No pairing
Note: Sorry for the delay. I am having a shoulder issue that makes it hard for me to type. I am trying to get Part 1 wrapped up before I have to go for surgery this week. This is an extra long chapter, but I will wrap things up the best I can before going under as I might not be able to type for a while! Thanks for all the comments and input. Also, if you made it this far in the story congrats:) This started out as a one chapter request and here we are...Apologies for any mistakes as I didn't have time to go back and edit.
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Friday, April 13, 2012
The boy was dirty and confused. Finn stepped carefully towards him. He had grabbed the Traveler blade and navigated his way through the tunnels to get to the spot where they buried Henrik so long ago.
"Henrik?" Finn asked.
The boy looked at him.
"Finn, what happened? I was in a dark place," Henrik said. "I was so cold."
Finn gently leaned down and clasped his brother to his chest.
"Do not worry about that now. We must get you out of here," Finn said urgently, letting go. They had buried Henrik in his finest clothes and a small sword which was on the ground by him now.
"Where is everyone? Mother? Father?..." Henrik asked fearfully, looking around. "Our farm is gone."
Finn took out a cloth and tried to wipe Henrik's face.
"Tis alright," Finn said. "I will tell you more when we get to safety."
Finn heard something and froze. He told Henrik to stand behind him.
"What is it? Raiders? Call Father! He can fight them," Henrik said, his eyes wide with fear.
"Shhh," Finn said. "Come on, let's go back into the cave..."
Finn was torn. A part of him wanted to investigate the sounds, but he had to keep Henrik save this time.
Founder's Hall
"Something is wrong. I can't get George on the phone or radio," Liz remarked to Ric quietly.
"Did you call the station?" Ric asked, putting down a heavy mace. These weapons were dusty, but could still pack a heavy punch. If you were a weightlifter. It was clear the Founders had never fought real vampires. You had to be quick and swift and even then, chances of getting one were slim to none. Unless...
"Yeah, but the deputy on duty acted...strangely. I don't know, Ric. My gut is telling me that something bad is going down," Liz said with a quiver in her voice.
Caroline vamped into the vault.
"Mom, Nadia is here. She's real upset. You better come up," Caroline noted. "Having fun, Ric?"
Liz clipped her radio to her belt, saying, "Okay. Thanks, honey. Grab those last bins and come on up."
"Yeah, um, this stuff is pretty cool but not ideal for fighting. We're going to need some better weapons. I have a stash of stuff from the Lake House," Ric said. "I also need to check on Jenna and Jer. Maybe they heard something?"
"Yeah, I don't know," Caroline said. "I just wish that I could have stopped this. I mean, I'm a vampire and Elena and Rebekah just disappeared like that."
Caroline snapped her fingers.
Ric got up and put a hand on her shoulder.
"Caroline, you're a new vampire. If they could get to the Originals, you never had a chance. I am just grateful they didn't get you, too," Ric replied.
"Thanks, but I feel useless," Caroline said as she grabbed the boxes that Ric indicated. He grabbed a heavy one himself.
"You have been a huge help," Ric heaved as he struggled with the box. "Jesus, I'm not as young as I used to be."
"Here, let me," Caroline urged. But Ric was stubborn and hauled the box up, winding himself badly.
The sheriff handed Ric a drink.
"Ric, take a load off. You having a heart attack won't help anything," Liz said, sitting him down. "Now, Nadia, can you repeat what you just told me?"
The stunning vampire sighed, "My mother left me a note. She told me to check her office. I got this out of her safe."
"Katherine had a safe?" Caroline snarked.
"The combination was my birth date. This watch was in there with one of the Traveler blades," Nadia said. "I knew she would not betray me..."
"That remains to be seen," Caroline retorted sharply.
Liz glared at her. "That's enough, Caroline. Why don't you call Tyler and fill him and Mason in?"
"Seriously? Whatever," Caroline snapped, walking away.
Ric took the watch. "This is the Gilbert device. She must have taken it off of Bonnie before they left. Was there anything else?"
"A vial of this," Nadia said, taking out a glass tube of Bonnie from her purse. "It must be Bonnie's. There were also ear plugs and some spell in latin."
"This is good," Ric said. "Those weapons aren't going to do a lick of good. This is the real weapon we needed. From my research, I think it has something to do with subduing vampires, but maybe it also works on witches?"
"There's only one way to find out. I say we get that bell up to the clock tower and get ready," Liz advised. "I think the Travelers are back and this time, they aren't planning on leaving Mystic Falls. Ric, can you search the archives to see if you can find a spell for the bell?"
"Yeah, sure," Ric said, getting up with effort. "But first, I might need some aspirin. I think I pulled a muscle."
