Yeah, that doesn't happen. I don't even get to work for an hour before Care calls. "Apparently it was Samantha Gilbert who killed all those founders. She was losing time, felt like she wasn't herself, and confessed but they thought she was crazy and put her in an insane asylum." Care explains, her voice a little high while she whispers. "Okay... so it's her?" I ask confused. "Nope. They think it is Mr. Saltzman, she had the Gilbert family ring just like him and she was killed like him." Care says. "So the ring brought her back but drove her crazy and they think the same is happening to him?" I confirm. "Yup. Do you think it's possible?" Matt asks. "I guess. I mean I asked Jer to not wear the ring because magic that can bring you back especially over and over again has to have some sort of a price. It's possible. I'll have to ask Ezra, he's the most well-versed out of us. So, are they keeping him in custody?" I ask Care. "No, they released him. Elena says Dr. Fell lied to get him released so they could figure out what to do." Care explains.
"That's stupid. What if he kills someone else?" I exclaim. "I guess they'll keep an eye on him. I mean I will. He killed my dad. I won't let him hurt anyone else." Care says, sounding determined even as her voice wavers. "Right. Well, be careful. He could be dangerous." I tell her. "I will. Promise. You stay safe too. We never know what vendetta he has." Care says. "I guess. I'll tell you what Ezra says, I know Elena cares about him, so if there's anything that can help." I tell her. "Sounds good. See you." Care says. Matt says goodbye and we end the call.
I sigh and put away my supplies. I'm not going to do any work while I'm distracted. I know that Ares still had the ring, so maybe we can find out what spell it is enchanted with. This is great, just what we needed, a psychotic killer with amnesia.
I go through 3 different resurrection spells, mostly the really lengthy list of consequences they have before Ezra and Arya come home. They seem to be in a great mood, smiling and holding hands. I definitely don't need to ruin their night. I close the grimoire as Arya comes over.
"Can't sleep?" She asks, sitting next to me. "Not really, the house seems so empty," I tell her. "Where did the others go?" Ezra asks, already looking through the grimoire I had on the table. "The Grill, they should be back. Well, unless Nat convinced Felix to talk to his guy crush." I say. "Don't think anyone can do that." Ezra disagrees with a scoff. "Don't be rude. Maybe he's just nervous. People can be judgey, especially about these things." Arya says. "I guess. Sorry." Ezra apologizes, an odd feat for him, his apologies are usually, if needed, a nice task for the person or even just a small gift. "What are you doing with this anyway?" Ezra asks, tapping the grimoire. "Nothing, just looking," I tell him. He frowns, looking at me like I insulted him. Which I kinda did, I always tell him it's super weird to 'go through spells' just in case. "Seriously?" He asks, fingers still tapping the cover. "Yes, I remember this one had a spell for mind control, I wanted to see what kind of limitations it had, apparently a ton," I explain. His expression quickly changes to disbelief then anger. "Those kinds of spells... you shouldn't try something like that." Ezra warns seriously. "I wasn't going to, just curious," I assure him.
"Besides, what would I need something like that for? A stupid prank? It just seems like a cruel thing to do, can't imagine what that kind of loss might feel like." I say. "People who create something like that aren't usually looking for some practical fun, most of these kinds of spells were made for a sort of payback, to make vampires feel the way they make their victims feel but some, some of these people just wanted to humiliate or outright ostracize people. There's a rumor that back in the witch-hunting days, they would use spells like these to get rid of lesser witches, even innocent women whom they had a vendetta against. Magic can be cruel, even spells not considered a part of dark or black magic can cause pain and death. You have to be careful, these types of spells can taint you, not your magic but you." Ezra explains. He sounds haunted almost, like he'd seen this happen, his eyes glaring into mine only serve as an ominous warning, seeming somehow darker, almost black.
The tension in the room is broken by the door opening and Natalie's voice carries a teasing remark. I don't hear her as Ezra continues to stare at me like he thinks I've already committed a few crimes and tainted myself and my magic.
