Hello everyone! Here I am with a new part of the story, it took some time because of some changing and editing but here it is. I wanted to thank the responses I've gotten like always, and also say that I'm a little bit excited for this chapter. Enjoy it!
The characters and the plot are property of Julie Plec and the tv show team, I own the characters I created and the changes I made in the story.
Normal POV
Elena was trapped in her seat after the accident, out of nowhere the man got up and tried to get near her making her scream, but he escaped quickly. A few seconds later on the street appeared Damon that approached her and helped her out of the car, the vampire tried to know if she was ok, so he took her in his arms and stared at her face, Elena looked at him and muttered "I look like her" to then faint, to which Damon carried her to his car.
The next morning Elena woke up confused in Damon's car, who explained that they were somewhere in Georgia, making her so nervous that she forced him to stop his car and got out. The brunette was talking angrily about how she couldn't be in another state with him when her phone rang which the vampire had, it was Stefan trying to talk to her about the picture and she didn't want to talk to him, but before Stefan could find out where they were Damon cut the call. After clarifying that they were in Atlanta and he wouldn't do anything bad to her Elena agreed to go with him.
After speaking to Damon, Stefan decided to use Elena's necklace to find out where she was and he only needed a witch, so he went to the school to see if any of the ones he knew could help him. The first one he saw was Bonnie, that at first didn't want to practice magic but after hearing about her friend tried to help him. She took the necklace and tried to see something without success, and noticing that the problem was with herself left Stefan alone and got away. Determined to find out about Elena, Stefan saw Caroline in the distance so he walked towards her.
-Caroline, hi, how are you?- he greeted her as soon as she was near him, the girl smiled when she saw him.
-Hi Stefan, I'm better but what are you doing here? Are you going back to school?- asked the younger girl, a little confused at the presence of her brother in the place while they were walking.
-No, in fact I came to see you because I need help with a spell- he asked with some seriousness, which caught the attention of the blonde who stopped and stood in front of him.
-Of course, tell me what you need- she agreed instantly nodding and Stefan showed her Elena's necklace.
-Elena found out she's just like Katherine and disappeared. I called her and when she answered the phone it was Damon who wouldn't tell me where they were- he told her hoping for her help.
-I knew that Elena was going to find out everything and she would be angry. It was only a matter of time- clarified the heretic crossing her arms since she was right, earning a reproachful look.
-I know it, but I wanted to tell her myself. Anyway, I was hoping that with the necklace you could tell me where she is or at least how she is- he repeated while raising the necklace, which the girl looked at and took.
-Personally I think that you should give her space, she just found out she is your ex's copy- she explained firmly so he knew he couldn't change her mind. She saw him about to complain so she continued- Stefan you know I'm right. I won't tell you where she is, but to calm you down I'll tell you if she's fine. Happy?- she offered him looking at him expectantly and the older guy sighed.
-Okay, I accept that. Thank you- he accepted in a tone of surrender making the heretic smile in triumph. Then she closed her eyes focusing on the necklace and mumbling something, instantly she saw Damon and Elena in a car, and luckily they both looked fine so she opened her eyes- Well? Did you see them?- he asked slightly anxious while he received the necklace back.
-I saw them in a car and they seem fine. The only thing I know, and I will find out, is that they're going somewhere. But give her space for now, trust me- affirmed the blonde, crossing her arms.
-I know you're right, but thank you for this- he thanked smiling lightly for her advice and Stefan went home. At that moment Caroline received a message from Damon, who thanked her for giving him directions in Georgia as she knew that state so well after having lived there for years.
Athens, Georgia 1857. A woman with dark blonde hair was walking around the living room of her mansion when she heard some footsteps, and she saw a girl of about 11 years old appear.
-Caroline, you look beautiful sweetie- she commented while looking with a smile at the blonde little girl in front of her, who smiled as well- Now you will have to wait for me in the study, all right?- she reminded her.
-In the study? But I want to be here with you when you get the answer. Please grandma- asked her the youngest one, erasing her smile and looking at her with tender eyes to try to convince her.
