Hello everyone! Here we are, with a new chapter of this story that I enjoy writing so much (although the checks and changes of the parts take some time). I'm not fully pleased with how the part ended up being but I feel fine at the same time, it was kind of hard to do and decide what to leave or what to let out, so please tell me if it's fine or if everything was understood. And also I wanted to thank the responses, they are so special for me, thanks!
Before, I wanted to answer the reviews of alexaguamenti, thank you for writing! You can ask what you want and here I am to answer! Damon using Caroline to siphon the seal in the tomb: I gave a small reason why he didn't ask, but in this chapter it will be more explored that. Although I can say this: some times Caroline is kind of more logical and cautious than her brothers, it's as if she hears the idea and starts to think of the consequences. Plus, it was implied that she isn't a big Kath fan unlike Damon (also he didn't ask for the sake of the plot and a bit of drama hahahaha). Hope that it was understandable, later it's like better explained. Enjoy the part!
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
It was a night in early September 1864, a carriage was passing by when the driver saw a man lying in the road and a woman walking towards them. The woman, who was Katherine, asked the driver to go check on the man that she told him was her husband, and when the passenger got out to see what was happening he ended up being attacked to death by the vampire. When the driver turned around for the screams he ended up being killed just the same.
Katherine turned to see the young man in the road, which was Damon. The older one was teaching him how to feed since he wanted to be a vampire, but he looked scared and somewhat disgusted by the blood, though he decided to taste it when she asked him to kiss her with blood still in her mouth.
A few days later, Elena and Stefan were lying in Stefan's bedroom after waking up when they noticed Damon's presence, so they covered themselves with the sheets.
-Now listen, we have very important matters to discuss- Damon affirmed seriously, sitting at the foot of the bed after teasing the couple for a while.
-And it has to be right now?- asked Elena irritated when she realized that he had seen them sleeping.
-Well, we have lots to do, now that we are all friends and working for a common goal- he explained getting up from the bed while the others looked at each other- So in order to open the tomb, we need to find the journal to get the grimoire to undo the spell. First things first, since you are Elena Gilbert, you're in charge of the journal- he ordered turning around to point to the girl, who was with Stefan covered by the sheet.
-Since when am I helping?- inquired the brunette girl, confused by her tasks.
-Well, Stefan is helping, and you've taken up residence in Stefan's bed, so...- he clarified.
-You don't have to do anything that you don't want to do- Stefan added as he looked at Elena.
-I'll look for it tonight- the younger girl agreed resignedly, lying down and covering herself with the sheet.
-How do we know that this journal will hold the location of the grimoire? Are we really going to take the word of this vampire? He seemed a bit of a dimwit- questioned the younger vampire doubtfully.
-In lieu of any other option- commented the other vampire as if it were obvious.
-Okay, what exactly is a grimoire, anyway?- Elena asked, uncovering herself and looking at Damon.
-It's a witch's cookbook- he answered mockingly looking at her while he crossed his arms.
-Every spell that a witch casts is unique in itself, so every witch would document their work- Stefan explained, while staring at Elena to explain better what it was.
-Yeah, cookbook. The witches write their work there, and they can write more than one if they have several spells- added the oldest one, a bit serious when thinking about his family's grimoires.
-What about our mystery vampire? The dimwit obviously wasn't working alone, so whoever is out there knows who we are- inquired the vampire with curiousity.
-And I don't like that disadvantage, so... chop, chop. You know, I really like this whole team play, threesome thing. Don't screw it up. Do your part as I follow a lead- Damon commented looking at them for a moment smirking and left the room, determined to try another plan of his own, to visit his sister. Meanwhile, Elena and Stefan were left kissing on the bed.
In mid-September, Katherine was in her bed with Damon when Emily interrupted them to tell her that her friend Pearl wanted to see her. At going downstairs she met the woman and they went out into the garden of the Salvatore estate. There Pearl explained to her that Honoria Fell had taken an elixir to the apothecary that turned out to have vervain in it and asked her to sell it to everyone.
Pearl was also a vampire, and the founding families of the town were trying to use the vervain to find them, so she thought they should leave but Katherine still didn't want to leave. Then Pearl's daughter, who turned out to be Anna, approached. What none of them knew was that they were being spied on by someone who found the news of the vervain very interesting.
