoping we could meet up again, plus I've got some juicy gossip about old girl Sheila.
She's really pissed by the way, she wants to have a family dinner soon, and you know that stupid mantra of hers.
'A Benedictus always helps their own', and 'Family is sacred'. Yada yada yada.
Anyways, hoping I could meet you this Saturday around noon, at Central Park.
Anticipating your summons,
Susan Benedictus.
Intelligent as she seemed to be, it was quickly proven that Lucy Bennett had completely understood the message for what it was.
A summons from her coven leader; Sheila Bennett.
As it was, they could have directly called her but Enzo had anticipated that Katerina might have the witch under watch, so it would be best not to bring attention to the Bennett witches residing in Mystic Falls.
Hence the entire need for the farce.
"Lucy!" His contact squealed, throwing her arms around the woman, and in the same instance slipping the ear-piece and small phone within Lucy's hands.
Lucy Bennett grinned widely, feigning pushing strands of her hair behind her ears, all while actually putting the ear-piece on.
Enzo picked up the radio receiver in his hand, clicked a button before speaking into it.
"Pleasant day, Lucy Bennett, believe me when I say it is a pleasure to meet your acquaintance, albeit I regret we could not meet face to face." Enzo began softly.
Just as he finished speaking his contact took her cue from where she too was listening in on the conversation, providing a cover in the form of harmless conversation so that anyone listening in on their conversation would not be confused by Lucy's replies.
"Great to see you again, Lu."
He watched clearly from the distance as Lucy's lips quirked up into a devious smirk,
"Of course, it's great to meet you, although I'll be honest," The Bennett witch's voice turned teasing, "It's been way too long; how did you even have the time to contact me in your oh-so busy schedule? Are you even the same Susan I know?"
Enzo could not stop the amusement overtaking his tone as he spoke into the receiver again, "My name is Lorenzo St. John, and I am quite close to your distant cousins; Bonnie Bennett, grand-daughter of Sheila Bennett, heiress to the Bennett coven, as well as Atticus and Zatanna Bennett-Asturias, children of Pauline Bennett, the noble legacy and future to the Asturias coven."
"Ugh, stop teasing me! You're the one who's changed, At least I'm in regular contact with our itty-bitty cousins. God they've grown so much, you wouldn't believe it! I feel as if I've grown a century!" Delara, his contact's real name, spoke promptly, feigning exhaustion, she ran a hand through her black hair, her tanned skin glowing in the sun's rays.
Enzo heard a slight huff of admiration from Hak-Jin, and allowed himself to feel impressed by Delara Homayoun; skilled and formidable woman as she was.
The Persian-born woman had immigrated to Jordon at an early age, and soon applied her intelligence to become a part of the Jordanian National Police. Safe to say, Enzo had pulled a lot of strings and a lot of Asturias influence to convince the female human to join his cause.
Compared to her, having Hak-Jin join him was much easier.
"Right, whatever you say, we all know how much of a suck-up you are when it comes to the old girl. The fact that she trusted your adopted ass enough to convince me of all people to join that sappy dinner says something." Lucy Bennett rolled her eyes.
"Indeed, rest assured, you may trust me. I represent the Bennett coven at the behest of its current head; Sheila Bennett. She calls for you. Her exact words; Answer the call, every Bennett must stand as one." Enzo spoke promptly.
Even from so far away, he could see Lucy Bennett freeze, as the implication of his words settled within her.
Delara spoke casually, improvising her words, "Oh come on, don't be stingy, the old girl has some urgent news this time, the dinner's just an excuse; her daughter potentially has a debilitating disease," Delara sounded suddenly solemn, "The old girl was really hoping you could come over. According to her it's time to stand together."
Lucy nodded slowly, "I see, that means she would want everyone there right? What…what's the disease?"
