Women of Letters: Pay attention in this chapter; a lot happens!

Chapter 7

~Supernatural~

~New York City~

Sam rubbed his eyes with his left hand, while his right held the cell phone to his ear. "So you couldn't get anything out of Klaus?"

"No. The bastard won't tell me why the hell he wants us in New Orleans…" his brother told him. "Oh and on top of that, he now knows we're on vervain."

Sam sighed. "Dean-"

"I know, I know… I wanted to know why he compelled everyone. Turns out he didn't want Vincent to remember that he threw his girlfriend halfway across the room."

Sam nodded. "He almost killed her. That bump against the table put a pretty big gash in her head...Keep an eye on him, Dean," he warned. "While I've had JT and Cas reading up on hybrids, I've been reading more about the Originals. Dad must have encountered them before because they're spread throughout his journal." Sam flipped through a few pages of John Winchester's Hunter's Journal in front of him.

"What's dad's journal say?" Dean asked concerned.

Sam scanned the page he had bookmarked. "He ran into Klaus twice. The first time was in Chicago about three years after he started hunting. He had caught Klaus trying to do something to a werewolf. He says that it looked like the Original was feeding his own blood to a werewolf. Dad later found that he was trying to turn the werewolf into a hybrid like him."

There was a pause on Dean's end as if his older brother had stopped to think. "I think I remember that…Dad had planned to be there for a couple weeks, but he came back to the motel terrified one night and told us to pack up as quickly as possible. I remember asking him what happened and he told me it was nothing…His usual response…" There was another pause. "What was the other time?"

Sam flipped a few more pages in the old book. "The second time… Was about two months after I left for Stanford. He was somewhere outside of Portland. Dad had just discovered vervain about a few months prior and he says Klaus tried to compel him. He says you were there too. But Klaus erased your memory-"

"That bastard…Why?"

Sam looked closer at the book. "Dean, he tried to eat you."

"You're joking."

"Nope…You had been working separate cases; Dad was after a rugaru and you were investigating the disappearances of four teenagers. Turns out two out of the four were werewolves, the other two were human. You found their bodies and discovered that they had been attacked by a vampire. You got too close, dad forgot to tell you about vervain, and Klaus found that you were on his trail. Dad came to your rescue and talked to Klaus. It doesn't say what words were exchanged, just that he had talked Klaus out of killing you both and Klaus compelled you to forget."

Silence. After about a minute he heard Dean scoff. "I could have sworn I was in a drunken stupor that week…Guess I have an Original Hybrid to grill."

"Dean… whatever you do… be careful… I know how you can get when the situation gets personal," Sam warned. "Don't do anything stupid."

"Dad's journal have anything about how to kill an Original?"

Sam sighed and flipped through the pages once more. "There's something here about a special dagger dipped in the ash of a specific white oak tree. It won't kill them, but it'll put them to sleep if you stab them in the heart with it."

"It's better than nothing…. How do we get one of these daggers?" Dean asked.

"Doesn't say."

"I'll see what I can dig up… Klaus keeps going on about how his family apparently founded New Orleans. Perhaps he's got some old buddies there."

Sam smirked. "Okay then… see what you can find there, then… Just. be careful about it." He closed his father's journal and leaned back in his chair. "So how close are you to arriving at your destination?"

"We're about four hours outside of New Orleans. Had to stop to get gas and pie."

Sam nodded. "Okay...Text me when you get there and call me if you find anything."

"Will do." With that, Dean hung up.

Sam sighed once more. He stared at the half-eaten sandwich on the plate next to the small pile of books. He had made it an hour ago, but found he wasn't that hungry. Everything seemed to hurt a little more and he felt super tired...he hadn't been normal in months… he didn't want to worry Dean… But something told him Dean already knew. Something was wrong with him and he didn't know what. He stood up and looked at his watch. It was getting late. He should probably go check on JT and Cas… Maybe get Tess on the phone to see if they found anything on the van. He grabbed his books and left what was deemed the guest bedroom, heading for the lounge.