Caroline was quiet at home arranging things in her study when Damon arrived, to whom she offered some cookies she knew that he liked after letting him in and looked at him doubtfully.
-Damon, can you tell me if you want help with something? I'm busy arranging my study- she asked standing in the kitchen while crossing her arms, watching him swallow before speaking.
-I didn't distract you from anything important. But I do want a favor, I want you to remove the spell on the tomb to open it and free the vampires- he explained while he smiled and put down the cookies.
-What? You want me to open that tomb, where your ex is? No, I won't do it. If those mummies end up getting out, let it be in the slow and tedious way. I won't stand Stefan's anger- denied the younger girl turning around and going to her study, followed by Damon who kept talking.
-With Stefan we're working together to open the tomb. So once you siphon the spell, I leave with Katherine, he stays here with Elena and you have your quiet life again. He's working with me because it's a win-win- revealed insistent the vampire behind her.
-So you two made a very weird truce. But you're going to leave all those vengeful vampires here in Mystic Falls? No thanks, I'm not going to siphon that spell. This is not a solution, it's just a mistake- Caroline declared seriously, organizing jars of herbs on some shelves.
-How about if you help me find Emily's grimoire, huh? You help me find it and I'll do the rest. Yes? Yes? Yes?- the older guy insisted, standing close to her and poking her arm without stopping.
-Fine! I'll just look for the book once, and if I don't find it that's it. No more help with that tomb- she offered after pushing his hand away irritated. She walked to a shelf full of books, looked through them slightly until she picked up a dark green one and went to sit at her desk to start reading it.
-Can't you just snap your fingers and make the grimoire appear? Is it necessary to wait here in your study? I don't like the paint, though, it looks dull- he commented, while looking around.
-Don't complain about the colour, it's nice and it's my place. And it's not my fault that you have bad taste sometimes- replied the blonde looking at the mahogany colored walls, then she stared at him- Now let me focus, ok? Phasmato Novophu Encaris, Phasmato Novophu Encaris- she recited as she closed her eyes. Damon saw her frown in deep concentration, and was a little worried to see some blood getting out of her nose. After a while she opened her eyes leaning back in her chair.
-Are you okay? Do you know where is the book?- he asked slowly, checking to make sure that she was fine.
-Yeah, just tired. I don't know where the book is, I just saw a very dark place. There must be something that prevents me from getting it because I tried hard and nothing- the heretic explained to him, breathing a little exhausted and cleaning her blood. Damon looked curious at that gesture and his gaze softened.
-So I'm back where I started, with nothing. But thanks for the spell Caroline- thanked the vampire smiling a little at her, which she did as well and before she spoke to him he left her.
-Really? Thank you for at least staying a moment longer with me. Why do people make me irritated if I have rude brothers?- she asked ironically out loud and went to look for blood.
Elena was looking for the Gilbert journal being helped by Stefan. The girl was doubtful about the whole plan of lying to Damon since for her the vampire did all that for love and it was sad, but Stefan believed that his brother only liked to hurt people, and he explained to her that every time he had given him a chance to come back into his life Damon had made him regret it, and he didn't want to repeat that mistake. They were still looking for the journal when Jeremy appeared and told them that he had lent the book to his teacher Alaric.
Alaric was at the school reading the Gilbert journal and making copies when he heard noises, which were made by Anna, and went outside leaving the journal on his desk. He took from his bag a gun that used wooden stakes and went out, after waiting for a few moments he fired finding Stefan, who stopped the stake and took him back to the classroom to interrogate him. After some prodding from the vampire, Alaric confessed to him that his ex-wife had investigated supernatural activity in the area of Virginia so he went to research, and that she had been killed by a vampire. Later, they discovered that the Gilbert journal had disappeared out of thin air.
Anna had stolen the journal and she was reading it in the hotel room, it was all garbage until she read a part where Johnathan was talking about her mother Pearl.
Katherine and Pearl were in the latter's apothecary with Anna and Emily. The former ones were speaking about the problem in town and that they should leave, but Katherine ended up revealing that she planned to turn both Salvatore brothers and also wanted them away from their annoying youngest sister. In that moment arrived Johnathan Gilbert, who seemed to like Pearl.
