EDITED OCT22
Southern Italy, 1111
"Are you ok Brenna?" Finn asked as they rode in the carriage back to the manor from the village.
"I'm fine," Brenna said before taking a deep breath.
"My lady, you look a little pale," Sage said nervously from next to her.
"Can we stop the carriage please?" Brenna asked as she fidgeted in her seat.
"Driver," Finn yelled banging on the roof and the carriage pulled to a stop.
"I'll be back," Brenna said throwing open the door and leaping out of the carriage.
"Brenna!" Finn yelled after her.
Brenna walked down the road, ahead of the carriage taking deep breaths as tears fell down her cheek and she clutched her chest. "My lady," a small voice spoke from behind her.
Brenna froze and gently placed her hand over her mouth so Sage didn't hear her cry. "I'm fine," she said after she composed herself a bit. "You can return to the carriage."
Sage ignored her and placed her hand on Brenna's shoulder. "It's ok to be sad," she said quietly. Brenna turned around to look at her new friend and gave her a small smile before pulling her into a hug. "You can talk to me. If you wish, it's ok if you don't. It doesn't even have to be me, you could talk to anyone."
Brenna pulled back with a shaky breath. "Thank you," she said placing her hand on Sage's cheek before she brushed the girl's hair off her shoulder. "We best return to the carriage."
"Yes," Sage said happily with a smile before leaning closer to Brenna and whispering, "Finn is very handsome is he not?"
Brenna smiled and took Sage's hands in between hers as they walked to the carriage. "Finn is my brother-in-law, and he is the most lovely of heart of any of his siblings," she whispered as they got back into the carriage.
"Are you alright?" Finn asked looking at Brenna.
"I am," Brenna smiled. "It's ok to be sad and it's ok to talk about it," she said looking at Sage.
"Is that so," Finn said before smiling in Sage's direction. Brenna leant back in her seat and they continued the journey to the house.
As they arrived at the manor, Brenna got out of the carriage to see Kol exiting the house to greet them, just as he did every time Brenna went on a day trip. Brenna sighed and looked at Finn who gave her a small nod. "I'll get Sage settled," he assured and Brenna gave him a nod of thanks before making her way up the steps.
This time, instead of walking past Kol and ignoring him, she turned to him. "Can we talk please?" she asked and his eyes lit up.
"Of course," he nodded as he held out his arm, gesturing for her to enter the house. Brenna shot him a small smile and ventured into the house, making her way up to her bed-chamber, which was across the hall from Kol's. She entered her room and left the door open and sat on her bed as Kol entered behind her and closed the door.
Brenna looked into his eyes and saw the desperation in them and sighed. "I'm sorry," she admitted. "I have not behaved well."
"Darling," Kol whispered as he ran forward and knelt in front, grabbing her two hands between his and kissing them. "It is I who should apologise."
"No it is not," Brenna said removing one hand as she leaned forward to place it on his cheek. "You were just protecting me, that's what you always do, protect me. You only attacked my father to stop him from hurting me and I punished you horribly for it, I used words I did not mean. I just, you've never let me actually see that side of you. You always shelter me from it. But I hear the stories regardless. Elijah tells me of all the carnage when we have been apart. I understand now though, that this is a part of who you are. It scares me, but you've… evolved, and I accept that, because I love you for you, human or vampire. You are the other half of my soul. You always have been. Please though, I can't witness you inflict hurt and suffering on anyone again, it hurts me."
Kol's face crumpled and he buried in on top of Brenna's skirt for a moment before lifting it up. "I was so worried you'd leave me," he said sadly.
Brenna placed her finger under his chin and lifted it up. "Never," she smiled as she leant forward and kissed him gently.
"You have a fever," he realised, his grip on her hand growing.
"Shh," she placed a finger over his lips. "Please."
"Stop it, you swine," Brenna laughed as she tossed a blueberry at Kol's face.
"Oh, come on darling," he laughed as he held a hand up to block the berry. "You were there."
"My goodness, if Bekah knew we were talking about this, she'd kill us."
"Well, she need never know," Kol said poking Brenna on the nose.
"You didn't just do that!" Brenna joked with a laugh as she grabbed his hand.
