Hello everyone! Here is the final chapter of season 3! I really can't thank you all enough for you're fantastic support and awesome reviews. I appreciate all of it and you guys are the best! You'll have to let me know what you think about this chapter! Thank you once again!

Disclaimer: I do not own TVD only Alba and Danny.

Chapter 22

"When everything goes to hell, the people who stand by you without flinching-they are your family." –Jim Butcher

I have experienced many impossible things throughout my short life. Things normal people only dream about like werewolves, vampires, hunters, guardians, and originals. Yet, as I stand by my unconscious body while Meredith and a group of doctors fawn over me, I can honestly say this is by far the strangest.

"Danny?" Meredith is leaning over my body that looks much too pale in this fluorescent lighting. "Danny, can you hear me?"

"I can hear you! I'm right here!" I shout right beside Meredith's ear, but she doesn't even bat an eyelash. I watch as she opens both of my eyes pointing a flashlight in each of them.

"Pupils are unresponsive," Meredith shakes her head with a controlled panic.

"Her heart rate's decreasing," another doctor states gazing at my monitor in worry, "start her on ten CC's of Atropine!" As soon as the words leave his mouth, the room is overtaken by the blaring of my machine.

"She's V-fib! Give me the paddles!" Meredith screams ripping the dress Alba bought me right down the middle.

"No, no, no!" I repeat in denial slowly backing away from my dying body. This can't be happening, I was just with Kol!

"Charge to three hundred," Meredith barks placing the paddles just over my right breast and under my left one. "Clear!" I gasp slamming into the wall as a shock rakes through my body.

"No response."

"Charge to four hundred!" Meredith yells rubbing the paddles together before placing them in their previous positions. "Clear!" I fall to my knees in convulsions as more power cuts through me like a knife.

"Still V-fib."

"Charge to five hundred!" Meredith demands as every doctor in the room gives her a look of sympathy. "Now!"

"Charging to five hundred," the nurse handling the defibrillator speaks quietly.

"Come on Danny," I hear Meredith whisper urgently, "Clear!"

Alba POV

"Where is she at now?" I ask with determination wedging the phone between my shoulder and ear.

"The doctors are looking at her, her heartbeat was…slow Alba." Rebekah answers quietly making me pause to take a deep breath. I couldn't lose my shit twice, not when I still have so much to do.

"I'll be there as soon as I can," I snap the phone shut and take out the white top Danny gave me for my birthday. I run the soft material through my fingers admiring the simplicity of the quarter length sleeves and the rounded neckline with a just a few buttons undone at the top.

"It's a lovely choice," I laugh dryly glancing up to find Elijah standing in the doorway of my room. He looks immaculate in one of his suits as always.

"Danny always said I looked good in white," I shrug going deeper into my closet, away from Elijah's prying eyes to change. I quickly slip out of my shirt and jacket replacing them with the top. It's only when I'm tying the last knot in my chuck Taylors that I feel her presence. "Bonnie," I greet stepping out of the closet and into the middle of my room. I stare the little witch down as she takes in the destruction with widening eyes. "Don't mind the mess I was just doing a little rearranging," I smirk flashing to the door catching Bonnie off guard for the first time in a while. "Let me out now."

"Alba," Elijah steps forward at the dangerous lilt in my voice. "Bonnie was not the one to put you in here. Despite, common belief there is more than one witch in Mystic Falls."

"I'm not going to ask twice, Bonnie." I reply calmly crossing my arms. I send Elijah a curt nod letting him know I understand which seems to be enough for him.

"Listen, I understand that you're angry, but I'm here to make a deal." Bonnie steps forward a new strength behind her words.

"I'm sorry you missed the opportunity to make deals with me when you desiccated Klaus. Or was that some other witch, too?" I ask venomously throwing any truce me and the Bennett Bitch had out the window. I can see the moment Bonnie realizes this because she instantly stiffens.

"If you want out of here you'll take my deal." She glares crossing her arms brazenly. "In exchange for your release, you have to promise me you won't go after Elena or Jeremy." I raise an eyebrow tapping my chin in thought.

"Tell you what, you let me out of here and I'll make the doppelganger's death swift and painless." I smirk watching the witches feathers start to get ruffled.

"Then you can just rot in there," Bonnie snaps turning her back on me. However, she doesn't make it very far before Elijah is standing in front of her.

"I apologize for Alba's behavior she isn't the most gracious of forgivers when it comes to the people she loves." Elijah speaks on my behalf like the noble man he is. I can't help but admire his poise and reliability with the situation at hand. "But I think once she hears the rest of what you're willing to offer, she'll be more inclined to accept your proposal." He goads placing his hands casually behind his back when Bonnie finally turns around to face me. She doesn't look extremely pleased with our predicament, but she doesn't look like she has many other options either.

"I'm willing to save Klaus," Bonnie grits like it's paining her to utter those five words. "Alaric is hell-bent on finding Klaus and it won't be long before he does. If I can find Klaus before he does, I can put a spell on him that will transfer his soul to another body." She explains roughly never once averting her eyes from my intense gaze.

