Damon's P.O.V.
I slowly wake up, feeling my neck sore and my whole body weak. I groan and open my eyes before letting my head rests on the back of the chair. What the hell happened? How did I end up on that chair? Oh right, the broken vase and then... I don't know. The chains around I are keeping me sit on the chair and the fireplace stoker is planted right in the middle of my chest.
- Oh, you got to be kidding me, I whisper to myself, closing my eyes again when I hear my brother joining me in the living room. Oh, Stefan, I look at the ground and see my ring on the carpet. Low blow, Stefan. Low blow, I repeat weakly and while chuckling. I turn my head and look at Stefan staying near the frame of the door, leaning on it with his arms crossed over his chest.
- What the hell happened to you? Questions Stefan, looking amused by what happened to me.
- Whatever twisted ripper game this is, leave me out of it, I tell him seriously, rolling my head back on the back of the chair.
- I didn't do this, says, Gillian's father, laughing as he approaches me.
- Quit screwing around! I tell him, annoyed and groaning of pain.
- I didn't, repeats, Stefan, not smiling anymore. Suddenly, I hear Gillian rushing down the stairs from her bedroom and to the living-room.
- Uncle Damon, I'm... she stops near the door and stares at me with wide eyes and her mouth open. Oh my God! What did you do to him? questions my niece to her father while running to me and frowning at her old man.
- It wasn't me, answers Stefan, defending himself while sounding very serious which made me start thinking. It's pretty messed up though, isn't it? questions, Stefan as Gillian takes the fireplace stoker out of my chest.
- Yep, I answer, screaming of pain at the same time as Gillian takes the iron stick out. My niece begins to remove the chains but she stops suddenly and leaves, running out of the room. Stefan follows her behind. Where the hell are they going? Yeah, not to worry. I'll just untangle myself, I say while struggling to move. It's impossible to get out of here! I sigh, tired when the curtains of the living-room suddenly open. My skin started smoking and burning instantly causing me to scream of pain. I try to get away from the chair but I can't. Where did Gillian go?
Jeremy's P.O.V.
It's the Night of Illuminations again. I remember it last year, it wasn't... all happy. The vampires from the tomb were here and my uncle almost killed Gillian and Damon. It's also the night Anna died. Let's hope it doesn't go that way this year. I am standing in the Town Square with Alaric by my side, looking and listening to the Mayor, Carol Lockwood, doing her speech like her husband used to do every year at every events. Meanwhile, some people who volunteered to help are hanging lanterns of all kind of colors in the trees. I remember when I was a kid, those lanterns where always fascinating me. I guess it was only the colors and the lanterns used to look big when I was little.
- As a long-time member of the Historical Society, I am especially proud to be kicking off this day of festivities. Thank you, volunteers. Tonight, we turn off our town's lights and flare up our lanterns in honor of the night of illumination started by our founders 150 years ago. Here's founding family member Tobias Fell with a history lesson, says, Mrs Lockwood, smiling to all the volunteers and the citizens while doing her speech. Everyone claps their hands as the woman walks down the bleachers. A history lesson? Great! Like school isn't enough already...
- What are we doing here? I ask to Alaric next to me, looking at the man who has his arms crossed over his chest.
- Tobias Fell is the head of the history department. I didn't have a choice, answers, the teacher, looking at me and obviously not so thrilled to be here.
- All right, that explains what you're doing here, I reply, accentuating the ''you're'' words and sounding slightly annoyed.
- Well, I'm the one who can fail you if you don't help me out, I look at Alaric not amused while this one smiles at me. Suddenly, Elena rejoins us, standing right in front of the teacher and I.
- Hey, sorry I'm late. What did I miss? questions, my big sister while sorting something in her bag.
- Just a bunch of historical lies, I hear Anna joking as I sense her standing behind me.
- You didn't miss anything, I answer to my sister, not repeating Anna's words but smiling to her statement. I look behind the brunette and see Tobias Fell standing on the bleachers and ready to give his speech... or more his history lesson.
- The first illumination was held in celebration with the newfound prosperity that Mystic Falls enjoyed after the war, starts explaining the old man.
- After the founders stole from all the vampires, jokes, Anna, again. I laugh, not able to control myself this time. I see Elena looking at me, a confused frown plastered on her face.
- What's so funny? questions, my big sister. I look quickly at her and back to the stage before pointing at Tobias Fell. Elena turns her head to look at the man too.
- The founders, they placed lanterns over the doors to indicate that it was safe for their neighbors to come outside again, states, Mr. Fell. Tyler's mother is standing behind the man, her arms crossed over her chest and smiling.
- Safe from the vampires, keeps commenting, Anna. I smile, amused as I try not to make Alaric or Elena see or hear me. I see Anna smiling too. Suddenly, she takes my hand in hers. I slowly look down before squeezing my hand with hers.
Caroline's P.O.V.
- So when you did the spell to send Vicki away, did that get rid of Anna, too? I ask to Bonnie after handing her a lantern so she can hang it in a tree. My friend is on top of a ladder to reach the high branch while hanging the lantern I just handed her.
- I wish. All I did was block the magic that was helping Vicki get a physical foothold here. Jeremy's still got a direct line to the other side, and as long as he wants to see Anna and she wants to see him, she's still here, explains, Bonnie, to me while climbing down the ladder. Her voice is full of sadness and a slight jealousy is pocking up. I look at the witch sighing sadly.
- Okay, you don't think I can actually resist commenting on that, I tell her, titling my head on the side, cracking a small smile.
- There. You commented, replies, the witch, sounding annoyed. She walks passed me to grab another lantern.
- Bonnie... I call my best friend, sighing.
- What do you want me to say, Caroline? questions, Bonnie, looking upset at me. I went against the balance of nature when I brought Jeremy back to life, and now I'm paying the consequences.
- Well, I want you to say you're not okay with it, I tell her, crossing my arms over my chest.
- I'm a thousand times not okay with it. I just don't know what to do about it, argues, my friend, when a blue car parks right behind me. I turn around and see Damon looking at us. I frown at the vampire, not so happy to see him right now.
- Greetings, blondie. Witchy. I think you got your voodoo wires all crossed when you got rid of Vicki Donovan, announces, the dark hair vampire, looking upset but sounding surprisingly calm. He stares at Bonnie as the two of us walk to his car.
- What do you mean, why? questions, Bonnie, sounding confused.
- Because I'm pretty sure I just got spit-roasted by Mason Lockwood's ghost, responds, Damon.
- What? asks, my best friend, frowning surprised.
- And why would you think that? I question him.
- Maybe because he chained me to a chair and shoved a hot poker in my chest. Let's just say I'm having déjà vu, answers, upsetly, Damon, looking alternately at Bonnie and I.
- I thought you said that ghosts couldn't physically interact with people, I say to my witch friend, looking at her with a confused stare.
- They can't, insists, Bonnie, looking at me with disbelief.
- Yeah, well, I don't have time for a vengeful Lockwood. When I kill someone, they're supposed to stay dead. Whatever you screwed up, fix it, orders, Damon before driving away fast causing his tires to squeal. I sigh, just like Bonnie, when I remark Matt looking at us from across the street.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
- Hey, Jer, I need you to help me with something, demands me, Elena, while she sits next to me at a table outside of the Grill.
- What's up? I ask her, looking at what she is looking at in her bag. The brunette takes two journals out of it and puts them on the table.
- I've been going through Stefan's old journals. Every single time that he's gone off the rails in the past, his best friend Lexi's been the one to bring him back, explains, Elena, opening a journal.
- So where is she now that we need her? questions, Alaric, sounding annoyed and upset.
- She's dead, I answer to Alaric. And you want me to try to reach her, don't you? I ask to my sister, looking at her.
- I thought if I knew how she did it, maybe I could help him, responds, Elena, almost whispering.
- I don't even know if she's on the other side, I answer her ,shaking lightly my head.
- Is that what it's called? questions, Elena, not used to the name.
- That's what Anna calls it. There's not like an official brochure or anything, I respond, explaining her.
- So what is it, like some sort of supernatural purgatory? questions, Alaric, frowning confused at me.
- Well, Anna said it's like being here with all of us, only we can't see her or hear her. And she can't interact with anyone. She's all alone, I explain to them when I see Anna sitting on the chair next to Alaric. The dead vampire looks at me, sadness shown in her eyes.