Nadia grinned and offered her risk.
In her accented voice, "Ric, I have something a bit stronger. Normally, I wouldn't push but I can tell you are in some pain."
"Ughhhh," Ric moaned. "Normally, I wouldn't say yes, but there ain't nothing normal about this day. Hit me up."
Nadia had Ric finish his water and then filled a quarter of it up with her blood.
Ric grimaced as he downed it, but then his pain disappeared. They would all have to move out of their comfort zones before this was over.
Strix Mansion
Kol and Damon cased the mansion, knocking out several guards looking for a way in.
"Damon, use your magic. See if you can sense Ava," Kol encouraged.
The fog rolled in as Kol checked his watch and tapped his foot. Waiting around was never his strong suit. He wondered if this had been a good idea. Probably not.
"Someone is coming," Kol warned.
Damon's blue eyes snapped open.
"I got nothing. It's warded. Let's look for some bones or some kind of spell that we can destroy," Damon suggested.
"That won't be necessary," a deep voice said.
Kol's fangs appeared as his face darkened. He was on the cowled man before he could take another breath.
"Kol, don't," Damon hissed. "Where the hell is my sister?"
"Safe," Dimitri shuddered, pushing off the vampire roughly with no success "I am here to help. If y-you want the girl back, let me go."
"He's the witch who appeared to me at the lake house. Let him go, Kol," Damon advised.
Kol did, but didn't like this.
"He took also Ava. Talk fast," Kol warned.
"They have the siphon down below. You will have to trust me. This place is crawling with the most dangerous vampires in the world," Dmitri shared. "I had to take the girl. I didn't have a choice, either do you if you want her back alive."
"If you are lying, I will kill you slowly and very painfully" Kol threatened, still baring his fangs.
"They have my sister, too. Please," Dmitri pleaded. "We don't have much time!"
"No, we don't. Ava is just a kid. We have to get her out of there," Damon responded. "And Dmitri, maybe you can explain what the hell is going on? Our seer said Ava's mother was in the cottage."
"She was," Dmitri said. "Let me remove the spell. There is an old servant's entrance we can get to. Follow me."
"So this was all some kind of Traveler plot?" Kol asked.
"Yes, I suppose. Tristan wanted to capture the Originals to preserve the sirelines, but that Shane guy convinced him that they could make a deal," Dmitri said, leading them to the back of the house. "Hold on."
The three hid in the high shrubs as a group of guards passed.
Dmitri continued, "The Travelers want to take down the veil between life and death to bring back their leader Marcos and all the deal. All of them."
"All of them? That's insane," Damon spat.
"Yeah, pretty much," Dmitri said. "But we have people in the inside working for us, but we don't have much time. Once they start the spell, it will be impossible to stop."
"So what do they want with my siblings then?" Kol asked. "And Elena?"
"A doppelgänger is needed as a sacrifice," Dmitri said, looking at Damon.
"But what about your sister?" Damon asked. "I thought you said she was already gone."
"If one is good, two is better. My sister is still in grave danger, as well as your friend. Come on. Enough talk," Dmitri urged. "I will lift the spell and perhaps you can help. Take my hand, both of you."
"I don't really hold hands with other dudes," Damon gulped.
"Damon, do it!" Kol yelled.
"Fine," Damon said, as Dmitri started to lift the wards.
Ballroom
Klaus sharp eyes surveyed the room. He saw Elijah drinking casually at the bar. Their eyes locked and Elijah nodded toward a man in the crowd.
"Marcellus?" Klaus gasped.
Elijah shook his head. Not was not the time. He let himself be restrained by the men behind him.
The rest of the crowd turned and stared as Klaus and his group walked in.
"Pardon our clothing, friends," Klaus announced, snapping out of his shock at seeing his son. "But I'm afraid my invitation must have been lost in the mail. Tristan, come out!"
Tristan's smile froze for a moment.
"Oh, Niklaus, we've been expecting you. Oh, and I see you brought the Regent of the Nine covens with you. How kind! But I'm afraid I don't know your other friends," Tristan said, his voice as smooth as silk.
"This is my mum, Esther," Klaus said, causing the crowd to hiss. And Vincent, a Treme witch. Now, release my family and we'll let your stupid little gala progress or I could kill you. You decide."
Tristan laughed shortly.
"I can see you still have the same charming personality. Seize them," Tristan demanded.
From across the room, Aya whispered, "Tell him not to resist. The Sisters are here. It's not time yet."
Elijah shook his head slightly at Klaus.
Klaus nodded, as armed guards surrounded them. "Let them take us."
The witches were cuffed with blessed chains and Klaus was restrained with vervain ropes. He smirked as if that could hold him for long.
