No pairing

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Leaving Mystic Falls, Virginia

"That's a beautiful watch," Lucy acknowledged as she took the road out of Mystic Falls. They had left earlier to beat traffic.

"Aye, thanks. I am surprised. I never had a nice watch like this before," Enzo commented, put his left hand down.

"No, I mean it's a really beautiful watch. That must have been like 40 grand!" Lucy laughed.

"You mean, forty thousand dollars? No, it couldn't be," Enzo said, the pit of doom in his stomach growing. "That's insane."

"Vampire money, I guess," Lucy went on, hoping she hadn't made Enzo feel awkward. Sometimes she had a bad habit of blurting out things better left unsaid.

"Actually, I think Damon's family was quite wealthy. Logging companies or something," Enzo said, feeling a tad defensive. "So, what's Bonnie up to tonight?"

"Oh, they had a game that she cheering at. I usually try to go if it's local, but it's an away game," Lucy explained. Her phone buzzed. "Crap. That's probably her. Can you grab it, Enzo?"
"Aye," Enzo said, fumbling with the phone.

"That button there," Lucy said, trying not to take her eyes off the road.

"Hello, Bonnie," Enzo answered. "What?... When?... Okay, let me call. Stay calm, Bonnie. Okay."

"What happened?" Lucy exclaimed. "Is she hurt?"
Enzo, already pale, looked ashen. "She's fine. It's Elena and Rebekah. They are gone. Tyler's uncle is driving the rest back now. I have to get home. Can you turn around?"

"Oh my God, yeah," Lucy said, putting over to the next lane. "I thought Elijah's security team was on her."
Enzo's phone buzzed next. It was Damon.

"Damon, did you hear? What? Elijah, oh bloody hell!" Enzo cursed. "We're on our way back now."

Lucy navigated deftly through the roadways, making Enzo glad he wasn't at the wheel.

"Elijah's gone," Enzo said after a long moment.

"So it begins," Lucy commented. She reached over and put her right hand over Enzo's left. "We'll find them."

Mikaelson Mansion

Elijah's Office

The security man opened his laptop and tapped uselessly while he spoke to someone at the company. Klaus could hear the conversation, but they might as well have been speaking in tongues. He understood little of their technical jargon. The man finally got off the phone and looked at Klaus in confusion.

"I don't know what happened. All the footage is scrambled," the hapless man said, after hanging up the phone. "It should upload to servers at our company headquarters. This is impossible."

Klaus eyed Kol and Damon.

"What about your men outside? Any sign of them?" Damon asked, emptying his second bourbon into his mouth. If there was ever a time for drink, it was now.

"One was found jogging to Fell's Church across the woods. He doesn't remember anything and his footage is-," the man started.

"Let me guess! Erased. That's really fucking helpful," Damon fumed.

"Son!" Klaus tried.

"Nay, brother, he is right. What kind of security firm lets this happen?" Kol demanded, slamming down his glass on Elijah's desk, cracking it. "I hope you have a money back guarantee!"

"It's not his fault," Klaus said stoically. He had to keep his wits together.

"Nothing like this has ever happened!" the man said.

Klaus leaned in and looked deeply into his eyes.

"You will forget this conversation and patrol the grounds again. Call all your forces and have them come here. Bring all your weaponry, legal or not. Do you understand me? Your life depends on it," Klaus compelled.

The man repeated his instructions and walked out to make another call.

"Fucking useless! We should have had Elena here," Damon spat.

"Son, calm yourself down right now," Klaus said. "We were going to have Elena stay here, but we knew that the Strix would play dirty. I tried to call Aya, but of course, she wasn't taking my call. They must have gotten to her."

"Or killed her," Kol stated dryly. He went to get a towel to clean up the glass and the liquor now dripping on the Persian carpet.

"I'm going in the vault to get a vial of their blood. Lucy can use it to do a locator spell," Klaus said, getting up.

"What use is that? They will be cloaked," Kol said, coming back into the office.

"Aye, I'm sure you are right. We didn't find Elijah's phone. Damon, could you track that on his computer?" Klaus offered, now pacing.

"I'll try, but I'm sure they smashed that also," Damon said, sitting down at the big desk. "How the hell did they get through the wards?"

Kol stopped his cleaning. "Bloody hell. What if they have a siphon witch?"

"We've been alive a thousand years and Ava is the first one I've encountered," Klaus said. "But nothing else makes sense. Where are the children?"

"They're with Finn and Sage. They know something is wrong. Indy can't stop crying," Kol said.

