A/N: Mega long chapter for you folks. If you are celebrating, whatever you are celebrating on the 31st... have fun and be safe.

Musical Inspiration:

Season of the Witch - by Joan Jett

Paint it, Black - by Ciara

Tracing The Sparks

Anything Can Happen On Halloween

Chapter 14

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Baskets of fresh vegetables, herbs, and spices scattered the kitchen counters. While delicious smells seeped from the oven, I sat at the table sorting through photographs. Well, I tried, anyway. The table itself had become overrun by other Fall related items.

Today, Samhain begins and I have a large list of activities I'm excited to get in.

As I was mentally counting if I had the right amount of candles for the windows, Robert came bustling into the kitchen. He stopped briskly and stared at the rooms disarrayed state. Yes, it was a mess, but I'm declaring it an organized mess.

I took a deep breath and mentally prepared how this conversation was going to go. I had to hide so much of myself back in my world— a closet Wiccan. Literally, I had my alter in my closet. I didn't want to have to do there here.

My eyes drifted to my tarot cards before meeting Robert's. I wonder how he's going to handle this.

"That's a lot of vegetables," he said while slipping his jacket on, ready for The Grill in his usual attire.

"It's harvest end," I replied.

Robert pointed to the table. "And you really needed that many pumpkins?"

Okay, maybe I went a little overboard. "I have plans for them."

"Hm," he hummed out and walked over to the coffee machine. "You don't look prepared to go to school."

I turned in my chair toward his direction. With my face set in determination, I was ready to explain. His soft laugh cut me off before I could.

"I am just joking, Sweetheart. There is no need for you to go into a tirade about how all the other kids get off for their holidays. I'm just glad to see you getting into the spirit of things again. The last couple of years you skipped it. Your mother would be happy."

Watching as he finished his coffee, I stayed silent. Honestly, I was too stunned to reply.

"Well," he began as he put his cup in the sink, "I'm off to work. Don't burn the house down. The dead will still feel welcomed without making our house look like a homing beacon."

With a quick kiss to my forehead, my stand-in father left the kitchen.

"Good talk," I called out as I heard the front door shut. "Heh."

Shaking my head over how easy that was, I went back to figuring out what pictures I wanted to use with my ancestral meditation. It wasn't long before the sound of the doorbell ringing stopped my gathering.

Rushing to open the front door, I was surprised to find a certain green-eyed vampire standing on my welcome matt. I wanted to say he looked tired, but his put-together morning look left no sign of our late night. "Stefan, hi," I said, a little confused. "What are you doing here?"

"Can I, uh—" He gestured inside the doorway.

"Right, rude," I said and awkwardly laughed. "Please, come in."

"Thanks." He smiled and followed me back to the kitchen.

I motioned to an empty chair at the very cluttered table. After he sat, I took my own. "So—" I started, hoping he would follow with an explanation.

"I wanted to see how you were doing since our talk."

Giving him a soft laugh, I dipped my head forward. "Shouldn't I be asking you that? I kinda laid a lot on you. I'm still not sure if you think I need to be institutionalized or not."

Stefan rubbed his face with his hands as if trying to rid his frustration. "I don't think you're crazy," he said, his features serious, "but you have to admit your story is a little farfetched. How can you believe this world isn't real? You have a history here. Everyone knows who you are."

"I don't know." I shrugged my shoulders. "The memories don't line up. I've actually met people I know in my world and their histories are different, so how would you explain it? And what about the TV show? If this was real, how would I know what's going to happen around here?"

Leaning back in his chair, the vampire shook his head in thought. "I don't know, but I am sure there has to be some reasonable explanation."

"Well, if you find one, please be sure to fill me in," I said challenging.

Silence passed between us as we both sat in thought. Could I really state that I knew what was coming anymore? So much had changed.

"What is all this?" Stefan asked, breaking me from my speculation. He was currently looking over at the list I had.

Oh, this may be over his head. I mean, I did tell Bo, but I would have been able to stand firm with the guy if he didn't accept my spirituality. Stefan was in a different category. If he would have looked at me differently for it, it would hurt. Then again, I did let him in on my crazy train of TV show reality theories.

"I'm preparing for Samhain."

"The witches holiday?" he asked, brow raised.

"I'm Wiccan," I said simply. "As was my mother and her parents. And I would guess, according to Robert's reaction this morning, it's not a new development."

I paused and nervously waited for his response.

"Well, that's new," he said tilting his head, "I didn't think that was something the Sparks were—" he paused as if trying to find the right word, "acquainted with."

