Warnings: Language, PTSD, Death, Violence, Morbid jokes and Dark humor that might offend others e.g. jokes on contemplation of suicide, these are just used to describe the rather morbid sense of humor the character/s may have and are in no means used to offend anyone or make light of the serious topics that may be mentioned. For any sensitive topic used in a joke, I apologize in advance and hope you keep in mind I meant no offense.

Note: The dialogues in Italic show that the speakers are either a form of flashbacks or communicating in a different language, in this case spanish.

Dangerous: Definition: (Adjective) Able or likely to cause harm or injury.

'The true man wants two things: danger and play. For that reason he wants woman, as the most dangerous plaything.'

-Friedrich Nietzsche-

'~Somethin' 'bout you makes me feel like a dangerous woman,
Somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout, somethin' 'bout you,
Makes me wanna do things that I shouldn't.~'

-Dangerous Woman; Ariana Grande-

Chapter X:

10th September, 2009; Gilbert Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Miranda felt her brow twitch with growing annoyance; her sister's endless mutters had begun to wear on her nerves.

There was only so much patience a woman could have.

But then again, she was the single and proud mother of two amazing yet demanding children.

"Stupid…ScumFell." Jenna stabbed her waffles with unsurprising ferocity.

Again, Miranda closed her eyes, praying for tolerance, because at the moment she felt like she had an additional third child.

"If it bothers you so much, then stop watching the local news." She sighed, placing a cup of coffee in front of her sister.

Jenna's head snapped up, stubborn ire lacing her beautiful features, "Why the hell should I give that stupid scumbag the satisfaction?" Her words were laced with bitterness, before she mocked in a deeper voice; a poor imitation of the reporter whose very face ignited scorned wrath within her sister, "Hello, I'm Logan ScumFell reporting live from hell, just to tell you I've bothered Jenna Sommers to the point that she's stopped watching TV, mission fucking accomplished!"

Miranda felt her initial urge to laugh wither away when she caught sight of deep-rooted hurt in her little sister's eyes.

Instead, that deep anger took its place within her; Logan Fell had used her sister, betrayed her in the vilest of ways, shattering the younger Sommer's confidence and giving way to insecurities. He had caused Jenna to feel so helpless that she found her only option was to run.

Miranda would never forgive that man for what he had done to Jenna.

"Say the word, little sis, and I'll bring out my trusty frying pan," With that Miranda brandished said frying pan dramatically.

Jenna gave a reluctant giggle, and Miranda smiled.

The woman was thankful when her children came hurtling down the stairs, because their loud bickering took Jenna's attention.

"I swear to God, Elena, get your adopted ass outta the damn way."

"Piss off Jerry-Berry, you're the freaky giant in this house."

"You're just tiny."

"Oh. Oh. Well, Fuc-"

Miranda cleared her throat loudly, shooting a sharp glare towards her daughter.

Elena seethed silently, shooting an angry scowl of her own at Jeremy, who smirked smugly as he snatched Jenna's coffee and began sipping at it.

"You know," Jenna began, a teasing smirk on her face, "I'm starting to regret moving in with you guys."

Elena immediately gasped loudly, "Are you going to leave then? If you are, please, take me with you!"

Jeremy, without missing a beat, said, "Please do, she's literally an annoying midget, plus I think I'll enjoy being an only child."

Elena gaped at her little brother, before angling her body in a manner that suggested she was ready to leap over the kitchen island and tackle Jeremy to the floor.

Miranda chose this moment to intervene by placing two plates of waffles in front of both children, "Eat." She said sternly.

Her daughter was still grumbling, and when she stabbed her fork into her waffles, Miranda marveled at how much she resembled Jenna.

It seemed her sister saw it too, because the blonde looked strangely proud.

"Ignore Jeremy, Elena," Jenna leaned closer, throwing an arm over her niece's shoulders, "Boys suck." She declared as if she had discovered something of great importance.

Jeremy looked unimpressed. He squinted at the three women in his company before a sly quality entered his eyes, a smirk tugged at his lips.

"Well then, I'll leave you three ladies to bond over your mutual hatred over men, and hey," Miranda watched warily as her son's smirk grew more pronounced and mischievous in nature, "Elena, why don't you start off this little gathering with a couple of those jokes you were talking about."

Jenna and Miranda snapped their heads in Jeremy's direction, comical horror entering their features as Elena brightened up at her younger brother's suggestion.

"Ooh, good idea!" Elena turned fully to face her mother and aunt, not quite registering their dismay.

Jenna glared at her nephew mouthing silently, 'I'll kill you, brat.' Before she theatrically made a slicing motion in front of her own neck.

Jeremy laughed mockingly, before mouthing back, 'Suffer in silence.' And then he flounced of towards the living room.

"Miranda!" Jenna hissed indignantly.

The mother of the troublesome twosome stared back at her sister just as helplessly, before forcing a smile on her face, and both females turned to look at the waiting teenager.

"Okay, so this is a good one-" Elena began.

"That's what she always says." Jenna muttered, wincing when Miranda dug her elbow into her side.

"-How does a dog stop a video?" The doe-eyed teenager looked expectantly at them.

Miranda sighed again, because she knew that as much as Jenna hated it, she couldn't help but take the jokes to face-value and give literal factual answers to the, admittedly, lame jokes (harsh, but as a mother it was her duty to be honest regarding her child's ridiculous obsessions –or so she told herself while not quite telling Elena).

"A dog can't stop a video," Jenna grit out, "It literally doesn't make sense."

Elena didn't even blink, "Yeah, but try and think about it. How?"

"'How' doesn't even come into the equation when it's just not possible. Dogs aren't smart."

"Hey, that's not true, Dogs are adorable. They're loyal, and funny, and sweet, and okay maybe, sometimes a pain in the behind, but also really cute, you know." Elena stared off in a daze, a fond smile at her lips.

Jenna raised a brow, "I'm taking we aren't talking about dogs anymore," She commented drily.

Miranda leaned closer to her sister, "She's talking about Tyler Lockwood; she likes him."

"I don't just like him," Elena scoffed, "I like, like him, okay?"

"You guys are dating?"

"Nope."

Both Jenna and Miranda noticed the teenager didn't sound wistful or displeased by the fact.

"So, he doesn't like you?"

"No, Aunt Jenna," Elena smiled cheerfully, "It's a mutual likeness."

"I don't get it," Jenna stared blankly at Elena, then at Miranda.

"There's no rush to get together," Elena shrugged, "Its comfortable, and we're just…we're taking it at our pace. It's about us, you know?"

Miranda was proud of how mature her daughter seemed in that one moment, and she thanked the heavens that her daughter had found such a stable partner so early on.

Jenna seemed surprised at the admission, before she smiled softly, looking just as appreciative of Elena as Miranda felt. A certain wistfulness entered her eyes, and Miranda wondered if her little sister was missing her own best friend; Mason Lockwood, or if she was happy her niece didn't have to struggle through her love life the way Jenna had to.

"Well," Jenna smiled in a mixture of endearing and teasing, "Must be one heck of a guy to put up with you."

"Hey!"

"Also," Jenna continued without a pause, "Why would you relate the poor guy to a dog?"

Elena stared at Jenna before blinking at her mother, and without missing a beat burst into laughter.

"You'll found out sooner or later," Miranda whispered to her sister, an amused smile on her face.

"OKAY!" Elena interrupted loudly, trying to get her breath under control, "You never answered my question; How does a dog stop a video?"

Miranda quickly intervened when it seemed like Jenna would get into another pointless argument, "We don't know, how?"

Elena smiled a disturbingly wide grin, "He presses the paws button."

Jeremy who had just re-entered the room paused by the door and howled in laughter, leaning against the door frame.

Elena looked giddily surprised, "You found it funny? Ha! Told you it was a good one." She smirked smugly.

"Oh hell no," Jeremy wheezed, "The joke was horrible as ever, but Aunt Jenna's face on the other hand…"

He erupted into laughter one he caught sight of his Aunt's disgusted expression again; she looked as if she had tasted something sour and her face had pinched up.

Elena scowled at his derogatory comment and a whine rose at the back of her throat as she looked at her unamused mother accusingly.

"Mom!"

"No seriously," Jeremy sniggered lightly, while clapping sarcastically, "You should do stand-up comedy, if those lame jokes have these reactions, I'll die a happy man."

"Go fuc-"

The doorbell ringing followed by a single, precise knock on the door interrupted the siblings bickering.

Miranda rolled her eyes when all three members of her family obstinately stared at each other expectantly, as if willing them to get up and open the door.

A saccharine smile found its way on her lips, and she commented lightly, "Oh, don't you three worry, I'll open the door."

Jenna nodded sagely, "Thanks, Miranda."

Elena grinned, "Love you, Mom."

Jeremy winked playfully, "You're awesome!"

Miranda was tempted to give them a rather obscene gesture with a choice finger of hers (but then she remembered she was the parent, and an example, and honestly that sucked). Still, with a glint in her eyes that promised retribution, Miranda walked to the front door.

Upon opening it, she found herself facing the tall form of a certain Spanish Lord.

"Hola, Seňora," Ignacio Asturias greeted courteously, a polite smile on his face, and his eyes –as always- staring straight into her own, never wavering and never straying, but not quite piercing either. As if, he made an active effort not to penetrate her with his gaze and make her uncomfortable, but also gave her enough credit by meeting her gaze seriously when conversing.

Always respectful, this man, Miranda noted absentmindedly.

"Good Morning," She smiled welcomingly, stepping aside and gesturing for him to come in. He inclined his head in acknowledgement, before stepping past her and into the hallway.

Hearing his voice had one third of the occupants in the kitchen burst out into the hallway.

"Mister A!" Elena threw her arms around the older man, an ecstatic beam on her face. And where most would have stumbled at the force with which Elena had flung herself, the Spanish Lord did not move an inch; only accommodating his position better to return the embrace.

One arm was around Elena's shoulder and with his other hand he smoothed down her short brown waves. He held her tenderly, a small smile of fondness upon his features.