Klaus paused, rubbing his temples. His head ached. He needed blood and his brother back. What would Elijah do?

Stefan came in. "I just heard. Bonnie called me. Elena is gone?"

"Rebekah and Elijah, too. Yeah, where were you?" Damon growled.

"I was at the boarding house," Stefan reported, putting down a plastic bag of clothes on the chair. "I went to get some old clothes from the attic."

"That fucking dance," Damon snapped.

Klaus cuffed Damon on the back of the head. "Watch it. We cannot fall apart now. We must keep our wits about us."

Kol bit his lip. "I hear a car. I'll let them in and then lock the gate."

"Yeah, no one was out front. What happened to the guards?" Stefan asked.

"Mobilizing their forces. Bloody useless, I suppose," Klaus groused. "We need real power. Oh, why did I stop with my hybrids? We need our own army right now."

Damon shook his head. "No, you have us. We just need to focus. Think. What does this Tristan punk want? The Originals contained so that the sire lines are protected. They won't hurt Rebekah, but Elena?"

"They wouldn't dare harm her," Klaus scowled. "I am going to rip Tristan from limb to limb over and over again when I get my hands on that weasel."

Kol looked at Klaus. "Nik, we'll get them back. Bekah is clever, more son than we ever give her credit for, well, maybe not in men. No offense, Stefan."

"None taken," Stefan said. "Kol, isn't there some kind of dark object that you can use right now."

Kol nodded, "Perhaps. Klaus, get me in the vault now. We'll get the blood and see what's there."

"Fine. Then, I must depart," Klaus said.

"I'm going, too," Damon said.

"Nay, I must do this alone," Klaus said, his eyes flashing yellow.

"But it's you they want," Damon pointed out. But Klaus was out of the office and making his way down to his vault beneath the basement.

Kol put a hand on Damon and shook his head.

"Don't argue with him now," Kol begged. "It's pointless."

"You know I have to go," Damon said.

Kol nodded, "I know. I am going, too. We can travel together and then split when we arrive. I should try to look after Elijah. After all, I know the bloody Trinity and Aya. But before you go, I have to give you something. My mother's grimoire."

"I have it. Remember?" Damon said, ready to go up and pack.

"No, her other grimoire. The one with the really dark shite in it. I was hoping we wouldn't need it. Some of those spells, there is no coming back from," Kol said warily. "There is a cost for all and these spells demand a high price. A very high price."

"I'm flush. I just bought Enzo that Rolex for Christ's sake," Damon quipped, smirking at Kol.

"It's not that kind of cost and you know it," Kol said, not meeting his nephew's eyes. "If only I had my magic back, I would do this for you."

"Kol, how come they don't want you and Finn?" Stefan asked suddenly.

"Because none of my sire line is important to them. I only ever turned artists, musicians, and whores, I suppose. Didn't know it would be my saving grace," Kol quipped. "But Tristan stepped in it now. I always hated that whining noble prick. I warned them in France, but no one ever listened to me."

Aaron's Bedroom

Aaron woke up, hearing voices. He hadn't been asleep that long, but it was a deep sleep. He stumbled out of bed and went to examine his backside in the mirror. It was a little pink in some spots and itchy, but a good deal better than he expected. He looked for his phone and then remembered it was gone. Confiscated as part of his punishment! Like the spanking hadn't been bad enough. Aaron threw on a hoodie and went to see what was for dinner.

"Hello?" Aaron called out, but the kitchen was vacant. He looked out the window, but no one was there. Not even the dogs.

Lucy came in the kitchen as Aaron was digging in the refrigerator. He found the salad that Elijah had made for lunch, but vetoed it. Maybe just some chips and a drink then. A salad wasn't really a full meal, Aaron thought, though Wes would have disagreed. He was about to pop open a sports drink when Lucy came in.

"Hey, I need more salt," Lucy said, breathlessly.

"Okay, I didn't know anyone was here," Aaron said, going into the pantry where the supplies were kept. "Is Bonnie here?"

"Not yet," Lucy said, taking the blue canister of salt. "They should be here soon. Is that all you have?"

"No, there's more," Aaron said. "What's going on?"

"Oh God, you didn't hear?" Lucy asked in disbelief. She told him that Elijah, Rebekah, and Elena were missing.

"What? What about that Hayley? Look, Lucy, something is going on with that girl," Aaron whispered, pointing at the bedroom she occupied.

"Who?" Lucy pressed, taking three containers of the salt. "I don't even know who you are talking about."
"The horse girl," Aaron hissed, explaining more fully. "I told Uncle Elijah, but he blew me off."

