Author's babble: Hello, hello! Wow... It's been wayyy too long. Had such an issue with this chapter. Things just weren't fitting in how I'd like them to. Events didn't sit right with me. Just wasn't happy with it on top of only having sporadic free time to write it. Also, when I look back on what's been written so far to keep track of everything to come, there's little errors causing mischief I desperately want to fix. But the time for touch-ups will be at the end. Otherwise I'll be too picky and nothing more will get done. Looking forward I say, and bare with the little inconsistencies :P. Anyway, here it is. Enjoy.
CHAP 56:
So much for the comforts of a hotel room for the night. Sure we all managed to sleep reasonably well and unconfined to the seats of the car for a time. But we were back on the road so early I immediately went back to sleep. For at that time, sunrise had been hours away. Upon my second waking of the day we all ensured an understanding, that when we met up with Klaus I would be reverting to the impression he'd been given of me. Seeing as I was the one with most of the weight on my shoulders regarding how I was to behave, Elijah thought it would be good for me to outline how I intended to be. That way, neither of them would seem unfamiliar with it when the time came. But there wasn't really a lot to go over regarding how irritable, sad, and depressed I would be. Unfortunately I was to be difficult with Klaus. Something that had been trained out of me in the time I'd been with him. He knew how to contain a person. Pain was an amazing motivator after all. Now it was for a different reason though. Sure any threat to my family would keep me in line, but being traumatised I was going to have to seem so guilt ridden that there would be times when even the threat of their lives wouldn't have much of an impact on me. Since I would be hurting it would be quite reasonable for my priorities to be slightly askew. My emotions would be unstable after all. One doesn't always think logically when that's the case. I just hoped we'd pull it off. Elijah suggested that when we'd stopped for clothes our story should be that I'd been quiet up till then, but made an attempt at escaping them, daring to make enough fuss to attract anyones attention. The result was my confinement to the car while he'd gone in, estimating my clothes. It just wouldn't cut it for me to have been agreeable with them. Klaus would see that I'd acquired some clothes along the way and if I'd been well behaved in a shop, red flags would go up regarding why my behaviour had changed since. Nothing could be too convenient to his arrival. Jonas also brought his role to the table. Outlining that he might be asked, or expected to have already performed a pregnancy test at least the day after we'd left the warehouse. There would be no sense in doing one after then, as Klaus had not had any further opportunity with me. Wether Jonas would be asked to perform one would all depend on Klaus bringing any one with magic with him when we met up. Jonas wasn't his most loyal witch or warlock after all. The crucial factor for us all to remember was that even though Jonas had performed one on me we weren't going to admit to that. Elijah'd then craftily compelled Jonas in order to hide the fact from a questioning vampire, but Elijah and I were on our own in keeping that information from Klaus. Whenever I was to be tested again my pregnant state was to be news to us all. That had been almost two days ago now. We'd had no more contact with Klaus and continued to presumably zigzag our way around. Not that I could tell.
Now the sky was beginning to darken at the end of another day and Elijah and Jonas were up front discussing with vague there's on a map, as to where we were going to stop for food this evening. I left the discussion up to them. I was to be oblivious after all. All I really required was a loo when we did stop. Suddenly Elijah's phone began ringing and he answered it immediately. Breaking off his conversation with Jonas to turn slightly so he could look at me in the back seat.
"Klaus." He opened after making eye contact with me to be sure I was ready if required. "I'd be happy to tell you, but due to the state of Elena's ability to locate, Jonas and I haven't even mentioned our locations within her earshot. And she's currently in the car with us." Pausing he listened to Klaus again. "I see." Turning back to he front and assessing the map again. "Yes, that would be suitable." Another pause. "The shops? Are you certain? Elena has been, difficult at times. So we've tried to avoid places too public." There was a mere moments pause before Elijah relented. "Very well. See you soon." The phone was then removed from his ear and the call disconnected before Elijah turned again to look sombrely at me.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Klaus is near. He can feel you. It appears we're meeting up."
"Fantastic." My tone was less than enthused.
"My sentiments exactly." Jonas threw in nonchalantly, eyes front while he continued to drive. I took the opportunity to have a short laugh. It might be my last for a while.
"So, at a shop?" I prodded.
"Yes. A shopping complex. We're about fifteen minutes away. So dinner has to be waylaid for the time being."
"As long as I can use the loo there I've no problem with anything else. Just as long as I get to, considering I'll have to start being difficult now."
"It's a reasonable requirement. Even with being difficult I'm sure Klaus can be accepting of that."
"So how far away is Klaus?"
"He's about the same. I'd allow you the toilet if we had time, but keeping to our plan of difficulty, it would be cutting it a bit fine to be civil for the use of the bathroom and suddenly at odds."
"I understand."
"I suggest our co-operative conversations cease now. That goes for you too Jonas." Elijah included.
"I hear you." Came Jonas again before Elijah continued.
"Klaus could begin listening, or even viewing at any time if he so desires." I nodded in understanding and quirked my lips in resigned hopefulness. Elijah continued to look at me and I wondered if it was because my heart rate had picked up it's pace. "If you're to display yourself as you've been portrayed. Perhaps take the time it'll take for us to find a park and then some, before beginning. I would assume there will be some minutes before we actually unite with Klaus as he will also have to find a park. But only becoming difficult when Klaus turns up could seem suspicious."
"Okay." I took a breath and spoke through my next exhale. "I guess it's show time."
"Don't hold back." He murmured.