He seemed more curious than weirded out so I was taking that as a win. Smiling, I stood from the table to check on the things in the oven. "I'm glad you're not overwhelmed by all this information I'm throwing at you."

"Hello," a voice called out from the front hall. It was one I've gotten very familiar with,

"In here, Bo," I yelled back as I grabbed the pot holders and slipped them on.

"Something smells great," he said, walking through the entryway of the kitchen.

"That would be this," I said, turning around and showing the boys my zucchini bread from the oven. "And it's only the start, I have a lot more cooking planned."

Putting the pan on a rack to cool, I once again spun to address my guests. When I did, I found it odd that both Stefan and Bo were giving each other an intense stare down.

"Right, you both haven't met. Stefan, this is Bo," I said and nodded to the older of the two. "Bo, Stefan."

"Hi— Hey," they both replied to one another.

After that, it became uncomfortably quiet. Seeing how the two of them seemed to be glaring at each other, it made me wonder if I missed something while my back was turned. I really hoped that they would be getting along.

Trying to rid the room of its tension, I broke the silence. "Stefan, aren't you late for school?"

"You're still in school, Stefan?" Bo questioned. "Freshman?"

The vampire gave him a false smile. "Junior, actually, same as Heather. What do you do?" Stefan asked. "You obviously are way past your college years."

Bo feigned a laugh in return. "As a matter of fact, I was accepted to college only last year but decided to be useful to the community. I'm a fireman."

Okay, what the hell is up with these two? "Anyway— it's already 10 after. If you don't go now, Stefan, you're going to miss homeroom."

"Aren't you coming to school today?" he asked me.

Bo cut in with a response. "Heather is taking the day off to celebrate. Considering it's a religious holiday for her, we made plans so I could learn more about her beliefs," he told Stefan, his voice unusually haughty.

His wording was a little off, but I let it slide. "Yeah," I nodded slowly and gave Bo bewildered look. "I mean technically, real celebrating doesn't begin until the sun goes down but we still planned to go to cemetery early." I turned to Stefan, about to speak, but Bo annoyingly cut me off again.

"Actually, I was reading this book all about Wicca— I had a question. It was something about today and a veil?" he asked, shifting my mood and impressing me that he took the time to read about something important to me.

I gave him a bright smile. "That's one part of Samhain. The veil between the living and the dead is thinnest. It makes the best time for contact and remembrance. I'll gladly answer any questions you have later."

Stefan cleared his throat, grabbing my attention. "Are you planning to go to the party at the school tonight?" he asked.

"I guess I could," I pondered. "There is a 'Poison Ivy' costume in my closet." That gave me an inward giggle because it was so fitting for me. "I would most likely be late though."

"If you're not up to a crowd, you can hang out at the firehouse with me, I'll be there till midnight." Bo sped out.

I gave an apologetic look to the fireman. "I'm sorry. I think I'm going to check out the school thing. I'm kinda interested in seeing it with my own eyes." Not from my TV.

I knew Bo wouldn't understand my reasoning, but I was curious. Though there would be no vampire Vicki getting staked, the party did look like fun when I watched the episode. Besides, I would be spending all morning with Bo. It would be nice to get some Stefan time in later. And by the smile on the vampire's face, he seemed happy with my answer as well.

"Okay then," Stefan said as he stood. "I'll see you tonight."

I gave him a nod of goodbye as he left and Bo grumbled out a 'later'.

Picking up the basket I set aside for the cemetery, I turned to Bo. "Let me just grab my keys and coat, then we can go."

~[^^^]~

The air was charged with an energy that most of the teenagers around the parking lot could appreciate, but not explain. They chalked it up to the party atmosphere, but I knew it was so much more than that.

Crowds of people decked in costumes socialized in front of the school and I couldn't help but smile at the fun atmosphere. Wow, there is a lot of people dressed like Lady Gaga.

I tugged at the top of bodysuit self consciously as I entered the fray. When I decided to come here as Poison Ivy, I didn't quite think the spandex situation through. All you had to do was pull on the fabric and it snapped right back into place like a rubber band. Talk about tight.

It was too late to go back now so I fluffed out my fake leaves and moved on.

Spotting the Mystic trio over by the apple bobbing station, I distantly greeted them with a smile. I would swing back later to hang out. First, I wanted to experience the haunted house part of the school.

As I entered through the fabric that cast different images, I was blown away by the transformation of the hallway. The decoration committee deserved some serious props. Between the webbing, strobe lights, and fake fog, the only indication it was still my school was the lockers.