Tristan clapped his hands.
"This new development shall not derail our fun," Tristan said, clapping his hands three times. "Bring out the Serratura. Begin."
The Sisters came out with the circular device and started chanting. The lights dimmed and then went out as sparks flew.
Professor Shane came out.
"Actually, Tristan, there has been a small change of plans," Shane called out over the chanting. "It seems that some of your people have lost faith in your leadership."
Aya elbowed Elijah, "Now is the time."
Aya stepped out into the crowd.
"Sisters, halt. Tristan, you have led us to the very gates of Hell itself," Aya intoned. "I invoke Ludum Regale and I have the real charter right here."
"Aya, I c-can't believe this," Tristan stuttered. "Guards, arrest her."
Elijah snapped his chains and rubbed his wrists pointedly.
"That's not how it works, Tristan, and you know it," Elijah's voice boomed, as he strolled to Tristan and put an arm around him. "You tried to make a deal with these devils and now you must pay the price."
"Stop or I'll kill her!" Aurora shrieked. She had a white oak stake pointed at Rebekah's throat.
"You'll do no such thing," Klaus growled, his eyes blazing with hybrid rage. "Get me that thing!"
"Oh Niklaus," Aurora swooned. "You came for me...After all these years, I can still see the love in your eyes."
"Love? This is disgust. You can't think to threaten my sister and live," Klaus roared. "And you would only be killing yourself. Now, give me the stake."
"No! It's mine and I'm tired of living," Aurora said, putting the sharpened stake deeper into the front of Rebekah's gown. A pool of blood soaked through the fabric.
"Who gave you the stake? It's quite rare," Klaus said, getting closer.
"Lucien," Aurora said, pouting. "He said that he can be stronger than an Original now. All he needs is some blood and look, I have some here."
"You're insane," Klaus hissed. "But where is dear Lucien? Shane, bring him out! I know he is here. I can feel his pathetic aura all through this rotten place!"
"I'm here, Nik," Lucien said. "And look what I have here!"
Lucien pushed Damon and Kol in front of him. Damon had his hands on Ava's shoulders. She had been drugged and was groggy.
"Son! And my daughter? She's a child," Klaus gasped. "How dare you? You have no shame."
"True, very true. All I ever wanted, Nik, was to be like you," Lucien laughed. "I thought I was you for a century and when that wore off, I felt...sad. Now, with my labs, I can have it all. All we needed was a little help from our friends here. Continue the spell."
Aya eyes grew wide. "Lucien Castle, you were behind this the whole time. That spell will open the door from the Other Side and cause an apocalypse. Humans are our food source, after all. We'll all starve. Is that was you want?"
"I don't really care, Aya," Lucien trilled. "I can bred humans for blood and Kingmaker is already making synthetic blood. It's not very tasty but it will do in a pinch."
Tristan struggled in Elijah's hold.
"But what about the prophecy? Your witch, Alexis? I saw it with my own eyes," Tristan protested.
"You saw what we wanted you to see. Actually is actually an actress. Quite talented, I know," Tristan boasted, going over to Aurora. "I said start the spell."
"Why are you doing this to my brother?" Aurora asked with tears in her eyes. She still held the stake to Rebekah. Rebekah noticed a man in the crowd staring at her. No, it couldn't be. She must be losing too much blood on top of the vervain. Was she dying?
"Because I am the true ruler," Lucien chuckled. "You two are as easily led as a box of rocks. The Bennett witch will be the new anchor and this pretty little doppelgänger will have to go, but what a glorious death it shall be!"
"You are all insane," Elijah yelled. "Aya, can you stop this?"
Aya was restrained by several guards.
"I called the Game of Kings. There must be a reckoning by midnight tonight," Aya warned. "It is in the charter."
The guard pulled the charter from Aya's hands and threw it.
"Your little group is dissolved," he smirked.
"Niklaus, it's time," Elijah yelled out.
Klaus turned to Esther. "Mother, are you up for this?"
"Yes, of course," Esther said, stepping forward and dissolving the chains on her wrists. "I am Esther Mikaelson. If I knew what bloodshed would have arisen from my sins, I would never have done it. But what is done, cannot be undone."
"That might be true, madam, but you are too later," Lucien snickered. He went to Rebekah and took the bloody stake from Aurora. "Yes, this should be enough. I am to be the Beast!"
"Now," Klaus ordered. "Stop him."
Shane grabbed Bonnie and Elena, putting them into the Sisters' circle.
"Do it now, before it is too late," Shane ordered. The Sisters started the spell.
Lucia went to Ava and put her hands on the child, whispering words to her.
"Where's my brother?" Lucia asked Kol.
Kol shook his head. "I'm sorry, they captured us as we found Ava. I think he's gone."