"And if I kill Alaric before he touches Klaus?" I ask not really in the mood to hear her reasons for helping us. She clenches her jaw narrowing her judging eyes. "That's what I thought. New deal. I promise not to touch a hair on Elena Gilbert's head, in exchange for my freedom and your word that you'll let Klaus go if I can manage to kill Alaric. He does not stay desiccated." I cross my arms resting myself comfortably against my door jamb. I wait enjoying the show as Bonnie fights with what is right and what will save her family. Eventually, she gives in.

"Deal," she nods whispering a few choice words before taking a step back. "You're free." I raise an eyebrow as I take a tentative step out of my room. I almost jump for joy when I land in the hallway. "Remember our deal, Alba. I won't hesitate to-"

"I got it." I interrupt holding up my hand to end her meaningless rant. "But don't for a second think, I won't snap Elena's neck if Klaus is not returned safely to Elijah." I hold Bonnie's withering gaze without fear until she huffs and turns to leave. I wait until I hear the front door slam before I throw my arms around Elijah. "You have no idea how much I missed you." I breathe burying my head in his shoulder while trying to commit this moment to memory.

"Actually I can," he chuckles squeezing me back equally as hard. I don't want to be the first to pull away, but in the end I have to do what needs to be done. Starting with leaving the bubble of protection Elijah always places around me when I'm with him. He is literally like the security blanket I never want to part with.

"Thank you for getting me out." I sigh running a hand through my disheveled hair.

"And not a moment too soon," he muses with a small smile eyeing the mess I made. I nod glancing down at my phone to find too much time has passed. It's now or never.

"Elijah, I have to go, Danny's…"

"I'm well aware of Danny's condition; I'll meet you at the hospital when my business with Elena is finished." I raise a questioning eyebrow to which he shakes his head giving me a gentle shove towards the stairs. "Go, Alba. Don't waste any more time." He doesn't have to tell me twice as I rush to my mustang and jump in. I peel out of the driveway and am three blocks away before Elijah can even think about exiting the house. I have a little sister that needs me.

Emily is the first person to greet me when I come barreling through the hospital doors. She stands abruptly from her chair sending the wooden structure crashing to the floor in her haste.

"Alba!" She breathes swooping around her desk forgetting the formalities. "Follow me; I'll take you to Danny." She walks briskly in front of me, paying special care to avoid my eyes. I want to ask her so many things, but I swallow every word on the tip of my tongue when she stops in front of the ICU. "She's in room 124," Emily sniffles finally lifting her eyes to mine. I see what she's been hiding as a lone tear escapes down her cheek. I feel the need to comfort her, but I don't. Not when I can't even comfort myself.

"Thank you Emily," I answer stoically gently squeezing her shoulder as I brush past her. I'm almost to the end of the hall before Emily's light sobs reach my sensitive ears. I hang my head for the briefest of moments acknowledging her pain. I wish I could tell her that it will be okay, that this isn't the end for Danny, but a new beginning. However, that would just raise more problems than it's worth. The world can spare a few tears for Danny.

I end up outside of Danny's room with a heavy heart. The door is closed giving me some time to collect my thoughts. I've washed away all pretenses that Danny will make a miraculous recovery saving us both. I knew the moment Bonnie put the linking spell on me that I wouldn't live to see Danny graduate, get married, have little rascals of her own, and hopefully, die a peaceful death when her time came. I knew all of this, but it still doesn't make leaving the little family I have left any easier. I just hope one day they will learn to forgive me. I hope Klaus will forgive me.

I'm hurled from my thoughts when Danny's door flies open revealing Rebekah. The girl looks like she's just been through hell and I have a feeling the night has only begun for us. Her eyes are swollen from where she's been crying and I just smile sadly cocking my head to the side.

"How's our girl?" I ask pulling Rebekah into a hug that she returns with an impressive show of strength. I wince thinking she may have cracked a rib when she finally pulls away.

"She's been asking for you," she nods motioning me inside with a swoop of her hand. I take a deep breath moving almost robotically into the small space. It takes me a moment to comprehend what I'm seeing, but when I do…it practically brings me to my knees. Danny lies curled in on herself in the middle of her bed. The thin hospital blanket does little to keep her warm as a noticeable shiver racks her body. The nurses have torn away her dress leaving her almost bare in a much too large hospital gown. I've never seen Danny look so scrawny and absolutely…hopeless. I can see it in her eyes when she finally spots me. She doesn't even try to hide the fact that she's not okay as she sucks desperately at the oxygen being offered to her through the mask now covering her face. Bags hang under her eyes showing the world just how tired she really is. It's enough to make the strongest of hearts break.

"Where's Kol?" I finally ask tearing my eyes from my little sister to land on Rebekah.

"He left…I think he needed some time." Rebekah answers apologetically making my eyes flash a dangerous bright blue. In a heartbeat, I've crossed the room and am standing in front of Rebekah.

"Find him. Tell him if he isn't here in the next twenty minutes I will give him something to run away from." I hiss fiercely catching the way Rebekah's eyes widen in obvious surprise. I don't think she's ever heard me be so serious.

"I'll get him." She nods sending Danny one last grief-stricken glance before flashing out of the room. I stare at the spot Rebekah had previously occupied for a long moment before I get my bearings. I turn around and wordlessly walk to Danny's side where I gently shove her over to make room for me. I climb up next to her lying on my side so we are face to face. Her big brown eyes find mine effortlessly as I smile running my hand down her cheek.