My school, I couldn't help but snort at that. When did I start coming to terms with that one? I didn't get to question it further as an arm was suddenly around my waist.

"There you are, Cherry," Damon said, pulling me back into him. "Do I get some venom filled kisses. I am a vampire so it won't kill me."

With a scoff, I turned and gave him a small shove to get my personal space back. "I should have come as a werewolf. Then, you would have been pushing up daisies."

Damon gave me his trademark eyebrow raise along with a blank look.

"Right, werewolves. Another thing that hasn't come up yet. You'll learn about that some other time."

"Anyway," he began with an eye-roll, "back to what I originally wanted to discuss with you, I overheard a very interesting conversation at the bar tonight. It appears there have been bodies turning up recently and you know what that means."

I let out a long defeated sigh. "Logan Fell is back. Dammit. Why does the timeline keep moving up? That means Anna is probably here and she turned him."

"I also had a nice little chat with Lady Lockwood. Good ole Zac put a good word in for me to the council, but their still leary because I haven't been around here long enough to gain their trust," the vampire explained.

"How did you get Zac to vouch for you?" I asked, swiftly moving to the side so I didn't get plowed over by a bunch of kids running by.

Damon grinned and followed me over to the lockers. "I handcuffed him to the bathroom sink in a hotel room for a few days. After the vervain was out of his system, he did nothing but sing my praises."

"Very smart." I nodded in approval.

"I'm not just another pretty face, Cherry," he said with a smirk. "And before you make a snarky comment, you already admitted that you think I'm pretty."

My features appeared to mirror my confusion as I thought his statement over. I do not remember ever feeding his ego like that.

Damon filled me quickly. "It was during your after-school episode of 'why not to accept cups from guys who might roofie you'".

I couldn't help but feel horrified. "What else did I say?"

"I'll - never - tell," he singsonged in an eerie high voice before snickering. "Don't worry, you didn't make to much of a fool of yourself."

"Wonderful," I muttered sarcastically.

"Speaking of fools," he started. "Where is Fire Marshal Bill?"

Cripes, can he meet someone and not give them a nickname? "Bo," I emphasized, "is working tonight."

"I don't like that guy," Damon said, crossing his arms and leaning against the wall.

"How can you even say that? You've met him once."

"Once was enough," he snarked.

I tried thinking back over Bo and Damon's meeting— nothing was said out of the ordinary. It must just be Damon being Damon. I was about to question him further, but the dark-haired vamp spoke up first.

"Really, Baby Brother? God, you're so whipped."

I turned to see what he meant and was pleasantly surprised to see Stefan. I grinned as I looked him over— he was wearing a t-shirt with the Batman symbol. It really emphasized his physique, like, 'I think I'll do some pull-ups over here on this door frame' emphasized.

"Ignore him, I like the minimalist look," I said, hitching my thumb toward Damon. "Besides, he's just jealous because this would make him Robin."

Stefan laughed and pulled me into a hug. A really really nice hug. Why is this man so comfortable? I released him abruptly when it seemed that I was holding onto him longer than I should.

Stepping back, I smiled and tried to keep things light. "You look good. I have to say though, I don't think the TV version of you would ever wear that style."

"You told him?" Damon asked annoyed.

"Wait," Stefan said pointing to his brother, "you already know her theories?"

Okay, my bad. Way to turn the conversation, Heth.

"Yup, first," Damon said, arrogantly, "ages ago."

"It doesn't matter," I said and was momently distracted by Vicky and Jeremy passing by. Both gave me a glare. So much for my karmic thanks. Shaking my head, I refocused on the Salvatores in front of me. "You both know now, so hopefully, we can all work together."

"This looks fun," a female voice spoke out from behind the vampires.

"I know that voice," Damon said, his face shifting to annoyance. "It's like nails on a chalkboard. Yup, the BFF is here." He looked over his shoulder in disgust. "Hello, Lexi."

"Lexi!" Stefan called out in excitement and rushed to hug the woman. "What are you doing here?"

I studied the blond in Stefan's arms. She was beautiful, of course, but her appearance leaned more toward a quirky elegance. Plus, she looked much taller than she did on TV. Must be the heels.

Why was she here? I turned to Damon. "It's not your brother's birthday, is it?"

"Tomorrow," he replied.

I pursed my lips in trepidation. "Then, we have another early arrival," I said, watching the two old friends greet one another. Letting them have their moment, I caught Damon's gaze and lowered my voice as I spoke, "Promise, whatever you do, you don't kill Lexi— okay?"

The eldest Salvatore flipped his hand in boredom. "Whatever, yeah sure."