- Vicki could interact. She blew up my car, reminds, the teacher, obviously still mad about it.
- Vicki had help from a witch on the other side. Anna... She's doing this all by herself, I tell him, shaking my head. I wish I could help my dead friend though.
- I'm just saying, maybe we learned our lesson about summoning dead people, I see Elena looking at Alaric, her eyes showing that she is thinking of something.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
- I haven't seen Vicki, I swear. I sent her back like you told me to, whispers Matt, looking at me and Caroline while sounding hurt. I know it must be hard for him. It's like his sister died a second time and he thought he could be with her. I can tell he misses her.
- Are you sure? Because she has just as much reason to haunt Damon as Mason Lockwood does, I ask and tell him, whispering gently with my arms crossed over my chest.
- She's gone, Bonnie. If she was here, I'd know it, replies, Matt, looking serious at me.
- Why do you think it's Vicki and not Mason? asks me, Caroline, next to me. I turn to look at my blonde best friend with worry.
- Because if any ghost other than Vicki Donovan has a physical foothold on our side, then that means Damon's right and something has gone really, really wrong, I explain to the both of them, still whispering the people who volunteered to decorate the town won't hear our conversation. That would be a catastrophe.
- I've had enough of this ghost stuff to last forever. So you guys can leave me out of this one, Matt turns around and walks away, leaving us. I look sadly at the man leaving.
- I feel so sad for him. It took a lot for him to send his sister away, states, Caroline as I remember the night I send Vicki away and Matt's teary face. I nod, not responding to my best friend while still staring at Matt. So much strength as a man.
- I've got a ghost problem to deal with, Caroline, I remind, to the blonde vampire, annoyed of her statement. Save the Jeremy lecture for later, I tell her before grabbing my bag. Great! The straps just came off and made all of my stuff fall on the ground. I sigh and kneel down to grab my grimoire when it opens by itself. I back up, surprised and confused.
- Okay, did your grimoire just... starts saying, Caroline, as surprised and confused as I am.
- I-I think so, I tell her, staring at my grimoire. I approach it slowly before picking it up to read the open pages.
- Okay, please tell me that's a recipe for witch cookies, says Care, lightly joking.
- It's a manifestation spell. It's used to reveal veiled matter, I answer her, shaking my head.
- What's veiled matter? asks, Caroline, looking at the pages as well.
- Ghosts, I answer, looking up at her, alarmed.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
- Do you think it's even possible to contact Lexi? questions, Elena to me, sounding nervous.
- I don't know. I didn't have an emotional connection with her. I never even met her, I answer while handing a journal to Alaric.
- Can we just drop it, please? asks, the teacher, annoyed and aggrevated by the subject... Or just the Salvatore family.
- No, I can't drop it, Ric. I don't know what else to do, replies, Elena, her voice firm.
- Don't you think we have a few too many dead vampires in our past to be sitting here thinking of them watching us? questions, the teacher, sounding upset while looking at my sister with a frown.
- I don't think all supernatural spirits go to the other side, I look at Anna, still sitting next to Alaric. I know he can't see her, nor Elena or the people surrounding us. I think some of them find peace.
- Is Anna here right now? questions, Elena, frowning confused and slightly with disbelief.
- Don't tell her I'm here. She won't like it, tells me rapidly, Anna.
- No, no, I say shaking my head as I look at my sister next to me. I'm going to go, uh, check my work schedule, I lie to her before getting up from the chair and entering the Grill.
Elena's P.O.V.
I look at my baby brother leaving the table and entering the Grill. He is lying. I can tell. But that's not the most important thing right now. I need to find a way to bring Lexi back just to know how she managed to brought Stefan's emotions back. Maybe Gillian knows it? If she knew Stefan would have probably written it in his journals. I sigh and look at Alaric when a familiar voice is heard from behind me.
- Hey, guys, says joyfully Stefan while sitting in the chair Jeremy was in. Who forgot to invite me to the family summit? jokes, the vampire when he sees the journal. I try to take them but Stefan was faster. He grabs one and opens it. Wow. All these words. I forgot how much I used to care, smiles, Gillian's father while closing the journal.
- I didn't, I reply, shaking my head. Stefan looks at me, seriously before looking at Alaric. He drops the journal on the table while sighing and looking back at me.
- You know, Elena, it's probably best you not torture yourself with memories from the past. It's best we both just move on and accept things as they are, states, the vampire without emotions.
- You don't have to be here, Stefan, tells, Alaric, frowning madly at him. You have a daughter to watch too.
- You know what, Alaric, you're right. I don't. But Elena's here, I see him pointing at me, and I look out for Elena. And I know where my daughter is, thank you for worrying about her, smiles the vampire.
- Well, she's probably the only Salvatore that I can tolerate right now, smiles back, Alaric, fakely. Stefan nods, still smiling.
- Hmm. Oh, and besides, there's going to be people everywhere tonight. So there's going to be lots to eat. I look at him, shocked which caused him to laugh at my reaction. I'm kidding, I'm kidding. Loosen up, I watch the vampire getting up and leaving us. I sigh and look at Alaric in front of me.
- I can't drop it, Ric, I tell seriously to the teacher while shaking my head. I see the teacher taking a deep breath in, obviously annoyed and tired of me and what I am doing. I grab the journals and put them back in my bag.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
- So this is where you brought Jeremy back to life? questions Caroline to me as we enter the basement of the abandonned house where I brought Elena's brother back to life. This is where it all started...
- Yeah. Sorry, I know it's creepy, but we needed a private place around here to do the spell, I respond to her while kneeling in the middle of the basement with my bag next to me. I see Caroline looking around nervously.
- Hmm. There's no chance it's haunted by the hundred dead witches who were horrifically burned to death in this very spot, is there? questions, my blonde best friend, sounding nervous even though she cracks a small smile.
- They're not here anymore. And they made it clear they were never coming back, I try to reassure her as she stays standing near the exit.
- Right. You pinkie swear?
Jeremy's P.O.V.
- What's wrong? questions, Anna to me after I entered the restroom and made sure that nobody is in there.
- Why did you tell me to lie? I ask her, shaking my head and frowning confused.
- Elena is Bonnie's best friend. She won't like what's going on between us, responds, my dead vampire girlfriend seriously. I laugh.
- What is going on between us? I mean, how are we able to touch? Vicki had to use magic to do that.
- I don't know. Honestly, I have no idea, answers, Anna, staring up at me.
- This witch on the other side that gave Vicki her foothold, is she helping you now? I ask her, a part of me hoping that the witch is not helping her.
- What? asks, Anna with disbelief. No! I'm all alone, Jeremy, I told you that.
- Swear to me, I tell her, sounding serious and a bit firm.
- I swear. I'm not any danger to you or anybody, I promise, I stare at her, trying to see if she is lying or not. Hey, Anna takes my hand in hers. It still does feel weird when she does that. I need you to believe me.
- I shouldn't even be talking to you. This is not okay, I say as I let go of her hand and walk to the sink and look at my reflection in the mirror.
- Then send me away. I'm only here because you want to be with me as much as I want to be with you. Send me away, Jeremy. It's that easy, tells me, Anna, a point of sadness in her voice. I sigh and turn around to look at her, facing my dead vampire ex-girlfriend again.
- I don't know why this is happening or when it's going to stop. But before it's done... I stop talking and stare at her lips. I miss her. I need it... I have to do this, I whisper rapidly before grabbing her face and kissing her passionately on her sweet lips.
Caroline's P.O.V.
I lighten up the last candle while Bonnie gets ready to cast the spell she needs to cast. I'm still a bit tense. I don't know what is going to happen and what if they don't want me here?
- Ready? I whisper before turning around slowly. Do you need me to do... I see Bonnie already kneeled down on the dusty floor and is already casting the spell in the Latin langage. Right. Okay, I whisper to myself before taking a deep breath in and out. I look at my witchy friend lifting her hands in front of her when a sudden breeze runs through the room.
Alaric's P.O.V.
- I'll grab Jeremy. I'll be right back, I tell to Elena after the two of us entered the Grill. I walk towards the restroom when I see Damon joining my sides. You know, I've had enough vampires today, thanks.
- Oh, come on. Have a drink with me. We've got trouble, states, Damon, using his famous smirk.
- No, you've got trouble, I correct him, sounding mad while pointing at his chest after stopping walking. See, we're not a team. You tried to kill me. All right? I remind him. We're not friends. I don't like you anymore, Damon stands right in front of me.
