Hello there! Here's a new chapter of this story, I'm glad to be doing this and to have gotten some responses from the previous chapters. It makes me think that I'm doing a good job with the story.
In this chapter I added a few things about Caroline's past and what changed in her story. I put it because Stefan talked about his family, so I decided to add a few parts of hers as well. Later I'll try to summarise it just in case, but if there are any doubt please let me know!
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
A couple of days after the incident with Damon at the Founder's Party, Stefan had left his older brother locked in a cell in the mansion, and had gone to check on him.
-Where is my ring?- Damon asked faintly, lying on the floor of the cell when he heard him.
-You won't be needing it anymore- the younger guy said, looking at him through the bars of the door.
-How long have I been here?- asked the older one, barely shaking his head without looking at his brother.
-Three days- he answered calmly without taking his eyes off him.
-What are you doing?- he questioned, angry at being locked up and weakened.
-During the dark ages, when a vampire acted in a way that exposed or brought harm upon the entire race, they would face judgement. They sought to reeducate them rather than to punish them- Stefan explained firmly.
-You know what will happen if I don't... feed on blood- Damon reminded him, staring at one of the walls.
-You'll grow weaker and weaker, then you won't be able to move. In a week your skin will desiccate, you'll mummify. You'll be a living corpse. Unable to hurt anyone, ever- the younger vampire declared.
-So what do you want? Leave me here in the basement forever? The two of you agreed to this?- he hinted irritated at his current situation while he thought of his younger siblings.
-Caroline had nothing to do with this. I injected you with enough vervain to keep you weak. Once your circulation stops, I'll move you to the family crypt and in 50 years we will reevaluate- he informed the older guy as he continued to stare at him, noting that he was very pale.
-I'm stronger than you think- warned his brother, trying to turn his head to look at him.
-You always have been, but not stronger than the vervain, and we both know it. I'm sorry, it didn't have to be like this- Stefan apologised as he looked at him with regret for his plan and went upstairs.
Meanwhile, Elena was in the kitchen talking to her aunt Jenna about Stefan, whom she hadn't seen since the Founder's Party. Jenna thought that the brunette girl was wrong for not talking to her boyfriend those days and if she didn't think to call him so they could talk, but the girl affirmed that although she was annoyed by the situation and his lack of answers, she wasn't going to be like other girls and start suffering because the guy didn't call her, and she knew that she would be fine.
Back at the Salvatore mansion, Stefan had made sure the door to his brother's cell was locked and started looking around the house for Zach.
-He's awake, weak but please don't go into the basement. It's Damon, I'm not sure how dangerous he still might be- Stefan warned Zach in the kitchen before he left for school.
-Are you going to school?- the younger one asked as he looked at him leaning against the table.
-I want to go see Caroline. We were talking yesterday, but she's not too keen on desiccating Damon, so I want to talk about it in person. Also I want to see how she's doing after what happened at the party- he told his nephew with some seriousness.
-It was possible that she wouldn't agree, she seems like someone peaceful even if she has a bad temper at times. But that's all you're going for?- insisted the human with a certain suspicion on his face.
-Sometimes she can be peaceful. Besides, I came here to live a life, it's about time I get back to that. And to Elena if she still speaks to me- the vampire finished explaining his reasons with certainty in his voice.
-Why haven't you called her?- Zach wanted to know, a little confused by his uncle's actions.
-What was I supposed to do? Tell her another lie? I hate lying to her Zach, she never believes me. She thinks that I'm hiding something from her- Stefan replied, frustrated at the thought of his problem with Elena.
-You don't have any choice. You came back here to live as normal as you could, that's what was going to happen- the human reminded him so that he would understand, and left Stefan in thought.
For her part, Caroline didn't think Damon deserved to be locked up in the family crypt for years, in fact she thought that maybe with some time he'd learn his lesson and they would try to make things right between the three of them. But Stefan believed their brother wouldn't change if they weren't more serious with him and it was all to protect her, Elena and the whole town.
