[*Chapter Fifty-Three (NEW)*]

Walking out of the house, Darcy paused on the porch seeing a single car and Jeremy remaining. Elena and Jenna are nowhere to be seen.

"And then there was two," she commented, frowning.

Sure, she knows Jenna has her own life, and her safety was more important, but she at least expected a farewell before she bade her goodbyes. Clearly, that message was left out. And as for Elena, she's a lost cause, still focused on her hatred to stick around. Darcy figured her brief piece of support was all she would receive for now.

Jeremy pulled away from the black Range Rover and made his way to the stone steps. "Jenna dropped Elena off at school."

Darcy arched an eyebrow, walking down the steps, meeting him at the bottom. "And you decided to stay?"

Jeremy peered down at his shoes, scuffing them along the slabbed pavement before looking up at her. "I couldn't leave you, not after the things Uncle John had said. I wanted to make sure you were okay."

Darcy smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately, hiding the slight pain swarming her insides and setting off in the direction of her car. She looked over the roof of the vehicle before climbing inside. "You needn't worry, Jer. A few words won't knock this old girl down."

Jeremy copied her actions, sitting in the passenger seat. "You're amazing. You know that?"

Darcy smirked, starting the motor and backing out of the driveway. "So, you all keep telling me. Don't stop building my ego on my accord."

Jeremy shook his head and rummaged through his hoody and pulled out a blank sealed envelope and placed it on Darcy' lap as she drove down the street. "This was left behind the wipers."

Darcy glanced down at the envelope, arching a single eyebrow at the slight bulge inside. Curious, she braked at a red light and unsealed it with a ruby-varnished nail. Tilting it upside down, a set of keys and a folded note slid into her palm. Peering up, she pressed on the gas, noticing the green light and with one hand on the wheel, she unfolded the note.

For a little thing, you sure have a dangerous mind.

I'll be waiting for my thanks,

- D xoxo

Underneath was an address.

Darcy laughed, sliding them back inside and gestured for Jeremy to place them inside of the glove department. "God, I love that man!"

Jeremy complied and glanced at her, intrigued. "Care to share?"

"Nothing to worry your pretty little head about, just know the plan continues to move onward!" she grinned a satanic grin as they pulled into the school's parking lot and parked, cutting the engine.

Jeremy nodded and accepted he wasn't getting much more and unbuckled his seat belt. He paused, hands hovering mid-air, his thoughts flitting back to the incident back at the house. "About what John said... about Pearl," he trailed off, uncertain how to proceed with the worrisome thoughts clouding his mind.

Darcy sighed, pulling the keys out of the ignition, and turned to peer at the solemn teen.

"Did you know?" Jeremy continued, his features screwing up in anguish.

Darcy softened her expression and shook her head. "No. I had a feeling. I was hoping he would deny the assumptions. I'm sorry, Jeremy."

Jeremy squeezed his eyes tight, his fists clenching in his lap. "No... You don't need to be sorry. It's not your fault. But, what about Anna? What if-"

Darcy places her hands upon his, gaining his attention. Jeremy opened his eyes, peering into her compassionate gaze. "We know she's alive, Jer. John wouldn't have asked you questions about her if that wasn't the case. Anna is probably mourning and needs time. Allow her that. I can't imagine what she's going through, losing her mother again after a Hundred and Fifty Years of being locked up in the tomb is going to be hard. All you can do is be there for her when she's ready."

The young Gilbert mulled over her words, thinking about when his parents died. All he wanted was to be on his own, away from people and their afflictions and opinions. Jeremy put himself in Anna shoes and understood what Darcy had meant.

Shooting her a timid smile, he nodded and exited the car. No words were needed as Darcy followed and locked the doors, stuffing the key back into her pocket as they cut across the car park and over the lawn. Their eyes skimmed amongst the mass of people gathering outside the school to help prepare for Founders' Day.

"Of all days, today happened to be today," Darcy muttered.

"Come on. It's not gonna be that bad," Jeremy chuckled, brushing through the crowd as he eyed the float in the process of being set up.

Darcy scoffed, thinking otherwise, and glanced down at her attire. The feel of bulk underneath her hoodie gave her a burst of adrenaline. "Hmm, I don't know. I have a bad feeling. Where there is a mass of people, bad things are bound to happen."

"What, you don't think Isobel will cause a scene here, do you?" Jeremy asked cautiously.