"Nor you." I offered in return. Locating the bundle of material that was my robe I tipped and stretched out somewhat on the back seat and assumed a sleeping position with the robe beneath the side of my head.
As Jonas drove us around the parking levels, presumably finding a park I stayed down. Once we'd stopped I shifted, half rolling to glare up at the ceiling for a few minutes. Preparing myself I concentrated on how I was on the phone with Klaus the other night. On the girl. On anything that would help me now with the instability, anger, guilt and mourning I required. Finally I sat up, looking around with detached and hollow eyes. I sat for a moment longer head tilted down while I checked what Elijah and Jonas were up to without being obvious. Neither seemed on guard, but they weren't happily awaiting our guest. Taking the initiative and committing to my course I rebelled, hand shooting out to the door handle at the same time I released my belt buckle. Both mechanisms released seamlessly and I opened the door wide, thankful for the empty car park next to us. Planting my feet on the ground I sprung up from the seat only to be met with Elijah's front as he blocked me. Shoving him uselessly and glowering at him my eyes darted around as though searching for an escape or some shoppers to attract the attention of. No one was around. The knowledge gave my role ammunition, for this circumstance was somewhat defeating. Just as my existence had tended to be of late.
"Let me out," I demanded. Elijah gave me a sympathetic look.
"Not just yet." Baulking I considered my next move. Glancing at the back door on the opposite side of the car I saw Jonas now stood, ready to block me there also. Not that I'd be quick enough to get through without Elijah meeting me on the other side if he so desired in any case. Turning my face back to Elijah, who was assessing me expectantly I went for reasonable.
"I have to use the loo." I stated insistently. Then added, "please."
"Not just yet." He repeated, sounding just as he would with me considering our history. There was no enjoyment in denying me and by extension, holding me hostage. Huffing I sat back down and Elijah stepped back to give me some space. But he continued to watch me as though expecting a second attempt. He was performing well. When his phone rang again I made sure to survey the surroundings once more. Elijah must have been aware of this as while seemingly in conversation with Klaus again, he stepped to the side and turned his upper body to look away for a moment. It was like he was facilitating some action for me to carry out. My re-analysis of the area showed absolutely no-one was up here. There were cars parked, but not many. There also wasn't any assured exits. Or staff entrances, depending on how you viewed them. My calculating mind knew that merely making noise wasn't going to achieve anything as my difficult characteristics should be intending to cause.
The space Elijah'd allowed proved tempting enough so I leapt, though I only got two paces from the car before Elijah'd gripped my right upper arm and rotated be back toward him. Now held against his side I struggled as he continued to speak with Klaus, phone still to his ear he was as calm as ever. Snippets of his conversation sounded like he was directing his brother to where we'd parked.
"Let go of me!" I hissed before fulling my lungs with air. "Help!" My yell echoing around the section of car park we were in. Elijah tisked and placed his phone on the roof of the car before bringing the hand that had held it, back to cover my mouth. But not before I'd called another muffled help. .
"Shh." Shifting so that he was holding me back against him now as I fought and tried to make noise Elijah leant back against the car to speak into the phone once more. "If you heard anyone distressed and calling for help just now, follow that sound. It's Elena. I did warn about a public venue." Heaving from my struggle I stood, his hand still covering my mouth as I hoped to be released for my now good behaviour. When he didn't release me I tried to produce a jerking movement to see if I could be freed, to no avail. Resigned to being held I stood, silently fuming as a blur in the shadows told us we were no longer alone. Soon harshly illuminated by the fluorescent lighting Klaus strode purposefully toward us.
His eyes were glued to me and now distracted by him, my hate and despair joined forces as I glared at him sullenly. Pocketing his phone while keeping his eyes on my face rather than his usual perusal of my body, it felt like his eyes were boring into me.
"Elijah," he greeted offhand. "Jonas." Neither men returned in spoken greeting. As purposeful as his strides had been as he closed the distance between us, in the lest few he slowed, cocked his head to the side and was the epitome of cautiousness as he stepped before me. "Elena." He spoke directly to me, his voice soft, then offered a kind smile. Blank faced I gazed at him, unresponsive. Coming closer his face was before mine as his eyes went back and forth between my own. Something in his deepened and I felt like he was scrutinising me. Pursing his lips he glanced behind me to Elijah. "Let her go," he directed, then immediately joined our gazes again. Doing so, Elijah stepped out from behind me and gave Klaus and I space. Despite my mouth being free I kept quiet. The gentle hum of air vents, car engines elsewhere, and other working infrastructure was the only sounds amongst us for two long minutes. During which time Klaus' face had become increasingly tense and he appeared agitated. Genuinely alarmed soon all I heard was the deafening drum of my heart beat between my ears. I froze when he placed both his hands either side of my head. His contact wasn't necessarily restraining, but the amount of tension poised to impact on my skull threatened to be so if he saw fit. Growling suddenly he removed his hands and with a hand on my shoulder half spun, half shoved me so that we were facing both Elijah and Jonas at the back of the car. "Her mind," he spat. "What have you done to her mind?" I didn't know to whom he was speaking but Jonas was the first to acknowledge his demand.
"Nothing." Jonas answered, his expression confused. "I've not performed any magic on Elena since we left the other evening." For a lethal and quiet half dormant hybrid, Klaus emitted a loud exhale of breath before a rumbling came from him. Shaking slightly I assessed Elijah and Jonas worriedly.