Aside from thinking about her family problems, Caroline was focusing on the fundraiser she had organized where they were going to wash cars. She was walking down the school hallway giving instructions for the event, feeling some eyes on her, and looking for her brother to continue talking. She saw that he was talking to Elena, and hearing them from afar she learnt that they had arranged to meet and talk at the Grill that afternoon, so she decided to approach them after that moment.
-Hey guys. Stefan, how's Damon?- she asked after getting near the couple. These days she had tried to focus more on school than on Damon because Stefan and she hadn't been able to get on the same page, and she had hardly approached anyone apart from a few people.
-Hi Caroline, I know he's fine. But you know well that he's already gone- the vampire said, trying to end the subject of the oldest vampire, something that his younger sister didn't accept.
-You know well that I don't think it's a good idea for him to leave- the heretic tried to reason with him again slyly, if necessary she'd keep insisting him to give up his idea.
-And you know that Damon leaving is the best thing- he reiterated not wanting to talk about the vampire anymore, she had to think it was the best thing for her since he had used and attacked her when he stopped trusting her. But Caroline had always been too good for her own good.
-Even if it hurts Stefan's right, that's a good thing Caroline- the brunette girl tried to add to lighten up the mood and convince the girl, but only earned a serious look from her.
-No offense but don't talk Elena- the blonde girl replied and went to her locker, ignoring Stefan calling out to her, sometimes she couldn't help being mean or harsh with her even if she tried.
-Excuse Caroline, Damon's problem is difficult for her- Stefan apologized to the girl embarrased, he would talk to his sister later so she could apologize.
-It's ok, I understand that this must be complicated for all of you. No offense but she doesn't seem to be very nice when she gets irritated anyway- Elena accepted smiling slightly at him, she admitted that the blonde girl tried to be nice but sometimes she could behave like a witch.
In the basement, Damon spoke to Zach who revealed that he took care of the vervain, and his nephew reproached him how he hated it when he showed up out of the blue because it reminded him that the house wasn't his and he was living because of him, and Damon tried to attack him but then Stefan intervened. He didn't believe the human's nerve, he talked about not owning the house but when he and his brother came back they had to behave under his rules, and Caroline that was the best behaved of the three didn't like living in their house because of the discomfort the youngest one caused her.
Speaking of Caroline, he was sorry for what he had done. He had accused her of allying with their other brother against him and the poor girl had nothing to do with that, all the heretic had ever wanted was to fix the relationship between the olders because of how she loved them and he had only hurt her without trying to ask her before. He hoped he could apologize to her before his brother locked him up, or he could find a way out first.
Elena had arrived at the Grill to meet Stefan so they could talk, and since she'd arrived first she was waiting for him with Matt, but her boyfriend was already running late.
-How late is he?- Matt wanted to know as he watched her check her phone again.
-A full hour, but it's all right because I'm not gonna talk about my relationship problems with you- Elena clarified after putting her phone down and they were still playing pool.
-Good because it's not like we were best friends- the guy reminded her, smiling slightly.
-Ok, here goes. What do you think of Stefan? Is he a good guy?- asked the girl suddenly to her friend who stretched upright to get a better look at her.
-Why? What is he doing?- he questioned concerned for her, who hurried to answer.
-It's not that he's doing anything, but he has secrets Matt. I think there's something that he doesn't want me to know and that's why I want to know all the more- said the girl to her friend before he thought badly of her boyfriend.
-Like what? That he's a serial killer and has a suit in his trunk?- joked Matt with a humorous smile, that made his friend smile in return.
-No, of course not. But what do we know about him? Really- she hinted to get her point across.
-He's good at football. He's a bit of a loner. He has a sister who is similar to him. And as much as it bothers me, I think he's nice- the guy listed honestly.
-You mean Caroline? She has to do with this since she knows everything about Stefan and what he hides, in fact she confirmed something to me. But she can't tell me anything. And what do you mean with that she's similar to him?- she inquired, confused and curious at the thought of the Salvatore girl.
-Well, Caroline is reserved with her family and sometimes she has that same mysterious air, I suppose it's a family thing. But what I do know is that she hasn't lived with her brothers for a while now and something about another relative I think- Matt told her a bit of what he knew about his friend.