-It is an adult matter, little one. I have to receive the answer to the application letter I sent for you- explained the oldest one softly, without being affected by her granddaughter's eyes.
-Then I cannot stay because I'm a child and not a member- she clarified resignedly, and her grandmother nodded- What do you think they will say? Do you think the Athens Witch Community will accept me as a member even though I'm a siphoner?- Caroline inquired uncertain, so the older woman bowed.
-Maybe they will do it. Because you are Emma Salvatore's granddaughter, because you deserve it more than anybody I've ever met. And because to me you are a Salvatore witch no matter what others say. Besides, they would be blind if they miss someone with as much potential as you- Emma admitted while she stared at her fondly and took her hand, wanting to transmit her confidence.
-Do you really think so, grandma?- asked the siphoner while smiling again, with a bit of illusion.
-Of course I believe it, I raised you after all. And I know very well what you are, you are amazing. Now wait for me in the study, yes?- the older woman repeated, stroking her cheek lightly. She saw the girl nod with a small smile and went to Emma's study, who sighed and looked out the window.
In Georgia, Damon and Elena were talking about the place while the vampire was telling her stories related to a town near there very well known to him, when they stopped in front of a bar and went inside. There they found Bree, a witch who'd had an affair with Damon a couple decades ago during college.
After her talk with Stefan at the school and failing in her attempts at magic, Bonnie went to her grandmother's house to seek answers for her problem.
-Thank God you're back- Bonnie affirmed as she saw her grandmother enter the house, while she was sitting on the couch reading the books in the living room.
-And hello to you too. What's the matter?- Sheila asked curiously while she put down her purse.
-My powers are gone, grams. I can't do anything, not even when I concentrate. And there's nothing in those books that can tell me how to get them back- explained the girl nervously.
-Hang on, now. Just calm down, tell me what happened- she commented as she put down her other bag and came to sit next to her, staring at her worried at her condition.
-I can't- replied her granddaughter, unsure of what to tell her for her to help her.
-Are we keeping secrets now?- she questioned slightly confused and more curious than before. It was weird that she didn't want to tell her what was happening to her, but she had a vague idea.
-I have to, I'm sorry. I promised. Please help me- pleaded the witch, a little frightened at what was happening to her powers while she stared at her.
-Well, first of all, there's nothing in them that's gonna help you. If you're blocked, it's in here- explained the older one pointing at Bonnie's head for a moment- You have to clear it out, and then you'll be back in action- she finished firmly so she could explain the truth.
-Clear what out?- Bonnie asked confused at that part.
-Whatever's got you so scared- she answered looking at her seriously, making her hesitate.
While Elena was on the phone with Jenna outside of the bar, Damon was inside still drinking while talking to Bree about why he had gone to visit her.
-Come on, there has to be another way- Damon exclaimed irritated at the lack of answers.
-After all these years, it's still only Katherine. How do you even know she's still alive?- the witch asked with curiosity as he had long ago told her about Katherine.
-Well, you help me get into the tomb and we'll find out- he clarified, brushing her arm lightly.
-I already did. Twenty years ago, remember? Three easy steps: comet, crystal, spell- explained the younger girl, moving her arm so he wouldn't touch her and giving him slight glances.
-There's a little problem with number two, I don't have the crystal- the vampire revealed.
-That's it, Damon. There is no other way, it's Emily's spell- she affirmed while she had a drink.
-What about a new spell with a new crystal that overrides Emily's spell?- the older guy suggested as he smiled for a moment to convince her, it was a good possibility.
-Doesn't work that way. Emily's spell is absolute, you can't go into that tomb. Your other witch friend that you told me about couldn't help you?- Bree asked curiously.
-No, I didn't even ask her. I know she would yell at me that I'm an idiot, or she'd hit me with something to shut me up- he commented bitterly. The witch they were talking about was Caroline, he knew that the heretic could absorb the spell in the tomb and fix his problem in seconds, and that she would rather hit him a few times than free Katherine and put everyone in danger.
