Hey, everyone! Another update is here. Apologies for the delay; I was bedridden thanks to the flu. Life decided to keep me on my toes afterward. I was almost done with this chapter, but a round of rewrites was in order. I wasn't satisfied with the last version, and I've come to realize I prefer the monologue-style storytelling. So, I've reshaped this chapter with that in mind.
Quick heads up, I made a paragraph change in Enzo's part, particularly where he first lays eyes on Bonnie. It hints at the soul mate angle. I've sprinkled a bit more of that in this chapter as well. Enjoy the read, and let's dive back into the story!
PRESENT AGES: Bonnie, Tyler & Matt - 13 ; Elena & Caroline - 14; Vicki -15 ; Jeremy - 11
Flashback from last chapter
"Well, here it is," Enzo declared theatrically, signaling Damon to Damon pulled up in front of a house that's supposedly familiar—though refurbished, much like a classic with a modern twist.
Damon shot him a sideways glance, taking in the refurbished yet oddly familiar surroundings. "Oh, joy. Another stroll down memory lane," he remarked dryly. "Lead the way, buddy."
"Come on, mate, let's go," Enzo beckoned, leading Damon towards the front door as if it were a grand entrance. He rang the doorbell and added, "And remember, keep the 'mate' banter on mute. Can't confirm it's really her until the big 17."
The door swung open, much to Damon's surprise, revealing Sheila Bennett—the descendant of Emily Bennett, whom he had promised to safeguard. "Oh, welcome back, Enzo, and who's this?"
Damon's POV
Well, color me surprised. When the door creaked open, I wasn't expecting to see Sheila Bennett, the witchy matriarch of the Bennetts of Mystic Falls. Normally, she's got this menacing aura, like a cat whose fur got ruffled by an unsuspecting hand. But hold the phone, she's giving off a vibe like she's ready to hug the hell out of Enzo. I mean, seriously? Most witches can sniff out a vampire like a bloodhound on steroids, but here she is, treating us like we're just ordinary humans dropping by for tea. Talk about a 180. She went from being the president of the "Anti-Vampire Club" to rolling out the welcome mat for every fangy individual in the vicinity. Somebody must've slipped her a potion of supernatural acceptance or something. Weird.
"Oh, welcome back, Enzo, and who's this?" Sheila inquired, eyeing me like I'm a rare exhibit in a supernatural zoo. Understandable, I suppose, given that I'm the new blood in town – quite literally. Added to that is my infamous reputation in the supernatural community. Though her lack of outright hostility is a twist I wasn't expecting. It's almost like Mystic Falls has become the land of unicorns and rainbows, where vampires get greeted with a casual, 'Oh, hey there, bloodsucker. How's un-life treating you?' Color me intrigued and slightly suspicious.
"Behold, the legend himself, Damon Salvatore," Enzo, the drama king extraordinaire, declared with a theatrical flourish, introducing me as if I'm the star of some supernatural soap opera. "The one I've been regaling you with tales of." He gestured towards me with a mischievous twinkle in his eye and a flair for the dramatic that rivals Shakespeare. Because why settle for a simple introduction when you can have a full-on performance? It's like living in a world where every day is opening night, and I'm the leading man, whether I signed up for the role or not.
I casually raise an eyebrow and flash what I like to call my charming smile – though, according to them, it's a perpetual smirk etched onto my face. With a playful tone, I follow up Enzo's grand introduction with a quip, "Ah, so you've been entertaining our lovely host with my epic exploits, have you? I hope you've left out the embarrassing bits." Because, you know, even in the supernatural showbiz, a vampire has to maintain a certain level of mysterious allure. Can't have them knowing all the gory details, now can we?
Enzo, in his distinctive British charm, chuckled, "Oh, but those are the best parts, mate. Keeps things interesting." Ah, the joys of having a best friend who finds entertainment in airing your undead dirty laundry. Because what's life without a few embarrassing anecdotes to spice things up? I just hope he left out the really cringe-worthy moments. A vampire's gotta have some semblance of dignity, right?
"Ah, Damon Salvatore," Sheila said, a hint of amusement in her tone but with a judging stare that could cut through steel, "the one who left you to die." Well, isn't that a warm welcome? I see my reputation precedes me. Note to self: work on leaving a better first impression on the supernatural community.
