Ok. This chapter has a bit of Jeremy and Era cuteness in it. Thanks to all those who reviewed. If you read this, please review. I don't care if it's good or bad. I like to improve and hear opinions about how I'm doing. This has some violence in it, and things are kinda out of order. I own nothing.

Era walked through town with Rebekah looking at all the Halloween decorations. Paper cutouts of pumpkins, black cats, and witches littered shop windows. Little kids, dressed like a variety of monsters, walked through town holding their parents hands. They would go to school and then to the Founder's fair and presentation. She was looking for a good costume to wear to said event tonight. Era remembered a time when Halloween was a holiday to fear. People barred their windows and doors as to not let the ghouls and demons into their homes. Superstitious bunch, humans were.

"You're not going as a vampire, are you? That's tacky," She commented to Rebekah as they thumbed through the costumes. The blonde laughed.

"Of course not. I have noticed that as the years go by, the more provocative the costumes become," Rebekah said as she discarded a scandalous looking French maid outfit.

"Makes the male pickings easy, though I don't think we're going to have much luck tonight. The Founder's council will be patrolling to make sure everything goes smoothly."

"As if they could stop us," Rebekah laughed.

"As if they could stop you, you mean. I still have that nasty allergen to a stake through the heart. I'm so cocky that I'm not careful. These humans are sneaky bastards at times," Era commented distractedly.

"I'll protect you."

"If you aren't too busy with the blonde human," She commented slyly. Rebekah put her hands on her hips and glared in response.

"He's just a play thing." The red head chuckled.

"Sure he is…You know it's not a bad thing if you like him, Bekah. While he may be an utter bore to me, he could be interesting."

"He's human and very moral; Qualities I have no business with. His little friends are already plotting to kill us," She said tiredly. Rebekah had thought about her feelings for Matt. She'd come to the conclusion that while it was fun; he wouldn't survive being with her.

"You never know," Era commented quietly thinking of Jeremy. She had hoped that any thoughts of him would be banished along with his offer. . It wasn't, and like a curious cat, she was intrigued by the thought of him. That would surely get her killed.

"Ah found it! The perfect costume for the both of us," Rebekah gushed. Era shook her head and walked over to where her friend was standing.

!

Era finished her make-up and slipped gently into her costume. Sunset was coming, and she and Rebekah were going to walk around the fairgrounds before going to several of the rumored Halloween parties around town. It was going to be a night filled with booze and dirty dancing.

"Isn't this the perfect irony?" Rebekah asked.

"Yes, you are the queen of irony. All the lesser ironies bow down to you," Era said sarcastically, but she was smiling. She placed the halo on top of her head and grinned. Rebekah decided that they should go as angels. It was Halloween, a time to go as something she wasn't and never would be. Their dresses were white and came to mid-thigh, showing ample amount of leg and cleavage. The wings were bright white, while the halo was a circle of small feathers. Her hair was half up with a clip to keep it in place.

"Ready?" Rebekah asked. Her voice was excited, and Era knew that she was meeting Matt.

"Almost. I have a few things I want to do before I go. You go ahead." Era wanted to give her and Matt a little time alone before intruding. Rebekah had been alone too long.

"Are you sure?" She nodded, and her friend quickly walked out the door. Era giggled and lit a cigarette. She'd wait twenty minutes before following. That boy was going to be a vampire before he knew it. Elena wouldn't be happy, and she wasn't sure how Klaus would react. It wouldn't matter. She'd make sure that her friend was happy.

"You never used to smoke when I was with you." Era's head snapped up at the familiar voice. The sight in front of her made her freshly lit cigarette fall to the floor. When she spoke, her voice was hoarse and quavering.

"Jonathan?"

!

Jeremy was shocked to Anna standing in front of him with a touchable, feel able body. She smiled at him.

"I don't know how it's happened, but it has," Anna said, cutting him off before he could ask the question. He reached out his hand and touched her face before snatching it back. It was unbelievable.

"I've called for you. I thought you were gone for good," Jeremy said, and Anna shook her head.

"I just gave you time to think. I can almost understand why you liked her. She was real, but now I'm real too." She hugged him. Jeremy tentatively hugged her back. He was so confused. How was this possible? The possibility that she was gone forever had disturbed him, and yet relieved him. It meant that maybe he could let her go.

"When did this happen?" Jeremy asked.

"Early this morning. I've been looking for my mom, hoping that she came back too. I'm not the only one this is happening." He froze and looked at her.

"What do you mean?"

"It's affecting the vampires from the tomb, the ones that were killed. They want to make the Founders pay tonight."

"We have to find Elena." He pulled her out of the room to warn his sister.

They found her at the fair with Caroline, standing by a snack vendor. He didn't see Damon. The sun was setting, and the Founder's ceremony was only half an hour away. They didn't have much time.

"Elena!" His sister looked over to him and smiled. When she noticed Anna, her eyes widened and she tapped Caroline on the shoulder.

"Jeremy…how?" Jeremy put his hand up to stop her.

"The tomb vampires have come back and are planning on attacking the Founders." His words were rushed.