Lucia nodded sadly. "Ava, are you ready?"
Before the child could reply, Lucia was dragged from behind from another witch.
"It's time for you to pay for your betrayal," another witch accused.
"My life was over when we joined this wretched coven," Lucia said sadly. "Do what you must."
Damon saw Katherine from across the room. She smiled at him and winked. He saw Bonnie and Elena looking out of it. He tugged on his chains in anger. Kol had been whispering to wait, but he couldn't any longer. The Sisters were starting the spell and the candles in the room were flickering wildly. The white balloons started popping.
And then all hell broke loose.
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Clock Tower
"There. I think it's good," Caroline said to Nadia. They had replaced the old bell in the clock tower. "Now, if we just knew what the hell it did, I would feel better."
"Yeah, me, too," Nadia said, eyeing the strange symbols on the bell.
Matt and Tyler waited down below. Nadia looked over and saw Mason pacing outside with a crossbow in his hands.
"I need to tell Mason about my mother. I don't want him to think that she was in on it," Nadia said.
"Sure. Come on, let's get down there," Caroline said, stepping on the ledge.
"Wait!" Nadia yelled, but Caroline had already dropped several stories down to the ground. So much for maintaining their cover as humans. Nadia shrugged and followed close behind.
Ric came running down the street as Nadia approached Mason. Tyler had been stabbing possessed residents who came after them. The Travelers might be able to body jump, but they still retained their native accents which clued off the gang on who was possessed. That the Travelers were back was not longer a mystery yet they didn't seem to realize that the Mystic Falls gang was on to them.
"Guys, I think I get it now," Ric said without feeling winded.
Matt laughed, "Ric, you working out or something?"
"No, vampire blood," Ric explained. "But Matt this involves you. How much do you know about your father?"
"My father? Nothing, really," Matt admitted. "He was a plumber and took off when we were little. Haven't heard from him since. Mom even changed our names because he was such a piece of sh-."
"Yeah, well, it seems that you are a member of the founding families," Ric said, cutting off the teen. "I think your real name is Maxwell...Your dad is Peter Maxwell."
"How'd you find this all out, Ric?" Caroline wondered.
"Babe, what does it matter? So Ric, what does this mean?" Tyler inquired, as Caroline punched him on the shoulder after calling him a "dick."
"Actually, your dad seemed to know a lot about this, Tyler. He's been keeping secret files. I found a safe in his office. Well, actually, Mason did," Ric shared.
Mason nodded, "It was right under his booze and some gambling stubs, hidden in the floor boards."
"And let me guess, the combo was my birthday?" Tyler asked sarcastically.
"No, it was the date of the Founding. Sorry," Ric said with sympathy. "But the point is that only a Maxwell can ring that bell."
"Is he still alive? I have to tell Vic," Matt said.
"She's home with Pearl and Harper," Nadia said. "But I'm not sure there is time. Look! They are coming!"
A crowd of people were walking out of the Grill with torches. They were singing some song.
"What are they saying?" Caroline asked Nadia.
"Something about Markos coming back and opening the gates of hell?" Nadia proposed, with a worried look. "Two blades aren't going to cut it. Something is happening."
The ground started to rumble.
"Matt, get your ass up to that tower. I think you have to ring the bell like 12 times. We'll activate the watch down here," Ric said. "Nadia, call for Vicky. I don't know if Matt can do this himself."
"Shit! Those guys don't look like they are from Mystic Falls," Tyler moaned. "They look like ghosts!"
"Get the weapons," Mason yelled.
Mikaelson Mansion
Living Room
"I still can't get a hold of anyone. The lines are down," Nessie said, pacing. Sage was playing Candyland with her sister.
Finn had fed bathed Henrik and tried to explain everything, but the boy didn't seem to understand.
Aaron crossed his arms. "I'm sorry but I think we need to go into town. If something is happening to Nessie's dad, maybe we can help."
Sage looked up, "Nonsense. We are safer here, but maybe we should go downstairs."
"You mean the safe room?" Finn asked, covering up Henrik on the coach. He seemed exhausted by his ordeal.
"Yes," Sage said, eyeing the children.
Enzo had been trying the phones in Elijah's office. He came back in the room, shaking his head.
"Nothing," Enzo said. "And the security force is gone. They even left their vehicles."
"That's not good," Nessie noted.
Finn flinched. "Did you hear something?"
Sage and Enzo nodded.
"I'll take the children into the safe room," Sage said. "Nessie, get your sister and I'll take Henrik."
Sage picked up the tired boy and started for the secret entrance behind the fire place.
"I'm scared," Jessica whined.