Outside the Salvatore mansion, Giuseppe Salvatore was walking with his older sons while his daughter was getting ready to leave. He had decided to talk to them about the vampires in town, and being part of the founding families they needed their help with the plan, Stefan agreed to help them while Damon remained silent. But what they didn't know was that Caroline was spying on them from the mirror in her bedroom with great interest.
-Something else boys, I do not want you to tell Caroline of this. It is a man's problem so it's of no interest to her- Caroline heard her father say and she couldn't help but get angry, then she heard her older brothers agree not to tell her anything and rolled her eyes wearily.
-They as always underestimate me, but better for me- she said aloud leaving the mirror on her dressing table and took her brush- As grandma used to say, being underestimated sometimes is not bad since no one gets in your way- she remembered while she smirked and brushed her hair.
She admitted that her grandmother was quite right as they hardly paid attention to her or cared about what she did, in fact she always managed to do what she wanted or could know what was going on around her, such as the problem of the vervain and the vampires in town.
Meanwhile, Stefan was still interrogating Alaric in the school classroom.
-How long have you been aware of me?- Stefan asked, sitting at Alaric's desk.
-I found out recently, and I guess your sister is too. What about your brother?- wanted to know the human, sitting in one of his students' seats.
-You met Damon- he affirmed with seriousness, slightly curious about the encounter.
-Who do you think killed my wife?- he replied serious but without showing any emotion.
-Are you certain it was Damon?- the older guy questioned, concerned about what he had heard.
-I witnessed it- revealed the teacher, slightly irritated by all the interrogation.
-If you're here for revenge, this is going to end very badly for you- he admitted with a calm tone while staring at him, since no one would let him go through with the plan.
-I just want to know what happened with my wife- Alaric clarified shaking his head a little.
-I thought you just said that Damon...- the vampire hinted confused at what he had added.
-Yeah. I saw him draining the life out of her. He must have heard me coming. He just... disappeared. So did her body. They never found her- he explained averting his gaze, and Stefan analyzed him.
-Damon can't know what you are doing here. He'll kill you without blinking- he warned after a few seconds.
-I can't take care of myself- assured him the younger one, believing that he was capable of taking care of himself with his weapons.
-No, you can't. I can help you, if you let me- offered Stefan staring at him a little mockingly for thinking that he could take care of himself from his siblings, while Alaric looked at him curious about his offer.
Meanwhile, Damon was cooking at Elena's house for her and her family. He took advantage of a moment that he was with the brunette girl alone to talk to her about this new brotherhood Stefan was offering him and wanted to know if he could really trust him, something that made the girl feel bad but she ended up affirming him that he could trust Stefan. Damon explained to her that he used to trust Stefan more than anyone else in the world, but he would do anything to get Katherine back and even take care of whoever got in his way. Later Stefan joined the dinner party, confused to see his brother there.
One day Katherine was playing croquet with Giuseppe who seemed to like her, when his older sons arrived and stood around watching the game. Stefan believed that since they got along they could tell their father that Katherine was a vampire and he could help them keep her safe, but Damon knew that their father was only going to kill her himself so he asked him not to tell their father about it, which his brother promised to do.
They were all being watched from a distance by Caroline who had returned from walking in the woods, which she had been doing for a while. Since Katherine's arrival she felt that there was something strange with her and for some reason she didn't trust her, so upon seeing that Pearl the owner of he apothecary wanted to talk to the brunette girl, she decided to spy on them and found out about the problem of the vervain, something she considered very important and that it was of great use.
Stefan told Elena and Damon what had happened with the Gilbert journal, the older vampire went to ask Jeremy who else he had talked to about it. When they discovered that his friend Anna also knew about the journal and she wanted to meet him that night, Damon offered to take him to talk to her, much to the youngest human's surprise. Stefan watched Damon leave and was about to go to his girlfriend's room, who had gone to talk to Bonnie on the phone, when his own phone started ringing and he saw it was his sister so he picked up.
-Hi Caroline, what's up?- he greeted her as soon as he answered, he hoped that she wasn't in trouble.
