Ch. VIII
Disclaimer – All publicly recognizable characters, settings etc., are the property of their respective owners. The original characters, ideas and plots are the property of the creator. The director/author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended. I only do this for fun. ~*D*~
Author Note – I would like to thank whoever let me know that the entire chapter had been changed to Bold. (Gives Two Thumbs Up) I don't know about anyone else but I find it hard to read when writers don't show a difference between their writing. (Nodding When She Sees Other Hands Raise) Anyway, I'm glad everyone is thrilled that Master Chi has showed up. (Plugs Ears Because Of Screams) I'm also thrilled to state that the actor that played Mr. Miyagi is the actor who I see Master Chi being portrayed by. (Winks) Now onto the next chapter!
Notes:
Personal Thoughts
"Phone Calls"
"Foreign Language"
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(Dragon's Dojo – Richmond, Virginia – 2:15 PM)
Completely unaware of the growing danger in Mystic Falls, Erica and Master Chi returned inside after sending Poe off to keep an eye on Amber as she headed home. As Erica headed over to where taking a short break, Master Chi began locking up the dojo since he would be returning to Mystic Falls to have dinner with Erica, Jeremy and their Aunt Jenna. He had to admit Erica's dinner invitation to dinner had come as a shock, especially since her aunt knew 'what' he was. It also made him wonder exactly what Erica's aunt's motives were in inviting him to dinner.
Master Chi immediately dismissed that Jenna Sommers had any type of ill intent with inviting him to dinner. Upon finishing locking up the front doors and turning off the open sign, he headed to his office to finish up some paper work that needed to be finished before he left for the day. Stepping into his office, Master Chi smiled as he saw Erica showing Jeremy the very first meditation technique he had shown her. Taking a seat behind his desk, he began the paperwork that would legally state Jeremy Gilbert was a new student at Dragon's Dojo.
Utilizing his supernatural speed, Master Chi was able to finish the paperwork in half the time it would have taken a human to do them. Just as he was able to file the papers in his filing cabinet in case he needed them later, the sound of a phone ringing filled the air of the dojo. Looking out his office's window, Master Chi spotted Erica pulling her phone out of her jacket pocket with the others watching on with frowns on their faces. Worried about what had happened, he closed the filing cabinet's drawer before hurrying out to where Erica stood talking on the phone.
"Is she ok?" Erica questioned, completely ignoring the stares she could feel drilling into her back as she stood facing the front windows of the dojo.
"I don't know." A young female said through the phone, "Officer Nix told me she was ok and talking but had to go to the hospital." Those with supernatural hearing could hear someone else through the line moving around, "Bonnie was here when I got the call and she said she'd drive me up there. I don't think I can drive myself until I know she's going to be ok."
"Do you need me to come back?" Erica would if Caroline needed her but she would have to let Jenna know why she was heading back to Mystic Falls.
Caroline seemed to be thinking before she spoke, "No." She replied, sniffling, "As I said, Bonnie's here and she's going to be driving me to the hospital."
"Alright." Erica promised, hating she wasn't there for her friend, "But I want you to call me as soon as you find out something." She had a feeling she knew exactly what had attacked Liz in the Old Fell's Warehouse.
"I will," Caroline promised. "I'll see you when you get home." And with that Caroline disconnected and hung up, no doubt heading to the hospital to check on her mother.
Fisting her hand around her phone, Erica closed her eyes trying to calm her racing heart as she gripped the half wall in front of her to keep her balance. Just the implication of what happened to Liz meant that Anna and Noah had arrived just as they had in the show and that Noah was going around playing his games. When Liz had called to tell her that Vicki Donovan had escaped her jail cell, Erica only thoughts were protecting Jeremy and now the reason for her escape. Now, however, she couldn't help but fear that Noah had something to do with this. She was brought out of train of thought when a hand touched her shoulder. Spinning around to face who had touched her, she found herself meeting a group of worried looks.
"Who was that on the phone?" Jeremy asked since he was the only one left out of the loop because he didn't have supernatural hearing. "You look paler then you normally do." A frown marred his face as his eyes searched his sister's face.
"Sheriff Forbes was attacked while out on a call," Erica explained, leaning back against the half wall behind her. "It was Caroline on the phone. Apparently there was a call in about a young woman acting suspicious around the abandoned Fells warehouse," She felt bad not being there for Caroline even if she said it was fine. "With everyone searching for Vicki, all deputies were busy so Liz took a rookie with her to check it out. Caroline really didn't know much more because it's still an ongoing investigation."
"Are we going back to Mystic Falls?" Jeremy asked, knowing how much Caroline meant to his sister.
Erica pursed her lips, "No." She shook her head, blowing out the breathe she didn't know she had been holding, "There's nothing I can do and Bonnie's there with Caroline." Glancing at the close she noticed it was a quarter till 3, "Not to mention, I have to pick up Aunt Jenna. She said she'd call when she was finished for the day."
"If there's danger in Mystic Falls, I don't think you should go back." Stefan popped up, his arms crossed over his chest with his feet shoulder width apart.
"I can take care of myself, Stefan." Erica sneered, hating his holier then thou attitude, "Or have you forgotten about me kicking your ass?" She couldn't believe how pompous this guy was.
Stefan snorted, eyes sparkling with mirth, "You may have taken me down but you didn't take down Tanner." He smirked when Erica tensed, "Or have you forgotten that Damon killed him?"
Master Chi frowned, not knowing what they were talking about thus turned to his student, "Will you explain what he means, child?" His eyes were soft as were his words, knowing even the best can be taken down on occasions when they are at their weakest. "Who was this Tanner person?"
"He was our History teacher," Jeremy answered, squeezing Erica's shoulder to comfort her. "And I had been told that an animal had killed him until Damon opened his mouth." He pointed out, earning a playful glare from said vampire while Stefan was looking at Damon in anger.
"Oh grow up Stefan," Erica snapped, glaring at him like he was glaring at his brother. "Its not like I wasn't going to tell Jeremy what really happened. Damon just happened to save me on figuring out just how I was going to tell him." She rolled her eyes before turning her gaze towards Master Chi, "It was the night of the football game and I had left my phone in my car without realizing it so I went to get it." At this she sneered at Stefan, "Somehow Tanner managed to sneak up on me while I was grabbing my phone and shoved me into the car which resulted in his broken nose. Tanner and I then tussled until Damon and Stefan showed up, resulting in Damon killing him."
Master Chi hummed, getting an idea of what Stefan was talking about, "And I suppose you want to know why she can take down a vampire with ease while a human was difficult." A sly smirk spread across the old vampire's face as he stared Stefan down, not bothered by the look he was receiving, "I think her story is rather self explanatory." He tilted his head to the side, continuing, "First this Teacher, someone I have no doubt Erica respected because of his position, not him as a person, snuck up behind her and attacked her. A surprise attack can take down even the most powerful of opponents."
"She still shouldn't have gotten hurt if you had trained her properly." Stefan retorted, crossing his arms, "So clearly you're not as good as Erica lead us to believe." A triumphant smirk spread across his face when the short Asian vampire didn't say anything.
"You really need to learn when to keep your mouth shut, Stefan," Damon appeared at his side, slapping him upside the head. "Master Chi is a hell of a lot older then you or I could even think of achieving and could wipe the floor with you without batting an eye." He blocked Master Chi's view of Stefan and Stefan's view of Master Chi, praying that the Master didn't kill his brother for his insults.