-So both siblings seem mysterious? So I'm not paranoid- Elena hesitated a bit when she heard about the other girl, the blonde girl sometimes gave off weird vibes.
-You should talk to him- Matt advised her, and she was about to speak when Stefan arrived. He tried to apologize for being late, but the girl couldn't help but feel a little annoyed he hadn't called or texted her to let her know he was late.
-I'm really sorry, it was unavoidable- the vampire kept apologizing after Matt left them alone to talk when he noticed some kind of tension between them.
-What was unavoidable?- Elena questioned waiting for his answer, but when the guy remained silent she continued seriously- Sure- she muttered ironically and was about to leave.
-Elena please- Stefan pleaded, turning around to continue talking to her
-Stefan, don't you get it? You only give me vague answers. What is so awful that you don't want to tell me- the younger girl complained in annoyance. Stefan was about to speak to try to make things right when a very old man came up surprised looking at Stefan.
-My God. I know you. How can it be?- the man asked Stefan, making him nervous.
-I think you have the wrong person- the guy suggested, keeping his cool in front of the man.
-You haven't aged a day- the man continued still staring at him, confusing Elena who looked at her boyfriend blankly. Stefan looked at her in the same way, knowing the doubts she had.
-I'm sorry- he apologized to the man and turned to Elena- Can I take you home so we can talk about this?- he asked as he lightly pushed her away from the Grill.
-Wait. What was that?- the human questioned, stopping before they left and looking at him.
-I, I don't know. Nothing- excused the vampire, knowing he couldn't tell him any of that.
-Right, nothing. I have to go Stefan, sorry- Elena said goodbye, looking a little resigned for a few moments and left the Grill, angrier than before for all his lies.
While almost everyone was in their own trouble, Sheriff Forbes and her team had been searching the caves and abandoned buildings for vampires, but they had come to the conclusion that they might be living in town. Logan was going to take it upon himself to get the Gilbert watch by first looking for the male member of the Gilbert family, Jeremy. What they didn't know was that someone was getting some confidential information from the police.
-So the Sheriff and police have already searched in caves and in abandoned houses, and found nothing- Caroline repeated what her compelled police informant had told her over the phone.
-Yes. Now the Sheriff believes that there could be vampires in town- the young man continued to say.
-Interesting. Thank you for telling me- she thanked him with a smile as she sat down on her bed- Go on with your job. And remember to tell me any details about vampires, understood?- the heretic repeated with great seriousness in her voice. It had been a good idea to get a spy.
-Yes, Miss Salvatore, I'll tell you every detail- agreed the man and ended the call, that he didn't remember making at first and continued working. While Caroline remained thoughtful.
On the other hand, Elena was in her room feeling bad about what had happened that evening with Stefan, when Jeremy appeared and suggested that she go down to the kitchen to get something to eat. Elena went downstairs to get food, but was surprised to find Stefan cooking.
-Stefan, what are you doing here?- she asked in surprise, entering the kitchen.
-Dinner. Jeremy told me that chicken parmesan is one of your favourites and I happen to be a good cook. An Italian cliché. I even know how to make my own mozzarella, only today is very sad since I bought it, sorry- commented the vampire as he cooked and showed her the cheese.
-I don't know what you're up to- the brunette clarified, moving a little closer to him.
-You want to know me, right? I guess if you dump me, you should at least get to know me. I'll start with Katherine- he declared as he looked back and forth between Elena and what he was doing.
-Stefan- the human girl murmured as she watched him, inwardly surprised by what he said.
-She was the most beautiful girl I had ever met. She had this perfect olive skin. She had a laugh that, it was ridiculous, her laugh made you laugh. She was fun, she knew how to have fun- Stefan began to explain while he smiled slightly every few minutes, as did Elena, but then he became serious- But Katherine was very impatient, entitled and selfish, and impulsive. Enter Damon, said he was with her first, I don't know. I do know that I did some things I'm not proud of. And my biggest mistake was not making it right before she died. I miss her, but I know that her loss no longer holds me back- he said while they stared at each other, both inwardly relieved he was being honest.