"It's okay. We're going on an adventure, like one of your t.v. shows. Come on, it's fun," Nessie said, pasting a smile on her face. "Last one in is a rotten egg!"
Enzo frowned, "I think they got in downstairs."
"I'm going with you. I'm old enough," Aaron said bravely.
Finn looked down, "Son, I need you to help look after Henrik and keep the others calm. Can you do that for me?"
"But I-," Aaron protested.
"Don't make me compel you," Finn warned as they heard another sound.
"Fine, but I don't-," Aaron complained.
Finn whacked Aaron on the seat of his jeans.
"Go, now!" Finn warned. "And shut the door."
Aaron scowled and rubbed his upper thigh as he scuttled into the opening and shut the door.
"We thought there were still some vampires left," a burly man cackled.
"You came to the wrong place, Witch," Finn growled.
"I could use a stronger body," another Traveler purred.
"Don't kill him," Enzo shouted to Finn, as he approached the man. "That's George!"
Finn moaned as another Traveler threw a hidden blade that sunk into his back. Enzo didn't even feel the one that entered him and possessed him.
Hotel
Lucy paced nervously as the children slept. They would be okay, she told herself picturing Bonnie's face. She had finally gotten the kids to sleep. It wouldn't hurt to take a quick shower. She kissed Julian and Indy on the head, making sure they were sleeping. Yes, just a fast wash would do it.
Julian raised his head when he heard the water started.
"Indy, it's time," Julian whispered.
"Noooo," Indy groaned.
"We have to. They need us," Julian said. In their pajamas, they got up, put their shoes on and left.
Julian found someone getting into their car and demanded they take them to the mansion.
It was time.
Strix Mansion
New Orleans, Louisiana
Aya crushed the larynx of the man holding her and broke free.
"Elijah, stop the spell. If you have to shed blood, do it," Aya shouted as fighting broke out in front of them.
"I can barely see," Elijah said. And he had to find Hayley and get Marcel out of there. Aside from a few fire breaking out and the candles surrounding the Sisters' circle, the room was almost black.
Aya saw the witches leading Lucia to the circle, they stripped off her robe and Shane was holding her. As she vamped to her, another witch paralyzed her.
Klaus grabbed the white oak off of Aurora and pushed her back with great force. She crashed into the wall, splinting wood and plaster everywhere. He tried to get the vial off of Lucien, but was bitten on the hand.
"Are those metal teeth?" Klaus roared, grabbing Lucien by his hair.
"Nik, don't," Lucien whined in pain. Then, Klaus heard a roar, Damon morphed into his hybrid side and was fighting his way to Elena.
Esther was chanting as she gripped Vincent and Josephine's hands.
"Kol, get Ava!" Klaus screamed as witches tried to grab her. The fire grew as vampire fought vampire. Rebekah decapitated her captors, still weak, but standing somehow.
"Marcel? Is that you?" She whimpered, barely able to see over the thickening smoke. The fire alarm was finally triggered, blaring and causing a flashing light to go on and off. Water sprayed from the ceiling.
Esther's spell started to work as vampires began to drop around them, some getting consumed by the growing flames.
Guards ran out screaming, "Abandon mission. Abort!"
But fresh vampire guards rushed through, trying to bring down the Originals. They wore Kingmaker on their uniforms and had guns. Big guns.
But the witches were still doing the spell. Shane sliced Lucia's throat, capturing her blood in a chalice.
Elijah shook his head and had to focus on the greatest evil.
"Tristan!" Elijah hissed. He grabbed the man as a circle of guards tried to escort him out. Lucien was gone, but Elijah had to get Tristan and the Serratura.
"I-I didn't know," Tristan defended weakly, a broken man. "It was only for a few years."
"You really believe that?" Elijah pressed, dragging him by the neck as he kicked and easily disabled the guards.
There was a crack as part of the ceiling gave away. In the chaos, all the witches fell to the ground.
Aya stepped over one, as she rushed to Lucia, but it was too late. The girl was dead.
"No, y-you?" Shane stammered. He raised the cup of blood and drank. "It's too late. My family is back..."
"But you won't be there to see it," Aya said, cracking his neck and letting his body slump to the ground.
Klaus rushed to Ava.
"Sweetheart, let's get you out of here. This smoke...," Klaus said, picking her up out of the maylee.
"My m-mama is d-dead," Ava said, her face covered in soot. The fire still smoldering. She remembered the fire now. "Make it stop."
"Come now," Klaus said.
"No! Wait," Ava said. "Put me down. I don't want to hurt you."
Elijah got to Hayley, but he was afraid it was too late.
"You're hurt," Elijah said numbly.
"I think I got him back," Hayley smiled, blood dripping down her face. "You know that ring you tried to make me wear?"