"Indeed, ideally that would be the typical course of action, but the issue as it has presented itself is not too big for the summoning of the entire coven. You, however, are needed, since you seem to be in routine interactions with the disease. Katherine Peirce; she aims to come to Mystic Falls and wreak havoc. And most likely than not her targets include members of your family. Lucy Bennett you are needed."
"Not everyone per se, just close members, and you've always been close to the old girl," Delara responded, "Now the old girl mentioned the disease was life-threatening and might also be contagious, that's why she's asking you to come. Everyone's anticipating you won't say no, and honestly, I really hope you come. You're needed Lu."
Lucy grinned a shark-like grin, "Of course, there was never any doubt. I'll make some time. It makes me furious though, how these pesky diseases suddenly come into your life, and suddenly latch onto you like leeches. Don't worry, I'll be there for the old girl."
"Splendid," Enzo grinned, observing the fierceness he had now taken to associating with the Bennett lineage flit across Lucy's face, "The phone slipped to you earlier possesses a cryptic line and it is password protected; the password itself will constantly be changing every hour and said password will be send through Bennett runic codes on the phone, the current password is 'Ptolemaic'."
"Awesome, now what do say we grab a coffee for old time's sake?" Delara clapped her hands together.
As an afterthought, Enzo added, "I look forward to your cooperation, Miss Bennett."
"It would be my pleasure." Lucy smiled.
9th September, 2009; Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.
Ignacio Asturias ran a hand through his dark strands, relaxing in his arm chair and watching the sunset through the ceiling-high windows of his study.
He had arrived sometime early in the morning, around 3:00 AM, if he recalled correctly, and had immediately isolated himself in his bedroom, where he proceeded to sleep off his jet-lag.
It did not matter if one owned a private jet or not, travelling as often as he did would leave anyone exhausted.
The Spanish Lord felt his daughter's presence enter the warded vicinity of their manor, and a smile pulled at his lips when he sensed her hurrying through the front door and up the stairs, and finally the door to his study opened.
"Papa, welcome back!" Zatanna curtsied formally, yet her face was painted with genuine happiness; at the sight of which he felt his own weariness ebb away.
"Pequeňa bruja," He answered in greeting, rising to his feet, and pulling his daughter into his arms. "It is good to see you. How have you been?"
"Quite well, thank you." His daughter pulled away, taking a seat across him, his rather large and extravagant office desk between them, "And you? How was your journey?"
"Tiring as expected, but well enough."
"You haven't eaten anything, have you?" Zatanna sounded disapproving, "I've asked Lola to bring up a cup of tea and some biscuits."
Ignacio knew his amusement was quite apparent because his daughter only responded by rolling her eyes.
"Tell me, mi hija, how are the events proceeding here?"
Zatanna thoughtfully tapped her nails against the glass surface of his desk, "Well, I have made contact with both Salvatore brothers. Atticus tells me he has successfully managed to rope Tío Lázaro into his plans, and Enzo also just sent me an affirmative regarding his own task."
"Yes," Ignacio agreed dryly, glancing at his phone screen, and feeling that familiar fond annoyance build up when he saw it was another irritating text from his little brother, "Believe me, I'm getting a rather thorough report regarding Atticus' actions."
In a blatant display of curiosity, Zatanna leaned across the table to glance at his phone, before promptly smothering a snigger at the obnoxious messages.
"Oh, I honestly can't wait to meet Tío Lázaro."
"I dread when the day arrives." He retorted, already imagining the devious (for them) and troublesome (for him) situations they would be involved in.
Strangely the thought made him feel old.
Another message beep from his phone had the Spanish Lord glancing at the new message his annoying little brother sent.
Do give my beautiful and precious sobrina my best, sí hermano?
Ignacio would admit, his first thought was that (as always) it was downright maddening how Lázaro seemed to know when someone spoke of him.
His second thought, when he read the affectionate endearments in reference to Zatanna, was to keep said daughter away from the aforementioned brother of his.
He then blinked at the sheer possessiveness he felt in regards to his little girl and how Lázaro would never let him live it down if he found out.