"Why is it that every time I let you leave the state without me you come back in need of a hospital?" I tease lightly grinning when Danny lets out the softest of chuckles. "I know it can't be for Meredith's excellent bedside manner."

"She's….not….so…bad…" Danny gasps between massive breaths of air. Even in her state she still defends those who can't defend themselves. She's going to make a great woman someday.

"Yeah, yeah, I know." I roll my eyes inching closer to Danny's shrunken form. Knobby knees and elbows greet me when I finally make skin to skin contact. She's clammy, not at all like the warm rosy girl I'm used to seeing. I realize with a sudden rush of unbearable sadness that Danny is merely a shell of what she used to be.

"…..Where's…Klaus?" Danny wheezes quickly shoving the mask back over her mouth. I simply shake my head refusing to answer her question.

"Don't worry about Klaus. I want to talk about you." I feel the corner of my mouth turn up when a topic comes to mind. "Do you remember our bucket list?" I ask waiting patiently until Danny twitches a nod. "Where were we going to go again?"

"California…" Danny breathes removing her mask. "…to…swim with…the…dolphins."

"Ah," I tap her shoulder with a smile, "I believe that one was you're doing. I still say we need to do number eight," I respond with a mischievous twinkle in my eye. Danny just stares at me before removing her mask again.

"I'm in…no….condition…to ride…a…werewolf." Danny shoots down my proposal with a rattle of her lungs.

"Fair enough, but we could always leave right now and make it to the big apple before sunrise." I goad hoping maybe she'll take my offer. However, the increasingly long silence I'm receiving in return tells me otherwise. I nod in understanding averting my eyes to the deep rise and fall of her chest. She's a fighter.

"Promise me….something." She says reaching up to cover the hand I still have resting against her cheek.

"Anything," I agree immediately unwilling to deny her anything at this point. She could ask me to stake myself and I'd happily oblige.

"…finish…our…bucket list." She squeezes my hand with the small amount of strength she has left.

"Not a chance," I shake my head stubbornly looking her in the eyes. I can see the protest forming on her lips, but I quickly quiet her. "We made that list together so we are doing it together. I don't care where I am or where you are, it's us. It's always been us and it will always be us." I clench my jaw as I rest my forehead against hers. "Together."

"…together…" Danny whispers tangling her hand with mine. And that's how we lay because in the end Danny is what makes me whole.

Rebekah POV

I walk determinedly down the hospital corridors searching for Kol. He may be impulsive when it comes to his feelings, but he's not stupid. If I know Kol, he's somewhere in the hospital blowing off steam, most likely, with a blond nurse in a storage room closet.

"Rebekah!" I twist around at someone calling my name to find the brunette doctor rushing towards me. What's her name again? Molly? Mary? "Would you please get your brother? He's in the gift shop and he's starting to make a scene. I managed to get security to agree to let me handle the situation, but-"

"I'll get him," I answer curtly shoulder checking the woman on my way to the elevators. If I had to listen to her whiney voice for another second, security would have been called for a scene and a dead body.

When I finally locate the gift shop the small quarters is in ruins. It's also empty save a lone figure standing in the far back corner looking over Hallmark cards.

"Kol!" I growl hurtling a mountain of books while sidestepping the broken glass that litters the floor. Not a single thing has made it through Kol's assault, not even Kol. I come to a stop beside him inspecting the dried blood that coats his knuckles and a small scrape on his face that has long since healed. "Kol?" I question more softly this time my earlier anger dissipating at his odd behavior.

"This is just ridiculous." Kol spits holding up three or four cards with smiling faces on them. "They have birthday cards, special greetings, holiday greetings, or my personal favorite!" Kol smiles angrily holding up a card with two people holding hands, "a card for just being friends. Pathetic!" He hisses ripping the cards up and throwing them over his shoulder.

"Kol, I know you're angry, but you knew something like this was going to happen. And you chose to get close to her anyways, you can't be mad at Danny for your decisions." I reason crossing my arms when he sends me a bone chilling glare.

"This isn't about Danny." He snaps swinging his hand out to send a row of hallmark cards flying in the air.

"Then what is it about?" I bite narrowing my eyes into slits. "Because taking it out on a hospital gift shop is not going to help you!" I seethe forgetting just how much Kol can act like a child. "Now do us all a favor and go see Danny because you are wasting time she doesn't have." I give him one last withering look before I stomp out of the shop.

I'm in the stairwell about to open the door to the third floor when my phone starts to ring. I take it out of my bag with a less than appreciative growl at the person calling.

"What do you want?" I bark hearing a light chuckle on the other end that makes my blood boil.

"I see we are skipping the hellos," Damon answers coolly, "fine. I have your psychotic hybrid brother in a storage facility a hundred miles outside of town. Be here in half an hour and he's all yours." Damon hangs up as I pull the phone away from my ear in suspicion. This can't be good.

Alba POV

Danny has long since fallen asleep as I make sure she's warm. Even in her sleep she doesn't catch a break while she fights for air. I know I should be rooting for her to live a little longer, but at this point I just want her to go back to her old self. And the only way to accomplish that is for her to die. The thought alone sends a sickening ache through my chest and stomach, but it doesn't last long as Kol saunters through the door.