Bonnie had become frustrated for not getting answers with her grandmother about what was going on with her powers, so she went to the ruins of the church to search since that was where Damon had attacked her. She walked looking around when she heard a sound, then the ground beneath her feet disintegrated and she ended up falling into a hole. After a few moments she got up and checked the walls of the place, until she saw a pentagram on one of the walls.
Stefan had gone to Bonnie's house to check on her, but her dad suggested that she might be at her grams' house, so he went over there and rang the doorbell, and the woman opened it after a while.
-Can I help you?- Sheila asked as soon as she saw the guy, who seemed nice.
-Hi, I'm Stefan- greeted the older guy offering his hand, which was shaken- I'm a friend of Bonnie's. Her dad said that she might be here- he told her hoping she'd trust him.
-She was, but not anymore- answered him the woman, knowing that he was a vampire.
-Do you know where she went?- Stefan wanted to know to see how the younger witch was doing.
-No, but you do- assured Sheila calmly, confusing the older one a little.
-I'm sorry? What do you mean?- he asked, waiting for a logical answer.
-I told her to face down her fear. And now I feel that you know exactly why she was scared. You know what I am, just as I know what your family is. And yet you offered me your hand, which means you wanted me to see that I can trust you- explained the witch as she moved a little closer to him without leaving the house since she was still talking to a vampire.
-Can you?- Stefan inquired without moving from his place while he stared at her.
-I trust you will keep her safe. You'd better be on your way then. I'm not going to invite you in. I'm sure that you understand why- she replied earnestly while she stared at him and then closed the door. Stefan turned around and walked to the street, surprised to see his sister standing against her car with her arms crossed in front of her.
-Before you tell me anything, I came to see that you didn't ask Sheila to find Elena for you. But by the look on your face, I guess she didn't- insinuated the blonde girl smiling a little at having him in front of her.
-I came to see Bonnie, she was upset when she couldn't help me with Elena. I didn't know that you knew her grandmother- he commented curiously, not mentioning that he had talked to Elena without success.
-I met her in the 90s, when I went to college for my degree in Folklore and Philosophy- revealed him the heretic while uncrossing her arms and thinking of her college years.
-You went to college again?- asked the vampire, surprised since she had already gone.
-Yeah, I was bored. And I met Sheila because she was my occultism teacher. In fact she's one of the few witches I like, you know that I think most witches are just annoying bitches- she replied getting serious for that topic, which Stefan understood.
-Well, at least you like one more. And I didn't ask Sheila for anything- he added, not knowing what to say.
-Fine. I'll believe that this time you're going to follow my advice and give Elena space until she wanna talk to you. See you later- affirmed the younger girl smiling slightly and got into her car to leave, as Stefan only looked at her with curiosity for what she had said.
Caroline had disobeyed her grandmother and had hidden behind a wall to listen to the meeting between her and the other witches, and she wished she hadn't while she felt the tears running down her face as she listened to the horrible things that those witches said about her.
-You heard everything even when I asked you to stay in the study, right?- questioned Emma, when some time later she found Caroline sitting in the garden, and sat down near her.
-Yes. Grandma, what did I do wrong to make the witches hate me? Is it true that I am a mistake?- asked the younger girl feeling bad, luckily she had already stopped crying and had wiped her face.
-Listen to me, little girl. Never believe a word those pathetic and brainless witches say about you, alright? Because they are only lies created out of ignorance- the witch assured her trying to remain calm, but the doubt in the girl's voice hurt her.
-Out of ignorance? What do you mean?- inquired the blonde girl, looking at her curiously.
-They believed that the siphoners were myths until they met you. Not knowing anything about them or their power, they only believe that they are abominations since they are not what they blindly think is natural- explained the oldest one, taking one of the flowers from the garden and giving it to the younger one.
-Then the problem is not me?- she hesitated, looking at the purple flower in her hand for a moment.
-No, the problem is that they want to be cautious because you haven't reached your potential yet, and everyone thinks that a siphoner is someone to be afraid of- she argued firmly while she took her hand.