A slightly colder hand then either Jeremy or Erica's s layed on his upper arm and gave a slight push, "Do not worry, Damon. I wont kill your brother." Master Chi smiled, his eyes sparking with mirth as Damon finally stepped aside, moving over next to Erica and Damon, "As for why Erica got hurt, it was chance and a sick mind leading a teacher to attack his student. I also teach my students to know how to read a situation instead of jumping head first into trouble which would have happened if Erica killed this Mr. Tanner. Erica's hands and feet are both registered as lethal weapons with the government martial arts sector which is required upon reaching the level she is at thus it would lead her to be severely questioned. Do you wish her to go through that soon after the death of her parents?" The question was whispered softly enough so Erica and Jeremy wouldn't hear.
"No." Stefan swallowed, remembering the look in Grayson Gilbert's eyes as he pleaded with him to save Erica. "I made a promise to protect her." He said loud enough for Erica and Jeremy to hear him, "The night the Gilbert's car went off the Wickery Bridge…."
"I already know it was you that pulled me out," Erica interrupted Stefan, causing him to snap his mouth shut as he stared at her, wondering how she knew. "As for the promise you made, I don't need you to protect me. I'm quite capable of protecting myself." She told Stefan bluntly, "Now if you don't mind, I came here to spend some time with my brother so don't let the door hit you in the ass on your way out." She pointed to the side door that Master Chi had not locked.
"Fine," Stefan hissed, making his way towards the door. "Come on, Damon." He continued until he realized that he didn't hear his brother following him. "Let's go. Damon!" Stefan snapped, turning to find that Damon hadn't moved from where he stood leaning against the half wall.
Damon raised a brow, cocking his head to the side, "And why should I leave when it was you who was kicked out?" Mentally chuckling at the look on Stefan's face because of the fact their roles were reversed, "Erica told you to leave. Not me."
"We came here together." Stefan argued, wondering why Damon was being difficult, "So we leave together. Now, lets go." He snapped, opening the door as he waited for Damon to move.
"Dude, you just don't seem to get it do you?" Jeremy said, staring Stefan down and wondered if vampires could have mental problems, "Damon is welcomed. You, on the other hand, are not and were asked to leave." He wondered why Stefan seemed so fixated on his sister, "I don't know why you are so fixated on Erica but it needs to stop. I've seen you hiding in the trees across the house."
Erica tensed when she heard that, "Are you sure it was Stefan?" She asked Jeremy, gaining everyone's attention.
"It could have been Damon." Jeremy shrugged, not understanding why Erica asked but answered anyway, "But I know it was Stefan because he didn't seem to be trying to hide." He decided to ask her later why she questioned him about if he was sure about who he'd seen.
"Because I'm trying to protect you and your sister, Jeremy." Stefan injected as a plea, hoping to get at least one of the Gilbert siblings to understand the danger they were in. "Damon is dangerous and shouldn't be trusted. You may think that Damon isn't going to hurt you but I can guarantee that if you…"
"ENOUGH!" Master Chi yelled, something he rarely did which gained everyone's attention. "I believe you were asked to leave, so if you would be so kind as to leave my establishment." He stood firm as he stared the younger Salvatore down.
Stefan glared at Master Chi, "Fine." He spat before turning his gaze towards Erica, "When Damon turns on you, don't come crying to me to pick up the pieces." He then turned and walked out the side door, slamming it on his way out.
"What is his problem?" Jeremy asked, staring at the door that Stefan had just stormed out of like a 2 year old.
"A superiority complex." Erica stated, shrugging when Damon gave her a questioning look, "You know I'm right, Damon." She leveled her gaze with his own, "Ever since Stefan arrived in Mystic Falls, he's always putting you down and blaming you for everything and quite frankly I'd feel safer around you then Stefan if I was injured and bleeding." She was being completely honest because she had seen what happened on the show when Stefan 'fell' off the veggie wagon.
Damon shrugged, trying to act as if Stefan's attitude towards him didn't bother him but Erica could tell it did. "Mind filling me in on what's going on?" Jeremyasked, wondering exactly what they were talking about.
"Stefan's a bit of a blood junkie," Damon began only for Erica to snort causing him to look at her, "What?"
"Your brother is more then just a blood junkie, Damon." Erica retorted, rolling her eyes, "Stefan is a 'Ripper'." Turning her attention to Jeremy, she explained to him what just a Ripper was, "A 'Ripper' is a vampire that is unable to control their bloodlust. When a Ripper feeds, they are overcome by their bloodlust causing them to rip apart their victims as they feed from them."
Jeremy paled, leaving his skin with a green tint, "That is…." He shook his head, trying to dispel the image his sister put there with her description, "I'm suddenly glad that he left."
"You don't have to worry about him, Ere." Erica promised him as she walked over and pulled him into her arms, "The moment he lays a hand on you or Jenna I'll rip him apart and set his corpse on fire." She pulled back suddenly remembering what they had spoke about on their trip to Richmond, "Speaking of keeping you and Jenna safe," She turned around to face Master Chi, "Jeremy came up with an idea on our way here about putting vervain in tattooing ink. Do you know anyone who makes their own ink?" Erica asked, hoping that he knew of someone.
"I do," Master Chi revealed with a curt nod, his hands folded behind his back. "How many will be getting a vervain tattoo?" He wondered out loud as he looked between the three standing in front of him, "Will you be getting a tattoo as well Damon?" He mentally chuckled when Damon looked at him as if he were crazy, "They are perfectly safe for a vampire to get." Master Chi raised his sleeve to show an intricate dragon design on his forearm.
Damon and Jeremy moved closer to look at Master Chi's tattoo while Erica stayed back since she had known about his tattoo but hadn't known it had vervain in it. "Jenna and Jeremy will be getting a tattoo." She explained, shrugging her shoulder,"I don't really need protection since I can't be compelled."
"Hm." Master Chi hummed as he rolled his sleeve down when Damon and Jeremy stepped back, "Unless you wish this ability you have to become public knowledge in the supernatural world, I think it would be beneficial for you get a tattoo, as well. The size of the tattoo you get will not matter just the ink used for the tattoo." He added when he noticed the anxious look that adorn Damon's face.
"Would that be such a bad thing?" Jeremy asked, not understanding why they should keep Erica's ability not to be compelled a secret. "Surely it would be a good thing for others to know because it would keep them away."
"Or it could bring more trouble," Erica added, understanding why Master Chi believed it would be a good idea. "Then unless Damon wants a tattoo it will be just Jenna, Jeremy and myself." She told Master Chi, who nodded then turned on his heel and headed towards his office.
Knowing she was meant to follow, Erica trailed after Master Chi with Damon and Jeremy following her. Stepping across the threshold and into Master Chi's office, she was greeted by the smell of Jasmine and the sounds of wooden wind chimes. Those two things have always been soothing to her after a difficult day. Moving further into the room to allow Jeremy and Damon to enter behind her, she saw Master Chi flipping through a small red book. He seemed to be looking for something specific because once he found what he was looking for he wrote down a phone number as well as an address before holding the paper out to Erica.
"This is the phone number and address to someone I trust." Master Chi explained as Erica took the paper, looking at it. "Just say my name and Tao will not give you to much trouble." He replaced his red book into a drawer he also locked with a key that hung around his neck on a long chain.
"Thank you, Master Chi. Your guidance has always lead me to the correct path." Erica slide the paper into her front pocket then bowed at the waist, showing him the respect she held for him before straightening, "Will you be joining us?" She tilted her head to the side where Jeremy and Damon were standing just outside the office door, talking.
Master Chi hummed with a nod, "I do need to see which level he will be starting in." A slow grin spread across his face, "I also need to see if you have kept with your training."
"I will admit I haven't done much training as I should have." Erica admitted as she made her way out of Master Chi's office, "But I have done some training." She rolled her shoulders as she moved over to the center mat while Damon and Jeremy stayed near the low wall.