"Oh, but I did," he whispered as he leaned in and kissed her. Brenna sighed into the kiss. "What's wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing," she answered back with a smile and he tilted his head not believing her and she laughed. "I'm happy is all. Happiest I've been since 1914. I love you. You better not forget about tonight though," Brenna said as she picked up their empty plates and walked them over to the dishwasher.
"Don't worry love, I won't," he said as he followed her and rubbed her arms as he rested his head on top of hers.
"Good," Brenna smiled before turning around and wrapping her arms around his neck. "It's our first date in 98 years."
"And I will be there with bells on," he smiled as he kissed her. "Are you sure you have to go?" he whispered against her lips.
Brenna groaned and dropped her head onto his chest. "I wish I didn't. But I promised Bex I'd help her play detective and sleuth around for that white oak."
Kol sighed as he wrapped his arms around her. "Can't it ever just be simple?"
"It will be once we dispose of that white oak and get you all unlinked. Where will we go after that? Back to Italy? England? Switzerland?"
"We will go anywhere you want, wife. We could get married again? By the Loch Tummel you love so much in Scotland?"
"I love that place!" Brenna smiled lifting her head.
"I know," Kol smiled back. "You made us go and sit by the edge every day for 2 weeks."
"Maybe it was a ploy to get you all to myself?" she said with a smirk. "Urgh, I have to go. Bekah will kill me if I'm late. I have to meet her at Wickery Bridge. I hate that bloody bridge."
"Fair enough, it would have been very traumatic."
"Indeed it was," Brenna said straightening the collar of his shirt. "Can you do me a huge favour?"
"Anything," he whispered to her and she giggled.
"Can you drive me to the fundraiser? No one can know you're there though so you'll have to be very careful."
"How will you get back?"
"I need to pick up my car. I left it at Matt's. I'll get Bex to drive me there after we're done at the bridge."
"You should take it back before it gets stolen," he warned.
"It won't get stolen. It's Mystic Falls, nothing bad happens," she snorted. "Well actually, a lot happens. But murders, not grand theft auto."
"Alright," Kol smiled, "get in the car."
"Thank you!"
"I cannot believe you convinced me to come to this bloody fundraiser," Brenna growled as she walked up to Rebekah.
"You could have said no."
"I did."
"You didn't have to change your mind."
"You were relentless," Brenna laughed.
"I would have been lonely without you," Rebekah said looping her arm through Brenna's. "How did you get here by the way?"
"Magic."
"Ah right, of course. Kol," Rebekah said and Brenna's eyes widened.
"Relax, I won't tell anyone. Anyway, it's kind of obvious, there's no way he'd leave you. Of course, he's lingering around. But you're probably right. Safer no one knows."
"We're staying in a bed and breakfast just outside town."
"You got Kol to live in a bed and breakfast with you? His love for you really knows no bounds does it?" Rebekah asked before the two girls burst into a fit of giggles.
"There's Carol," Brenna said pointing out the mayor.
"Brilliant, let's go," Rebekah said as the two girls made their way towards the mayor. "Mayor Lockwood, a pleasure."
"Hello Rebekah, ah, Brea! It's so good to see you, my dear, I didn't expect you to come."
"Wasn't my choice," Brenna said but Rebekah elbowed her.
"We're both delighted to be here supporting the community," Rebekah said on both of their behalves. "I do have to ask though, would all the logging mills only be in the Salvatore's possession? There wouldn't be duplicates around at all would there? You can understand, of course, the Salvatore's aren't the biggest fans of our family."
"Our family? Oh," Carol said glancing at Brenna. "I'm sorry, there won't be any duplicates. Do you mind me asking why you are looking for them?
Rebekah's mouth gaped as she struggled to come up with a lie that wouldn't raise suspicion. "This area used to be a Viking settlement a thousand years ago. Rebekah was born here, I came here and met their family," Brenna covered for her friend. "It was custom back then that when a child is born into a family they are blessed with the wisdom of a tree that is gifted to the family name. Rebekah is simply trying to determine what happened to the Mikaelson family's tree. A sentimental curiosity of course," Brenna lied while sneaking smirks with Rebekah.