- Ah! But remember back when you liked me and we conspired to kill Uncle werewolf Mason Lockwood? questions, the raven hair vampire.
- Yeah, and? I ask upsetly while nodding faintly.
- I think he's still a little pissed.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
I continue casting the spell, waiting for something to happen. I have my eyes closed, my hands up and I can feel the wind running through the room, making my hair slightly flying. I repeat over and over the same Latin words as I feel the energy rising inside me. It has to work!
- Bonnie, I don't like this. Bonnie... I hear Caroline calling me with concern. Suddenly, I feel someone grabbing both my hands. I open my eyes surprised and shocked and look at the person with disbelief. Oh, my God. Is that your...? starts whispering Caroline.
- Grams, I call my grandma, shocked to see her as my tears slowly rise up.
Elena's P.O.V.
Since Alaric is going to drink a drink with Damon, I, now, have to go get Jeremy in the restrooms. I sigh and walk towards them, still thinking of a way to contact Lexi and find informations to bring Stefan's emotions back. I can't let him like that. I open the door of the restroom and see my brother kissing Anna furiously on the lips. They both pull away when they heard the door open and look at me nervously. What the... What is she doing here? How can I see her?
- Anna? I call the dead girl which caused the both of them to look at me surprised.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I walk on the roadside of the streets, listening to music as I look at people hanging lanterns of all kind of colors in the trees of the town. Even though I can't hear anyone talking because of the music in my ears, I can see them laughing and having a good time while preparing for the event tonight. I remember what happened last year, at this right day. Uncle Damon and I almost died, burned down by John Gilbert and the tombs vampire were roaming in the Town Square to kill all founding families members. And Anna dying... It was crazy and scary that night so let's hope it will go well tonight. I sigh and turn to enter a new street, walking next to a car when I see a reflection of a blonde woman behind me. I stop walking backwards to see the woman looking at me through the reflection of the window, smiling. Impossible... How can she... I turn around, my eyes already watering.
- Aunt Lexi, I whisper as two tears roll down my cheeks already. I let accidentally a sob out before covering my mouth. I walk backwards until my back hits the car.
- I'm really puting you in such state, chuckles Lexi, as she gently smiles at me. How are you Mini Stefan?
- I... I shake my head and frown confused while still lightly crying. How can I see you? How... I hold slowly my hand up and approaches it to her arm. Suddenly, my fingers connect with her cold skin, making me gasp while pearls of salty water keep rolling down my cheeks. I sniff and smile at the same time before looking back at my aunt's eyes. How can I touch you? I ask her, whispering.
- I don't know Honey. However, I do know you need to dry those tears before I start crying too, she tells me, cracking a smile while whiping my tears away. When her hands touch my cheeks, I close my eyes and put my lips in a thin line before smiling happily. I miss Lexi so much. She was probably the only true female figure I had in my whole life. Her hands are so cold, but I don't care. Come on, Gillian. We have stuff to do, she tells me after I calmed down. Lexi turns around and starts to walk away. I don't move and frown confused.
- Stuff? She turns around and walks back to me, facing me.
- Your father, I stare at her, frowning even more confused. How does she know about his current state? I open my mouth to say something but Lexi cuts me. I know for him. I know his off the rails again. I can see everything, Honey, she tells me, whispering the last sentence before winking.
- Lexi... I whisper when someone cuts me.
- Here your are, Gi, I sigh and turn around to look at my father with a sad frown. Dad looks at me with a smirk until he sees my face. His smirk goes away and starts frowning confused. Why this face? He asks still approaching me. I step on the side and let him discover the dead woman. Lexi! Exclaims, my father, looking at his dead best friend with surprised and sorry frown.
Damon's P.O.V.
Alaric and I are at the bar, waiting for the barman to give us our drink. The man puts the glasses in front of us before walking away. I sigh and was about to grab my glass to drink it in one gulp when someone takes it. I look up with a confused frown to see who dared taking my drink when I see him.
- Mason? I hear Alaric saying with disbelief. The teacher and I look at the dead werewolf with a frown.
- God, I miss whiskey, Mason smells the alcohol before drinking it in one gulp. I thought he was going to put the glass down but, instead, he smashed it on my forehead. I groan of pain on the moment while turning to Alaric on the other side.
- Told ya.
Stefan's P.O.V.
- Hi! smiles my dead best friend to me, stepping in front of my daughter. I can see Gillian whiping few tears off and hear her sniffing.
- You're dead, I say, looking confused.
- Well, technically, so are you, replies, Lexi, nodding and still smiling.
- Then how the hell can I see...
- See me? cuts me, the dead vampire. Yeah, I have no idea, her smiles fades away quickly, replacing it with an angry frown. And I have no idea how long it's going to last, so let's get right to the point. You're off the rails. Big time.
- Look, I don't know how you're here, but you need to leave me alone, okay? I tell her before trying to walk away. I know what Lexi will do. She already did it before to help me. But I don't want to go back to the old me. I feel good. Have no limits. Lexi grabs his arm and stops me from walking further away.
- Now what kind of a friend would I be if I didn't help you out of this mess you're in? questions, my dead best friend, smiling fakely.
- I don't want your help, I rapidly answer while quickly glancing at Gillian behind me. My daughter looks down, hurt, but I don't care.
- You know, you say that every time. "I don't want your help. I don't want to get better. Leave me alone.", she says, imitating me.
- Well, maybe you should listen this time, I argue, frowning upsetly.
- Or maybe I should do this, suddenly, Lexi grabs my head and smashes it against the window of the car. I hear it breaking but that's it. Darkness surrounds me even before I reach the ground.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I look at Lexi smashing my father's head on the car, making him falling unconscious on the ground. I stare at my father with all the pain and sadness inside me before looking up at Lexi. I hear and see her sighing, looking around to be sure nobody saw us before she turns around to look at me. Lexi smiles warmly at me and holds her arm up.
- Come on, Mini Stefan, let's do what we have to do, tells me, Lexi. I nod and help her lifting up my father off the ground.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
- I can't believe you're here! I tell to my grandma, crying and sobbing while squeezing and caressing her hands in mines. I miss her so much. She taught me so much without seeing it when I should have. Grams nods, smiling at the same time.
- Now stop your crying, we don't have time for tears, I watch her looking up at Caroline, standing across from us. Nice to see you again, Caroline.
- Hi, Miss Sheila, smiles, Care, still a bit shocked to see her. Grams looks back at me.
- A fine mess you've made, honey, I look down and nod faintly after seeing her serious stare. The witches told you there'd be consequences to bringing Jeremy back and you did it anyway.
- I didn't have a choice. I love him and I... I couldn't just let him go, I explain her, feeling more tears rolling down my cheeks.
- I understand, nods, Grams. But you cracked open the door to the other side. There's an old witch over here. She took advantage of it. She took advantage of you, honey. When you did that spell to send Vicki Donovan away, she wedged the door wide open, giving a free pass to anybody with unfinished business, explains my grandma with seriousness.
- How do you know this? I ask her, lightly shaking my head confused.
- Witches talk. Even on the other side, faintly smiles, Grams. I look at her surprised, still not habituate to this. Who do you think makes all the rules?
- What does the witch want? I ask her.
- That's Original vampire business, not yours, answers, Grams, frowning seriously. I don't want you getting in the middle of that. I'm here because you upset the balance of nature. And it's your duty to set it right. You need to close that door.
Elena's P.O.V.
- How do we do that? I ask to Caroline over the phone, still in the restrooms of the Grill while staring madly at Jeremy and Anna. I still can't believe he kisses her... a ghost!
- Apparently the old witch can draw power from this side because of her talisman, answers, my blonde vampire best friend.
- Talisman... My necklace? I question surprised and confused.
- It's some ju-ju power source. And I know you're not going to like this, but Bonnie needs to destroy it, informs me, the vampire causing me to sigh as my stare doesn't live the two people in front of me.
- I just walked in on Jeremy kissing the reason I'm completely okay with that, I tell to Caroline while frowning madly at Anna. I see Jeremy shaking his head and Anna looking scared.
- What?! Are you kidding? asks, Care.
- I wish. Look, I don't have the necklace. Damon has it somewhere. Text him. I'll call you right back, I say before hanging up and still staring at Anna.
- Elena... calls me, my baby brother, trying to calm the situation.