And like it had begun to do with increasing frequency for the past few months, Miranda's heart tugged.

"Hola, Seňorita," Ignacio greeted in turn, "How are you?"

It wasn't mere superficial greetings, he was actually asking for her daughter's current state of mind, and it seemed Elena realized that as well because her eyes suddenly gleamed with a sheen of tears.

"Better now that you're back."

Ignacio tapped a knuckle against her forehead, "Yes, well, do not be too fearful, not when I am here."

Elena's lower lip wobbled with sudden emotion, and she buried her face in his chest again, mumbling words of gratitude.

"Silly child," The Spaniard scolded lightly.

Miranda felt her own gratitude towards this man, a rare man; a man who took his responsibilities seriously, who cherished his privileges, who was steadfast and unwavering and constant in his strength.

Jeremy and Jenna, who had both come to greet the new arrival, watched for a moment more; Jeremy impatiently, and Jenna a little confused. Her youngest child finally huffed and yanked Elena out of the noble's arms; Elena stumbled into Jenna with an indignant shout.

Ignacio had an amused smirk on his face as he embraced the younger boy as well. The man glanced at Jenna, a polite smile on his face and greeted her cordially, "Seňorita, it is good to see you again."

Jenna shifted before smiling shyly, Miranda stifled a laugh at that; Jenna had always admired Ignacio, but from a distance, she was more intimidated by the man who formerly used to employ her for her babysitting services.

"Hi, sir, it's good to see you too." Jenna greeted, "Although, um, what exactly are you doing here?" Jenna shot Miranda a confused glance.

Both Elena and Jeremy turned to look at their mother in question as well.

To be fair, Miranda was not quite sure as to why the other man was here either. The man had only called the previous night, informing of his visit the next morning.

"We have work to do, Seňora," He had said.

Currently, however, Ignacio levelled a thoughtful stare at Jenna, and Miranda knew exactly what was going through his mind.

As if knowing she had reached the exact conclusion his own mind had, Ignacio levelled a mischievous glance her way.

Miranda's pesky heart constricted again.

"Okay kids, off to school." Miranda spoke –unnecessarily- loudly.

"Oh," Elena looked disappointed before forcing a smile and hugging the Spaniard again.

"We'll see you later, right?" Jeremy asked, grabbing his bag.

"Of course."

As the two children left, Ignacio turned towards Miranda and Jenna, "Come along you two, we have a certain sheriff to see."

Jenna blinked.

"Wait, me too?"

Miranda glanced behind her at Jenna, then glanced at the Spanish Lord standing by her side, all three of them standing outside the front door of the Forbes' household.

Jenna was fidgeting.

"Why exactly are we here?" The younger female asked.

Ignacio glanced at her as he pressed the buzzer for the doorbell, a thoughtful glance on his face, "To see the Sherriff."

Jenna nodded along, her eyes straying to Miranda's who send her little sister a reassuring glance.

"Right. Um…why?" Jenna asked again.

"Patience, Seňorita," The man intoned dispassionately.

Through the glass windows, the three adults saw Caroline step into the hallway, the moment the young blonde caught sight of the only male standing on the other side of the door, her face lit up with the brightness of a thousand suns.

Something about that expression struck Miranda deep within her core. She watched as Caroline all but raced towards the door, throwing it open and launching herself into his arms.

"Mister A! Oh, I missed you so much!"

Ignacio hugged her the same way he had hugged Elena; protectively, the same small affectionate smile on his lips, and a hand running through her sunny-gold locks.

"I have missed you as well, Seňorita, although," He pulled away from the cheerful blonde, "Aren't you supposed to be at school? I would know, since I just saw off Elena and Jeremy."

Caroline looked bashful, "I know, but Mom had a free morning. She doesn't have to go to the Police Station till noon. I figured I could skip my morning classes, and have breakfast with her." She glanced at Miranda and Jenna then, giving them bright smiles of greeting.

Ignacio tilted his head to the side, nodding indulgently, "I see. But of course, if you are done then you should go. We adults have quite a lot to discuss."

Caroline inspected the older man's face carefully, her eyes, sky-blue in their colour, gleaming with insightfulness. "What do you guys wanna talk about?" She bit her lip looking nervous, "Mom was surprised when you called this last night."

Ignacio quirked a brow, "Nothing you need to worry about, but if you must know, then it's because we as parents must be on the same page, so to say."

Caroline looked even more nervous, "What if she doesn't have a good reaction?"

"That is for me to handle, child," He spoke, his eyes gleaming, "You have no need to hide anything any longer."

Trust shone from every inch of Caroline's face, and that's when Miranda finally realized what it was that had Caroline, Elena, Jeremy, the Donovans', and even Tyler and Bonnie hang upon every word uttered by the Asturias Patriarch. That had them so utterly dependent upon him.

She knew all those children lacked positive paternal presences in their life. Grayson was dead (her emotions jerked with grief), Bill Forbes was never truly there (having moved away after the divorce), Miranda wasn't even sure who was Vicki and Matt's father, Richard Lockwood was abusive (verbally, maybe physically, or perhaps both), and Rudy Hopkins was much too distant.

Each of these people were either not present or much too lacking when a man like Ignacio Asturias entered the fray. It was not that some of them didn't care, it was just that they didn't try hard enough.

Compared to them, the Spanish Lord offered true wisdom, staunch stability; he thought of his responsibilities as his privilege, and a man like that expected and gave nothing but the best.

A perfectionist in all the good senses of the world.

He was an excellent father. That much Miranda had observed for the past three years she had known him (properly known him). His children had lost their mother when they were young still, and Ignacio had made sure to become both parents for them.

He made sure never to make them feel as if they lacked what only their mother could give them. That was not to say he didn't keep Pauline Bennett's memory alive, Miranda knew he did that with great commitment.

More than anything, she realized, he was unlike any other man she had ever met.

He had firmly established himself as a father in the eyes of the Mystic Fall's young supernatural (mostly) brood, especially at a time where in their formative years they would have registered the lack of their own fathers. He offered them the guidance none of them ever received. He taught them in a manner she knew none of the other men ever could.

He became the pillar they leaned upon, the ground they stood upon, and the sky that shielded them.

A man of substance, and power.

In her mind she couldn't help but draw comparisons. Unfair comparisons.

Was…could Grayson ever display such dedication?

Before she could delve deeper into her admittedly chaotic thoughts, Liz Forbes decided to make her presence known.

"Ignacio," Liz greeted, walking up behind her daughter, and holding out a hand for the Asturias warlock to shake.

"Seňora Forbes, a pleasure." Ignacio gave the blonde a single firm handshake, respect momentarily gleaming within his eyes.

Liz gave a smile, although wary curiosity was more dominant on her features.

"Please, come in." She led them inside, in the direction of the living room.

Caroline had taken Ignacio's words into account, and after fetching her messenger bag, bid them all goodbye and left.

Liz took her place on one of the arm chairs set beside the couch, which the newly arrived trio commandeered for themselves. Jenna was placed strategically between Ignacio and Miranda, Liz seemed to notice this as her eyes narrowed.

"Well, I know this isn't a social call." Liz began, after the pleasantries were out of the way.

"Not at all," Ignacio leaned forward, his elbows resting upon his knees, and getting straight down to business, "Tell me Seňora, I imagine with the recent influx in murders with very specific patterns, the council must be active once more."

There was a momentary silence, where Liz simply stared at all three of them with caution apparent on her face, and her eyes shrewd. Jenna looked more confused, her eyes darting from one face to the other.

"I always had a feeling you knew," Liz spoke looking at Ignacio, sitting straighter then before, the tired lines on her face smoothing over as a more grim expression took its place there. "How?"

Ignacio looked pleased for some reason, "I am not entirely human, Seňora. But I think you knew that too."

Liz was silent before asking, "What are you, then?"

"A warlock."

Miranda quickly grasped Jenna's hand when the young blonde jolted in her seat, looking very disbelieving of the circumstances.

"What the hell…?" She whispered, glancing wildly at Miranda when she noticed Ignacio would not answer her, as he was much too busy maintaining eye-contact with Liz, "Miranda, what the fuck is going on?"

"Calm yourself, Seňorita," Ignacio spoke to Jenna, his eyes however still probing into Liz's brown ones, "All will be explained."

Jenna bit back a (no-doubt) sarcastic response when Miranda shot her a warning look, in fact her little sister looked more skeptical than ever.

Liz frowned, "I wasn't aware warlocks existed…"

"You weren't aware of many things, Sheriff." Ignacio smirked lightly, "You only know what false information you were given by your former bigoted husband, and the equally prejudiced council that supposedly runs this town."

"Now, hold on a minute-"

"You know nothing, Seňora Elizabeth Forbes." He spoke in such a matter-of-fact way that all three women stared at him. "Which is why I will tell you all you need to know."

Liz Forbes leaned back in her chair, inspecting Ignacio with new-found awareness, before she nodded. Miranda's immediate concern was that Liz would hopefully take everything in a reasonable manner (and that Jenna wouldn't bolt, like she looked ready to do).

Hopefully, everything would go well.

Liz had a…mixed reaction, now that Miranda thought about it.

The Sheriff had been concerned when she was informed of the two newly arrived Salvatore brothers being vampires. However, she was visibly confused when Ignacio told her to leave them be.

"They are killing innocent people." The older blonde claimed, "How can you expect me to do nothing?"

"Stay calm," Ignacio had replied, "They will be dealt with." His eyes had flashed with dark intentions.

The Sherriff had been stupefied when she found that the Bennett family were Witches as well, and that Mayor Lockwood was a werewolf himself.

"How…I don't understand anything anymore." Liz ran a hand through her short strands, her expression had portrayed her disbelief.

And finally when she was told about the incoming threat to Mystic Falls, one that would more likely than not revolve around the children, and that said children –Caroline– knew about the supernatural, Liz had been furious.

"How dare you?" Liz had trembled with visible anger, "You tell my daughter something she shouldn't know, and then tell her to hide it from me?!"