-Everyone is afraid that I am evil? I do not want to be evil grandma, I want to be accepted- Caroline admitted fearing the answer, she did not want to be feared or she would be alone.
-You are not evil little butterfly. You should not be afraid to reach your limits for others, because the only opinion that matters is yours. And there will be people who will see you like I do, and they will be very valuable to you. Can you promise me something?- Emma asked as she smiled softly at her.
-Whatever you want, grandma, just tell me- accepted the siphoner, smiling evenly at her.
-Promise me that you will never let anyone make you feel inferior. You should always feel good with who you are or what you do- she expressed staring at her and saw her nod, so she caressed her cheek with affection- Now, how about if I let your hair free of that braid?- she suggested with a smile taking the braid, at seeing her nodding she slowly let her hair loose until it was in nice waves and ran her fingers through them, and the youngest smiled at feeling better.
-Thank you grandma. I have a question, what happened to the witches?- she asked curiously.
-I got them out of our house after I quit being a member of the group. Nobody tells lies about my little girl, much less weak and fearful witches. But it will not stay this way, I promise- she promised in a sweet tone and hugged her. But Emma was already thinking about how to take revenge.
After speaking to Stefan, who tried to ask her where she was and make sure that she was fine, Elena went back to the bar and sat next to Damon to start eating something.
-Let's say that I'm descended from Katherine, does that make me part vampire?- Elena asked him curious.
-Vampires can't procreate, but we love to try- commented smirking at her while he ate some fries- No, if you were related, it would mean that Katherine had a child before she was turned- he explained her, erasing his smirk and focusing on his food.
-Did Stefan think that he could use me to replace her?- she wondered nervously, not wanting to believe it.
-Kinda creepy if you ask me- he added with humour and looked at her, but he noticed she was a bit uncomfortable so he spoke up- Come on, what? You don't like pickles? What's wrong with you?- asked Damon mockingly as he noticed her burger and took them to continue eating.
-How can you even eat? If technically you're supposed to be...- inquired the brunette girl after watching him eat like a normal person, internally grateful at stop thinking about her boyfriend.
-Dead? That's not a bad word. As long as I keep a healthy diet of blood in my system, my body functions pretty normally- he clarified quietly, laughing for a moment at her doubts. Before they could talk further, Bree appeared with drinks which Elena decided to accept them to relax a bit and have some fun, as Damon had suggested.
Bonnie was still in the hole outside the tomb waiting to get service on her phone to call someone, when Stefan dropped down from above and managed to pull her out. Bonnie told him that she had heard the vampires locked up but the guy explained that they'd starved themselves to the point of desiccation but would need blood to revive and that, thanks to Emily's spell and having her destroy the necklace, that wouldn't happen because the vampires couldn't get out of the tomb and couldn't attack or hurt anyone.
Meanwhile, Damon and Elena were still drinking and having a little fun at Bree's bar with the aforementioned and the rest of the customers, then unnoticed by them an unknown man entered and walked to the other side of the bar away from those who were playing. Bree slyly moved a little closer to him and with her head she discreetly pointed to the vampire and the brunette girl, to which the man looked at them curiously.
When Elena went out to talk to Jenna, this man followed her and covered her mouth taking her to the back of the bar, Damon went to find her in the back and then he was attacked by this man at vampire speed who beat him until leaving him weak and threw gasoline on him. It turned out that the young man was Lee, Lexi's boyfriend, that wanted revenge on Damon for her death so he wanted to set him on fire, but Elena convinced him that since Lexi loved him and she was a good person, he was equally so he should be better than Damon and not kill him, then Lee freed him after throwing him against a wall and left leaving Elena to take care of the vampire.
Stefan took Bonnie to her grandmother's house, when the younger witch went to sleep Sheila and the vampire got to talking about the time when they had met, 1969, when Sheila went to the main topic why they had met.
-You took a big risk by coming to see me earlier. Letting me read you, realize who you were. It could have gone in a completely different way- Sheila commented, referring to their meeting earlier that afternoon.