-Hi Stefan, nothing's wrong. I just wanted you to clarify something- she clarified him from her kitchen with a cup of coffee in her hand- How is it that Damon and you are friends now, wanting to open the tomb where your ex is, who I remind you is just like your current girlfriend?- the blonde girl questioned curious.
-Relax, this helping Damon thing is not what it seems- he tried to calm her down, he knew that she wasn't going to like it- Wait, how do you know what we are doing?- he asked her confused.
-Well, tell me what's going on- she ordered a little angry- And just so you know, your new partner in crime asked me to help him find the grimoire- revealed the younger girl sitting down in the living room.
-Of course he would do it. And I want to find the grimoire first so he can't free anyone- he said doubtfully. She might not tell Damon but she would give him a speech that it was a bad idea.
-What? You're playing with Damon's trust?- she claimed angrily, not liking it whenever they did that, it had already happened that they betrayed each other like that- I know Damon can be a jerk to us sometimes, but it's not right for you to do that to him- exclaimed the heretic to take a sip of her coffee.
-I know he trusts me and that this is wrong, but I can't let him ruin my life- replied the vampire irritated, sometimes she treated them as if they were children instead of her older brothers.
-No offense, but I've put my life aside for you two several times and I'm not trying to get revenge or ruin your lives- clarified Caroline a little upset that he forgot about her- I admit that I keep things for myself but I don't do anything like this to you- she added touching her hair distractedly.
-Caroline, I know that you're angry and feel bad about my plan. But I'm doing this to protect everyone- Stefan tried to explain, a little uncomfortable with what the blonde girl had said.
-I'm just saying there are other ways to "protect everyone" instead of making your brother trust you again and then betray him again- the younger girl tried to make him see reason, they already had a complicated relationship to add more problems.
-I know what I'm doing, and I'm sorry about this, but it's the best for everyone else- affirmed the vampire sure of his idea, although a part of him didn't want to hurt Damon again- Sorry but I have to hang up, I have some things to do- he tried to say goodbye to his sister.
-Okay. But since I'm a good sister, when Damon does something to get revenge for betraying him again, I won't tell you that I told you- promised the blonde making him irritated and before he could answer she ended the call. He sighed tired of the conversation and went to Elena's room.
Elena was talking on the phone with Bonnie when Stefan entered her bedroom, and tried to convince him to go get Damon before he got the diary when Stefan told her that he had borrowed the copy of the journal that Alaric had made earlier and started going through it. They found out that Johnathan had kept the grimoire, but that Giuseppe Salvatore had taken it and promised him that he would protect the secret of Emily's spellbook, claiming that he'd carry it to his grave. That left them confused for a few seconds, but then Stefan had an idea where the grimoire was.
September 28, 1864. Stefan had been thinking about what he had talked about with Damon, and decided to try to talk to his father. So he went to his study and went in to talk to him for a while.
-Speaking of troubled minds, what's on yours?- Giuseppe asked him after Stefan sat down in the empty chair next to him while staring at him.
-I have concerns about your plan for the vampires?- Stefan admitted, a little hesitant about how to say it.
-And why is that?- he asked with curiosity at his concerns.
-We are making the assumption that all the vampires are as evil as they have been characterized, but what if that's not true?- the younger one supposed with a slight frown.
-Do you have any evidence to the contrary? Do you know of any vampires?- he inquired worriedly.
-No. No, of course not. But are we to take what others say at face value? Both you and grandma have always taught us the opposite. She always said not to judge everyone the same way just because of what they are- clarified the young man, keeping calm so that his father would not suspect of anything. Giuseppe looked at him for a few moments and then stood up.
-Stefan...these creatures are of the darkest parts of Hell. They have the ability to control your mind, to seduce your spirit. They are deadly. They must be destroyed. Those who stand with them, those who bring shame to their families will be destroyed as well- his father explained seriously as he poured drinks for them and handed him one, Stefan took it while he looked at him blankly, although he was actually feeling conflicted, and drank from his drink.
Later, Damon followed Anna to the motel she was at and decided to confront her for questioning. While, Stefan and Elena went to the cemetery.