"I do apologize for the secrecy, and I implore that you do not blame young Caroline." Ignacio had responded calmly, "She only did as I suggested. My only defense is that the timing was not quite appropriate."

"The timing wasn't appropriate" Liz had repeated in disbelief, "What the hell is wrong with you? Who do you think you are? What do you know-?"

"-I know many things, Seňora," Ignacio had cut in dangerously, his voice dark, and staring into his eyes gave only a suffocating feeling, "Do not challenge me, I have seen much, and know more. It is has been a blessing only because I know what to do with that knowledge. The gift of foresight, both literally and metaphorically has been given to me."

Liz was rendered speechless.

"You cannot begin to fathom what my abilities have shown me. The disasters that would have sown tragedies in this god forsaken town. The tragedies, these children, you daughter would have faced simply because of their ignorance and naiveté." Ignacio's voice had sounded hypnotic, and Miranda who had taken to wrapping an arm around her little sister found herself taken by its allure.

"Do you know, Seňora Forbes, had your daughter not known, she would have been used as a pawn and turned into a vampire," Ignacio's eyes narrowed in scorn at the blatant disgust passing through Liz's face, "I find your daring amusing, Seňora, because in such a future you would have let your prejudices cloud your judgements and forsaken the very daughter you seem so eager to defend right now."

"Listen and listen well," Ignacio's voice had taken a warning edge, "The reason you have been given privy to this knowledge is because you are Caroline's mother. I do not doubt your love for, I would not insult you in such a manner. And as our children's parents, it is our duty to handle these circumstances. Why should our children fight in these wars alone? They will need our guidance."

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, "That is not to say they will not fight, they will, they have to, and while I have given them my word that I would try my very best they come out of this unscathed, I cannot ensure they will. What will you do then, Seňora?"

There had been a momentary pause.

"What are you?" Liz asked finally, her entire posture portraying how shaken she was.

Ignacio smiled, "The world is much larger than what you thought," He spoke instead, ignoring her question, "It is not simply about hunting down vampires because they drink blood. Prepare yourself Seňora, and perhaps rethink what you thought to have been true. I realize this is your limit for today, and that you may need some time to yourself."

"Caroline will spend the night at my estate or perhaps Seňora Gilbert will host her, and when you are willing, do contact me, we will speak of this matter more thoroughly." He got up from his seat, his unfathomable eyes turning gentle when they turned to Jenna who looked ready to collapse.

Liz was frowning to herself, not quite responding to him, however she turned to face him from where he was ushering both Miranda and Jenna out of the living room, (Jenna, finally steady on her feet had fled the house the moment she could), when he spoke again;

"In light of our recent honesty, I should tell you, I have a vampire under my protection, you might have seen him; the English man who is often seen in mine or my children's presence."

Liz could not stay silent at that, "You allowed a vampire close to your kids? Wait, was he ever close to the other kids, to Caroline?"

Ignacio's face turned blank, "Let me say this once and only once, Seňora, I have told you this piece of information for the benefit of your awareness. That vampire's name is Lorenzo St. John, and he is in Mystic Falls at my capacity, and as I mentioned he is under my protection,"

The temperature of the room dropped, the shadows swirled; morphing in different shapes, and through the entire darkness of the room, the only thing clearly visible was Ignacio's luminous eyes.

"Should I find that you or that council you represent have done anything to jeopardize that vampire's life, I can assure you that this oncoming threat will not compare to what I have in store. If I decide to raze this town to the very ground, believe me when I say there is no power on this earth that will save you from my wrath."

And just as suddenly as it had come, the unnatural disturbances in the room receded and it was as if nothing had ever happened.

Liz chocked out, asking again, "What are you?"

This time Ignacio replied with a serene smile, "Why, Seňora, I am an Asturias."

And now, an hour later as Miranda sat opposite her tearful sister, she finally realized something.

Grayson…Grayson Gilbert was her first love. She could never forget her first love, the father of her children, her husband. But he had passed away, and while Miranda would always be thankful of what he had given her, would always recall her memories with her childhood sweetheart with great fondness…

Miranda knew she admired Ignacio Asturias.

But, she realized now that her affections lied with him too.

The brunette felt strangely at peace with herself when she finally acknowledged her feelings. She knew Ignacio was not a man who was open to any romantic notions, he was too loyal to his wife for that.

Even Miranda had seen it; the picture of his wife and children present in two separate frames on the desk in his study, the way his eyes always, always, regarded those frames with fondness, devotion, and something obsessive too.

The fact he did not speak of his wife with anyone other than his children showed how private his relationship with Pauline Bennett had been. How private his emotions for her were. How he cherished those private memories.

There was no doubt in Miranda's mind that Ignacio was a man who was still in love with his wife, who would always remain in love with his wife.

Ignacio struck her as a man who cared for few and loved even less, but when he did, he loved with unmatched fervor. She didn't think he would appreciate her new-found affections, but she also knew if she ever told him, he would politely reject her.

And to be honest, she was fine with that. Because she wasn't ready to enter in a relationship either. She had her chance, and what a wonderful chance it had been, now she was simply content with living her life for her children.

With these thoughts at rest, Miranda finally focused on her little sister.

"Okay, Jenna, remember those stories I used to tell you about? Well, they're all real…"

10th September, 2009; Bennett Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Bonnie was sitting on the front steps of the porch waiting for Mister Henry. Grams told her last night that the former king had left a message that he would come to give her a magical lesson the next day.

Internally, she was glad to skip school (and, selfish as it was, avoid interactions with a certain Salvatore), although–she sighed heavily here- she'd probably ache to the bone by the end of the magic-lesson (as usual).

Bonnie yawned loudly; sleep trying to sink its claws into her was a given, especially since she hadn't slept very well the previous night, her mind too occupied with various worries.

She had thought long about their game plan. Bonnie could tell that although Zatanna had wanted to mess with the minds of their unwanted visitors, she wouldn't do it so as to avoid the risk of anything going wrong.

But the temptation was there. She had seen it a couple of nights ago, when Zatanna had brutally attacked Damon Salvatore with her words. She had seen a dark battle in her cousin's eyes. Between the need to finish the 'mission' (so to say) quickly by simply ending the vampire's life there and then, and then there was a sadistic desire to play with his life; like a predator hunting for its prey.

In the end neither won. Her pragmatism instead dominated. Stick to the plan, her eyes suddenly said. If it fails, stick to the next plan, they said next. And if that fails too, stick to the next one. If they all fail, make a new one.

Bonnie, of all people, knew her cousins well. Therefore, she knew with everything that was happening; how it was freaking every one of her friends out, how scared everyone truly was, how bothered some of them were with the callousness shown by her cousins and uncle when it came to the proceedings.

Bonnie had come to this realization a long time ago. With all their trustworthiness, their power, their reliableness, Zatanna, Atticus, and Uncle Ignacio, all three possessed rather cruel streaks within them too.

Once upon a time, that had bothered her. She had wailed inside her head, her morals reared its head viciously, snarling viciously: what gave them the right to play this dangerous game with real lives? Screeching how cold and uncaring they were to individuals they didn't care about.

A dangerous thought had entered Bonnie's mind then, if instead of accepting everyone in Mystic Falls with whom they had currently formed bonds. What if they hadn't cared? What if after Aunt Pauline's death, they had up and left? What if they had targeted their grief and anger towards the inhabitants of Mystic Falls?

They were a dangerous enemy to have. Especially when they were so fickle when handing out their disdain and hate.

That was perhaps their greatest flaw, their pride that teetered on the edge of arrogance, their sense of superiority to all others, and their unpredictable fervor for aloof contempt.

But it had hit Bonnie, when she was suddenly reminded of their explanation of Bond Magic that it was because of her they had stayed. Because of her bond with Zatanna. And wasn't that a heady feeling?

She, and her bond with the Asturias witch, held that much power over Zatanna that her cousin had decided to stay. It was because of her, Zatanna and Atticus had interacted with the rest of the Scooby Gang. Because of her, they had decided to join the fray to battle against the dangers lurking in the future.

Bonnie was not so confident that she could not acknowledge that perhaps, had the Asturias not been involved in this careful game; this battle of survival, the end result would probably have been much more tragic. She was certain, neither she nor her friends would have had a fighting chance as they did now. They would have walked in blind to all the dangers of this new world.

She had felt warm then, at this realization.

Despite everything, they had stayed for her and for Zatanna. Bonnie knew that it was a dark sort of possessiveness that her extended family regarded her and the Scooby Gang with. While it had initially bothered her, she had made peace with the fact that their motives were selfish.

Because at the end of the day, Bonnie realized she was the catalyst, and they had simply reacted accordingly.

Hence, she reiterated, she knew her extended family better than most. She knew their selfish, dark intentions, she knew their penchant to be terrible nightmares to those they did not favor, she knew they could be the very evil villains people hated and despised, she knew them.

And she had made her peace with it all; they were bad, and good, and everything in between.

In spite of it all, she loved them for it.

The young Bennett witch looked up when she felt Mister Henry's presence in the vicinity. He stood at the end of the driveway, a curious smile on his handsome face (Be still my beating heart, Bonnie screeched in her mind).

Bonnie quickly walked up to him and (unfortunately) there was a dopey smile on her face when she greeted him, "Hi, Mister Henry!"

"Good Morn, little one," He smiled welcomingly, an amused quirk to his brow, "I trust thou art well?"

She nodded, her smile turning more solemn, "Yeah, so far so good, everything is…changing isn't it?"

The King before her ruffled her hair fondly, "Forsooth little one, but thee will prevail, of that I have nay a doubt. Now on to the matter at hand, did thou carefully study the tome I left thee?"

Bonnie nodded her head vigorously, gesturing to her messenger bag where she had stored the tome in, "Yup, it's really interesting, and I can't wait to get on with the practical aspect."

"It's not a simple task, child," He was pleased with her enthusiasm however, "But, I assure thee, by the end of it all, thee will have mastered Expression."

Bonnie smiled.

10th September, 2009; Mystic Falls High school, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Elena nearly tripped in her effort to sidestep the man who had suddenly placed himself in her path.