"Heather," Stefan said grabbing my attention. He gestured to his friend. "I want you to meet Lexi, my best friend— who was very overdue for a visit."

I smiled at the female vampire in front of me. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too, I've heard a lot about you," she said as she studied me. "And you definitely are a looker— Stefan has good taste."

"Oh, we're not—" I fumbled embarrassingly. Pulling myself together I quickly changed tactics. "So, you both keep in touch frequently then? I think Stefan and I have only known each other for 2 months."

While Damon snorted in response, Lexi and Stefan shared a look I didn't quite understand. She was the only one to reply. "Yup, we keep up a correspondence."

I could tell right away Lexi was lying. Not only did her tone give her away, but I recalled on the show that the two of them only popped up together for emergencies or birthdays.

Wanting them to have their time, I decided I needed to find my friends. "Hey, why don't you two catch up? I haven't actually talked to the girls yet. They're probably wondering where I am."

"Are you sure?" Stefan asked.

"Yeah." I nod. "You guys have fun and we'll all meet up later."

"Well, I'm not hanging out with the moral twins," Damon chimed in. "I'm going to go find me a tasty treat in a slutty costume."

Without another word, the dark-haired vampire was gone. I laughed at Stefan's looks of disapproval and Lexi's utter distaste. "He's kidding," I said. "I think. Anyway—" I began as I backed away from the duo, "Lexi, welcome back and please help Stefan let loose. I'm sure someone around here snuck in booze."

"Hey!" Stefan objected with a smile.

I sent him a wink and returned Lexi's 'you too' wave as I left.

Finding the Mystic Crew wasn't difficult, the lot of them circled near the cider station. Not only were the girls there, but Matt and Tyler had also joined the group. Matt, I was okay with, Tyler— he was a different story.

Said boy must have noticed my hesitation because he gave me a side smile and a shrug before waving me over. Relaxing, I walked over to them. I guess things were cool now with Tyler. Still, even with our new found understanding, I couldn't look at him without smirking. He was half naked in his gladiator costume, and by the looks of his chest, he was obviously chilly.

I slid up to next to Elena, who gave me a side hug at seeing my presence. "You made it."

"I did. I see Caroline got a hold of you," I said, gesturing to her costume that complimented Bonnie's. She was a witch this time. The three of girls could pass for an attractive Hocus Pocus trio.

"And I would have gotten to you too if you had shown up for school," Caroline chimed in, taking a sip of her cider, which I could only assume had a little something extra added to it.

"Since when do you cut classes?" Bonnie added.

"I took a personal day, "I replied and made a mental note to explain things to her later. Out of anyone there, she would get it.

Shifting my view to Elena, I wanted to ask a question that was nagging at me, but I had to make sure I was discreet. Lowering my voice, I spoke closely, "I saw your brother and Vicki. Are they like officially a thing?"

Her eyes darted to Matt and Tyler before whispering in return. "I'm not really okay with it, but there isn't much I can do. They are always together. I feel like she is just going to keep dragging him down, ya know?"

I nodded in agreement. I may not have paid much attention to Elena's brother on the show, but I did know about Vicki's drug tendencies. "Maybe she will clean up her act," I said reassuringly.

She let out a soft sigh. "That, or I hope Jeremy wises up."

Our secretive conversation was halted when Matt grabbed Elena's attention, asking about her choice. Apparently, the group was having a debate over which was better, candied or caramel apples.

"Caramel with peanuts it where it's at," I gave my vote.

Caroline high-fived me. "That's my girl!"

Tyler rolled his eyes. "She likes anything with nuts," he said and realized how that came out as everyone snickered. "I meant Heather will put chopped nuts on anything, it's her go-to craving." He chuckled and shook his head.

It was weird knowing he knew my likes, then again, we did supposedly date for a year. I was just glad that he seemed to be over his anger of how things went down. Now, when he looked at me, it was with a friendly smile. The animosity seemed to have vanished.

Somehow, the topic twisted to peanut butter and an argument commenced on Reeses being named the top Halloween candy. I was trying to figure out what I would deem as my favorite when my name was whispered through the air.

Checking the faces of the group, no one seemed to act as if they said anything. Hearing my name repeated, I frantically looked around. Bonnie caught my eye and looked at me in confusion. Did she hear it too? As if reading my face she gave me a nod and we both scoured the crowd.

My pulse heightened when I found the target of who had been addressing me. Ripped from a different era, a checkered petticoat and tied bonnet decorated one Emily Bennett. She stood, hands clasped, patiently waiting for me to approach her. Oh, that was not supposed to happen— it cannot be good.