"The moonlight ring? Yes, of course," Elijah prompted.
"I think I'm going to need it," Hayley said.
"But if you turn now...," Elijah started.
"I will heal faster and I think we're losing," Hayley said, turning the black kyanite ring on her finger. She hadn't wanted it, but she needed it now.
Elijah looked over and saw Esther, Vincent, and Josephine trying to fight off more attackers.
"Go! I've got this," Hayley said, focusing. As her bones started to break, she felt strength return to her body.
Damon fought off several vampires as he kept Elena and Bonnie behind him.
"Elena, we have to go help those witches," Bonnie slurred. The smoke was still hanging like a curtain and the blaring of the alarm was disorienting, but she thought the lobelia was wearing off. "Get these cuffs off me."
Elena turned her head, as she pawed through the dead guard who was holding them's pocket for the key. "Bon, do you heard something? Howling?"
Bonnie nodded, "Yeah, I do."
Damon was knocked back with several men on him, shooting wooden bullets into him.
Elena got the cuffs off of Bonnie as she cast a pain spell on them.
"Damon, are you okay?" Elena moaned.
"Those bullets...I think they are near my heart," Damon gasped, before passing out.
"Bonnie, I need a knife or something sharp," Elena yelled, but Bonnie was already helping the witches. Elena watched in horror as Bonnie was knocked down.
Outside the Strix Mansion
Julian left the person in the car at the curb as he dragged Indy up the stairs.
"I need your help to call them," Julian said, stopped before the doorway. People in black outfits and masks were running out. They could see the smoke pouring out.
"Call who?" Indy asked, crying. She didn't want to go in there.
"The wolves," Julian answered, shutting his eyes. He could feel them, they were close, but he needed Indy's help now.
Mystic Falls
Vicky rushed up to the tower with Matt.
"What do we have to do?" Vicky asked, she had just thrown two Travelers down the stairs as they attacked them in the tower.
"Um, read the spell and ring the bell. Twelve times," Matt repeated. He felt lightheaded and nauseous. The dead and the living were attacking his friends and all he had to do was ring a bell?
"Okay, Matty, let's do this," Vicki said. "You read it."
Matt started reading the paper, having no idea what he was reading.
"I don't think it's working," Matt said in defeat.
Vicky snatched the paper. "Let's read it together. Maybe that will work."
As they read the spell, the bell started to glow.
"It's working!" Matt said. He made the mistake of looking out the tower window. "Oh my God, there's more of them...It looks like they got to the dance!"
Vicky got behind him and looked at the hoard of zombies approaching. Some of those walking were in costumes from the 1950s.
"So much for the dance. They look like they crawled out of graves," Vicky groaned. "Hurry up, let's start ringing. Ah, this is heavy."
With some effort, both teens pushed the heavy bell.
"Ah, it's burning my hands," Matt groaned.
"Here, use my jacket. I'll heal," Vicky said, giving Matt her jean jacket. "Now, push!"
Strix Mansion
At once, the windows on the first floor shattered.
The wolves poured in through the windows and dragged the vampires still fighting to their deaths.
Klaus tossed the man he had just slain aside.
"What the devil? It's not the full moon," Klaus said.
A man answered, "Those are the Crescents. I mighta put a curse on them."
Klaus turned in slow motion, grasping the man.
"Ah, Marcellus, it is really you!" Klaus said, almost weeping.
"Man, I know you're an Original but I've never laid eyes on you. Come on, we better get out of here before this whole place collapses," Marcel said.
"But I'm your papa," Klaus said. "Don't you remember me?"
"Papa? Man, what are you smoking. Fine, stay here and burn. I'm going," Marcel said, pulling away.
"What did he do to you?" Klaus said, trying to clear his head. He had lost a lot of blood during the fighting. He needed blood. "Help me get them out. Please."
Marcel nodded, "Yeah, okay, but let's hurry."
Rebekah tossed an arm to the side.
"Elena, what's going on? What's wrong with Damon?" Rebekah said, as a werewolf dragged off the next enemy trying to fight her.
"Bullets are near his heart. Help me," Elena begged, tears streaming down her face.
"I'll get him. Move aside," Marcel said.
"Marcel," Rebekah said.
He looked at Rebekah and felt a stab in his heart. Marcel smiled.
"Hi there. Um, a hand, please?"
Rebekah grabbed Elena and pulled her away so Marcel could gently pick up Damon.
"We gotta get those bullets out," Marcel said. "And get you outta this smoke. Come on."
***
Freya woke up as a little girl with a scarred face touched her.
"There, you are better now," Ava said. "But the bad guys aren't leaving."
"You are but a child," Freya said, she turned to Esther and Josephine. "Can you help them?"