- You need to disappear or evaporate or whatever it is that you ghosts do, I tell her madly.
- Hey, it's not her fault, intervenes, Jeremy again, defending Anna.
- You're right, it's yours, I reply louder and angrier to him. Suddenly, Anna disappears. How did this happen? I ask him whispering.
- I don't know. Okay? I don't know. It just... it did. Elena, please. You can't tell Bonnie, I scoff and shake my head at the same time.
- Don't worry. I'm going to let you do that. Right after I help her send the ghosts away, I turn around and leave the restroom, letting Jeremy alone. I still cannot believe he did this to my best friend. I was about to turn to go to the bar where Alaric is with Damon when a blonde woman gets in my way.
- Looks like today was a good day to be thinking about me, Elena, says, the supposed dead blonde vampire, smiling at me as I stare at her with surprised.
- Lexi? I call her, shaking my head.
- Mm-hmm. Come with me. Gillian is already waiting, she informs me, turning around to leave.
- Where? I ask her, causing her to turn back around to look at me.
- Ripper detox 101. Crash course, Lexi takes my wrist and pulls me with her but I don't move. She stops, sighs and looks at me. I'm sorry, did you not just say how desperate you were for my help in saving Stefan's life? I turn my head and look at the restrooms doors before looking back at Lexi, waiting.
- Let's go, the dead vampire smiles and turns around to leave the Grill with me behind her.
Damon's P.O.V.
- I am never going to hear the end of that damn necklace, I say annoyed and upset while sending a message back to Caroline.
- One of you will pay for this, right? Alaric and I look at him, not saying anything. Cheers, smiles, the dead werewolf before drinking it down in one gulp.
- Let's get to it. I killed you. You want revenge. Get in line, I whisper, annoyed of the whole thing going on.
- Actually, I want an apology, suddenly, I hear the teacher laughing behind me.
- Good luck with that, says, Alaric.
- Don't you have a family to haunt? You know your nephew has turned into a mindless hybrid Minion, I tell him... or remind him if he already knows which wouldn't surprised me.
- That's why I'm here. To help Tyler, I chuckle and shake my head before looking at Mason again with seriousness.
- Well, sorry to break it to you, buddy, but Tyler can't be helped. At least not while Klaus is alive. Which is, like, always, I inform the dead werewolf while looking back in front of me and playing with one of the empty glass.
- Not necessarily. Not if you found a weapon that could kill him, replies, Mason.
- There is no weapon that... I stop talking when I remark Mason's look. I scoff and nod while looking quickly down. What do you know?
- I know you need to apologize, whispers, the dead werewolf, smiling.
- You got to be kidding me, I say, not amused.
- Are you incapable of remorse? Just apologize! tells me, Alaric, annoyed. I sigh before taking deep breath in. I can't believe I have to do this...
- You're right. I didn't have to kill you. I do a lot of things I don't have to do, I say to Mason, looking at him. The dead werewolf stares at me for a moment. I guess he is still waiting for me to say the ''sorry'' word, but I won't. Mason laughs.
- That's good enough, he stands up but stays next to me. Meet me at the old Lockwood cellar. Bring a shovel, Mason looks at Alaric quickly behind me before looking back at me. Come alone, Tyler's uncle turns around starting to leave the Grill.
- What, you're going to bury me alive? I ask, frowning lightly confused.
- Don't tempt me, responds, the dead werewolf before finally leaving the Grill. I turn back to Alaric who is frowning confused.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I stare at my unconscious father tied up to a chair, my arms crossed over my chest, my back resting against the wall of the cell, and my left foot crossing with the right one. I frown sadly as I stare at him while remembering few of our happiest moments together. I miss my dad so much, his protective dad mode when something or someone is hurting me, his hugs, his father love that will never be replaced,... everything. I just miss him completely. It's like almost all of me is gone since dad went away with Klaus. I sigh and let my head rest on the wall behind me when I hear footsteps from outside the cell. Suddenly, the door is getting unlocked and Lexi and Elena enter. I straighten up and look at Lexi who briefly smiles at me. Elena doesn't even pay attention to me, she just stares at my dad on the chair.
- Klaus really did a number on him, huh? tells, Lexi, looking at my dad with her arms crossed.
- He compelled him to turn off his humanity, responds, Elena, looking kind of sadly at him.
- Well, we're just going to have to convince him to turn it back on, Lexi turns her head, looking at me and then, Elena. I faintly nod while looking down. I hate this so much... I have to warn you, it's not going to be pretty, she tells to the brunette.
- I can handle it, states, Elena, breathing deeply in and out. Lexi uncroses her arms and steps towards dad to kick him in his left leg.
- Wake up, sleepyhead, dad opens his eyes and looks at us, one by one. How you feelin'? smiles, Lexi while I still frown sadly at him. Dad looks at the chair and the chains that are keeping him from going away. He struggles with the restraints.
- What is this? Let me out of here! demands, dad, looking up at the dead blonde vampire.
- Shh. Inside voices, please, replies, aunt Lexi. Dad looks up at her, frowning lightly. I'm trying to get inside your head, says calmly, Lexi. Dad scoffs while looking at Elena.
- Elena. Get rid of her, please, asks dad calmly while looking at Jeremy's sister.
- No, answers, Elena, firmly. He, then, looks at me.
- Come on, Gillian. We help each other all the time. Help your dad, he asks gently to me, looking at me with pleading eyes. I see the brunette finally looking at me. I guess she just haven't remarked me. I step towards dad and lean in to stare right into his eyes.
- You're not my dad while being a Ripper, I reply seriously and as calm as Lexi sounded before straightening up. He doesn't even look hurt by what I said.
- First step, drying him out. Starve away the blood lust. Strip away the temptation, dad laughs, amused by the blonde. I glance at Lexi before looking back at my father. Elena stays in the back.
- This isn't going to work, Lexi. You can't do this, states, my father, smirking at his dead best friend.
- You heard the not pretty part? questions, Lexi, to Elena.
- I heard you, responds, Elena. Lexi leans in front of dad and looks at him straight in the eyes. Here we go again...
- What are you doing? questions, dad, faintly smiling before, suddenly, starting to growl in pain. I'm guessing she is making him see his arms and hands starting to desiccate. That's how she did it the last time I remember. What are you doing, Lexi?! asks, dad in pain and madly while growling.
- Doing what I do best, sweetness. I'm saving your life, answers, aunt Lexi, not leaving her eyes from his. I put hands on my hips and look up sadly, hating hearing him in so much pain.
Damon's P.O.V.
- I'm surprised you showed, I hear Mason telling him as I enter the Lockwood cellar with a shovel. The dead werewolf stands up, holding two lanterns already light up.
- You put a snag in my only other Klaus lead. So I'd say I'm highly motivated, I respond as I arrive in front of the man. Mason rises and hands me one of the two lanterns.
- Mikael? Yeah. That didn't turn out so great, did it? questions, Mason as I frown confused.
- How do you know so much? I ask him, shaking lightly my head. Mason takes the shovel off my hands and walks toward a wall.
- There's not much to do on the other side but sit around and watch other people screw things up, he answers while puting the lantern down.
- What are we looking for? I question, joining the side of the man.
- There's an old Lockwood family legend about a weapon that can kill an Original vampire, Mason hits the wall with the shovel to break it but it doesn't do much. Like the rest of their secrets, they kept it burried, he tries again but nothing.
- Oh, come on, give me the thing, I say, annoyed that the wall isn't already down. Move. I got it, Mason takes his lantern and lets me the space. I hold the shovel up and use my vampire strength to break the wall. I create a hole in it, letting the bricks fall down on the other side. Mason and I step up and pass our head to look at what is inside with the lantern to lighting up.
- Go for it, tells me, Mason. I slowly turn my head, looking at the dead werewolf with an non amused glare.
- You first, I reply.
- What, you think I'm leading you into a trap? asks, Tyler's uncle.
- The thought crossed my mind, I answer before standing back up. Mason enters first and I follow the steps of the dead man, entering a dark tunnel.
Gillian's P.O.V.
Dad is looking worse and worse each minute. He is suffering I can tell and it takes all my strength to not stop Lexi. I know it is for his own good and she has to keep going. I pace in the room, behind Elena, near the door cell while my stare doesn't leave my father. Even though I'd love to run away to not see what she is doing to him, I can't. I can't let him doing this alone. He wouldn't let me. He didn't let me.
