[*Chapter Fifty-Seven (New)*]

Unedited*

^(Darcy's dress in the image space above(not red xD))^

Twelve hours before anarchy descended.

*•*•*•*

6:00 am.

"What's wrong with Darcella?" a voice whispered. "She's so sad. Why is she unhappy?"

"I don't know... It's not like I can see," another voice chimes in, sarcasm coating their voice.

"Why must you always be like this?" a third says, with a tired grumble.

"Like what?"

"An insufferable imbecile."

"I'm sorry that my lack of sight for centuries upon centuries bothers you so much."

"Oh, it does not. However, if your mouth could follow the same example, that would be my greatest pleasure."

"Would you two shut up! Something is wrong. Darcella' too quiet, and dare I say, almost comatose."

"She's asleep, stupid... Just like we all are... In the same dream," the second voice moans.

"Be sensible for once... Someone must have a great hate for us... If being stuck in a box wasn't enough, they had to bind us together in our sleep too."

"And to strike more suffering, they had to add the very thing that is our greatest sorrow."

"Curious, is it not? I wonder if they are experiencing the same?"

Jolt.

"What was that?"

"I don't know-"

Thump.

"What is happening?!"

"I would tell you if I knew myself!"

Further jolts and thumps, and the sensation of sinking...

"Whoever is responsible for this, stop this instant—ahhh!"

...Falling to the depths below.

A series of cries, shrieks and bellows occur as the inner eye unlocks.

"What is this?!"

"It hurts! Turn it off!"

"Too bright! Wait... Oh, Finn! You're bloody marvellous. I've been blessed! My prayers have been acknowledged. I have eyes... I can see!"

"While I do not hate to burst your joy... I'm afraid that is the case for us all... Rebekah?"

A sob responded.

"The pain! Oh, the pain. It hurts! It hurts. Make it stop!"

"Oh, God. I can feel it too. How can anyone withstand such hollowing pain— ahhh!"

Another sudden harsh bump proceeded.

In a repetitious fashion, each attempted to move their limbs, seeking to grasp on to something and pull themselves back to reality. But they couldn't, for they remained frozen in sleep. And then everything came to an abrupt stop.

A food of images flowed in. A young woman they all held close to their cores appeared sprawled out on a bed.

A gasp tore out of the blonde-haired girl. "Oh my God! Why would someone wish such torture upon us? If losing her wasn't enough, they result to this next!"

"Why is this happening? Kol, are you all right?"

A whimper replied.

"...D-Darcella?" the brown-haired young man chocked out, his gaze locked upon the young woman -the very woman that shattered them beyond imaginable.

They once believed dreams and scattered lost memories turned into a living nightmare—a very tangible hell.

Once again, the three sought to heave their limbs and reach out to latch onto their shining light but found they could not, for they were still frozen in place, and only the inner eye remained open.

Eight dull stars were compelled to watch as utter devastation was about to be wrought upon them furthermore.

~*~

Hushed whispers. Unresisting murmurs rise in crescendo, chants and shouts of warnings rattling around her skull. Dull blue eyes water as she clutches her head in her hands, hoping to ease the pain. But she knows it will be no feat, the same with the last twelve hollow hours. Forcing her to lay in bed and submit to the agony, accept the grating torment rising within herself.

The young woman grits her teeth and pushes herself to the edge of the bed. Grappling the bedpost, she heists herself to her feet and staggers around blindly when an onslaught of dizziness strikes her crammed senses. Beating drums batter against her skull, causing her legs to waver and threatening to plunge her back down. She bites her tongue, the metallic taste glossing her tastebuds as she steels her weight onto the bedside table, fighting to stay on her feet.

Defeat is not an option. She will prevail.

*•*•*•*

7:00 am.

Soft footsteps pad down the upper hallway, a hand pushes open a door, the figure slips inside. Leaving the door slightly open, they shuffle over to the desk occupying a computer desk and numerous textbooks. Placing a sealed envelope down on the desk, they move over to the bed, their sad gaze passing over the boy as he sleeps.

Slipping the circular cold item out of their pocket, they take a seat on the edge of the bed. The slight compression roused the boy, his eyelids fluttering open.

"W-What is it? Are you okay?" he mumbles groggily, rubbing his eyes.