"Then why is she unable to even hear me? I speak to her and there's absolutely no register of communicated thought whatsoever! It's like there's nothing there behind her eyes. Her emotions there of course. But I'm cut off! Explain yourself!" My mind is my own again? Klaus gave no indication of having heard me so I assumed he was right. Yes! There was no more invasion going on. I myself wondered how this was happening. It'd been brought up before that he'd be able to penetrate my mind less and less. But it had sounded as though it would be a gradual occurrence, not an all out stop like this. This was great news.
"I have no idea. I had no knowledge of this occurring since leaving your warehouse. Are you certain? My understanding was that it wouldn't be sudden." Jonas' voice carried intrigue and he spoke as though with understanding of Klaus' shock at apparently being shut out of my mind. Presumably he was avoiding making his mood worse. It didn't help.
"Yes, I'm bloody-well certain!" Klaus roared and I jumped. Surely someone was going to hear us with how loud he was. Not that I was to be concerned about such things. Releasing my shoulder he stepped around to Jonas, his next words a savage yell. "You warned of how her ability to hide her mind would progress. You said nothing about it happening so soon, nor all in one go! You've had ample time away from me to perform some magic. Despite what you claim. If you have, I'm astounded that you'd try. Such stupidity, and after your magic backfired on Elena the other day." As Klaus advanced on Jonas Elijah shifted closer, assuming a half hearted block between him and the warlock. I suppose it was to try and keep his brother reasonable. But as Klaus hadn't committed to any attack yet neither had Elijah formed his purpose. Meanwhile I was slowly and quietly backing away from the three of them. As interested as I was in what was going on I had a role to play and in keeping with my motivation of wanting to escape what I'd done and anything, or anyone associated with it, I needed to show it.
"Klaus-," Elijah began but Jonas spoke over him.
"I assure you. I've performed no magic whatsoever. A spell blocking conscious thought strong enough to bar against you would be considered invasive. Elena is here, reasonably, well. I've done nothing. Elijah had enquired about a calming spell the first day, but we opted against it. Not that it would have affected her badly." This hadn't been mentioned as part of our act, but I doubted it was true. I noted the information regardless, though I with my behaviour having been what we claimed, I probably wouldn't have been aware of it at the time. Klaus had manoeuvred around Elijah and was in Jonas' personal space now and from what I could see of him, he was looking on edge. Perfectly behaving like someone telling the truth, but fearful of the interrogator at the same time. I had to hand it to him, he was doing well to stand his ground. Klaus' behaviour made me frightened for him. But I couldn't do anything to help. Perhaps in doing what I was, I might provide a distraction for his benefit. There was no avoiding this confrontation altogether though.
Moments passed while Klaus and him faced off while I continued backwards. Both Jonas and Elijah would be able to see me, but neither flicked their eyes to watch me directly so though my foot steps would no doubt be heard, I wasn't under surveillance just yet.
"Can you explain to me then, why I can't get inside her head?" Klaus' challenge hung in the air.
"I couldn't say. Her case is, unique. There in lies the difficulty of many aspects to a doppleganger of her nature."
"Then perhaps you could hazard a guess?" Klaus pushed icily. "For the subject of my suspicions, you're not making much of an attempt at ensuring your honesty. If it's not something you did, then why has it happened?"
"There are so many variables. Klaus, I'd be speculating."
"I need some sort of explanation." He sing-songed arrogantly then seemed to wait with some measure of patience until Jonas spoke again.
"Perhaps it's psychological? You-. You're, Reveal. Required some steep expectations of Elena. She's obviously traumatised from her role." He suggested slowly and with extreme caution.
"So, she's psychologically damaged and because her minds a mess I can't interact?" Klaus clarified scornfully. "There have been others, many others who's minds have been truly broken by me and I could still reach in and continue my torment," Klaus challenged.
"Okay." Jonas conceded slowly and looked to be in deep thought for a minute. "There have been dopplegangers who've been required to repeat mass killings in order to suffice as the ingredient they're meant to," he mused. "In these cases someone else can manipulate their mind so there's no conscience preventing them from killing. Most people have issue with murder, you see. However, repeated mind control and the trauma of a doppleganagers' reality would find the abuser shut out. It all comes back to balance. No-one should have free will in every aspect in this world. There should always be difficulties." Jonas paused in his explanation. "It's possible, that all dopplegangers have this safeguard built in." Wow. I think I'm amazing.
"So you're saying my telepathic abilities have the same affect as someone using magic on her?"
"It would seem so. But Elena's also lived through multiple traumas. Her reality hasn't been manipulated, but the stress on her mind would explain why before coming into your possession she was able to keep some things private. The loss of her parents, then in a way her aunt and brother. Your handling of her. Your mind-reading alone wouldn't have increased the construction of whatever barrier is now in place. But it's certainly contributed to it. From the first moment you invaded her mind, this safeguard would have assumed any hurt and pain you've subsequently caused her has resulted from your presence there."
"Well that's no fun," Klaus seemed to whine with some slight exasperation. "But I suppose all I need is her functioning body." Elijah cleared his throat gently then broke in with his own query.
"Is there any explanation as to why Klaus' telepathy causes the same result as someone using magic on her?"
"I'd like to know that also. I've never looked into it. It's just been a gift."
"It could be the result of magic you harbour within you."
"But I'm a vampire. Any magic that might have come from through from our mother would have been rendered sterile."
"That is true of most vampires. However, you and the rest of your family weren't Turned. You were created."
"Go on." Klaus pressed.
"Your mother was a witch. If the stories are correct, your father a warlock."