"That sounds like a lovely tradition. I really wish I could be of assistance."
"That's quite alright Carol, we may have to make nice with the Salvatore's my dear sister," Brenna smiled at Rebekah.
"If you would excuse me," Carol said before walking towards Damon, Ric and Meredith who had just arrived. Seeing Ric standing there, Brenna did a big dramatic wave and jumped up and down, making him smirk as he spoke to Carol. Carol finished speaking to them and walked back towards Brenna. "Can't rely on anyone," she whispered into Brenna's ear, making her smirk before Carol walked up to the podium to make a speech.
Brenna looked back over at Ric and he waved her over, she looked at him and flicked her head towards Damon who was standing next to him and shook her head. Damon saw this and tapped Ric's arm and walked off, Ric then raised his eyebrows and Brenna smiled before making her way over. "Hey, hey, hey," she sang as she skipped up to him. "Umm," she said pointing at Meredith who was also with Ric. "Did you hit your head in that cell? Because I thought she was the one who got you put in jail?"
"No. It was a, uh… misunderstanding."
"Misunderstanding?" Brenna snorted.
"Look, I really want to explain it all," Ric said quietly. "A lot's happened since yesterday. Can you come over to the house? I have things I need to give you, things I have to explain to you. I've got a list of bank accounts, passwords, details of how to find my will and how to contact my family."
"Oh my god, Ric! Why would I need all that?"
"I'll explain tonight, I promise. Don't panic, just please."
"Ric… I don't know. Elena's there, I just can't. Plus, you're being morbid and weird, you're not dying I don't know why I need this stuff."
"Alright, how about this, Elena will probably go out sometime tonight and when she does I'll text you and you can come over and know she's not there and I promise I'll explain everything?"
"Ok, deal," Brenna said after a moment's hesitation before side-eyeing Meredith again.
"You know who that is?" Ric asked pointing off in the direction Damon went.
Brenna turned around to have a look and her eyes went wide. "Oh my god! Sage!" Brenna squeaked as she saw Sage talking to Damon and Rebekah. "Gotta go," she said to Ric before running towards her old friend. "Sage!" Brenna yelled as she reached her friend and threw herself at her. Sage caught her and they both laughed. "Oh my god my dear girl," Brenna laughed and placed her hands on either side of Sage's face. "I haven't seen you in two centuries!" she complained as she lightly shoved her shoulder.
"You two know each other?" Damon asked.
"No one invited you to speak," Brenna snapped.
"Oh, don't you like my favourite student?" Sage asked Brenna quietly while winking at Damon.
"He's a scoundrel," Brenna said as she looked at Damon and Rebekah laughed.
"Brilliant," Rebekah sighed. "What are you doing here Sage?" she asked coldly.
"I heard Finn was finally freed from that casket your rageaholic brother Klaus carted him around in," Sage said and Brenna snickered.
"Ooh, Finn, you just missed him," Rebekah taunted.
"Bekah," Brenna warned.
"He left town and didn't tell a soul where he was going," Rebekah informed.
"Not even you?" Sage asked and Brenna shook her head. "He probably went looking for me," she said and Brenna lowered her head.
Rebekah chuckled. "Or, quite possibly, he forgot all about you."
"Don't be cruel," Brenna chastised.
"I doubt that," Sage smirked at Rebekah.
"No?" Rebekah queried with a smirk, knowing Finn was seeking out his own destruction, and not his long-lost love. "Because he didn't seem to mention you."
"Rebekah," Brenna warned her more sternly this time and she ceased taunting Sage.
"Sorry, you came all this way for nothing. Have a nice life," Rebekah scowled before walking off.
"Brea, sweetie, can you give me a hand," Carol called out.
Brenna turned her head to see Carol waving her over. "Just a minute!" she yelled back at her before turning back to Sage. "My services are required over there," she smiled. "Meet me for lunch, we have so much catching up to do. The Grill in an hour?" Brenna suggested and Sage nodded. "Brilliant, Damon can give you directions, I'll meet you there," Brenna said leaning forward to kiss Sage on the cheek before she pulled back, and glared at Damon briefly, before running over to Carol.
