Gillian's P.O.V.
Today is THE day and everything is going crazy! The floats are ready, some people are dressed like in 1864, which is kinda weird for me, some footballers have their uniform on as well for the cheerleaders. For me, it's my uniform today. I'm not walking but I was told to put it on. Why? Good question.
I finish preparing the last things for the Founders' day when I hear some cheerleaders cheering not too far from me while holding the banner of our school. And beside the girls, Mrs. Lockwood is supervising everyone.
- No, no, no, no, no! It's all wrong! The marching band should be in front of the Historic Society, she screams while pointing at groups with her pen. Matt, get up on the float, she tells to the blond boy who is actually taking pictures with Caroline. Boys, I asked you to put chairs on the Founders' Float. Ladies! Time to get on the float.
I smile as I remark how nervous she is. Mrs Lockwood might be even more nervous than we all are. Tyler sees me and waves while smiling. I wink at him and wave back. I turn around and remark my father walking with his hands in his pockets. He is also wearing a costume, since he is Elena's escort. I chuckle as I walk slowly toward him. Suddenly, Damon arrives to my father smirking. I frown confused since they both aren't in the best... Conditions?
- Look at you, all retro, I hear Damon smirking as he walks next to my father.
- What are you doing here? Questions dad annoyed while stopping in his tracks. Damon stops as well and faces his brother.
- Why wouldn't I be here? Bonnie deactivated the Gilbert invention, Isobel is gone and it's Founders' Day! I'm here to eat cotton candy and steal your girl, half jokes my uncle which makes me roll my eyes. Always taking things lightly.
- Don't start with me, Damon, begs my father looking around annoyedly.
- Oh, you started this Stefan with that whole "I'm insecure, leave Elena alone" speech. I'm enjoying that, responds excitedly Uncle Damon.
- As long as you heard it.
- What? You have no sense of humor, Stefan.
- Actually he has no sense of 'Damon humor', I say chuckling while arriving at their height. Both brothers stare at me, dad with a smile and Damon with his brows arcked.
- 'Damon humor'..., repeats my uncle while looking quickly up confused. Look amazing in your uniform Boo.
- well, thanks but it's actually kinda weird to wear it for today. Usually it's a dress I wear.
- you can wear one after if you want baby, tells me my father smiling again.
- no, no, I'm good in my jean and my shirt, I respond laughing. Dad nods before passing his arm around my shoulder. Suddenly, Damon laughs while staring at his brother.
- Hey look, I get it, I get it. I'm the better, hotter, superior choice and you're scared, I roll my eyes before puting my lips in a thin line to stop a smile to get spread over my face. Now that Katherine is out of the picture, that I'm gonna turn all my attention to Elena. But don't worry, Elena is not Katherine, I grimace a bit when he said my mother's name and looked down. Damon might have been an ass but I know he is just saying that to get my father angry.
- You're right, she's not, sighs dad slightly amused but more annoyed of him.
I look at my uncle who looks down at me before winking and smiling. I smile and shake my head while rolling my eyes again. Dad's brother looks behind us, his smile flying away like he saw a ghost. Dad and I frown before turning around. Oh my... Elena is walking and looking around as she is probably searching for my father. She is wearing a period dress like women used to in 1864 and has her hair curled. I automatically think of the picture dad has of my mother. Elena sees us and smiles before doing the courtesy. I haven't remark but the tears are already rising in my eyes. It's like I just received a stake through my heart but the pain is worst. I let the tears fall accidentally and quickly wipe them away while pulling myself out from dad's embrace. The two brothers look down at me with worry.
- I-I-I-I have to go, I whisper not able to talk louder. I turn around and run away at human speed.
- wait, Lilou... Baby, I hear my father calling me but I don't turn around. Damon screamed ''Boo'' at the same time as dad called me. I need to be alone few minutes.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
I'm in my bedroom, putting those oldy clothes on for Founders' Day. God, it looks terrible. How could they wear that before? It's scratchy. All of a sudden, I see Anna arriving discretely in my room from the window, by the mirror in front of me. I turn around smiling at my girlfriend.
- Look at you! She says looking me up and down as I close a button of my sleeve.
- I know, it's stupid, huh? I say grimacing and smiling at the same time. I'm part of the parade; but how are you? I've been so worried and I feel awful.
- Why? You didn't kill my mother, your uncle did, she replies losing her smile as she mentions her mother.
- Are you sure it was him?
- Who else would have done it? Asks my girlfriend frowning lightly.
- He doesn't understand, Anna, it's who he is. He hates all vampires. He's just doing what he thinks is right, I explain her as I finally finished buttoning this thing.
- Are you defending him? Questions the vampire kinda loudly and sounding with disbelief.
- No, no way, I reply quickly grabbing her shoulders. It's just... I do understand where he's coming from. He's convinced all the tomb vampires want revenge on this town and he's just... he's trying to protect it.
- They do want revenge, or at least they did, but that's why we separated from them. My mom wasn't after revenge; she just wanted her life back, Anna closes her eyes as she mentions her mother again. I know how it feels to lose a parent so I can imagine how she must feel right now. I have to get out of this town, Jeremy.
- You're leaving? I ask her frowning confusedly.
- I've been thinking... you could come with me. I could turn you. I mean... you said you wanted me to, she search something in her little bag. Here, Anna gives me a flask full of blood. I keep frowning confusedly. It's my blood. If you die with it in your system, you'll come back. I was about to protest but the vampire cuts me. I know you, what it's like for you... being alone, always feeling empty inside, no one to understand. But when you're a vampire, you don't have to feel that way. You can shut it off. I can show you how, she tells me as she took my hands and playes gently with them.
- I wanted to, I did, I take my hands off of hers and turn away. I can see her sadness on her face by the mirror reflecting her reflection. But I don't think I can. Sorry, I stare at the flask she gave me. It's true, I wanted to, but not anymore. I turn back around and remark that she's gone. I sigh before hiding the flask.