Best he didn't then, He thought to himself.
Still, he found himself forcing the words out, "Lázaro gives his best."
Zatanna beamed, "Please convey that I appreciate his sentiments, and wish him nothing but good tidings as well."
With a strained smile, Ignacio proceeded to type out the response before pausing and after another thought, he tossed his phone back down on the desk, ignoring his daughter's sudden blink.
He was further thankful when Lola chose that moment to knock on his study dragging along with her the trolley of tea. She gave a formal curtsy before she proceeded to serve them.
"Thank you, Seňorita," Ignacio nodded, momentarily reverting to English.
The young woman smiled once, before taking her leave, and the Spaniard used this moment to distract his daughter from any questions he did not wish to answer.
"It seems all the pieces are in place?" He referred to his initial question.
Zatanna looked at him shrewdly, before nodding once, "Sí, however, I would admit, I am wary."
"As you should be. But what are your reasons exactly?"
She sent a half-smile his way, "Niklaus Mikaelson is an unknown variable. He is said to be fickle with his emotions, but his deviousness is perhaps unmatched by any other than his family. I am worried," Zatanna admitted without shame, "That we might miscalculate something, make one little mistake that might result in needless slaughter."
Ignacio nodded along his daughter's words, and felt silent pride when she admitted her own misgivings and worries. He had taught her well.
"I agree, these children are still too young to fight in a war."
"That's why this war is ours to win." Zatanna spoke, her eyes alight with intelligent cunning, "And I intend to use every advantage I can."
Sending a smirk his daughter's way, Ignacio reached for the metal suitcase by his chair, and unlocking it, he presented Zatanna with its contents.
His second-born sat up, anticipation making its way across her face, as she glanced at the twenty vials of blood greeting her.
"Ah yes, pequeňa bruja, fighting fire with fire, eh?"
Or, Ignacio thought privately recalling the words his great-grandfather had with him, is it just an excuse to satisfy your interest?
It was when the moon was high in the sky that Zatanna sat upon her bedroom floor, right in the middle of the pentagram inscribed with chalk on the wooden surface. The pentagram was surrounded by a circle of runic carvings; specific combinations.
Zatanna grabbed a vial of Rubio blood her father had brought back with him from Spain, and picking up a dropper, she squeezed one drop of the blood within the bubbling bowl of magical potion she had in her hands.
Immediate vapours rose from the liquid, and just before she breathed in the fumes, Zatanna ran one last mental check-list.
The very atmosphere of the entire town was charged up with magical residues, likely because the comet was near and would pass over Mystic Falls the next day.
So, Zatanna had used this opportunity to use that surrounding magic to strengthen the spiritual runic spells she had cast upon the connection between her spiritual mind and physical body. She had then anchored her body to her father's magic flowing through their manor.
Finally, Zatanna placed the fuming potion in the middle of the drawn pentagram, just in front of her crossed legs.
The Asturias leaned over the bowl.
She inhaled.
And she fell.
Zatanna woke with a gasp.
Before she attempted to blink away her disorientation. It was especially befuddling when she found herself standing (where ever she was); strangely enough her balance did not falter. Swallowing the sudden bile that rose, she took deep breaths before releasing them.
Scanning her surroundings, Zatanna found herself in awe at the ever shifting dynamics of the entire environment. She was standing in a bottomless black pit, it seemed. The shadows seemed ever-shifting, their tendrils morphing in and out of existence; making and then remaking scenarios.
An entire world, an entire dimensional existence that could be reinvented at the behest of its possessor.
Zatanna shivered, unnerved by the black nothingness amidst which she floated (?).
As if an invitation, the blackness suddenly sharply receded bringing forth from its confines a structure of Greek architecture. It was impressively built and although far, she watched the sculptures lined on either side of the rising staircase leading to the grand front doors.
Zatanna realized her presence had been noticed.
And so the spider asks the fly, 'Will you walk into my parlour?'