"Best parts, huh, Enzo buddy," I quipped, casting him a side-eye that could rival a dagger, my words dripping with enough sarcasm to fill a swimming pool. "What about those 'first impressions' and 'best behavior' bits you've been nagging me about?" Because apparently, in Enzo's world, the best parts of my exploits involve leaving a trail of chaos and questionable decisions. Who knew?
Enzo, my ever-helpful friend – note the sarcasm – with a wry smile, replied in his distinctive British charm, "Well, mate, those were the captivating chapters of your persona. I've only been generously sharing my version of the truth." He shrugged with a sheepish grin, adding, "Adds a bit of spice to the narrative, don't you think?" Ah, the master storyteller at work, crafting a version of my escapades that could make a vampire's chaotic existence sound like a thrilling novel. Bravo, Enzo, for turning my questionable life choices into a grand epic – complete with your own special brand of charm.
Still shooting a glare at the grinning Enzo, I turned towards Sheila, who now regarded us with a mix of amusement and a softened judging stare, thanks to Enzo's friendly banter. Of course, being the epitome of charm that I am, I took center stage and smoothly said, "Miss Sheila Bennett. What a beautiful specimen you are. Even with age, you still retain your beauty," my words laced with a charming confidence that was unmistakably me. Because when all else fails, flattery is the vampire's best friend.
"What a charmer you are, Damon Salvatore," Sheila remarked, her tone appreciative at my obvious use of flattery. However, being the witch that she is, she still hadn't extended an invitation to us. Vampires and witches really aren't mixing well. "Unfortunately, I still can't invite you in, though we can head to the back porch. We're having a family get-together together with Bonnie's friends and some acquaintances," she said, gesturing towards the pathway leading to the rear of the house. Ah, the eternal struggle of being a vampire – forever stuck on the wrong side of the doorstep. But hey, a family get-together sounds like just the chaotic diversion I need. Lead the way, Miss Bennett.
"Though, I'm warning you now, Damon Salvatore, we've put wards around the area. If any hostile emotions arise from you towards anyone here, you'll be electrocuted without remorse. Also, keep shut about anything supernatural. Bonnie's friends aren't in the know yet." Sheila said in a voice mix of caution and firm resolve as she laid down the rules for me, ensuring that I understand the boundaries she had set.
Ah, Sheila, my favorite magical enforcer, laying down the law like it's a bedtime story. Wards around the area, huh? Because nothing says 'family gathering' like the subtle hum of electrocution waiting to happen. Hostile emotions, getting zapped? Reminds me of that one time I tried to argue with a vending machine. Spoiler alert: the vending machine won. And the pièce de résistance – the gag order on the supernatural. Sigh, because nothing kills the party vibe like not being able to brag about my vampire escapades. Thanks, Sheila, for turning Mystic Falls into the no-fun zone. Note to self: pretend to be a model citizen, or risk turning into a crispy critter. Ah, family gatherings – where vampires go to be electrified and silenced. The things I do for love... or at least a decent party.
"Duly noted," I drawled with a raised eyebrow, my voice dripping with a mix of disbelief and amusement. Because, you know, who doesn't love a family gathering with a side of potential electrocution? It's the new trend in Mystic Falls – shocking parties for the undead. I followed after Sheila, who was now chatting with Enzo in a surprisingly friendly manner. Ah, the joys of being the odd duck in the family. I tapped Enzo on the shoulders to whisper in his ear, "Is that true, Enzo?" Because, honestly, getting electrocuted at a family gathering doesn't sound like my idea of a good time. I signed up for drama, not a shocking experience. Ah, Mystic Falls – where even family parties come with a hint of danger. Another note to my brilliant self: bring an umbrella, just in case the sparks start flying.
"Absolutely, mate," Enzo replied casually in his characteristic British charm, a smirk playing on his lips. "Tried and tested. You wouldn't want to end up like that poor fool who thought attacking Sheila's daughter was a splendid idea. Got himself a shocking revelation, quite literally. It was shockingly hilarious." Enzo chuckled dazedly as if he was recalling a memory about it, while I just couldn't help but shake my head at the absurdity of that ever happening. Though knowing the Bennetts, that's not improbable. Because, you know, attacking a witch's family member is just asking for a zapping.