~Beauty & the Beast~

~Louisiana~

Vincent leaned against the back wall of the gas station's convenience store with his eyes closed and his arms folded across his chest. Catherine was standing next to him, waiting for his concentration to break. Ever since Vincent overheard Dean's conversation with Klaus, he wanted to be on guard—he needed to find out what Klaus did to Catherine, even if that meant eavesdropping on Dean's phone call with his brother. Vincent knew it was wrong to be listening to Dean while the older Winchester was in the restroom, but where else was Dean able to speak to his brother in private? Klaus was in the Impala and based on the conversation Vincent had heard, Dean didn't want Klaus to hear either.

When he heard Dean end his call, he immediately pulled out his phone and dialed JT's number. As he waited for his best friend to pick up his cell, he noticed the concerned look on Catherine's face. "What?" he asked her as she slid her arms around his torso. "What is it?"

"I'm just worried about you." Catherine replied honestly. "After overhearing Dean and Klaus's conversation last night, you haven't been too happy. Perhaps...if you tell me what they had talked about, I can help you find some peace in it."

Vincent smiled and kissed her forehead but before he could say anything, he finally heard JT's voice greet him from the other line. "Hello?"

"Hey...it's me." Vincent replied, "Got a sec?" With Catherine's arms still around him, Vincent placed his hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes but kept his most of his focus on his best friend's voice.

"Sure...I can take a small break. Is something wrong?" the professor's voice grew worrisome.

"No, JT," Vincent mumbled, "Nothing's wrong...however, are you alone?"

"Like isolated or girlfriendless?"

"You know what I mean, man." Vincent inhaled a deep breath and removed his hand from Catherine's shoulder to push back his hair. "Well?"

"Well, aside from my three reading dates with The Darker Truths, Mala Quae in Mundo, and The World We Fear,I am all yours. Why do you ask?"

"Be careful around Sam...he and his brother aren't as truthful as they seem…. Apparently Klaus had used some sort of mind controlling trick to make everyone think Catherine had tripped over a rug and injured her head on the corner of a table. However," he stopped for a moment, wondering if it was the best way for Catherine to learn of what had actually happened in the guild that day, "You know what? Actually, nevermind, JT."

"Uhhhh...okay? So should I be worried about the Winchesters? Like, do I need to sprinkle a circle of salt around me and spray them with holy water?" Vincent raised his eyebrow with confusion at his best friend's last statement.

"What are you talking about?"

"Oh, I've been doing a little bit of reading; you know, to find some stuff on the Originals. For some reason, all of this supernatural stuff is highly intriguing; from a scientist's point of view, of course. Anyway, why do you want me not to trust Sam again?"

"Just trust me on this, man. If anything, keep an eye on Sam—if he seems like he's hiding something, let me know." Vincent said as he briefly looked at the trees behind Catherine.

"So...you think Klaus has covered something up—something that would betray your trust." JT deduced, recalling Vincent's previous statement.

"Yeah...I have an idea of what happened...based off of mini-clues I had pieced together from two separate conversations I've overheard but I'm not entirely sure what all had happened. But I promise, I will find out. And when I do, Klaus is going to wish he had never pissed me off." Vincent stated as he clenched his fist. Knowing what losing control of his anger could do to him, he loosened his fingers and placed them back on Catherine's shoulder to help him remain calm.

"What about Dean and Sam? What will you do about them?" JT asked. It was certainly a fair question.

"When the time's right, I'll confront Dean. Part of me wants to believe there's more to Dean's deception then what meets the eye…; however, I'm not taking any chances of trusting him until I know for sure what's going on." Vincent looked at Catherine and smiled quickly before adding, "Just be cautious."

"No prob. By the way, it'll take me a while to find it but my security cams should be able to tell us what happened that day…. Klaus may be able to turn our minds into temporary vegetables but I'm sure he can't control the memory of a machine." JT stated through an obvious smirk.

"JT! You're a genius!" Vincent's exclaimed, causing Catherine's eyes to widen.

"Thought so." the professor replied. "Once I find it though, I can send it to Cat's phone. Just be sure to watch it in secret. Hell, make it a pre-sex movie if you want to." Vincent rolled his eyes to his best friend's chuckling.

"And this is when I call you a dumbass and hang up." Vincent said before ending the call and stuffing his phone back into his pocket. He looked at Catherine and sighed. She should know what was going on. He placed his hands on her shoulders and leaned his forehead against hers.