Elena's P.O.V.
I rejoin Stefan and Damon after doing the courtesy to them. Gillian ran away suddenly which made me frown, confused. I didn't understand why first. But when Stefan explained me the reason, I felt bad. Damon walked away without saying anything. Then, Stefan informs me about John being my apparently biological father.
- John?! Is that even possible? I ask frowning and lost. Like I already don't have enough problem, this comes in my way as well.
- There is no proof, but he dated Isobel when she was a teenager and he was the one who brought her to your dad's office for the delivery, summarizes my boyfriend while looking gently down at me.
- My whole life I've never liked this man. I...
- Sorry, I'm sorry. I just... I wanted to tell you before Damon dropped it on you on some typically inappropriate way.
- No, I'm happy that you told me, I just... I really hope that it's not true. What I am supposed to do? Do I just... confront him and say "are you my biological father?" I ask him like he knows everything. Seriously what I'm supposed to do?
- I guess, when you're ready, I nod before hugging him.
- I'm never gonna be ready, I pull away from the hug to stare back at him. Stefan, I have enough problems with the family that I actually care about. Jeremy hates me, and why wouldn't he? My journal gave him every single reason to.
- He's just hurt, he's confused.
- He's never going to forgive me for Vicki, for taking away his memories, for lying to him, I keep giving Stefan reasons of why Jeremy wouldn't pardon me. Stefan grabs both my shoulders and squizzes it.
- He's your brother, he'll forgive you. Just give him some time, I nod again before letting myself fall on his chest as he embraces me. We stay like this for at least a minute. It's like all my problems went away during this minute. It felt good. Look, go to the float, I have to go see if Gillian is alright. You kinda hit her hard with your costume.
- Yes, I know, sorry. That wasn't my intention.
- I know it wasn't, Stefan kisses me passionately. See you in few minutes. I nod and smile before walking to the float while he goes looking for Gillian.
Stefan's P.O.V.
I walk away, letting Elena going to the float near the others as I look everywhere for my daughter. I hope she's alright. That must have been a shocked for her to see Elena dressed like that. I have to admit, she does look very alike Katherine dressed in this costume and her hair... Even Damon and I got astonished. I've been looking everywhere except the parking lot. I hope she is there. If not, I'll have to call Damon. I run behind the school and remark that the parking i full. I sigh before listening to see if I can hear anything. Sobs... I hear someone sobbing. I guide myself with my hearing as I zigzag between the car. I stop and look on my right to see my daughter sitting on the ground, her back resting against a car and crying. I hate seeing her like this. I walk slowly toward my little girl as I watch Gillian wiping her cheeks.
- Lilou? Gillian stands up quickly and faces me. Hey, are you alright baby? I ask her grabbing her shoulder before squizzing it.
- yeah, why I wouldn't be, she tells me with a weak voice and trying to smile.
- Gillian, I know you. You're my daughter, I can tell when you're not and you were crying when I arrived, she doesn't reply anything. Her eyes are getting full of tears again and her lips are trembling. She looks down and playes with her shaky hands. Come here Lilou, Come here, I embrace her tightly against me, like something could harm her. I hear her sobbing again and feeling her body shaking against me. It's alright baby, I promise.
- she just looked so much like her, dad, it just... It's like received a stake through my heart but the pain is worst and not going away.
- I'm sorry Gillian. I pull away and grab my daughter's face, wiping the tears of her cheeks. But you know, it was just Elena in a costume. I admit she does look very much like... Her in this costume but it wasn't her. She nods letting two more tears rolling down. And if it was, I want you to know that I will always be there to protect you of her. If you don't want to see her than you won't.
- right, she scoffs. and if I don't have any choice?
- it's not the question. She isn't here Lilou. It's only us right now. Gillian nods and lets a shaky breath out. I smile at her before kissing her forehead and then her cheek. I love you so much Baby. I hug her one last time until she pushes me away.
- I love you too so much Dad but you're going to be late for the parade.
- if you're feeling better I'll go, She nods and pushes me while laughing a bit.
- I am, go now, so I can see you on the float with the others. I smile and nod to her.
- if you're not to well, go to your uncle. I'm serious Lilou, she rolls her eyes playfully before pushing me again to the entrance of the parking lot.
Elena's P.O.V.
While Stefan looks around for Gillian, I do the same for Jeremy. I hate that he won't talk to me. We used to be so close and always telling things to each other. I miss my brother. I spot him walking alone, in his costume.
- Jeremy! I was wondering where you were, he doesn't stop walking and even rolls his eyes by hearing my voice. You look great, and you guys did a really great job on the float.
- Go away, Elena, he growls annoyedly.
- Jeremy, come on! Please! I don't want it to be like this between us, I stop him by grabbing his arm. He turns around and looks at me angrily.
- Why don't you have Damon erase my memory again? Then I could go back to being your in-the-dark little brother.
- Jer, please.
- Just don't! You can't fix this that easily; something like this doesn't just get fixed, tells my brother before walking away from me. I sigh sadly while watching him.
Damon's P.O.V.
The floats are parading now. Mrs. Lockwood is commentating them while the whole town looks at the teens on the engines. When I tihkn of how it was back in 1864... What a change. I walk through the crowd looking for the little witch.
- Let's give a big hand to the Mystic Fall's high school Marching Band! Screams the wife of the Mayor in the microphone. Everyone is applauding just like she told them to. I watch the marching band and cheerleaders walking. Why isn't Gillian in it? And for a little local history, Mr. Saltzman's students have recreated Virginia's Battle of Willow Creek. The float arrives right behind the band. Jeremy and the Lockwood son are in it, they wave to the crowd and pretend to shoot at each other. You guys don't know how it's at war. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our stunning Miss Mystic Falls Court and their handsome escorts. I see Elena, Stefan, Caroline, Matt and the rest of the Mystic Falls Court with their escorts on the float. They're all laughing and waving to the crowd. This is Caroline Forbes, Miss Mystic Falls. Aren't they beautiful?
