Past Requiem
Chapter III
"Blue Jay"
...
Jeremy's eyes flew open and he woke with a start as a pair of hands clapped in his ear. He blearily stared up to see the face of the older Salvatore as the man then proceeded to slap him roughly on the shoulder.
"Upsy-daisy, Gilbert," Damon stated before straightening as the boy slowly lifted himself from the ground, hair mussed and face sullen.
Casting a glance at his surroundings, Jeremy frowned. "The sun's not even up yet."
"You get ten points for impeccable observation," the vampire responded sarcastically.
The boy glared, "can't this wait 'til morning?"
"Nope. We're only 'bout an hour from camp and morning rounds start at dawn. We have to get there before then." He shook his head, "trust me when I say that it would not be a good idea to just waltz in while everyone's all armed and dangerous. At least, not for you; I'd survive but we'd have some serious explaining to do."
"Fine," Jeremy huffed before standing and wincing at the soreness of his limbs. "Damn…sleepin' on the ground was not a good idea."
"Oh stop being a baby," the vampire mocked before tossing him an apple. "There's your breakfast."
Easily catching the scarlet piece of fruit, the boy absently stared down at it. His mind attempted to claim coherency and he breathed in slowly before looking up to the dark sky above and the rather foreboding forest around him. After another moment of reluctance he turned to the Salvatore before taking a bite of his apple. "howf a wefe gowin t geft your fouble?"
"Wanna try that again?" Damn asked with an incredulous look.
Jeremy swallowed his food before wiping the juice from his mouth. "How are we goin' to get your double?"
"You ask a lot of questions."
He merely glared.
Damon again slapped him on the shoulder before shifting and beginning to stride from the clearing and into the shadowed foliage. "Don't worry about it."
The boy huffed loudly before taking another bite of breakfast and walking after the vampire, relieved that his hunter's physique was aiding him in keeping up with the slave-driving maniac. For the past three days, he had only accumulated roughly seven hours of sleep and was beginning to feel the effects. He wondered if they would be able to continue the rigorous pace on the way back with the addition of a human, whose stamina was significantly lower than theirs.
The air was stilled in absolute silence and the leaves within the trees bristled almost ominously within the cold, autumn wind. Damon glanced back at the grumpy Gilbert sibling before resisting the prominent urge to comment. It was good for him to push his limits, being a vampire hunter and all. Casting a glance above, he reasoned that they would definitely reach the encampment before the sixth hour.
…
Elena lifted a hand and wiped the dust from her forehead as she stood in the doorway and observed the room that was already beginning to look considerably better. The air was clear and the musty smell was starting to recede due to the aromatic herbs she had gathered and placed upon the table, window sills and fireplace mantle.
With a satisfied smile, she set her makeshift broom aside before turning and striding towards the neighboring trees. The solitude had actually served to help her balance the many emotions that had been instilled when they encountered Silas.
She had grabbed the bedding and washed it within the stream before allowing it to dry within the sun. Several leaves had been gathered and placed under the mattress in order to provide further support and she had done her best to clean off the couch as well. However, there was still the issue of finding a blanket for Jeremy as they had been dressed in summer attire before arriving, which ruled out using a jacket.
Tempted to try venturing into town at nightfall, Elena reluctantly resisted. It would be easy to simply break into one of the shops and take a few supplies. However, she decided to wait until the boys had returned before going out on her own. Damon's warning had been pretty fervent and she didn't want to have to listen to another of his lectures about not following instructions.
A run-in with Katherine was definitely not on her to-do list for the week.
Closing her eyes, Elena fell back against the grass and simply breathed in the crisp air and listened to the distinct trill of the birds above. There was something entirely peaceful about the place, without the distraction of schedules or obligations. It provided her with some much needed relaxation.
An easy smile spread and she again strayed from considering how dire their situation was. She tried to embrace the moment, which was something Damon advised her to do whenever she could. Her mindset was very future-oriented and so taking a moment to break free from that helped to alleviate the weight of her anxieties.
A sudden creak from nearby immediately roused her into alertness and she slowly sat as she looked in the direction of the noise. Tensing and bracing herself for whatever had been the cause, Elena rose to her feet as silently as possible before narrowing her eyes to peer through the camouflage of trees.
The downside of solitude was how vulnerable it made a person feel.
However, in the next instant, she let out a breath and watched as a fox emerged a few feet ahead. Her paranoia was starting to surface and she marveled at Katherine's ability to always make her feel so uneasy. Absently observing the furry creature, Elena simply watched as it noticed her before scampering away in haste.
She was a predator after all.