I watch him take in the situation much like I did earlier. And like myself, I see the sadness in his eyes at what's become of my little sister. As quietly as I can I climb out of the bed trying not to jostle Danny.

"Thanks for joining us," I glare once I'm beside him. He merely gifts me with an annoyed glance out the corner of his eye.

"I was getting her something," Kol grits keeping his dark eyes trained on Danny. I, instinctively, look down to find a small white tiger stuffed animal clutched tightly in his hand. "She's going to need something to help her through the next few weeks." He rumbles causing a small smile to turn up my lips. Before he has time to react I throw my arms around his neck and hug him.

"Thank you Kol," I breathe feeling his body tense before he reluctantly relaxes. I wait patiently until he hesitantly brings one arm to wrap around my back. It's all I can ask for and I'm far from disappointed with it. "Danny will be good for you just like you'll be good for her. Show her the world, but most importantly show her how to live without me." I smile pulling away just as Rebekah enters the room.

"Damon Salvatore just called me. He's giving us Nik back." She surprises everyone in the room and by everyone I mean me. Kol doesn't even comment as he goes to take my spot next to Danny. He's incredibly quiet and sulky which doesn't sit well with me. I would rather take smartass selfish Kol any day of the week.

"He's just going to hand Klaus over?" I question with a shake of my head. "No way, he wouldn't unless…" I stop pacing long enough to smirk at Rebekah.

"What?" She asks not getting where my thoughts are taking me.

"Of course, unless Elena told Damon to hand Klaus over because a certain brother of yours persuaded her with a deal," I nod my head knowing that's exactly the business Elijah had to finish.

"Elijah, I should have seen that one coming." Rebekah smiles for the first time all day. "I have to meet Damon at a storage facility outside of Virginia in half an hour." She informs me, just as a familiar stirring begins in my gut. I sigh looking to Danny as I realize what this means. "What is it? What's wrong?" Rebekah asks instantly picking up on my mood change. Kol does as well as he watches me with scrutinizing eyes.

"I can't let you go alone, not when Alaric is still on the loose." I run an exhausted hand through my hair while I avert my gaze from Danny. "I have to go with you." I brace myself for Rebekah's reaction and she doesn't disappoint.

"Absolutely not," she shakes her head so hard I'm afraid she'll snap her neck. "Danny needs you more than I do right now and I can handle Damon on my own. If Alaric shows up I'll grab Klaus and run." She tries to assure me, but I know better than that.

"I'm going. I'll be back before anything major will happen. Trust me; I'll be the first to know if something isn't right with Danny." I mutter walking over to her bedside. I bend down to give her a kiss on the cheek glancing up at Kol. "You'll explain for me?" I ask to which he mutely nods. I sigh turning to leave, but thinking better of it as I quickly whisper in her ear. "I've made many choices in my life, Danny. But you will always be the best. I love you bud, remember that." I feel my lip begin to tremble as I rest my forehead against her cheek willing myself to leave. This could very well be the last time I ever get to touch Danny and leaving her is the hardest thing I will ever have to do. But in the end, I wipe away the stray tear that manages to escape down my cheek and stand up.

I give my little sister one last look before I turn around only to be crushed to Kol's chest. His sudden show of affection catches me off guard, but I bounce back quickly. I wrap my arms tightly around his back as he smothers me in his sweatshirt.

"If you don't make it back, I want you to know that I will protect Danny for the rest of my life. There will not be a day that she is alone and I will make sure she leads the best life possible. I will not let you down, Alba." Kol states clear as day making my walls start to tumble down as I weep on his shoulder. Damn him. If he would have just let me walk out that door I would have been fine.

"I know you won't." I pull away smiling at him through my tears. "You'll give her the adventure and protection she needs. I can't ask for someone better to leave her with." Kol stares at me with a clenched jaw. I can see the turmoil of emotions playing across his face, but in the end, he pulls me to him and places a quick kiss on my forehead.

"Be careful, Alba Martinez," Kol whispers as I take this moment to flash out of the room. If I stay any longer, I will never leave.

We pull up to the storage warehouse a little over half an hour later. I'm the first one out of the car and the moment my feet hit the ground my eyes flash neon blue. There's someone else here with us. I can feel them, but I can't tell where they are.

"What's wrong?" Rebekah asks already walking towards the building door. I flash to her side making her hair fly around her face.

"Nothing, let's just hurry." I command following Rebekah through the door and to a set of elevators. Once inside I watch as she pushes the button marked three and takes a step back.

"Do you think Nik is alright?" She questions a little uneasy as the hairs at the nap of my neck raise when the elevator dings and the doors open.

"I'm sure he's fine," I answer distractedly taking a cautious step out of the elevator. Rebekah follows suit coming to stand on my left. I perk my ears trying to find any noises that shouldn't be here.

"Damon! Damon, where are you?" Rebekah suddenly yells beside me as I reel back in pain.

"Damn it Rebekah!" I hiss holding my wounded ears, "a little warning would be nice!" She smiles innocently before walking around the corner leaving me to play catch up. Of course, there are rows upon rows of storage units making me wonder which one holds Klaus.

"Damon, this isn't funny!" Rebekah sulks when we receive no answer from the Salvatore.