I scoff before looking around me. Ohh, the little witch is over there waving at her best friend. Elena smiles and waves back at her when I decided to walk in front of Bonnie. She stops waving while I smile and wave to Katherine's doppelganger. Elena rolls her eyes and looks away. Stefan glances to me, annoyed by my presence. The brunette waves to the rest of the crowd when I turn around to walk to Bonnie.
- What do you want? She questions me angrily.
- Just watching the parade, Bonnie rolls her eyes and starts to leave. Where are you going? I ask her following her.
- Away from you, she answers me, not even daring looking at me.
- I wanna say something to you, I grab her arm and she turns around. Bonnie looks around and see that she can't use her magic on me.
- Just leave me alone! whispers the girl while taking her arm of my grip.
- Thank you, she stares confusedly at me. The device that Emily spelled could have killed me. I don't take what you did lightly so... thank you.
- I did it for Elena.
- I know that, but I'm still very grateful. And... I owe you. The both of us exchange a glance together for a slight moment. Enjoy the parade. I leave the witch alone, going back in the front to watch the parade.
John's P.O.V.
- This is the key, I show the device to the Mayor. I called him this morning and announced to the man that I have the device. He immediately respond me by telling me to come over the office during the parade. Once inserted, the device will be activated. It will work only once, for an estimated time of 5 minutes.
- Yes, how does it work? Questions the Mayor interested and examining the device.
- It's a high-pitched frequency that humans can't hear. Any vampires within a five-block radius will be incapacitated, exposing them. At that time, the sheriff's deputies will inject them with vervain and bring them here, when we will finish them off, I explain staring at the man with seriousness. Mayor Lockwood nods but I can see he is thinking and hesitating.
- And you're certain they're attacking tonight?
- I have a source. One of the vampires from the tomb confirmed the attack, the mayor frowns. They want revenge for what our ancestors did in 1864. It makes us their target.
- We're taking an enormous risk. We're talking about our families, John! warns me the man nervously.
- This is the only way to draw them out and kill them... all of them, I made sure he understands that. The mayor nods before letting a long shaky, nervous sigh out.
Vampire Leader's P.O.V.
All the vampires that were in the tomb with me, came here for a meeting. I told them to come so we can take our revenge. And we will! Now that everyone is here, I can start explaining the plan to take down all those fucking people that put us in that tomb. I take out a map and point at the Town Square.
- Everybody listen up! I scream so they would all pay attention to me. The plan stays the same. We wait until the firework start; until then, we blend in. Stay a part of the celebration; they'll never see us coming. This area here is the stage, I point of the map. This is where the Founding Families are gonna be. Any questions? I stare at all the vampires when they suddenly all look behind me. I can hear someone walking. I turn around and get surprised to see her here. Anna? What are you doing here?
Damon's P.O.V.
The parade ended and I'm standing all by myself in the Grill. I take a sip of my drink when I see Elena arriving. She changed her period dress to her modern clothes. She reminded me of the day Katherine was playing golf with father. She arrives towards me so I get in her way smiling.
- I like you better like this. The period look, it... didn't suit you.
- Is that an insult? She asks frowning lightly.
- Actually Elena, it is a compliment of the highest order, she nods before looking around.
- Look, I know Stefan is worried about our... friendship, sounds like it's hard to say it for her.
- Did he mention something to you too?
- No, did he mention something to you?
- No, nothing worth repeating.
- So, I think you should stop with the flirty little comments and that eye-thing that you do.
- What eye thing? I question smiling and doing the eye-thing. Elena scoffs before looking behind me.
- Don't make me regret being your friend okay? I frown kinda hurt by what she told me. I turn around and listen to their conversation. Jeremy is hurt because I erase his memory?! He should blame me not her! Elena's brother gets up and leaves the Grill. I follow him until grabbing his arm and stopping him outside.
- "I have so many emotions, but I don't have any way to express them. Being a teenager is so hard!" I say imitating him talking to Elena.
- You're a dick! He tells me while turning around and getting free of my grip. I grab his arm back and turn him around again.
- You do not talk to me like that! I'm not your sister. And for now on, don't talk to your sister that way either.
- So, you're going to kill me just 'cause I hurt Elena's feelings? He whispers angrily. I don't retorte anything and just stare at him frowningly. She erased my memories.
- No, I did! She was protecting you.
- It wasn't her call to make, he tries to leave again but I grab his arm a third time and pull him roughly near me. Let go of me before I cause a scene.
- You'll be unconscious before you even got a word out, then, Gillian comes between us as I see Stefan few meters away from us, coming in our way as well.
- Let him go Uncle Damon, Jeremy widens is eyes at Gillian while I let him free.
- Uncle Damon? Questions Jeremy.
- Jeremy, you know what we are. You know what I am, Anna must have been the one who told you or you must have learn it in another way but this is not the question... You can't hate Elena for wanting you to be happy.
- for the third time today, it wasn't her call to do. And why did you call him Uncle Damon?
- why do you think I called him Uncle Damon? Stefan is my father, Jeremy, I say as I point to my dad who just arrived. Jeremy looks surprised at the three of us. So Damon being his brother makes him being my uncle.
- anyway, are you alright? Questions my dad puting his hand on Jeremy's shoulder while he frowns at his brother.
- Yeah, answers Jeremy as he realizes everything Is just told him. Dad looks quickly at Damon before turning back to Jeremy.
- What my brother is trying to say is, don't blame Elena for this. Damon turned Vicki, I killed her. She was a threat to you, and she was a threat to your sister. I'm sorry that it happened, I wish that it hadn't.
- You shouldn't have made me forget... Is the last thing Jeremy told us before walking away.
Gillian's P.O.V.
- Good cop, bad cop. I like it, I hear my uncle saying while smirking. I look up at him not amused.
- What are you doing? Questions seriously my father while crossing his arms.