"Woah, there," Damon Salvatore reached forward to grab her elbow and steady her. Elena's heart skipped a beat, and she was sure she could see an angel of death coming to take her miserable soul away for eternal judgement.

"Gah!" She panicked, and twisted away from vampire, and promptly fell on her bottom.

The blue-eyed Salvatore in front of her raised both his hands placatingly, and although she could tell he was going for a neutral and concerned expression, she could still see the amused smirk playing on his lips.

Asshole, she thought viciously.

"Sorry, shouldn't have surprised you like that." He smiled charmingly.

Momentarily, Elena could see what had her carbon-copy of an ancestor so obsessed with wanting to have both brothers. They were without a doubt good-looking. But she wasn't into it. They weren't Elena's type of good-looking.

Speaking of, where exactly was the rest of her gang, (including her best friend who was most definitely her type of good-looking?), cause she could really use the tactical assist for a strategic retreat.

Still, she didn't want to seem too scared in front of this entitled vampire in front of her, so she promptly stood up, brushed the dust of her behind, and targeted him with a scowl, "You damn well should be! Who gave you permission to just stand in front of me?" Then she cocked her hip out and gave him the 'bitch stare' Caroline would, no doubt, be proud of.

Inside however, everything screamed at her to run away. This man had just carelessly murdered two innocent lives a couple of nights ago, and now he stood in front of her as if he was the epitome of all things innocent and the very representation of angelic.

It was rather frightening.

"Yeah, and I am sorry about that, really. I just wondered if you could help me?" He moved closer, and it took everything in her not to take a step backwards.

"Nope, sorry, Mom told me not to talk to strangers." Elena turned, fully intent to walk away.

His hand shot out to grasp her wrist, it wasn't a tight grip, but still Elena was glad he couldn't see her face, the sudden fear that might have shot through her face would have been suspicious to him. Still, she didn't know if it was of any use, he could still hear her thundering and racing heartbeat.

Elena carefully schooled her expression, she reminded herself that if he truly meant to harm her in that moment, the protective runes that made her tattoo would react accordingly.

She already knew what was to come in her future, that she would have to die to ultimately survive, but still, Elena found herself to be frightened when actually experiencing everything.

When she turned to face Damon, she made sure her expression only showed her irritation.

"Uh, what're you doing?" Elena asked, her brows furrowing downwards.

"Just listen," He then stared deep into his eyes, and she noticed his pupils dilating, before he spoke in a hypnotic voice, "Stay still and don't make a fuss."

Dimly, Elena realized that this guy just tried to compel her. He just tried to compel her. To take away her free-will. It was different than when Enzo had shown them what it looked when a vampire tried to compel someone, even then he had their full permission and had told them beforehand what he would compel them to do (which was just to jump three times), it had felt weird and oddly invading even then, and it had been Enzo at the time, the first vampire they had ever trusted.

Now, to have this stranger try to take away her right to make her own decisions, to have him try to use her like a puppet, something in Elena burned with anger and sudden realization that this man truly only had his own agenda that he meant to follow, no matter what the cost.

Well, what was sad for him was the fact that she had her own plan too, all her friends did.

Be smarter than they ever could be, Mister A's voice filtered through her head.

So, Elena schooled her expressions to suddenly become neutrally blank, and she pretended to follow his commands. She relaxed her muscles and turned fully towards the man, forcing herself to stare up at him in a daze.

"Good girl," He grinned.

Fool, she thought resentfully.

He stared at her face and suddenly, gone was the amused gleam from his expression, instead he stared at her with sad longing.

"You look just like her…" He murmured, his hand reaching up to brush away a strand of hair from her face.

Elena forced herself not to flinch, instead she almost felt pity for the man before her. She, finally, allowed herself to properly observe him…he was indeed a beautiful man; what with his inky locks that almost gleamed with a raven-blue lustre in the sunlight, and those soulful icy-blue shards as eyes.

This man who had dedicated the better part of his immortal life trying to find a way to rescue his lost love from a trapped prison, only to have his love thrown back at his face in the most coldest of ways.

She pitied him, but suddenly she remembered how he had abandoned Enzo to hell on earth, and then she felt angry again. It was all confusing, to be honest.

Suddenly a hand came out of nowhere and grabbed Damon's hand in a tight grip (she had to physically restrain her startled yelp), Elena could hear the bones of the vampire's fingers breaking.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Stefan Salvatore somehow managed to look both furious and nervous at the same time.

If Elena wasn't so done with both their shit, she would have probably laughed.

"Ooh, hello, brother," Damon's momentary vulnerability was gone, and back was the devious smirk, "I was just having a chat with Elena over here. I was actually looking for you, thought I should ask her."

Stefan was tense, "Let her go, Damon, you wanted to talk to me right? Well, here I am."

Damon hummed loudly, "I don't know, why not let her stay here for a little while? Might let it slip what we really are."

Elena was really tempted to roll her eyes now, here she was in the presence of two people she really didn't like and they were having an argument, all while she was compelled, so rude, damn it.

Movement from the corner of her eye had Elena glancing towards a pissed off Matt and Tyler. She could literally see a vein bulging on Tyler's forehead. While they were furious, yes, they still looked towards her in askance.

Do you want us to do something? Matt mouthed.

Vicki's gone to get Zee, so don't worry, Tyler mouthed as well.

Elena had to make an effort to control the smile on her lips, she felt happy they trusted her enough to handle the situation. Elena glanced at Damon and Stefan who were (surprise, surprise) still bickering, before deciding that it was safe to answer.

Just call for me, she mouthed back, but don't make anything obvious, be casual.

Tyler and Matt nodded.

"Elena!" Matt called out with forced cheer, "About time, would you hurry up! Class is gonna start soon."

Both slowly walked closer to her, Tyler glanced at Damon and Stefan in a single cursory move, but Elena was personally proud to see how her best friend didn't let a sliver of his anger show on his face.

Damon, with an unreadable expression, stepped closer to her, blocking her entire body from her friends' vision, and looked into her eyes again, his voice taking on the hypnotic allure it had a few moments ago, "You can snap out of it now, go back to normal, and forget everything me and my little bro just talked about."

Elena blinked rapidly, pretending to come out of a daze, she then tried to recall her earlier faux irritation and stared up at Damon with a scowl, "Woah, there man, personal space." She took a step back and glanced around him towards Tyler and Matt.

Matt grinned at her, though Elena could see his fists were clenched tightly from where he had shoved them into his jacket pockets. Tyler had his jaw locked, and even though his facial expressions remained studiously neutral, Elena could literally see steam blowing through his ears.

"Hi guys, what's up?" She grinned at them.

Tyler frowned at her, "Uh…we were just talking about how we're getting late for class, idiot."

Elena stuck her tongue out at him, her heart was a little more reassured now that her friends were close by, she could even spot Vicki and Zee standing at a distance, both watching carefully even though they portrayed that they were waiting impatiently for her.

"Wait, you're serious?" She was good at this, Elena was internally very pleased with her acting, "I could have sworn I had more time…"

She saw Stefan jerk in shock through the corner of her eyes. Heh, he deserved it; that slimy ass with an equally slimy ass perverted brother.

Matt looked towards Stefan then, "Hey man, you better come to class too, we've got Tanner for homeroom. You know how annoying he is."

"Stefan?" Elena was milking it, and if Tyler and Matt's sudden exasperation was anything to go by, then she was acting perhaps a little too dramatically, "When did you get here?"

Stefan stumbled for an answer, "Uh…I…"

Damon looked entertained, and made no move to help his brother.

"Who're you?" Tyler asked, his tone border-line rude, as he stared at Damon.

"Damon Salvatore," The vampire introduced himself smoothly, all while unwillingly saving Stefan from fumbling for an answer. "I was actually looking for Stefan here, he's my little brother."

"Oh. Cool." Matt nodded unenthusiastically.

"What?" Elena started, because she just felt like being a piece of shit, "You were looking for Stefan, why didn't you just say so?"

A pause.

Then:

Matt face-palmed.

Tyler grinded his teeth together.

Elena fucking beamed.

Stefan and Damon stared at all three of them weirdly.

"HEY!" Vicki's yell had all of them turning towards her and an amused Zee, "Would you dipshits hurry up already? Class is about to start!"

Another pause, before Tyler yelled back, "PISS OFF VICKI! You're a senior! You don't even go to class with us!"

Matt rolled his eyes, grabbed a hold of Tyler and Elena and proceeded to drag them towards his sister and Zee, Elena noted absentmindedly that he threw a farewell to the vampires behind them.

It was only after they were out of hearing vicinity from the vampires that Elena finally muttered proudly:

"God, I deserved an Oscar for that."

Zee sniggered, Vicki rolled her eyes, and Matt restrained Tyler who had reached his arms out as if to throttle her.

Damon watched Elena walk away with her rag-tag group of 'friends', his eyes focusing on the Spaniard who hadn't even looked at him or Stefan throughout the entire exchange.

"Don't you ever compel her again, Damon." Stefan's growl brought him out of his stupor.

Damon rolled his eyes because his brother was just so predictable and boring.

"Yeah, yeah, I know the whole damn routine, Stef," Damon crooned at his brother in a way he knew annoyed the hell out of him.

"Why are you even here?" Stefan demanded for the umpteenth time, his brows furrowed in a way that made him oh-so-broody.

Damon loved it.

"You know, just a walk down memory lane, brother dear," He circled his brother, watching with great joy as the younger vampire tensed further with every mocking word that left Damon's lips. "We have so many good memories here."

Honestly, Damon hated this place. He was reminded of his father at every turn and corner of this forsaken town, and then he would be reminded of Katherine and her lilting laughs. Her soft seductive smiles, and her dark eyes that dragged him towards her like a doomed sailor would be dragged to the deceptive siren of the sea.

Damon missed her. He only associated good memories with her; even with the agony he had felt once upon a time when he knew her to be showing the smile she only showed him to Stefan, when she giggled at Stefan, when she had stood a hair's breadth away from Stefan.