"Rebekah, shut up." I whisper reaching my hand out to halt her movements. I take a look around us to find all the storage units have been pulled open. I take a deep breath as I realize what this means. "We need to move." I murmur grabbing her wrist and tugging her down the corridor. I should have known Alaric wouldn't be too far behind us. I'm actually a little pissed he found this place before I did. However, I'm soon pulled from my thoughts when hands are tugging Rebekah and me rather forcefully into an empty storage room. I begin to squirm when a large hand clasps over my mouth.

"Alba, Rebekah. Shhhh."I stop moving when Damon whispers in my ear. Of course, it would be him. I roll my eyes as I latch onto his wrist and squeeze. "Ow! Damn it!" He growls lowly snatching his hand away from my face when bones start to shatter. I turn to glare at him as he releases Rebekah as well.

"Where is he?" I demand to know as I try to remain quiet. Damon just glares as he points to something behind me. I turn around to find the smooth dark mahogany of Klaus's coffin. I rush to the front of coffin reaching to clutch the handle with every intention of opening it when Damon grabs my hand. I flash blue eyes his way as he instantly let's go.

"Move," he mouths as I see Rebekah is already positioned at the head of coffin waiting on me. I clench my jaw, but nod as I help them move the coffin through the corridor and down to the first floor. We turn the corner to what I assume to be the loading dock considering Damon's car is idling in the middle of the room ready for a quick escape. I sigh in relief when we make it to the SUV's trunk only to have the breath catch in my throat when Rebekah's head is suddenly being slammed into the driver's side window. I watch as Alaric throws her to the ground like a rag doll followed shortly by Damon who doesn't even touch a hair on Alaric's head.

"You're turn," Alaric sneers with a sadistic grin turning up his lips.

"You took the words right out of my mouth," I smirk bracing my hands on top of Klaus's coffin and vaulting myself into the air. I swing my legs out kicking Alaric straight in the chest before my feet hit the ground. I watch as he stumbles, but bounces right back. He rushes at me while I dodge his fast approaching fist and knee him in the gut. However, he's quick to jab an elbow in my back that sends me flying forward. I land sprawled on the concrete face first as I feel the warm trail of blood that is coming out of the cut above my eye.

"Now stay down," Alaric taunts towering over my fallen body before giving me a swift kick to the ribs. I groan, refusing to give Alaric the satisfaction of hearing me scream when I hear several snaps. I lay there for a moment trying to regain my energy, but failing miserably when not a single thing on my body heals.

"No!" I hear the creak of Klaus's coffin as Rebekah screams for what I'm sure is Alaric pulling out the white oak stake. So with what little strength I can muster I flash to a stand and hurry to Alaric. I grab his wrist halting his movements just as he's about to pierce Klaus's heart. He glares up at me in mild shock as I smirk.

"Sorry, if you kill this one I'm out of a job and a boyfriend." I grin snapping his arm and grabbing his neck. "Consider you're warnings all used up." I snarl smashing his head through the trunk window before throwing him into the nearest wall. I watch as he's momentarily knocked unconscious before I turn around to face Klaus. He's desiccated alright, even bound in chains to ensure he won't escape, not that he could if he wanted to. The only sign that he's semi okay are his eyes that are trained on me. "I guess this isn't the right time to kiss and make-up?" I laugh reaching out to cup his veiny cheek. His eyes soften considerably as I give him a small smile forgetting about everyone else in the room. That is my first mistake.

"We need to go now!" Damon growls rushing to my side as he begins to shut the coffin. I nod reaching to help him when the room begins to spin and black dots cloud my vision. I feel my body start to tilt towards the floor as I catch Klaus's frightened eyes. However, Damon is right there to wrap an arm around my waist and keep my steady. "Whoa, Alba, are you okay?" He asks allowing my head to come down from the clouds.

"Yeah, I'm fine." I mutter rubbing my forehead as a surge of panic runs through me. All I can think about is Danny. That is my second mistake.

My third mistake comes when I don't hear Alaric regain consciousness or hear him run up behind us. Before I can blink Damon and Rebekah are thrown yet again into the same corner he put them in earlier. I twist around ducking his fist only to have one slam into my already broken ribs. I hunch over involuntarily forgetting about Alaric's knee until he's smashing it into my face. I spit out blood as I begin to slump towards the floor.

"Now where do you think you're going?" Alaric asks gripping my neck and pulling me up. I narrow my eyes at his smug expression as he squeezes the air from my lungs. He rakes his gaze over me in disgust. "You are the original guardian?" He questions in disbelief twisting me around so I'm facing Rebekah, Klaus, and Damon. Rebekah and Damon are effectively knocked out, but Klaus is awake. He watches us through menacing eyes and that seems to be enough of an audience for Alaric. "This is the girl that you want protecting you!" Alaric yells shaking me so violently I see stars. "Look at her! She can't even protect herself!" Then for a little extra spite he leans down and whispers in my ear, "She can't even save her sister." That's the last straw as I use every spare ounce of strength I have to snap the wrist that's attached to the hand around my throat. He hisses releasing me as I rear my head back and smash it into his face. He falls backwards dropping the white oak stake in the process as it rolls to the middle of the floor. I, instantly, try to make a grab for it, but with the spell taking such a hefty toll on my body I don't make it.