- He's being a punk, answers Damon while pointing at where Jeremy walked away.
- Elena's relationship with her brother is none of your business. So stay out of it! Says my dad with anger to my uncle. I stare frowning at the two of them as I stay in the middle. I look one time on the right to Damon and then to my dad on the left. I keep repeating this movement.
- Oh, there's only one "do-gooder" role available, tells Damon while quoting the "do-gooder" word. My bad. I'm sorry, laughs Damon.
- Get over yourself. We both know you're not doing this for the right reasons.
- You see, there you go with that little jealousy act again. What are the right reasons, Stefan? Enlighten me, please! declares Damon a bit over dramaticly and in a joking way. Uncle Damon isn't helping himself by acting like that and I'm pretty sure he knows it.
- dad, Uncle Damon... I try to stop them but they won't listen to me.
- Well, see Damon, it's only real when it comes from your desire to do the right thing for nothing in return, and I know that it is an entirely foreign concept to you. I completely understand that you wouldn't get it, the two brothers exchange a glance before dad leaves us. I sigh and look up at Damon who seems hurt. At least we are two now. I was about to put my hand on his arm when he leaves as well. I let my head fall backwards.
- jealousy + brothers = wrong mixed up, I whisper to myself.
Sheriff Forbes's P.O.V.
- You want to use our town as bait? I question the two men standing before me. It's too dangerous, it's insane! I say shaking my head as I close the door.
- We've gone over the plans with all your deputies, they're all on board, states Mayor Lockwood while looking at me straight in the eyes. They did what?
- You've gone behind my back? I ask with disbelief. How could they do that? I'm part of the council for God sake!
- Yeah, because we knew this is exactly how you'd react, Tells me John. I look at him before shaking my head again.
- Our children are here.
- Liz, we need to do this. We have no choice; this is the reason for the Secret Council. Our founding fathers created the Secret Council for just this purpose! Reminds me, the mayor. A long pause got between the three of us, which let me time to think. And it's still no.
- I'm the Sheriff, it's my call and I say no, I tell to the men sternly.
- Richard, let me speak to the Sheriff alone, suggests John to the mayor. I frown while Mr. Lockwood nods and leaves my office, closing the door behind him.
- John, you're not thinking clearly, I'm not gonna change my mind about this, I turn my back at him. I shouldn't have though. He hits me behind my head and everything gets black pitch.
Damon's P.O.V.
The night fell pretty quick and people are still enjoying the Founder's day. They all actually waiting for the fireworks. I am walking alone on the town square, looking around me when I suddenly feel someone brushing my arm. I frown and turn around to see Anna standing behind me.
- You're still around? I ask her smirking.
- There's something you need to know, she sounds so serious that it actually makes me frown. The vampires from the tomb are planning an attack tonight, I shake my head like what she just tell me is wrong.
- How do you know this?
- I went to them. They think I'm with them but I'm not. They want the Founding Families dead, she explains me sounding... scared?
- When is this supposed to happen?
- When the firework start, I nod as I remember something.
- John Gilbert wants to use that invention on them.
- Then we can't be here!
- It doesn't work, it's been deactivated.
- Well, then a lot of people are gonna die.
- Where are they right now?
- They're already here, Damon, she says looking on her left. I do the same as I think quickly of what to do when I suddenly hear my niece voice.
- Uncle Damon, I'm bored here, can we go play some... Anna? Where's Jeremy?
- I don't know but I'm going to go look for him, Anna leaves and I grab Gillian's hand, intertwining my fingers with hers to be sure her hands doesn't leave mine. I know she's a vampire and doesn't have as much risk as the humans but they could have stakes or anything. I start walking fast toward Alaric which I spotted not far away.
- Uncle Damon, where are we going? What is happening? Why was Anna talking to you? And why are you gripping your hand like that on mine? She asks me as I push her to be in front of me, my hand not leaving hers.
- tomb vampires are here to kill the Founders families. I know you can defend yourself but if one of them have a stake or anything... I won't pardon myself if something happens to you little niece. We arrive quickly to Alaric who is talking to a group of people. Ric! The teachers turns around and walks to us as we keep getting nearer to him. You keep those nifty little vampire darts in the car?
- Yeah, why do you ask? Whispers the teacher.
- Because this square is crawling with tomb vampires. I think we might need a stake or two, I explain him as we keep walking. Alaric looks around nervously.
- Yeah, got it, he runs away to his car while I look around for Elena and Jeremy. I hope Anna found him. Gillian is still following me, as I still have my hand in hers. I stop and use my ear vamp to listen and find where she can be. I hear Elena laughing. I turn my head and see her hand in hand with Stefan. I walk to them and grab her hand with my free one.
- What are you doing? She asks me confused. Stefan frowns aggrevated.
- Saving your life, we all stop walking. Fifteen words or less... Tomb vamps are here. Founding families are their target, I turn to my brother, get her out of here, now! Oh and my niece as well. I release Gillian's hand and push her against her father. Stefan put his arm around his daughter as he looks everywhere. I start to leave when my brother asks me where I'm going. That's more than fifteen words, Stefan, I answer definitely leaving.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I watch my uncle walking.. or should I say running away quickly. I wonder where he's going. To Mr. Saltzman? To John?
- Wait, Jeremy is out here somewhere, says Elena panicking a bit.
- Let's go find him, come on! Responds dad but I stop them.
- no, he's alright, Anna's with him. Elena looks at my father with wide eyes and then walks away to the Grill. Dad follows her. I groan before doing the same. Why won't they listen to me?
Tyler's P.O.V.
I'm playing pool when my father arrives. I know he told me to go home but I don't want to. Everyone is having fun so why can't I?
- What are you doing here? I told you to go home, he whispers sounding serious.
- I decided not to, I respond facing him.