"Excuse me?" Elijah butt in sounding so genuinely surprised, that he mustn't have known this information prior. Klaus laughed giddily.
"Your credibility just dropped, Jonas. I'm a Hybrid." He pronounced his title slowly, like Jonas was an idiot.
"Yes," Jonas sighed over two syllables. "But prior to becoming a werewolf, if your father is whom I've read about. He was a warlock."
"That hardly seems important. Witches and warlocks alike cannot be both, if turned to either specie. Any magic my sire might have had would have been disabled also."
"Not so. The circumstances of your father's altered form were not unlike that which changed you and Elijah."
"What does that mean?" Elijah interjected again to which Jonas answered.
"The original werewolf was created by witches."
"And somehow he could still use magic?" Klaus questioned with sure disbelief. "I don't think so. I've looked into my father. Even interrogated our mother. This, never came up."
"It wouldn't. Those witches who changed him took what they did to their grave. Having spoken to some it seems they were fearful of why their magic backfired. Secondly, keeping the details amongst themselves alone aided in covering their shame. They also ensured your father had no knowledge of how he came to be. There have always been many creatures roaming this earth. Humans and witches alike regarded him as a mutation of one of them. That he'd been attacked, survived and taken on the change. So he essentially became an outcast. The result seemed just as effective in keeping everyone else safe from him. Everyone was cautious of him, and what strengths he did have could be managed." Jonas paused.
"Hang on." Klaus asked. "Why was he changed in the first place?"
"Because he was killing his own kind. It's said he possessed an evil no-one had ever seen. He culled endless families of witches and warlocks."
"I knew he was famous for killing, but didn't realise that might refer to witches as well. My old man was quite something, hey, Elijah?" Elijah said nothing. "I don't see how changing him into a werewolf was the solution though. He would have still been powerful."
"Arguably. Immortal provided sufficient exposure to the moon, strong, fast, and due to a so-called spanner thrown in by the fates. A built in resistance to Turned vampires which were to come well after his inception. What magic he did retain enabled him to enter the minds of others. Sound familiar?" Jonas expanded. To which Klaus chuckled.
"Quite."
"He was meant to become a beast. But my suspicions are that the full moon the witches harnessed power from when they transformed him, was a super moon. Back then, it was an unknown. So he for the most part kept a human form until full moons."
"Do all werewolves have magic from him then? To be eliminated on their first kill?"
"Not today's. The first generation sired by your father would have had some magic early on. But killing became a right of passage for his clan of outsiders. So by the time any reproduced. They would have been solely werewolves. Hence the transference of magic would have ceased." All were quiet then.
"So the difference with myself is that our mother was a witch, my father still possessed minor magic and I was created a vampire."
"Yes. Because you were made into a vampire despite possessing magic, whether realised or not."
"Not." Elijah supplied and Jonas nodded.
"Your vampire traits are dominant. Your immortality in your form was derived of magic, and it's not just on a physical level. Your soul could be considered immortal also. Which is where magic comes from. So instead of cancelling out your mild magic upon your maiden kill, it remained. Who knows? If you weren't a vampire and hadn't activated your werewolf genes, you might have been a warlock."
"And I would have before now."
"Naturally, yes."
"Well, I am most thankful to my mother now! That's a first!" Klaus laughed aloud.
"It most certainly is." Elijah responded with some bitterness in his voice.
"The bloody woman did something right in all her wrongs." Klaus complimented through the insult. "So now you've opened another line of questioning, Jonas." He led in. "How does a warlock such as yourself, all these centuries later have this information?"
"I've spent enough time channelling spirits, and asking them the right questions. When it comes to yourself and your situation they're quite political about it on the other side. So depending on who you talk to. Some can be most forthcoming with information about you." He talks to dead people? Which means ghosts, or spirits, exist as well? That's not creepy at all.
"I am quite the specimen." Klaus gloated. "But back to, Elena." My mind a buzz with the information session that had just occurred I forced myself to recommence my retreat from the three of them. "Can her mind take more trauma? Will continued psychological damage put her in a coma for instance?"
"Perhaps. I don't know. I don't know if anyone would know enough to have the answer to that. For all we know the problem may not be Elena herself." Jonas supplied then went on to clarify. "What I mean, is that she might be affecting you. Rather than shutting down herself in this instance. Look at Greta, suffering the affects of using magic on her. If she were to distance herself and not interfere for a while, her symptoms might alleviate. You see, Elena might be bouncing some kind of mental forcefield off you so that you can't get in." The whole back of Klaus looked like it stiffened to a state harder than the concrete structure we were in. Then he slowly started to turn, away from Jonas and to me. Even ten metres away the glittering ice of Klaus' blue eyes advertised how livid he was. I was frozen for a second, right leg poised having been about to take another step backwards as he slowly bared his teeth, appearing truly furious with me. Then I bolted.
I supposed now was as good a time as any. I'd whirled and taken maybe a step before yelping when my scalp burned. I was tugged back wards in one harsh pull by a large portion of my hair. The force wasn't indicative of how fast I'd moved, more that Klaus had stopped a metre behind me, reached out for my hair and pulled me backwards with quite some force. Losing my footing I fell back as Elijah's voice, somewhere close was rough and forceful.