Elena and Stefan continued to cook together while the vampire kept telling her things about him so Elena could get to know him better. At one point Elena cut her finger and bled, which made Stefan's vampiric features appear without him being able to help it. The girl had thought she had seen them in the reflection in her window, but she kept thinking about that moment.
The next day everyone was at the car wash fundraiser, and Caroline was walking around as she kept an eye on everyone to make sure the car wash went well. Elena and Stefan were still together after their revealing impromptu dinner.
-You're getting soap in that- Elena commented to Stefan, referring to his ring as they were washing a car together, the vampire looked down and saw his ring stained with soap.
-It's fine- he said without taking it too seriously since it was only soap and water.
-I noticed that Damon has one too, but Caroline doesn't have one. Does it have a story?- the brunette girl asked curiously. Stefan thought about what to answer since he couldn't tell her that it was actually his daylight ring that allowed him to go out in the sun as a vampire.
-Yeah, it's the family crest from the Italian renaissance. Caroline had one too but she lost it a while ago and never replaced it- the older guy invented thinking that he should tell the blonde girl that later.
-And what is that stone?- Elena wanted to know, getting near him and taking his hand with the ring.
-It's called lapis lazuli- he told her while looking at the blue stone for a moment and then at her.
-You should take it off. Do I put it in my bag?- offered the brunette, looking at her boyfriend to see what he would say, who let go of her grip gently to continue washing the car.
-No, it's fine. But thanks though- he rejected respectfully since he couldn't take it off.
-Sure, I'll get some towels- the younger girl commented suspiciously and went off in another direction.
After a while Elena ran into the man who had insisted the day before on knowing Stefan. The man explained to her how he believed he'd seen Stefan Salvatore many years ago in town, specifically in 1953, visiting his uncle Joseph with his older brother Damon Salvatore. That increased the brunette's suspicions, so when she saw Stefan nearby she decided to try to get some more information out of him.
-Hey, I realised I had no idea your family was from Italy- she commented to her boyfriend so that he would tell her about them when he approached her.
-No? Last name Salvatore didn't tell you anything?- Stefan replied with humour as he smiled.
-Right, are there any other Salvatores in Mystic Falls?- she asked trying to find out more, there had to be something that family was hiding from her.
-Only my sister and my uncle Zach- he told her, wondering at her sudden curiosity.
-Where did everyone else go?- Elena kept trying curious, maybe there was a logical explanation for everything that was going on.
-They kinda just spread out- he lied a bit on that part, of his family there was only his nephew left.
-And Caroline always lived with you two?- she tried to go in other direction. She remembered that she had arrived the year before and she hadn't seen her with any other relatives besides her uncle Zach, and with him they didn't even seem close. She also remembered what Matt had told her earlier.
-When she was little she went to live with our grandmother, who died a few years ago, and then I don't know why she moved in with a guardian until last year when she moved here- explained the vampire. The heretic's story was more or less true, only that instead of a guardian she had moved in with her brothers and that their grandmother had died a long time ago.
-What about her guardian? What happened to him?- she inquired confused, as she couldn't remember ever seeing her with a guardian. Although that woud explain the other relative Matt had told her about.
-I think he travelled a lot, then Caroline did something so he wouldn't have to look after her all the time. But I think she visits him from time to time- lied Stefan, fortunately his sister had told him what people believed of her- Why?- he questioned suspicious of so many questions.
-Nothing, I'm just trying to learn more about you all- she excused herself with an innocent smile trying to convince him, and it seemed to have worked since he smiled at her too.
Elena was still suspicious of the Salvatores and of Stefan, so she asked Logan Fell if he could let her look at old news reports for a "school report", that he agreed to do in exchange for a date with Jenna at the Gilbert house. Actually, Elena wanted reports from the 1950s to see news about Joseph Salvatore's death in 1953 and if it had anything to do with Stefan.