The figure smiles and runs a hand through the boy's shaggy brown hair. "Shh, everything is okay. Go back to sleep."

The boy nods tiredly, his head lolling to the side. The figure lingers a few moments for the boy's breathing to even out and then slips the cold object over his finger before standing up and laying a kiss atop his forehead.

"Please stay safe," a stray tear slides down their cheek. "I love you, Henrik."

With one last look, the figure exits the room.

"Did she just call the boy Henrik?" Kol inhaled sharply.

"She did," Finn confirmed absently.

"But, that's not right. That boy is not Henrik," Rebekah stated adamantly.

"I don't think she knows that...." Finn trailed off.

"Or she does but does not want to acknowledge the obvious," Kol chimed in.

"Oh god, what is this happening?" Rebekah inhaled. "I don't like this. This screams immoral. I would rather go back to sleep than be forced to watch this."

*•*•*•*

9:00 am

Several hours later, over at the Boarding House, Damon and Stefan sat in the kitchen, nursing their bloody beverages. A frown graces the youngest brothers face as he stares down at the granite countertop.

"You know if you keep frowning any longer, you'll add more to your collection of frown lines," Damon quips. His lips jut into a smirk when Stefan shoots him a glare, the prior expression still ever-present. He releases a sigh before gulping back the red substance and depositing the glass onto the counter. "All right, out with it. What's got you extra broody?"

"I'm worried about Darcy. The lack of phone calls and her physical presence makes me uneasy," Stefan admits, rubbing his face with his hands. He stares at them as he lowers them and places them on the table, linking them together, avoiding eye contact with his brother.

Damon nods, understanding where Stefan is coming from. The last they had heard from Darcy was after she left the Boarding House the previous evening with the instructions of leaving town in the early morning, knowing the device could be set off at any moment. She didn't want any chances to arise and for them to fall into the crossfire.

But who was Damon Salvatore to ever listen to instructions?

He doesn't, and he's not starting now.

He stares at Stefan in silence; a smug expression washes upon his face, eyes glinting with satisfaction. Stefan notices and sits up straighter, pointing his finger at Damon whilst shaking his head. "No. No. No. Whatever you're thinking of, get it out of your head."

"I don't know what you're on about. I'm just sitting here having a drink and a morning chat," Damon shrugs innocently, shaking the empty glass tauntingly.

Stefan continues shaking his head, a chuckle passing his lips as Damon pushes out of his seat and exits the kitchen. Stefan follows his path ascending the stairs and trekking along the upper hallway.

"I know you, Damon. I know that look; it screams trouble. Those two together, Damon and trouble, equals disaster. So, come on, cough it up. What's your 'master plan?'"

Damon ignores him, nudges open his bedroom door and angles over to the closet. Opening the cupboard, he selects two ties, marvelling between the pair. Turning to Stefan, he wiggles the two items. "Plain black or silky black?"

Stefan looks at him dumbfound before stepping closer, admiring the two textile items. "Silk."

Damon grins, wrapping the silk tie around his neck, the tendrils dangle down his torso, and he throws the other at Stefan.

"Thanks, Steffy," he cheers, slapping Stefan's cheek lightly and turning around to pull out a white shirt, tailored suit jacket and pants and then walking over to his bed and laying them atop the covers.

Stefan peers down at the plain black tie in his hands, feeling completely and utterly lost. He glances back up, watching as the elder brother angles towards the bathroom. His sight flicks over to the items of clothing, appraising the formality before his eyes widen as the realisation strikes him in the gut. 

"We were never really going to leave," he paused to swallow past the lodge in his throat. "Was we?"

Damon stops at the threshold of the bathroom. He peeks down at the watch wrapped around his wrist, noting the time was 9:15 am; they were supposed to leave an hour and fifteen minutes before. Shifting slightly, he leans against the doorway and crosses his arms, staring at Stefan with the most severe expression he has mustered to date.

"When I said we fight together, I meant that Stefan. I'm not gonna let Darcy do this on her own. We do this together or leave and potentially lose the girl who has changed our lives. I couldn't care less if the town residents' perish. But Darcy, I won't allow her to fall into their clutches. I won't let her sign her own death sentence."

He steps away from the door and glides closer to Stefan, gripping him by the shoulders. He stares into his eyes, allowing his inner emotions of anxiety and desperation to surface. "We can't lose her, brother. So, what's it gonna be? Will you join me or lose Darcy forever?"