"You don't have to tell me right now if you don't want to, Vincent." Catherine mumbled. "I trust you and also know that you'll tell me what ever is going on in your own time."

The beast pulled away from his beauty and looked her in the eyes, "Catherine, it isn't that I don't want to tell you; I just don't think now is the best time…. We're about to get back on the road and I really don't think this information is really something I can spell out in one sentence."

"Then I'll wait." Catherine replied sincerely. "I've waited three months to be with you again, Vincent; I think I can wait a few hours to find out what you overheard last night."

"You really are amazing, Catherine." Vincent grinned as he wrapped his arm around her waist and she placed hers behind his back. They slowly began walking towards the car when the beast added, "I'll tell you tonight, okay? Remember, when we get to New Orleans, we won't have to sleep in a motel during our stay. JT lent me a decent sum of money, so we can upgrade to something more cozy—perhaps a place away from prying ears?"

"Sounds lovely." Catherine smiled as she leaned her head against his arm.

When they arrived to the car, Dean caught up to them. "Sorry, uh, number 2 was a bitch." Vincent watched the hunter nervously rub his nose. His heart rate was up and he was sweating. Something was definitely going through Dean Winchester's mind—perhaps a guilty conscience? "Anyway, I think it's time we switch up the seats a bit. You two can have the back and I'll tolerate Dr. Fangs up in the front. It'll be late by the time we reach New Orleans so feel free to...uh...cuddle together."

"Thanks." Vincent and Catherine replied stoically.

Dean opened the back left passenger door and told Klaus to sit in the front. The hybrid rolled his eyes and climbed to the front passenger seat, causing Dean to yell at him. "Hey! Treat Baby with some respect!"

"I'll start treating your pathetic vehicle with respect the day you start bowing to me and addressing me as your king." Klaus responded and then looked at the Beauty and the Beast. "Don't just stand there, Mars and Venus; get to your seats so we can get a move on! New Orleans is four hours away and I don't want to keep my family waiting."

"Right." Vincent stated as he opened the car door for Catherine. He then walked to the other side of the vehicle and slid in right next to his girlfriend. He was definitely going to enjoy her company more than Klaus's.

"One more rule," Dean stated as he turned around to look at Vincent and Catherine, who were already snuggled comfortably together, "Try to keep your hands to yourselves." When Dean turned back around, Vincent caught Klaus smirking at them. He gave the hybrid a dark glare and, sure enough, Klaus turned back around to observe Dean's reckless driving skills.

Instead of worrying about what secrets Klaus and Dean are holding from him, he decided to briefly forget about them and simply enjoy the late night ride with the company of his girlfriend wrapped within his arms.

~Supernatural~

~New York~

Sam heard his name come from JT's mouth, but he didn't dare peek around the corner until JT was done talking. He figured he was on the phone with Vincent, checking in on them like Dean did with him. When he peeked and saw JT setting his cell phone on top of his pile of books, Sam rounded the corner and entered the lounge. He had tried not to be rude and eavesdrop, but it sounded like Vincent knew something about Klaus compelling them. He would have to pretend he heard nothing… if his assumptions were right, his new-found friendship with these people might be in jeopardy. He looked around the room and didn't see the formal angel anywhere. "Where's Cas?"

"I believe your angel buddy went to find him some red meat for a late dinner. I think he said he would be back within the hour." JT replied monotonously and did not look at Sam when he had answered.

Sam nodded, surprised. "Oh." He paused and looked at the open books on the desk. "How's the research going? Have you found anything?"

"Nothing much...other than something about compulsion…. Does that term ring a bell?"

Sam casually crossed his arms. "I'm a hunter...of course it rings a bell."

"Could have fooled me…" JT muttered, but Sam easily caught it.

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing! Nothing at all. I was just talking to myself; you know, I tend to do that when I'm reading. It's sort of a hard habit of mine...been trying to break it for years really." The professor replied as he scratched his neck nervously.

Sam smiled a bit. "I heard what you said, JT. What do you mean?"

Sam could tell the biochemist was internally freaking out. His shirt was covered in sweat and one of his hands was squeezing a bottle of TUMS as if he were trying to figure out what to say. "Ummmm...How should I put this lightly…?" JT mumbled, "We know you're hiding something from us. There! I said it! Happy now?"