"How do you know this? And you…aren't you supposed to be dead?" Caroline asked, pointing to Anna.

"Whatever brought me back brought them back too. I don't know what's going on," She replied. Elena sighed.

"Ok, how do we stop them?"

"Era and Rebekah," Jeremy replied. Anna and Elena huffed in aggravation.

"Now is not the time to be thinking about your psychotic crush," Anna hissed. Jeremy rolled his eyes. Her jealousy was apparent in her voice. If there wasn't any time for anything, it was jealousy.

"They are two of the oldest vampires here; Older than the tomb vampires even. They can help stop them." Anna huffed. They didn't need that disgusting red head. He didn't need her.

"Why would they help us? They don't generally like us or the Founding Families for that matter," Elena said with her arms crossed. This was not a good idea. Even if Era did agree, she would ask for payment. They could not be in debt to her.

"Rebekah will do it if Era asks her to…and Era will do it if I ask her to," Jeremy said slowly. Anna cackled in disbelief. Elena and Caroline looked at him in almost sympathy.

"I know you like her, but I think you're overestimating your worth to her."

"I think she's right, Jeremy. Era only cares for Klaus," Elena said. She hadn't wanted to bring that up, but now was not the time for pleasantries. Jeremy sighed angrily. They weren't listening. She did care for him; she just wouldn't admit it to herself.

"Dammit, just trust me this once. She'll help!"

"No, she won't. Not if she's getting the visitor I heard she was getting." There was a small note of satisfaction in Anna's voice as she said this. Three pairs of eyes snapped to hers.

"What do you mean?" Jeremy demanded. Anna shook her head.

"It's better if you let this happen, Jeremy. She deserves what she's getting."

!

"Jonathan?" The handsome man in front of her smiled. She was frozen in shock. He was dead. She had killed him herself. Was he a vampire? If so, why was he seeking her out now?

"It's been a long time, Erana."

"How?" Era swallowed hard as he moved closer to her, and she had not regained the movement of her muscles. The smile on his face was not one of happiness, but of bitterness.

"It's Halloween. Isn't the veil between the living and the dead thin now? Maybe that's how I got here, or I could have had a little help from the other side. Damn, you still take my breath away." And with that he backhanded her across the face, sending her flying across the room. It was definitely not with human strength. Era struggled up.

"You're not human," She muttered.

"I'm not a vampire if that's what you mean. I have a little help from a dead witch. I'm pretty sure I have enough strength to beat you to death," Jonathan said smiling. Era was on her feet now. She watched him warily.

"I'm sorry for killing you. I always have been." He laughed bitterly.

"And that makes up for it? I've been waiting a hundred long years to make you pay for what you did, and you think 'I'm sorry' is going to suffice? I loved you, Era, and you betrayed me." He moved quickly, grabbing her by her throat and throwing her against the wall, "I accepted you, even though you were a monster. You choose him over me." He fisted a chunk of her hair, and put his lips next to her ear, "And now you're doing the same to that poor sap, Jeremy. He's falling for your bullshit, just like I did. But I'm here to make sure that never happens again."

He slammed her face into the floor. Era's nose broke with a crack, and blood squirted onto the ground. Jonathan laughed. This was not the man she remembered. No, this was a man who had stewed over his bitterness and anger for a hundred long years.

"C'mon Era. You were such a fire cracker when we were together. It's not as much fun if you just lay there." Era rose up slowly, and reached up to fix her nose before it healed crooked. She cracked it back into place without a wince. She ignored the blood that had stained her face and clothing.

"You know, I've given you a chance to get a small amount of revenge," Her fangs grew, and small veins stretched over her eyes, "Time's up. Now it's my turn."

!

"Tell me, Anna." Jeremy was close to shaking the answer out of her. The satisfaction in her voice scared him. Whoever was visiting Era was not there to catch up.

"All I know is that it's someone she's killed in the past, as if that will narrow it down. He's going to kill her. I think it's an improvement if you ask me." Jeremy ran a hand through his hair and glared at Anna. Elena studied her brother long and hard. This was more than a simple crush. It sounded impossible, but maybe her brother knew something she didn't.

"Do you want to save her?" Elena asked him. Caroline pinched her, which she ignored.

"Yes. It was an immediate answer. Elena turned to Anna.

"Where is she?" The girl crossed her arms in response.

"Tell me where she is!" Jeremy's voice was severe.

"I don't know where she is, and I'm not going to help you find her. I have to find my mom. Come with me, Jeremy. Choose me," Anna said. Jeremy stared at her in disbelief. How could she be thinking of herself at a time like this? There was a life at stake. He shook his head.

"Goodbye, Anna." She nodded slowly, and walked away. She wanted him to follow her. He didn't. He only stared after her for a few seconds, before turning to his sister.

"Thank you. Not that I'm not grateful, but why are you helping me?" Elena sighed.

"Because I know you see something in her that I saw in Damon. Let's find Rebekah. She'll know where she is."

They found her by the stage, waiting for the Founder speech to start. She looked annoyed. Matt had canceled on her, and Era was nowhere to be found.