Stefan didn't have to put much thought into his decision. He already knew before the words flew out of Damon' mouth.

Life's funny at the best of times. Both brothers came to Mystic Falls for entirely different schemes. Damon wanted to punish Stefan for the rest of eternity over a girl he believed he once loved. That was until the moment he laid eyes on the spunky little huntress. Those plans flew out of the window and were lost in the wind. His motives took an abrupt shift. His frozen heart thawed and heated up, intertwining with her compassion and glowing light. He was and will always be forever enthralled within her entity.

Stefan, on a glimpse, ventured into town and attempted to save the Gilberts' the night their car veered into the lake. If he thought he felt astounded at meeting Katherines' look alike, he wasn't prepared for the girl who, without any hesitation, threw herself into the lake in her attempt to save them all. He was utterly floored the moment he pulled them out of the lake and onto the bank, and those ocean eyes stared into his soul.

He thought he could push away those thoughts and latch on to Elena, that maybe if he fell in love with her, the wanting desires would evaporate. But he was so wrong. Every moment, every step, every touch, and every conversation mounted higher than what he had ever imagined and felt for another. Yet, knowing she's doing this because of them makes him feel powerless and weak.

Why would she potentially sign her own death sentence? It doesn't make sense.

Stefan stares back into Damon's gaze, and his brother already knows his decision by his features turning to concrete, his frame straightening and the resolute nodding of his head. "We do this together."

Together was the three concurrently—all or nothing. For them, it will always be eternally going all in.

No matter what happens tonight, and if something were to go wrong, they would follow each other into the flames.

Damon smiled and pulled Stefan into a firm hug. "Together."

*•*•*•*

Meanwhile, at the same time, over at the Grill, a man sat at the bar, sipping on his drink. Releasing a sigh, knowing today would be surrounded by women, teenagers and frilly dresses. The male believed he was entitled to feel the dismay and drink a whiskey or two before being roped into their clutches. Draining the last swigs, he stood up and approached the bathroom before he ordered his next drink.

The figure sitting in the back of the Grill stood up from the booth and strode towards the bar. They waved their arm, signalling a bartender, and gestured to where the man was seated moments before. "His next drinks on me."

The bartender eyed them suspiciously, prompting the figure to roll their eyes and fish through their jacket pockets, pull out some cash and slap it on the bar. "No need to get your panties in a wad. I'm only paying for the man's drink. I'll be leaving after."

Weighing his options, he shrugs, takes the money and turns his back to make the liquor. Completing the drink, the bartender turns around and pauses in his tracks, raising a bewildered eyebrow at the red apple and white sealed envelope sitting on the countertop. He flicks his gaze up, catching the individual brushing through the early morning patrons.

"Phew! I needed that," Alaric sighed, sitting back on the stool. His features veered impressed when the barman placed the full tumbler in front of him, not taking notice of the items beside him. "A free drink?! What did I do to earn such pleasure?"

"It's been paid for." The barman scowls, nodding his head towards the entrance.

"Who?" Alaric frowns and turns around to observe the environment, just missing the figure slipping out the door. He shifts back around to face the man, not recognising anyone who would buy him a drink.

"A young woman. I don't recall a name." The man shrugs with a huff.

Well, that's a great help, Alaric thought. "What did the woman look like? Anything stood out?"

The man sighs, rolling his eyes. "A white dress. I don't know, man. Just accept the drink." The bartender starts to walk away but pauses and points at the two items that Alaric still failed to note. "They did leave these, though."

Alaric frowns, staring at the apple and envelope in bafflement. He knows only one person who would give him such an unusual gift. He picks up the envelope, breaks the seal and pulls out two folded pieces of paper.

Noticing one was addressed to him, he slipped the other back into the envelope and laid his open on the bar. His eyes flit over the words pressed down elegantly, his features changing rapidly from confusion to panic. It isn't until the end and the last words 'Look after them' did Alaric shoot up from his seat, snatching up the drink and apple and running out of the Grill with utter terror writhing around his core. 

He's got to find them. He's got to stop her... Before it's too late.

*•*•*•*

10:00 am.

Elena and Bonnie were getting ready for the Founders' Day Parade at the Gilberts', deciding that since they were now dateless, they would attend the event together.