"Hey," I addressed the group, "I just saw someone I wanted to talk to so I'll be right back."

After some okays and a request to bring back candy— from out of all people, Tyler— I rushed away to see what the dead witch wanted. Heck knows she caused enough trouble on the show.

Rounding bands of teenagers, I was instantly shocked by Bonnie's voice. "What has you so spooked."

Realizing she followed me, I resigned myself to the fact she was going to learn some new information. "That's a good word for what I'm feeling. You're about to find out."

Stepping up to ghost, I look her over knowing that I'm completely past the point of questioning the anomalies in this town. Might as well add it to the list of other supernatural shit I have to wrap my head around.

I watched Bonnie observe the woman as cautiously as I had.

"Bonnie, meet you ancestor Emily," I introduced.

My friend raised one of her brows. "Is this some kind of joke? Did Gram put you up to it?"

Emily reached out and touched Bonnie's hand. "I'm quite real, I assure you. Though, I do not have an abundance of time. I am proud to see my line flourishing, but that is not why I have appeared," she said before turning to me. "You must come, there is something I need to show you."

I took a step back and shook my head. "Oh, no, no— I know how this works. Damon is not going to give you the pendant. You can't destroy it. I'm trying to save people and we need that."

"You have questions you need answering, do you not?" Emily asked with a tilt of her head. "I have the information you seek."

I studied her face wanting to believe her. She might know about what happened with my mother. Maybe she even knows how I can get home. After a battle in my mind weighing the pros and cons, I gave in. "Okay, I'll go with you."

"Wait," Bonnie said, grabbing my arm. "Is this for real?"

I nodded. "I can't explain everything right now, but I promise I will. I have to go with her. There are things I am trying to figure out and she might be the only one I can get answers from."

"I'm coming with you," my witch friend said, determined, leaving no room for an argument.

I smiled at her in thanks and brought my attention back to the ghost. "Lead the way, Emily."

The trek we were taking was not a simple one. The ghost led us right out past the school and into the woods. Plus, she was quick on her feet so a few times Bonnie and I had to run to keep up.

The dark never bothered me, but I would kill for a flashlight right now. Large rocks would continually make their way into my path and dry tree trunks scraped my arms as I passed them. Thankfully, the musk of moss and black foliage enticed me along the way.

Under different circumstances, I would be in my element, but right now, this hike was getting tedious. The random grunts from Bonnie let me know she felt the same.

"Emily, how much farther? We're not going to the tomb are we?" I asked, crankily.

"No, we are almost there," she replied, much farther ahead of us.

Soon enough, Emily stopped, but I was confused as to where we were. Even worse, was the feeling this place gave off.

The meadow we came upon opened to a residence in the distance. It didn't appear anyone lived here as it was severely run down. I couldn't make out the exact color due to the shading of the night, but there were a large number of dark stains on the stucco columns. It was definitely old.

As we moved closer, I had to stop. I didn't want to be here, in fact, I was unexpectedly terrified. The fear inched up on me like a sudden chill, constricting my lungs and tensing my muscles. Physically I could see I was in no danger, but my mind was screaming at me to flee.

"I need to leave. I can't be here," I said frantically taking a step back.

Bonnie gave me a panicked stare. "Hey, it's okay," she said, putting a hand on my shoulder and rubbing it, "We can leave. We'll go back to the party."

As her hand slid down my arm to link with my own, Emily was suddenly grasping my other hand. "I'm afraid I can't let you do that," the ghost said, and we were suddenly at the very edge of the house.

The feelings of fear became stronger and I could hear Bonnie yelling my name in the distance. Before my friend could reach me, Emily and I were encircled in a ring of fire.

"You need to see with your own eyes who you are. You need to understand what they did to you and why you are wrong to harbor any loyalty to them," she explained as she rose her hands towards the sky.

She began to chant and I could feel my body become lighter, almost like fading away. Within the flaming circle, the scenery changed to a different area of the woods, but it was transparent enough that I could still make out a pleading Bonnie as she yelled for Emily to stop.

I was walking. I had no control over my body or actions, but I could see and hear everything. I still felt like myself, only I was different. Thoughts of the situation I was in were mine but didn't make sense to me.

I felt such sadness. He didn't meet me, I had waited at the cabin most of the eve and he didn't come. Perhaps it was the illusion of a silly girl. It was enough to make a stuffed bird laugh.

Holding up my lantern to better see the path home, the bristle of a bush caught my attention. My head swiftly turned to see who caused it. Hearing the crunch of twigs in a different direction, I looked the other way.