"Then I shall put you through your paces." Master Chi told her before attacking, not letting her get her guard up.
The moment that Master Chi and Erica began to spar against each other, Jeremy's eyes were locked in on how his sister moved as she parried Master Chi's attacks. As the two fighters moved around the floor, it looked to Jeremy as if they were dancing to a dangerous tune. He also noticed that every time Erica left herself open, Master Chi would hit her causing her to quickly correct her mistake or he would take advantage of the opening a second time. Moments later, the sparing session came to an end with Erica laying on her back with Master Chi standing over her.
"Your lack of training shows but you have improved." Master Chi stated as he stepped back, allowing Erica to get to her feet, "It would be beneficial if you start sparing with Damon to keep yourself in shape." His eyes conveyed what he couldn't say in front of Damon or Jeremy but Erica understood his hidden message perfectly. "Now I believe it is young Jeremy's turn." Master Chi said, turning to face Jeremy, "Are you ready?"
"You're not going to be moving as fast as you did with Erica, are you?" Jeremy asked as he took Erica's place on the floor while she took his place next to Damon, "Because I'll just tap out now."
Damon chuckled as he helped Erica up. "No, I don't think Master Chi will move as quickly as he did with me." She told Jeremy, wincing when she felt her shoulder muscle pull, "The only reason he was moving that fast is because I've worked up to it."
"Come," Master Chi said, motioning for Jeremy to take his sister's place, "There are only so many hours in a day and they are wasting away." He then turned his attention to where Erica sat against the half wall, resting her shoulder, "And you shall not interfere." It was more of an order then a question.
"As you say," Erica responded, realizing in that moment that Master Chi must have seen something when he looked at Jeremy. "Just don't hurt him to much." She pleaded in old Chinese which Master Chi had taught her.
Damon raised a brow as he looked between Erica and Master Chi, "Care to explain?" He tilted his head to where Master Chi begun his assessment, "I didn't know you knew anything other then English."
"I'm mysterious like that." Erica smirked, giving him a wink before turning her attention back to Jeremy only to wince when Master Chi knocked him on his ass but it didn't stop her brother as he jumped back up for more. "Damn. Kids gonna feel it in the morning." She wrinkled her nose, remembering how she felt the morning after her first session with Master Chi.
"I take it you know from experience." Damon stated, tilting his head towards where Jeremy was doing his best to stay on his feet.
Erica nodded, tensing when she noticed Master Chi picking up speed slightly, "Oh yeah." A sad smile spread across her red lips, "I was barely able to get to the bathroom and back to my bed the next morning. Miranda and Grayson allowed me to stay home from school the next day since I was still having trouble walking."
"Why do you call your mom and dad by their first names?" Damon asked, realizing that when ever Erica spoke of them she said their names.
"Because they are not my birth parents," Erica just gave him a look that said he was stupid. "Surely you realized this." She raised a brow only to cringe when she heard a body hiding the ground rather hard, looking in the direction of the sound to find Jeremy laying on his back.
Master Chi stood over Jeremy, giving him a thoughtful look, "I take it you are done." His lips twitched when all Jeremy did was give him a thumbs up because he was trying to get his breathing back under control, "Then rest there while I speak with your sister." He advised as he strolled over to where Damon and Erica were sitting, "How is your shoulder?" Master Chi asked Erica when he was closer, looking at her with concern.
"It's a little stiff." Erica replied as she got to her feet, wincing when the muscle pulled.
"Sit." Master Chi ordered Erica as he pointed to a rather ancient looking Asian stool.
Erica knew what Master Chi was offering thus didn't say a word as she moved over and sat on the stool he had pointed to. Both Jeremy and Damon watched, confused, as Master Chi began to circle Erica while he hummed and clapped his hands together a few timesbefore rubbing them together. When he was about to circle Erica a third time, Master Chi stopped directly next to the shoulder that was still stiff from their spar and placed his hands on either side of her shoulder, all the while murmuring in a language Damon couldn't understand.
"What's he doing?" Jeremy asked as Damon helped him to his feet once he got his breathing under control.
"I'm not sure." Damon replied in a whisper, a frown marring his face as he watched his old mentor hold his hands on either side of Erica's tender shoulder.
"Master Chi is using his chi to manipulate mine to heal my shoulder faster," Erica explained as Master Chi stepped back, "Thank you." She said, standing and bowing to show her appreciation.
Before Master Chi could say anything, however, her phone rang causing Erica to hurry over to her cell. The ring tone that was playing was one she designated especially for Jenna. As soon as she answered, Erica grew tense because of the fact she could hear someone speaking to Jenna. The voice was of a male but the name that Jenna said caused the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end.
"Aunt Jenna?" Erica said after clearing her throat and trying to ignore the concern looks from both vampires and her brother, "You there?" She tried to sound as normal as she could after hearing the name, Wesley Maxfield.
"Sorry, Erica. One of the professors from the microbiology department keeps asking if I know anything about your father's research." Jenna sounded irritated, "I keep telling him that I know nothing about what Grayson worked on and the only thing I knew about Grayson was he was a professor here at Whitmore." Erica could hear that Jenna was walking, "Anyway, I was calling to let you know I'm ready when you guys are. I'll be at the little cafe across from the college."
Erica forced the hand holding her phone to relax, less she break another one, "I know what Grayson's research was about Jenna." She wrinkled her nose, still hating what her so called adopted father had done, "And it has to do with who I have decided to associate with." She prayed her aunt would get her meaning.
"Who you….." There was a pause as if Jenna had stopped walking until a gasp could be heard through the phone, "Are you telling me that Grayson….?"
"Yes." Erica could see the suspicious look in Damon's eyes as he stared at her, "I'll explain everything tonight after dinner." She kept her gaze away from Damon, not wanting him to see her guilt because she hated what her adopted father had done.
Jenna was silent for a moment,"Alright but I want an explanation." There was a short pause as it sounded like Jenna was opening a door, "Speaking of dinner, is your karate teacher coming?"
"Its Muay Thai and Judo, Jenna." Erica corrected her aunt again, rolling her eyes, "And yes, Master Chi says he'd love to come to dinner but I have a feeling we're going to have more then just Master Chi showing up." Her eyes cutting towards Damon, seeing his lips twitch before she looked out the windows along the front of the dojo.
"Oh, will Damon and Stefan be coming?" Jenna teased, not realizing that Damon was standing not to far from Erica and could hear everything, "Do I need to have a chat one or both of them?"
"Aunt Jenna! Damon and Stefan are just friends." Erica hissed through gritted teeth, trying to ignore Damon staring at her. "Do you have a request for dinner?" She asked, wanting nothing more then to change the subject because Damon was standing not two feet from her.
Jenna could be heard laughing, "Sure you are."The sound of a chair scraping across the floor echoedin the background, "As for dinner, why not make your specialty? Its easy and can feed an army."
"Alright," Erica agreed, doing her best to keep herself from blushing and her heart from pounding. "I'll see you in a few." She sighed, hanging up before Jenna could say something else to embarrass her.
"Are we just friends?" Damon asked, in a hushed tone as he appeared at her side, "Because I could have sworn…." He looked her over, wiggling his brows in a suggestive manner.
Erica held her hand up to stop him, "Yes. We are just friends." She put emphasis on 'are' to make sure he understood as she dropped her hand and turned her back to him to face Master Chi and Jeremy, "Jenna's done for the day. Will you be following us or are you coming later, Master?"
"I still have a few things to take care of before I can leave," Master Chi told her with a smile. "I also wish to speak with you, Damon, once they are gone." He whispered quietly enough so neither Jeremy nor Erica could hear.
"Gotcha." Damon gave Master Chi a curt nod, "I'll stick around to show him how to get there." He offered to have a reason to stay behind.
