Chapter 12: Changing Tides

While Damon and the others converged downstairs in the living room trying to wrap their heads around what had just happened, Bella was experiencing a supernatural phenomenon of her own.

Various images were racing through her subconscious mind- some that she recognised and others that didn't make any sense to her at all. She felt as though her life, as well as someone else's was flashing before her- the kind of flashes that you get before dying. Suddenly the racing images stopped, and Bella felt her body relax as she entered the memory before her.

She stood in a garden that was beautifully cared for. The effort and care that was taken in tending to it was visible all around. Vibrant coloured flowers and plants bloomed beautifully, their scents carrying throughout the garden. She breathed in a deep breathe allowing for the freshness of the air to seep into her lungs.

Bella's musings was broken by the sudden musical laughter that floated throughout the garden. She turned towards the source and found herself shocked by the sight before her. In front of her stood a woman that was the exact carbon copy of Bella – from her hair to her height and body frame – the only exception Bella noted – was that her eyes were a different colour. It was as though looking into a mirror.

Bella's eyes followed the woman as she ran around the garden laughing freely. Only when she heard a second voice join in the laughter did she realise someone else was present.

The man that joined the woman looked eerily like someone else she had just seen. Or was it her mind that was suddenly playing havoc with her. She could vaguely remember meeting the very same man that evening. His charming demeanour, and his striking personality made it impossible for anyone to forget his face- or his name.

"Oh Klaus, I could live in this place forever", sighed Marie as they both collapsed to the ground after chasing each other about.

"Really now Marie! This place?! What about the beautiful home that my brother claims he is going to build for you?" joked Klaus. Marie sighed heavily as she sat up and gazed contently at her surroundings. She spoke with such sadness in her voice, that Bella could feel her heart clenching for the woman in front of her, "You know it is not possible for us to join together in union, no matter how much our hearts may yearn for it. The ancestors would not allow it, nor would they bless such a union."

Klaus sat up and took Marie's hands into his own. He looked solemnly into her eyes as he spoke his words full with passion and rage.

"Who cares what the ancestors think?! They are not here with us, they don't see how much you both love and care for each other! Your love is a testament that we can be saved! That we are not the monsters that we were created to become. That we feel and love and hurt all the same as everyone else!"

Marie's eyes filled with tears as she slowly cupped his face with her trembling hands. Klaus leaned into her hand as he took deep breaths to calm himself down. "You and I both know that there will be drastic consequences if that happens, and I can't allow that to happen. The effects of the ancestors curse would mean damnation for your family, and that is something that I vowed to myself would never happen in my lifetime" she said fiercely as she embraced Klaus.

The scene before her started fading away and rapid images began swirling around her again, before settling on an image that pulled her into the next memory.

She was standing in a room that was filled with many people. They looked to be enjoying a party but she noticed that Marie stood silently in one corner and was deep in thought. Her eyes kept glancing around the room and she was constantly fidgeting with a charm bracelet on her hand. A man approached Marie and quietly led her away to one of the unoccupied rooms, closing the door behind them. Bella followed them through the door and watched the scene unfold with baited breath. She didn't know what was going on, but the situation looked very serious and dangerous.

"I trust that you are well Madam Swan. You look to be in excellent health these days, considering the rumours that have reached our ears", the stranger spoke with ease.

"I am well Monsieur thank you for your concern. As for the rumours, one will not waste words commenting on such things that are baselessly made up by people who do not know what really transpired. Rumours are dangerous words, spoken by fools whose only intent is to create havoc and unrest amongst the people." Marie smoothly replied, as she walked around the room and finally seated herself on one of the plush chairs near the fireplace. She motioned for the stranger to sit and after carefully studying her, he took the seat opposite her.

"So it is false word then, that a warlock of high stature requested your hand in marriage and you refused –all because of an Original vampire", the man inquired with genuine interest in his voice.

Marie looked at him with fire in her eyes, while the flames behind her burned higher and the windows rattled in the silent night. The man looked on in amusement as Marie closed her eyes and took deep breaths as everything settled around them.

"I believe that answers my question Madam Swan."

She glared at him as she stood up and made her way across the room towards the door and tried to open it.

"Let me out" she said through clenched teeth.