"Klaus! It's not intentional. None of it is! You know this," he stressed. My hands were up covering my head in response to the pain as I smacked into the concrete. Somewhat a good thing by my reckoning as when one falls and tries to save themselves by putting out their arms, they usually injure them. But the back of my pelvis hit the concrete floor with enough force to numb my legs after the initial impact of pain brought tears to my eyes. At this point I really had to pee. My head was fine as I found Klaus face above mine having squat above it while cradling my head. His expression had dimmed in intensity, but he looked upon me seriously as though this was some warning that if I did anything ever, intentionally against him it wouldn't go down well. It was hardly necessary because I'd had that warning before. Groaning I blinked the tears away and stared up frightened. Klaus sighed and looking slightly uncomfortable with his brother crouched down just clear of my right side, stroked my scalp as though to sooth it after pulling at the hairs.
"Jonas?" He asked without taking his eyes off me or ceasing his strokes."What is the purpose of Elena's mental protection? In order to be of use to me, all I need is her functioning body."
"I don't believe in Elena's case that there is a purpose. It's just a default factor included in her status. Klaus appeared to draw in within himself for a few moments then looks across from me to Elijah before he stood up and left me, turning back to Jonas. Glancing at Elijah he caught my eye and offered me his hand.
"Here. Let me help you." Shooting him a dirty look I stiffly rolled away from him and started getting up by myself. Wincing in pain and alarmed by the tingling sensations down my legs I stopped once on my hands and knees to concentrate on my breathing.
"You've given this all quite some thought, Jonas." Klaus accused critically. It was a fair point.
"Mere suspicions that are fitting together now you've alerted us to Elena's mind." Jonas explained matter of factly. There was tension now Klaus had appeared suspicious once again and no-one said anything more. Craning my neck up I watched as Klaus stepped back from Jonas and shoved his hands into his pockets, his head tilted forward. Then I set about bringing my left leg forward so I could place the bottom of my foot on the ground and stand.
"Your own mind isn't letting on any dishonesty regarding use of magic on Elena, Jonas. But I don't trust you." Standing took some effort and grimacing somewhat I shakily stood hunched over with my hands on my thighs as I stared at the concrete. I was dreading straightening my back.
"I've no reason to be dishonest. All I want is to be with my daughter. I've no intention of putting you offside." Elijah made the move to assist me, holding my forearm closest him and rubbing my lower back as I straightened. Making a noise of discomfort in the back of my throat I finally stood properly despite the twinges dancing down my legs.
"Stop that," I hissed, snatching my arm from him, before giving him a look that told of my seriousness. He stopped rubbing my back, but took hold of my arm again in a grip that gave no indication of release. Casually I surveyed him while Klaus continued talking to Jonas. Now standing the pain wasn't too bad, just an intense throbbing ache throughout my whole pelvis.
"I believe in your devotion to Greta. But now I feel like you've been withholding information. You knew all this and hadn't seen it fit to tell me? What else might you be hiding?" He mused.
"Nothing. Things either didn't seem relevant, or as I said, have only just fit together in an explanation just now."
"Didn't seem relevant? Surely I'm the judge of that?" Klaus spat. Now attempting to jerk my arm free from Elijah without success I interrupted the flow of conversation between Klaus and Jonas with a loud smack as my free hand met with the side of Elijah's face. The twisting of my lower back in doing so left me gasping. In a way I'd have preferred to keep standing still. Slapping him wasn't something I'd been eager to do in any case. But it made it clear that neither of the brothers were a favourite for me at present. Elijah retained his grip on me and stood stoically. His features showed how unimpressed he was with himself. Perhaps that he deserved whatever I gave. How I wished I could tell him how well he was playing his part. Not to mention apologise for slapping him. Klaus automatically started chuckling, but nevertheless managed to speak his next words viciously. "You know. Your use has it's limits, Jonas."
"Let go of me." I demanded of him quietly, now aware of Klaus moving behind me. I hoped Jonas wasn't about to receive a beating. Raising my head slightly so that my chin jutted out in defiance and insult that he had yet to do as I'd said, I went to slap him again. Much to the displeasure of my back. My offending hand was caught as I raised it to deliver another strike. Gasping and my knees buckling slightly when my body twisted between each restraint as a result, I shot my newest captor Klaus, a severe glare. Who merely gave me an amused look. Elijah released me a moment later and Klaus caught my other hand perhaps as a precaution. Smugly he rose an eyebrow before his usual arrogance took over and turning back to Jonas slightly with my hands lowered and together, chuckled darkly then spoke to the warlock again. "I have others at my beck and call who possess magic. But for now," he resigned. "I do require your services. So consider yourself on probation."
"Why would you need other's, Greta's your golden girl." Jonas replied grudgingly.
"Was." Jonas regarded him sceptically.
"What do you mean, was?"
"She's left me."
"I didn't think escape from you was possible."
"In death, one can accomplish such a feat." Klaus answered boredly. I glanced from Klaus to Jonas. Death? Does he means she's dead? Surely not. The warlocks expression faltered and his eyes widened somewhat as his expression became grave.
"What did you say?" Jonas demanded hoarsely while his gaze looked set to hold on to every detail Klaus might display on his face, in his voice and what words were to follow.
"I said, Greta's dead." My whole body froze. She is. Poor Jonas. Poor Greta! I couldn't help but wonder if it was because of me. She wasn't well when I last saw her. Had I been the cause? Was she my second victim? Oh god. Panic overwhelmed me and gasping I started to breath shallowly as my pulse raced. Ducking my head tears shot from their ducts to moisten my eyes so that when a hand cupped the left side of my jaw, tilting it upwards, they were on the verge of overflowing. Klaus stared into my eyes intensely and cocked his head to the side as some concern flashed across his face.