"Brea, here can you help me cut the ceremonial ribbon?" Carol asked as she put a hard hat on Brenna's head.
"Urgh," Brenna complained as she straightened the hat. "Why me? I hate this bridge."
"Exactly, if they take pictures of you cutting the ribbon with me the town will love it. It'll be like the bridge is starting afresh," she said with a smile before it dropped and she turned to Brenna seriously. "I'm sorry, I didn't even think about your feelings, that was selfish. You don't have to help me if you don't want to, I'll understand."
Brenna sighed. "No, it's fine. Where's the camera?" Brenna said giving Carol a fake smile.
"We have to get out of here," Rebekah said walking up to Brenna quickly and grabbing her arm, dragging her away from a conversation of small talk.
"Oh thank god, I could not remember the names of their kids," Brenna sighed.
"We're leaving."
"Woah, woah," Brenna said stopping. "What's got you all antsy?" she asked and Rebekah's eyes flickered over to Damon who was smirking at her. "Ew, ew, ew, ew," Brenna said closing her eyes and shaking her head.
"Come on," Rebekah said grabbing her hand and dragging her to the car.
Sage walked into the Grill and Brenna excitedly waved her over. "Sit, sit," Brenna said happily.
"It's really good to see you," Sage said with a wide smile.
"You too my dear," Brenna smiled leaning forward to grab Sage's hands. "Ok first things first, Damon? Really? I thought you had better taste than that, Sage."
Sage sighed and leaned back into her seat. "I do. I met him in 1912. I just teased him and he mentioned he was spoken for by a lady and could not entertain me. I pressed him a little further and he let it slip that his lady love was called Katherine, and he mentioned her twin sister Brenna. Piqued my interest obviously."
"Oh my god," Brenna laughed. "The only reason you two have any sort of kinship is because of the fact that you found out he knew me. I am sorry Sage," Brenna laughed. "Damon is just urgh."
"Hey," Matt said coming up to their table.
"We're going to need 2 tequila shots," Sage ordered straight away and Brenna laughed.
"And a basket of fries," Brenna added. "You don't need to check my ID, you know I'm well overage," she smiled.
"You're lucky the manager's not in," Matt smirked. "I saw your car out front."
"Yeah, I thought I'd get it out of your driveway," Brenna smiled
"Thank god," he smirked. "You were blocking my truck in. I'll go grab your order," he said walking off with a smile.
Sage looked at Brenna and wiggled her eyebrows. "Oh my god, no, ew, that's just, ew, disgusting. He's basically my brother. I lived with him a bit over the summer when my life turned to shit and my sister turned out to be a maniac."
"Oh yeah, I saw her sulking around town on my way here, another doppelganger. She looks a lot duller than Katerina though. I thought Klaus would've had to kill her in the ritual?"
"Oh my god you've missed so much," Brenna smiled as proceeded to tell Sage all about her life.
"Well shit," Sage said in shock at the end. "I will give it to her, that slippery vampire bitch of a twin of yours is very clever."
"Right?" she laughed. She'd been careful to leave out the details of Finn trying to off himself and his whole family, she didn't want to sour their reunion.
"What's the time?" Sage asked.
"5 pm, wow, we've been here all day," Brenna laughed.
"Time flies when you're having fun," Sage smiles. "Although I do have to run, I've got plans for a lot of action tonight if you know what I mean," she winked.
Brenna frowned confused before her eyes widened. "Oh my god, ew no. Damon? Ew," she complained dropping her head into her hands and groaning. "Do not need to know." Brenna looked up and smiled before standing and pulling Sage out of her seat and into a hug. "You go, I'll settle the bill here," she said releasing her and staring into her eyes. "You've always been loyal to me Sage. Always. You were my lady-in-waiting for centuries, and I know, that's not a thing now, but I need you to do me one last favour and it's a big one."
"Of course," Sage nodded. "I owe you my life and my happiness, I'd do anything for you."
"I need you to find Finn. Don't let anyone know. He's not in a good place and he needs you. You might be the only one able to help him. He's been daggered for so long, he needs to know that the one person who cares about him the most is still out there and still loves him."