Darcy peeked up at him as they pushed through the doors of the school building and walked inside. "I wouldn't put it past her. That means, keep on your guard at all times and stay close."

Jeremy opened his mouth to respond but stopped seeing Elena walking towards them. "Uh-oh, Mother Hen is approaching."

"Darcy?" Elena flickered her eyes over to Darcy cautiously, and her fingers drummed on her thighs anxiously.

"Decided you want to talk now?" Darcy paused her steps, glancing briefly at the brunette before turning her attention through the double glassed doors.

Elena sighed, her eyes shining with guilt. "No. I came to say I'm sorry. Sorry for leaving after John said those things. They aren't true. I'm also sorry about Isobel. I didn't know she would turn up after turning off my phone. I just needed some time to clear my head. And I know you heard the other night, but I don't hate you... I don't think I could ever, not after everything you do for us."

Darcy remained quiet, gazing outside, eyes staring vacantly at the horde of students lingering outside the school. She rubbed at her face when Jeremy elbowed her side and turned back to the brunette.

"I mean this in the nicest way possible. I honestly don't care if you hate me or not. My main concern is knowing you're safe, and Isobel can't get to you, any of you. Despite our differences, I was shitting my pants knowing she wanted to meet you, knowing she has the potential to hurt you any way she wanted. My fears skyrocketed when I couldn't get through to your phone, thinking the worst, none of us could. And If it wasn't because of Jeremy telling me you were staying at Caroline's, I don't even want to know what I would have done.

And let's not forget John and his hidden agenda, and then Jenna upset because she's worried sick for you, Elena. We had no choice but to tell her the truth about Isobel before it became a bigger issue and the possibility of her also getting hurt."

Elena gaped at her, shocked, her stomach clenching. "What? You told Jenna?"

Darcy looked at her incredulously. "Of course. We had to. Can you imagine what would have happened if Isobel targeted her and she didn't know who the woman was? I can picture it now, Isobel opening her mouth just for the sake of causing you pain."

Elena sucked in a sharp breath, tears lining her vision. Knowing that Jenna knows the truth feels like a sudden weight was removed from her shoulders. Yet, worry begins to consume her because she had planned to delay the inevitable longer, fearing Jenna's possible judgment. Her mind flashes back to the bag in Jenna's possession before leaving the house. "When you say Jenna getting hurt... the bag. Is she leaving?"

Darcy nodded in confirmation.

"Where?" Jeremy piped up, frowning at not knowing of this information.

"Somewhere safe and away from here," Darcy replied, meeting his concerned face. "She'll be fine, Jer."

"I get that you want us safe, but there must be a bigger reason here, Darcy," Elena said.

"We told you, Elena. Isobel threatened to go on a killing spree if we didn't follow her commands. She made her target already."

"But why are Jeremy and I here? I don't get that. Wouldn't we be safer going with Jenna?" Elena questioned, frowning, the word of a threat blowing over her head.

"I get that, and I understand your doubts, but Isobel wants you here where she can keep track of you. She wants you to deliver the invention. As for Jer, with Anna and her mother's death, he's not going to comply. He'll find a way to come back. He's better off staying here with me."

Jeremy coughed in protest. Darcy turned around, an amused smile playing on her lips. "Got something to say, Jer?"

"Nope, I'm good," he replied, looking away to avoid her triumphant grin.

"Thought so. If that's all, I believe we have a witch waiting for us."

"Uh, about that," Elena paused, earning their attention. "I told Bonnie what was happening - don't look at me like that - I was upset. I just... kinda blurted everything out."

"Elena!" she protested sharply. "There are too many people involved as it is. I can't afford to worry about others, too."

Don't get Darcy wrong; she loves Bonnie to pieces, but with her losing her Sheila, she knows the girls head won't be clear or on the right set of shoulders. She would have to be cautious about her well-being and her clouded judgment towards the Salvatore's.

Sighing in disappointment, Darcy proceeds with their walk along the school's corridor. Elena and Jeremy copy her actions. "Still, I wish you would leave the girl out of this. There're enough people at risk. Not only that, but she's also going through a lot right now," she muttered. "I'm guessing that's why she's called us here? With Bonnie's caring nature, she can't help but involve herself."

"Yeah," Elena confirmed with a look of remorse. "She knows about the invention and said she would look into it for us," she said, flashing the dark head a careful glance.