-Why isn't your father buried in your family's tomb?- Elena asked, pointing her flashlight at the grave while Stefan lit torches that he placed around that part.
-It wasn't built until after his death- he explained while he arranged everything there.
-Are you sure the grimoire's in there with him?- wanted to know, looking at him curiously.
-As sure as I could be- answered the vampire, going to some shovels and took them, and turned to look at her- Elena, I can do it on my own- he clarified seriously.
-And I said I would do whatever I can to help- the younger girl reminded him firmly for his decision.
-I know, and I appreciate that, but...- he tried to say, letting her know that she could leave if she wanted to.
-This town is my home, Stefan. My friends and family are here. You're here. I don't want that tomb opened any more than you do- she affirmed still looking at him to convey her support, and he nodded. Then Stefan handed her a shovel and exhaled to prepare for what they were about to do- I'm sorry you have to do this- she added feeling bad for what her boyfriend was about to do.
That same day after speaking to his father, Stefan was in Katherine's bedroom with her while she was looking at her necklace, a gift from Emily. They were in bed kissing when the vampire bit the boy's neck and drank his blood, but then she started to spit because she had drank vervain and fell on the floor worrying Stefan. Out of nowhere Giuseppe entered the room, who had given vervain to his middle son to discover the vampire, and ordered him to go to get the sheriff since Katherine was just a vampire and he had used him since he had not raised his children to be weak and sympathizers to the supernatural. Stefan, unsure of what to do and hurt for his father, left Katherine and walked away of there.
Damon was talking to Anna, who turned out to be the one who had turned Logan into a vampire to get his family journal and the location of Emily's grimoire, but she only discovered that Damon's father had it, so she offered him to work together since both of them wanted to open the tomb. But Damon declined her offer and went looking for the grimoire himself.
Bonnie was leaving the Grill with Ben when she decided to kiss him, and in doing so she discovered that he was a vampire and tried to escape by going to the bathroom but Ben followed her without her noticing, and covering her mouth so she wouldn't scream he dragged her into the bathroom without anyone noticing.
Stefan was still digging while Elena used a flashlight for him to see what he was doing when he found the lid of the coffin and opened it, then he could see the grimoire in his father's arms and took it and then closed the coffin with teary eyes. He opened the book and started to look for the spell when Damon appeared, disappointed by the betrayal of his brother and the girl claiming that he could only count on himself.
-So what are you going to do now? Because if you try and destroy that, I'll rip her heart out- warned the older vampire looking at both of them with great seriousness and fury for what they had done.
-You won't kill her- Stefan assured him just as seriously, knowing his brother wouldn't do it. He nodded, knowing that the younger one was right, so he sped over to Elena and grabbed her by the neck.
-I can do better than that- he replied from behind Elena, both of them staring at Stefan. He bit his wrist and forced Elena to drink his blood- Give me the book Stefan, or I'm snapping her neck. And you and I will have a vampire girlfriend- he threatened, glaring defiantly at the younger guy, who was nervous.
-Let her go first- asked the younger one, looking worriedly at his girlfriend.
-The book!- he ordered while moving his wrist away from Elena's mouth, which was stained with blood.
-I'm not going to give this to you until she is standing next to me- he clarified seriously, angry with him.
-The problem is that I no longer trust that you'll give it back- admitted his brother furiously.
-You just did the one thing that ensures that I will- he declared looking with terror and nerves at his girlfriend who was looking at them scared from Damon's arm, who nodded. Slowly Stefan put the grimoire on the ground and extended one arm towards Elena, after a few seconds Damon moved his arm away from the brunette and let her go. Elena walked slowly then jumped over the grave and threw herself into the arms of her boyfriend, who wrapped her in a warm embrace. The girl glanced at the oldest one frightened and then left the woods with Stefan, while Damon approached the book and took it.
The whole confrontation between the vampires was seen by Caroline through her mirror, who thinking she had seen enough left the mirror in its place and went to her room. Caroline had several emotions at once but the strongest were anger and sadness. She was upset that without bein in town Katherine was causing them to fight, also it made her angry that they kept picking on each other for any idiocy and that they kept trying to ruin everything.