Charm, and seduction indeed.
Zatanna took a step forth.
The entire structure was perfectly formed, the detail to the building, from the stairs to the marble walls, and even the creeping vines along the sculptures of ancient Greek deities required meticulous concentration, and an even sharper eye for detail.
The Spaniard was impressed.
Upon entering the building, she found it to be a large library, shelves reaching towards the ceiling filled with ancient texts, old scrolls, and priceless books met her eyes. Tall pillars held up the structure, and warm light from the candle lit crystal-chandeliers encompassed the library.
Zatanna had never seen more of a magnificent sight.
She wandered along, her feet inches above the red velvet covered floor, not touching anything. And when she looked at herself properly in the light, Zatanna noticed her form was translucent. A true apparition.
Everywhere she looked she found some reading material or another. Curious, but also patiently waiting for the master of the house to announce his presence, she continued her inspection of the library, walking up the grand stair-case in the middle of the lower floor, leading towards the one above.
From her perch up high, she noticed, as magnificent as the room looked, it painted an ominous picture, especially with the shadowed corners and alcoves courtesy of the flickering candle-lights.
"Well, this is certainly a surprise. Not entirely an unpleasant one, mind you."
Zatanna turned and stared at the tall masculine form standing at the top of the staircase, seemingly having appeared out of thin air.
She didn't know what she expected when she thought about meeting him face to face. But somehow, she still found herself surprised.
From where he stood there, leaning against the bannister, his form exuded absolute, raw power.
Now, logically, Zatanna knew that Kol Mikaelson was the most unpredictable of the Originals; yet standing before him, watching that ever-present detached amusement, and the sharp intelligence in his penetrating gaze, Zatanna would admit; all her senses screamed to turn away from the danger before her.
And perhaps, it was because she was riding on sheer stupid courage, but the noble witch remained rooted there, watching as the Original's dark eyes roved over her form with mild interest. His eyes gleamed; the chaotic madness within them rising to the surface when he finally noticed the color of her eyes.
"Ah, an Asturias," The dangerous man before her uttered, and Zatanna noted absentmindedly, how different his voice was from his dark and menacing appearance. It suited him though; that silky, velvety tone. It added to his appeal.
He sauntered down the few steps it took to reach her, stopping just at the step before her, and so it made his already tall form tower over her.
"Pardon my lack of proper greeting," He continued in a voice so disinterested that she felt entirely out of her depth, "But it seems the circumstances prevent us to do so," Any confusion she must have felt at that statement were dashed away when he reached for her hand, but met nothing but thin air.
Of course. She was an apparition, and he had obviously intended to give a cordial greeting followed by the usual peck at the knuckles.
"It seems I shall have to make do." He gave an easy, enigmatic smirk, before bowing his head, maintaining his appearance of being the most noble of gentlemen, and reverted into smooth Spanish, "A pleasure to be in your presence, Doňa, I am Kol Mikaelson."
Zatanna felt heat bloom across her cheeks, and thanked Death that she was a mere apparition. The way he reverted to her mother-tongue, transitioning so perfectly, with an impeccable accent…
Zatanna pushed those pesky thoughts away.
"The pleasure is all mine, Seňor Mikaelson," She was impressed with how her voice sounded even, "I am Zatanna de Asturias y Bennett."
Blatant interest flickered across his face when she gave her full name, before it was gone and all that was left was amusement.
"Follow me, Doňa mía," Kol stepped aside, gesturing for her to follow him up the stairs.
There was a momentary silence as she gazed upon the first floor of the building, mentally categorizing the entire floor plan, and also using this lapse in conversation to reorganize her thoughts.
It didn't help much, as the next thing she knew was herself blurting an entirely foolish question.
"Will you not ask how I am came to be here."
The moment the words left her lips she wanted to find the nearest tangible wall and slam her head through it. Why would she make such an imbecilic statement?
The Original Vampire before showed no obvious contempt towards her (stupid, stupid) statement, in fact he glanced back at her, a smirk still playing on his lips.