Erica narrowed her eyes at Damon, lips pursed as she looked between the two, "Ok." She had a feeling Master Chi was going to have a talk with Damon, "I'll see you both around 6. Dinners at 7."
"We'll be there, my dear." Master Chi promised as he walked with her towards the front of the dojo, "Do you wish me to bring anything?" He knew it was customary to bring a gift yet the practice seemed to have fallen to the wayside.
"You don't have to." Erica said as she slipped her shoes on, "Of course, Jenna's never tried Saki but has always wanted to try it." She grinned, giving Master Chi a mischievous look.
"Then I shall endeavor to bring some." Master Chi chuckled as Jeremy and Erica gathered their things, "Do be careful on your way home." He then walked them to the side door where Stefan had exited hours before.
Erica hugged Master Chi, kissing him on the cheek before pulling back, "Always." She bowed before opening the door for Jeremy to step through, "You be careful as well."
"I'll make sure he gets there in one piece." Damon promised with a smirk on his face but his eyes were softer then normal, "Now go pick up Aunt Jenna before she dies of old age." He made a shooing motion with his right hand since his left was stuck in his jeans pocket.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm going." Erica rolled her eyes as she threw a wave over her shoulder and followed Jeremy outside, leaving the two vampires alone.
Once they were alone, Master Chi motioned for Damon to follow him as he made his way into the back room where a small refrigerator was located. The door had a sign that read 'Employee's Only' but Damon had a feeling there were only a hand full of people that knew exactly what was in this refrigerator. Master Chi opened the door and pulled out four blood bags then moved over to the microwave and placed them inside to heat them up. Neither spoke as the blood heated up nor did they speak as they drank two blood bags each. It was only when the bags had been thrown away that Master Chi turned to Damon.
"I know how you are, Damon." The older vampire leveled his gaze at Damon, "You are not one to settle down any longer. Why have you truly returned to Mystic Falls?" He stood there as if he hadn't just asked Damon Salvatore a rather personal question.
"That isn't any of your business," Damon hissed, eyes darkening as the red slowly began to bleed into his normal blue eyes.
In the blink of an eye, Master Chi had Damon on his knees before him with his head pulled back, revealing his throat as Master Chi's other hand was grasping said throat with only his finger tips touching the skin. Damon's eyes were wide as fear flashed through them before anger flared.
"Remember who you are speaking with," Master Chi's own features began to change, his own eyes darkening as his fangs revealed themselves. "I could easily force a confession from you yet I do not." His eyes narrowed at Damon before releasing the younger vampire, "Now why are you in Mystic Falls? If you are there to harm Erica…."
"I'm not here for her," Damon snapped, rubbing his throat before a grin spread across his face. "She's just a bonus." His eyes glazed over slightly remembering their first meeting.
"Damon." Master Chi only said Damon's name but in that name so much was said by the tone of his voice.
Damon pursed his lips, running a hand through his hair, "Katherine's in the Tomb under the church." He whispered but Master Chi could still hear him, "Emily promised to save her but ended up saving everyone in the church and put them in the tomb under the church. I need her talisman and a Bennett to reopen the tomb to get her out." He spun around, eyes wild, "I don't want anyone but Katherine! The rest under the church can burn in hell for all I care."
"And what of Erica once you have released Katherine?" Master Chi just stared at Damon with an unreadable expression, "You know as well as I that Katherine will wish for her revenge and will wish to begin with the family who trapped her in the first place." He had met the doppelganger vampire only once and that had been enough.
"Erica knows why I'm here," Damon argued, his hands fisted at his side because he respected Master Chi to much to try and hit him. "She even told me she'd help."
Master Chi hummed, "I see." He shook his head, "Then I must ask you one thing. Do not under any circumstance allow Erica into the tomb." His eyes held an unnatural insight, "Those in there would love to get a hold of her just because she looks like Katherine and I have no doubt they would kill her."
"I wasn't going to be taking her with me," Damon whispered as he turned his back to Master Chi. "While I may care for Katherine, I do care for Erica and it isn't because of how she looks." He licked his lips, a smile tugging on at the corner of his mouth, "Did you know I met her first? It was the night of the car crash. I followed and was going to help but Saint Stefan was also in the area and I didn't want him to know I was around with our past." He snorted, shaking his head, "Of course nothing has turned out the way I thought they would. I was so sure that Erica would fall for Stefan's poor me routine but it pisses her off just as much it does me."
"Yes," Master Chi chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Erica and I have spoken at length about the pros and cons of feeding from humans vs. feeding from animals." He motioned for Damon to follow him as he lead the younger vampire down some stairs to a basement that was set up as a living area, "Come. Tell me how you have been, boy. It has been a little over 60 years since we have seen each other." He sat down on one of the low cushions while Damon sat across from him.
(Mystic Falls – 4:03 PM)
After dropping Jenna off at home, Erica and Jeremy stopped by the Hospital to see if Caroline was still there but her friend had already headed home. Of course, Erica did stop in to see how Liz was doing while Jeremy headed out to the car. Speaking to Liz, she found out that it had been Vicki Donovan who had attacked her and believed Logan was either killed or turned because his body hadn't been found. Feeling dread pool in her gut, she said goodbye to Liz before heading outside. As soon as she stepped out into the sun, she called Jenna to give her a warning before heading to the car to speak with Jeremy.
With a promise that if Logan showed his face she would call her or the cops, Erica told Jeremy what had happened while they were gone as they headed to the grocery store. Jeremy was quiet the entire time but that didn't really worry Erica as she tried to think of what she should make knowing that with Damon coming, Stefan would also be making an appearance. Unable to make a choice, she asked Jeremy what he wanted for dinner. Of course, Jeremy chose her special lasagna, that she had based off of Damon's own recipe from the TV show.
Once they had everything Erica needed to make dinner, the two siblings headed to the checkout line to pay for the groceries. While they waited to checkout, Jeremy continued to ask questions about Master Chi and the dojo. He also asked a few questions about their father but nothing out of the ordinary since they were out in public. As soon as Erica finished paying for the groceries, Jeremy took the cart from her and pushed it outside as she followed behind, putting her wallet away. Halfway across the parking lot, however, the hairs on the back of Erica's neck stood on end.
Not wanting to freak her brother out, she tried to act as if nothing was wrong while she helped but Jeremy knew her a little to well and ended up asking if she was ok. She waved off his concern as nothing as she returned the cart to the cart return. It was only when Erica pulled the car out of the parking lot that she explained the best she could since even she didn't know what caused her to suddenly feel watched. Jeremy knew that his sister to take care of herself but even the best could be overwhelmed if they didn't have someone to watch their back.
"Do you think it could be whoever turned Vicki?" Jeremy questioned as he watched his sister, her eyes darting towards any shadowy areas someone could hide as they made their way home.
"It could've been," Erica answered honestly since she knew she wouldn't be able to hide it from him. "But I doubt it because of the simple fact Logan was the one to retrieve Vicki, not the vampire that turned her." She kept alert as she stopped the car at a red light, "From what Stefan and Damon's told me, along with Master Chi, not many vampires own sunlight rings."
Jeremy looked surprised, "Why not?" He doubted the reason had to do with how much a ring would cost since had a feeling most vampires were richer then any human alive.
"Witches are the ones to originally create the spell which is used to create sunlight rings," Erica looked at Jeremy with a raised brow, "and Nature Witches don't particularly like vampires because 'they are against Mother Nature' or something." She snorted, turning her attention back to the light that turned green allowing her to pull forward, "I think it's a little hypocritical because if Vampires were not suppose to exist then the spell or whatever created them wouldn't have worked. If the Nature Witches truly listened to what Nature was telling them, they would realize that Nature isn't good or evil it's all about balance."