"The old lady is dead, like my mama," Ava cried. "But I can try her."
Ava put her hands on Esther and siphoned out the sleeping spell. She did the man next.
Freya stood and concentrated. The new vampires who had streamed in were fighting werewolves. She blinked. Was this really happening?
"Freya, come now, let us try again," Esther said. "You, too, child."
"Wait, it's too loud," Ava said. She smashed the alarm system and the blaring stopped.
"Thanks," Vincent said, shaking plaster from his head. "Those ain't normal vamps. Josephine is dead. We gotta go."
"But the spell," Esther protested.
Vincent frowned, seeing the dead Sisters.
"It's done," Vincent said. "We gotta get out of here. This smoke is too thick."
Kol came, dragging Aurora with him. She was in a fugue state and almost catatonic, but she had to answer for her part in this.
"Mother? Why am I not bloody surprised," Kol stated. "We have to go."
"Kol, come here," Esther said, kissing his check.
"No, we can do this," Ava said. "The lady told me how. She said you have a spell to make them stop."
Kol frowned, "I have your spell book. The bad one. I took it off of Damon before we got captured. Here."
Kol thrust the ancient book into her hands.
"So much death today," Esther said. "But yes, it will put down these rapid vampires. They are not natural."
"No vampire is," Vincent corrected. "But do what you gotta do."
Esther opened the book as Vincent made a light spell. Kol fought off several more vampire guards as they studied the book.
"I have it," Esther said. "But all vampires must leave. Get your siblings and go."
Kol nodded and watched as the witches made a protection barrier. He grabbed Elijah, who was making Tristan get the Serratura. It was hidden behind the bar in an ice bucket. He told him that the vampires needed to leave so Mother could do the spell.
"Another ruse, Tristan?" Elijah scoffed.
"Well, I learned from the best," Tristan said. "Aya is in danger. Lucien's forces are getting the best of her."
"Elijah, we must go," Kol said.
"Take Tristan and the Serratura. I'll get Aya. Go," Elijah said. He fought the vampires attacking Aya and picked her up.
"Elijah, you came back for me," Aya smiled, blood staining her fangs.
"Of course I did," Elijah said, vamping out. He saw Klaus leaving.
"Brother, you could have worn that tux I got for you."
"Elijah, Damon is hurt. Where are the others?" Klaus stated. "Ava?"
"She's with Mother apparently," Elijah said. "We need to get everyone as far from the house as we can."
"There. I think I got all of it," Marcel said, dropping the knife. Damon wheezed and grabbed his chest.
"Thanks, pal," Damon said, as Elena grabbed his hand. "Hey, nice dress. Are we still on for the dance?"
"Can I hit him?" Elena asked Marcel.
He laughed, "Best not to."
Rebekah sighed in relief and rubbed Marcel's arm. "Thank you, Marcel. I just can't believe you are here. How...?"
"How what?" Marcel asked. "Look, I should get going. My people don't even know I am here. All hell is gonna break loose when news of this party hits town."
Kol came out and yelled, "There is a spell in progress. Get everyone away from the building. Now."
"He's bossy," Marcel commented as he helped up Damon. "Come on, we better move."
Elijah staggered, almost dropping Aya, when he saw Julian and Indy outside in their pjs.
"Tell me I am dreaming," Elijah said.
"Daddy," the twins said running.
"Are you two okay?" Elijah said, handing Aya to Kol.
"Yes, should I call back the wolves?" Julian asked, chewing on his pinkie finger.
"You did that? Ah, yes, I think you ought to. Come on, we need to get to safety," Elijah said, putting up his children.
"Did it work?" Indy asked.
"Yes, the wolves helped a great deal, but sadly, those vampires must be 'special', they don't seem to be backing down so your grandmother is dealing with them," Elijah stated dryly.
"Grandmother? We have a grandmother?" Julian whooped.
"Yes, now, you two have a lot of explaining to do," Elijah said, as everyone made their way from the house.
"Oh, they aren't the only ones," Klaus said.
Mystic Falls
"Ring harder," Vicky screamed. The bell seemed harder and harder to toll. It was as if it was alive and sucking out their energy.
"I can't, Vic," Matt replied. "It won't budge."
"Here, let me help," they heard as both teens slumped back.
"Mom?" Vicky said, opening her eyes. "What the heck?"
Kelly Donovan looked solid but when Matt went to touch her, his hand went through.
"Sorry, guys," Kelly said gravely. "I fell down the steps and broke my neck. I didn't have my purse and I guess they never told you?"
"We had no idea," Vicky said. "I'm so sorry."