Sage looked down sadly and nodded. "I'll go first thing tomorrow. I miss him so much," she said sadly.
"It's been 900 years," Brenna smiled. "You better have one hell of a reunion," Brenna smirked kissing her cheek before ushering her away.
"Wanna stay to help me clean?" Matt asked as he came up to the table.
"I already said sorry for knocking over the milkshake and I already promised to clean your car," she smiled before she whacked him over the head.
"Ow!" he yelled rubbing his head.
"That's for getting yourself arrested you, idiot! Do you have any idea how dumb that was?" she hissed. "We didn't talk about that yesterday."
"Yeah, I worked out how stupid it was when we got arrested," he groaned.
"Why did you do it?"
"Alaric is the only parental figure you guys have left. I couldn't just sit and do nothing."
"Matty, you've got no parental figure either."
"I've got you."
"Oh!" Brenna laughed as she shoved him. "Shut up you, ass! Just don't do something dumb ok Matt? Don't let this rubbish affect your life," she said as her phone buzzed with a text.
Ric - Hey, Elena just left if you're still free to come over and talk? It's important.
B - On my way, will be 15, can't stay for long! I have a date that I am very much looking forward to!
"I have to go, I've got a doom and gloom chat with Ric scheduled," Brenna smiled at Matt.
"You staying tonight or are you going to run off to wherever you've been staying the past couple of nights?" he winked.
"I'm running off," Brenna smiled at him.
"I'm glad you're happy," Matt smiled at her. "It's all I could ever have wished for you. Just to be happy, who cares what others think."
"Thanks, Matt, I mean it. Eeek, I'm just so happy," she squeaked as she jumped on him to hug him before letting go and giving him a small smile before she left.
"Aloha, I'm here," Brenna sang as she skipped into the house, throwing her jacket and cell phone down onto the hall stand.
"In the kitchen, Brenna," Ric said and Brenna frowned as she made her way into the house, he'd never called her that before.
"I still don't get why you want to give me all these details, I mean it's a bit out of the blue," Brenna said as she made her way down the corridor and around the corner to the kitchen. As soon as she turned the corner, she froze. "Oh my god!" she yelled. "Ric!" There was a lot of blood in the kitchen and she panicked. "What happened!"
"I just cut my hand," he said blowing it off.
"Ric, that is not just a cut, you're bleeding out," she said running towards him. "Ric your hand isn't cut bad enough for you to lose that much blood. Where is it coming from? Ric, I'm serious, where are you cut?" she said checking his sides as he just stared at her. "Ric talk to me, we need to get you to the hospital now but I need to know where the bleeding is so I can try to stop it," she said looking up at him. "Ric come on!"
"Don't you ever feel bad?" he asked coldly.
"What? Ric, seriously, now is not the time for a conversation," she scowled. "Ric, I can't find the source of the bleeding, you're not bleeding anywhere," she said looking up at him and he watched her. "Ric, is this your blood?" she asked.
"No," he answered bluntly, not even flinching.
Brenna took a deep breath. "Ric, is this Elena's blood? Ric, we have our issues but if this is my sister's blood she needs help, tell me!" she asked desperately but he didn't respond. "Tell me!" she yelled as she placed her hands on his shoulders to try to shake him, but as soon as she did, she froze. Her ring was glowing very brightly. "Ric," she whispered in fear. "Is someone in the house?"
"No," he said and she looked up, he was staring at her coldly. This wasn't Ric.
"Ric," she said nervously, backing away slowly. "Who's blood is that?"
"Meredith's," he said as he slowly took steps towards her as she stepped back.
"Is she alive?" Brenna stuttered.
"I'm not sure," he answered as he carefully picked a knife up from the bench.
"Did you hurt her?" Brenna breathed and Ric nodded. "Why?" she asked, her heart racing.
"The council was formed to protect people from vampires," he said carefully as he continued pacing toward her. "Yet all she does is look the other way, ignoring her responsibilities, and using vampire blood. So I took care of her."
"Ric," Brenna said, she was shaking.
"You surround yourself with vampires even when you know what they're capable of. You consider the most ruthless of them all family!" he growled as tears slowly slid down her cheek. "Death and destruction follow you like a curse."