-Your family has a long history of keeping my secret. I knew that I could trust you if you believed I was worthy of your trust- he confessed looking at her with a small smile.
-Some of your family are trustworthy, like for example your sister, although it's weird to a certain extent I like her- she clarified with a smile making the vampire smile more.
-You know her secret- he affirmed and received a nod- I knew that you knew each other from your classes, but I didn't know to what extent. Caroline is capable of winning people's trust even when it's hard- Stefan admitted while he remembered what he had talked about with his sister that day.
-Bonnie knows, doesn't she?- she asked him by way of confirmation, changing the subject.
-Most of it- replied the older guy, becoming serious at the change in the conversation.
-Pleas understand, our loyalty can only extend so far. This town won't be peaceful for any of us if they figure it out. And I'll protect my own before anyone else- Sheila warned just as seriously, the Bennetts always protected their own first.
-I know that, most do it- he agreed, thinking about his own family and the stories about them.
-As long as we're clear. Good night, then- she sent him away guiding him to the door, and the vampire also said goodnight to her heading for home.
Damon had gone into the bar again to get his jacket and talk to Bree, who happened to be an old friend of Lexi's. The witch confessed to Damon that with Emily's grimoire he could find a way to open the tomb, as if he knew how it was locked in the book there would be the reversal spell and then he could open it, but Bree didn't know where the book was. In the end the vampire ripped out her heart killing her even though he had believed her and returned to Mystic Falls with Elena, who accompanied him to the boarding house to see her boyfriend. The brunette went straight to Stefan's bedroom where she found him sitting on his bed.
-You could have told me- the girl began to complain with him, feeling irritated.
-I wanted to tell you- he tried to excuse himself while he stood next to his desk.
-You said no more lies, only the truth. I can handle the truth Stefan. As crazy as it is, I can handle the fact that you're a vampire, and that you have vampire siblings. And that my best friend is a witch. I can accept the fact that the world is a more mysterious place than I ever thought possible. But this...this lie, I cannot accept it. What am I to you? Who am I to you?- Elena questioned him walking around his room, staring at him until she stopped.
-You are not Katherine. You are the opposite of everything that she was- assured the vampire without moving.
-And when did you figure that out? Before you kissed me? Before we slept together?- she inquired looking at him fixedly, while he looked away for a few moments thinking about what to say.
-Before I met you- Stefan confessed after lifting his eyes, leaving her confused- The first day of school, when we met. It wasn't for the first time Elena, it was May 23, 2009- he kept telling her calmly to let her process that first piece of information.
-But that was...- Elena tried to say, surprised by what the guy was revealing to her.
-That was the day your parents' car went off the bridge- he finished very seriously.
-You were there?- she wanted to know, puzzled and confused, it was a lot to hear.
-Every couple of years I come back here to see Zach and to see my home. Last spring I was out in the woods by the old Wickery Bridge. And I heard the accident, all of it. I got there fast, but not fast enough. The car was already submerged. Your dad was still...he was still conscious. I was able to get to him, but he wouldn't let me help him, until I helped you- the vampire revealed to her with great seriousness what happened that night as the girl began to cry.
-Oh my God. When I woke up in the hospital, nobody knew how I got out of the car. They said it was a miracle- Elena admitted crying, she couldn't believe it had happened.
-I went back for them, but it was too late. I couldn't save them. When I pulled you out, I looked at your face and I saw that you looked like Katherine, I couldn't believe the resemblance. After that I spent months making sure that you weren't her, I learnt everything I could about you, and I saw that you were nothing like Katherine. And I wanted to leave town, but I couldn't Elena. I couldn't leave without knowing you. I'm so sorry that I didn't tell you. I wanted to but you were so sad and you had been through so much- Stefan apologized regretfully for not telling her the truth, but it would be too big and painful for her.
-Why do I look like her Stefan? What aren't you telling me?- the brunette demanded to know, staring at her boyfriend intensely. She had heard something very important and disconcerting from him about her parents, but she didn't want any more secrets and just wanted to hear the truth.