"It was me wasn't it?" I whispered, my eyes wide in panic at what Greta's death could very well mean. "I killed her." My voice cracked. "Because you made her do magic on me! I killed her!" I breathed in anger and frustration, a tear streaked down my face. "Oh god, not another one." I moaned. Seeing my state and emotional struggle Klaus removed his hand from my jaw and held me tightly in his arms before rocking me back and forth. Again I suffered pain as he pulled me against him and tingles with each sway.
"No. You did no such thing. She was killed by werewolves." He soothed then barked at Jonas. "Get, out, of my head!"
"They were there for me." I responded in gasp before Jonas' booming voice behind me commandeered Klaus' attention once again.
"She's a witch. A powerful one at that! You're telling me she couldn't handle herself?" Jonas demanded with ridicule. He sounded sure of himself. Like his reasoning was sound. But the volume of his voice showed how afraid he was, that it might be true.
"Oh she could handle herself! She blew up the warehouse with any number of werewolves inside!" Klaus proclaimed joyously. "Vampires too of course," he added less than enthusiastically. "But one can't be choosy."
"Why would you ask that of her!" Jonas yelled. Did you not think you needed her for your precious sacrifice!"
"Watch, yourself." Klaus growled and I whimpered in his hold. "After the dogs killed Sarah, we needed a replacement doppleganger to draw them in further. Greta offered to do so willingly. As her father, you might take her courage as something to be proud of."
"Proud!" Jonas yelled, then caught himself and seemed to fall silent.
"I said get out of my head, Jonas. I wont ask you again," he growled. When Jonas continued, his hissed words sounded closer the more he spoke.
"You took her from me! Warped her mind, and used her. The only reason I joined you was to be with her and for her to continue on living. That was our bargain. I wanted to be with my daughter. That's the only reason I'm here in this situation. My reason for betraying Elijah. Condemning Elena to your horrific treatment, and now that was all for nothing. Nothing but you. Your selfish needs to free the abomination that you are. Could you not care to live up to your word and protect what seemed to be your most valued witch?" Jonas finished, his voice sounding as though it was rumbling around the car park. It was a frightening level of noise and the lights flickered. "I hope you weren't expecting me to serve you without something to manipulate me with? There's nothing binding me to you any longer, Klaus. She was all I had left! I've seen your mind too, just now. You've not concocted some story. My little girl is gone and you threaten me with my worth?" Good to know Klaus wasn't trying to be manipulative. I'd just taken his word for it. Jonas was smart to see for himself. However he'd done that.Klaus gasped then cried out as though in pain and I found myself released as he went down on his knees. Pain contorted his face while his hands cluthed his head. "I can't put you down. But I can suspend your undead life. Suck the blood from your body and leave you eternally starving. Then I'll lock you away where you can't harm anyone." Klaus' head was shaking as though being vibrated and his pained sounds became gurgled. Like his brain was frying and all coherent thought was suffering. How his eyes would bulge when their lids weren't stretched tightly over them was something altogether disturbing, but I could only stare down at him bewildered. It wouldn't do to run and I didn't know exactly what was going on. Nor would I get anywhere fast in my state. Suddenly there was a loud crack behind me and I spun through the pain in time to see Jonas' body meet with the floor before Elijah. Hand flying up to cover my mouth in shock a shiver ran through me. I tried not to jump to conclusions but Jonas wasn't looking good. The longer my eyes stayed on him the shock settled. He still wasn't moving. But I didn't know what Elijah'd done. So perhaps it was normal for Jonas not to simply, bounce back. My logic's assumption was sound but doubt was challenging it. Unsure I glanced back to see Klaus still on the ground panting, but otherwise free of his agony.
Swiftly returning my attention to Jonas it suddenly dawned on me that Elijah remained rooted to the spot. Assessing him worriedly I could liken him to a statue. I'd never seen his body as tense as right now. He didn't even look capable of movement. Taking in his obviously upset features, how his mouth curved down slightly as he looked upon his friends' body, I knew. Elijah wouldn't behave this way if he'd only temporarily stopped Jonas. He would know when he'd killed someone. Tears swamped me as I stiffly took the step that would bring me before Jonas and knelt down. Slowly surveying him as I sought confirmation that he was dead, and pressed two fingers against his neck. No life reached out to my fingers at all and I let out a sob. The last of my hope urged me to relocate my fingers and I waited again. Still nothing. Frantically I tried again while my shuddering breaths shook my body. Still no pulse met my fingers and I snivelled, bringing my hands up to my face they set to work swiping the tears away before darting out to press on both the carotid arteries lining his neck. I had to be sure before I committed myself to the reality.
There was nothing so I snatched my hands away and clutched them to my chest. Seeking some direction or enlightenment I turned my face up to Elijah, who's eyes were so severe I flinched, breaking our eye contact. Upset and confused I ventured again despite the feeling he wasn't really seeing me. His face was so cold and emotionless but I could tell he was hiding his pain. Perhaps he was fighting the fresh guilt of taking another's life like I'd been of late. I didn't understand what or why this had just happened. But it was evident he did this unwillingly. There was a reason Jonas was lying dead in this car park. Frowning I glanced down at Jonas before looking up at Elijah again. A glimmer of warmth leached into his eyes and he seemed to actually see me. I reacted by pushing down my own sadness at Jonas being gone, and simply worrying for him. Sympathetically accepting his awareness, while ensuring I didn't shy away from him at all. Lest he might think I was rejecting what he'd done, rejecting him. Something like this was what we'd spoken about the other night. In a way this tested what I'd told him I could handle. What I understood and could come to terms with. I certainly wasn't going to judge him when he was already judging himself.