"Ric, this isn't you. You wouldn't say that. You don't mean that."
"I'm evolved. They'll all be easier to take down when they're grieving for you," he said and Brenna's eyes widened as she focussed on the knife he was pointing towards her. "I'll make it quick," he growled before he lunged at her.
Brenna screamed and threw herself to the side before he could hurt her. She turned her head as she landed to see him already pulling himself up off the floor. She quickly scrambled to her feet and took off running towards the stairs. She could hear the footsteps running behind her as she sprinted up the stairs. She heard a grunt and felt Ric's hand wrap around her ankle and pull her feet from under her so she slipped. She clung to the bannister so she wouldn't fall down the stairs and then felt excruciating pain as Ric slammed the knife into her thigh. "Ahhh!" Brenna screamed out in pain as Ric ripped the knife out of her leg. Before he could attack her again, Brenna took her uninjured leg and slammed it into his face, causing him to tumble down the stairs. Brenna screamed as she used all her strength and used the banisters to pull herself up. Brenna desperately pulled herself to the top of the stairs and looked back to see Ric starting to come to and stand back up.
"Brea," a weak voice groaned from behind her and Brenna turned her head to see Meredith, white as a sheet, leaning against the bathroom door. "Quick, quick," she ushered and Brenna limped into the bathroom as quick as she could. Meredith slammed the door behind her and locked it quickly before walking a few steps towards Brenna before losing her balance and sliding down the vanity and down to the floor.
"Oh my god," Brenna groaned falling down next to her. "Ah," she groaned as she held her leg, unable to stop her leg from bleeding.
Meredith groaned and leant over Brenna's leg and inspected it before collapsing her head back against the cupboards. "You'll be ok, you won't bleed out, but you need help," she coughed as she held onto her side which was bleeding profusely.
Brenna looked around the bathroom to see it covered in blood. "Are you going to be ok?" she asked. Meredith pursed her lips, trying not to cry. "Why did Ric do that?" Brenna asked crying.
"That's not Ric. It's really hard to explain, that's why he wanted you over to talk. The ring, that lets him cheat death, it's sending him insane. He's responsible for the council murders. And now he just tried to kill us. The sane Ric wanted to give you all his information so if something happened to him, you, Elena and Jeremy would be ok," she said looking Brenna in the eyes. "I never thanked you," she said changing the subject. "For the other month. I never thanked you for how much you helped my sister after Chad died, especially with the funeral," she said crying.
Brenna collapsed her head next to Meredith's as she quickly lost energy. "It was my fault."
"It wasn't," Meredith disagreed. "Ric told me what happened. It wasn't your fault. No one would ever blame you."
"I loved him once," Brenna cried. "I treated him so badly."
"No, you didn't. You had just lost your parents Brea. He understood," Meredith said weakly. "Keep talking to me. I have to stay awake."
"You were… you were always his favourite," Brenna groaned in pain. "He always loved cool Aunt Meredith. He wanted to be a doctor. He should've been a doctor."
"He's not the first to die because of vampires in this town, and as much as I hate to admit it, he won't be the last," Meredith said weakly. "He loved you so much. I'm glad he got to love someone before he died," she said before her head lolled to the side. She'd fallen unconscious.
"Meredith? Meredith?" Brenna said jerking upright, the pain from moving sent shockwaves through her body and she groaned as her vision turned black and she lost consciousness also.
Brenna jerked awake when she heard the front door to the house close. Someone was home. That put them in danger. She heard footsteps from the next room as they left Jeremy's room and headed down the stairs. Ric had been waiting for them, right outside the door. "Hey there," Brenna heard Ric greet someone.
"Hi. Where's Meredith?" Elena replied. "Is Brea here? Her car's out front and her phone and jacket are just here," Elena asked. Brenna's eyes widened, even after everything she didn't want her sister to get hurt like this. She could only hope one of the Salvatore's was with her.
"Oh Meredith, she got called, uh, into the hospital for a last-minute surgery, but she'll be back later. Brea's here, she's just… sleeping, best not to disturb her," Ric answered nervously. Brenna let out a silent cry of pain as she began trying to pull herself across the floor, trying not to pass out from the pain. She had to warn Elena.