- If I tell you to do something, you do it! He tells loudly and grabbing my arm hardly. I tell him to let me go when Caroline arrives smiling and greeting my father. Matt stands behind him. I watch my dad staring at me nervously. Please Tyler; I need you to go home, now. Take your friends with you.
- Why? What's going on? Questions Matt as lost as we all are.
- I can't explain. All of you need to get home, now. Please.
- Yeah, okay, my father hands me his car's key and Matt, Caroline and I leave the Grill. I send a text message to Gillian so she can leave as well. I never saw him that nervous and... scared, actually.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
I'm in front of the boys restrooms, in the Grill, when Anna arrives quickly toward me. I look around scared that Uncle John might see her but I don't see him anywhere. Yet. I ask her what she is doing here but she pushes me inside the toilets.
Mayor Lockwood's P.O.V.
- For one hundred and fifty years, Mystic Falls has been the kind of town that everybody wants to call home: safe, prosperous, welcoming. And we have the Founders to thank for that. That's why I'd like to dedicate this evening's firework display to their legacy, the whole crowd is applauding. I look at a police officer when who gives the signal to John Gilbert. Enjoy the show! I scream as I leave the stage with my wife quickly. Come on, quick! I whisper to her as I hold tighlty onto my wife's hand.
John's P.O.V.
One of the deputie gives me the signal to put the device on. The officer leaves my brother's office. I can hear the fireworks starting outside. Seconds later, the oldest vampire Salvatore enters the office.
- Do you have any idea what you've done? Asks Damon frowning as he approaches me slowly.
- Yeah, as a matter of fact I do, I put the device on and it get activated. Damon starts frowning and takes his head between his hands before falling on the ground. He screams of pain. I smile and take out the syringe of vervain before planting it in his shoulder and emptying it in his body. He immediately stop moving, passing out.
Gillian's P.O.V.
Elena and dad are walking to the Grill rapidly and I follow them.
- dad, Elena, Jeremy is alright! We... I stop myself as I feel pain through my brain. It's like thousands of needles as piercing it and going through it. Ahhhh, I scream falling to the ground. Dad turns around before falling as well. We both have our hands on around head, screaming and hurt.
- Stefan, what's going on? What's happening? I hear Elena asking my father. I scream again as I feel the tears coming. This pain is horrible.
- My head! Says my father. My head!! He repeats louder.
- dad, please make it stop!! Ahhh! It hurts, dad!! I scream crying. I don't care at this right moment if people learn who is really Stefan Salvatore to me.
- Elena, go help my daughter! groans dad. Go! The brunette stands up and runs to me when a police officer arrives quicky.
- get away ma'am they're dangerous!
- no, I know them, no! He plants a dart in my arm. No! Suddenly, everything becomes slow motion around me. I see Elena pushing the man and him pushing her back. She falls to the ground and then, it's black.
Tyler's P.O.V.
I was driving when suddenly a loud noise makes it impossible for me to concentrate on the road. It hurts my brain God and my ears. I start screaming of pain as I hold my head with hands and cover my ears as well. It won't stop. Matt and Caroline shout at me scared and worried as I keep screaming of pain. I let go of the wheel. Caroline tries to grab the wheel but it's too late and the car crashes into a wall.
Stefan's P.O.V.
I watch the officer taking my daughter away. Rage getting build up inside me but I can't move. The noise stops me from doing anything. I'm still holding my head and screaming of pain when another officer arrives running. Elena stands back up to run to me when I hear Alaric arriving as well.
- Hey, I got this one. There's one over there. Take this, go! Go! Go! He shouts, pushing and sending the deputy away. The teacher runs to me and helps me get up with Elena's help. They walk me toward the stairs behind the Grill so nobody will see us.
- I don't know what happened, he just dropped on the ground. Gillian as well, explains Elena to him. They got Gillian though. I tried to stop the man but he pushed me and I couldn't do anything.
- Yeah, he's not the only one. The cops have gotten everyone who's gone down, injecting them with vervain.
- What? A long pause gets between them. They're rounding up the vampires, realizes Elena. I groan again as I feel her hand doing cercles on my back.
John's P.O.V.
The device just stopped. I take everything back, placing it in my pocket and go in the basement. Damon is on the floor, where I put him, still unconscious. Deputies are bringing more vampires, every minutes.
- The device is done; the only thing keeping them down is vervain. We don't have much time, let's finish this, I explain to the deputies. They pour gasoline everywhere on the vampires and the ground. Well, this is a victory to me.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I wake up weakly, on the ground, in a unfamiliar place. Where am I? It's a blurry but I can hear someone talking. John Gilbert. He is talking to Anna. I turn my head with the slight energy I have and see her laying on the ground. She sounds so weak. John orders the deputies to walk back upstairs. They do it and Jeremy's uncle kneels beside the vampire. Anna tries to get up. John takes a stake out from his back.
- Please... no! She pleads him weakly. I want to help her. I want to stand up and run to push him away and get her out. John stakes her right through her heart without remorse.
John pours more gasoline around the room. I close my eyes and let a deep breath out when I see my uncle laying at the opposite of me. John walks up the stairs while pouring gasoline on the steps as well. He exits the basement. I turn to get on my belly, weakly before calling my uncle.
- Uncle Damon? I whisper so lowly that even vampires can't hear. Uncle Damon? I say a bit louder but still whispering. He moves and looks at me. I smile as a tear roll down my cheek. I didn't even felt it in my eyes.
I pull myself slowly and weakly toward my uncle. I stop and close my eyes when I hear fire burning. I reopen them and see the stairs and the beginning of the room on fire. Some vampires are burning. There cries are horrible to hear. This is so wrong. I groan before pulling myself again toward my uncle.
Stefan's P.O.V.
The noise stopped, it's better. I have a headache though but it's not important. The more important right now is where is my daughter? Them taking her was their worst mistake and they won't do it two times.
- Are you okay? Asks my girlfriend concerned.