Darcy let out a groan and fought the urge to stomp her foot like a toddler during a tantrum. Instead, she said no more and gestured for Elena to lead the way. However, Jeremy staggered behind a few steps and rubbed his neck sheepishly. "Uh, can I?-"

Darcy cursed and staggered to a stop. Again. "I swear if it's not one, it's the other. You're both like little children. We can never get to a destination without the other stopping for any incompetent reason."

"Uh, never mind, continue the destination, is it," Jeremy changed tactics, exchanging an amused glance with the silent sniggering brunette trailing beside him. He rolled his eyes and motioned with his hand that Darcy was going crazy, causing Elena to let out a snicker.

Darcy whirled around with squinted eyes, eyeing the pair. She raised a finger and wagged it between them in a playful, threateningly manner. "I know you're not talking and laughing behind my back like I'm not here."

Elena widened her eyes innocently. "Nope, wouldn't dare,"

Darcy narrowed her eyes on the girl, analysing her playfully. She flitted them to Jeremy, who did a terrible disguise to hide his amusement, especially when he had a full beamed grin plastered on his face. "You can lower your hackles, D," he teased.

"You little shit-,"

"Alright, let's get to Bonnie before we're stuck here all night at this rate," Elena commented with amusement.

Darcy closed her mouth. "Who knew you could come up with something useful," she teased.

Elena raised her arm and stepped forward playfully, encouraging Darcy to flee and run down the corridor in the wrong direction. Before commenting, she waited until she was at the other end, nearer to the front doors. "You're going the wrong way."

"I knew that!" Darcy exclaimed, whirling around and jogging back.

Jeremy chuckled and threw his arm around her shoulder. "And she says, we're like children," he lets out a pained groan when Darcy elbowed him in the gut.

*•*•*•*

A moment later, they paused outside a classroom door. Elena peeked through the window, and upon seeing Bonnie seated at the teacher's desk, she announced, "Bonnie's in here."

"Ah, there she is, Bonnie Bennett!" the door banged open, startling the Bennett witch, almost toppling off her seat in her panic. Darcy clambered inside the room, bouncing over to the girl and tackling her into a bone-crushing hug. "Well, if it isn't my favourite witch!"

Bonnie laughed, winding her arms around Darcy' waist. "I'm the only witch you know."

"Don't be so sure, BonBon, I could have met many in my lifetime!" she pulled away, smiling mischievously at the girl. "And didn't I tell you to stop leaving me with these arseholes?"

"Hey!" Elena and Jeremy protested in unison.

"I'm sorry, will I have missed so much you make up for my missing presence?" Bonnie giggled.

Darcy hummed, a good-humoured doubtful look painting her features. "I don't know... I may need some more solid validation, but I'll surely get back to with a compromise," she grinned, winking.

Bonnie's rolled her eyes fondly before they travelled over to Elena, sheepishly peeking from behind Darcy's frame and to Jeremy, who had now seated at the desk in the front row. She frowns seeing him but shakes her head and lays a hand on the book displayed in front of her.

"I wanted you to see this."

"Is that Emily's spellbook?" Elena asked, moving around Darcy and peering down at the thick book.

Bonnie nodded her head, agreeing. "I've been going through it since Grams died. Check this out," she pushes the book closer to them, showing the design of the Gilbert watch.

"That's the vampire compass," Elena said.

Bonnie nodded. "Yeah, according to Emily, Johnathan Gilbert never actually succeeded in inventing anything. Emily secretly spelt them all with magic. Compass, ring, and the mystery device you told me about."

"The mystery device is called the Gilbert Device, also known as the invention," Darcy mumbled, a faraway look present on her face as she moved to sit on the edge of the desk. "From Johnathan's journals, he writes about the inventions he created. As you said, the Gilbert rings and Jeremy's watch, which we now know is the vampire compass. However, there's another piece, a counterpart to the Gilbert Device, but it's missing," she declared, pointing to another diagram in the book.

"What is that?" Elena frowned.

"A winding key. I have a feeling John may have that. I think without that, the invention is useless."

"Do you think you could find in time?" Jeremy asked.

Darcy twisted her lips in thought, weighing the pros and cons. The invention is in a safe place, and as long as it stays hidden, she could draw it out. Given John's and Isobel's haste in getting the device, she doesn't doubt they have the winding key in their possession, or maybe even council. With John already being on the council, she believes they are all involved somehow.

All have a common goal - obliviating the tomb vampires, including the Salvatores. But that's the next battle.