"Enough with the puns, Enzo dear. You're not that good at it," Sheila chided with an unexpectedly joking manner. Well, isn't that a rare sight? A witch with a sense of humor. Bravo, Sheila, for trying to inject some levity into our supernatural soap opera. She led us to a lively gathering on the back porch, a stark contrast to the gloomy and lifeless atmosphere I remember. Ah, Mystic Falls, always surprising – like a town with a secret or two. Refurbished and buzzing with activity, it seems like Mystic Falls got a renovation while I was away, at least in the Bennett residence. Maybe they finally invested in some decent lighting fixtures. The question lingering in my mind: what else has changed in this quaint little town? Time to uncover the secrets of the revamped Mystic Falls, if there are any worth uncovering. And, of course, to navigate the family gathering without getting electrocuted. Because nothing says 'fun night out' like avoiding supernatural shocks at a witch's shindig. Well played, Mystic Falls, well played.
As we sashayed up towards the gathering, a few heads turned our way, and the focal point of the room zeroed in on us—a petite bronze goddess, who, despite possibly being too young to register on someone my age's radar, managed to stir a bit of attraction in me. 'WOW' is the only thought that came into my mind, but I stilled immediately. 'Woah, where did that come from?' Attraction for someone of hmm... what age is she? But attraction? Now, that's a nil possibility since I'm still hopelessly hung up on my love, Katherine. Oh well, she was already making a beeline in our direction, offering greetings to her grandma and Enzo, I presume. Though, there's something about her. I mean, she's practically radiating. Is it just me, or is the sunlight conspiring to give her this ethereal glow? Hmm... it's a tad dimmer now, but there's still this subtle white outline around her. Note to self: investigate the supernatural spotlight effect later. For now, let's see what the bronze goddess wants. Time to turn up the charm a notch and figure out why this town suddenly got a lot more interesting.
"Well, aren't we in for a treat?" I drawled to myself, my eyes locking onto the petite girl who I presume is Sheila's granddaughter. "Sheila, is this charming little lady your granddaughter?" I couldn't help but add a touch of mock surprise to my voice, as if uncovering a grand secret. Because, you know, Mystic Falls is always full of surprises – like a supernatural soap opera that just keeps getting more dramatic.
"Yes, she is," Sheila said with a proud smile as she then made her introductions, "Hi Bonnie dear, Enzo just dragged his new friend along from his trip. This charming devil is Damon Salvatore," she announced. I couldn't help but flash a charismatic grin, sizing up the situation and preparing to add my own touch to the encounter with the bronze wonder named Bonnie. Well, well, Bonnie, let's see if you can keep up with the charm of a Salvatore. Because, let's be honest, when a devilish charmer like me enters the scene, it's a whole new level of supernatural charisma.
"Hel—" I started, all set to lay on the charm for Bonnie's benefit, but Enzo, in a move that was both rude and oddly friendly, casually shoved me aside to take the lead in greeting her. I raised an eyebrow, my smirk turning into an amused grin as Enzo stole the spotlight, leaving me to play catch-up in this unexpected introduction to the little witch named Bonnie. Well, there goes the Salvatore charm then. Classic Enzo move, stealing the limelight like it's a daily ritual. I guess this is his little witch mate that he's been telling me about. A short but sharp prickle hit me at the thought of Enzo getting his mate, if and only if she is his, and that's when she turns 17. Though by the way I observed his antics from where I stood, yup, she is his mate. Front-row seat to the Enzo and Bonnie show, I suppose. Grab the popcorn, folks – Mystic Falls just got itself a supernatural rom-com, starring Enzo and his teenage witch. And here I thought my love life was complicated.
He's casually grabbing the girl's waist, and then, like a typical prince charming, he lifts her up and spins her around, both of them laughing at whatever witty remark he made. Well, isn't that just charming? I mused, observing the spectacle with a mix of amusement and a tinge of annoyance, though I couldn't pinpoint where it came from. Classic Enzo move – sweeping in like the leading man in a cheesy romance movie. Anyway, Enzo always did have a flair for the dramatic. I really need to check out this short prickle of pain I've been feeling, and that annoyance? Huh, I shouldn't be feeling that when looking at them. Something's off, and I'll be damned if I let myself get tangled up in whatever this is. Because, let's face it, drama is my territory, and I'm not about to play second fiddle to Enzo's love story.