"So…...you think vampires are to balance out something?" Jeremy looked at his sister slightly confused and a little in awe at her thinking.
Erica shrugged, "They have to be if they've been around this long." She stated as she turned on to the street that would lead them home, "I just need to find out how vampires were created then I may figure out why they needed in the first place."
"Did dad know?" Jeremy asked in a soft voice, not even looking at Erica as she turned onto their street.
"I don't think a lot of people know," Erica said as a matter of factly, since she did know how vampires came to be and knew they were the balance to werewolves. "And those that do know, I have no doubt, would try and keep that a secret since knowing how they were created means you would know how to destroy them." She pulled into the driveway and parked, "Come on, help me get the groceries in."
Erica playfully shoved her brother before grabbing the keys and quickly climbing out of the car. Jeremy was quicker because just as she closed her the car door, he was opening the trunk and gathering a few bags. He used the tip of his foot to 'knock' on the door since he had his hands full with groceries. By the time Erica was making her way to the house with her own arms filled with bags, Jenna finally opened the door after making sure it was really Jeremy at the door. She also just held the door open for him to enter without an invite which meant she was still being cautious.
Grateful that her aunt was taking such precautions, Erica dropped a kiss on Jenna's cheek as she passed by on her way to the kitchen. As soon as she unloaded the bags off her arms, she began pulling out to the items she purchased to put away when Jeremy and Jenna entered the kitchen with the last of the groceries. The moment Jeremy's arms were, he disappeared up to his room while Jenna began unloading the bags and helping Erica put the groceries away. While they were getting everything put away and the kitchen cleaned up, Erica told Jenna about what happened upon exiting the grocery store and what Jeremy asked.
"Do you have any idea who it could be?" Jenna couldn't help but worry for her niece since she was the adult and was suppose to be protecting her, not the other way around.
"I have an idea…." Erica said, trailing off as she began getting things out she would need to make dinner. "I need to talk to Damon before I say anything." She needed to keep things as close to the TV show as possible if she were to have any kind of chance when Klaus and Elijah show up.
Jenna hummed, a sly smirk spread across her face, "So….." She wiggled her brows, "Is there perhaps some romance for you in the horizon?"
"Depends on who you're talking about." Erica told her aunt without looking away from what she was doing, "If you are talking about Stefan, then that is a big fat negative. Damon, on the other hand, is a little more complicated because of the reason he came to Mystic Falls to begin with." She would never be second best to some original doppelganger because of the fact if Katherine had been so good, then she wouldn't have been born.
"Alright." Jenna could tell the subject of Damon was a difficult one so she decided to change the subject, "So…...how did things go? I know you told me what happened with Damon and Stefan but how did Jeremy do?" She crossed her fingers under the table, in hopes that Jeremy at least had fun.
"I think he did rather well," Erica replied as she glanced over her shoulder before turning back to what she was doing. "Master Chi stated he wouldn't have a problem adding Jeremy to his year group even Damon said he would help with Jeremy's training." She finished with what she had been doing and began on getting the things she needed for the sauce that would go in the lasagna.
Jenna breathed a sigh of relief she didn't know she'd been holding, "Good." She took a sip of her wine, "About that tattoo artist?"
"Master Chi knew of someone and gave me his number and address," Erica told Jenna as she moved over to the stove, "I was told just to state that Master Chi sent us. Of course, I'll be calling first to make sure the guy isn't surprised by our sudden visit." She grinned, leaving what she was doing for a few seconds and poured herself a glass of wine, took a big drink before returning to the stove, "From what I figured out from Master Chi and Damon's words, my face is rather known in some parts of the supernatural community."
"I take it that's a bad thing?" Jenna tilted her head to the side, wondering what Jeremy was doing up in his room.
Erica snorted, "Yes it is." She glanced over to Jenna, "The other woman who looks identical to me has made some enemies and seems to be running from someone. I believe that's why Katherine ended up in Mystic Falls when Damon and Stefan were human."
"Any idea why she was running?" Jenna asked, sipping her wine as she heard footfalls coming down the stairs.
"I bet she does or some kind of inkling," Jeremy said as he entered the kitchen, heading to the refrigerator for a soda before joining Jenna at the kitchen table.
Erica thought about what she knew from her past life and what she could say, "I don't really know why Katherine was running but I have a feeling we're going to find out sooner rather then later." She finished mixing the ingredients for the lasagna sauce, turning down the heat so it could simmer for a little while, "The reason for Damon wanting to open the tomb under the church is because he believes that Katherine is in there and has been for centuries."
"But you don't think she is," Jenna stated, observing her niece as she stood leaning against the counter by the stove.
"No, I don't." Erica answered truthfully, her arms crossed over her chest as she remembered just how Damon acted on the show when he found out Katherine had been free the entire time.
"Have you told Damon?" Jeremy wondered out loud, his feet propped up on the chair next to him.
Erica shook her head, moving over to pull her lasagna pan out of the cabinet, "No and neither will you." She sent Jeremy a stern look, "I feel that he needs to see for himself." She pulled the pan out with a sigh, "He's been waiting for 180 years to set her free and I doubt a few words from me will stop him from opening the tomb."
"You should at least tell him there could be a chance she got out," Jenna spoke up, feeling a little buzzed from her single glass of wine. "How do you think he'll feel when he finds out you didn't believe she was in there and kept it to yourself?" She questioned Erica, "No, he may not believe you but at least you did warn him of the possibility."
"You know lie's always have a way of coming out." Jeremy popped up, a smirk on his face as he remembered the time Erica had blamed something on him when they were younger only for it to backfire when their parents asked him about it.
Erica winced, knowing Jeremy was right, "I know." She had finished with the noodles and placed them on the stove which gave her a few minutes to herself, "How am I suppose to tell him? I know he'll hate me as soon as I even suggest it."
"How do you know she's not in there?" Jenna wondered out loud after she swallowed a drink of her wine.
"I….ah…...have odd dreams every now and then." Erica answered with a shrug, "I didn't think anything of them at first because I were could change the things in my dreams but…." She swallowed, remembering why she made a vow to never change main parts of the plot line.
"What happened to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons wasn't your fault." Jenna injected, remembering what happened to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons.
Erica snorted, "Yeah it is." She ran a hand over her face, "I was the one who persuaded them to leave Mystic Falls and travel which lead them to being killed a mile out of Richmond." That was the main reason she didn't try to change major things such as saving Mrs. Gibbons from what she went through during the show after the tomb vampires were released.
"Um….I'm pretty sure they were killed by a drunk driver t-boning them in a semi-truck," Jeremy stated fiercely since he had no clue his sister had been feeling guilty for the Gibbons' death. "You couldn't have known what could have happened."
"And you wont be changing anything, really," Jenna reassured Erica, now understanding why she had been so upset after the Gibbons' death. "Telling Damon you suspect that Katherine isn't in the tomb wont stop him from opening it. You said so yourself." Both Jeremy and Jenna could see the slight tension drain from Erica as their words sunk in, "Now get to work on dinner. I'm hungry." She clapped her hands, "Chop, chop."
That earned a chuckle from Jeremy as Erica just rolled her eyes and checked on the noodles and sauce. Finding they were almost done, she began getting the glass pan she used for her lasagna ready along with the cheeses. Jenna and Jeremy were her background noise, chatting about what he thought of the dojo and of Master Chi, while she began to put the lasagna together so she could place it in the oven. As soon as she closed the oven door, there was a knock on the door causing the occupants of the house to frown while Jenna got up and answered the door.