The man stood and made his over. The door swung open and Marie left, but not before the words of the strange man chilled her to the bone.

"You have scorned and humiliated a man that does not accept rejection, you have made a great enemy for yourself Madam Swan. I do hope that you are more than capable of defending yourself and those that you love from his wrath."

The memory faded and Bella tried to make sense of it all before she was thrown into another one. This time though, it was different. It felt as if this one was meant for her. She was in her meadow back in Forks, she could smell it in the air. There was a table situated in the middle of the meadow and as Bella got closer to it she could see that many seats were already occupied – some by familiar faces.

"Have a seat Isabella", Marie smiled as she gestured to the seat beside her. Bella studied the familiar faces around her as she took her seat and tried to understand what was going on. Sam and Billy sat across her, while her grandmother sat next to her. They each gave her a reassuring smile as she acknowledged them.

"Dearest Isabella, I think its time you finally understand what is happening with you."

...

While Damon and Klaus paced up and down in front of the fireplace, the others sat in various places around the living room staring at the two individuals in front of them. Damon and Klaus were so lost in their own thoughts that even when they bumped shoulders with each other it was ignored. Caroline stared at them both in slight amusement and irritation until she couldn't handle the pacing any longer.

"Alright you two, knock it off and find a seat before I do something that you both might regret," Caroline huffed as she stood in the middle of Damon and Klaus and forced them to stop their brooding. They both looked at her in shock and didn't move until Caroline forcefully took them both by the arm and led them each to a chair.

"Sit and don't move until we can figure things out. In all of your pacing, have either of you come up with a plan as to what we are going to tell Bella when she finally wakes up?" Caroline questioned, as she looked expectantly from one man to the other.

"Oh, uhm I didn't think of that", Klaus admitted sheepishly as he avoided her gaze.

"Hmm and you Damon?"

Damon stopped studying the loose thread on the armrest of his chair and looked up at Caroline when she called his name. He thought of her question again, and then went over every scenario possible of the suggestion that he had in mind.

"Damon, I'm asking you a-"

"I think we should tell Bella the truth of what is going on" said Damon.

His suggestion was met with unnatural silence.

"What?" he exclaimed as he stood up and began pacing about the fireplace again, "Think about it, she's going to wake up knowing something about the supernatural if what Marie's spirit says is true? Its better she knows the truth about certain things as soon as possible before everything gets too complicated and then it might be too late. She might not have faith in us anymore if we keep something as life changing as this from her."

"Damon is right. It would be unfair of us to do that to her, especially since she has become such an important friend to us all" Stefan added as he gave Damon a nod of reassurance.

Caroline looked around the room as the group of friends decided the best way and approach of giving their new friend the crash course on all things supernatural, and noticed that Klaus and his siblings hadn't said a word after Damon's plan of action. She made a quick decision, picked up two bottles of beer, squared her shoulders and walked over towards Klaus.

...

Klaus was so lost in his own thoughts and memories that he did not hear anything else past the stage of Damon suggesting that they should tell Isabella the truth. His greatest fear was not in exposing the supernatural elements to her, but he was fearful of what exactly he and his siblings WOULD tell her- about Marie, their past, Elijah and how integrated she was in their lives.

He didn't even notice Caroline walk over towards him, until she held out a bottle right in front of his eyes. He looked up expecting one of his siblings or someone from the Scooby Gang, but was shocked for the third time that night when it was Caroline who was standing in front of him - hand outstretched in what was clearly a peace offering from her side. He smiled and nodded his thanks as he accepted the drink and was surprised when she took a seat next to him.

"She's going to be okay" Caroline whispered as she placed her hand over his. Klaus looked on in awe as she didn't let go and he smiled as he squeezed her hand back in silent acknowledgment of her words. He knew Caroline was trying to convince herself of those words too, and if by speaking them aloud made her feel better – then he was going support her along the way.

"She got the blood and magic of the Swan lineage behind her love, she's going to be more than okay. She's going to survive."

Caroline smiled at him, "Thank you for -"

Before she could complete her sentence, Damon stood and signalled for everyone to be quiet.

"Isabella is finally awake."

...

Bella stared in shock at Marie as she tried to process everything that was told to her.