Because by the end of it all, Damon was the one who was still there, and for a moment she had made him feel like he ruled the world. That was the best memory he had of his past here, in Mystic Falls.

(Damon had long since stopped thinking about how he and Stefan would sneak to the kitchens as children at the dead of the night to have a slice of apple pie, how they would play with their mother on their privately owned lands, how they would giggle and share everything with each other…

…How Damon would gladly withstand his Father's wrath as long as Stefan would smile and be happy.

Damon had long since stopped thinking about it because he had become a monster, he accepted being a monster, and he was what he was because of Katherine. Everything was for Katherine.

He needed to have her back.)

Stefan was scowling at him, Damon wondered if his little brother ever got tired of aiming that expression at him.

"Oh come on! Lighten up will you? Okay, to show I'm here with good intentions, I'll tell you a fool proof way of how to get together with sweet Elena, since you're obviously getting nowhere with her. Why don't you just take a bite out of one of those friends of hers? Then you could jump in, offering her a shoulder to cry on, and bam, she'll realize how good you are, Saint Stefan."

"Shut up," Stefan bit out, "Is that why you're here? To torment me? To make me lose control?"

Damon smirked, "Sure let's go with that, I'm here to make you embrace your true self! Take an itsy bitsy bite out of that Blonde guy she hangs out with, Oh, oh, how about the Lockwood puppy who's always following her around? Or, hey, why not that Spanish witch-bitch?"

The older vampire's eyes narrowed when he saw Stefan look suddenly uneasy when he mentioned the witch-bitch. So, it seemed Stefan didn't know anything about her either.

She was a strange one, after all, and Damon had snooped around to find out her name, it suggested she was a Bennett witch, but she was still weird.

Something felt off about her. It was weirder still, now that he knew Stefan felt the same about her.

"Stay away from them, Damon, they don't deserve this." Stefan finally said to him.

"Whatever, I don't deserve this lecture, but beggars can't be choosers" Damon shrugged, "Besides, accidents happen, don't they? You should just stay out of my way, little brother, or who knows when I might slip up."

Stefan was going to say something else, but Damon wasn't interested.

He left; flashing away with the speed known only to vampires. He had better things to do, like wait for tonight and the comet that would charge up Emily Bennett's crystal talisman. Of course, that begged the question of retrieving the talisman from where he had hidden it away in the Lockwood mansion

So much to do, so little time.

Damon smirked.

10th September, 2019; Asturias Household, Mystic Falls; Virginia, United States of America.

Zatanna glanced at the digital alarm clock on her nightstand.

15:35 pm

She sighed deeply, before she started re-thinking her next course of action; the rhythmic tick tock sound was oddly comforting to her chaotic thoughts.

Logically, if she thought about it, she really didn't have all that much time left before she had to leave for the festival being held in celebration for the passing comet. It was already thirty-five past three, the festival began at seven, and Vicki, who was designated driver for the day; tasked with picking up the females of their group, would come to the mansion by six-thirty.

Zatanna was supposed to be ready by then, while once more appraising upon how to handle the series of circumstances she intended to instigate that very night (and as such finally spark the shit-storm of a war –all while disrupting their fragile status quo– that was to come).

But…She was curious.

She wanted to go back to Kol Mikaelson's private plane of existence. She wanted to interact with the Original who was the epitome of intellectual power, physical prowess, shrewd cunning, and devilish charisma. She wanted to walk in head-first, unprepared with what to say, and how to act especially when she really didn't need to go back so soon.

She wanted to feel that intoxicating feeling of sudden fluster she had felt when she had stood in his mere presence.

Against all rationale, Zatanna sat cross-legged in the middle of her bed, ready to mutter the simple incantation that would transport her spiritually across to his dimension. It was not so much of a complicated matter now that she had met all the initial demands and successfully breached said dimension, it was especially easier now that the Original himself had allowed her to pass his safe-guards.

Zatanna took in a deep breath, before murmuring the magical infused ancient-Greek words.

This time, instead of dropping in a faint, she was slowly lulled into the arms of unconsciousness.

Saoirse could feel an excited smile stretching across her lips as she pulled out a shiny silver key from the far recesses of her pant pockets.

Her heart was beating furiously in her chest, and for the first time in months, she felt her weariness ebb away giving way to hopeful warmth.

The front door of the house was pushed open, and she stepped through the entrance-way. Immediately, warmth from the indoor heating system and an aroma of freshly made pasta attacked her senses.

Saoirse closed her eyes, simply savoring the simplicity of coming home.

"Logan?" She called out in a shaky voice.

There was sudden silence from the kitchen before heavy footsteps raced around the corner, and she felt the weight of the world lifting from her shoulders as she–finally–stared into her husband's ocean-blue eyes.

She didn't know who moved first but in the next blink of a second she was in his arms, her own thrown tightly around his neck as he lifted her short frame off the ground. A desperate breath lefts his lips, caressing her shoulder, before he pressed a single hard, and happy kiss on the side of her head.

Her own face was buried in the crook of his neck, and a half-sob, half-laugh left her lips.

"Saoirse." He murmured reverently, his arms holding her close to him as he finally placed her feet back on the ground, "Took your sweet time coming home, aye?" His tone took a more humorous turn.

She pulled away from the embrace to scoff at his words, "Shut it, you dunderhead."

Logan snorted, "Oi, well that's rich. Here we are, reunited, after four months of not seeing each other, and this is how ye treat me? Already verbally abusing me, like those wee lil old mums waving about their fryin' pans and nagging the ears off their poor bastards of husbands?"

"I'll hit you with a frying pan."

Logan rolled his eyes theatrically, "Can't believe I missed ye." He grumbled, even as his reached out to tug a strand of her honey-gold hair in a playful manner.

Saoirse smiled. Always the dramatic one.

"Anyways, Lemme call those lil rascals we, unfortunately, call children." He smirked at her, before calling up the stairs, "Oi, Arthur, Emma! Come down and see who's here to see ye."

Saoirse would not deny the tears that entered her eyes when she caught a glimpse of the two small forms running down the stairs. Their eyes –ocean-blue like their father's– growing wide in sheer joy when they caught sight of her.

"Mummy!"

Zatanna blinked her eyes open. She was momentarily disoriented at the bright sunlight that pierced through her eyes.

She was standing in a forest this time, although, if she could spy past the edge of the forest boundary (near where she stood), she could see the same black abyss she had seen the previous night when she had been lured to the library.

Honestly, she was impressed with the attention to detail. The lush, vivid green grass beneath her feet, the rich brown of the olden bark, the forgotten branches that lay on the forest-floor; rotting and old, they emanated a sylvan scent that could easily be associated with the archaic forest.

Zatanna walked deeper into the forest, feeling a gentle hum beckoning her. She glanced up at the trees, tall and imposing in their nature, reminding her of silent sentinels, guardians who were ever-observing sacred lands.

This forest reminded her of the thick, lush, age-old forests surrounding the Asturias Estates back in Barcelona. The forests that had hosted Death itself on various an occasion. The forests that were a living embodiment of time, of how the world continued on its path, but it remained the same, perhaps only growing more daunting and commanding in its impressive essence.

Suddenly feeling rather melancholic, she was reminded of the last time Death had visited those forests; the first –and only– time she had been in his presence.

She trudged along, once more noticing with interest how she resembled nothing more than a pale spectre. She glanced up when she observed the trees paving a path towards a small clearing.

She stopped by the edge of the clearing, her eyes zoning on the man she had wanted to see. His back was turned towards her, dressed in the same clothes she had seen on him previously; a hunter-green collared button-down, a dark vest over it, dark dress pants, and a pair of old-fashioned black oxfords adorning his feet.

She knew he was aware of her presence, how else could she have entered the dimension and further still walked to this clearing. Yet, despite it all, he maintained his ignorance of her presence, and remained bent over an old wooden table inspecting something she could not quite see.

Her eyes trailed over his back; the clothes did little to hide the lean muscle structure that lay beneath, his posture immediately brought emphasis to its stretching contours.

As if realizing that, yes, she was indeed checking him out, Zatanna looked away, feeling uncharacteristically embarrassed. She had seen many an attractive man, and was under the impression that simple beauty and handsomeness was something that did not affect her anymore.

It seemed she was mistaken.

Perhaps it was mainly because he reminded her of those Grecian statues; representing the peak of artistic excellence, what with their poise, the proportion, the detachedness in the entire sculpted form that identified them as separate from all other entities.

She forcefully pulled herself out of her sudden stupor, once more simply staring at his form.

She knew exactly what he was doing by not acknowledging her.

He was the host, she was the guest.

He had welcomed her within his territory when she had imposed, but he had yet to greet her. As a guest, she had to politely (and patiently) wait till he acknowledged her presence.

The circumstances reminded Zatanna of Xenia; the ancient Greek concept of hospitality.

Xenia consisted of two simple and basic rules. The first being the respect from the host to the guest; the host must be hospitable and provide the guest with nourishment and care. The second was the respect shown from the guest to the host; the guest must be courteous and must not be a threat nor a burden to the host.

These two principals that encompassed Xenia were so deeply instilled within the ancient Greek culture that they became a code of conduct. It was their core basis of how alliances were formed.

It was something her father had taught Atticus and her as well.

Be mindful of guest rights, wars have plagued this realm simply because a host could not treat their guests with their dues, or a guest could not give the host their respect. His voice suddenly echoed in her mind.

Zatanna did not move from her spot near the edge of the clearing, she stood with her hands clasped together at her front, all while silently observing Kol Mikaelson's movements. He was completely engrossed in his task at hand; she could hear piercing sounds from whatever he was doing, as if he was dragging something sharp across something rough.

His arms moved in rhythmic movements, the sunlight (?) peeking through the canopy of the leaves overhead gave his hair a distinct and prominent golden-brown lustre.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, but was mere minutes, he straightened up and turned his head over his shoulder, his eyes–dark and unfathomable– met her own.

Zatanna bowed her head in simple greeting, "My greetings, Seňor Mikaelson."