Jeremy was right behind her while Erica had to clean off her hands and dry them before she could follow. Stepping into the living room from the kitchen, she found Jenna welcoming Stefan in. Mentally groaning, that Stefan had showed up sooner then she had hoped, she waved before heading back into kitchen to send off a text to Damon letting him know Stefan showed up and to try avoid the upcoming confrontation she knew was coming. For some reason, Stefan seemed to have it in his head she needed protection even after she'd proven she could take care of herself.
"Hey, I see that I'm early." Said the person/vampire she was hoping to avoid as he appeared in the entry of the kitchen. "What are you cooking? It smells good." Stefan slowly made his way into the kitchen.
"You knew Damon hadn't come back yet," Erica stated as friendly as she could, however the way Stefan winced it hadn't been as friendly as she hoped. "And I made my famous Lasagna for dinner." She picked up her glass of wine and finished what was left before pouring herself another glass, holding up the bottle to Stefan, who shook his head.
Stefan took a seat at the kitchen table, "Yeah, I knew Damon hadn't come back." He ran a hand through his hair, "I wanted to talk to you about Damon."
"Look," Erica decided to be extremely blunt since Stefan didn't seem to accept she didn't need his protection. "I know you seem to think Damon is heartless and evil but from what I've seen, all he's done is acted like an elder brother." She shrugged, "As the elder sibling, I'm usually the subject of Jeremy's rage and rather frequently since our parents were killed but that don't mean I don't love him nor does it mean he doesn't love me. I have a feeling that if you would be dead if Damon really wanted you dead." She raised a brow, staring Stefan down, "Not to mention, you never seem to give him a chance. You always point the finger at him whenever anything goes wrong."
"Because he is usually at fault!" Stefan growled, hating that Erica couldn't see just what type of monster Damon is, "You don't know what he's done!"
Erica leaned back against the counter behind her, arms crossed over her chest as she stared Stefan down, "Then tell me what he's done?"
"He kills without remorse or reason. Friends, family, anyone who gets close to him ends up dead." Stefan ran a hand through his hair, "Everywhere he goes, death follows and I'm trying to protect you from being one of his many victims."
"Well, he is a vampire, Stefan, so yes being near him is dangerous but I think I've proven time and again that I can take care of myself." Erica retorted, hating that she had to repeat herself, "But being a vampire doesn't mean you are evil." She tilted her head to the side, "As for Damon killing without remorse or reason…" She licked her lips thinking about what she knew about Damon's past, "As it pains me to say it, do you ever think Damon actually may have a reason for some of his killings? Damon doesn't seem like the type to go into a blood rage like you would."
"Damon's reasons only make sense to Damon and if I questioned him on his reasonings, he wouldn't even give me a straight answer." Stefan told her with a shake of his head, leaning back in the chair he was sitting in and crossed his arms.
Erica rolled her eyes as she decided to check on the lasagna, "Why should he?" She knelt down and looked in through the window on the front of the oven, "From what you just said, you don't trust him. So if he did tell you the truth, you would more then likely disagree or put him down just like what you did when he helped me with Tanner."
"Because Tanner didn't need to be killed." Stefan stressed, not realizing that two other people were listening in. "I could have restrained him until the police showed up or…."
"Or someone else would have killed the fucker," Jeremy injected into the conversation as he walked into the kitchen. "I know a few guys on the football team that wished they had showed up sooner so they could have gotten their hands on him. No one knew just sick that guy was but now they do, they couldn't care less about his death." He walked over to the refrigerator and opened it to retrieve a new soda.
"Not to mention what Tanner had been in his little cabinet he usually kept locked during school hours." Erica stated as she stood and made her way over to her phone to text Damon to see just where he was and if Master Chi was with him. "Liz had to call in a Sheriff from Richmond to deal with the case since Caroline's image was also posted and her involvement would be a conflict of interest." Minutes later, she got a returned text saying they were close.
Stefan frowned, wondering who exactly Erica was texting, "That doesn't mean Damon should have killed him." He was worried about what is going to happen when the council figures out vampires have returned, "With Damon killing tanner, the city council will no doubt figure out a vampire was responsible and then we're going to have another vampire hunt on our hands."
"And if you had listened when I spoke to you after Damon killed Tanner," Erica wanted to break Stefan's neck, "You would remember that I told Liz exactly what happened and promised that the 'animal' that killed Tanner was protecting me. End of story." She slide her phone into her back pocket and finished off the wine in her glass.
"I thought the same thing," Stefan argued with Erica, not seeing Jeremy roll his eyes as he plopped down in the seat he sat in before Stefan arrived. "And you can see how that turned out." He motioned to himself, "My own father ended up shooting both Damon and I when we went to save the vampires that were killed in the church." He failed to mention Katherine because he didn't want to even think about her since she had died in the fire.
Erica opened her mouth to tell Stefan that maybe he should just head home if he was going to be so judgmental but a knock on the door stopped her. Not wanting to speak to Stefan any longer, she hurried out to answer the door since she knew the lasagna would be alright for a little while. Of course, she had forgotten that Jenna had been in the living room thus found her aunt letting Damon and Master Chi in while taking something from Damon.
"Since you cooked, I brought desert." Damon said with his signature cocky grin, which quickly turned into a fake grin upon seeing his brother, "I see Stefan came early." His eyes narrowed slightly as he sauntered past her and into the kitchen. "What's up Steffie? Have you been making a pest of yourself again? I told you that you should wait until you're invited before showing up." Damon's tone sounded playful but his eyes promised Stefan a world of pain.
"Damon…." Stefan started to say something but was interrupted by Jenna as she came in and placed the cake Damon brought on the counter on the other side of the sink near the refrigerator.
Jenna sat the cake down and turned to the vampire brothers, "Do you guys do anything other then argue or fight?" She tilted her head to the side, arms crossed over her chest as she stared the two down, "Yes, I can see something happened between the two of you but you are brothers right?" She shook her head, "I wish Miranda was still alive so I could fight with her like we use to but she's not and all I see is two young boys pouting that their lives didn't turn out like they wanted. Either grow up or leave because Erica invited Master Chi for a reason and only one of you were actually invited."
"The young lady is correct," Master Chi said as he followed Erica into the kitchen. "You both are guests in their home. You will either act cordial to each other or you may leave." He had no problem staring the younger vampire down as Erica moved over to check on their dinner.
"Yes sir." Stefan could see the promise of pain in the elder vampire's eyes thus adverted his own.
Master Chi gave Stefan a curt nod, "Good." He then turned his attention to Erica's aunt, "You have a lovely home, Ms. Sommers."
"Call me Jenna." Jenna told him as she noticed that dinner was almost done, "Would either of you like something?" She began pulling the plates from the cabinets, along with some glasses, "Erica and I opened a bottle of red wine earlier."
"That sounds lovely, thank you." Master Chi smiled at Jenna as he moved around and sat in the chair that was next to Jeremy, who removed his feet from the chair. "If it is alright with our hostess, I will explain my origins."
Erica shrugged, sipping a soda she grabbed from the refrigerator, "Dinner should be ready in about twenty minutes." She set her coke down and began pulling out plates and silverware, "Why don't you give us the highlights? Then you can explain in more detail after dinner."
"I see no problem with doing that," Master Chi nodded, taking a glass of red wine from Jenna, "Thank you." He took a sip before setting it on the table in front of him, "I was born in the region now known as China. The temple I had been sent to as a young child was located somewhere in the mountains and is no doubt nothing but ruins now." A sad smile spread across his face, his eyes glazed as he spoke, "I rose through the ranks of the dispels rather quickly which granted me favor with the older monks which allowed me to join their ranks rather young." He stopped speaking as he stared down into the wine in front of him.