On the other hand, it saddened her to see how they had been getting along for decades. She remembered clearly that they'd always been best friends and lived spending time together, she had always wanted to get along that well with them but growing apart had made it a little hard. Stefan and Damon were fine until Katherine came along, since then their relationship had gone very bad and they only hurt each other to protect themselves.
-How I wish they could get along again- Caroline said sitting on her bed while looking at a picture of her and her brothers in the 90's, one of the few times they had been at peace and the 3 of them were spending time together- I wish that we could go back to when you got along, there you reminded me of how you used to be- she continued running her fingers over the picture for other moment and then put it back in its place to head to the kitchen.
Sometimes she thought that it would be nice if she could just snap her fingers and fix the relationship between the older ones, it would have saved her headaches and the damage she did out of anger. It would've also saved her some moving she did because of them, there were times when she lived only months in one place because Stefan and Damon and their childish fight. If magic could fix everything life would be easy, but at least it'd helped her when she needed it most.
That night everything was chaos in Mystic Falls as the men led by Johnathan Gilbert with his compass to find vampires, scoured the town hunting down every vampire they came across. While at the Salvatore mansion, Giuseppe watched as the sheriff took Katherine away with another man when Damon burst into the room.
-No! Don't take her!- Damon demanded trying to get closer, but his father grabbed him and pushed him against the wall to hold him back and prevent him from interfering while Katherine was taken away.
-Do you know what they will do to you if you are branded a sympathizer? You will be killed along with them!- the older man warned angrily. Damon grabbed his father by the shoulders and stared him straight in the eyes.
-Then let me be killed!- declared the younger one annoyed by the situation. Before Giuseppe could say anything else to him, someone entered the room and interrupted them.
-Father? What is all that fuss about? What is happening?- asked Caroline looking at her father with concern, but she became more worried when she saw how he was holding her oldest brother- What are you doing with Damon?- she questioned glancing at Damon, who looked scared.
-Caroline, go to your bedroom!- ordered the adult firmly, but when he didn't see her move he let go of Damon and took her arm- Go to your room and stay there- he repeated while he pulled his daughter roughly. Caroline glanced at Damon expecting him to help her, but the older guy only looked at her with a bit of sorrow and ran away. Giuseppe took her to her bedroom and closed the door- This is for your own good daughter. I'll get you out when the danger is over- he said, locking the door and left.
-Father?! Father get me out of here! Father, let me out! Let me out please! Somebody get me out of here! Help me!- implored the siphoner screaming, trying to open her door unsuccessfully as she banged on it for help. Then she ran to her window and looked outside.
Damon, feeling a bit bad about abandoning his little sister like that, went outside to see the men putting Katherine into a carriage and he tried to approach them, being stopped by Stefan. The young boy promised to help him get Katherine back, but his brother just glared at him furious at what he'd done and ran off after blaming him for it all.
Stefan took Elena back home, who was feeling a bit bad, but promised her that the next day when the blood left her system she would feel fine. The vampire couldn't help but feel guilty about everything that had happened that night. He told Elena what had happened between Damon and him in 1864 and how he'd betrayed his brother's trust, but the brunette tried to comfort him and he went to get her some medicine for her headache.
Downstairs, Stefan found Jeremy who had been at home with his friend Anna. After a few moments the older guy remembered that this girl was the daughter of Katherine's friend, he ran to look for Elena very worried, but she was nowhere to be found and then he noticed that the window of the bedroom was wide open.
And that's all for now! Like I said before, I hope it was a good chapter since I wasn't fully happy with this ahahaha. Again thank you for your responses, you can leave me anything you want or if you wanna leave a question, everything is thanked!
I added Caroline in this flashback. As you can see she was like "in the shadows" of the action, but she wasn't fully immersed in her own world like Stefan thought and told Elena in part 6. But she knew most of what was going on in her house, it's just that no one paid a lot of attention to the others unlike her and she was just into her own business. Hope everyone understood it, tell me anything you want. See you!
Chapter 14 - Fool Me Once:
Damon and Stefan seek to open the tomb with the help of the Bennetts without their sister's knowledge until it's the right time. Caroline tries to make things right with Matt, although an unforeseen event causes her to have a revealing talk with someone unexpected from her past.