"And she was staying in that room. The one Greta and Wes were in?" Lucy questioned.

"Yeah, she's real pretty, but some kind of a werewolf," Aaron went on. "She came when Damon got his horse and just sort of moved in. She's up all night, talking to someone on the phone outside my room. I don't know. No one thinks it is weird except me," Aaron explained.

"I'll see if I can find her. Klaus is getting ready to go and I'm trying to do a locator spell," Lucy explained. "Thanks for the salt. And Aaron, I know you are just a kid, but always trust your intuition. If something seems off, it could be something. Thanks for letting me know."

Living Room

"These are all the dark objects we thought might be useful. I'll take half with me," Klaus shared, pointing to the old chest. "Here is Elijah's blood and a vial of Rebekah's."

Finn pressed his eyes closed. "I still don't understand how they could have gotten Elijah. He wouldn't go willingly. And our dear sister. We thought Elena was fine with her. I suppose we were overly confident."

"They may have threatened Elena's life or Rebekah's," Kol said. "That's what I would do."

Finn gave Kol a stern look.

Kol splayed his hands out in defense and reasoned,"What? It tis true. We have to fight them at their own game here. Niklaus, let me go over the objects with you again."

"No, brother. I remember what each does or what we think they do. It is time for me to go," Klaus said. "I'm going to say goodbye to the children."

"The jet is on standby. Need you rush so?" Finn protested. "You did not even sup yet."
"I'll eat on the plane," Klaus said, tiredly.

Finn looked at Kol again. "I suppose we shall have to hold down the fort ourselves. I feel so helpless."

"I think we should go to Sage's place. If they got in once, they can get in again. I fear those tunnels are how they got in," Kol confided.

Finn nodded, but lowered his voice and whispered, "Do not think to try to deceive me, little brother. I know what you are thinking. I was just recalling the time you broke all those pots with your magic and told Mother it was the cow. She may have believed you, but I did not."
"I was learning, Finn. Mother oft got done in by this beguiling little face of mine. That was one time you did not betray me. Care to make it twice?" Kol smirked, "I cannot let our nephew go alone, Finn. Niklaus would never forgive me if something happened to him. Then, once he is with Niklaus, I will go to Elijah. He would do the same for any of us."

"I know," Finn said, twiddling his thumbs. "It cannot be helped. I need to check on Aaron before he takes off, too."
"It wouldn't be the first time," Kol joked, as Finn walked out.

"I would thrash you if I had the energy. I shall have to save it for when you return, Kol Mikaelson," Finn said, doubling back and putting his arm around Kol. He held him tightly for a moment and then left without another word.

"Yay, something to look forward to, but which one shall thrash me first?" Kol mumbled, taking one last look through the chest of her treasured dark objects. There had to be something useful left in here.

Finn and Sage's Room

Sage gave Klaus some privacy and took Indy and Julian into their bedroom after Klaus bade them goodbye. He wanted to speak to Ava alone.

"You're leaving. Like Uncle E.," Ava accused.

"Not quite like that, I'm sure," Klaus said. "But yes, I have to go get them. Auntie Bex is with them and our friend, Elena."

"But can't I go? You know I can help," Ava said, touching the necklace at her throat.

"No, I would never ask that of you," Klaus said. "But I hope to bring you back a lovely surprise. Would you like that?"

"Yes, I would," Ava said, playing along. She knew her father was trying to fool her. The look in his eyes said that he wasn't sure he'd make it back.

"But I'm going to give you something before I leave," Klaus said, taking a box out of his pocket. "I know you always wear your necklace, so I had you a bracelet made, luv. This is something that will remind you of my love for you."

Ava slipped the silver charm into her hand.

"It's a sigil I had made for our home in New Orleans," Klaus said. "The M is for Mikaelson. The beast there is feasting on an enemy. A little dark, but we need be strong now to fight for this family."

"Thanks, Daddy," Ava said, letting him fasten the charm on her slender wrist. "I can be strong, too."

Klaus picked her up and swung her around.

"You already are. Much more than you know. I'll return before you know it. Be good for your aunt and uncles," Klaus said, growing hoarse.

"I will," Ava said, crossing her fingers behind her back. Indy and her had seen that on t.v. It meant she wasn't really lying. Well, not that much.

Klaus put her down and left after kissing the top of her head. For the first time, Ava knew exactly what she had to do.

Klaus said goodbye to the others quickly. As expected, Lucy's spell did not bear fruit.