At the Salvatore mansion, Damon used his remaining strength to pound on the wall where the door was until it broke and created a crack that grew from his pounding, drawing the attention of Zach who tried to get nearer to close the door properly. He struggled with Damon to close the door, until Damon managed to open it, grabbed him by the neck and killed him. He tried to get out to find something to feed on, but remembered that Stefan had his daylight ring.
Caroline was trying to control everything at the fundraiser and make sure that everything went according to plan, and she thought that she was doing a good job. She had been walking around the place while keeping an eye on everyone else, then she approached the table they were working at.
-Hi Caroline- she turned around and saw Stefan walking towards her while she was busy arranging the money in a box and folding some towels.
-Hi Stef, how's it going?- she greeted him with a smile that her brother reciprocated.
-Fine, you seem in a good mood- he commented as he helped her arrange the towels.
-Yeah, I'm taking care of this to distract myself. Besides, I couldn't let them ruin the fundraising- joked the blonde, sitting down on the chair next to the table after arranging everything.
-You always want to have everything under control. I wanted to ask you something, what does everyone know about your tutor?- wanted to know the vampire standing near him as he remembered his talk with Elena.
-Well, they asked me a lot about who I lived with and how I lived, so I said I had a guardian. And a friend of mine got me a fake piece of paper that I could be alone if I visited him every so often. A good way to explain the money and the house alone, right?- she explained, smiling proudly at her plan.
-Wow, you covered every part of your plan. Good idea- he nodded, smiling at how clever she was.
-I covered everything in case I couldn't compel someone. But I think I already told you, why your sudden curiosity?- the heretic questioned as she eyed him suspiciously.
-Elena was asking me things about us a while ago. And she asked me something about your guardian, luckily you had told me- he answered, crossing his arms.
-She asked you about us? If I were you I'd be careful with that, she might be suspicious of you. And speaking of that, I wanted to tell you something- she clarified as she looked at him with seriousness, she was going to tell him what she had found out about the Council.
-Tell me, you know you can tell me anything- he assured her wiping off his smile. But before she cold say anything, Caroline saw Bonnie arguing with one of the girls, and suddenly a car caught fire.
-Oh my God- Stefan blurted out surprised by what they were seeing, then the two of them looked at each other and silently decided to leave their conversation for later.
-You take care of Bonnie, I'll check around- ordered the heretic and went to another side after seeing the vampire nod. Stefan approached Bonnie, noticing that she was in some kind of trance watching the fire, and took her by the shoulders to look at him as the fire went out.
-What just happened?- Bonnie asked confused, as she didn't quite understand what had happened.
-You were in some kind of a trance- he explained, hoping that she'd calm down a bit so that she wouldn't continue casting spells, at least in that public place.
-Did I do that?- the baffled witch wanted to know, and she got worried when he nodded- Please don't tell anyone- Stefan nodded again while he received a thumbs up from the blonde girl.
Elena had visited the television station with Logan, who had left to cover the fire at the school, and she'd searched the archives from 1953. She had found a video report of the attack on Joseph Salvatore at the Salvatore boarding house. In the video they were talking about the animal attack and when they zoomed in on the door of the house she could see Stefan.
Later when he couldn't find his girlfriend anywhere, Stefan returned to the mansion hoping to take a look at Damon, but he didn't expect to find Zach dead near the basement and the door to the cell his brother was in open and with a crack. Damon had somehow escaped and maybe he was in big trouble. So he decided to call his sister, hoping she could help him find the oldest.
-Stefan, I'm a little tired so I hope it's important- was the first thing he heard from the heretic when she answered the call.
-Caroline, we have a problem- he answered her firmly, something the heretic sensed.
-Something bad happened, didn't it? I knew something was going to happen- she responded with a certain tired tone and he listened to her moving things around, sure she'd already arrived home.
-Yes, I arrived at the mansion and I found Zach dead- the vampire began to tell her one of his news, he was thinking of saving the worst for last.
-What?! What do you mean he's dead? And Damon?- she almost screamed in surprise and worry, she couldn't believe that their nephew was dead. But the weird feeling in her chest got bigger when she didn't hear anything of her other older brother.