- I'm starving! I'm starving! I'm starving! Let me out! Let me out. Please let me out, keeps whispering my father, in pain while staring blankly in front of me.
- What's happening? questions, Elena, whispering scared.
- He's hallucinating, I answer, causing her to turn around to look at me.
- That's three months without any blood, responds, Lexi, joining the side of the human brunette.
- Let me out! screams, my father.
- Now he's at nine months, whispers, Lexi. Dad looks worse and worse and his breathing is heavier. Two years... Five.
- Did I ever tell you how glad I am that you're dead? questions, dad, staring at his dead best friend with a dark look.
- Oh. I missed you, too, friend, responds, Lexi with sarcasm. I keep frowning sadly when Elena's phone suddenly rings. She takes it out of her pocket and exits the cell, staying just outside it.
- Hello? I hear her saying. I look down and listen to her conversation. Even if I didn't want to, I'd still be able to hear it.
- So the necklace isn't where Damon said it would be and now we can't reach Damon, I hear Caroline's voice saying. Why are they looking for the necklace? My necklace? What do they want with it?
- Listen, I need you to get Bonnie to hold off on sending the ghosts back, replies, Elena with seriousness. Wait... so my necklace that dad gave to Elena is the key to send all the ghosts back?
- What?! But you said you were in full support of getting rid of them, complains, the blonde vampire behind the phone call.
- I was. I am. Look, Lexi's here and she's helping with Stefan, states, Elena while I keep pacing around.
- Okay, let's just find it first and then we'll choose between boyfriend ghost dramas.
Caroline's P.O.V.
- What are you talking about? I hear Bonnie asking me after I hang up with Elena. I shake my head before turning around to look at my witchy best friend. She looks so confused.
- Um... Lexi's back, so Elena wants us to hold off on destroying the necklace, I answer, half lying to her and I hate it.
- You said boyfriend dramas. Plural. What is it, Caroline? Bonnie walks up to stand right in front of me, a sad frown plastered on her face already. I hate seeing her like this and I hate it even more knowing how she is going to react with Jeremy.
- Elena caught Jeremy kissing Anna, I tell her, frowning sorry.
- What?
- I'm sorry.
- He kissed her? she asks, her voice breaking as he eyes are watering. I nod.
- She's got a foothold now, so she probably thinks that she's here to stay. But you and I, Bonnie, we're going to find that necklace. Okay? Bonnie nods while I gently squeeze her shoulders. Okay, I walk passed her and keep looking for the necklace which has to be somewhere around.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
The night has fell and the Illuminations Night has already started. The lanterns are lightening up the whole place and it is crowded of people. It's hard to see actually.
- Anna! Anna! I call my dead friend, looking for her since the bathroom incident with Elena. Anna! I walk through the crowd when I accidentally bumped into a man. Hey, man sorry about that, I keep walking, not even waiting for the man to reply.
Alaric's P.O.V.
I stand in the crowd, waiting for the ceremony to start. The night has fell and I am all alone. I don't know where Elena and Jeremy went to, but I guess they must be around. I have my arms crossed as I look around when I feel someone touching my arm.
- Have you seen Tobias Fell? questions, Carol Lockwood, looking confused and nervous at me. He's supposed to do the lighting ceremony.
- No, I reply, sincerely while shaking my head. What is it again?
Anna's P.O.V.
- Well, well, I hear someone saying. I look in front of me and see a familiar face approaching me.
- Frederick? I ask, surprised and nervous to see him.
- If it isn't Pearl's daughter. Little Annabelle, smirks the dead vampire. I frown confused, my arms crossed over my chest before I look around at all the people. This is not good...
- Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Mr. Fell seems to have been detained, so the history department's very own Mr. Saltzman has agreed to fill in, I hear the Mayor saying to the crowd, smiling. Everyone starts clapping their hands, happily, while the teacher is going on stage.
- Anna! I hear Jeremy calling me. I turn my head and see him coming towards me through the crowd.
- Still hanging around the Gilbert kid, huh? I look back at Frederick, frowning scared that he might do something to him. I guess you forgot the fact that his family killed you and your mother, Jeremy arrives, standing by my side.
- There you are, I see the Gilbert boy looking at Frederick with a confused frown. Is everything all right?
- Ask your ancestors, replies, Frederick with hatred.
- What are you doing here, Frederick? I question the dead man while two others join him, standing behind him. His minions...
- Well, it's a Founders' celebration. And we've... he looks at the men standing behind him. We got some unfinished business with the Founding Families, I frown confused while hoping he didn't fo anything yet.
- On behalf of Mystic Falls High School Historical Society, let's light 'em up! announces the teacher before everyone starts applauding again.
The lanterns light up the Town Square, making the crowd applauding louder and cheering. I frown sadly for the people surrounding us and scared for Jeremy when a sudden death scream echoes in the whole Town Square. Jeremy and I turn around and discover Tobias Fell hanging from a tree, dead. Blood is covering his face and dripping down his clothes. I turn back to look at Frederick who smiles proudly and evily at me. And this is just the beginning...
Gillian's P.O.V
My eyes are still staring at my father tied up to the chair, panting and sweating. I want to scream at Lexi to stop but I know I can't. Aunt Lexi is standing behind dad, her hands resting on each sides of the back of the chair as she looks at him seriously. It's almost imbelievable how calm she is with this situation. Even though it isn't the first time I see this, it still hurts me. Elena is against the wall, her right hand passing across her face while her left arm is across her stomach. She is scared and sad, I can feel it. It's almost choking me.
- Elena, Elena. I'm hurting. Please help me, pleads, my father in pain while glancing at the human brunette.
- Don't listen. Shut him out, tells, Lexi to her.
- I am helping you, Stefan, responds, Elena with an unsure voice.
- I'll do anything. I'll change. I promise, argues calmly, dad, staring at her with pain. But I can tell he is just playing to get free. I shake my head and look down sadly while crossing my arms.
- It's a lie. He'll say anything right now, says, aunt Lexi, walking around the chair to face my father and stand next to Elena. I can see that Elena is hesitating to free him. I guess Lexi saw it too, otherwise, she woudn't have walk right in front of the girl.
- Elena, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Just make it stop. Please, just make it stop, continues pleading, my father, in pain while breathing heavily.
- You have to separate yourself from your emotions. Don't let him play on them, explains calmly, the dead blonde vampire to Jeremy's sister. Elena turns her head to look at Lexi.
- Hey, look at me. Look at me, she looks back at my father. Elena. I love you, okay? I love you. I love you so much. I love you so much, Elena, keeps repeating my dad, going slowly into a whisper.
- I'm sorry, Stefan, I just don't believe you, responds, Elena, seriously while Lexi comes next to me. She squeezes my shoulder and faintly nods. I nod back and take a deep breath in.
- Fine, then, dad looks at me, the same pleading eyes he did with Elena. Gillian, baby, please help me. You know I wouldn't never let you suffer like this. I stare into his eyes, mine showing the worst pain I can feel right now as I stay against the wall. I haven't really moved from there. Despite when I was pacing around. I guess I just prefer staying back for right now.
- Dad, if I was at your place right now, we both know that's exactly what you would do. You would let me here, suffering so I can get better, I answer calmly while nodding at the same time. Suddenly, my father's mood changes from pleading to angriness.
- You know what? he asks, looking alternately between Elena and I. I don't want your help, anyway. I wish I'd never met you, he tells angrily to the brunette who is staring at him with disbelief and sad eyes. Dad looks at me, then, his eyes darker than anything. And you, I wish you were not my daughter. I never wanted you anyway, Gillian. You're just a mistake and a burden to raise up, a chill run down my spin as his words hits me hardly. It hurts... so much. It's like I just received the biggest slap in my life. I know it isn't true but I can't help it to feel the pain. Even a stake through my heart isn't as painful as those words. I can see my vision getting blurry quickly. Every single moment that I've spent with you two has been a complete and total waste.
- You see that? questions, Lexi to Elena. I look at the blonde even though I know she isn't talking to me. That's the ripper talking. Once he's weak enough, you have to cause him pain. Make him feel things. Anger, rage, anything, explains, aunt Lexi while dad groans of pain again. Lexi leans in front of my father and looks at him. You have to make him see past the blood, she says before stabbing dad's arm with a stake. My father screams in even more pain and, then, she pulls it out. Think of it as a regimen. Day in and day out. Like running the treadmill. Like making coffee. Until he's ready to be saved, Lexi was about to stab him again when dad suddenly screams at her with all his ripper madness.