"Pardon me, is someone there?" I called out, only to be met with silence. "Damon, is that you? Are you playing games? I am in no mood for a chase."

Squeezing my hand around a bulk of my skirts, I turned behind me and found myself alone.

Having a moment of clarity through the fog, I could see now that Bonnie was not alone. Stefan and Damon stood beside her. The trio was in a screaming match with Emily, but I had been so consumed in my experience I missed a good part of it.

"She is reliving her last night. But, the two of you were otherwise occupied that evening to know what truly happened," Emily explained to occupants outside the circle.

Movement caught my eye, causing me to twist anxiously again. This time, I was greeted with a face that startled me.

Cold brown eyes stared at me in contempt. With blond hair swept up to frame her face, the moonlight could only reflect the paleness of her skin. Soft features, reserved for the unknowing, sharpened as she looked upon me. Typically, she was a handsome woman, but to those who were close to her— they knew of her sinister side. She was still wearing her stylish purple gown from the Founders' Ball.

"You thought I was the Salvatore heir? No, I am not that insipid man you are betrothed to. Though, I do have to ponder— what you are doing in these woods at this hour?

"Mother, I—" Swallowing my fear, I had no excuse ready on my lips. Mustering any lie I could conjure, I answered as she stood waiting, "I thought it a pleasant evening to walk."

"C'mon, Emily, You brought her mother into this. Not cool!" I heard Damon say back in reality. It was then that I realized they could hear everything I was saying and see my reactions. I just couldn't respond to back to them.

"Your lies have become repetitious, Daphne," my mother said and shook her head in disappointment. "So predictable. All my hopes for you dashed away so long ago."

Words she spewed at me were ones I was accustomed to, it was the punishment that came after that always brought me dread. "Please, Mother, I just want to live a life of normalcy. I do not wish to take part in your heritage."

"You were given a birthright!" she yelled, her face the picture of anger. "Mere mortals could only dream of having the gifts you squander. You are a witch! Our coven fought it's way out of our homeland so we could flourish in the States. Sacrifices have been made and still, you spit on our traditions."

I flinched away. The venom in her voice was stronger than any of her prior rants.

"And now," she continued, "not even I can help you, for you have made an enemy who preys on your weakness. Your inability to accept your status has made you a target and the coven cannot risk exposure."

Mother captured my hand with her own. Her harsh grip caused a flutter of pain to my wrist and heightened my worry as to what she would do next.

"All I can do is make sure the soul returns," she said. "A blank slate, a new chance, a better witch."

With a swift motion, my mother brought down a dagger to my palm. I was momentarily stunned by the motion, but the aching sting brought me back and I attempted to pull away. It was for not as she was stronger. Pulling my hand forward my mother collected the streaming blood into a bowl.

"What are you doing?" I screeched, trying again to get away.

"Do you see that twinking light in the sky, way over there?" she motioned with her head, though she did not look from the bowl. "It is a comet. It's not fully in view yet, but it will be by tomorrow's eve. Still, I am able to draw what power I can from its presence and complete the spell. I must correct the mistake I made."

Was she considering myself as a mistake? Her pledge widened the hollowness within my heart, but it did not overshadow my need for an explanation. "I don't understand, Mother."

Finally, her eyes met mine. "Goodbye, Daphne," she said before she began to chant. "Invisique radium calaraa."

Though I had not used magic in some time, I did know a cloaking spell when it was spoken. My mother's form went invisible and I was left with a sense of dismay. I did not get to linger on my feeling as I was quickly set on alert with the sound of 'woosh'. It mimicked that of horses breaking into a fierce gallop.

Unfortunately, no riders joined me in the forest this eve, instead, I was surrounded by monsters.

Red eyes with dark vines beneath, circled me. It would take only a look at their long sharpened teeth to know what they were. Vampires— the creatures I had only read about until this day.

"Look, gentleman," one of them spoke, "the little witch made it easy for us."

Turning my frame, I desperately searched for an escape. I was surrounded. My only option was to attempt to incapacitate them. Concentrating on what I could recall, I silently chanted.

Three of them bent over in pain, it was all my forgotten magic would allow. As the others caught on to what I was striving to do, they rushed forward. With a hard thump, everything went dark.

Gaining a reprieve, I bowed forward, leaning into my knees with my hands. I had to catch my breath and try to fight the weakness that my body felt.

Looking to my side, I stared angrily at Emily. "Why are you showing me this girl's life?"