Bonnie exited the bathroom frowning over at the Gilbert girl sitting on the bed, a melancholy look fastened to her face. "What's wrong?"

Elena issued a tired groan, her gaze shifting to her dress hung on a hanger onto the door of her closet. "I'm thinking, what's the point of attending the parade? Jenna's not here. I have no clue where Darcy is, not since she dropped the bomb that my uncle is actually my father. Isobel's dead. Jeremy is moping in his room. Everything is a mess, so why bother? I mean, it's not like I have Stefan anymore, either," she huffed bitterly.

Bonnie walked over to the window facing the front yard, vacantly staring at the outside world. "You're doing this because it's what your mum dreamed of, remember? Be a regular teenage girl and walk the parade."

Elena scoffed, shaking her head in protest. "Yeah? And look how well that turned out. My parents are dead. Vampires evaded the town, and... Darcy ruined it all."

She really did try not to put any hate on Darcy, but with everything else piling on top, the scorn matured. Thus in her eyes, it was acceptable to blame Darcy for everything wrong in her life.

Bonnie sucked in a sharp breath and clenched her hands into tight fists. She couldn't fathom how Elena could be so insensitive? What was the purpose? Was it because the boy she liked happened to fall for Darcy instead? Was it because Darcy had warned her not to go chasing after Isobel, knowing she would only end up in heartache? Still, Elena ignored all warnings and pursued them nonetheless, thus leading Jeremy to be dragged into the middle and wound up hurt.

All Darcy had ever yearned for Elena, Jeremy, and Jenna was for them to be happy and safe, regardless of her own negligence. Did she not verify that when she ran to Jeremy's aide and brought him back home, and most of all, alive—with no regard for her safety? Not once did Darcy get any appreciation for making sure Jeremy survived! Or how about she's safeguarding Bonnie from the hatred and regret that would stem if she proceeded with her plans.

Bonnie sniffs and wipes at her runny nose, recalling the sealed envelope and grimoire she had found in her bag that morning, the heart aching discovery of its contents.

Composing herself, she turns around and stares Elena in the eye. "You're wrong, Elena. Darcy has done so much more and continues to do so every day, ensuring we are all protected and loved. If you can't see that now, I'm worried you will realise when it's too late."

Elena stares at the Bennett witch, speechless. Her mouth flopped open and closed repetitively, resembling a fish. Bonnie had never once spoken her mind when she had expressed her turmoil regarding Darcy in the past, always preferring to evade such matters. Yet, hearing and seeing it now before her eyes left her with the inability to communicate. And also for the spike of doubt to rise.

What has changed? What the hell is even happening?

Elena opened her mouth to permit the words to flow out, only to be denied a second time when the bedroom door opened and a strawberry blonde-haired woman entered the room.

Elena staggered to her feet, feeling as if the floor was going to open and swallow her whole.

"J-Jenna?" she stuttered, her eyes darting from the woman, sharing an equally shocked glance with Bonnie. What was Jenna doing at home?

Elena's word flew over Jenna's head as she observed the room, pausing at the dress still hanging on the closet door. She checked her wristwatch, eyes widening with shock and dashed forward, grasping Elena by the shoulders and shoving her into the bathroom. "Get dressed. You're going to be late!"

"Jenna... Wait!" she grabbed onto the door frame to prevent her body from tumbling into the bathroom. "What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the cottage."

Jenna gritted her teeth, and with one extra push, Elena lost the battle and tumbled inside the tiled room, falling ungracefully onto the floor.

"Jenna!" she cried, scrambling back up to her feet.

"Get dressed. I'll tell you later," Jenna huffed out of breath, wiped at the sweat beading along her hairline and slammed the door shut.

"Jenna... Why are you here?" Bonnie uttered, her face blanching as her feet rooted her to the floor. This wasn't good. Darcy told Jenna to stay away until it was safe to return. So why was she standing in Elena's room?

Jenna overlooked her and sat on the bed, her stare fixed on the bathroom door, thoughts running a hundred miles a minute.

Darcy. Vampires. Darcy. Vampires. Darcy. Vampires. Darcy.

Elena emerged from the bathroom ten minutes later, freshly showered and wrapped in a dressing gown. Much to Elena's dismay, Jenna jumped up, hurried over, dragged her to the vanity table and tugged off the robe, discarding it on the floor in her haste. Bonnie slapped her hands over her eyes with a startled shriek.