Oh, well, I'll just sprinkle my charm on the other adults then. Enzo, she's unquestionably your mate. Can't deny it, buddy. Tough luck, though—you've got to wait a couple more years to make your whole relationship legal. Well, at least in the eyes of the humans. Can't speak for your little witch's morals, though. She might not be too keen on liking you because of your age too. But hey, more drama for me, I guess. Entertainment! ~chuckles~ Anyway, time for me to go and mingle. There are plenty of other people in this town who could use a dose of Damon Salvatore's irresistible charisma
Bonnie POV
Just another day in Mystic Falls. School's out, again, like always. What's the deal with the education scene here? In the show and in real life, it's all about town events, and school seems to take a back seat. I'm curious what Mayor Lockwood and the council are cooking up this time to give us a break from school.
But you know what? It doesn't bug me much. I'm already past the whole school scene, being reincarnated and all. But hey, this just gives us an excuse to throw an afternoon soiree. I get it, "soiree" is usually for evening get-togethers, but I like the word, so I'm throwing "afternoon" into the mix. Can't stop me, it's my own thoughts, you know?
So, I was talking to the fam about the whole "I know the future" thing, and they were like, "Sure, but make it sound like you're some kind of seer, not a TV show thing." Luckily, both Life and my family gave me the green light to go with the seer idea and not spill the beans about the TV show part. Life seems to think it's not the right time for that bombshell. Well, fine by me. Can't push it if both the family and Life are on the same page. I get it, this might come back to haunt me someday, but the whole seer vibe seems pretty safe, at least according to my family, my own opinion, and even the deity's. Guess I'll just chill and wait for their signal before revealing the whole thing.
Then, I convinced the fam to throw this party, and they were cool with me spilling the beans to my friends. Sent out invites to the crew. My parents, though, went all out with the guest list – Liz Forbes and her deputies, the Lockwoods, Zach Salvatore, and the other council folks. They even dropped a hint to the Gilberts like, "Hey, come join the party, but maybe leave Elena at home? My daughter can't stand her and doesn't want her crashing the scene." But what do the Gilberts do? They pass and just sent Jenna with Jeremy. Pretty darn rude move, if you ask me. But let's keep it real, my parents weren't saints either. Still dissing the Gilberts though, and I'm not owning up to any rudeness on my part.
Since there was already a bunch of people on the guest list, I threw an invite to Slater too. Can't have him feeling left out, you know? Plus, it seemed like a good chance to introduce him to the gang, so he's in the loop. Yep, that's the game plan. Oh, and you might've noticed I only mentioned Liz Forbes. Well, that's because Caroline's parents went through a messy divorce last year. Turns out, discovering your true gender has some wild side effects, like Mr. Forbes cheating with someone of the same sex. Ended in tears and a ton of drama for poor Caroline. But, hey, we—the gang, the emotional support team—are there for her.
Anyway, the whole afternoon shindig is a blast. No issues, and everyone's having a ton of fun. Lucky for us, I've got a massive backyard, so no problem for people to break into small groups for chats. The ladies, for some reason, gathered by the backyard kitchen, chatting away. Meanwhile, some dudes spread out, discussing the latest gossip and events, and the sports enthusiasts huddled around the big TV, catching the latest football game. Even Tyler and Matt couldn't keep their eyes off that area half the time.
Now, my crew, we claimed the firepit area in the backyard. Love those comfy sofas around it. I introduced Enzo to the gang, and to my delight, they hit it off, especially the guys when they found out he's into making video games, just like I asked him to be. I mean, I've got mad love for old games, but I'm all about those 2020s vibes. Maybe his vampire brain can work some magic to speed up that part of the tech world.
As we chatted the afternoon away, I started gearing up to spill my secret. I mean, we're in public and all, but I wanted to give them a heads up that I was about to drop something life-changing. Remember, I've got magic, so I can make our little corner inconspicuous and throw up a silencing bubble. Just as I was about to subtly cast those, I noticed grams heading into the house. Moments later, she strolled back in through the side, accompanied by Enzo and, to my internal surprise, Damon Salvatore. I guess they patched things up if Enzo brought him along.