"Welcome, Lady Asturias." He replied, his velvety voice had an undercurrent of amusement layering it. "Although, I must confess, I did not expect you back so soon."

At this, Zatanna simple gave him an unrepentant expression as her reply, his lips curved upwards into a smirk at that; dark amusement dancing across his features.

"Yes, well, I found myself curious." She said.

He turned fully to face her, and Zatanna blinked in surprise at the sword he held in his left hand. The iron blade glinted menacingly, its sharpness insinuated by the thinness of the edge of the blade.

"Curiosity killed the cat." He remarked, walking closer to her.

A slight smirk played on her lips, even though her heart rate sped up at his approaching proximity, she was determined not to behave as foolishly as she had done in their previous meeting, "The cat has nine lives."

"Tell me then, My Lady, what was it you were oh-so curious about?" He beckoned her further into the clearing.

You, she wanted to say.

Out loud she uttered instead, "The dimension." She looked around, once more noticing how sunlight draped over the entirety of the forest, even though said mass of trees existed in a black abyss.

"Hmm," The Original followed her gaze upwards. "What do you offer in return, Lady Asturias?"

She looked at him shrewdly then. She knew exactly what he was saying, their previous tentative agreement was a separate arrangement in itself. She had offered him knowledge of the present world in exchange of his knowledge of his brother.

As it was, she was curious about entirely something else right now; it was in no way connected to their previous bargain. It was a new matter in itself and internally she knew she should be grateful that Kol Mikaelson seemed in an agreeable mood; seeing as he had simply asked her what she would offer him in return.

Zatanna tilted her head, she knew what he wanted, but strangely she wanted to hear him say it. "What would you want in turn, Seňor?"

"A dangerous statement to make," He immediately uttered, his eyes suddenly sharp with sinister intentions.

"Well, do you not find it unfair how I am the one making the demands in this contract? Should it not be mutual in its nature of gaining rather than simply giving?"

His eyes slowly dragged across her form in a single appraising and blatantly admiring movement. Where Zatanna had abhorred to have the likes of Damon Salvatore deliberately appreciate her, she felt invigorated to have the Original (particularly this one) stare at her in this way. A boost to her vanity, so to say.

He then slowly met her eyes, mischief lighting up his features as he said darkly, "Do not worry for me, Lady, I assure you, your presence is enough of a gain in itself."

"But-?"

He did not answer, instead inspecting the blade in his arm, from her new position within the clearing, Zatanna could clearly see sword sharpening materials lying on the old table.

"A Witch's favor." His voice stated clearly.

Zatanna hummed, considering the man before her. A Witch's favor was a peculiar thing. It wasn't precisely a debt to be paid, as most witches mistook it for. It was a favor granted by a witch, and in itself it was a powerful vow bound by the laws of magic.

A witch or warlock who had given a witch's favor had to grant that favor, no matter what it was, no matter that it was beyond the witch's capabilities. In fact, if the favor had not been cashed in (so to say) in the contractor witch or warlock's lifetime, their descendants were bound by the same laws to grant the favor, even if they were not involved in the actual bargain.

It was a double-edged sword, to be honest. If a witch could not grant the favor they were bound by magic's laws to roam the earthly plane as an undead essence. Unable to interact with anything, and unable to have peace. A zombie ghost (not even a normal supernatural ghost), to better describe.

This was why Witch's favor was so rare. In fact, it was taboo for the Wicca, and it was such a forbidden topic that most vampires were not even aware such a thing existed.

But of course, Kol Mikaelson would know. And of course, he would want one from an Asturias.

"You ask for much, Seňor." She said instead, "I'm afraid that is something I cannot offer you."

"Oh?"

"An Asturias does not believe in favors." Zatanna smiled, "Therefore we never offer it. But I think you already knew that."

Her breath caught in her throat when she noticed blatant glee rise in his eyes.

The Original walked closer still, until he was but a few steps away, and raised the hand clutching the sword–he was left-handed, she noticed with interest–until the tip of the blade was just under her chin. The sleeves of his shirt were folded till just below his elbows, and so the movement carefully displayed the taut and strong structure of his forearms.

"You are remarkable." He drawled.

"No need to sound so surprised." She immediately replied.

The ever-present smirk on his face, grew wider, "Peace, My Lady," He measured her, "But you are correct. I did know that. A Witch's favor is a Wicca concept after all."

She didn't ask him why he said it then. Somehow, she knew he wouldn't answer her. But whatever just occurred had pleased him, there was no doubt in that.

"Fret not, Doňa Asturias," He smirked, "To satisfy your curiosity, I simply want one other small oath from you."

"Small?" She grinned, acutely aware of the sword still under her chin. She was impressed with how it held still, not even small tremors were plaguing it, showing the steadiness of the hand grasping it.

"When-" Kol Mikaelson's voice dripped with menacing and allusive black rage at that particular word, even though he spoke in a sedate low tone of voice, "-you will un-dagger me, I want your vow that you will destroy the dagger in the very next instance."

Zatanna took a deliberate step forward. Uncaring of the sword that suddenly impaled where her neck was, it simply seeped through her translucent form, and although it was vaguely uncomfortable, she found herself running on a high.

She walked closer, and closer still, until there was only the hilt of the sword separating them, and her heartbeat thundering in her ears.

"You have my word, on my name as a scion of the Asturias" She spoke in her mother-tongue and no louder than a whisper, her nerves nearly giving away at the flickering shadows in his eyes, "It will be done."

They simply stared at each other, and with dim realization, Zatanna could not believe her daring, neither could she muster the will to step away from him.

In the end, it was the Original Vampire who stepped back, taking with him his sword.

"Ask away, Doňa Asturias." He invited, walking back to the table and dropping the sword on top of it, picking up a war axe for inspection.

"Why did you have this dimension formed?"

The youngest Mikaelson brother glanced at her, "Time is a strange thing. When I am un-daggered, decades can pass and it would seem no more than a mere moment. However, when I am daggered…each moment feels like a century. I have no intention of experiencing that again and again, especially with the amount of times I get daggered."

Zatanna frowned. His words confused her.

Each moment feels like a century.

What…what did that mean? She was alarmed all of a sudden. Zatanna always assumed that when the Originals were daggered, they simply fell into a slumber.

What if they didn't?

Each moment feels like a century.

What did they experience when they were daggered? She had never thought about that before, but now, she needed to know. What if, they were not simply angry at Niklaus Mikaelson for daggering them, but for what they experienced during the period of being daggered as well?

Each moment feels like a century.

Zatanna would admit, she was shaken at the realization.

She wanted to ask him, especially with the way he was eyeing her knowingly. He looked expectant even.

Zatanna did not ask him. A question for another day.

"Do you know of the Salvatore brothers?" She asked instead, changing the subject.

Kol Mikaelson stared at her for a moment longer, before answering, "I can't say I've ever met them. But I have heard of them."

Zatanna suspected that was an understatement.

"Why? Are they your current adversaries?" He asked in turn, dropping the axe back down and turned to face her, leaning back against the table.

Zatanna snorted, "More like monumental annoyances."

Silence reigned once more, expectant from his end, and considering from her own.

It was vaguely uncomfortable, but Zatanna decided to leave. She wasn't sure how much time had passed, and she had already been on a time constraint. She would visit him later.

"I would take leave," She excused herself, "I have imposed for too long."

He looked amused. "Indeed, do visit again; preferably sooner rather than later, Doňa mía. It is such a bore to be in my own company for so long. I look forward to your tales of actions against these Salvatore brothers."

Zatanna blinked at the subtle demand laced within the words. If it any other person, she would have been unamused by the sheer audacity. Instead, she was entertained.

"I have much to share, of course, and I await for your own anecdotes in turn."

Nothing is for free. Her own words conveyed.

He threw his head back and laughed.

Vicki glanced at Zee. The Asturias witch was wearing a sleeveless plum turtleneck, paired with dark blue skinny jeans, and black ballet-flats. Her hair was thrown in a high ponytail, but perhaps the immediate captivating part of her ensemble was the amber necklace that lay against her collarbone.

Emily Bennett's talisman glinted orange. It was easy to obtain the necklace, Tyler and Sheila Bennett both offering their services in this particular case.

The two were driving along the road towards Bonnie's place, and then Elena's where Caroline was staying over for the night. Vicki had just picked up the Spaniard from her house; a place that in the deep recesses of her heart Vicki cherished more than anything.

When she thought of home, Vicki didn't think of the four walled house which she and Matt had occupied in their childhood, neither did she think of the small apartment they now lived in (having moved in last December).

No, home was the Asturias Mansion. It was Ace yanking the blankets off their sleeping forms with a loud cackle in order to wake them up. It was Zee plotting with them to steal the home made brownies that Lola (their housekeeper) would make. It was sitting with Mister A, falling asleep to his lulling hypnotic voice, as he told them of stories long forgotten.

Living with Mister A in his house, had been the best two years of Vicki's life.

And it was because she had lived with them in close proximity that she was well aware of their little ticks, how their moods changed. Perhaps, more so than anyone else in their ragtag group of friends.

It was because of that very reason that Vicki could tell Zee was lost in her thoughts.

Sure, Zee was listening to her, replying to her questions and keeping the conversation flowing, but…

It was half-hearted. Often Vicki would glance at her to discover the noble-born witch gazing out of the window, with an unfocused, dazed look in her eyes.

Zee was almost never unfocused.

"Okay, spill." Vicki demanded, "What's wrong?"

Zee blinked and looked away from window and at Vicki, momentary surprise flashing through her features.

"Well?" Vicki prompted.

Zee opened her mouth to no doubt provide some reassurances (Why would anything be wrong? Vicki could already hear her say) but closed it when she noticed the thoroughly unimpressed look Vicki shot her. Zee opened her mouth again and then closed it again, seemingly pondering over her next words.

Finally she shrugged, and turned in her seat to face Vicki, "I…," She began both hesitantly, and thoughtfully, "I'm pretty sure I have a crush on Kol Mikaelson."

Silence.

Vicki was glad the traffic lights gleamed red, because she turned to gape at the defiant expression painting Zee's face.