"I've learned never to underestimate a witch," Came his velvety response, "Especially an Asturias."
Zatanna smothered a scoff. Lord knew why she was so bloody flustered.
Thankfully, he took over the reins of the conversation, sparing her from embarrassing herself any further.
"Although," He began, reverting back to English, "I do wonder why you are here." He leaned against one of the large and antique desks, his entire countenance suddenly exuding deceptive relaxation.
No, that wasn't quite correct. He was relaxed, no doubt about that, but intermingled was a certain sense of calculated appraisal he was targeting her with.
Instead of being taken by everything about him (too bloody late for that), she attempted to prioritize how to answer his questions.
She could do that. Verbal wars were her forte.
(Wars, in general, were her playground, and yet standing in front of this man who seemed to command danger and madness, she felt reduced to how she felt when she was the novice back in Sandhurst.)
No. No.
She was not going to feel insecure. She couldn't remember the last time she felt as such. Being flustered was one thing, being insecure was another.
And Zatanna refused to feel such trifling, such insignificant feelings. She had always been a self-assured personality, and there was no way she would be anything otherwise.
As such, Zatanna straightened her posture, she summoned her pride, and channeled the confidence that came with being a mentally grown and mature woman, of being an aristocratic Spaniard with a bloodline as ancient as time.
And so, she would very well own this situation. It would transpire as she wished.
"I would typically answer that it was curiosity that brought me here," Zatanna spoke, getting straight down to business, watching as silent approval seemed to flash through the Original's eyes, before he regarded her with more apparent interest, "And while there is no doubt that particular reason is true, I come for another more pressing matter."
"Oh?" A single brow rose, "And what might that be, My Lady?"
Zatanna smiled, "You see, I have taken a human doppelgänger under my protection."
His eyes darkened, and she could see him categorizing her words, forming countless hypothesis and conclusions. And she could see a core aspect of his disposition; Calculating and Machiavellian.
Zatanna found herself respecting that astute mind and acute intelligence of his.
"You are here to bargain," He finally spoke, his statement absolutely correct, "But, I know for a fact you do not wish to avoid the ritual itself."
His eyes were dark shards in that one moment, "No," he continued at her expectant silence, "You want my knowledge. My personal experience in regards to my brother."
Okay, she was impressed with how quickly he had come to the correct deduction.
His lips suddenly twisted into a dark grin, he pushed himself away from the desk and walked closer to her suddenly still form. He stood so close, and although Zatanna knew that he couldn't touch her, and she was in no real physical danger, she felt her senses go awry.
Everything in her screamed and wailed to leave, to run as far away as she could. But another part was exhilarated. He towered over her, and perhaps stood a hair's breadth apart.
"Tell me, Doňa Asturias, why should I do so? Why shouldn't I instead attempt to convince you to prevent the ritual from happening at all?" His voice was a seductive croon in her ear, "I am after all very cross with my brother. And knowingly preventing him from obtaining that which he has obsessed over for the last millennia…well, I find a certain amusement in it."
"You assume I will be so easily swayed?" She immediately retorted, not stepping away from the big, dominant man, "Believe me Seňor, you seem to underestimate the obsession of an Asturias. Once I have claimed something as mine, I have always taken good care of it."
He pulled away slightly to look at her face properly, sudden glee rising in his eyes, "Is that so? Well then, pardon me for the slight, My Lady."
"So granted," She felt her lips twitch into a smirk, even though she could feel her heart slamming against her ribcage at the strange expression on his face. "Now to answer your question as to why you should help me, is simple really."
He seemed comfortable in invading her personal space, she noticed dimly (feeling not quite as annoyed as she had hoped to be). Furthermore, his expression clearly told her to elaborate.
"I have read all possible recordings regarding your family, in particular your brother-"
"I'm offended," He interjected playfully, "Am I not quite as important?"