I got up from my spot between Caroline and Vicki and headed over to them. Gotta throw in some greetings; I'm still a polite little lady, even if I'll admit I can be mean and rude every now and then. Key word: sometimes. I'm not owning up to anything else. Anyway, Damon still looked ridiculously handsome and sizzling hot. I mean, he was a looker in the show, but in real life? It's like Adonis came to life. Guess I'll keep that to myself; can't have him getting more egotistic than usual.
As I headed their way, I couldn't help but notice the guys checking me out. Enzo's gaze, I get it – he's been giving me that look quite often lately. It's like he's got this... I don't know, fond look? Adoring look? Ugh, I can't quite put my finger on it. Lately, he always seems dazed and goofy, yet sweet when he's around me. Hmm... I guess he really likes me a lot, like... a little sister? On the other hand, I remember Vicki having this kind of proud and fond look when she gazes at Matt, especially when he's done something impressive, like scoring touchdowns in football or acing tests. Enzo's expression is somewhat similar, but with a touch of something I can't quite figure out. Ugh, whatever it is, it seems complicated, and I'm cool with just ignoring it. For now, at least.
Damon, on the other hand, looks a bit dazed too, but he's also squinting a bit, like I'm standing in front of some blinding light or the sun's right behind me, and he can't see well. Strange, right? It's funny; his expression reminds me of Enzo's from years ago when we first met. It's really so odd. Another mystery to unravel, I suppose, but like I said, it seems complicated, and I'm choosing to ignore that for now too.
So, when I stroll up to them, my grams gives me a warm smile, like always, and goes, "Hi Bonnie dear, Enzo just dragged his new friend along from his trip. This charming devil is Damon Salvatore." Charming, seriously? Grams, you're seriously downplaying it! He's like the definition of good-looking, especially with that smirk. Ugh! Brain, quit with the flattery. I bet he's gearing up to greet me with his snarky talk, the kind I find amusing in the show.
"Hel—" He was about to greet me in his typical Damon way when Enzo just swooped in, grabbing me around the waist and doing that usual thing he always does. I guess this is our thing now. It's so routine that everyone just gave me a side-eye, and Grams only chuckled before leaving us to head back to the ladies' part of the backyard. Ugh, not much help there. Though, strangely enough, I don't mind it at all. Hmmm... brothers also do this to their sisters, right? So I'm cool with it.
After our quick and kinda weird greeting, Enzo launches into this story about how he found Damon, their whole cheesy reunion—note the sarcasm—and his perfectly gory revenge. Yup, he's a real entertainer. The way he spins the tale is hilarious, especially with the added sound effects and funny gestures. I think he's doing it on purpose to get a laugh out of me. Well, he finds it funny too, so why not let him roll with it? When he's done with his over-the-top tale, I can tell by the way Damon's rolling his eyes at Enzo, he leads me back to Damon, who's busy sipping on a bottle of bourbon. I bet he swiped that from my father's stash. Looks like he's finished entertaining the folks too, I guess.
When we got to the snarky Salvatore, Enzo introduced me to him, as if I didn't already know the guy. "Bonnie, my little witch, check out who decided to tag along from my trip. This is Damon Salvatore. You know, the Salvatore brother who adds a sprinkle of chaos to everything," Enzo said, smirking at Damon.
Damon playfully rolled his eyes and shot back, "Well, someone's gotta keep things interesting, Enzo. Mystic Falls could use a bit of excitement, don't you think?" His words carried a hint of mischief, fitting right in with the reputation he seemed to relish.
"Excitement?" I said with a playful smirk, my eyes glinting mischievously. "More like adding to the chaos that's already around here." My remark had a teasing tone, which somehow made Damon unknowingly break into a genuine smile. That's a point for me! I got the ever-smirking Damon to crack a real smile. I wonder if Enzo managed to turn his emotions back on. Hmmm?
"Oooh, I like you. You're interesting. Not boring at all," Damon said with a smirk, appreciating my playful banter. The back-and-forth banter seemed to amuse him, and his tone carried a touch of genuine enjoyment. Yup, definitely a point for me! Yay me!
Enzo, chiming in with his British charm, added, "Well, Bonnie, get used to future chaos around here. Damon here is practically initiates it and is its source." He shot a teasing glance at Damon, clearly reveling in the camaraderie.
I let out a small smile as I looked at the both of them. They really did made up. I knew Enzo having the time to ponder things could make him "Well, let's test him out then. Come on, boys, let me introduce you to the gang." She then led them towards her circle of friends who were invited to the get-together party, including Slater, who had been introduced to the gang before the duo arrived.