Sam fought back a bit of laughter. "You think I'm hiding something from you guys? Really? I pretty much told you Dean's and my whole life's story. We have no secrets to hide from you."

"I believe what the nervous professor means to say is that his friend, Vincent, knows of your little deception, hunter." a voice coming from the doorway filled the room, catching Sam and JT off guard.

Sam looked around for something he could use as a weapon. Since the others had left and they didn't really have a threat in the guild, he had left his gun in the guest bedroom. "Who are you?" he asked cautiously.

"Forgive me," the voice's owner replied, "for I know not where my manners went. My name is Elijah Mikaelson; I believe you know my younger brother, Niklaus. Perhaps, if the owner of this fine home would be so kind to let me in, I will tell you the answers you are seeking."

Sam had read up on The Originals since they had met Klaus, so he knew of Elijah. From what he had read, he knew that Elijah was older than Klaus but was still often cast aside by the Hybrid. But he was different from Klaus in many ways; according to one of his books, Elijah was kinder (if you were on his good side that is). So for Elijah to be here, perhaps he wanted to help them. Perhaps he knew what his brother was up to and was willing to share. Sam looked at JT. "Invite him in."

"Remind me to give the deed to Vincent when this whole thing blows over…" JT replied before he turned to look at the tall, brunette man leaning against the threshold. "Come on in. I'm afraid we're a bit low on...blood...but I'm sure I can offer you something to drink...Wait! That came out wrong! As I've told Gabe before, I'm not very tasty. What I mean to say is—"

"JT, just shut up." Sam shook his head as Elijah stepped inside. "I'm sorry about him…He's still learning about the Supernatural world."

"Naturally." Elijah said as he marveled the home. "The architecture of this place is astounding. It somewhat reminds me of the speakeasies I used to attend back in the 20s." Elijah walked further into the lounge and stopped in front of JT as he extended his hand. "I have to thank you for your hospitality towards my brother. Not many, willingly, would allow him a room for the night."

"Oh...uh," JT gulped and clumsily shook the Original's hand, "Thanks. I guess."

Sam smiled. "Calm down JT. Elijah's a good guy."

"Be careful what you say," Elijah replied as he turned to look at Sam, "For I am nothing considered good. We all have our sins; mine are regrettably evil. I cannot promise my actions for I do whatever I can to protect my family. I'm sure both of you understand that, am I correct?"

"More than you'd think… I meant compared to your brother...if we're on your good side, that is," Sam rephrased.

"I have no sides." Elijah stated, "Today, you may be an ally; tomorrow is a different story all on its own. Cross me; cross my family and I promise, I will not be so courteous upon my next visit."

Why was this guy here? Sam wondered. He studied the dapper Original as he spoke. Something told him it was about Klaus. "Speaking of visits, what brings you to New York?"

"I am always curious to what my younger brother is up to, so I followed him to New York City in hopes that he had finally found what he was looking for. Unfortunately, he left for New Orleans before I could confront him. That's why I came here to pursuit answers." Elijah said as he walked about the room with his hands folded behind his back.

"Uh," JT suddenly said, "Why ask us for answers when you already know where he's going? Wouldn't it be easier to know what Klaus is up to if you actually ask the source?"

"Klaus and I have a difficult relationship. We do not always see eye to eye on certain things, and even if I attempt to ask him what he is up to, I know my brother will not answer so freely. With Niklaus, everything comes with a price." Elijah responded respectfully. "If either of you can tell me why my brother traveled to New York at such a crucial time, I promise I will unveil anything you would like to know about my family."

"We, Dean, Vincent, and I, first met him in the woods. Vincent had fought off a hybrid, I shot it with a silver bullet, Klaus came out of the shadows and told us that this hybrid had escaped him. He told us he was trying to find out why the hybrid was here," Sam began. "When he left and then Vincent and JT left, Dean and I killed it. Next day we find out that someone dug up the hybrid's body and the police had opened up a murder investigation. Klaus later told us that he's trying to find the people who dug up the hybrid as well." Sam paused. "For some reason… I don't believe him. After reading up on your family… One thing is clear… Klaus always has an ulterior motive."