"Master Chi?" Erica whispered, a frown marring her face as she stared at her mentor, "Are you ok? We can finish after dinner if you want." She didn't want to rush the man she came to respect.
Master Chi waved off her concern, "I am fine, child." He sighed, suddenly looking rather old even though he physically only looked around 40, "Upon joining the higher ranks of the monks, I was allowed to know more of the history that had been kept from many others. The first story, upon my joining, was about the only female that had been allowed to grow up with in the Monastery but ended up being the reason no women are allowed with the walls."
"What did she do?" Jeremy asked, having never known monasteries had once allowed young female children. "She didn't kill anyone did she?"
"To my knowledge, no she did not kill anyone but she did steal an ancient scroll containing a potion that had been banned due to the nature of what was written." Master Chi explained, "Once, before the young girl stole the scroll, young female babes were allowed to stay until their first bleeding. After the betrayal, a rule was implemented in every monastery that no females could stay within the monastery walls. If a female child was left at a monastery, the child would be taken to the nearest church." Before anything else could be said, however, Jeremy's stomach let out a rumbled loud enough for everyone in the kitchen to hear it.
Jeremy rubbed the back of his neck as a light blush spread across his cheeks, "Sorry but I'm hungry." He looked over at Erica, who was looking into the oven window once again, "Is dinner done yet?"
"It has a few more minutes but you can start setting the table," Erica announced as she straightened and walked over to grab cookie sheet she had placed the garlic bread on and opened the 'drawer' on the very bottom of the stove which many people use for storage but was actually a food warmer/toaster.
"I'll help," Stefan volunteered as he made his way over to where Jeremy was gathering the plates and silverware.
"I got it." Jeremy said with a curt grin on his face, not really caring for the 'guy' and his attitude towards his sister. "Thanks though." He picked up the plates and silverware then headed over to the table and began setting the items out.
While Jeremy was setting the table, Jenna began asking everyone what they wanted to drink with their dinner. As she handed out, or refilled glasses, Erica finally pulled the lasagna out of the oven. The smell from the Italian dish filled the air causing the three vampires to inhale sharply. Stefan looked rather apprehensive while Damon just raised a brow and Master Chi complemented on how good dinner smelled. Thanking Master Chi for the complement, Erica brought the lasagna over to the table and took her seat.
Once she was seated, Jenna forced everyone to wait to fill their plates until after prayer was said. While Stefan looked apprehensive about saying prayer, Damon and Master Chi didn't seem to have a problem and bowed their head as Jenna said prayer. The moment she finished, however, everyone began filling their plates. Having forgot the garlic bread, Erica jumped up to grab it before bringing it back over. Dinner seemed a quiet affair as everyone enjoyed the meal and asked questions about the monastery and time period Master Chi lived in.
Being a history major, Jenna was in heaven as Master Chi answered any question she had. When everyone finished, Stefan and Damon helped Jeremy clean up and put any leftovers away while Erica, Jenna and Master Chi retired to the living room since no one was in the mood for dessert at the moment. Before long, Stefan, Damon and Jeremy joined the other three in the living room which caused an uncomfortable silence to descend upon the occupants of the room. Hating the awkward silence, Master Chi cleared his throat to gain the attention of the occupants of the room.
"I do believe I said I would explain a few things after dinner," Master Chi stated, earning a grateful look from Erica. "The scroll, the young girl stole, contained a very dangerous spell along with a potion that could grant the user immortality." The eyes of everyone in the room grew wide, "One of the first monks of the monastery had created it when a plague swept through the land but was never used. Once the plague passed, the other monks gathered together and demanded the one who created to be killed because they believed he had went against everything they believed. The leaders agreed thus killing the monk that created the spell/potion and hide away the scroll until the young girl stole it."
"If it was looked down on to use such a thing then…" Stefan looked confused as he stared at Master Chi.
Master Chi chuckled, "Then how am I alive?" He raised his brow, a knowing grin on his face as he closed his eyes, "Because what the young girl did not know was that the scroll she had stolen was not the 'Original' but a copy." He opened his eyes to see the understanding in their eyes, "Not long after I became one of the High Monks in charge of the archives, a war broke out and I was forced to flee with another monk. We had every scroll in our possession as we fled but we were both injured. My fellow monk died two days later. The next morning I woke to find myself laying on a cot but fully healed. A villager had found me and used the spell and potion to save my life. I was the last of my monastery and they wished it to be rebuilt thus needed a monk to restart it."
"So the scroll was old before you were 'saved'." Erica was rather shocked because she hadn't thought would have happened.
"Yes," Master Chi nodded, sipping the wine he brought with him from the kitchen. "After I regained my strength, I rebuilt the monastery that had been destroyed, per the wishes of the towns people, but I did not stay nor did I leave behind the scroll they had used to revive me. In the wrong hands, the scroll could unimaginable harm thus I burned it as soon as I was able."
"Not that I don't love the history lesson but why are you telling us this?" Damon tilted his head to the side where he sat on the couch next to Erica, who had her feet curled up underneath her.
Master Chi looked to Erica, "Because I believe the spell was reworked in order to create vampires." He noticed she didn't seem surprised, "You already knew that did you not?"
"Yes," Erica ran a hand through her hair as she looked to Jenna, "You remember when mom was so worried about me shortly after Abby disappeared." She still felt guilty for Abby leaving Bonnie.
"I remember," Jenna frowned, vaguely remembering. "Miranda told me about a man suddenly grabbing you but Abby stepped in and stopped him before he could hurt you. I asked her if you were ok after what happened and Miranda said you were a little shaken but otherwise alright. Why?"
Erica snorted, closing her eyes, "Because after that day, I began having odd dreams. "She sighed, opening her eyes to see the confused looks, "I first thought the dreams were of the future but then I began dreaming about the 'man' who tried to grab me."
"Do you know who the man is?" Master Chi asked since he knew quite a few elder vampires.
"All I know of him is by Mikael and that he once lived in Mystic Falls before it was even a town." Erica ran a hand through her hair, trying to figure out just what to tell them, "I've also dreamed of Damon and Stefan showing up along with a woman who looks identical to me." Her eyes were locked on Damon's, noticing how he grew tense.
Stefan's eyes narrowed, "You've dreamed about Katherine?" He looked from Damon to Erica then back to his brother, noticing how tense Damon was, "What's going on between the two of you?"
"None of your business." Damon hissed, glaring at Stefan.
"I believe I may know of the Mikael you speak of." Master Chi spoke up to stop Damon and Stefan from arguing, "I do not know much but what I do know is mainly from rumors. Many call him a monster because of the fact he feeds from vampires instead of humans and is hunting down his own children to kill them. He has many names but his most known name is 'The Vampire Who Hunts Vampires' and has never sired another but has saved many humans from the hands of vampires." He looked worried as he gazed at Erica, "That he tried to abduct you is worrying because if nothing else Mikael should have never glanced your way."
Jeremy sat on the floor at Jenna's feet, a frown marring his face as he asked a single question that create more questions then answers. "Could Mikael have attacked Erica because of the fact she looks like Katherine?"
"He could have but I doubt we'll find out anytime soon." Damon said, his face harden at the thought of someone after Erica. "We first need to deal with whoever changed Vicki Donovan and maybe Logan Fell. Whoever we're dealing with turned Vicki to keep attention off themselves but Logan was a loose end and could have been turned or killed."
"When I visited Liz at the hospital," Erica began, "She told me that while Logan's car was at the warehouse, he couldn't located in or around the area. There was also a room that held a…" She wrinkled her nose, trying not to gag as she continued, "….pile of bodies that had been drained of their blood. While she hated to find them, Liz was grateful that she could give their families some closure. What really worried her, however, was the fact Logan's blood was found in the warehouse but his body wasn't there."