As they approached the bonfire part of the porch where her friends were, she introduced the two to them. "Hey, guys, this is my friend, Lorenzo St. John, and this is his friend and my newly made acquaintance Damon Salvatore." Her friends exchanged greetings with the two newcomers.
"Boys, these are my best friends in the whole wide world," she said, earning laughs and giggles from the group. Then she gestured to each of them. "The darling sunshine sitting over there on your right is Caroline Forbes. The gorgeous brunette next to her is Vicki Donovan with her hunk of a brother, Matt. You also have our aspiring football quarterback slash artist, Tyler Lockwood. Next to him is our talented and this generation's future Leonardo da Vinci, Jeremy Gilbert. And last but not least, our tech slash information genius, Slater T. Peterson."
Damon POV
I notice Enzo giving Slater an overly familiar bro handshake, the kind that says they've been swapping supernatural secrets and snarky banter for ages. It makes me think they're friends and have been for a while now. Maybe Enzo spent the years he's been free with him? Hmm... "Slater's also a friend of yours?"
"Yes, he is, mate," Enzo replied with a smirk, leaving that hint of mystery hanging in the air, as per classic Enzo style. I bet there's a vampire drama or two in that friendship vault. I gotta ask him later about that. Then he turned his attention to Slater and asked, "How you doing there, Slater?"
Slater took a sip from his water bottle, which, in this supernatural setting, I'm guessing is a not-so-innocent red concoction, then answered Enzo, "Been doing fine. I was busy getting stuff done for Bonnie, and now, I'm chilling and having fun here." Oh, Bonnie's personal assistant, how quaint. He glanced at me with a hint of excitement in his eyes, sparking my curiosity. Why the enthusiasm? Is he a fan of the Damon Salvatore show or something? Another thing that piqued my interest is what kind of "stuff" he's doing for Enzo's little mate and why he's the go-to guy for it. Hmm... another supernatural mystery to unravel. "Finally found him, huh?"
"Yep, thanks to you," Enzo said, shooting a grateful grin at him. Hold up, wait a minute – he's the one who tracked me down for Enzo? Well, slap my fangs and call me surprised. Little Bonbon introduced him as the tech and information genius, which basically means he's the vampire Google with a side of super-sleuth. A helpful ally to have in my corner, I must admit. Thanks a bunch, Enzo. Because, you know, what's better than a tech-savvy vamp to hunt down a Salvatore on the loose? Friendship goals, Enzo-style.
Now, let's unleash the charm and get cozy with the locals in this charming little town. Sure, I usually don't do friends – Enzo is enough of a handful – but hey, friends apparently trump allies. So, here goes nothing. I start my grand entrance, greeting Bonnie's squad with my own signature style. A few gentlemanly kisses on the hand, some flattery sprinkled around for both the ladies and gents – because, let's face it, with these handsomely rouged features, resistance is futile. Boys, girls, Mystic Falls is about to experience the full force of Damon Salvatore's charm.
After settling around the firepit with drinks and foods that the concerned mothers graciously provided, we dive into the obligatory greetings and getting-to-know-each-other routine – all that jazz. Little Bonbon then pulls off some witchy maneuver, raising my suspicion level to Defcon Damon. Some kind of magical bubble envelops the whole gang. Ohhh, a new magic trick, haven't seen that one before. Anyway, what's the deal with little Bonbon? Hold up, have I been calling Enzo's little mate Little Bonbon all this time? Why? Well, it suits her though. Well, we gotta focus on the now and setting that peculiar nickname aside for the moment.
Then, after that magical hocus-pocus that little Bonbon pulled, she turned her oh-so-serious face towards us and dropped the most shocking bomb, "I'm a seer." Talk about a plot twist. I was expecting her to say she bakes a killer apple pie or something, but no, she's a seer. Well, well, well, what else are you hiding, Little Bonbon? Next thing you know, she'll be predicting Mystic Falls' next vampire soap opera. Wonder if she sees me rolling my eyes in her crystal ball visions.
Meanwhile, somewhere out there:
"Ah, my ever-so-noble sibling has managed to track me down at last?" Niklaus Mikaelson, or more commonly known as Klaus, said with a smirk, his British accent dripping with sarcasm. He continued to paint a breathtaking sunset scene of the Fuji Five Lakes of Japan, vividly depicting that he had recently visited the place.