Elena let out a whine, slapping away Jenna's hands, and snagged up the gown, hastily covering herself.

"Jenna, will you stop and tell me what the hell is going on! Darcy told you to stay at the cottage until it was safe for you to return, so why are you home?"

Jenna stopped and brushed away the auburn strands sticking to her clammy cheeks with a tired sigh. Her mind strayed to the conversation she had with Darcy the previous night, recounting what had happened with Jeremy. After she heard what transpired between Darcy, Isobel and John, Jenna had been adamant about returning home. She felt awful knowing Jeremy had been hurt and could have been killed and knowing she could not do anything to help—like give John a good kick to his balls—but Darcy had protested, saying it was not safe. It was likely to get worse, and she would prefer knowing at least she was away from any threat.

In the end, knowing her persistence would earn no feat, Jenna grudgingly agreed to remain at the cottage.

That was until she received another call before sunrise had reached. She was packed and speeding towards the highway within ten minutes.

Her eyes flickered to the mirror, briefly meeting Bonnie's distressed eyes before resting on Elena's expectant glare. "John called me. He said you and Jeremy were going to need me."

Elena's features twisted into confusion, not quite grasping why they would need Jenna and for what purpose?

"But why would we need you when all you ever do is lie?"

Jenna's jaw dropped in astonishment. "Why would I lie?"

"Why wouldn't you? Just like you lied about knowing who my birth mother was, and now again with John...  My father."

"What?" Jenna uttered, surprised, the colour draining from her face as she staggered backwards, leaning onto the vanity so she wouldn't lose her footing.

"Elena," Bonnie whispered, alarmed. "Now isn't the time. We need to get ready."

"No, Bonnie. I want to know why everyone lies about everything concerning my life. They owe me that much."

Bonnie witnessed Jenna's shocked state and couldn't bear to let her friend upset her further and decided to step forward, resting a cautious hand on Elena's arm. "And you can... After the parade, you can talk about it. But we need to get dressed. We're already running late."

Elena opened her mouth to speak but was curtailed when a thunderous slam reverberated in the hallway, followed by vibrations shaking the foundation as heavy footsteps pounded across the floor, mixing in tandem with their sudden racing pulses.

Feeling a rush of alarm, Jenna opened the door and stuck her head through the gap. Her gaze immediately sought Jeremy as he rushed out of Darcy's room and headed towards the stairs. She stepped into the hallway, Elena and Bonnie followed, unable to ignore the wiggling of doubt bubbling beneath the surface.

"Jeremy, are you okay?" Jenna called.

He ignored her and began sprinting down the stairs, jostling with the door handle as he reached the front door, only to find it locked. He released a yell and punched the door. "Open the door! I need to stop her."

"Jeremy!" Elena yelled, rushing over and attempting to move him away from the entrance to comfort him. "Hey, stop. Tell me, what's wrong?"

"Get off me! Don't touch me. This is all your fault!" Jeremy spat, pushing Elena away, disregarding when she collided with the wall with a pained cry. Instead, he pointed his finger in her face. "If you would have listened... None of this would be happening...and...and...and–" he fell to his knees, a broken, sobbing mess.

"Jeremy!" Elena cried, horrified at the vision in front of her.

Bonnie couldn't help but lift her hands to her mouth and let out a silent cry, watching as Jenna wrapped the boy in her arms. It was truly a heartbreaking sight.

"Shh, it's okay. You know you can always talk to me if this is about Anna. Any of us."

"No. No, let me go! You don't understand. You have to give me the keys. Please." Jeremy begged as he fought to get out of her constricting grip and staggered to his feet. As he did so, his right hand brushed along the bulge in his jeans pocket.

His thoughts wander back to his previous talk an hour ago with Anna, telling him of his uncle's plans to kill all the tomb vampires, including the Salvatore' and that she was leaving town before the device was switched on. She then pleaded for him to leave with her. They could be together as they wanted—for eternity.

Or Jeremy could for once be the strong one and drink her blood and turn into a vampire, finally be able to protect Darcy—just as she did for him.

Darcy would understand. He was doing it for her. She would, wouldn't she?