"What happened?" Elena asked.
"Oh, I broke a coffee cup and sliced my hand open trying to pick up the pieces," he laughed. "But, uh, I'll live. Did Stefan catch up with you?" he asked and Brenna froze, maybe Stefan was nearby.
"No," Elena answered and Brenna began trying to pull herself more frantically. No help was coming for Elena.
"Did you get my ring?" Ric asked as Brenna's vision blurred and her head collapsed against the tiles. She wouldn't be able to help her sister, she could barely lift her head.
Elena hesitated, but Brenna heard her answer. "I couldn't find it." Brenna knew she was lying.
"Yeah, well, my place is a bit of a disaster," Ric said as he walked further down the stairs. Brenna heard him say something else, but she was already losing consciousness again and couldn't make out what was going on. After a few moments, she heard Elena yelling and tried her hardest to move and only relaxed when she heard Stefan's voice, at least her sister was safe, Stefan would protect her. Brenna let her thoughts fade away as she started to embrace unconsciousness again when the bathroom door was slammed open.
"BREA!" Elena screamed running into the bathroom and straight to her sister.
"Meredith," Brenna said shoving Elena weakly. Meredith was the one who needed help.
"Brea…"
"Help her," Brenna ordered and Elena turned her head and gasped.
"Oh my god," Elena stuttered. "Meredith. Meredith, hey!" she called across the bathroom as she panicked. Brenna heard silence and opened her eyes to see Stefan feeding Meredith his blood and she sighed in relief. Meredith was going to be ok. "She's going to be ok, so are you," Elena cooed as she pushed Brenna's hair back. "Stefan please!"
"Call Rebekah," Brenna said before she succumbed to unconsciousness again.
Brenna woke up to see Rebekah hovering over her on the porch. "What the bloody hell happened?" she snapped at Elena.
Brenna grabbed Rebekah's arms, pulling her attention back to her as she slowly sat up. "Just listen," Brenna said softly before looking at Elena. "Meredith told me a little bit but I don't understand."
Elena let out a shaky breath before leaning on the door jam. "We only found out last night. Ric wanted to tell you in person. The Gilbert ring, the one he and Jer both wear. Every time you die it must chip away at your soul a bit. He has an alter ego, hell-bent on killing vampire sympathisers. He's the one who's been killing the council. It's not Ric, it's not him. It's just this alter ego. Alaric would never want to hurt you, Brea. He's not himself. Bonnie says she might have a way to help, the rings were made by a Bennett witch so apparently, there's a spell she can do to bring him back to normal."
"So, there's Ric and then there's evil Ric?" Brenna asked and Elena nodded. "Is Jer going to be ok? He won't develop..."
"Hopefully not. He hasn't died as much as Ric. But I'll ask Bonnie when she gets here."
"I'm going to kill him," Rebekah snapped. "Problem solved."
"No," Brenna said grabbing her sleeve. "You can't. That's why I had Elena call you, not the others. You can't hurt him. We have to help him."
"He almost killed you!"
"Please, please, I am begging you," Brenna pleaded and Rebekah nodded slowly.
"If he hurts you again…"
"We won't let that happen. I promise," Elena swore.
"Did you drive?" Brenna asked.
"Bloody hell, no, I got the call and ran straight here."
"Ok, is Nik at home?"
"No, he left this morning to chase up some witches about finding Finn," she said quietly so Elena wouldn't hear.
"Ok," Brenna nodded. "Take me to yours, I have to change my pants," she said before whispering, "Kol will lose his mind."
Rebekah nodded her head and slowly helped Brenna stand, once she was sure she was comfortable on her feet, she slowly led the two of them to Brenna's car and she drove off. "Kol will know something's up regardless of whether or not you change clothes. He always knows. You should probably call or text him," Rebekah said. "Otherwise he might come running into town and put himself in danger of being daggered again.
"Yep, yep, yep," Brenna said leaning into the back where Rebekah had put her things and pulled out her phone to see 15 missed calls from Kol.