"Regretfully, I cannot deny your doubt in my brother's words. He has a way of getting everything he wants by any means necessary. Trust me when I say this: Niklaus will tell you anything he wants you to hear; rarely will anyone ever hear my brother speak the truth with earnest heart. It is a grave misfortune, but dishonesty is the only way my brother knows how to live."

Sam nodded. "I see…"

The front door opened causing the group to look in that direction. Castiel came through the door carrying an over abundance of fast food bags, not really paying attention to who was there. "Sorry it took me so long," the former angel said gruffly. "I wasn't sure where to go… I looked for a butcher, but I didn't know if you wanted red meat from a butcher, so I went to a fast food restaurant as well and bought some hamburgers…" He looked up and saw Elijah. "What's Elijah Mikaelson doing here?"

"Castiel," Elijah spoke softly, "It's been a long time."

Cas lowered his head. "Yes… it has…"

Sam raised his eyebrows and looked at Cas, perplexed. "You two know each other?"

Cas nodded. "Yes." He walked over to the bar and set the bags of burgers and meat on the counter. "We ran into each other a few years ago… he sort of helped me with the Leviathan thing…" He was careful to avoid Sam's looks, worried his friend would judge him.

"Off topic," JT interrupted the conversation, "But what is a Leviathan? Is it worse than a vampire?" He suddenly saw Elijah and added, "No offense, dude."

"None taken." Elijah replied. "But I assure you, there are far more evil beings compared to vampires that are in existence." he paused when JT gulped audibly, "However, based on my experience, almost nothing is stronger than an Original vampire."

Sam nodded in agreement. "Leviathans… were just annoying… They didn't have a grasp of how our world works… Someone had to release them from purgatory."

Cas avoided Sam's accusing looks. "My question was not answered. Why are you here, Elijah?"

"I am here dealing with family affairs. My youngest brother, Niklaus, came to New York City for a reason regarding the Witch Wars in New Orleans; I have simply paid our dear friends, Samuel and Professor Forbes, a visit to inquire my brother's purpose for being here."

"I see…" Cas said before a slight awkward silence filled the room.

"Hang on," JT caused everyone to look at him, "how did you know my name? I don't remember ever saying it."

Elijah sighed. "I noticed your identification card hanging loosely from your neck. You are a biochemistry professor at Hudson University. I suggest, in the future, if you do not want strangers to learn of your name, you should conceal your ID card."

"Oh. Right." JT mumbled before removing his ID and stuffing it into one of the drawers in his desk.

Sam looked at Elijah. "Hold on. There are Witch Wars in New Orleans?"

"About a hundred years ago, my family and I took residence in New Orleans. My brother, Niklaus, fostered an adolescent—Marcel Gerard. The boy was very much like Niklaus in many respects and I think, that is why my younger brother adopted him into our family. When Marcel grew up, Niklaus finally changed him into a vampire. Due to unforeseen circumstances, my brothers, sister and I had to flee New Orleans; we left Marcel behind.

"During our absence, Marcel has created a kingdom of vampires within the city limits of New Orleans and has essentially exiled the witches from performing magic within his domain. For a while, Niklaus, Rebekah and I believed Marcel to be the villain, but the witches deceived us. Long story short: Marcel is protecting a very powerful but oh so young witch named Davina. She inherited several powers from her sister witches when they were sacrificed. She was to be sacrificed too but Marcel saved her, and now the witches want her back."

None of that was good. Sam hated witches. He knew Dean hated them more. They were always getting in the way of others and causing destruction for reasons that were more personal than for the greater good. He sighed. "I should call Dean and warn him. That way he can be on the lookout for hex bags and other such items." He looked over at JT. "I'll tell him to not leave Vincent and Catherine out of his sight."

"Before you notify your brother, Samuel," Elijah walked over to Sam and stood in front of him. "Please enlighten me...Other than your brother, Dean, my brother is accompanied by two names I am not familiar with. Who, if you be so kind to inform me, are Vincent and Catherine? Are they human? Vampires? I know my brother does not choose his company randomly. This Vincent and this Catherine must have some sort of benefit to my brother's schemes."

"Vincent is a...What would you call him JT?" Sam turned to JT, unsure as to what Vincent would be classified as.

"The dude's a freakin' beast." JT grinned. "I mean, that's what we've sort of started to call him anyway. If you want the proper name, Muirfield has labeled him as a cross-species genetic experiment. If you ask me though, I like beast better. It's shorter to say. Oh, and Cat? She's a cop; but as a side job, she takes on the role as Vincent's ringmaster."