"We have to stop her...before it's too late." Jeremy closed his eyes and squeezed his palms into tight fists, trying to ground himself.

Jenna stood up, sharing a glance with the two girls, though deep inside, she already knew what Jeremy's following words were going to be. "Stop who?"

"Darcy... She's going to sacrifice herself."

--

Mid-day.

A few hours later, the students and residents of Mystic Falls were gathering around the float, waiting for the parade to begin. Four teenagers took pictures in their Civil War costumes despite the growing crowd. Another person was standing afar, watching as they erupted in laughter as they modelled in ridiculous poses, wishing they too could join in.

One, in particular, was putting on a happy facade when in reality, she profoundly wished to come upon Darcy, but it was fruitless. The last form of contact was the previous night before they had gone to sleep, and Bonnie couldn't help but let the worry inside consume her being.

Oh, Darcy, wherever you are, please be safe.

Shouting brought Bonnie out of her distressed musings. Passing the camera to Caroline, she turned her head and glimpsed Elena running after Jeremy. She sighed and followed them, sensing another fight was going to break out. Ever since this morning, Elena has been hounding the poor boy; even though he's expressed his disdain, she failed to heed his wavering control. It was only a matter of time before the fuse blew up.

"Wait, Jeremy! You look great, and you guys did a really great job on the float."

"Go away, Elena."

"Jeremy, come on, please! I don't want it to be like this between us," Elena cried, pulling on his arm to stop him from walking away.

Jeremy shoved off her arm and rounded on her, getting into her face. "You didn't think about that before giving your mother a free invitation into town after Darcy warned you not to. Yet, you chose to ignore her warnings and dragged her into your pitiful whining, welcoming Isobel with open arms."

"Jer, please," Elena begged with watery eyes. "Don't do this."

"Don't call me that! You don't get to do that! Not once have you expressed your concern about Darcy. Look around you, Elena. Do you see her anywhere? Anything could be wrong. And all you can do is stand there and cry and beg for me to listen to your weeping when you should be worrying about Darcy. Our sister!"

"I hate to break it to you, kid. She's not your sister. She's mine," Kol chipped in.

"Ours," Rebekah corrected.

"You are both foolish idiots," Finn commented, exasperated.

"Oh, please enlighten us on how, good gracious, Finn," Kol snarked.

"First, you failed to realise the girl resembles Tatia. Second, you are futile to acknowledge they are calling Darcella their sister."

Rebekah gasped. "But that's impossible. Darcella is our sister."

"Well, that's obvious; the girl is another doppelganger," Kol chimed in.

"I know that, you tosser. I may be blonde, but I'm not thick-headed, you mongrel!" Rebekah spat.

"Wrong brother. That would be Nik," Kol clapped back.

"Would you both shut up! You're giving me a headache with your constant babbling," Finn cut in. He paused for a few moments, contemplating. "This is another doppelganger. Rebekah—"

Elena scoffed out a bitter laugh as tears streamed down her face. "Such a perfect sister, acting as if she cares! Go on, tell me how damn perfect she is! How she's going to save the town and play the wonderful resident hero! She's not even here!"

"Do you even hear yourself, Elena?! You're going on like Darcy is the cause of everything bad happening to your life!" Jeremy exclaimed. His voice trailed off in a whisper when a few heads turned in his direction, "how could you? After everything she has done for us... For me."

"Because she is, Jeremy! Mum and dad. She killed Vicky and Isobel, and you and Uncle John could have died too!" Elena cried.

Jeremy staggered back, bumping into Bonnie's stunned form, his face turning pale as he gaped at Elena. He shook his head and turned around and fled, Ignoring her cries and pleads, missing the figure emerging from the crowd, who had been watching their interaction.

It was one thing blaming Vicky's and Isobel's deaths on Darcy, but adding Grayson and Miranda, too? That's a step too far. When the night they died, Elena had been in the car also, and Darcy attempted to save them all. So how could she? How could Elena stand there and place all blame on Darcy's hands?

Cold blue eyes stared into the back of Elena's head. The figure nodded and turned around, drifting through the crowd that parted for her like the red sea.

"Oh, Darcella," Rebekah whispered. "She's so sad, and it pains me that we can't do anything about it."

-

Since I'm so nice... and awesome, you can have part 1 of the final <3 I'm currently (attempting) to write up part 2!