"Everything okay?" Ares asks, I finally look away from Ezra and see everyone standing at the door, looking tense. "Yeah, how was The Grill? Run into any idiots?" I ask them. "Nope. It was a good dinner. How was your date?" Nat asks Arya, practically skipping to the couch. "It was fine," Arya answers, looking shy but happy. Ares on the other hand looks conflicted, his gaze alternates between me and Ezra before settling on him. "What were you talking about?" Ares asks Ezra. "Mind control," Ezra says, his tone deadpan. Ares looks worried, "Why?" He asks. "I was just curious, I remember reading about it," I explain. "You shouldn't even consider those kinds of spells. They can change who you are." Ares says in a grim tone. "I wasn't, I was just curious. Wondering who would want to do that and what kind of drawbacks it had." I explain with a shrug.
"The people who make and use spells like those pay a grave price," Ares says. "Right, magic can cost you," I repeat what they've said before like a million times. "It's not just that," Ezra says, he sounds even more serious. "It is more than that. Though I wasn't raised on these beliefs, there are a few who think magic balances itself just as nature does. That the more you try to bend your magic the more it takes away." Ares explains. "What does that mean? Like the thing with black magic or resurrection spells?" I ask. "Not really. There is a rumor, well, more a cautionary tale, a legend that talks about people who made spells to achieve the impossible and died a painful death. Their own magic, the fabric of their being turned against them and punished them for daring to taint the world." Ares says, he sounds just like Ezra, lost in a memory of something horrific. "It is true, a lot of people that make spells considered to have the ability to destroy the world, they die truly horrible deaths, no part of them, not even ashes remain," Ezra explains.
"Isn't that a bit of a stretch?" I say, feeling incredulous about the whole thing. "You don't have to believe it, just stay away from spells like that," Ares says. "I'm not saying I don't believe you, but isn't it a bit of a stretch to say that a mind control spell could destroy the world? Vampires use it all the time!" I exclaim. "True, I don't see how it's any different than what you could do with a simple illusion spell. Like you can make people do things by just making them believe in something not real." Felix says. "It doesn't work like that, while you can make someone do something with persuasion they would still have their willpower, it would be their power. Mind control spells are often absolute, there is no you anymore, just the person controlling you." Ezra explains.
"And people have used these spells to destroy lives before, they have used them to kill others, ruin empires, covens, and more. Your magic is your own but it is seen as a gift by many, a gift from the gods. The moment you taint it, it can punish you. People have been driven crazy by things that don't exist, the fear of retribution from the gods, the fear of hell, all these things that their magic showed them, that their magic brought to life as a punishment that ended in death." Ares says staring at Felix who shifts uncomfortably. "Like I said, I have no plans on using something like that. I was just curious." I assure them again.
Should've just told the truth, would've been easier. The mood's gone anyway. "Since we're on the topic anyway..." I start once it's obvious neither of them seems ready to let this go before everyone agrees with them exactly. Ares turns to me, looking a little shocked. "Not mind control!" I exclaim before either of them can start again. "I meant like spells and consequences. Care called and apparently, the ring turns people crazy. Or well, it makes them inhuman? Emotionless killers? Something along those lines." I explain. "What?" Ezra asks. "Our old family ring that brings people back to life, drives them insane. In 1912, it was Samantha and now it's Alaric. He killed Care's dad and the examiner and stabbed himself! He doesn't even remember any of it." I elaborate.
Ares looks worried while Ezra seems to be already mentally calculating all the possibilities. "So, now what?" Felix asks. "I don't know exactly how but they're going to look for a medical solution," I say. "What? That's stupid!" Ezra exclaims. "How do they expect to cure what is essentially a magical retribution?" Ares asks. "Not a clue. I thought maybe you guys would know about a spell or a ritual or something to help." I say. "If it's the ring causing this then there is no way to reverse it. He has already benefited from the magic, now he has to pay the price. He took on more lives and now he has to give something in return. Either his humanity as you said or his life." Ezra explains. "True. Unless you have the original spell and the bloodline that created this ring, it's impossible to break this cycle let alone cure it." Ares says. "So, even if he doesn't wear it anymore, it's done?" I ask. "Yeah, the damage is done. No way to undo it." Ezra says.
I texted Care, letting her know what they said but I'm sure the Bennetts will still try to look for a loophole. Ares looks concerned about the whole thing, worried it could lead to more deaths. There's not much to be done anyway, it's their problem now.
They are restoring the Wickery Bridge, so everyone has been invited to a fundraiser. Klaus wants to be more involved with the town, mostly to annoy the Salvatores and somehow Natalie convinced me to go with her and Rebekah to socialize and make nice. Well, she told me that she didn't want to be stuck between the Mikaelson siblings, so here we are.