"Ringmaster?" Elijah raised an eyebrow.

"She's V's girlfriend, dude." JT replied and chuckled. "Without her, Klaus wouldn't have as much luck in getting Vincent to do what he wants him to do—whatever the hell that is."

"What JT means to say is, that Catherine is completely human," Sam explained.

"How strong is Vincent? What are his skills?" Elijah questioned.

"Ever heard of The Incredible Hulk?" JT shrugged but as both Sam and JT noticed Elijah's blank face, the professor continued, "Nevermind. Let's just say he has at least the strength of five men if not more. He doesn't really have any skills other than ripping his enemies apart with his brute strength. Oh yeah, he's pretty fast too...like cheetah fast. And his senses aren't too bad either. He can hear things at least 300 feet away from him and can track anyone with an open wound no matter the distance. Needless to say, Vincent's one heck of a hellhound."

"I see," Elijah nodded, "and his human girlfriend, Catherine, can keep a beast like him in line?"

"Yep." JT smirked. "But, if I were you, I would fear her more than Vincent. She may be human, but she's a freaking ninja."

"And your friends, Vincent and Catherine, left with my brother willingly?" Elijah inquired as he pressed his thumb and forefinger against his chin.

Sam nodded. "Yeah...They didn't like it, but they weren't really left any choice." He looked at Elijah, knowing what it was like to have a brother who was so difficult. "Klaus kind of threatened them...So I guess…Nevermind on the 'yes they left willingly…'"

"I am dreadfully sorry for my brother's impulsiveness. Believe me, when I return to New Orleans, I will ensure your friends are treated with the utmost care and hospitality." Elijah bowed his head with respect. "Is there any message you would like me to relay to them?"

Sam looked at JT and then to Cas. He sighed. "Just tell them to be careful."

"I think I'm good." JT replied. "I can always call V if I need to tell him anything." JT said as he waved his cellphone in front of Sam, Elijah and Cas. "The perks of modern technology."

"If there isn't anymore to discuss, I must take my leave. New Orleans is quite the journey from New York City and I must arrive home as soon as possible." Elijah replied as he started taking a few steps backwards. "I bid you farewell and as for telling you what you need to know about an Original: we cannot die. I believe that is all you will need to know. I will take my leave now."

Sam glanced over at the books on the desk. They'd been researching hybrids… well JT and Castiel had been anyway…Maybe he should spare his companions some pain. "Before you go," he began, "Since we found that hybrid, we've been researching them; trying to figure how they're created and ways to ensure that they stay dead when they're killed. You think you could…tell us a little more about them?" He looked at the Original Vampire expectantly.

"If you are looking for a way to stop my brother, there isn't one. However, if you are referring to his creations, then the best way to ensure they remain deceased is to rip out their hearts and burn them. Decapitation is also another method, but you have to get close enough to kill one before they kill you first." Elijah replied. "Unfortunately, if you consider destroying my brother's hybrid spawns, you must realize that you will be playing with the devil so-to-speak. Niklaus does not like it when someone kills off his creations—it took a lot of effort to successfully create them. My advice to you: tread carefully."

Sam felt goosebumps crawl across his skin when Elijah mentioned that crossing Klaus was like playing with the devil. "I'm sure he's not that bad. I had Lucifer in my head for months and he was annoying as hell…I'm pretty sure we can handle your brother." He paused. "But back on topic. I guess we ganked it right then. Dean sliced it's head clean off. So that means these Muirfield people are responsible...Just out of curiosity…How do you create a hybrid?"

Perhaps...I am not the one you should be asking. Perhaps, you should ask my brother instead. He is, after all, the Original Hybrid." Elijah smirked. "Forgive me, but it is not my place to speak of my brother's personal affairs."

"Something tells me, your brother wouldn't give us that info. Look. I just want to know. Hunter's curiosity."

"I am unsure of the process, but the main ingredient, if you must know, is blood from a doppelganger." Elijah stated as he walked back towards Sam and JT. "But I assure you, a doppelganger is very hard to find. As of right now, I know of two candidates, but they currently reside in Mystic Falls, Virginia."