- I will rip you apart, Lexi!
- You can't. I'm already dead, replies, the dead vampire, briefly smiling before driving the stake through his chest. I grimace of sadness and let the tears rolling down while sliding down the wall. My head is in my hands while I hear my father's scream echoing in the cell. It's for his best Gillian...
- I can't... tells, Elena before running out of the cell. I see Lexi looking at her leaving before she glances at me.
- Gillian... I gesture her to keep going before wiping my tears away. I have to stay strong! Lexi nods and continues doing what she has to do to save my father.
Elena's P.O.V.
I run out of the jail, not able to see him in such pain. I thought I could handle it, but I guess I was wrong. I hate hearing him screaming like this, I hate the words he told me, I hate what Klaus did to him. I take a deep breath in and out several times, breathing the fresh air of the night when I hear sirens not to far. I look at the end of the street and remark the police and the paramedics are all over the Town Square where the Illumination Night is supposed to happen. People are gone and only the blue lights of the cars and trucks are lightening the Town Square. What the hell happened here? I see the paramedics moving a wrapped up body on a stretcher. Oh my God... Who is it? I hope Jeremy and Alaric are both alright.
Caroline's P.O.V.
Bonnie and I are still looking for the necklace in the Salvatore boarding house. We searched everywhere in Damon's room, like he told me and we can't put our hands on it. I start to think he might have lied to us. I check the soap bowl in Damon's bathroom but nothing again.
- Ugh! I groan annoyed. I give up. It's not anywhere in this room, suddenly, Bonnie's phone starts ringing. I look at my friend who goes to see who it is. Bonnie looks up at me with a knowing look after seeing the I.D. on the screen. I sigh and walk over her, grab her phone and answer for her. What do you want, Jeremy? I ask to the boy annoyed and mad at him for making my friend suffering.
- Caroline? Did you find that necklace? questions, Elena's brother.
- Not yet. Wait, what's going on? I ask after hearing the point of nervousness in his voice.
- Ghosts of the tomb vampires killed Tobias Fell. You might want to find that necklace before they start going alphabetically through the founding families, announces nervously, Jeremy, sounding like he is whispering.
- Well, it's not where it's supposed to be. Unless someone took it, I state, sighing while thinking of only one person... a dead one.
- Who? questions, the boy, sounding confused.
- Well, who do you think? I ask him, almost rolling my eyes like it was obvious. Jeremy doesn't reply immediately to me.
- She said she didn't take it, responds, the boy to me.
- Oh, and you believe her, I tell, chuckling humorlessly.
- You know what, yeah, yeah, I do believe her, argues, Jeremy.
- You know what, you're an even bigger idiot than I thought. So wake up, Jeremy, before you lose everything, I hang up and put Bonnie's phone on the wardrobe, where it was resting before Jeremy called. Bonnie stares at me, a misture of emotions flashing in her eyes. turns to face Anna, but she's not there.
Jeremy's P.OV.
I sigh after Caroline hung up and turn around to talk to Anna. Where is she? She was behind me just seconds ago. I look all around I, spinning on myself to see if I can find Anna. Come on... Not again. It was hard enough to find her the first time. I remark Elena walking towards me with a confused frown on her face.
- Jeremy? What happened? questions, my big sister while faintly shaking her head, confused. I take a deep breath in before sighing.
Damon's P.O.V.
- I'm still waiting for the other shoe to drop. Your motives are deceptively pure, I tell to Mason as the two of us are walking more and more inside the tunnel. I don't know where we are going. Hell, I don't know if it's a trap, but I need to know what the man wanted to show me. Especially if it means it can take Klaus out. I just hope he didn't lie.
- You talk the talk, but I know you'll do anything for your brother and your niece. You won't screw me over as long as we have the same agenda, responds, the dead werewolf, following me closely behind.
- I'm supposed to believe you're not going to screw me over? I state, accentuating the ''me'' word. Mason and I turn to follow the tunnel when two directions differs in front of us. Great! All right. Which way?
- I don't know. Flip a coin, responds, Tyler's dead uncle, looking alternately at the tunnels in front of us.
- Aren't you supposed to be all-knowing? I ask, shaking my head at the same time. Mason looks at me, looking annoyed.
- I'm a ghost. I'm not God, replies, the man. I lightly roll my eyes. Go left, I obey and walk to the left but I don't see anything. I turn around, arcing a suspect eyebrow. Or not... You have trust issues. Anyone ever tell you that? I keep walking slowly further into the tunnel with the lantern in my hand. I was about to answer the dead werewolf when, suddenly, sharp wooden poles move out from the walls and go through my body one by one. I groan of pain each time a pole stabs me as I drop the lantern on the ground. I try to take them off of me but when I touch the first wooden pole, my hands started to burn and smoke fly off. Vervain...
- Yo. Help a brother out? I wait for him to come help me or respond something but nothing. Mason? I try to look behind me, but I can't see anything. Come on... I knew it was trap!
Jeremy's P.O.V.
- Where is Anna now? question, Elena to me, sounding mad.
- I don't know, okay? I don't even know for sure if she took the necklace, I respond, annoyed of her being mad at Anna.
- She was the only person who heard us talking about it. Of course she took it. Okay? We have to get it back. We have to destroy it and then close the door, explains, my sister.
- I know, but...
- But what? cuts me, Elena, frowning madly and confused. What, Jer?
- I can touch her, Elena. I can kiss her again. And I know it's wrong, and I-I-I know that I shouldn't feel this way, but I do. I love her. I've always loved her, I tell to my sister, tired of lying of how I feel. Elena shakes her head in disbelief.
- But it's not real. She's dead. Gone. Everything that you're holding on to is in the past, Jer. Are you going to love a ghost for the rest of your life? she questions me. I look down, sadly, knowing she is right. But I can't let her go again, can I? Suddenly, I see Elena looking over my shoulder, frowning madly. I turn around and see Anna, standing there, looking sadly at us. I faintly smile at her, happy to see her. He's at the beginning of his life, Anna. You're just holding him back, I frown madly while looking at Elena behind me. You know that, suddenly, Anna hold the necklace up which caused me to frown confused. She lied to me? Call Bonnie. Tell her that you have the necklace. Get her to send the ghosts away, tells me madly, Elena before leaving the Town Square. I look at Anna, feeling betrayed.
Damon's P.O.V.
- Oh, I'm having a bad day, I whisper while groaning of pain, still trying to get out of those wooden poles. The vervain is weaking me more and more and faster than I tought it woud. Suddenly, I hear footsteps coming from behind me.
- Sorry. Thought you might need this, Mason starts breaking the long stakes with the shovel, causing me to groan of pain as I feel them moving inside me. You're welcome, He pulls out one of the stakes and I groan in pain. I hate this feeling!
- What's your game, man? I ask in pain while the dead werewolf keep taking out the stakes. I killed you. I jammed my fist into your chest. I ripped your heart out. There's no way this whole buddy-trust act is real, I tell him, trying not to scream everytime he pulls a pole out.
- You know what the other side is like? Mason leans down and grabs the lantern and the shovel. We're all alone. We watch the people we left behind and we regret our decisions. That's it. Look, I can't change what happened to me. But maybe I can change what happens to Tyler. I don't need revenge, Damon. I need redemption, I stare at the man for a moment before nodding. The dead werewolf turns around and walks further into the tunnel. I grab my lantern that I dropped on the ground and follow him behind.
Caroline's P.O.V.
- Jeremy's got the necklace. He's going to meet us at the witch house, I explain to Bonnie, sitting next to me, while this one is driving back to the witch house. I just hang up with Jeremy and he sounded... sad.
- Okay, tells me, Bonnie, nodding and sounding nervous. What's going on up there? I look at where my witch best friend shows me and see a car wrecked against a tree. Smoke is coming out of the engine.
- It's Mrs. Lockwood's car, I say, recognizing the car. The Mayor is unconscious in the driver's seat. Suddenly, Bonnie slams on the brakes when a man walks across the road in front of us. I watch him heading for the car where Tyler's mom is. Other men... or should I say vampires are also walking toward the car. Bonnie? I'm going to get out of the car.
- What?! asks, my best friend frowning confused.
- And you're going to drive the hell away from here, I tell her, unbuckling my seatbelt.