- It was like needles were piercing my skull and it just stopped, I explain her as I take a deep breath. I look at my girlfriend seriously. Elena, do you know where they took Gillian? Did you see them? She shakes her head and Alaric arrives.
- I saw at least five vampires go down. They're taking them to your family's old building.
- It's the Gilbert's device. It has to be, I say realizing what caused the pain to all vmapires.
- But how did he get it to work? Bonnie unspelled it, asks Elena frowning.
- Maybe she didn't, replies Alaric.
- She did, we saw her do it! Repeats Elena.
- No, no, no, he's right. Think about it. We asked Bonnie to deactivate a device that could protect people against vampires.
- So we could protect you and Gillian.
- And Damon. Vampires, I frown as I say the word "vampires". Where is Damon? Do you know if Gillian is alright? I ask the teacher scared.
- I don't know. I haven't seen them since this started.
- Can you get my brother, take him home? Questions Elena, mentioning Jeremy. Alaric nods. Elena helps me standing up and we run to her adopted father's office while Alaric goes finding Jeremy.
Sheriff Forbes's P.O.V.
I wake up handcuffed to the radiator when Carol Lockwood enters my office. She asks me if I'm okay and I tell her to take the keys in my belt. She doesn't look so well. Carol takes the keys and gives it to me.
- I've been looking everywhere for you, something happened to Richard. They took him, she explains me while I frown confused.
- Who took him?
- Your deputies. I don't understand, he's not a vampire! I open the handcuffs and stand up. I grab my belt before telling her to follow me.
Damon's P.O.V.
The basement is on fire and the smoke is horrible. I see Gilliam crawling with difficulty toward me. I wish I could help her but I can't move like I wish. I turn to be on my belly and stretch my hand the farthest I can to grab hers.
- you almost there Boo, I tell her weakly and coughing with the smoke. She stops and breaths heavily. The smoke and the vervain they injected her isn't helping. Come on Boo, two more times.. and I can grab your hand. She pushes on her arms again. Even in her weakest moment, she find the strength to do her best. Gillian gives me her hand and I finally grab it. She weakly laughs of... I don't know why she laughs actually but she does. I pull her toward me with the minimum strength that I have while she continues pushing on herself. See, told you Boo, my niece smiles again before hugging me and coughing. I pass an arm protectively around her back as I look around to see if there is another way to get outside. Is that Mayor Lockwood?
- Mayor. Is that you? The smoke is burning my eyes and the vervain this bastard injected me isn't helping. Gillian looks up from my chest, to glance at the man.
- What are you doing here? He asks me, looking more awake and energic than anyone here.
- I'm a vampire. What's your excuse? The mayor looks firghtened too my revelation. No, really. The vervain didn't affect you, you're not a vampire, what the hell are you? I ask frowning. Mayor Lockwood scoot backwards scared of me and also probably of Gillian. He bumps into another vampire who is waking up. The vampire puts an arm around the mayor's neck and snatches it, killing the mayor instantly. The fires is spreading quickly. Come on Boo, let's stand up.
- I can't Uncle Damon, she grimaces weakly.
- yes, you can, come on Boo, come on, I try to stand up when a beam fall off the ceiling. I protect her with my body, not knowing where it might fall after.
Matt's P.O.V.
I don't know what to do nor where to look. Tyler is unconcious on the ground with paramedics around him and Caroline doesn't seem to well. One of the paramedic is examining Tyler when he suddenly gets surprised and shocked of Tyler's eyes. Tyler gasps for air as he wakes up. I let a relieve breath out. We might be fighting but he is still my best friend. I smile at him when I look at Caroline. No! I scream for some paramedics to come help me with her. I plead her to open her eyes but she won't do it.
Stefan's P.O.V.
Elena and I are walking when I suddenly hear something burning. A fire must not be that far. And where there is a fire, there are vampires. I tell Elena that the building is on fire and we run toward it. I hope it's not to late. I'll never pardon myself if Gillian dies or even my brother. John is watching the building. We run toward him and stop right before him as he turns around.
- Where are Damon and Gillian? I ask him pretty quick.
- With the rest of them, where they should be. It's over for your brother and your dear little daughter, I frown angrily at Elena's "birth father" as try not to rip his head off.
- You're crazy! Shouts Elena frowning as well.
- Why? Because I'm doing what should have been done a hundred and forty five years ago? This is the right thing, Elena, he responds with madness in his voice. I look at the building feeling scared that it might be too late. I still have to go check if it's not. Go ahead, you won't make it out, I look back at the man who stares at me smiling devilishly. It'll save me the trouble of killing you myself.
- You wrong! You took my daughter and my brother inside this building and then you set it on fire! I swear if only one of them is dead, especially my daughter, you better hide yourself very well because no matter where you'll be, I'll find you and will rip you without any hesitation, I warn and threat John while staring at him with all my anger. I look at Elena who looks kinda shocked to what I just told him. You know the building well, is there another way in?
- Utility door, there's one around the side, I nod and run toward it, passing beside him and leaving Elena.
Elena's P.O.V.
I was about to follow Stefan to go help him when John catches my arm firmly and stops me in my tracks. I look up at him frowning.
- You take one more step and I'll alert those deputies that they missed a vampire, threat my "birth father" as he looks down at me.
- I'm asking you not to.
- That doesn't mean anything to me.
- As my father, it should, I snap at him. His face radically changes into a softer expression followed by a surprised one. A long pause gets between us as our eyes don't leave one another.
- You know, he says backing a bit away and releasing my arm.
- I wasn't sure, now I am, John nods before I run toward the door I indicate Stefan minutes ago.
Stefan's P.O.V.
I finally arrive to the door Elena told me. God, human speed is so slow. Or it's just me thinking this because I'm scared for them. I was about to open the door when Bonnie arrives behind me.
- Hey, you can't go in there! Tells me the witch as she tries to stop me. I frown confused at her and open the door anyway. The fire will take you out.