The ghost gave me a look of pity. "Have you not figured it out yet? That girl is you. This is your past Heather, your soul's memories."

I'm reminded of a time when my best friend Crystal tried to drag me off to one of those hypnotists that specialized past life regression. My friend swore she once lived as Marilyn Monroe. "What is this, are you trying to tell me I'm reincarnated or something?"

"No," she shook her head, "you did not take another form. You were intentionally brought back. Your life and hers are one in the same,"

"But— that can't be. I was born. I have a mother and she is nothing like that woman. I have a childhood I can remember—"

"And you have been remembering your childhood as Daphne, have you not?" Emily asked, cutting off my words.

The dreams came to the forefront of my mind— at least I always thought they were just dreams. The cabin, the girl thought about the cabin. This has to be hogwash. I can't be her, can I? The possibilities made me dizzy and I fought for any other excuse.

"If this is true, why have I only started getting those memories now?" I asked, hoping to prove her theory wrong.

"You're not finished yet," she declared and I was suddenly thrown back into Daphne's body.

My head throbbed with the force of thunder shaking the ground. Awakening from my state, I tried to touch the aching area but found my arms restricted. It was then that I became alert to my prior altercation. Blinking my eyes open, I found myself on display to a large group of people. No, not people— vampires. To many for my out-of-practice skills to take down.

I instantly tried to move, to get away, but I was realized my upper body was tied with rope. Feeling roughness in the middle of my back, I surmised I was bound upright to some type of a long wooden pole. Though my feet were free, kicking was not an option as my dress weighed my legs down. My right gaiter was missing, it's loss forced my stocking clad foot to stand on the ball.

As my panicked eyes scanned the dry branches that surrounded me, one of the vampires spoke up.

"The witch is awake at last, we can start."

While most of them cheered, some gave me a somber look.

"Why are you doing this?" I yelled out.

The vampire who originally aided in my capture stepped forward. His long long dark hair was parted at the side neatly, contradicting his wildly grown out beard. Though dressed simply, his arrogance held that of a landowner.

"We are thwarting your plan to expose us, do not try and deny it, Witch. One of our own heard of your scheme to alert the Founders," he growled out.

"I was not aware of any presence of vampires in Mystic Falls until this moment," I explained, beseeching. "Please, this can be rectified!"

"Lie all you want," the vampire replied, "we know the truth.

"Can we not just drain her and end this?" asked another, a female I had seen in town. How long have these monsters walked amongst us?

The speaker for the group shook his head. "No, she said we should make this symbolic and what other way to do so then to have a good ole witch burning."

Again, an ovation of approval filled the open meadow and I realized what they intended to do to me. I tried with all my strength to get free, but my bindings were too tight. Who is the 'she' they spoke of? Who has set me on this path of death? I had to get out of this. The terror I felt, made my skin rip as it rubbed into the ropes.

"Please, don't do this!" I pleaded.

"Burn, witch!"

"Light the fire!"

"Emily, don't make her go through this!" Stefan begged out from behind the barrier.

"I gave you my price. If you want to end her suffering, hand over the amulet," Emily responded.

I must have missed a big chunk of the conversation they were having due to what was going on. I swear if I wasn't so petrified right now, I would punch that ghost right in her sneaky face.

As the vampire moved forward with a flaming torch, I continued to cry and plead to no avail.

My mother gave the impression she knew this was to come, yet she did nothing to stop it. Deliriously thinking over her words, she vowed that I would return. What was it she said? a blank slate, that would mean— I would forget my life. Forget the love, the happiness, and the anger of this moment. No, I will not have that.

While the vampires lit the pyre, I maneuvered my hand to reach for my necklace and looked toward the comet. I let my mind drift through the memories of my life as I chanted.

My dress caught fire and I could feel the skin burning from my legs.

Concentrating through the pain, I screamed out the ending of the spell, "Iter praeteritum pro futuro. Sic erit semper!"

After that, it was only screams. The pain, the pain was unbearable. I just need it to stop, please make it stop.

I could vaguely hear my friends pleading with Emily to end this. I had to try and concentrate on something, anything other than my flesh melting away. The searing was indescribable, my body tried to get away but the flames were engulfing me. Please, please, somebody stop this.

"Try all you want to get through the ring, only spirits can enter this space," Emily explained to them. I'm guessing they were trying to get through the fire ring the ghost put up.

No one can help me. When with this torture end?

"Looks like it will have to be me then," A female voice spoke, closer than the others. Lexi?

With a growling sound and screech from Emily, my misery stopped. I was me again, and there was no pain. Slumping to the ground in exhaustion, I took a deep shuddering breath and cried through my aftershocks.