…
The darkness had given way to the palest hue of gray as Damon and Jeremy observed the display of tents and patrolling footmen. They were crouched within the forest, waiting for the moment in which to emerge and make their way through camp.
Damon squinted as he ran his eyes across the various tents, trying to recall which one he had been assigned. He then looked to where a small group was huddled around the fire, cleaning their rifles and indistinctly chattering. There was an opening directly behind them.
"Let's go," Damon whispered as he nudged the boy beside him before rising and striding forward.
Jeremy looked nervously to the soldiers before following the vampire, careful to avoid detection. He was led around a group of men before being directed into a tent, where Damon proceeded to thrust a uniform into his hands.
"What's this?"
"Your new clothes," He responded flatly. "Hurry up and change. I'll be back in five."
"Where are you going?" The boy asked as his brows furrowed.
Rather than replying, Damon simply grabbed a uniform set for himself before exiting the enclosure of the tent and swiftly making his way towards the weapon barracks. Coming across a guard, he clasped a hand over his mouth and compelled him into silence before making his way past and immediately proceeding to first change into the standard uniform, before grabbing a pair of rifles, three revolvers and some ammunition for each.
Making his way back to the tent in which he had left Jeremy, Damon entered and smirked as he caught the brief look of caution that had crossed the boy's face before recognition set in. "You need to calm down."
Jeremy rolled his eyes before lifting his bundle of modern clothing, "what're we supposed to do with these?"
The vampire shrugged before adding his own to the pile, "bury them maybe. Hold onto mine, will you?"
"Do I have a choice?"
Damon only extended one of the rifles towards him, "Please tell me you can fire a gun."
"Yeah," Jeremy nodded as he received the weapon in awe. Running a hand along the barrel, he shook his head. "This is awesome. It's an authentic Richmond."
"It actually kinda sucks," Damon responded before tapping on the muzzle. "Now listen, don't waste any shots. These only have a firing rate of 2-3 rounds per minute."
"Are we expecting to run into anyone?"
"Don't wanna take any chances." The vampire then handed him a revolver, "you got six rounds in this one. Use it for close range."
"I got that," Jeremy replied indignantly before also admiring the smaller weapon. It reminded him of when he had gone to the civil war museum on one of his elementary field trips. He had only seen the guns in display cases.
After handing over a ration of the ammo, Damon peered outside the tent and waited until the patrol officer had passed before signaling Jeremy to follow. He maneuvered his way through camp and was careful not to draw any unnecessary attention. Nodding as a man lifted his head to observe him, he simply continued forward.
Pausing to scrutinize the circle of barracks, the vampire then approached a tent to the far left and swept it open as he scanned the bunks and allowed his eyes to rest on the one that had been left empty. After motioning to Jeremy, he directed him to grab the neglected knapsack before peering outside to make sure no one was around.
"Where is he?" Jeremy whispered.
Damon merely canted his head before leading the way out of the tent and strolling the few remaining feet to the border of the camp. Once they had reached the nearby knoll, he grasped the bag in the boy's hands before examining its contents. "Yep, definitely mine."
"Are you gonna answer my question?"
The vampire merely turned and strode towards a scattered arrangement of trees. "I frequently strolled off before rounds to get some quiet and enjoy a drink." He cast his gaze about the area before spotting the familiar individual near the fringe of the forest. He clicked his tongue, "like clockwork."
"Well," Jeremy replied as he followed the Salvatore's gaze and saw the identical man lift the silver canteen to his lips, its contents most likely something with a high-alcohol percentage. "At least some things haven't changed."
Without replying, Damon's form became a momentary blur before he stopped in front of his double. The latter's eyes immediately widened and he froze before hastily standing and reaching for his knife. The vampire clamped a hand over his mouth before he had a chance to shout, holding tight against his struggling. Looking to Jeremy, Damon lifted his eyes to the encampment.
"We're good," the boy replied after picking up on the cue and confirming that they hadn't attracted any attention.
Nodding, the vampire then directed Jeremy to grab the musket against the tree before returning his focus to the double within his hold. A set of widened, panicked eyes greeted his and he grimaced. "You are so pathetic."
Jeremy stepped beside him, additional weapon in hand before marveling at the likeness before him. "Great, now there's two of you."
Ignoring him, Damon focused, his pupils dilating as his compulsion took hold. "You are not going to resist. You will follow us and do everything we say until we tell you otherwise. You won't tell anyone about us and you won't try to run. Got it?"
After a moment, the double mutely nodded before the vampire released his hold and stepped back. Breathing out heavily, the human replica furrowed his brows and immense confusion crossed his face before he looked between the two of them.
"Why," he focused on Damon. "Do you…look like me?"