"You're kidding. Two doppelgangers in the same place?" To Sam, that was unheard of.

"Indeed. However, they did not used to live in the same city. Katerina, or rather, Katherine, was born hundreds of years ago; she became a vampire and has outlasted most of our kind. Her doppelganger, Miss Elena Gilbert, was born and raised in Mystic Falls. Until her relationship with Stefan Salvatore, a vampire created by Katerina, she knew nothing of the supernatural world. However, now, her current beau, Damon Salvatore—Stefan's older brother—along with several other supernatural companions protect her from my brother. Forgive me, but it is a very long story and I do not think I can tell it in full detail without extending my stay. Perhaps you should think about going to Mystic Falls yourself and seek out Bonnie Bennett. She is a powerful witch for her young age. I believe she may be of some help to your cause." Elijah informed, causing JT to widen his eyes.

"So...there's more of you? I mean, other than The Originals?" JT gulped and looked to Sam.

Sam sighed. "Yes, JT. Haven't you been reading those books I asked you to look through?"

"I've...skimmed…" JT mumbled as he took off his glasses to rub his eyes with his thumb and forefinger.

Cas narrowed his eyes. "Vampires are all over...so are witches. If they weren't, Dean and Sam wouldn't be here help you and your friends."

"So, we've never really encountered vampires created by Originals," Sam pointed out. "I'm sorry...Hunter's curiosity."

"And what are you inquiring?" Elijah asked as he took a step backwards and folded his arms behind his back. "Are you curious of why the vampires created by my family are different than the low-lives you've faced before?"

"Yes."

"It is quite simple." Elijah said as he circled the lounge and sauntered back to the guys. "The vampires you've faced were not born of magic like my family. Our mother was a witch and she wanted to prolong our family's lives so she cursed us for all eternity because immortality comes with a price—live sacrifice. Because we were created with magic, no mortal weapon can kill us. I believe I have spoken enough. I must leave if I want to arrive in New Orleans, and I am afraid I cannot answer any more questions. Please take care." Before anyone could stop the Original vampire from leaving, he vanished from the guild in seconds, leaving JT with a headache and Cas and Sam with many things to consider.

"Damn it," Sam said as he looked at JT. "You really didn't read the books in full?"

"I read some of it...but to be honest," JT said as he stood up, "I'm a biochemist; not a supernaturalist or whatever you people call yourselves. Some of this stuff is just way over my head."

"Hunters," Cas corrected.

Sam rolled his eyes. "I thought you'd be a bit more into research…if I wanted to have someone skim over stuff I would have sent some books with Dean."

"Actually… Dean wouldn't have touched them…" Cas pointed out.

"Right…"

"Like I said, I am a biochemist. If you have some algorithms you want me to figure out or analyze dead body cells, I'm your guy. Granted, the things I did read were a bit interesting but the more I read, the more I had no idea what I was reading. By the way, you never clarified one little detail." JT placed his hands on his hips and stood firmly in front of Sam. "Why are you and your brother lying to us about Klaus's little mind trickery? Don't even try to hide it, Sam. V knows you two aren't being honest about something, so I suggest you spill."

Sam didn't really want to tell JT what really happened. Because if he did, he'd go and tell Vincent, who'd tell Cat, who'd probably tell Tess and Gabe, and then suddenly everyone would want to try to kill Klaus, who in turn would kill everyone else. For their safety, it was better they didn't know. He closed his eyes as an attempt to suppress a growing headache. "The less you know, the safer you'll be," he told the biochemist when he opened his eyes.

"Don't even start with that bullcrap." JT crossed his arms against his chest and frowned. "I have been taking care of Vincent for almost 11.5 years and he has always been honest with me. Sure, he's dangerous at times—especially when he first came back from overseas—but we managed to survive because we were always honest with one another. Vincent means more to me than anyone, Sam. We've been best friends for life, and he's the brother I never had. If you don't want to tell me, that's fine. However," JT paused and started to jab his chubby index finger into Sam's chest, "if something happens to Vincent or even to Catherine while they are down in New Orleans, I promise you I will make you and your brother pay dearly."