She was a witch.

She was supernatural.

She was a protector of supernatural beings.

She would end a war.

She would bring about peace and balance to the supernatural world.

"You have got to be kidding me!" she exclaimed as she looked at Marie in disbelief. "This is all some weird dream that my mind is making up. I've finally gone mad, haven't I?"

Marie smiled and shook her head, "You are perfectly sane my dear and in good health too."

"But..this…this is impossible! I can't be a witch or whatever you are saying. I'm nobody!" Bella said as she tried to pull her emotions together.

She could feel that gaping hole in her side begin to open and swallow away all the happiness that she had begun experiencing in Mystic Falls. It was too good to be true – that Bella Swan could ever have a normal life with normal friends, her only worry being what party Caroline would drag her to next. It seemed she was a magnet for the supernatural wherever she went.

Marie clasped Bella's hands within her own and gently squeezed them. "You are far from nobody Bella. You are special and loved by so many people around you that would do anything to see a smile on your face. You need to start seeing your worth from their eyes Bella. Not from the eyes of the creatures that left you behind."

Bella glanced at Marie in shock. Marie nodded and said, "We have been watching you for a while sweet child, and you have suffered for far too long. It is now time for you to live and I dare say it – love again."

Bella closed her eyes as she tried to hold back the tears that threatened to flow at the mention of love – she didn't think she had anymore love in her heart to give, for the sole fear of being rejected again. Her heart would not be able to handle it a second time.

Billy surprised Bella as he spoke next. He was a man of few words, but whenever he spoke – everyone would listen with rapt attention. "It is your time, Bella. Time for you to live, to heal and to love someone who will value and treasure you for the precious gift that you are. It is time for you to rise from the ashes of your past like a phoenix reborn, and to claim this new life with a burning passion. You have been chosen as a protector Bella, and we will stand beside you through it all. You are not alone. You have the witches, your pack and now your new friends behind you."

"What will I tell them?"

"You don't need to tell them anything, sweet child. They will tell you everything. They love you and care for you very deeply" Marie replied.

"They know about the supernatural world?" Bella asked in shock.

Sam laughed, "They are part of it Bella, like all of us. Just remember to trust them and not think too harshly of them when they do tell you the truth."

Bella sighed as she put her head into her hands. She could feel a headache coming on. Was it even possible for her to have one at this point? She shook her head to clear those thoughts from her mind, and looked towards Marie.

"How will I learn about everything that you just told me?"

"Those dreams that you've been experiencing. They are memories of mine. They will guide you and help you to make sense of everything. This is the easiest way of passing down knowledge from me to you. When the time is right, the ancestors will bless your blood with our magic – then comes the real test, learning to control and adapt to your powers. Bonnie Bennett will help you learn along the way. The Swans and Bennetts have always been allies in the past." Marie stated.

"Let me guess, she's a witch like me" Bella said with a wry smile, "Anyone else I need to know about?"

"It is their secret to tell, not mine" said Marie, "but it is now time for you to go back. We have kept you too long and your friends are all on edge regarding your safety."

Bella felt a warm tingle in her stomach at the thought of her friends being worried about her. In the short while that she's been here they had become more than friends – like a small family of their own.

Bella and Marie stood up and walked together to the end of the meadow. Marie stopped and studied Bella carefully as she spoke, "We will meet again Isabella. Remember to keep faith and trust in those that await your return. They are your strongest allies. They are your family. Goodbye and good luck Isabella. May the blessings of our ancestors be with you."

Bella felt the meadow fade away in front of her and was slowly brought back to her surroundings. She could hear the trees rustling outside and people talking in hushed tones downstairs. She opened her eyes and slowly glanced around the room that she was in.

This was not Caroline's room for sure.

She propped herself up in bed and thought about everything that had happened in such a short time. Maybe this explained how THEY were so drawn to her – because she was somehow a part of their world. How ironic.

She got out of bed and put her shoes on. It was time she made her appearance downstairs. She glanced at herself in the mirror and straightened out her clothes and hair before taking a deep breath and heading towards the door.

"You can do this Bella, have faith in yourself" she said to herself as she pulled open the door and headed out the room.

It was time to face the truth once and for all.