- She's my daughter and he's my brother, Bonnie! I can't let them die! If Gillian's dead, it's me dying as well. She's my baby! I enter the building and run to the door leading to the basement. I guide myself with the sound of burning wood. I try to open the door but the doorknob burned my hand. Come on!
Elena's P.O.V.
I run the fastest I could to the door and was about to enter the building when Bonnie catches my arm.
- Elena, you can't go in there! Tells my best friend loudly and looking sadly and sorry at me.
- Bonnie, what are you doing? I ask her frowning as I quickly look behind me, in the building.
- I'm sorry I lied to you, I watch Bonnie closing her eyes, still holding onto my arm and starting to recite a spell. Ex spiritum intacullum, in terrum incendium, fes matos salvis adisdum!
- Bonnie, I've got to get in there! I turn back at her more than nervous. I'm scared for them, if the fire takes the three of them then, it will all go back like at the beginning of this year.
Stefan's P.O.V.
I try to open the door again and I can finally do it. My eyes wide as I see how big the fire is. I can't go in there. It can't be too late! Suddenly, the flames diminish all by themselves. Bonnie? I run down into the basement and see Gillian and Damon laying on the ground weak.
- Gillian! Damon! Come on, hurry!
- get her out first brother, tells my big brother weakly. I hear the two of them coughing due to the smoke.
- no, I can't come back after, come on Damon! Stand up both of you! I get between them and support my daughter with my right arm and my brother with the left one. I vamp-speed out of the basement before everything falls down.
I lead them outside and stop in front of Elena and Bonnie. Damon and Gillian fall on their knees weakly and coughing as the fresh air hits them. My arm doesn't leave my daughter's back and I get before her, kneeling to be at her height.
- Gillian? Lilou? Are you okay, Lilou? I ask her gently as I strock her hair. She nods weakly at me. Tears are all over her cheeks like this morning. I let a sigh of relief escaping my mouth before I hug my daughter tightly against me. I love you so much baby. I was so scared it was to late.
- always on time, jokes Gillian as she embraces me as well. I look at Damon who nods at me. I do the same when I felt Lilou pulling out of me. She pushes herself up as I help her and she walks to her uncle before hugging him.
- thank you Uncle Damon, he doesn't immediately respond to her embrace but he finally hugs her as well. Elena looks at me sadly but also with a smile. I nod to my girlfriend and smile as well.
Later, we all went to the Grill. Elena is somewhere. I haven't really seen her since they got out. I actually stay with Gillian a little bit, the time she comes back to herself. She's strong, just like Katherine was, I have to admit. But she's also caring. She must have inherited this part from me. My weak daughter is sitting at a table with me beside her when I see Elena standing alone.
- I'm coming back Lilou, I won't be long, I kiss her temple and stand up to walk toward my girlfriend.
- The fire is out. The story is the building's old wiring is what caused it, explains me the brunette.
- Did you see where Damon went? I ask her looking around.
- No, he just kind of disappeared.
- Figures, I say chuckling lightly.
- Is Gillian alright? I turn around to see my daughter with her elbows on the table and her head in her hands.
- yes, she will. She just need a good glass of... I stop as I look around us. You know, Elena nods when she suddenly embraces me.
- I'm so glad you're okay.
- I try so hard... to hate him. I guess it's just pointless.
- You care about him, so do I. But I love you Stefan, and I know that you are worried about that, tells me, my girlfriend. I simply nod.
- I just... you know, I know my brother.
- But I love you, Stefan.
- I know the trouble he can cause, I continue talking as I didn't hear what she told me.
- I love you Stefan, YOU! She tells while taking my head in her hands. I nod again and smile gently. Suddenly, her lips crashed on mine and I kiss her back passionately. You have nothing to worry about, okay? Elena kisses me again. Jenna called, Jeremy's home, I'm just gonna run over to the school to pick up my dress, my clothes and the rest of my stuff and then I'll check on him.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
I'm laying on my bed, thinking of Anna. They killed her. I know they did. They figured she was a vampire and killed her. I hate him. I hate my uncle. It's all his fault. I stare at the flask Anna gave me, get up and puts it in my drawer. Someone's here, I can feel the cold behind me, just like it was when Anna came. I turn around to see Damon leaning on my door frame.
- What are you doing here? I ask him not even looking confused or else. I sound almost like I don't care of his presence.
- Anna's dead, announces me the vampire, quiet sadly.
- I figured that once they took her away.
- I know you cared about her, I nod at him and look down sadly. Like Vicki wasn't enough, Anna has to be dead as well. I saw her get killed. I was watching and all I could think about was... I wanted to help her, but I couldn't. Gillian was there as well and knowing her, she must have tried as well.
- Why are you telling me all this? I ask him frowning confusedly this time.
- I took away your suffering once before. I can do it again, but it's your choice.
- Look, I know you think you took it away, but it's still there. Even if I can't remember why. I still feel empty, and alone, and making me forget won't fix it. It won't fix what's really wrong.
- What I did to Vicki was wrong. I'm sorry for my part, he tells me sincerely which is sort of weird coming from him.
- Anna said that vampires don't have to feel pain; that they could turn it off, if they shut out their humanity.
- It's very true, nods the vampire.
- Is it easier that way? I ask him as I think of the flask.
- Is what easier? Frowns Damon confused.
- Life.
- Life sucks either way, Jeremy. But, at least if you're a vampire, you don't have to feel bad about it if you don't want to.
- Is that what you did?
- I did it for a... I did it for a very long time and life was a lot easier, he tells me before leaving my room. I nod to myself before looking back at where I put the flask.
Tyler's P.O.V.
I rejoin Matt who is sitting alone in the hallway, waiting for any news of Caroline. I don't understand what happened. The noise was so painful. I left a vocal message to my mom and texted Gillian as well. I haven't see her tonight. I hope she's alright. I remember my dad telling us to leave. I still don't get why though. I sit next to my best friend and apologize to him.
