a/n: So this chapter wraps up "The Storm" fan fiction. I hope everyone has enjoyed it as much as I have. And please remember to review, especially since this is the last time you'll get to. I would love to get over thirty reviews for this story. This epilogue will make sense to those who had read the books, and if you haven't read the books, the epilogue is still fun. I hope you enjoy!

Epilogue: Storms on the Horizon

I remembered black skies, the lightning all around me,
I remembered each flash as time began to blur…
There was nothing in sight but memories left abandoned,
There was nowhere to hide, the ashes fell like snow,
And the ground caved in between where we were standing,
And your voice was all I heard, that I get what I deserve.
-New Divide by Linkin Park

Damon stood in the darkness that came right before the dawn. About a hundred yards from where he stood was Katherine's limp body. The vervain still controlled her form and forced her to stay in her current location, although he knew that was the last place she wanted to be. Personally, Damon was ready to watch her burn.

As the first rays of the morning sun glistened in the graveyard, Katherine's screams echoed through the air. Soon, however, there wasn't enough of her left to make any sound at all.

Slowly, Damon closed the distance between them. He eyed her ashes warily, but didn't move to touch them or move them. Katherine wasn't worth the trouble.

"She was beautiful," a voice came from nearby. Damon turned, expecting to see another vampire, but frowned as he took in the man's form.

Onyx colored hair framed his face with the very tips of his locks ending in a vibrant red. His eyes glittered with gold and seemed to stare into Damon's very soul. It was easy to tell this man wasn't a vampire, but Damon wasn't completely sure what he was. Damon was positive this man was more powerful than any vampire he'd ever encountered.

"And who are you?" Damon asked as he narrowed his eyes.

"My name's Shinichi," he shrugged before he pointed to Katherine's ashes. "She always liked to cause trouble."

"Are you here to mourn her? Or to seek revenge for her death?"

"Nothing like that," Shinichi laughed. "I cared nothing for her. In fact, I found her quite annoying."

"Then why are you here?"

"You of all people should understand how much power this place contains," Shinichi's eyes danced with mischief. "Do you really think you can keep her safe?"

"Keep who safe?" Damon replied with a sly smile.

"Elena." Shinichi grinned. "She has quite the power inside of her too. Many people will come to try to take that power."

"And you're one of those people?"

"I might be," he shrugged. "We'll just have to see how this game plays out."

"Game?"

A laugh escaped Shinichi's lips. "Everything is a game, Kun Damon." He looked deep into Damon's eyes. "How much are you willing to give up for her?" He smiled as he took in Damon's reaction. "Would you give up your own brother?"

"What do you know about my brother?" Damon refused to give Shinichi any satisfaction.

"I have him," Shinichi replied matter-of-factly. "And unless you play my game, you're not going to get him back."

Damon was tired of this. "What is your game?"

"We'll discuss our arrangements later," he replied. "Until next time Kun Damon."

Since there was nothing else he could really do, Damon watched the man leave. The power radiating off his body had been enormous. If this man did come back, the entire town would be in trouble. Damon just hoped he was someone they wouldn't have to worry about.

a/n: I hope you enjoyed it and please review!