Zee had a crush.

Zee had a crush.

Zee had a crush.

"Woah, hold the fuck up," Vicki spluttered, "You have a crush."

Zee blinked, before replying drolly, "Yes. On Kol Mikaelson."

"You have a damn crush?" Vicki repeated.

"Vicki, I just said that." Zee said slowly, "I have a crush on Kol Mikaelson, you know, the Original Kol Mikaelson."

It still didn't quite register in Vicki's head, "You're capable of feeling attraction?"

Now, Zee looked downright affronted, "Oi, what do think I'm made of?"

Vicki didn't reply to that, and the silence spoke volumes.

Zee reached out to smack her on the back of her head. "I resent that." She pouted, "I am not as…fickle as you think I am."

The Donovan glanced at her doubtfully, "Zee, no offense, but you have fickle written into your genes." She shrugged, pulling the gear stick into drive as soon as the traffic light turned green, "Own it."

"Fuck you."

Vicki smiled prettily.

She was pretty sure Zee was amused too, her eyes gleamed with mirth.

"So…Kol Mikaelson, huh?"

Zee rolled her eyes, "Yes, thank you for finally acknowledging that."

"What's he like?"

Vicki pulled up outside Bonnie's and honked once in signal, before she turned to look at Zee. And Vicki was sure her shock was apparent on her face; Zee's face danced with fierce attraction as the witch thought of how to answer her question.

"I don't think I could answer that question even if I wanted to…," Zee murmured, "He is…dangerous."

That spoke volumes, honestly. It was one thing for Zee to warn them of something dangerous, it was another for her to acknowledge it to herself.

Vicki was saved from responding when Bonnie opened the car door and shoved herself into the back-seat.

She beamed at them both, although it also looked like she wanted to wail in exhaustion.

"So what'd I miss?"

"Zee has a crush!"

"What?"

Zatanna was bemused to note that Elena was, for the lack of a better word to describe the doppelgänger's immense shock at the very concept of the Asturias witch feeling attraction, staring.

All four of the menaces were staring to be fair; Caroline was unrepentant in hers, Bonnie looked strangely relieved (?), Elena was stupefied, and Vicki subtle.

Tyler eyed them as he walked closer to them, sidestepping other teenagers who had the same idea as them to gather right in the middle of the town square to witness the passing of the comet.

"What's up?" He said in way of greeting.

The four menaces behind her opened their mouths simultaneously, and Zatanna mimed a zipping motion. The faint flutter of magic floated through the air, and all four females chocked on their own voices.

"Nothing." Zatanna gave a saccharine smile.

Tyler suddenly looked both concerned and unbothered. "Okay then. Anyways, you guys ready?" He bounced on the ball of his feet, throwing a hand out to wave at Jeremy and Matt who were walking closer.

"As ready as we can be." The Asturias replied letting the muting spell she cast recede.

The sun had set long ago, and the town square was a picture of festive joy. Adults stood together, talking amiably amongst each other, teenagers sneaked spiked drinks to their friends, and children ran around playing tag.

Zatanna watched with narrowed eyes and in interest as Stefan Salvatore walked around the square looking anxious; his eyes swept over the general populace and visibly lit up when he caught sight of Elena.

Evidently Elena caught sight of him too, if her grimace was anything to go by.

"Hi," He said breathlessly, walking closer and smiling at Elena, and most definitely ignoring everyone else.

Caroline was most certainly offended.

"Uh-huh, Hi Stefan, how're you doing, I'm good too, thanks for asking." She cut in shoving Elena out of the way and conveniently into Tyler's arms.

Even though he let nothing slip past his expressions, his eyes gleamed with dislike as he stared at Caroline. "Yeah, um sorry, Hi Caroline." His voice was polite, but there was an undercurrent of impatience there too.

That was unacceptable of course, Matt and Jeremy flounced ahead, each throwing an arm around the blonde's shoulder and stood on her either side.

"Honestly, Stefan, we're here too, ya know?" Jeremy mused.

"Yeah, come on, what could have possibly distracted you so much that you didn't even notice us." Matt mock-pouted.

Stefan didn't realize that the three were simply a distraction, and was busy in offering excuses. Tyler, Elena and Vicki all discretely walked away together, and Zatanna, too, snagged Bonnie's wrist, steering her away.

"Okay, so Operation lure-the-asshole is a go." Bonnie rubbed her hands together, looking fatigued, but there was a satisfied glint in her eyes.

Zatanna nodded, "You know your part. Hopefully everything goes without a hitch."

Bonnie rolled her eyes, both cousins walking away from the denser population, more towards a secluded area.

"Please, with the amount of times you've reviewed everything, I'd be more surprised if there was a hitch in your evil schemes."

"What can I say? I'm a downright witch."

A pause.

Bonnie wheezed.

"Shut the hell up." She giggled.

Zatanna watched from a distance as Stefan finally noticed Elena was no longer in his presence, and the sheer disappointment that painted his expression was hilarious.

Naturally, Caroline found pleasure in his misery, if the glee in her too-wide smile was anything to go by.

"You sure she isn't a witch?" Bonnie asked, her tone impressed, as she watched Caroline too.

Zatanna smirked. She glanced up in the sky when she noticed the comet approaching closer still, of course there was still some time before it passed over, but its power fueled the supernatural charge that already enveloped Mystic Falls, making it more obvious to the magic sensitive occupants of the town (Read: The Bennett and the Asturias families).

It was but a matter of time.

Zatanna pulled out her phone, and dialed a number she had a compelled Zachary Salvatore smuggle for her.

The call was picked up after three rings,

"Hello?" Damon Salvatore's voice rang through.

Bonnie bounced on the tip of her toes, as she leaned closer in anticipation and to hear the vampire's voice through the phone speaker.

"Hola, Seňor Salvatore," Zatanna greeted smoothly, glancing around the square, making eye contact with Jeremy who had glanced back at her, eyeing her with worry.

There was silence on the other end of the call.

"…Well, well, if isn't witch-bitch." The ever-present unconcerned and careless smugness dripped from his voice, "How can I help you?"

"Don't insult your own intelligence," Zatanna replied with false kindness, "The better question is, 'How I can help you?', or better yet, what you can do for me so I grant you my considerate help."

"Cut the chase, witch-bitch, what do you want?"

"I know why you're here, Damon, son of Giuseppe and Lillian, do not test me. You do not get to play while you lie in wait to open that damned tomb. Wouldn't you prefer to open it sooner rather than later?"

"What do you know?" He bit out.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" The Asturias crooned mockingly, "If you so desire to know more, I suggest we meet in the town square. You have ten minutes."

Zatanna hung up before he could reply.

She then nodded at Jeremy who was still sneaking glimpses in her direction, and even from the distance, she could see his shoulders tense further still before he seemingly forced himself to relax.

It was intentional on Zatanna's behalf to make sure that none of her teenagers were present in any near vicinity of the older Salvatore vampire. Tyler, Vicki and Elena had most likely retreated to seating themselves on one of the serving tables present just outside the 'Mystic Grill' under the watchful eye of Tía abuela Sheila, and Seňora Miranda.

Caroline, Matt and Jeremy were still involved in a conversation with Stefan (if it could be called that) and were situated right in the middle of the square, well within public eyes.

Zatanna mused that if Damon and Stefan Salvatore were still unaware of the fact that the Scooby Gang knew all about the supernatural, then it all the better for said gang, and a pity for the vampire brothers.

She honestly preferred to keep the farce going on for longer still.

The only reason she had Bonnie accompanying her was because it was obvious both Damon and Stefan knew she was a Bennett witch, so it wasn't all that surprising if she was aware they were vampires. And then there was also the fact that Zatanna trusted her cousin enough to protect herself.

The two witches both strategically stood at the mouth of a secluded alley, and if the Salvatore vampire was as predictable as Zatanna assumed, then he would arrive behind the two in the shadows of the darkened alley-way.

"I should fucking kill you." Unsurprisingly the voice came from behind the two.

Zatanna smirked, as Bonnie snorted, "Are you always this cheerful?" Bonnie asked turning, her voice the driest Zatanna had ever heard.

Damon smiled falsely, "Only to the people I really like." His eyes then glanced at Zatanna, immediately zoning in on the necklace she wore.

"Emily's Talisman." He identified flatly, his eyes unreadable.

"Yes," Zatanna grinned, "And I'm sure you're desperate to get your hands on it, aren't you?"

Damon scowled, his lips twisting in a smirk, "Let me guess, you want a deal, I give you something, and then you give me something in return."

Bonnie stared, "Wow, you're presumptuous."

Zatanna agreed, "Why would we want anything from you?"

"Then why the fuck did you call me here?" He hissed, his features morphing to show his sudden rise in impatience, "You know what, fuck that, you're right, I do want the talisman, and I'll just take it of your broken neck if I have to."

Three things happened at the same time in the next moment.

Bonnie raised her hand in sudden defense, her magic crackling threateningly in the concentrated vicinity.

Damon Salvatore had flashed forth with his superior speed, his hands reaching for both the talisman, and Zatanna's own neck.

And finally, a sharp crack echoed in the sudden silence of the alley as the Salvatore's body fell limply at Zatanna's feet, his own neck twisted in a bizarre angle.

Zatanna stared at their unexpected savior, her heart suddenly heavy and hurt at the agony she saw in his countenance.

Enzo stood before them, resembling a spirit of vengeance, his eyes much too wide, his expression both furious, and hurt, and miserable, and worried; he stumbled over the traitor vampire's prone form to embrace both Bonnie and Zatanna in his arms.

Zatanna exchanged a startled glance with Bonnie over her beloved vampire's shoulder. It was obvious neither had expected Enzo to step in, in fact, Zatanna was not even aware he had returned to Mystic Falls.

He shook in their arms, and both witches squeezed him reassuringly.

"He dared-" Enzo whispered raggedly into their shoulders, "-to attack you."

"Enzo, querido-" She was cut off by a sound she never wanted to hear again. A sound that pierced her own heart.

He sobbed.