"I wouldn't be here if you weren't, now would I?"
He seemed entertained by that, before his expression turned unfathomable again.
"As I was saying, I prefer being prepared, and I wouldn't dare underestimate any Original; you are, all of you, a dangerous lot."
He nodded along, not arrogantly precisely, but in a manner that portrayed self-confidence, and recognized the truth in her words.
"I need first-hand knowledge, and seeing as you're rather displeased with Niklaus, who better to give me what I need?"
His expression shifted to sly wickedness and he stepped even closer, this time she stumbled backwards, her eyes shooting up to meet the darkness he allowed to sweep across his face, "Is that all you need?" His whisper promised sin and madness, dripping with seductive intentions.
Zatanna was silenced, her breath hitching audibly, and she was left staring into those dark hooded eyes. She was quickly coming to realize that Kol Mikaelson did nothing without a reason, and because he was permitting her to see such deliberate actions from his side, well it was obvious he had some ulterior motive behind them.
"Yes," She forced out, not daring to stare away from his eyes.
"If you insist so," His smirk was downright predatory, "Tell me, if I agree, what will you give me in turn?"
She took a moment to steady her flustered nerves, "Knowledge for knowledge, you tell me the best ways to conduct business with your brother, and I will inform you of the world as it is currently."
The Original's face shuttered, and somehow that was more dangerous than his scheming, wicked visage.
"What year is it?" His voice was dangerously soft.
"2009," She responded honestly.
A momentary silence.
And the atmosphere became suffocating.
Zatanna felt smothered, she tried to look at the vampire's face, but the shadows cast by the candlelight suddenly guarded his features. He cut a devilish figure in that one moment.
"Which is why, I offer something else," She continued, "I swear on my name as an Asturias, on the day the ritual will be performed, I will ensure you to be un-daggered."
She felt her magic bind the oath.
He chuckled, his voice suddenly lilting and smooth, "Congratulations, Doňa mía, I am suitably convinced." He, finally, took a step back, and she let loose the breath she didn't know she was holding in, "This will prove to be entertaining."
It was at that moment that she decided it was best to leave, she had achieved what she wished to accomplish from this particular trip. And to be fair, she was at her limit.
"I am glad we could reach an accord, Seňor," She clasped her hands before her, "Regrettably, I must take my leave, would you allow me to visit under less constricting circumstances?"
He walked back towards the antique table, leaning against it again, and watching her, "Of course, you are free to come as you wish. You will not find the many safeguards securing my dimension next time."
Nodding, she concentrated on cutting her connection to that particular plane of existence and willed her apparition to return to her physical body.
Just as she was fading away, Kol Mikaelson chose that moment to depart her with a few choice words.
"Know this, My Lady, the only reason I accepted your bargain, all while knowing that sooner or later my brother would have un-daggered me even without your intervention, was because you have managed to capture my attention. I commend you for it."
Additional Information: 'Caercastra Castle' is a fictional place of my own creation. Caer is old English for 'Court' and Castra is derived from the name Lancaster, so it is derived from Old English 'cæster'which means 'Roman fort or walled city' or in Latin 'castra' means 'legionary camp'. So it can mean both 'Court of the Lancasters' or 'A Legionary/Roman Court'. I take full credit to naming this ancestral home.
Origin of the name Bennett: Transferred use of the surname originating as a variant form of Benedict, a name derived from the Latin Benedictus (blessed).
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, including the timeline (most of it), 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.'
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.
A/N: Okay, I am so, so sorry for the unholy delay.
I realize it has been five months, and honestly I've got nothing to say in my defense except that I have shit time-management skills. I am also really thankful for all the support and encouragement you have all shown me in regards to this story, your words are heartwarming, and patience is to be admired.
Thank you!
Now, before the acknowledgments, I'd first like to address a few things:
Firstly, it was pointed out in another review, that I didn't mention if Jeremy had a vervain tattoo or not, I've added that detail in the last chapter but you don't have to go read it. I'll just tell you, Jeremy's tattoo is around the base of his left forefinger, so it literally looks like a ring, but he usually covers it up with a silver ring.