-It didn't make any sense to me. You were a Gilbert, she was a Pierce. But the resemblance was very similar, and then I discovered the truth- the older one began, pausing before dropping the bombshell- You were adopted, Elena- he revealed, seeing how bewildered she was.
Caroline had heard from Sheila what Stefan had done for Bonnie and the heretic was a bit grateful for the vampire's actions while she thought about her own family. Just like the Bennetts, the Salvatores always put their own first and she was just like her ancestors in that. She wouldn't let anything happen to Stefan and Damon if she could help it, it was what she had always done.
Mid-August 1863. Caroline was in her bedroom behind her dressing screen, she was looking at herself in her full length mirror while unsuccessfully trying to lace up her corset when there was a faint knock and then the door opening.
-Good morning sweetie, do you need help with the corset?- she heard her grandmother speak and smiled.
-Good morning grandma. And yes, I think that it is tangled- she commented aloud and heard her approach, then she saw her lightly in the mirror and gave her the corset strings- Grandma, how many days are we going to be without practising magic?- asked suddenly the siphoner after a few moments of silence.
-You know that you cannot practice when your father is here, he does not like the supernatural world. And he'll come to visit us with Stefan for a week. So classes will be suspended for at least a week- she answered her calmly after tying the garment and looking for a dress.
-I know, father is strange. I wish Damon would come to visit us as well, too bad that you could not stop him from going to war- she admitted wistfully while she thought about her oldest brother.
-I would have liked to avoid it too honey, but Damon wanted to do it for your father and for the family's reputation. But do not worry, your brother will be fine- she said smiling.
-You did something to protect him, right?- the youngest girl insinuated as she finished putting on her dress.
-Of course, I would do anything for my grandchildren. The three of you are the most important thing to me. And do not forget what I've always told you- added the witch, helping her to fix her clothes.
-Family comes before anything else. We take care of our loved ones with everything we have. I know grandma, and I will take care of my brothers as much as I can. I'm the one who can do it at being special, right?- she accepted with a straight face looking at herself in the mirror, but then her grandmother turned her around.
-Being a siphoner is who you are, little girl, and what makes you happy. But never forget to have your own life. Now, how about if we have breakfast and then go to practice magic in the study?- the older one suggested as she smiled warmly at her, making her smile in return, and they went downstairs to the dining room.
After some moments of much surprise, Stefan explained to Elena how he had discovered everything after doing a bit of search, but that he hadn't checked the Pierce family tree so as not to draw attention to himself so he didn't know anything else about her family. Then he assured her that he didn't care about any of that because Elena was the one he loved and hugged her warmly while she cried about everything she had discovered that night.
Later, Elena returned home angry about everything that her family had hidden. When Jenna tried to question her about where she had been all day and why she was lying to her, something she had not expected from her, Elena questioned her if she knew about her adoption, a fact that she ended up confirming by adding that she hadn't told her because of her parents, but Elena ended up upset and going to lock herself in her bedroom.
And that's all for now! Like I said at first, I was a little excited for this part since it's the first flashback I have done that wasn't part of the show, and I wanted to know if it was well done or there is something to change for the future, please let me know! And here is a little explanation.
Caroline didn't appear in this episode so to add her I decided to use it to show a bit of her past, since Lost Girls was focused on her brothers so she has her own place. In the previous parts I mentioned grandma Salvatore and that she was important for Caroline, here I revealed her name and bit of why she's important for her. She raised and taught Caroline most that she knows of life and magic, she made her feel good with what she was and inspired her to not be afraid to reach her potential, that's why she loves Emma so much. I left a bit other details that will be explained later, hope it helps! And here's a summary for the next part, see you soon!
Chapter 12 - Unpleasantville:
Stefan and Damon try to figure out who the new vampire in town is, as they accompany Elena to the school dance to protect her and Damon meets Alaric. At the same time, Caroline is confused by Matt's weird attitudes, so she tries to talk to him.