"Long story," the older Salvatore replied before turning and looking out over the way they had arrived. "No time to explain." After deciding on a route, he strode forward as the pair behind him obediently followed.
Jeremy glanced to camp before narrowing his eyes as he heard a whistle and the soldiers began to pour from the tents. He noted the man who approached the center and his mouth parted when he recognized him. It was Jubal Early, an infamous lieutenant general of the confederate army. Shaking his head, he returned his attention to Damon as he suddenly realized who 'Old Jube' was. The Salvatore had served under him.
"Quit laggin', Gilbert," the vampire admonished. "I'll leave you behind."
"Whatever, dick," the boy shot back with an immediate glare, all esteem disappearing.
Human Damon looked between the two as he tried to keep up with the pace of his look-alike. He had no idea what was going on and subsequently found himself unable to resist going along with the pair. The absolute control over his actions was maddening and his confused thoughts greeted his brewing frustration.
What had they done to him?
"Hey, you," the older Salvatore looked to his double before titling in his head in thought. "I'm gonna have to think of somethin' to call you 'cause this might get a little confusing."
"Pardon?"
Jeremy nearly chuckled at the refined edge to the familiar voice. It was going to take some getting used to.
"Hm…" the vampire continued in his musing. "What'd you think of adding an 'i' to it? Damion. Just slap that little vowel on there and" he motioned forward with his hands, "confusion's gone."
The man merely tilted his head before the bewilderment intensified. Why was it necessary to address him any differently? 'Who are these people?' The way they spoke was unlike anything he had ever heard before.
Jeremy merely shrugged, "I think it works." He then looked over at the less intimidating version of the man he knew. "You holdin' up okay, Damion?"
"I'm-," Damion glanced between them briefly before looking towards camp and wondering why he couldn't turn and run. He didn't even feel the urge to. "Where are you taking me?"
Damon rolled his eyes, "not really your concern. Just keep quiet and do as we say."
The man narrowed his eyes suspiciously but refrained from continuing in his questioning. Something about his impersonator was extremely unnerving.
Jeremy hastened his steps and fell in stride with the vampire, "we're gonna be traveling all day?"
"Yep. That's the plan."
A sigh escaped the boy before he looked to the rifle in his hands and relented to simply admire it. There was no use in arguing with Damon over the pace he was keeping. He preferred to avoid the typical, verbal beating that would follow.
They reached the forest and were subsequently concealed from the encampment as the terrain became all the more strenuous. The vampire glanced back at the two whose steps were growing noticeably heavier before very subtly slowing. He couldn't exactly ease the journey at all as he wanted to make it back to Elena as soon as possible. Leaving her alone had not been ideal. He only hoped the girl was actually listening to his advice. Katherine couldn't be trusted.
The morning eased into afternoon and the forest considerable deepened. Jeremy had fallen silent as he merely trekked along while Damion continued looking about in a state of confusion. The vampire ignored the both of them and focused on the path ahead. However, he suddenly halted and lifted a hand for the two behind him to do the same.
Something was off.
Narrowing his eyes, Damon scanned the forest and strained his ears to capture any strange disturbances.
"What's wrong?" Jeremy whispered, eyes wide and searching the area.
"Shhh," the vampire responded harshly before continuing his scrutiny.
A single second passed then before, in almost an instant, Damon heard the distinct cocking of a trigger and heard an echoing shot. He blurred forward and reached out in time to catch the bullet that had been aimed at the Gilbert Sibling's face.
Jeremy breathed heavily as he stared at the vampire in front of him with a parted mouth, body momentarily frozen into place. He had almost been shot.
After wincing and tossing the bullet onto the ground, the older Salvatore lowered himself to the ground and directed his companions to do the same. He listened for movement and heard footsteps approaching from only a few yards ahead.
"Jer," he began, grasping his shoulder tightly. "I need you to load your gun. I'll tell you where to fire."
The boy quickly nodded before lowering the gun and then furrowing his brows, "how do I load this thing?"
Damon rolled his eyes before looking to his double, grasping the musket from off of Jeremy's shoulder, and tossing it beside him. "Load that."
Despite any desire to do the opposite, Damion obediently complied and loaded the gun before stopping to await further instruction.
"Fire it ten centimeters to the left. Target's seven yards ahead."
The response was instantaneous and, as the man slightly lifted himself, Damon prepared his own weapon and aimed it to his right.
"There's more than one?" Jeremy asked.
By way of an answer, Damion's shot hit and the subsequent sound of a second strike echoed the first.
The vampire again strained to listen before shaking his head, "damn. There's more of them. Union militia. Must've been scopin' the camp."
"What'd we do?" the boy asked. "Should we run?"