Secondly, my update schedule; okay guys, it is very sporadic; I have no intention of giving this story up, rest assured, but my updates may have large gaps in between them, I'm already warning you. At the minimum I would try to update by two months. But please, please continue being as patient as you can.
Also, I hope you guys like this chapter, because KOL. Muhahahaha.
Everything is unedited. So, excuse any mistakes.
Now, on to acknowledgements: Thank you everyone who viewed, followed, favorited, and reviewed this story.
My thanks to: Twister60, RedAmberLady95, HuangBaiLian, La'Rae and Ninjas Incorporated, marlastiano, Yuguresan, MoonlightMiracleSakurianaHima, Infra, Shadowing, CaribbeanTrinidadian, Dezzi95, Rose1414, ForeverTwistedLove8814, Sting3, RedAro, TheShortMuffin07, Guest#1 (Thank you so much!), IAMLORDTHORNE, Eclipse Nyx Sinclair, Dancing to your Heartbeat, n1ghtdr34m3r, hereticwitch95, BloodyLoved, RebeliousOne, Kristina'sMyName, Linthaea, AlianaGabriellaWinchester17, AyonSage, CaraCarnage, JezraB, IzzyAvalon19, guadadominguez4, PrincessMagic, angelvm17, Lioness32, keikei313, hexandvex, LPWomer, allicients, Guest#2 (He does, doesn't he? ;D), 19vanelkc, Guest#3, Shatteredxo, Hearteyesmf, Dragon Slayer Empress, queen angelica, timijaf, poyochan, AlinaR, Guest#4 (Thank you so much!), Guest#5 (Thank you!), hailstormdragon, Guest#6, Dude (Guest#7), Isabelnecessaryonabicycle, Guest#8 (Thank you!), Guest#9 (No, don't worry Kol is definitely not going to die, and about Finn, well you'll have to see), Guest#10 (New Orleans will come in at one point or another, but you'll have to wait and see how it proceeds, and regarding the Gemini Coven, I guess after reading this chapter you can see that I do have plans in store for them), gghyatt176, Valentina 92n, Newest Reader (Guest#11) (Your words were beautiful and thank you so much for those kind words, I am honestly very flattered and it makes my day to know you all enjoy this story!), Guest#12 (Thank you!), ABigFan (Guest#13) (Thank you so much!), purpleXorchid, Halle-jonas, Sara khan (Guest#14) (Your words are very kind, thank you so much for them, and I hope you continue having fun reading this story.), SamanthaManga, Guest#15 (Thank you!), Hellish Will, Aquamarine Phoenix, ReignleighNyte, Guest#16 (Thank you!), Guest#17 (It's an interesting idea, and if I find time, I'll try and explore it, Thank you so much!).
Like/Favorite and Review/Comment, please. I respond to all reviews via PM.
Translations:
Seňor Tanner: Mister Tanner.
Seňor: Mister/Sir.
Tío Lázaro: Uncle Lázaro
Hola: Hello.
Sí: Yes.
Hermana: Sister.
Tía abuela: Grand-Aunt.
Cállate: Shut up.
Pequeňa bruja: Little witch.
Mi hija: My daughter.
Sobrina: Niece.
Hermano: Brother.
Seňorita: Miss.
Doňa: Lady.
Seňor Mikaelson: Mister Mikaelson.
Doňa mía: My Lady.
Doňa Asturias: Lady Asturias.
Note: All translations were taken with the help of Google. If there are any mistakes, I would like to apologize as I do not know how to speak the language.
"Mors nobis favet; Death favors us."
-The Asturias Family Motto-
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction; I do not claim any ownership over any characters, situations or anything of relation from the TVD world. I do, however, own the Asturias Family, anything related to them, any other Original-Character introduced and the plot of this particular story.