It's not a second later that I'm being slammed into the wall with Alaric's hand once again around my throat. He doesn't say a word as he just stares at me. I refuse to look at him as I find Klaus's eyes over his shoulder. In that moment, I transfer every emotion, every amount of love I have for the hybrid into those few seconds I steal with him. I watch his eyes widen and pool with tears right as Alaric plunges the white oak stake into my stomach. This time I don't refrain from crying out in blind pain as Alaric twists the stake before ripping it out of my stomach all together.

I slump to the floor my blood pooling around me as Damon suddenly appears at my side.

"No, no, no, no!" He yells biting into his wrist and shoving the bloody appendage in my mouth. I drink slow sips looking over Damon's face as he helps me swallow. For the first time, Damon Salvatore actually looks afraid. Even more so when his blood doesn't take and I throw it up as my body refuses to heal.

"No! No! NO!" Rebekah screams just as Alaric shoves the stake through Klaus's chest and his body is engulfed in flames. I feel my heart crack as I watch the flames, but it doesn't last long as I'm suddenly being scooped up into Rebekah's arms. She has tears streaming down her face and I want nothing more than to comfort her, but I'm doing everything I can to stay awake. So I just dangle in her arms and pray I make it to wherever she's taking me as we run.

Kol POV

There are exactly three thousand six hundred and seventy-five grains of wood in the ceiling, ten channels on the TV, and at least seven nurses that have hit on me with Danny in the room. Four out of those seven left with a little less blood than what they came into the room with, but I hold no regrets.

I fidget where I lay next to Danny as I wrap my arm tighter around her waist. She's been out for almost two hours and to say it makes me a little antsy would be an understatement. I don't think I've paid more attention to a girl's heartbeat in my life. Usually, they are fast food, but the more I'm with Danny, the more I realize she's a sit down dinner. Of course, except the eating part…unless she asks.

Danny deserves many things, but this is not one of them. She shouldn't have to fight for every breath when she's done nothing, but use every breath to care for the people she loves. It's not fair that she's running out of time when she's barely had any time to live. Her body is betraying her and as much as I would love to shove vampire blood down her throat I know I can't. It wouldn't work and Alba would have my ass for trying to take Danny's choice away….but I don't care. I'm a vampire. I take what I want and right now I want Danny.

"Kol?" I tear my eyes from the wall to gaze at the girl in my arms. Her chocolate-brown eyes are slowly drifting open while her heartbeat picks up the tempo. She looks tired and well-worn as she brings her bony hand to wrap around her oxygen mask. Before I can stop her she has the thing ripped off her face and thrown across the room.

"Better, love?" I ask slightly amused with her antics. She nods breathing more heavily without support. I shake my head making a move to stand and get the device when she places a hand on my stomach.

"…stay." She gasps nuzzling herself closer in the crook of my arm. I look down at her in contemplation before I decide her breathing is more important. I swing my leg off the bed, but again she stops me by snaking a weak arm around my waist.

"Sweetheart, you need to breathe." I roll my eyes glancing down at her. I almost smirk when a small smile graces her beautiful lips.

"Then…do…it….for me." She huffs tilting her chin back so I get a better angle of her face. I narrow my eyes looking from her eyes to her lips.

"You know, you can't solve everything with kisses, darling." I point out while she continues to stare with her big brown eyes. I groan cupping her face gently in my hands as I whisper against her lips. "But it's a start." I pull her closer while deepening the kiss. She responds immediately latching her lips onto mine. It's only when she hasn't had oxygen for a few seconds that I yank my face away.

"…another…one." She demands around her gasping breaths. She's grasping desperately at my shirt trying to guide me back to her, but I'm not having any of that.

"Danny, you need to take an easy." I reason wondering when I became the adult in the situation. It's a first for me. Danny pauses looking up at me through wounded eyes before letting go of me completely and turning her back to me. I clench my jaw when I see her spinal column protruding through her gown. "Daaaanny," I sigh scooting closer so my chin is on her shoulder. She's staring at the wall with tears in her eyes. In an instant, I have her on top of me and curled against my chest. "I'm sorry, love, I didn't mean to hurt you." I whisper sincerely my heart dropping at the fact I made Danny cry.

"It's not that," she hiccups hiding her face in my chest.

"What is it?" I question trying to lift her face to mine, but she refuses to coöperate.

"It…wasn't….enough….time." She cries her back and chest heaving with the strain of her tears. "What…about…us!" Now she's really getting worked up as I squeeze her to my chest.

"Danny." I say her name in a commanding tone and it has the intended effect as her cries instantly quiet down. I run a soothing hand up and down her back as I lift her face. As I look into her tearful eyes so full of sorrow I decide, right then and there, that I'm going to tell Danny about the spell. "Danny I-"

"I love you." Every thought I have vanishes at her whispered words. It's like time stand stills as we gaze at each other, her heartbeat the only sound in the room. Then without warning Danny looks away and silence is all that fills the room.

Alba POV

I catch glimpses of the moon through the gnarled tree limbs as we run through the woods. I'm fading in and out of consciousness while my blood has yet to clot. I don't know how long it's been since we started our escape, but it's long enough that my body has gone numb. I've stopped screaming in pain and from the terrified way Rebekah is staring down at me I know she knows as well.