"Damon, I'll be in touch. The idiot security people told me this phone is untraceable, but I hope to find a witch I can send messages through. Kol, you and Finn know what to do. You have a list of safe houses, if it comes to it. The passwords and codes are the same," Klaus said. "Enzo, Stefan, keep them all in line, right?"

"You got it," Enzo said hoarsely.

"Fat chance of that," Stefan muttered. "But I'll try."

Klaus embraced them all briefly and vamped to the waiting car. Time was of the essence now more than ever.

After Klaus left, Finn said, "Well, what are you waiting for? You two ought to leave. I don't like it but I know I can't stop you anymore than I could stop Niklaus."

Damon patted Enzo.

"Sorry that your date got ruined, buddy. But it's not just Dad I have to protect. I have to get Elena back safe. Can you do me a favor and call Ric and Jenna? They ain't doing well," Damon said. Bonnie had come in and then headed for the Gilbert house to try to calm them all down. Jeremy was hysterical. "Hayley will look after Azul. Say, where is she?"

Everyone looked around and Kol shrugged. "In the stables?"

"I don't think so," Lucy said. "Ah guys, I think we have a problem. A small one...Three of them actually."

Ava was behind Lucy with an odd look on her face. Indy and Julian trailed behind her.

"Kids, what are you doing? I thought Sage was putting on a movie for you," Finn asked puzzled.

"She's sleeping," Indy said in a small voice.

"Sleeping?" Finn said.

"Ava put her to sleep. We're going on the trip with you," Julian said happily.

"Is that why you have your new shoes on?" Finn asked. "I am sorry but this is not a holiday trip, it tis a big person trip."

"Not this time, Uncle Finn," Ava said.

"Her necklace," Lucy said pointing. "She took it off."
"Did you siphon Lucy?" Finn asked, standing up.

"Yes," Ava said. "I've been listening. I know that's not allowed, but I heard about Mama earlier. Daddy said she was still alive and needed me. I need to get to the cottage to get her. Grownups shouldn't lie either!"

Finn frowned, "Dear one, I'm not sure what you heard, but this is very dangerous. Now, you children get upstairs and let us talk."

"I heard that pretty lady with Mr. Dorian days ago. She knew that I had to go. I sensed it when she talked to me. She sees things, things that haven't happened yet," Ava said in a faraway voice. "We are going with you, Damon."

"Emma, you mean by the pretty lady?" Lucy questioned. To the adults, she asked, "Is she a seer?"

"Maybe," Kol said. "I'm not sure she knew for sure...but of course, no one tells me anything."

"Not the time, Kol," Enzo said tensely. "Ava, what do you intend to do?"

"Go to find my mother and bring back Daddy. If I don't, he won't come back. I just know it. Julian, do it now," Ava ordered.

Julian whispered something to Finn and he got up and left the room.

"Wait, what are you doing?" Stefan demanded. He looked around. "What's happening?"

"Indy, don't let them leave unless Julian tells them to," Ava said, looking at her cousin.

The room grew dim and a lightbulb exploded. Indy used her power to confuse them and make the room murky and dark, even to vampires.

"Stefan, go check on Azul and feed the dogs. Take good care of them. You have to stay here," Julian said, looking intently at Stefan. "And do not tell! Well, until we leave. Right, Ava?"

"Yes," Ava said. She had siphoned Lucy a few moments ago, weakening her, but she wasn't sure how long that would last.

Stefan looked confused and then left.

Damon snapped, "Ava, is this because I haven't spent too much time with you kids lately? I've been studying. I'll teach you that cool spell I promised to teach you. Come on, I'm your brother now!"

Ava rubbed the scarred part of her face wistfully. "I know, but this isn't about you. It's about all of us...and my mama. Do it now, Julian!"

Julian whispered to Damon as Indy disoriented the adults in the room. The twins looked at each other in awe. They knew this was bad, but it was kinda fun!

Damon scowled and gently grabbed his hand, "Little man, I don't know what you think you are doing but-."

"Be quiet, Damon, and stay here," Julian went on. "Uncle Kol, you stay still and tell us the whole plan."

Damon tried to fight it, but he couldn't move or speak out. His eyes blazed yellow and then orange as he raged. Yet, he could not move. His access to his magic was blocked. Damon felt a weakness come over him. He had let go of Julian and Ava was gripping his arm. She was siphoning him.

"Are you using bloody mind control on us? I'm an Original, it shouldn't be-," Kol fumed.

Ava went over to him and took his hand. "Tell us the plan, please."

And Kol did, under much duress.