N/A Hey guys! :D I hope y'all like this one, it's leading up to the ultimate, dramatic and horrific finale! Sorry guys, but this is close to the end! Message me your ideas and/or ideas for a new fanfiction! Please enjoy and review! XOXO- Simmy :)

Chapter 12

Bonnie walked to school, like she always did- except this time she kept her eyes on her feet, and she had dark circles under her eyes on pale ghosty white skin. And her hair, usually fluffed up in tight deep red ringlets, was pulled back into a messy braid. Her expression was one of nonchalance with a hint of strong knowing and terror. This compared to the clean, bubbly expression she usually wore was very unusual and concerning.

A low wind blew by, brushing pieces of red hair in Bonnie's face and sending a chill down her spine. She paused, looking down the dark alley that was beside her, then carried on, pressing the books she was carrying in her arms tight against her chest.

"You look more worried than paranoid." A voice called from behind her.

She looked over her shoulder and saw Meredith walking towards her. Her long dark hair hung loose and flowed down her back. She smiled at Bonnie then came to stand beside her.

Bonnie tucked a lock of dark red hair behind her ear and looked at the ground. "Well, uhm, I guess I am."

"Paranoid or worried?" Meredith's eyes were smart, and held no humor.

Bonnie coughed. "Both."

She felt Meredith's eyes on her face and wondered if Elena spoke for both of them when she said she was both worried for her and about Bonnie. She felt a sick feeling in the pit of her stomach and she closed her eyes tightly for a moment.

"You can tell me anything, Bonnie."

"I know." Bonnie answered a little too quickly. She started walking and Meredith followed her. A small gust of wind blew by and Bonnie shivered. The lock of hair she had placed behind her ear had fallen and she tucked it back again, leaving her hand rested on her neck.

Meredith's eyes were burning a hole in Bonnie's face and she deliberately turned away. "Elena told me about last night." Meredith informed Bonnie.

"Of course she did." Bonnie said wryly, staring straight ahead now.

It was a dark and gloomy morning in Fells Church, and it only added to Bonnie's depressed, anti-social mood. Bonnie rubbed her neck, feeling the puncture wounds there. Her fingers trailed along the two tiny wounds and probed against them. She instantly cursed herself for wearing her hair up- now her locks couldn't hide them. She swung her back over her shoulder and hoped there was a make-up compact in there to hide them.

Meredith rushed to Elena's defense. "She's only trying to help, Bonnie. You would do the same thing if you were in her situation."

"I wouldn't be so obnoxious about it."

"Enough." Meredith's voice was strong and firm.

Bonnie found it hard to look into her dark eyes.

The wind blew over them again. Meredith stared calmly at Bonnie as they walked- their eyes never leaving each other. Bonnie wondered how she could keep this all a secret-

Then, without warning, the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and her spine stiffened like it had turned to ice. The wind blew harder 'til it moaned through the trees and Bonnie's hair fell from it's loose braid. Leaves fell around them and she found herself grabbing Meredith's hand and walking faster.

"Bonnie, what are you doing?" Meredith asked as she trailed along behind Bonnie.

"I'm c-cold." Bonnie answered, her nervous stutter adding a nice touch to the lie.

They hurried along the path, Bonnie felt eyes on her and she pulled Meredith faster.

"Are you running away from me?" A voice behind them called. Bonnie recognized that voice.

Both girls froze.

.

Elena sighed and fell against her locker, looking down the hallway on her right then her left. Stefan stood across from her. Bonnie was usually late, but Meredith was usually here before her with a cup of coffee and a doughnut. Where were they?

"They're fine." Stefan mumbled, his eyes looking out the window at the end of the lockers. Then he lowered his voice and said, "Damon will pick up Bonnie's Call if anything happens. They're completely safe."

"I hope so," Elena breathed, her elegant pale eyebrows pulled together and she bit down lightly on her rose colored bottom lip. "I don't know what to do anymore, Stefan." Her wide blue eyes fixed themselves on Stefan's sparkly green ones. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes. "Bonnie... I just-don't know what's happening-"

"I know. Shh." Stefan held Elena in his arms and rested his head on her gold hair. "We'll take care of Bonnie."

Elena raised her head, her dark blue eyes were wet with tears. "How?" She whispered.

"Damon will take care of it. It's going to be alright."

"What do you mean, Stefan?" Elena's eyes grew wide with horror.

Stefan looked uncomfortable for a moment. "We think ... Shinichi is ... using Bonnie."

Tears blocked her throat and her stomach felt heavy suddenly. She croaked out, "That's crazy talk. Bonnie would never-"

"No one thinks Bonnie's willing to anything. But it's obvious he's stronger than most of us-"

"Stop," Elena said, raising her hand. "Stop calling it a he. It is a kitsune, and we have to do something about him. Not Bonnie."

Stefan said nothing.

"Can you contact Damon?" Elena asked. "He should check on Bonnie. See if she's with Meredith."

Stefan nodded and let go of Elena, stepping back and looking out the window. "I can't find his light."

Elena's stomach turned cold. "Are you sure?"

Stefan's eyebrows pulled together. "Oh, found him." He paused and looked into Elena's gold flecked blue eyes. "He wants us to meet him. He's in the Old Wood with Bonnie and Meredith. He says something's wrong."

"Why is he in the Old Wood with Bonnie and Meredith?"

Stefan grabbed Elena's hand and started towards the door, Elena slammed her locker shut and followed him.

"What about school, Stefan?"

"School can wait." He said, settling into his car and opened the passenger door for Elena.

She climbed in and fastened her seat-belt. Stefan sped out of the parking lot and drove to the Old Wood. He reached out and took Elena's hand.

"Why is he in the Old Wood, Stefan?" Elena asked.

"I don't know- I lost the connection. He said something was wrong."

"I know, you told me."

Stefan was driving so fast the trees were becoming a blur.

"Stefan, don't you think this sounds sort of like a trap?" Elena brushed her gold hair out of her face and looked hard at Stefan's face.

"He's my brother, Elena. And they're your friends. Even if it is a trap they're in trouble."

Elena sat upright in her seat. "Shinichi must be in on it." She paused. "Drive faster."

N/A Please review and tell me what you thought! :D XOXO- Simmy