"What appears to have tied your undergarments in a knot, prompting you to seek me out? If it's regarding our dear siblings once more, I've already enlightened you on their fates," Klaus added, his eyes fixed on the canvas as his skilled hands moved effortlessly across it. The colors of the sunset danced under the strokes of his brush, a stark contrast to the nonchalant tone in his voice.
Elijah Mikaelson, casually but elegantly, walked towards his brother and stopped at a safe distance from him. "I remain steadfast in my desire for retribution on their behalf. However, presently, a certain matter has piqued my curiosity. Have you, by any chance, perused the listings on Craigslist?" he inquired, a note of curiosity in his refined British accent.
Klaus, without looking away from his painting, raised an eyebrow. "Craigslist, Elijah? Honestly, I expected more refined methods from you, not resorting to such pedestrian avenues for gathering information."
Elijah sighed, his patience evident. "It transcends the mere platform, Klaus. It delves into the essence of the missive. Messages pertaining to us have surfaced, a silent beckoning spanning years. Presently, an assertion has been made, suggesting possession of something that could sway the balance either in our favor or against us."
Klaus paused his brushstroke, finally turning his attention to Elijah. "Do you truly believe it merits our attention? Another endeavor destined to fail in toppling our adversaries? Or perhaps, it's an elaborate scheme orchestrated by our foes to lure us into a trap?"
Elijah nodded solemnly. "Ah, a departure from the mundane, a potential paradigm shift, as they say. I presumed it might hold your intrigue, Klaus."
Klaus raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "A prospective shift in the paradigm, you propose? Let's say I'm intrigued. What else could have caught your interest to inform me of it?"
Elijah maintained his composed demeanor. "The missive contends possession of Mikael himself and professes knowledge of his whereabouts. The individual orchestrating these messages has been persistently attempting to establish contact with us, all hinging upon this revelation."
Klaus's eyes narrowed as he absorbed the revelation. "Mikael, the architect of our never-ending turmoil? This is either a stroke of brilliance or an intricately laid trap. Why would someone willingly harbor our father, and what do they aim to achieve?"
Elijah nodded, acknowledging the potential risks. "Precisely why I deemed it judicious to engage your involvement. The circumstances are delicate, yet if there exists even a fragment of truth within, it has the potential to reshape the trajectory of our family's history."
Klaus smirked, his interest evolving into a dangerous excitement. "Ah, brother, it seems an unforeseen player has joined our twisted game. These cryptic messages, and now, the involvement of our dear father himself. How truly intriguing."
"Most intriguing indeed. While I may temporarily set aside the matter of our siblings consigned to the ocean, my commitment to avenge them remains unwavering, Niklaus.," Elijah said as he typed in a number to call someone. "Nevertheless, the issue concerning our father is imperative. I shall communicate to my acquaintance the imperative of establishing contact with our enigmatic messenger. I must now attend to certain affairs. I trust you will conduct yourself appropriately in my absence, Niklaus." Then he left.
As Elijah left the room with a sense of purpose, Klaus remained alone, surrounded by the captivating hues of the Fuji Five Lakes on his canvas. He continued to paint, each stroke seemingly filled with anticipation. Klaus's mind, however, was not solely preoccupied with the artistic endeavor before him; it was also engaged in the unfolding enigma brought to light by Elijah.
With a calculating gleam in his eyes, Klaus considered the intricate web of possibilities surrounding the mysterious messages, and the purported possession of Mikael. The air in the room crackled with a mixture of tension and excitement as Klaus contemplated the upcoming events. He then let out a small smirk, anticipating the events that would follow. "Can't wait."
Chapter is finally done! While I might not be entirely satisfied with it, at least it's finished. Apologies for the extended delay in updating this fic. As mentioned before, I had a bout of flu and then life decided to get in the way with its usual real-world stuff. You know how it goes.
Now, I'd love to hear your thoughts on this chapter. Did I go overboard with the monologues, especially Damon's?
I threw in some tidbits about my favorite Mikaelsons at the end, not all of them, but I'm content with it. What's your take on it?
Also, heads up for possible delays in future updates. Your likes, favorites, and comments are much appreciated. Until next time!