- No way! I am not leaving you! argues, the witch.
- Bonnie, you've got your ghost boyfriend drama. Elena has hers. And right now the mother of mine is about to be ghost bait. So go and send them all back to the other side, okay? I remind and tell her before getting out of the car. I can see Bonnie isn't okay with this but right after I slam her car door shut, she leaves quickly. The man turns around and smiles at me evily. I vamp out, feeling my fangs going out and the veins popping under my eyes before rushing toward him and his minions.
Jeremy's P.O.V.
- This spell is just going to break your foothold, right? You'll still be here, I'll still be able to see you. This... this doesn't have to be good-bye, I tell her. I guess I am trying to convince myself as well that I am going to see her again.
- No. But it should be. Elena was right. I'm holding you back, states, my dead vampire ex-girlfriend, holding back her tears.
- Anna...
- I'm sorry I took the necklace, her eyes are watering so quickly... it breaks me. I just thought, with all the tomb vampires out, that maybe...
- You might find your mother, I say, understanding why she took the necklace.
- I don't know where she is, Jeremy. I don't know if she's moved on and found peace, or if there's even any peace to be found, cries, the dead girl, shaking her head at the same time.
- Hey, there is, Anna. Okay? There has to be. I believe that, okay? tears are finally rolling down her cheeks as she lightly begins to sob.
- I just... I don't want to be alone anymore.
- Look at me, I step forward and rapidly embrace my dead friend, feeling her cold and shaky body against mine. You're not going to be alone. I'm not going to let you be alone, I feel Anna tightening her grip before pulling away. She looks down and takes the necklace out of her pocket. Anna holds it up before puting the necklace in my hand, giving it back to me. I look at her for a while, already feeling the loneliness even though she is still in front of me. I slowly walk backwards, staring at her before definitely turning around and running to my car.
Lexi's P.O.V.
- Quit fighting me, Stefan. I know you're in there, I say to my friend, staring at him intensely. Gillian is still behind me, at the end of the room. I knew she was going to tear up but I know she can do it. It's not the first time...
- Not anymore, Lexi, groans, Stefan, resisting to my torture when I hear someone coming. However, I don't turn around. Gillian can take care of the person if she has to.
- You know you say that every time. Until I make you feel again, I tell him, faintly smirking before driving the stake through his stomach causing Stefan to groan, almost screaming of pain.
- You wasted your whole life taking care of me. Now you're dead and you still have nothing better to do, states the compelled and emotionless vampire, staring at me with hatred in his eyes. Suddenly, I hear the brunette approaching me from behind. I recognize the way she walks.
- We're running out of time, informs me, the human brunette, sounding stressed and nervous.
- You've got to get me more, I tell her, looking at her with a pleading look.
- I can't, Responds, Elena, shaking her head before glancing at Stefan with sadness.
- What? I hear Gillian asking to the brunette while she comes standing next to me. No, she can't go! Lexi just got back and... and we need her! Argues, Stefan's daughter, looking nervously and sadly at me before frowning madly at Elena.
- No! No... not until I break through, I say to the human in front of me.
- I can't, Lexi. They have the necklace. They're going to close the door, she informs us. I sigh and look at Stefan who is looking at us.
- The necklace? My necklace? The one he gave you? Questions, Gillian half mad, half confused. I arc an eyebrow, confused at what is happening.
- Yes, they need to destroy it to close the door, repeats, Elena, frowning lightly at Stefan's daughter.
- Don't you think I have a word to say? Asks, Gillian, while shaking her head.
- Not when it puts everyone in danger or breaking my friend's relationship, I hear and see Gillian scoffing as she shakes her head again. Stefan's daughter looks so mad.
- What are you talking about? Elena doesn't respond to her question. Elena turns to Stefan and was about to walk towards him but Gillian grabbed her arms first. Hey, can you stop thinking for yourself one moment and telling me what is going on?
- I'm not thinking about myself, Gillian! I'm thinking about my friends, replies, Elena madly and loudly.
- But not my dad... Tells, Gillian, almost sounding shocked. Why are you here, then?
- That's not true, answers, Elena at the same time as Gillian asked her a question. I do care about Stefan, frowns madly, Elena. This is starting to go a little far.
- Isn't it? Than, please tell me what is true, Elena doesn't answer for the second time at Gillian's question. The vampire shakes her head and lifts her arms up. I'm waiting.
- Why are you always giving a hard time, Gillian? I suddenly frown to the brunette, kind of shocked by her question. With everything I saw since I am on the other side, I can tell that it isn't Gillian who is giving her a hard time to her.
- I'm giving you a hard time? Repeats angrily, Gillian. My father always puts me on the side because of you. He does everything to make you happy, to make sure your safe all the time, and what do you do? You think about your friends even though you have the only person that can help us save him, Gillian points at me as she slowly starts stepping forward. Elena walks backwards. And you know what is worst? I always respect you and help him save you when you're attacked by supernatural creatures because I know my father is in deep love with you. And I love him, so I'm doing all I can to make him happy. So I think if someone here is giving a hard time to someone else, it's you to me, almost screams, Stefan's daughter, her voice full of rage and sadness. That necklace was all I had from my mother...
- I don't care, Gillian, it will be destroyed whether you like it or not! Screams back, Elena, frowning angrily as she steps forward a single time.
- Hey! Watch it! I tell to the human brunette, madly and in a warning tone as I put my hand on her shoulder to stop her. Elena looks at me with wide eyes. Be careful on what you're saying to my niece, because by what I've been seeing by being on the other side, I'd suggest you to be careful, the brunette frowns at me with madness and disbelief while Gillian looks at me with surprised eyes. I guess it's because I called her my niece. The necklace... I whisper, nodding at the same time as I look alternately between the two girls. I turn around and knee in front of Stefan. At least tell me you remember how you felt about that, I see him looking at Elena. You found it during your darkest time. And you said, when you made it through, that that necklace represented hope, he, then, looks at his daughter. You told me that you wanted to give it to Gillian so she'll be protected, safe and stronger with it.
- Ironic, then, that it's about to be blown to pieces, replies calmly, sweaty and breathless, the emotionless vampire.
Damon's P.O.V.
I still am following Mason behind, getting further and further inside the tunnel with our lanterns to light up the way. How far is it that thing he wants to show me? I was about to sigh when I, suddenly, bumped into something. What the hell is it now? I try to step forward but I can't. An invisible barrier is blocking my way while Mason continues walking foward in front of me.
- God! This is not happening, I groan upset as I keep trying to walk forward. This is useless...
- What now? questions, Mason, sounding annoyed as he turns around to look at me.
- I can't get through. It's like I'm not invited in, I say, looking around the invisible barrier when I remark Mason turning back around and continuing on walking. Wait!
- I'm not stopping just 'cause you're stuck. I'll let you know what I find, he tells me, holding his lantern a bit higher to light the tunnel a bit more.
- Yeah, but...
- Looks like you're gonna have to trust me, cuts me, Mason, turning on himself, probably to look where to go next or what is around him.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
I am standing in the middle of the basement of the witches house and light up the fireplace. Jeremy shouldn't be long now. I feel so nervous and so angry toward him. I don't want to see him. Not now. But I don't have a choice, do I? I don't know where is Grams. I hope she will be by my side when I'll be closing the door by destroying the necklace. I light up the candles around the room when I suddenly hear Jeremy calling me.
- Bonnie! I turn around and see the boy coming slowly toward me.
He holds up the necklace so I can take it. I look at him with a cold stare before taking harshly the necklace from his hand. I can see his guilty face betraying him. I turn around, walk to the fireplace and throw it in the flames. I stare at the flames dancing together while beginning to cast the spell in Latin. Suddenly, I feel someone taking my left hand. I don't look at the person next to me, knowing it is Grams. I squeeze her hand as the two of us repeats the same spell over and over again. Sparks fly in the fireplace as the necklace starts burning and melting down.
Caroline's P.O.V.
I keep fighting with those vampires, protecting the unconscious Mayor in the car. I hit a guy making him fly away before landing on the road. Another one comes from behind me and strangles me with his arm around my neck. I grip onto his arm and pull him over my shoulder so he lands on his back. I kick him in the face, making the vampire falling out of consciousness instantly. I turn around, knowing there is still one man standing up but, at my biggest surprised, he was already behind me. The man grabs me by my throat, cutting my breathing instantly. I stare at him with angry eyes when he suddenly disappear. I spin on myself, looking around I and remark that the men that I beat up are gone as well. She did it!