"Rebekah!" The girl looked over to see who was yelling at her, and rolled her eyes when she realized it was Jeremy. This kid wouldn't let up.

"What do you want? Era's not here."

"Do you know where she is?" Rebekah glared at him.

"You have no business with her, Gilbert."

"She's in trouble. Someone's going to try and kill her," Jeremy said quickly before she could send him off. Rebekah snapped to attention, and her fangs began to grow.

"Who?" She snarled.

"We don't know, but if we don't find her, they might succeed. Where is she?" He demanded.

"Last time I saw her was at the Salvatore house. She was supposed to meet me later. She never showed up." They started to run before the screaming began. They all looked back in shock. There, tied to a tree, was a dead founding member.

"It's starting," Elena said, "Jeremy, Rebekah, go find Era. Caroline and I will look for the tomb vampires." They nodded and went their separate ways.

!

Era didn't pause in attacking him. The force of her push sent him careening towards the back window, shattering it.

"Now that's the Era I remember." Jonathan chuckled as he recovered before attacking again. They were both strong, each gaining and losing advantage.

"I never meant for that to happen," Era said as they walked across the room from each other, pausing in their attacks. Broken chairs, wood, and glass were scattered between them.

"You really are a piece of work. Since killing me, how many others have you killed? Can you even remember? Do you remember their faces as you remember mine?" Jonathan asked condescendingly.

"You knew what I was. I never lied about that. It was your choice to stay," Era snapped.

"That's a mistake that I paid for with my life, and now I'm done playing games with you," He broke off a piece of a chair, leaving him with a jagged, sharp stake, "Time to die, bitch." He attacked again with new vigor. He slapped her across the face. Era came up snarling. She grabbed his hand and twisted until she heard a snap. He howled in pain, grabbing his injured hand. Jonathan then punched her in the chest with such force that it sent her staggering back in pain. How could he be stronger than her? She was a 900 year old vampire, and yet he was able to recover and retaliate blow by blow.

"I have to say, I never realized how tough you were. I'm guessing it's only gotten better with age. However, it's not enough. That witch from the other side is coursing strength though my veins," He reached out with his good hand and grasped her throat tightly, lifting her off her feet, "And I'm done playing." Then he shoved the stake into her chest.

!

Rebekah could run faster than Jeremy, but the boy insisted on coming with her. She grabbed ahold of his side and moved with super human speed to the Salvatore house. There was a lot of noise coming from upstairs. There was a female cry. They ran upstairs towards Era's room.

"Oops, missed the heart. Guess I better try again," A male voice said. Rebekah burst open the door. The scene in front of Jeremy made his blood run cold. The man in front of them had Era by the throat. His other mangled hand was on the stake protruding out of Era's chest. Rebekah tackled him and pinned him against the wall. Era fell to the ground unconscious. Jeremy ran over to her and pulled the stake out of her chest. He picked her up into his arms.

"She'll do the same thing to you that she did to me," Jonathan said. He wasn't struggling against Rebekah, who held his throat in a crushing grip. He just stared at Jeremy with a thoughtful look in his eye.

"I know what I'm doing," Jeremy replied, looking down at the vampire in his arms. Her face and body were stained with blood, and he felt anger like never before.

"I thought I did too…but you don…" He disappeared before he could finish his sentence, though Jeremy knew what he was going to say. Rebekah's hand only grasped air.

"It's over. Who was that?" He asked.

"Jonathan," Rebekah muttered, "Give her to me." Jeremy held Era closer.

"No, I'm taking her to my house. She's safest there. No vampire can come in without being invited." Jeremy started out the door.

"I could stop you, you know," She said quietly. He looked back and smiled.

"But you won't." And she didn't.

!

Era woke hours later, gasping in an unfamiliar bed. A hand touched her shoulder. She quickly flipped the person on their back and straddled them, fangs bared. It was Jeremy. He didn't look afraid or even wary. He looked…understanding almost. She quickly retracted her fangs and moved off of him.

"What happened?" The last thing she remembered was the stake sticking out of her chest, barely missing her heart.

"Rebekah and I found you and…Jonathan. The spell that brought him here was broken. He's gone." Era ran a hand through her hair.

"That was something I never thought I'd have to face. Not that I didn't deserve it, but I thought it was over," She said quietly.

"It's over now." Jeremy didn't know how to comfort, or if she would even want to be comforted.

"Is it really? He asked me if I remembered the face of every person I've killed. I do. I remember every single one of them, and yet I never look back. I have the control to stop, and I don't."

"You could change if you wanted to," Jeremy replied.

"But I like who I am," Era replied. Jeremy chuckled softly.

"You can still be who you are, just a little less disregarding of humans."

"Maybe." He shook his head with a small smile. She was so stubborn.

"You can take my room tonight. I'll sleep on the couch." He began to walk away when her voice stopped him. It was barely a whisper.

"Stay with me. I don't want to be alone yet." He smiled and nodded. Jeremy lay down beside her, and she scooted closer to him.

"Goodnight, Era."

There you have it. Read and Review please please.