Stefan was the first to reach me. He instantly kneeled down and cradled me in his arms. With his own voice hoarse, he reassured me gently, "It's okay, you're okay." He continued this affirmation while he rocked me.

I'm not sure how long the two of us sat there like that, but as I shifted my position, I could see Bonnie also sitting by my side— her tear tracks relaying her own distress over my experience. While Lexi sat a little further off, Damon stood staring at the ground.

Not letting me go, even an inch, Stefan looked to his best friend. "Lexi, thank you for stopping the spell, but how did you get through the barrier— none of us could."

"C'mon, Stef, I know you're a smart guy. Only spirits could get through," she replied, sadly.

I lifted my head t stare at her as most of the others did. Only spirits, that would mean— Lexi's dead.

I could feel Stefan's posture stiffen with his own realization. "How?"

The blond vampire shrugged her shoulders. "It's not important, what is, is that I got to see you again. I not really sure why. I just know that I was able to tonight. I have a feeling it's because of her," she said, pointing subtly in my direction.

"Me?" I ask, confused.

"It kinda makes sense, Heather," Bonnie chimed in. "It's the night for spirits and if what we saw happen to you is true, you've been in that realm before. If any of them got the chance go corporal, it would be near you."

"Are you saying I'm half dead?" I asked, my pitch heightened in panic.

"No, no," she shook her head quickly and placed a calming hand on mine. "I'm saying you will always have a faint link to the other side. Gram tried to explain contacting our ancestors in one of our lessons. It's still a little confusing to me."

I took a deep breath before I responded. "I'm not going to go all sixth sense now, am I? I really don't want to see dead people at every turn."

That earned a couple of light chuckles from the people around me— except for Damon, who was unusually quiet.

"I think it's just for tonight," Lexi said. "In fact—" she pushed herself up into a standing position. "I don't think I have much more time. I can feel myself becoming hazy."

I looked at Stefan's devastated face. "Go say goodbye to your friend," I whispered and squeezed his arm in support.

Taking my advice, he let go of his hold on me and went to hug Lexi. The two shared a private conversation while I tried to stand. My first attempt to get up didn't go so well, as my knees gave out, Damon caught me. "Thanks," I said gratefully as I stood straighter.

"Don't thank me, I could have stopped your suffering, but I wouldn't give her the pendant," he stated.

I sighed knowing that was probably the case. "I didn't really expect you to," I told him truthfully.

His physical response to my comment confused me. Though his jaw was set in determination as he nodded, his eyes read disappointment. I knew of his obsession with Katherine, I knew she would come first in his eyes.

As I found my balance, I let go of Damon.

He gave me a once over before backing up. "Since you seem to be getting on just fine now, I'm leaving. I have a council to infiltrate, a rogue vampire to kill, and a tomb opening to plan." Without another word, he was gone from the field.

I looked over to see that Stefan was finishing up with Lexi, but before I could even think on my next move, the ghost vampire was instantly in front of me. Stepping back, I placed a hand over my heart in fright.

"Not use to our reflexes yet, huh?" she asked, smirking.

I shook my head and let out a small laugh. "No,"

"I think after tonight's craziness we could qualify as friends, right?" she asked, with her arms outspread.

"Right," I agreed with a smile and went in for a hug.

"Thank you for tonight," she whispered, "It was good to talk to him again."

"I'm not sure what I did, but I am glad you were able to be here for him too. And me, I don't know how much more of that I could have taken, so thank you as well."

Lexi smiled as she pulled away. "One more thing," she continued with a low voice. "Thank you for the flowers. I know they weren't meant for me, but it was still a nice gesture."

"Flowers?" I questioned, uncertain what she was talking about.

She tilted her head and frowned. "You haven't made the connection yet," she said and held up her hand. There was a bulky looking mood ring on her finger. "I think you have the real version of this at your house— maybe you can give it to Stefan when you're ready."

I stared at Lexi, horrified. Yes, I now understood. It was her body in the flower shop. Her body buried in my mother's grave. It was her ring that survived the fire. "But— how?"

Lexi shrugged one of her shoulders. "She said she needed my blood,"

I was positive I could feel all the color leaving my face. My mother did this?

"You'll figure it out. Now, I have to go," she said in a rush and gave one last blow kiss to Stefan. By the time her hand swung outward, she was gone and I was left with the bombshell she dropped.

Fav, Follow, Review. :D Anyone guess about Lexi from back in chapter 6? Sorry to all the Lexi fans, I liked her too.