Groans and some scuffling behind me told Klaus was probably getting back on his feet but I paid him no mind.
"Thank you, brother," his voice was soft, his gratitude genuine. "I'm relieved you didn't choose to forget what I required of you," Klaus was closer now. "He was your friend. I thank you." Clenching my jaw at Klaus' admission anger filled me while Elijah took one strong sniff and looked away before clearing his throat. Of course. Klaus. His brother, had asked this of him. Why I hadn't immediately assumed this was beyond me.
"It had to be done." Came Elijah's morose response. An unseen hand grasped my right shoulder and squeezed gently.
"Up you get, love." My attempt at shrugging him off resulted in Klaus grabbing both my shoulders and lifting me to my feet.
"Oww." I whined from the sudden movement. Instantly turned I found myself engulfed by Klaus as he held me against his chest and murmured comforting words to me. His hold was gentle so I had no problem pushing back from his chest enough to send my right fist towards his left eye. Anger flashed across his face and he knocked my propelled arm aside as he grasped my neck in his left hand warningly, while he gripped my left upper arm in his right. Distressed and wary I froze. Klaus' eyes stared into mine as we partook in a silent confrontation. Making the slightest move to draw my head and neck back he squeezed a little, tilting his head in challenge and I stilled. Minutes ticked by as we stayed in this arrangement before Klaus slowly released my neck. Essentially giving me some rope. Moving both his hands to sit gently atop my shoulders his arms widened at his elbows, gesturing for me to return to his chest. Mute and seemingly lost I did as he directed.
How I was to behave with what had just happened needed assessment. Bringing my hands up between our chests to grasp the material of his shirt before Klaus once again wrapped his arms around me I assessed everything. I was angry. Angry at Klaus, and right now that was surpassing a large portion of my loss in the wake of Jonas' sudden departure. I had to wonder if there was a point of anger that would tip the scales on the character I was to maintain. The target was the same regardless. Klaus had made me do a horrible thing and would continue with more. The death that continued to surround him would be acceptable ammunition. Surely my being upset and angry with the loss of Jonas wouldn't seem too personal an affair. Even if I hadn't seemingly been happy with his company since Klaus' Reveal. The theme here was death. Weeping against Klaus chest I listened in on his and Elijah's conversation.
"I suppose I'll have to call Carla," Klaus opened.
"The evidence will need removal, yes. How do you suggest we're to continue on? Your vehicle, mine, or another?"
"I think it'd be best to continue in yours. End my trail and get moving away as soon as possible. Once we've gained some distance we'll commandeer a new vehicle. There's a possibility Carla's crew might let on my whereabouts seeing as I'll be calling this in."
"Very well. Shall we be booting the body?"
"May as well. Far easier to hide him in than a utility room. Someone might find him before they arrive." Klaus unwrapped his arms and stepped back from me and I let go of his shirt. "Love, how are you?" He asked while wiping a fresh tear to the outside of my cheek. I stared at him without answering until he got impatient with me and I was shaken roughly. "Answer me!" He hissed.
"Fine." I dead-panned to which his expression grew almost tired looking.
"You're not fine, you're crying." His voice possessed worry and pain. Like my tears hurt him. That was laughable.
"I do that." he looked over my shoulder presumably to Elijah.
"This is how she's been?"
"Yes," he answered. "And the desire to escape is strong. As you've witnessed."
"You've reminded her of what's at stake?" Klaus asked expectantly.
"Of course."
"And still-?"
"Yes." Keep talking about me like I'm not here, Klaus. Like that'd improve my mood. Klaus sighed and holding my left wrist, gently tugging me with him as we walked around Jonas. He was surprisingly considerate of my stiff movement.
"I'll fetch my car. We'll load Jonas and get moving. I'll call Carla once we've travelled some." Klaus handed me over to Elijah, who held my other wrist and Klaus left us. Looking at Elijah he suddenly seemed a little uncomfortable. Frowning at him I watched as he glanced down at Jonas then back to me before squatting down. Giving my wrist a quick squeeze he released it.
Curious I watched on as Elijah almost laboriously took hold of Jonas' left arm and brought the wrist up toward his mouth. I realised what he was doing the moment before he sunk his teeth in and watched on as Elijah slowly drank. He was consuming the cooling blood of his dead friend. Today was sure testing me and I was taking it all in. This was the way of the world. Elijah had been forced to hunt, but he was making up for the kill by gaining some purpose from it on top of whatever the motivation for obeying Klaus had been. I placed my hand on his shoulder gently and still suckling Jonas's wrist Elijah turned his face up somewhat. This was an image that would be etched in my memory for however long it extended. Elijah drinking from my wrist seemed normal to me, sensual as well. But Jonas' wrist at Elijah's open mouth automatically felt wrong. He was his friend for god's sake. But it wasn't wrong, I knew that much. It would just take some getting used to. Squeezing my hand gently I quirked my lips up in a sad smile and his eyes spoke volumes. There was a raw growth of confidence there. His shiftiness from moments ago abated and he did what he does to survive with vigour and I realised he'd been holding back for what seemed my benefit. Taking my eyes and hand off Elijah I looked out for Klaus. Wether for his benefit or my own I just felt we needed to be aware. Finishing up Elijah stood and wiped at his mouth with a handkerchief.