"Which could mean he could have been turned," Master Chi stated, his eyes glazed over as he stared off into the distance, "Whatever is coming, you and those you gather around you will need to remain strong." He blinked his eyes, clearing his gaze as he turned to Erica, a small smile spreading across his face, "Now, I would not mind a piece of that cake Damon and I brought. It smelled rather heavenly when we purchased it." Causing a ripple of laughter to wash through the living room.
Erica climbed to her feet with a smile on her face, "Great idea, Master Chi." She noticed that Damon got up to follow as she looked around the room at the others seated, "Does anyone else want a slice?"
"I'm gonna have to pass for now but I might get a small piece later." Jenna put a hand on her stomach, "I'm still pretty full from dinner. As usually, Erica's cooking is going to make me gain weight."
"She is a good cook," Damon agreed just as Stefan opened his mouth, beating his brother at giving Erica a compliment. "Now about this cake?" He smirked, raising a brow as he rubbed his hands together as if he were a cartoon villain.
Earning another round of laughs from everyone, except Stefan, Damon and Erica headed into the kitchen to cut everyone but Jenna a small slice. Unknown to everyone, the threat that Master Chi predicted was a lot closer then they knew. One of their own was also planning to find out just what Damon was hiding. Whatever Damon was keeping to himself, Erica seemed to know which meant Damon trusted her. If they wanted to gain Damon or Erica's trust, they would have to prove themselves which would be easier said then done.
Before the person could figure out how to do just that, Damon and Erica returned with slices of cake for everyone. Once everyone had their cake, talks of what needed to be done resumed. When Jeremy asked Master Chi about the tattoo artist that would be doing their vervain tattoos, Master Chi told him that before him and Damon left he had called and explained the situation. His friend had no problem and they could show up whenever they wished to receive a tattoo but the tattoo must be small and able to be hidden from view to be more effective.
It was then that Stefan came up with an idea of tattooing a single dot with the vervain ink then tattooing another tattoo over it. Jenna wasn't to thrilled by the idea of Jeremy and Erica getting two tattoos but finally agreed when Jeremy showed her the tattoo he wanted. The tattoo he had drawn for him was a cross encircled by two roses. Miranda and Grayson's names, date of birth and date of death were also included. Master Chi admired Jeremy's artist ability and told him to take his drawings to Tao because his friend may end up liking some of his other drawings.
The discussion then turned to the location of the vervain tattoo since it needed to be in a rather incuspicus location to go unnoticed by anyone supernatural. Jenna suggested behind the ear but was vetoed by the vampires saying it would rather easy to sense vervain near the neck area. Master Chi then suggested the lower back or side which was better but was extremely tender area for a tattoo. It was Erica, however, that suggested the craziest/best location, the ankle or foot. A small ankle/foot tattoo could be easily hidden and wouldn't be located quickly if scented out by a vampire.
With everything figured out, Erica thought about giving Tao a call but quickly realized just how late it was getting. Stiffing a yawn, Jenna said her good nights and headed off to bed since she had quite a bit to drink and it was starting to hit her. Jenna heading to bed seemed to be the triggered for everyone else to begin to make their way home. Stefan was the first to disappear after a quick good bye, not even waiting for Damon. Having followed Damon in his own car, Master Chi was the next to say his good-byes before heading out which left Jeremy, Erica and Damon.
Damon could see just how tiring today had been for the siblings thus helped clean up before leaving himself but not before dropping a quick kiss on Erica's head. Jeremy teased her about it as they locked up the house for the night. Once everything was locked up and secured, Jeremy and Erica headed up to their rooms for the night. Whether they were going right to sleep or staying up a little while longer didn't matter because tomorrow was Sunday and the Gilbert house hold would be sleeping in.
(Mystic Motel, Rm 13 – 10:23 PM)
The moon had risen a few hours before as a young looking Asian girl sat in one of the two chairs provided in the motel room she was sharing with her companion. Her companion, however, was out gallivanting around and causing more trouble then he was worth at the moment which made her question the reason she allowed him to come. At the moment, she was waiting on him return from where ever he'd gotten off to. Having been companions since her mother had been imprisoned, she had allowed him to get away with a lot of things as long as it didn't bring attention their way but as of lately she couldn't help but notice his fixation on the Doppelganger.
While she could understand the hatred her companion felt, she was growing tired of how he games he liked to play thus she would be giving him an ultimatum. Either he was to give up his obsession with Erica Gilbert or she would be washing her hands of him because she needed to get inside that tomb one way or another and she would kill herself first before allowing her companion to jeopardize that. The door opening drew her attention as her companion strolled in as if he owned the place. He walked over and flopped down on the bed without even looking in her direction.
"And where have you been, Noah?" The girl questioned, still sitting in the car with her arms crossed and eyes narrowed.
"Just out havin' fun, Anna." Noah waved off her concern, not realizing just how thin of ice he was walking on, "I also got the locals off our trail. Turned some dumb bitch…."
Noah couldn't finish speaking because of the fact Annabeth Zhu had had enough of Noah's mouth as she zipped over in front of him and grabbed him by the neck, pulling him up off the bed. Noah was grabbing at Anna's hand but since she was older then him but quite a few centuries, she was a lot stronger. Black veins began to crawl through Anna's eyes as she bared two fangs at him. Just as he was about to open his mouth to speak, she threw him away from her causing him to crash into the wall by the door, cracking the drywall and creating a hole.
"Either you get your head out of your ass or you are on your own," Anna didn't play around as she told him bluntly what she wanted from him. "I am here to get my mother out of the tomb and if you interfere in anyway, I will kill you myself." She hissed the last part, wanting him to understand just how pissed off she is, "With your carelessness, the Salvatore brothers are aware of your presence but only your presence. So if I have to throw you under the bus to give myself more time to gather what I need, I will do so." Her eyes slowly returned to their 'normal' state as she smoothed the nonexistent wrinkles from her clothes.
"Oh come on, Anna." Noah rose to his feet, rubbing his neck where Anna grabbed him, "I'm just havin' a bit of fun with the Doppelganger and I know we can take the Salvatore brothers." He didn't understand what Anna's problem was, "Hell you could take them both." He laughed trying to lessen the tension but when Anna didn't laugh he seemed to understand just how pissed she was, "I ain't stoppin my fun with the Doppelganger bitch, Anna. If I can't hurt Katherine, she's the best next thing."
Anna snorted, "Then you're on your own." She stated firmly, "Whatever you do now is on you so don't bother returning. I'll be moving locations." She began packing what little items she still carried with her after all these years.
"You worry to much." Noah scoffed before disappearing back into the darkness of the night, not bothering to shut the door behind him.
"No," Anna chuckled softly to herself as she finished packing, "I'm just careful about what kind of attention I draw which is something you'll soon learn, old friend." She told the empty room before she, too, disappeared into the darkness to find another location to stay until she could free her mother.
Since neither Anna nor Noah had paid to rent the room, the manager of the motel had no knowledge of anyone staying there. Of course, the manager was in for a big surprise when they find the large body size hole next to the opened door but they will never find out just what had created it nor were now close to death they had been. Mystic Falls, Virginia may have once been a quiet little historical town but that began to change the moment the comet made its reappearance as it had all those years ago.
(~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~)
Author Note – It's finished! I'm sorry about how long it took me to get this chapter done but my muse didn't seem to like this plot and hid from me. Then the 20th of Dec. is hard for me because of my dad dying 3 years ago. It gets better but that day hits hard because not only was Christmas my dads favorite holiday but my b-day is Jan. 1st…...so…...you can imagine how hard that is. But I did work on the chapter and now it's finished. Hope you enjoy! Keep reading and reviewing!
~*Dragon*~