"Elijah!" She suddenly screams startling me out of the hole I was slowly falling into. In the blink of an eye, Elijah is standing over my form as Rebekah sets me gently on the ground.

"What has happened!?" He demands to know while I keep my gaze locked on the stars hanging overhead. I wonder if I'll become a star when I die. It wouldn't be so bad watching over my friends and Danny from a bird's eye view. I was always meant for the night anyways.

"He's gone, Elijah. There was nothing I could to stop it." Rebekah cries into the night. I can hear the sharp intake of Elijah's breath and I don't have to look to know tears are filling his eyes. "And Alba isn't healing, why isn't she healing!?" Now I trail my eyes to the two originals. My friends…my family. Elijah stares down at my wound before wrapping one arm under my knees and using his other arm to lift my neck. I don't say anything as he picks me up bridal style, cradling me to his chest.

"I don't care about the reason for her inability to heal. We need to get her to the hospital now." He says an obvious edge in his voice. "Are you coming?" He asks while I dart my eyes to lock with Rebekah's. I find pain and anger are the dominating emotions making her decisions now as she shakes her head.

"I have to take care of something first." And just like that she's gone and Elijah is running through the trees towards town.

"Alba, you're going to be okay." He tries to reassure himself while sending me worried glances.

"I'm sorry," I manage to squeak out gazing into Elijah's brown eyes that remind me so much of Danny's. "Take care of her."

"Take care of whom? Alba, what did you do?" Elijah demands to know; his eyes hardening the longer he stares. I wheeze as I try to pull more oxygen into my lungs, but it's no use.

"Family above all," I whisper figuring he would understand the message. The last thing I see are his eyes widening in shock before I tumble head first into the abyss.

3rd POV

Elijah bursts through the revolving doors with Alba broken in his arms. Its late meaning not many people are in the E.R. except for a lone nurse that sits behind her desk.

"I need help!" Elijah yells all too aware of Alba's slowing heart rate.

"Oh my god! Alba!" The nurse screams rushing to call for assistance before a gurney is magically rolled to a stop in front of him. He carefully lays Alba's unconscious body down as Meredith runs up, a team of doctors trailing her. She pauses in absolute shock when she sees that it's Alba covered in blood, but she recovers quickly.

"What happened?" She demands of Elijah eyeing his blood stained suit as she checks for a pulse. Alba is paling more and more by the second and she's not responding to the doctors poking and prodding.

"She has a stab wound to her lower stomach on the left side. The wound is deep and if it isn't treated right away she will die." Elijah is very calculated with his answer, but he's not fooling anyone. Meredith can see the undeniable fear in his eyes as he gazes down at Alba.

"You heard the man! Let's move people!" She barks as Alba is wheeled away leaving Elijah to wait.

"Where is Meredith!?" A burly man in his late forties yells as he fusses over Danny. "I need Meredith!" He screams causing Kol to growl in the corner.

"A stabbing victim came in just a few minutes ago, she's with her." One of the nurses informs the man as he blows out an annoyed breath.

"Then we go about this my way." He rumbles ripping open Danny's hospital gown. "Give me the paddles!"

"Alba? Can you understand me?" Meredith asks pulling out her stethoscope and checking for a heartbeat. "Heartbeat is faint, but it's there." She reports to her crew of nurses and doctors. "I need the scissors!" She yells; the instrument dropping quickly in her awaiting hand. Without much thought, she cuts down the middle of Alba's crimson top before throwing the ruined material in the corner.

Meredith almost gasps when she sees the hole in Alba's stomach, but she's a professional. So as quickly as the horror rises in her chest; it's gone and she's calling out more demands.

"I need gauze to plug the wound!" She screams as her bidding is done immediately. "Is the O.R. prepped and ready!?" She glances up sharply, just in time, to witness her head nurse shaking his head no. She clenches her jaw and nods curtly.

"Give me the paddles!" Meredith glances up at the boisterous bellow of one of her fellow doctors. She scans the room trying to find the source of the noise until her eyes land on the plate-glass window. She can clearly see into the next room as doctor's work frantically on a coded patient. However, it isn't until the doctor moves to grab the paddles that Merediths breath hitches in her throat.

"Danny."

"She's coding!" One of the nurse's yells drawing Meredith's attention from Danny's unconscious body to her sister's when a devastatingly long beep sounds through the room.

"Paddles!" Meredith barks flipping around to grab the devices. "Charge to three-hundred!" She demands placing the paddles in the same spots she did on Danny earlier today.

"Clear!"

"Clear!" Meredith presses down watching the vault of electricity slide through Alba's body as she spasms. She waits for a small flicker that it worked, but she sees no change.

"Charge to four-hundred!"

"Charge to five-hundred!"

"Charging to four-hundred," a nurse nods giving Meredith the go ahead.

"Clear!"

"Clear!" The lights flicker this time as another round shoots through Alba's heart.

"No response."

"Charge to five-hundred!"

"Charge to six-hundred!"

"Charging."

"Charging."

"Come on Alba. You're stronger than this!" Meredith whispers pressing down on the paddles with all her strength. "Clear!"

"Clear!" The shock that racks Alba's body has her chest heaving upwards with its strain. But as Meredith watches the screen with losing hope, she hears something that makes her bite her lip to keep from crying.