Damon's P.O.V.
- So? What'd you find? I ask to the dead werewolf as I see him staring at a wall. I can't see what is on it from here.
- It's in... Mason stops talking abruptly before disappearing in a snap. The lantern falls on the ground, breaking in pieces. No...
- No, no, no, no. No, where'd you go? Mason, Mason! I say, calling the dead werewolf, hoping he will come back.
Gillian's P.O.V.
I am staring at my father, standing behind Lexi when I suddenly see her looking at the ceiling. I look up but see nothing. Oh no...
- Lexi... I call her, understanding what is happening.
- He's still in there. You just have to break through, she tells us, sighing sadly.
- It's okay, Lexi, we know what to do now. You can be free tells, Elena, to my aunt.
- No, Lexi... Don't go again, I say, feeling tears rolling down my cheeks. They came up so quickly that I didn't feel them.
- It's okay, Gillian, she says grabbing my hands in hers and squeezing them tightly while smiling. I'll always be watching you from there. Hey, you're a strong woman, Mini Stefan, you have to help your father coming back. Like we did the last time, okay?
- I'll miss you... I tell her, nodding and smiling. Lexi looks back at my father before she, suddenly, disappears. Lexi? Lexi! I call her, crying.
Anna's P.O.V.
I walk up a street, alone, in the dark, crying. Here or on the other side, I am always alone. I've been alone almost my whole life and it hurts. I thought I could see her again... somewhere... or maybe that I could learn if she found peace. I'd be so happy for her. I sniff sadly, feeling another tear rolling down my cheek when I remark a woman with black hair and black clothes walking across from me, at the end of the street.
- Momma? I call the woman, recognizing the shape. I smile and cry at the same time when I saw her looking at me. Mom begins to cry quickly while running to me. I run towards her as well, both of our arms wide open. I envelope her into a tight hug, just like mom is enveloping me. Cries... That's all we can hear in the street. Our crying.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
- You are stronger than all of this, tells me, Grams, now that we finished to cast the spell and that the necklace is completely melted down. Tears are rolling down my cheeks freely. She's going to go away again... I'm so proud of you, I keeps staring at the fire when, suddenly, my hand isn't holding hers anymore. She's gone... like that.
Damon's P.O.V.
- You're here. It's about time, I tell to Alaric as I hear him entering the Lockwood cellar.
- Didn't have anyone else to call? questions, upsetly the teacher as he comes in front of me. I am sitting on the few rocky steps, playing with the handle of the lantern.
- No, actually, I don't, Alaric frowns confused. I get up as I quietly sigh. 'Cause I need a non-vampire to get in the cave, and other than Elena, you're pretty much the only one I trust.
- Well, you have a crappy way of showing that.
- Look, if Mason Lockwood can get over the fact that I killed him, can't you cut me a little slack, Ric? I aks him, annoyed that he still hates me. And probably sad as well. I miss my buddy.
- I shouldn't have to get over it. I was your friend, Damon. You shouldn't have done it in the first place, reminds me, the teacher.
- Well! I say as I approach him. Sometimes... I do things I don't have to do, I watch the teacher nodding and starting to smile.
- You're going to recycle that same crap-ass apology you gave Mason Lockwood? questions, Alaric, looking amused at me.
- Yeah, well... I didn't mean it with him, I reply, smiling. Alaric stares at me and faintly shakes his head while smiling as well. The teacher walks towards the hole and looks inside it with his flashlight.
Gillian's P.O.V.
Elena and I are standing across from my father, her on the right and me on the left. We both have our arms crossed over our chest as our head are resting on the walls. I can't believe she destroyed the necklace. The only thing I had from mom. Well... I guess they had a good reason for destroying it but... not her saying she was thinking for her friends safety and not my father's healing... I don't know if I'm going to far or not. Maybe, I am. But that's doesn't change the fact that Lexi is the best person to bring dad back and that now she is gone.
- So what are you going to do, Elena? You just going to stand there? Waiting for me to dry out? questions my father, looking at her with his loving eyes. I lightly roll mine and look away.
- No, I'm going to go home, take care of my brother. Be a friend to Bonnie and everything else that I have to do, answers, the brunette while walking towards the exit of the cell.
- That's good for you, I watch her stopping walking. You know, I was wondering when you were going to give up. Lexi gave you... enough of a glimpse into your tragic future.
- I haven't given up, Stefan. I still have hope, she replies, turning back around to look at him. I frown lightly as I stare at her. Elena walks over to dad and lightly lean in. But there's nothing that I can do until you get yours back, dad looks away. Elena takes him by his neck and makes my father looking at her. Hey. You can break through this. Fight for it. Feel something. Anything, Stefan. Because if you don't, you're going to lose me forever. I won't love a ghost for the rest of my life, I look down after seeing my father's face. He doesn't seem to like it, but he doesn't seem to care either. It's hard to tell. Elena turns around, glances at me with a mad frown before leaving the cell. I hear her running the stairs up before joining the outside. I stay leaning against the wall, my arms crossed over my chest while staring at dad again. I see him staring at me as well, not showing anything. The silent is pretty heavy.
- And you? You're going to leave me too? he asks, not smirking, not frowning, nothing.
- No, I'll stay here, watching you even though it breaks me in thousands pieces, I answer calmly and sadly.
- Then, go. I don't want you here and I certainly don't need you, replies, dad before looking away. I take a deep breath in before uncrossing my arms and walking towards him.
- I don't care that you want me here or not, dad. I'm going to stay here, I knee in front of him which makes him looking down at me, because you would have stayed here if I was in that chair, I take his hand and squeeze it. You can tell me how much you hate me, you can express all your madness on me, all your ripper hatred on me, as long as it can bring your emotions back...
- You're stupid, he says after scoffing and shaking his head. I sigh and take my hand off before walking back to where I was standing.
- Maybe I am, but you know dad, I have been hurting so much since you're gone that a little more pain or not, that's not what is going to stop me to help you come back. I love my father, I have hope in him and I miss him, daddy, dad keeps staring at me, his eyes not leaving mines as a single tear drops on both my cheeks. I hear him sighing before he looks away from me.
Bonnie's P.O.V.
- Bonnie... I hear Jeremy calling me but I cut him.
- Just go away, Jeremy, I tell him, still crying and looking at the flames dancing together.
- I owe you an explanation, he tells me with a pleading tone.
- Matt let go of his sister before you let go of Anna. His sister, Jeremy. You know what you owe me? The respect of not making me listen to you explain yourself, I respond while walking towards him to stand right in front of the boy.
- I am sorry, Bonnie, he says, looking almost sincere.
- You need to go, I tell him seriously.
- But...
- Just go, Jeremy, I repeat, not letting him talking back.
Elena's brother stares at me for a moment, his eyes showing sadness before turning around and leaving the witch house. I let a deep and long sigh out as well as tears when a sudden noise coming from the fireplace makes me gasp. I look at it and see sparks shooting out from it. I walk slowly closer to the fireplace and look at the necklace. Impossible... It's still perfectly intact!
Alaric's P.O.V.
- So was Mason screwing with me, or is there something in there? asks Damon to me after bringing me to where Mason and him were. I shine with my flashlight around the room, looking at the walls closely. unbelievable... Ric. Ric?
- I found something, I say, looking amazed at the walls in front of me.
- What is it? questions, the vampire, retained by the invisible barrier. What are those drawings? Who did them?
- I have no idea, I answer, frowning lightly.
Heyy guys!! How are you ? 😁😁 I would like to apologize for the future chapter. I have exams coming up in 2 or 3 weeks so I don't know when the next chapter will be published but I continue writing for sure 😉 No worries 😉 Thank you guys so much for the 33.4k!! It's crazier and crazier!!!🎉🎉🎉 You guys rock so much!! 🎉😁😁 So, Lexi's back!!
- What do you think of Lexi's relationship with Stefan? And with Gillian?
- What did you think of the chapter?
- Who do you think should bring Stefan's emotions back? Elena, Damon or Gillian?
- If it's Gillian, how should she do it?
- What are your thoughts/ideas on the upcoming chapters?
Thank you all so. Much for reading this new chapter! 😁 I apologize for the mistakes!😏 Please, feel free to vote and/or comment! 😘😘