AN: This is my first time ever publishing anything so any comments would be greatly appreciated. Also, I do not have a Beta so I apologize for any errors I may have missed.

Regarding the AU, in this story Damon hasn't returned from the 1994 dimension.

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or any of the associated characters.

Elena took in the surrounding atmosphere, the streets were filled with people enjoying all of the pleasures the French Quarter had to offer. She was still somewhat hesitant in her decision to come here and seek his help, but after all the people she lost she refused to lose Caroline to herself, even if she could understand Caroline's decision. However, she knew from her own emotionless experience, after Jeremy's death, that the horrors one could commit would weigh on Caroline's conscience for eternity. She was willing to do whatever necessary to prevent her friend from experiencing that guilt on top of her grief, even go to the man that she once believed to be the devil incarnate.

She was so caught up in the atmosphere that it took a few moments for her to sense the blond haired young man following her. Elena took a turn down an alley and pivoted around at inhuman speed to catch the stranger off guard. Instantly she locked eyes in an attempt to compel him and inquire about his actions. Instead she was hit with a sense of familiarity in those eyes before the excruciating pain in her head forced her to her knees.

Then just as quickly as the pain begin it ceased. Elena went to speed away and realized she was unable to move. "Fancy seeing you here, don't you know it's not safe for deceitful murderous doppelgangers in the quarter," stated the stranger with thinly veiled rage. He continued on, "It's a shame baby brother didn't accompany you. I would've preferred you got to witness his suffering. Oh well, once the family affairs have been sorted I'll plan a nice trip to Mystic Falls."

With the mention of Jeremy being in danger Elena attempted to fight the magic that was keeping her rooted in place to attack in her rage, "Jeremy's safe and far from Mystic Falls, you leave him out of this."

The stranger give a noncommittal shrug before responding, " Well, seeing as he died by the hand of the very man I warned you of, a warning that cost me my life and immortality, I'll call little Gilbert and myself even."

Realization dawned on Elena as she absorbed the meaning of those words, she gasped, "Kol?"

His lips quirked in that ever familiar Mikealson smirk before replying, "In the flesh sweetheart, so to speak."

Before Elena could ask how Kol crumpled to the ground and in his place was a dark skinned male with impossibly white teeth. Before she could stop the words they poured out of her mouth, 'Is he dead?" The unknown man, whom Elena determined was a vampire due to the heart beat or lack thereof, replied, "No, unfortunately not but he is down for the count which should give us enough time to get out of here. The quarter isn't exactly safe for vampires these days." The man reached his hand out, "Names Marcel."

Elena rose to her feet, "Elena, thanks for your help." Marcel smiled before replying," It's always my pleasure to help a pretty lady, especially one with your reputation Ms. Gilbert. You managed to take down not one but two original vampires, the first while still human. That's a feat not many can claim."

Elena's entire body went rigid this stranger knew who she was, not that she should be surprised vampires and werewolves alike had been seeking out the doppelganger for centuries.

Marcel noticed the change in her posture and attempted to ease her obvious worry, " Hey now, no worries I don't mean you any harm. Past aside you're a vampire now first and foremost and our kind need to look out for each other now more than ever in this city." The confusion must have been obvious in Elena's eyes because he continued. "The werewolves with the help of some witches have taken over the quarter. Look it's not safe here I have a haven of sorts right across the river, I'll take you there and explain more."

Elena replied, " Look Marcel, I appreciate your assistance with Kol, and the heads up but I came here seeking help for my friend and I'm not leaving the quarter until I find the original I came looking for."

Marcel smile seemed genuine at her remarks.. "You've definitely got a fiery spirit. While I don't know which original it is you're seeking if you come with me you'll be able to speak with the more level headed of the family."

Elena's face noticeably lightened, "Elijah is there?" Her thoughts were running wild why would Elijah be there. Elena was beginning to realize that she walked into another one of the original families epic disputes. If Kol was back, she wondered who else made it back before the other side disappeared.

Marcel only nodded, "Yeah, he's been helping with the training of some of the newer vampires."

With that Elena nodded her head and responded, "Okay take me to Elijah," and despite everything going on back home and the obvious conflict she unknowingly walked into she couldn't hold back the smile that graced her face.

Marcel nodded his head and swiftly turned around, Elena took the queue and followed his lead out of the quarter and headed toward safety across the river.