Ben supposed that service was higher than usual, what with the festival being held in the town square. But honestly, he didn't see any difference. This town surprisingly had a huge amount of people who drowned their sorrows in alcohol, and their usual spot to drink and mingle was obviously the 'Mystic Grill'.

"A shot of tequila, please." A sweet female voice called to his attention.

Ben turned to see a cute girl of East-Asian descent seating herself by the bar. Her hair fell down her back in dark brown waves, her youthful face smiled up at him. It was obvious she was new to town.

He smirked leaning closer to her, "Well, pretty girl, I'm gonna need to see an ID."

She smiled coyly, cupping her chin with her left palm, resting her elbow on the bar counter. "If you wanted my name, you could've just asked."

Ben felt his smirk grow wider, "That would too easy, no?"

"Mm, you like a challenge, huh?"

Lord knew how true that statement was, Ben thrived for new things, for change. He wanted more than just staying in this stupid town; he had hoped, once upon a time, to get recognized by football scouts to get a sports scholarship.

That didn't come true, he thought bitterly, so all he had left in life was bartending and wasting away in the God-awful excuse he called his home town.

"Maybe," He continued flirting, "Why? Do you think you're worth the effort?"

She looked bemused as she leaned away, although he could still see grudging interest in her eyes, "You sure know how to flatter a girl."

"Nah, don't take it the wrong way." He grinned, fetching her the shot she ordered, "But still, you wanna tell me your name, pretty girl? Or I could still keep calling you pretty girl. I honestly have no problem with that."

She laughed, "Alright, handsome, you win, I'm Anna. You?"

"Ben." He leaned against the bar, running a hand through his hair. "What brings you to illustrious Mystic Falls, Anna" He was sure sarcasm dripped from his tone, but couldn't find it in himself to care too much.

She smiled enigmatically, "I'm here for my Mother."

"... And?"

"That's for me to know, and you to...Dot. Dot. Dot."

"Ooh, mysterious much?"

"I thought you said you liked a challenge." She smirked playfully.

"Okay, I deserved that one." He laughed.

She opened her mouth to say more but was cut off by a smooth cultured female voice,

"Annabelle. We've only just arrived, must you drink already?"

Anna's face pinched up in a scowl; distaste lining up her features while Ben looked up to the owner of the voice and blinked.

Anna was pretty, sure, but this woman was downright gorgeous. She, like Anna, was of East-Asian descent; her hair, black like the night sky, were pulled in a stylish up-do and her eyes, similar to the dark brown of Anna's, we're looking at him with polite curiosity, she stood taller and leaner than Anna's shorter, petite frame, but it was the way she carried herself; with poise and elegance.

Ben privately thought she belonged on a runway, because she looked nothing short of a graceful model.

When he looked at Anna curiously, she smiled tightly gesturing to the woman beside her and introduced:

"Ben, meet my cousin, Ethel."

Additional Information:

The 'Ben' in the last POV is 'Ben McKittrick' as in 'Ben the Bartender' who was turned by 'Anna' during the first season of TVD.

thou - singular informal, subject (Thou art here. = You are here.)
thee - singular informal, object (He gave it to thee.)
ye - plural or formal, subject
you - plural or formal, object

Forsooth: This means 'Indeed' in medieval English.

Furthermore; 'Thou' is historically perceived in Yorkshire (England) as being disrespectful, or over-familiar in a formal context, e.g; if used to address a teacher, or upon greeting a stranger. However, 'thee' is perceived to be more respectful. 'Art' and 'mine own' is translated as 'are' and 'my' respectively and used according to context.

Xenia; the ancient Greek concept of hospitality, is an actual concept, and is similar to what was explained in the chapter itself.

All usage of historical accounts and the changes made to them are purely for the usage of this story. Also, the information about the TVD world explained in this chapter is taken from Wikia.

'Bonita' is basically the Spanish, Portuguese variant of the Scottish name 'Bonnie'. Both names have the same meaning; 'Pretty, cute, attractive.'

Regarding, the noble title given to Ignacio Asturias; the title itself is real i.e 'Seňor of Lazcano; Lord of Lazcano' is a real title but it's usage in this story is entirely fictional. As far as I'm aware, in real life this title belongs to the Ducal House of el Infantado.

Edit: Credits to the guest reviewer for clarifying who the title of Lazcano belongs to in real life.

Date of Births:

Ignacio Asturias: 12th May, 1968.

Pauline Bennett: 1st January, 1969.

Atticus Bennett-Asturias: 7th August, 1990.

Zatanna Bennett-Asturias: 31st October, 1992.

All other birthdays of canon characters are as have been listed according to Wikia, with the only exception being those who's birthdays have not been given, of which I shall take liberty of giving them specific dates of birth myself.

A/N: And I'm back with my shameless self…I do feel bad, honestly I do, and I am very apologetic with this late update. But I sort of did give a warning in the last chapter that I have a sporadic update schedule.

But still. I am sorry.

It has been a long year, especially after my last update, and a lot of things happened. BUT, and I am not exaggerating or kidding or saying this just to make you guys feel better, but honestly, your reviews, especially the ones months after I posted the previous chapter, motivated me to write a just bit more. And well, bit by bit I give you this chapter.

I also want to reassure you guys, that to the best of my ability, I aim to finish this story. It is very precious to me, simply because it shows me where I stand with my passion in writing.

It's the proof that I wrote something, and I like it, and others like it too. I know there's a huge room for growth, there always is. But I like to think that with each chapter I write, I'm getting better at some aspect of writing.

NOW, on a much lighter note, lol, for an overview of this chapter we see that there were a lot of POV changes, and a lot of things happened. Some of you might be frustrated that no juicy action has taken place as of yet. But I like to write about the nitty gritty details and the inner thoughts of different characters, and I'll probably keep doing that, just a warning if that isn't your cup of tea.

I'd also like to make it clear that NO! MIRANDA AND IGNACIO WILL NEVER BE A COUPLE! To make it clear, I just wanted to show that feelings change over time, hearts shift, people move on with their lives, but no one needs romance in their lives to live it to the fullest. You like someone, that's great, but I believe you also hold your own strength to carry on. Hence, we saw some of Miranda's inner thoughts, which is based on admiration and gratefulness towards Ignacio mostly.

Also, I can admit safely, NEXT CHAPTER WILL HAVE THE TOMB OPENING, YAY! The timeline will speed up, I have no intention of dawdling around, so Klaus and Elijah will both make appearances sooner rather than later, and the ritual will happen sooner too.

What else…oh yeah, regarding Damon and Stefan, I'd like to point out, that just because Zatanna and Atticus absolutely abhor him, does not mean all the other characters will too.

Also, ETHEL, yes, she is blatantly an original character who will have a significant/semi-significant role, because like I imply, just because this is the TVD world, does not mean, everything will be the same as shown in the TV show. New people might pop up here and there. Facts might change. All that shiz.

Everything is unedited. So please, excuse any mistakes.

Now, on to acknowledgements: Thank you everyone who viewed, followed, favorited, and reviewed this story.

My thanks to: marlastiano, Shadowing, Kami no KageSama, dariaDj081, mrs Tall Blonde and Dead, Believer91, RebeliousOne, Rose1414, LottieBeast, ForeverTwisterLove8814, RedAro, Newgurl312, LPWomer, ArchangelKoriel, Wienberg, MarvellousFaery (Kristina, that you?), Dezzi95, akagami hime chan, JezraB, 19vanelkc, Twister60, Bepo1401, Dancing to your Heartbeat, AyonSage, njeha, Yuguresan, keikei313, PrincessMagic, La'rae and Ninjas Incorporated, DaphneSlytherinWinchester, Estelle Lumene, NansNugget, Guest#1 (Thank you for liking my interpretation of Kol), hailstormdragon, MoonlightMiracleSakurianaHime, TB Viking Addict, DarkEnoughConspiracyTheory, Guest#2 (You can say that again), Loke13, SyliciaBlack, Ally McCall, jgood27, Mikayla/Guest#3 (Thank you so much for your kind words!), Silent Killing, VerumUmbria, Guest#4 (Thank you so much!), Guest#5 (Thank you!), Guest#6, Bloberon, The-ImpossibleMind, Guest#7, WorlfofGray, kannayamamoto, CM200415, Queen of Supernatural Lovers, shantylol, scarlettravencrove, Guest#8, Guest#9, Guest#10, SaraiR, alecksanduhrah, Trance20666, trigy898, katraj0908, rssilva1017, Trouble/Guest#11 AnimeFreak71777, ObsessedFangirl96, Honoko2000, xenocanaan, Esmee Westerman, Guest#12, Guest#13, lostfeather1, Sarakhan/Guest#14 (Hey, welcome back, again, thank you so much for your kind words!), aliceinwonderln4d, Guest#15, aspenbailey13, RainyRound, That2one3girl4, and Isabelnecessaryonabicycle for you immense encouragement and motivation!

Further thanks to eXceZz and PrincessMagic for assing this story in their respective communities; 'All I have read and will read' and 'Forever in my Heart and Mind'.

Like/Favorite and Review/Comment, please. I respond to all reviews via PM.

Translations:

Hola: Hello.

Seňora: Madam/Mrs.

Seňorita: Miss.

Seňora Forbes: Madam Forbes.

Seňora Elizabeth Forbes: Madam Elizabeth Forbes.

Seňora Gilbert: Madam Gilbert.

Seňor Mikaelson:Mister Mikaelson.

Seňor: Mister/Sir.

Doňa Asturias:Lady Asturias.

Doňa mía:My Lady.

Seňor Salvatore: Mister Salvatore.

Tía abuela:Grand-Aunt.

Querido: Dearest.

Note: All translations were taken with the help of Google. If there are any mistakes, I would like to apologize as I do not know how to speak the language.

"Mors nobis favet; Death favors us."

-The Asturias Family Motto-

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction; I do not claim any ownership over any characters, situations or anything of relation from the TVD world. I do, however, own the Asturias Family, anything related to them, any other Original-Character introduced and the plot of this particular story.