Sam really didn't want to deal with this at the moment. Just turn around and ignore him… go to your room and take a nap. He told himself, but his body and mouth betrayed him. "If you'd have been through half the crap Dean and I have been through, JT, you'd understand why I'm not being honest with you right now! In the eyes of a hunter, you're a civilian, meaning the less you know, the better! Hell you didn't even know about the apocalypse, as it should be! That was Dean and me keeping the public from knowing, and you were safe, weren't you?"

"You may care about my safety, Sam, but I would risk everything for Vincent—including my life. He may not be my brother, but he is still a part of my family. I know I haven't known you for a long time, but I thought the term, family, had meant something to you." JT stared at Sam before he started to walk away. Defeated, he sighed and began to head for his room. However, Sam saw him stop in his tracks and turn around. It was clear that the professor was upset. "I guess...I guess I was wrong about you, man." And with that, Sam watched the professor rub the back of his neck and shake his head with disappointment as he slowly retreated to his bedroom.

Sam sighed heavily and pulled at his face before turning around and heading for his own room. The stress of this case seemed to be getting to him. He wasn't well, and he knew he wasn't. He plopped down on the bed and took a much needed nap.

The former angel watched as Sam and JT left the room dishearteningly. He felt kind of bad for them… as well as empathize with both sides. Now that he was human, he had all of these strange feelings and one of them was fully understanding where both of these men were coming from. He understood that Sam would want to keep what happened from JT, but he understood why JT no longer felt that he could trust the Winchesters. Sam and Dean had their secrets and he had been on the same end as JT before. He didn't like the feeling of being left out, but he knew that amidst all their secrets, the Winchesters had their reasons.

Suddenly he heard a growl come from his stomach. Unsure of how such a sound could come from his body, he assumed he was starving. Cas looked at the bags of hamburgers he had bought with the money JT lent him when he sent him out for food and shrugged. Seeing as the food was getting cold, Castiel saw it only fitting for him to save the burgers from that fate. He sat down on a stool at the bar and dug a hamburger out of one of the bags. He unwrapped the foil from around the burger and instantly took a bite. "Mmmm" he managed to say, enjoying the juicy taste of a fire-grilled hamburger.

~Beauty & the Beast~

JT paced the floors of his room as he tried to figure out whether or not he should give Vincent a call. He really needed someone to talk to—someone that was on his side—but he didn't want to bother his best friend in case he was busy. It was, after all, getting close to 9 PM down in New Orleans. In any case, he knew Vincent would call eventually so he decided to place his phone on its charger and wait.

"Oh yeah…" he mumbled to himself and headed straight to his computer. "I promised V I would look up that video footage." In all honesty, he really didn't want to search through his feed in order to find out the truth. He was hoping that Sam would have been so kind as to tell him what really happened the day before his friends left for New Orleans. Since that was obviously a lost cause, he had no choice but to resort to technology to figure out the answers.

He booted up his computer and tapped his fingers as he waited for it to finish loading. When we get out of this mess and when V can finally live out of hiding, he is so buying me a new laptop. That should cover a fraction of the costs he owes me for paying for him all of these years. The professor sighed when he noticed the portrait of him and Vincent taken several years before college. They were in high school and at that time in their lives, everything seemed pretty okay. V had a good relationship with Alex—when they weren't fighting—and JT was excelling in all of his classes. He even graduated with the title of valedictorian. "Sometimes," JT muttered as he continued to stare at the younger version of himself being playfully choked within Vincent's strong headlock. Back then, they never had anything like Muirfield to worry about—they could just live in the moment and be free from worry. Unfortunately, that will never be the case again. "Sometimes I just wish things could go back to the way they were…"

When his computer finally finished loading, he typed in the necessary log-in information and waited for a few minutes before his user-screen was fully activated. "All right," he cracked his knuckles, "time for some JT magic."

Quickly, he sifted through his video files and found the file dated for the desired day. Without hesitation, he clicked on it and hummed to himself as it loaded. When it started, he fast-forwarded the video to the point where Klaus had Catherine locked within his arms. "Okay, let's see what Mr. Camera has to say about Sam and Dean's little deception."

As the footage played through, JT couldn't help but open his mouth in shock as he watched everything in full detail. "Damn...V is going to be pissed." Looking at the time, he decided to wait until morning to send the file over to Catherine's phone; the least he could do was give his best friend one decent night before all hell breaks loose.

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