B - I am so sorry, I'm making my way home now. I'll be an hour, I swear I have a good reason. Please don't panic
"The white oak's gone," Rebekah said as Brenna put down her phone.
"WHAT!" Brenna screeched. "Oh my god, that's amazing."
"Sage helped. She played both Damon and me tonight, but I prevailed. It was the underside of the Wickery Bridge. I burnt it all."
"Are you serious?" Brenna asked. "Wickery bridge? Of course. That bloody bridge again. I swear to god they just need to destroy that whole thing, good riddance."
Brenna had changed her jeans and had felt well enough to make it back to Kol and her temporary home without Rebekah's assistance. As soon as she pulled up into the driveway, her car door was opened and Kol pulled her into a hug. "Oh thank god," he breathed. "What the hell?" he growled as he looked her over. "I smell your blood. What happened? Where are you hurt?"
"I'm fine. I'm fine. I promise."
"Brenna you were bleeding I can smell it," he said and Brenna cut him off with a kiss before pulling away and hugging him to her. Brenna felt the wind gust and looked up to see they were now inside.
Kol pulled her off him and sat her down on the bed and knelt in front of her, wiping away the tears that had fallen. "What happened?" he asked softly.
"I'm ok now. I swear. Stefan healed me," she said. "How could you tell something was wrong? I showered, and Rebekah said I smelt fine."
"I could smell it in your car," he shrugged.
"Ah dammit, of course," Brenna laughed gently before the tears started falling again. Brenna pushed herself to the back of the bed and tapped beside her and Kol smiled before crawling next to her and hugging her to him.
"You can tell me," he said kissing her head.
"I don't want anyone getting hurt. You have to swear to me, if I tell you, you won't do anything."
"I can't promise that sweetheart. If someone's hurt you they need to die."
"I'm serious Kol. Please. I can't tell you unless you swear to me. Swear on my life."
"Brenna…" he tried to argue.
"I won't tell you if you don't swear to me you won't do anything rash."
"Alright, alright. I won't retaliate. I swear on your life," he agreed. He'd never broken a vow of that kind to Brenna ever before.
"Ric did it."
"WHAT!" Kol roared.
"Stop," Brenna said putting her hand on his chest to try to calm him. "Please, you swore."
"I know, I know," Kol said after a few deep breaths. "I trusted he wouldn't hurt you. I could see how much he cares about you, what happened?"
"Ric's sick. He has that ring I told you about. It's chipping away at his soul each time he dies we think. He has an alter ego of some kind. He's the one who killed the council members. He tried to kill me. I'm fine now, I fought back, hard. I think I might have broken his nose."
"That's my girl."
"He has a murderous alter ego now and he's going after vampire sympathisers. He wanted to tell me tonight but when I arrived, Ric wasn't Ric anymore and he attacked me. I'm ok now though. I swear to you."
"Can he be helped?" Kol asked.
Brenna nodded, "Elena's called Bonnie. Bonnie has a spell that should be able to help him. So if it works, he should be fine. Only time will tell."
"I'm so sorry," Kol said kissing her head before he got up out of bed and walked over to the dresser in the corner.
"What are you doing?" Brenna asked sitting up.
"Looking for… this," he said as he pulled something out of the drawer.
He turned around with a smile and showed her a necklace. "My necklace," Brenna sighed. "I thought I lost it," she said clambering to the edge of the bed where Kol sat down.
"Elijah gave it to me the night he woke us up. He said he picked it up and kept it for me after you hurled it at Nik's head after he daggered me," he said with a small laugh. "I wanted to give it to you again when we left town. But you're not safe, you need it now," he said, signalling with his hands for her to spin around and she did, allowing him to put the necklace on her. "Like it as much as you did when I gave it to you a century ago?"
"Even more than I did then," she smiled up at him.
"Remember how it works?" he asked and she nodded.
"It's linked to your ring. When my ring glows and danger's near it links to your ring and you'll come running," she smiled at him and gently placed her hand on the side of his face and kissed him. "I love you," she whispered against his lips and pulled him closer to her. "Let me make up for missing our date," Brenna whispered.
"I love you so much," Kol whispered into her ear making her giggle.