"Please, excuse me. I haven't drunk since we stopped at the last shopping centre." He commented with satisfaction and I wondered when that had been. It must have been very quick while I'd dressed. Turning to me he surveyed my face with some concern. Perhaps now he'd had the blood he'd lacked, my acceptance was in doubt once again. Wordlessly I dropped my gaze to his lips and a smear of blood the handkerchief had missed. Gesturing to it on my own face helpfully, Elijah cleaned it off and with a closed mouth I smiled. Nodding my head once before we both turned to wait for Klaus' return. Elijah hadn't taken hold of my wrist again so I took the risk of finding his hand hanging near mine and holding it for a few moments while I rubbed my thumb back and forth across his skin. I wanted to tell him it was fine. To talk with him about what he'd just had to do. But I couldn't. We couldn't. It was too dangerous to do something for us right now. Nor would it be wise to discuss Jonas. I was worried that Elijah killing him had been even more out of his control than Klaus simply calling the shots. Jonas had had to react the way he did. Anything but, would only draw attention. Why else would he jeopardise killing Klaus forever by imprisoning him? No matter the loss of Greta. He knew the plan. The three of us had had priorities. Elijah'd probably had an inkling the moment Jonas began responding as he had, that he was about to kill him. Yet he couldn't do anything to prevent it. Heart feeling as though it beat a little more powerfully, my guilt soared with the knowledge that Jonas was another indirect casualty of my existence. Elijah squeezed my hand in response and I inhaled deeply, trying to calm myself. His comfort didn't last long as he had to grip my wrist once again. Likely having detected Klaus was near, and we both focussed our attentions on a car rising up over the incline a moment later.
Ten minutes later Jonas was lying on his side in the boot of Klaus' soon to be discarded car. After robbing his pockets of his wallet and a stone that Klaus quickly hid on his person, Klaus and Elijah'd had to take a bit of time manoeuvring him to fit. Watching from two meters behind them the sight of them meddling with his corpse disturbed me enough to bring my silent tears on again. Then once the boot closed, the image of the dead warlock, with the boot about to hide him from view seemed imprinted on the back of my eyelids. For every blink displayed that image. Arms wrapped around my middle, I remained standing on my best behaviour even after they'd dealt with the body and turned to me. Klaus took me in curiously. He seemed to be reverting to a bit of inquiry this evening. Like he was trying to constantly assess me and question why I was the way I was. While at the same time work out what he was to do about it. I supposed actually giving a shit about someone was foreign to him. If that is indeed what he was doing. When he finally spoke his tone was reasonable. So much so that there was no disguise to the logic in his words.
"You hardly knew him, Elena. He betrayed you to me. He's not worthy of your tears." Detached I stared at him coldly. He then spoke sideways to Elijah. "Hasn't been talking much either, then?"
"No." Elijah answered and Klaus stepped forward.
"Thank you, Elena. For not trying to run again while we loaded Jonas," he offered gently. Never mind the fact that my aching lower back would have inhibited me. It was somewhat impressive that overall Klaus was trying to be supportive and gentle with me. When I frustrated him, which was easily done, he would get inpatient with me. Like before when he shook me. Or was on the verge of violence when I'd attempted to hit his face. He was certainly giving the caring thing a good go. "Now, we need to get a move on. So if you'd hop in the car, love." Blinking a few times before speaking I told him I needed to go to the toilet. "Very well. We'll be back soon, Elijah." Elijah nodded and I made to wipe my tears away but Klaus closed the space between us and, capturing my face did it for me. I'd jumped but that was all. Simply allowed him to do what he thought would help me. In need of the loo I really didn't need to push my luck and have to hold it because of acting out. That could wait. He then put an arm around me and accepting him we walked slowly, side by side away from the cars to find an entrance to the shopping centre. On the way he'd murmured subtle threats as sweet as can be in my ear. Warning me about putting Jeremy and Jenna at risk should I do anything stupid like attract unwanted attention. Promising me that should I find a way to break free from him, that no matter the number of people I could blend in with, I had no hope of escaping. Then came a vicious reminder that he was the Hyrbid, and had no problem killing innocent shoppers. I'd said nothing whatsoever and acted like none of what he'd said concerned me at all.
When we were walking amongst everyone else I felt eyes on me the whole way to the nearest restroom. I supposed my puffy face would be enough to attract anyone's attention. No one seemed overly concerned though, like they might be if they thought I was being held against my will by some sinister man. I suppose Klaus must have had on a worried mask like he was my partner and was trying his best to be supportive. When we reached the Ladies we found it to be on the small side with a line up of five women as all stalls within were currently filled. My place in line was right at the door and Klaus stood with me but just outside for a few moments. He ran his fingers through my hair directing it back from my face as suspicious looks were cast our way from the women in line. Firstly I suppose because he was on the verge of being in the ladies and secondly, due to my distress.
"I'll be just outside." He murmured gently in assurance but loud enough for the others to hear, then looked past me and lifted his mouth bashfully. "I apologise if my standing here for the last few moments has caused you ladies any discomfort. My sweethearts' mother's just passed away." He then kissed my forehead and left me. He'd spoken brilliantly in a manipulative way. The loss of my mother was a convincing story for it was reasonable, but it also played on my emotions. Fresh tears spilled over when he said it because I missed my mum so much. She was dead and never coming back and now, so was Jonas. The association of loss commenced a fresh wave of upset. I received caring glances from the strangers before me and the lady first in line offered me to go before her. Though I denied in thanks, I appreciated the polite animosity within the compassion from these women. If only they knew the truth.