"Me, too, honey," Kelly said. "But if we don't push this damn bell then you will become like me. The veil lifted but this will send the Travelers back to the Other Side."
The three pushed it again. "That's ten. Two more," Matt gasped.
"But you were human, why were you on the Other Side-," Vicky started and then stopped as three ghouls appeared. Kelly chanted something and banished them.
Kelly dusted her hands together. "I was in Hell. When the gates opened, I knew I had to help you two the way I should have been helping you in life. Can you ever forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive Mom. We love you," Matt said, as tears poured down his face.
"I know you do, honey. But I need you to do something for me," Kelly said, putting her hands back on the bell.
"Sure. Anything," Vicky promised.
"Find your father. He deserves a second chance. I pushed him away. I told him that you weren't even his. I lied about everything because I was selfish and stupid," Kelly confessed. "Now, push!"
The three pushed with effort.
"Can you do this for me?" Kelly asked.
"Yes, of course," Matt said. The sounds from down below were awful. "Come on, one last time!"
"PUSH!" Kelly roared as the bell finally moved and tolled loudly.
A rush of light and energy whooshed out.
Kelly hugged both kids as she used her last bit of energy to become solid.
"I love you. Find Peter Maxwell," Kelly said, as a light sucked her away.
Matt and Vicky slumped together.
"That light. It didn't seem bad, did it?" Matt asked, his voice cracking.
"No Matty. I think she finally went to peace," Vicky asked, standing.
"Look! It worked," Vicky cried, looking out the window. Then, they held each other and wept.
Finn woke up as Sage shook him.
"Finn? Finn, come on. Get up," Sage urged.
Nessie and her sister were looking after George. Sage had healed his wound with her blood after the spell was broken.
"What happened?" Enzo asked, rubbing his shoulder.
"I don't know. There was a terrible roar and then we found you," Aaron said. "How did Nessie's dad get here?"
"Traveler possession, I'd imagine," Enzo said. He cut open his wrist and healed the other woman who had attacked them.
"That's my babysitter," Jessica chirped.
"I think she'll be okay. We'll have to compel them, I reckon," Enzo said, looking around.
Finn smiled and patted Aaron on the knee. "I'm okay, son."
Henrik looked pale and scared.
"Is he really your brother? He talks weird," Aaron said, trying to get a grip on his emotions.
"We'll have to teach him the language. If I can learn, so can he," Finn said. "And yes, this is Henrik. I'm not sure what happened, but it is a miracle. Thank you, everyone."
Outside Strix Mansion
The whole shook and there was an explosion.
"Oh my-," Vincent bellowed as he ran out with Ava. "Let's get out of here."
Klaus was by his side in a second, grabbing his daughter.
"Sweetheart, are you alright?" Klaus asked urgently.
"Fine, Daddy," Ava said. "The bad vampires are done. Are the wolves okay?"
Elijah was behind him.
"Mother," Elijah said, embracing her tightly.
Esther was overcome. "Elijah, you look well. Take me to Rebekah and Kol."
Elijah escorted Esther, but she stopped. "Oh, and this is your eldest sister, Freya. Freya, this is Elijah."
"I remember," Freya said softly. "Christmas party. 1914. I was Kol's companion."
Elijah nodded and took her hand. "I don't know what happened, but let's get everyone inside. Lucien is out there somewhere and we don't want to be there when he gets back."
Marcel didn't know what the hell was going on.
"I hate to break up the party, but can someone tell me what the hell is going on?" Marcel asked.
Aya croaked, "I believe they are your family, Mr. Gerald. Now, what say you take us to the Compound and you can talk more there. Elijah, tell me that you have the charter."
"I do," Elijah said, handing it to her. "It's a bit worse for wear but that's the real one. It's all yours, as all they all. The surviving ones, at any rate."
Aya smiled, "Thank you. You could take it back yourself, if you want it. I am in no condition to fight you."
"I have my hands full with this family," Elijah said grandly. "Now, I would like to see the house again and these children need to be in bed."
"The house? Man, you people are all certifiable," Marcel quipped. He called one of his vampires to send some cars. "But I'll play along. Nothing this exciting has happened to me...well, ever?"
Rebekah frowned and touched Marcel's face. "Oh Marcel, what happened to you?"
Marcel rolled his eyes. "My guys will be here in a hot minute. And I can't wait to see what y'all have to say. There they all now."
"Good idea. We are not safe here. Those vampires were supercharged," Klaus noted, eyeing the smoldering ruin. "We also need to find out a little more from the Count de Martel here. And I would like some answers from all of you of why the hell you all put yourselves in danger?"
"Yes," Elijah said, taking out the Serratura. He eyed Tristan and Aurora who were tied together with vervain ropes. "And it may just be time for some payback."