- It's okay man. She'll be alright, answers Matt with tears in his eyes. I sigh when the sheriff arrives. Matt gets up.
- What's happening? Is she alright? Matt sounds so nervous and scared at the same time that it hurts me. I know it's my fault if Caroline is in this state now.
- There was some internal bleeding; they're taking her into surgery, explains the sheriff sadly. Her eyes are full of tears.
- What else did they say? Is she gonna be okay?
- They're gonna do everything they can. I don't even dare looking at the Sheriff, she must hate me for sending her daughter at hospital. Tyler, calls me the sheriff which surprised me, have you talked to your mom?
- I left her a message telling her I was here.
- You need to call her... I frown confused at her. It's your dad.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
I enter the bathroom and look at my reflection in the mirror. I have the flask of Anna's blood in his hand. I want to do it. For them. Vicki and Anna. For stopping this monster. I open the flask and drink the blood in one gulp. I look for Elena's pain pills from her car accident in the cabinet and take them out. I empty the bottle and pour them on the counter. I pick one up, preparing to take it. For you girls. I take all the pills and walk back to my bed and wait, before passing out.
Stefan's P.O.V.
I walk out of the Grill with Gillian next to me. She still looks weak but for humans, she only looks tired. Thank God! We were walking in the street when Bonnie stands before us. She doesn't seem to happy to see us.
- Oh, hey! You... you just missed Elena, I tell her gently.
- I was looking for you actually, I look quickly down at Gillian and nod. Elena is my best friend, and because she loves you, I couldn't let you, Gillian or Damon die in that fire.
- I'm very grateful Bonnie, I hope you know that, I tell her passing my arm around my daughter.
- I do... but I hope you know that things have to change. Damon has to change.
- We both want the same thing.
- We both want to protect the people we care about. The difference is, for you, Damon is one of them. You saw what I was able to do tonight. I know who I am now, and if Damon spills so much as one drop of innocent blood, I'll take him down. Even if I have to take you two with him.
- you can't do that, I hear Gillian saying weakly to Bonnie. Bonnie stares at her with a little sympathy.
- Let's hope it doesn't come to that, I tell to the witch.
- Let's hope it doesn't, she repeats sternly and leaves.
Damon's P.O.V.
I exit the Gilbert's house when Elena arrives. She's holding her dress and her bag and is looking up at me confused. Of course, I just got out of her house, so why could have I done?
- What are you doing here? She asks me frowning lightly.
- Failed and feeble attempt at doing the right thing.
- Which was...?
- It's not important. Let me take this for you, I take the dress and her bag and set it down on her porch. Elena thanks me and walks up the porch to stand in front of me. You know, I came to this town wanting to destroy it. Tonight, I found myself wanting to protect it. How does that happen? I'm not a hero, Elena. I don't do good. It's not in me.
- Maybe it is.
- Nah, it's reserved for my brother, Gillian, and you... and Bonnie... who, even though she has every reason to hate me, still helped Stefan save me and my niece, I tell her sincerely as she stares at me. I swear I saw her eyes lightly changing when I mention Gillian.
- Why do you sound so surprised?
- Because she did it for you. Which means that somewhere along the way, you decided that I was worth saving. And I wanted to thank you for that, the brunette nods before looking quickly down.
- You're welcome, I kiss her cheeks and then exchange a long glance with each other.
I feel the need to kiss her. I still wonder how she can look so much like Katherine? I hesitate leaning down slowly. I know it's wrong and that she's going out with Stefan but I want to. Our lips met and she slightly pulls away but I grab her face and kiss her passionately this time. Her lips... It's exactly like Katherine. Suddenly, the front door gets open and Jenna appears. I pull away and try to hide myself.
- It's late, you should probably come inside, tells Jenna sternly to her niece. She looks at me furiously while Elena grabs her stuff. The brunette enters her house and Jenna closes the door. I touch my lip as I remember the feeling of her lips and leave her porch.
John's P.O.V.
I walk into the kitchen and open the fridge to grab something to drink. Tonight was almost a no fault. I close the fridge and see Elena behind it. I jump scared and my daughter apologize. It's weird to say it. Daughter. I was always her uncle until tonight. Elena walks around the counter.
- You know... I first met Isobel when I was a teenager. I fell in love with her instantly, I explain smiling as I remember the day I met her. Although I'm pretty sure she never loved me. She was special. A part of why I hate the vampires so much is because of what she became, how it ruined her. And I never would have sent her to Damon had I known she wanted to turn. Elena looks a me surprised as she puts the dishes in the sink. I walk to the counter to stand next to her. It's my fault. I'm telling you this because I hoped maybe you'd understand.
- Thank you, tells me the brunette after a long pause. I nod and smile slightly. Maybe we can start all over again? It's going to be hard but... We still can try.
- Can I help? I offer her as she is arranging knifes. She looks quickly at my ring and nod. Suddenly, she takes one of them and cuts my fingers off of my hand, taking the ring with it. I scream of pain while she pushes me against the sink. Katherine?! I say scared. Her eyes change to vampires one, veins popping under her eyes and her fangs getting out.
- Hello, John. Goodbye, John, Katherine stabs me when someone enters the house. Elena! I hear her calling her brother but he doesn't respond. I feel myself slowly going away.
Elena's P.O.V.
I enter my house after hanging up with Stefan. I call Jeremy from the bottom of the stairs but he doesn't answer. I really hate our brother/sister ship being so distant. I was about to call him again when I hear noises coming from the kitchen. I frown and walk slowly there.
Heyy guys!! How are you? 😁 I know, two chapters in a row! This was the last chapter of season 1 ! Crazy, right? But don't worry, season 2 is following ! 😁 What do you think of it since the beginning? What do you think will happen between Katherine and Gillian? Thank you very much for your readings, the likes and the comments! It means a lot to me and it's encouraging me to continue! 😁😁 I apologize for the mistakes :/ Please, feel free to vote and/or comment! 😁 Thank you !! 😁😘