"Well," the older Salvatore responded as he swept his gaze across the encirclement of trees. "They haven't surrounded us yet. We can make a break for it or just fight our way past them. There's probably only twenty or so."
"But Elena sa-"
"Don't worry 'bout what Elena said," the vampire responded, "it's fight or flight, but I doubt we can keep up much of a pace with our dead weight over there."
Damion tilted his head and glared. Who did this imposter think he was? For that matter, what exactly was he? He had observed his almost invisible movement to intercept the bullet. It was…unnatural.
Grabbing the gun from Jeremy, Damon proceeded to load it before indicating a direction and handing it back to him. His human counterpart caught sight of another soldier and shot him down swiftly.
"Alright," the vampire nodded. "I think the two of you will be fine on your own for a sec."
After clapping the Gilbert sibling on the shoulder, he proceeded to rise with his revolver and almost instantaneously appeared behind one of the footmen. Breaking his neck swiftly, he then dodged another bullet and delivered a headshot to the shooter.
'Six down, fifteen to go.'
Damon continued to ghost his way through the forest, catching his unsuspecting victims off-guard. Jeremy and Damion picked off the few who attempted to fleet and, when the last militia-man tried to conceal himself, the vampire decided to simply end him by way of a much needed feeding.
Wiping at his mouth, he descended the incline and regrouped with the two who were continuing to vigilantly watch the forest. "Calm down. They're all accounted for."
Jeremy narrowed his eyes as he caught sight of the familiar stain of blood on the vampire's face, "did you feed off one of them?"
"Yep. Haven't fed in days."
"Did you…kill him?"
"Had to," Damon continued offhandedly as he bent to grab his rifle. "Don't want any of 'em runnin' back to report my less-than-ordinary methods."
"You could've just compelled him."
"Get up," the vampire responded then with an indignant expression. "How many did you shoot down? Like five? News flash: they're all dead too. Enough with the holier-than-thou lecture, Gilbert." He tilted his head, "speaking of which, not a word of this to Elena, got it? She doesn't need to add this ordeal to her growing list of concerns."
"Got it," Jeremy responded as he rose with a glare.
Damion simply looked between them in silence. He had tried to understand what they were speaking of, but the effort had proved futile. The man had…fed off them? The very thought was extremely disturbing.
After several moments of continued travel and the nerves had been settled, Jeremy gripped his gun tighter. Despite everything else, it had been pretty awesome to actually use the classic weapon. He then looked to the vampire beside him, "we were pretty badass back there."
Damon shook his head before relenting to a smirk, "it was mostly my doing. You couldn't even you're your gun."
"Whatever, dick," the boy responded, though the excitement didn't falter. "But yeah, I guess it was you're doing. And listen, I'm sorry about callin' you out earlier. I know it's in your nature or whatever."
"Okay," Damon stated then as he inhaled deeply. "Let's cut the heart-to-heart. From here on, only mundane chatting and actual, relevant info."
"Fine," Jeremy responded as he rolled his eyes. A few moments then passed before he scanned the trees above and caught sight of a blue jay. "…I spy," he glanced to the Salvatore, "with my little eye, something blue."
"Could you be any more of a child right now?" Damon asked with another shake of his head.
"You didn't rule out games."
"Fine," the vampire replied before pointing back at his seemingly unassuming shadow. "I'm sure bright eyes back there would love to play along with you."
Jeremy glanced back, met the redirected stare before facing forward with a sigh, "ah, forget it." He didn't know what it was exactly, but something was so undeniably different about Damon's past self. It was weird. He had assumed they'd be exactly the same but, after being within the company of both, he found himself adverse to interact with the replica.
Damion, as he continued to observe the pair, decided to simply watch and listen for any more hints as to the nature of his inexplicable imitator. He figured that he might as well utilize his time and determine what he had inadvertently stumbled upon. He only hoped both Katherine and Stefan would fare well within his absence. Having been prepared to defect and attempt to claim the lady's affections for good, it seemed his plans had been thwarted. Would it be too late when, or if, he was set free?
Damon sighed before casting a sidelong glance at the obviously unenthusiastic boy beside him. He continued to avoid admitting to himself how fond he was becoming of the kid and he continued to ask himself why he was allowing so many people to get close. 'First Alaric and Liz, then Bonnie,' he frowned. 'Even Matt Donovan. Jer's gettin' up there too. That's just great.'
"Blue jay," the vampire stated flatly.
Jeremy fought against smirking but found the effort useless. He only hoped the jackass was being genuine and not just putting up with him because of an obligation to Elena.
To be continued…
A/N: Review, Review, Review! Make my day ;P