Just as Carol starts talking about the project Rebekah sighs aggravated. "Would you look at that? Such a pleasant surprise." Klaus exclaims. I turn to see what they are talking about and see Damon talking to some girl. "Who's she?" Nat asks. "Sage. Finn's... ex, I suppose." Rebekah says, voice filled with disgust. "And you're upset? Don't you want the pleasure of telling her where he is?" I suggest. When Elijah and Noah had gone to check on their mother this morning, Esther and Finn were gone, with an unconscious girl nearby. Esther had decided to turn and run it seems. I'm sure that won't be a problem later.
Rebekah smirks and heads towards the duo with Nat following her. "Why make a big fuss over this?" Klaus asks, gesturing at the crowd. "Mystic Falls is all about exteriors. Showing how much you care about the town and people." I tell him. He hums, "You don't believe they care?" He asks, curious. "I don't think so. They felt pity for us when our parents died, you know? For like a minute, they felt pity and then it was dismay, the poor kids with their poor aunt and their poor coping mechanisms. They went from they were such an important part of our community to they should have raised their kids better. Whispers and gossip and side glances. Barely took a month, really." I explain. "You don't care for these people then?" Klaus asks. "I care for them the way they care for me. If they die, I'll attend their funeral and express sympathy, that's all." I tell him.
Klaus doesn't say anything so I turn to look at him and he seems lost in thought. I turn back to face Carol as she finishes her speech. Everyone claps and she heads towards the donation table with a few people. "Are you going to make a donation?" I ask Klaus. "Of course. Anything for this town." He agrees but makes no move to head there. "What about my brother?" Klaus asks after a minute of silence. "What?" I question. "My brother, Henrik. How do you care for him?" Klaus clarifies. "The same way he cares for me, I'd do insanely stupid things to save him," I say, turning to face him. Klaus hums and looks curious, "Why?" He asks. "I don't know. I guess in a way it's reciprocal. He's shown time and again how great a friend he is and it makes it easy to be a good friend too. I never thought I'd be friends with a vampire but he's... he's easy to like, easy to care about." I explain, well try to. Klaus seems satisfied though as he starts walking towards the table. I sigh and roll my eyes as I watch him.
He pauses a few steps away, turns to look my way, and gestures for me to follow. Right, sure. I follow him to the table and he takes a few moments to look at the presented information while Carol talks to some people. "Would you like to donate?" Klaus asks. "What?" I ask. "If you would like, we can make a donation in your name." He says, picking up a brochure and flipping through it. "Not necessary, Aunt Jenna will make a donation for the Gilbert family," I tell him. "Can she afford to?" Nat asks, coming up to my left and scaring the crap out of me. I startle and she grins apologetically. I scoff at her apology but smile. "Of course," I tell her. "Really? Isn't she a student too?" Nat asks. "She is. But we have family money. Most of the property in town is owned by the founding families, so we get a lot of rent from different properties, she can use that." I explain. "Oh, cool. I didn't know that." Nat says. "So, are all residential places owned by the founding families?" She asks. "Not all, some. But almost all business complexes, empty lands, and such are owned by founding families." I tell her. She hums and seems unhappy with the explanation.
Klaus grabs my arm and drags me towards Carol. "Mr. Mikaelson and Arielle, so glad you could make it." Carol greets us. "Of course. I'm glad you're working on this, I wouldn't want anyone else to suffer through such tragedy." I say. Carol smiles uncomfortably, I know the Wickery Bridge restoration has been something that has been pushed back for over 3 years. Mom and Dad weren't the only ones who went over, over the years a lot of people have had the same fate. Though there were only a few survivors, in the past few years, the council has been busy with the Bell Tower restoration and then vampires. "Yes, of course. This is an important issue for us. Are you here on behalf of your family? I haven't seen Jenna around." Carol says. "No, I was just here with Klaus, to help him navigate but I'll call Aunt Jenna, confirm she'll be here," I tell her. She agrees and draws Klaus into a conversation probably looking for a definitive donation. I move a little away from them and call Jenna.