-That's the worst, Damon escaped and I don't know where he is- the older one finally revealed to her after pulling the phone away from his ear. He thought it would be for the best knowing the heretic.
-What?! What do you mean he escaped?!-he heard, and that was a good idea considering his sister shouted more than she asked. The girl was upset, that was the feeling in her chest.
-Yeah, somehow he escaped. Can you help me look for him?- he asked after bringing the phone to his ear again, though it was obvious she was going to help him.
-Sure, I'll look for him and send you the address. And then we'll talk about your plan for Damon- she assured him firmly, implying him that they would surely talk, and after saying goodbye she cut the call.
Caroline was worried sick, Damon had escaped from the house and had killed Zach. All she could think about was looking for him and finding him before someone else did, or worse, someone from the Council found him first. At first she was going to look for him herself, but then she decided to stay home in case something bad happened, so she just cast a locator spell and sent Stefan the address of where the oldest one was.
Elena, on the other hand, had returned home from her trip to the television station. The truth was that she didn't know what to think of what she'd seen of Stefan, so she decided to write in her diary.
-"Dear diary, I don't believe in anything. People are born, they grow old, and then they die. That's the world we live in. There's no magic, no mysticism, no immortality. There is nothing that defies rational thought"- she wrote, sitting at the window as she reminisced about recent events.
Bonnie had gone to her grams's house after what had happened in the car park. Even though she didn't want to admit it, something strange was going on with her, she was beginning to believe the things her grandmother told her about being witches and they descended from Salem witches, and she hoped that she'd help her understand everything that was happening to her.
While at the Gilbert house while everyone was busy, Logan took advantage of Jenna leaving him alone and went up to Jeremy's bedroom and took the Gilbert watch without anyone knowing it.
-"People should be who they say they are, and not lie or hide their true selves. It's not possible, I don't believe in anything, I can't do it. But how can I deny what's in front of me? Someone who never grows old"- she remembered the register of 1864 with Stefan's name, the man who claimed to have met him in 1953 and the images she had seen from that year.
-"Never gets hurt"- she remembered that game where she thought he'd hurt himself- "Someone who changes in ways that can't be explained"- then those times when she thought she'd seen his eyes change- "Girls bitten, bodies drained of blood"- then she remembered the attack Vicki had suffered, and how at first the girl had confessed to being attacked by a vampire.
Damon had arrived at the cemetery, despite being really weak, where Vicki Donovan and her friends were, and bit her. Meanwhile, after receiving a message from Caroline who sent him Damon's whereabouts, Stefan ran out of his house with a stake in hand hoping he wouldn't have to use it, but he didn't expect to find Elena outside.
-What are you?- the girl asked while staring at him, and the vampire knew that one of his mysteries was going to end sooner than he thought. But he could tell by the look on the brunette girl's face that there was no turning back from whatever she was thinking.
And that's all! I hope that you enjoyed this, I'm doing my best to do this enjoyable and understandable, but sorry for any mistake. Please if you like it, leave any response you want (review, follow, etc). Everything is welcome! Now a little clarification.
When Caroline was a kid, she went to live with her grandmother (that I mentioned in chapter 2) until the woman died. Then she moved back with Damon and Stefan, some time later they turned into vampires and began their 'new' lives. During 2008, Caroline decided to live in Mystic Falls and lived with Zach until leaving him, and not to draw attention she said that she had a guardian that left her live alone as long as she visited him, with 'official' papers that made it very real. That way Caroline could explain the house alone and all the money she had without working. Later I will add more details about Caroline's new story, I hope it's a well done change.
Something more, the storylines that don't change in any way or are not important to the plot I summarised them or I left them out and happened 'off-screen', so that way the chapters are not too long. I thought it was enough with all the other scenes that are important to the plot. But leave any comment if you have questions. And I will leave here a summary of the next chapter like always, see you!
Chapter 6 - Lost Girls:
Elena demands Stefan tell her about his secret and his past with his siblings. Stefan tells her the truth about his history with Damon and Katherine, hoping she won't say anything after receiving some warnings from Caroline, who doubts about trusting Stefan's promise.