"Time of death, 12:23," She glances down at Alba, her black hair lays in tangled curls around her head. The lips that have said so many smart remarks and kind words lay parted and blue. Her glacier like eyes that could melt or spite you in a second remain closed as her heart refuses to beat. Meredith looks down at this girl who has gone through hell with a smile and she wants nothing more than to cry.

"Meredith?" She finally looks up through watery eyes when a nurse catches her attention. All of them hang their heads as she mutters the next few words.

"Ti…Time of death, 12:24." She barely utters the last word before she hurriedly leaves the room. She runs into her office and shuts the door locking it. All the blinds are closed and she feels no qualms about sliding down the wall until she hits the floor. Then with no one watching, she cries.

Damon POV

"Where is she?" I yell bursting through the hospital doors with only one girl on my mind. After having Alaric kick my ass then die in my arms, it's a miracle I haven't ripped into half of Mystic Falls already. I start to walk down the hall with every intention of finding her when Meredith runs in front of me with red rimmed eyes.

"No. Damon, wait!" She stops me as she places her hands on my stomach. I quickly take a step back getting more impatient the longer she makes me stand here.

"Where is she!?" I growl looking around the hospital for any sign of where she might be. I need to find her now!

"You need to know, when Jeremy brought Elena in here earlier tonight, her injuries were worse than I let on. It wasn't a concussion; it was a cerebral hemorrhage, bleeding of the brain." I stare down at the doctor in confusion before cold hard fury pumps through me.

"I don't care about Elena! Where's Alba!?" I demand to know brushing past her rather roughly as I continue down the hall on a mission. "Where's my daughter!?"

"Damon!" Meredith yells my name, but I don't listen to her. "Damon! I can take you to Alba!" She finally says running up beside me. I nod my head silently telling her to lead the way as she takes me down another corridor. I follow her wordlessly thinking about the events of tonight. When I saw that stake slide into Alba's stomach it was like someone ripped inside my chest and squeezed my heart. I've never felt so much terror in my life and walking behind Meredith right now, I can honestly say it's tearing me up inside. "She's in here," Meredith stops in front of a closed door in an unknown part of the hospital. "Damon, list-" I don't care to listen as I barge through the door of the room and freeze at what I find.

Alba lies on a stretcher covered from the shoulders down with a white blanket. Her caramel skin is uncharacteristically pale under the dim hospital light. I stumble closer every word catching in my throat when I'm towering over the top of her. If I didn't know better I would think that she's sleeping, but I do know better. I trail my eyes down her body, specifically, to her hand hanging over the edge of the stretcher. She has her pinky intertwined with another and for the first time, I notice Danny is lying next to her on a second stretcher.

This time, I don't stop myself from falling to my knees next to Alba's body. I grab her cold hand in mine as I rest my forehead against our clasped hands.

"Damn it, Alba." I hiss clenching my jaw at the lump growing in my throat. This wasn't how things were supposed to turn out. I was going to save her from the originals not offer her up on a silver platter to Alaric. "I'm so sorry."

"A little late to be sorry, isn't it?" I feel my face twist in distaste when Kol's snide voice hits my ears. I look up to find Elijah holding a weeping Rebekah in the corner while Kol looks ready to kill. Good. It makes two of us.

"You know what they say, better late than never." I smirk masking every emotion hurtling itself against my insides as I climb to a stand.

"So you choose after Alba is dead to voice your apologies. Real nice, Salvatore; tell me what exactly are you apologizing for?" Kol asks striding over to me as Elijah cuts him a warning glare.

"Kol, this is neither the time nor the place." Elijah threatens lowly as Kol comes to a stop in front of me.

"Are you apologizing for the way you abandoned her on more than one occasion when she needed someone the most? Or how about when you chose Elena over her more times than anyone can count? Wait, let's not forget about the time you let your brother hand her over to the witches for almost two weeks." Kol smirks sadistically finding enjoyment in the situation. "Then if that wasn't enough, you left Danny behind to save the doppelgänger. My, you have some long apologizing to do." I feel the veins around my eyes protrude as I grab Kol's neck and throw him into the nearest wall.

"I should have just let Alaric kill Klaus from the beginning. Then Alba wouldn't be dead!" I snarl, instantly regretting my word choice when I think about Danny.

"Actually, she would be." Kol growls easily flipping our positions and smashing my head through the wall. I open my mouth to ask him what he means by that when another sound fills the room. Kol and I freeze as we look at one another before turning abruptly to the two Martinez's in the middle of the room.

There's something special about silence. It holds secrets, fears, hopes, dreams, but most importantly it holds truth. Darkness holds these things as well and when the two are paired together…the effects are astronomical. Yet what does one do when they are suddenly thrust out of this comfort and thrown into a new kind of hell?

I sit up with a gasp clutching the spot over my heart. I take gaping gulps of air trying to get as much oxygen into me as possible. I whip my head around in bewilderment as I take in the white walls and ceilings of the hospital. I feel my body rush with adrenaline when my eyes land on the four shocked faces in front of me. I do the same waiting for someone to speak. Finally, Kol steps forward, his eyes glued on mine.

"Alba?"

Dum Dum Dum! :-) Review and let me know how you liked it! Thank you!