It goes to voicemail and so does the second call. I call Mason, he's probably with her or knows where she is. "Hey, Ari. Everything alright?" Mason asks, answering the call at the third ring. "Yeah, everything is fine. I needed to talk to Aunt Jenna, do you know where she is?" I ask him. He sighs and I hear shuffling and then the sound of a door opening and closing. "Yeah, she's home. She's been... she's having a hard time coping." Mason says, he pauses and sighs. "She switched to animal blood, for reasons and it hasn't been easy for her." He explains. "Oh, alright. Carol was looking for her, for the restoration but I guess I'll just do it myself. Let me know if you need help." I tell him. "Of course. Thanks, Ari, I'll see you later." Mason says and hangs up.
I sigh and look towards Klaus, who is still listening to Carol talk. I have zero interest in her pitch, I'd rather just write down a number and be done with it. I head to the table and match the donation by the Fells. It's better to not be the last. Klaus finally heads to the table, leaving Carol to talk to one of the new families that moved recently. "Have fun?" I ask him and he looks at me amused. "Quiet. I couldn't help overhear-" "Of course not, what else would you have to do but eavesdrop a conversation?" I say sarcastically. "What else indeed? Why exactly is your aunt trying something so foolish." He asks with a disgusted expression. "Who knows? In case you haven't noticed, we aren't on talking terms right now. Haven't been for some time. I guess she'll figure it out herself or with... Stefan, unfortunately." I tell him. "I suppose." He agrees, writing down a donation, finally.
"I guess we are done here?" He asks. "Yeah, there is nothing more to do here. Unless you want to talk to more people." I suggest and he rolls his eyes. "Only if you join." He agrees with that smirk, so annoying. I huff and start walking towards Natalie and Rebekah. They're talking to one of the girls from the team. Amy? Probably. "Ready to go?" Klaus asks, stopping next to Rebekah as I stop next to Nat. "Of course. I'll see you at school." Rebekah says, smiling. Nat and I stare at each other in mild surprise, almost shocked. I don't think I've ever seen Rebekah agree with Klaus, in all honesty, I assumed it was their dynamic, disagree, and argue on everything. They must've had great drinks last night. Or drugs. We head to the car as Rebekah and Nat start whispering about something. Klaus says nothing but gets into the driver's seat and starts it up.
"So, Mr. Saltzman really did kill those people, I heard they are looking for any changes, medically speaking like something is wrong with his brain, amnesia or something," Nat says after a few minutes. "That makes zero sense! Besides, even if he had amnesia he still committed those murders. They should do their research while keeping him in jail." I say, frustrated. "I didn't know you felt so strongly about this," Klaus says. "I'm worried who he'll decide to go for next. What even is he going for? First a council member then Caroline's dad and then himself? It's dangerous, he could go for anyone else and then it's on them, the people he kills are on Meredith Fell and Damon Salvatore, and neither of them are very reasonable people. I'm sure Dr. Fell will feel bad and then what? I know he didn't technically kill them, but whatever this is, is a part of him and I highly doubt either of the families care about the technicalities all that much. If he's unstable and is a danger to people, he should be in a mental hospital or jail." I explain.
"I guess, but there's nothing we can do about it. I mean, even if we wanted to, what would we tell everyone, how would we even explain what we know? Right?" Nat asks. "Liz already suspected him, they have circumstantial proof, his weapons, and stuff. If it really comes down to it, I guess I could convince Mason to talk to Carol or do it myself." I say. "Would she believe you?" Rebekah asks. "Probably, I mean she's not unreasonable and she already knows about vampires, magic rings are not that far-fetched," I tell her, a little unsure. "Anyway, did you guys have fun last night?" I ask, not in the mood to talk about murdering maniacs anymore, well, I guess the Mikaelsons are murdering maniacs too. "Yes, quiet. We didn't break even one piece of furniture in the bar." Rebekah says, smiling and proud. "Is that... an accomplishment?" Nat asks, wide-eyed. "Well, yes. We've had our disagreements-" Rebekah says but is cut off by Klaus' laugh. She glares at him as he continues chuckling. "Disagreements? Oh, you should see Rebekah's ire when she truly gets to it. Our sister is known for her temper. And of course her love stories." Klaus explains, giving Rebekah a cruel smile. "And you?" Nat asks before Rebekah can start what will be an undoubtedly long and uncomfortable argument. "Yes brother dearest, what about you? Shall I tell them about t