"No. Far too risky. As long as the device stays in the right hands, then that's fine."

"Emily pledged her loyalty to Katherine, But she couldn't stand by and watch innocent people get killed. This was the only way she could think of to help. To let Johnathan Gilbert believe that he'd actually invented these devices," Bonnie spoke up, diverting the tense atmosphere.

"Does it say what it does?" Elena asked.

Bonnie peers down at the page and reads before looking up at them again with a worried expression. "Are you sure this is what Isobel wants?"

Jeremy squints at the three girls and leans forward to see what Bonnie had read. He glances up, eyes passing over the three females, before gesturing to Darcy with his head. "When we were reading through the journal last night, we found out the real cause."

"It's a weapon used against vampires," Darcy answered.

"You know?" Elena whirls around at her in surprise.

"I did say I had a sleepover with the boys last night. What did you think we were doing, painting each other's nails and having makeovers?" Darcy replied sarcastically.

"No... but not this!" Elena exclaimed. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"We did...your phone was turned off," Jeremy answered, shrugging.

Elena gaped at him, speechless. Since when did Jeremy become sarcastic? "I, uh, right... Does that mean Stefan and Damon know also?"

"Yep, they know. Hence why we want to keep the device far away from Isobel and John," Darcy stated. And the council, she added in her thoughts.

"Why John and not just Isobel?" Elena asked, confused.

"Surely, you're not that dense, right? Why would Isobel want it when it's invented to kill her kind? Maybe think on the lines of how Johnathan Gilbert also despised vampires. Work it out," Darcy paused before continuing. "I'll give you a hint. What do Isobel and John share in common?"

A frown appeared between Elena's brows as she gazed between the trio before shifting her stare to the wooden desk. She peered up after a moment of no success. "I don't know."

Darcy sighed and stood to her feet, closing the spellbook and handing it back to Bonnie. "Let me rephrase that, who do they know in common? Work on it. It'll come to you."

She stood back, moved over to the exit, and opened the door. "Come on. We'll end this here. We have a float to build."

Her words prompted groans from the two girls and an audible complaint from Jeremy's lips. She chuckled, gazing at him in torment. "Yeah, you regret it now; you know you have to get your hands dirty, huh?"

"Har, har," he mumbled with sarcasm as he shuffled out of the door. Elena followed after, commenting about his new attitude change as they walked ahead down the hallway.

Darcy eyed their backs before peering at Bonnie as they walked a few paces behind them. "Hey, Bon?" she said.

Bonnie hummed, stuffing the book into her bag and then hooking the strap onto her shoulder. "I know you're your own person and can make your judgements, and I promise to tell you everything later, but can you promise me you'll stay safe?"

Bonnie peered over at Darcy, her eyes passing over the girls closed-off face. However, the witch has known Darcy for a reasonably long time to distinguish the girl has a habit of guarding her inner emotions.

Though she shows no emotion, her body language gives her true feelings away. The way the lithe frame is rigid, her hands clenched at her sides, and how her hard eyes are locked on Elena and Jeremy's backs, she decides that Darcy is worried, scared even. But not for herself.

So, to give Darcy an ounce of reassurance, Bonnie complies with her request. "Yeah. I promise," she pauses, hesitating before biting the burst of confidence. "But Darcy, you don't have to do this on your own, and dare I say? You're not on your own. If you need help, you can ask me."

A smile paints her red lips. She shakes her head, the black strands flying around like a halo and throws an arm around Bonnie' shoulder, drawing her into her side. "I know, and I'm thankful for you. However, this is my fight. I'd be happier knowing your safe and unharmed," they pause before the school doors, and Darcy removes her arm, placing both on the Bennett witch' shoulders, staring into her eyes with determination. "Now, keep your guard on. We don't know what could happen today, but I have a feeling something will happen, and with today's activities, it'll be the perfect opportunity for Isobel to strike. The moment something does, no matter who she targets, I want you to run for it."

"What? I can't do that, not if it's you or Elena, or even Jeremy-," Bonnie cut her off harshly.

"-Yes, you can, Bonnie. I gave my promise to your Gran I would keep you safe, I don't break my pledges, and I won't start now," Darcy urged fiercely. "Please, this is the only thing I'll only ever ask of you. Keep yourself safe and run home."

Bonnie shook her head, removing Darcy's hands and brushed her watery eyes, her lower lip trembling. "Hey? Why the tears?" Darcy spoke softly, gazing at her softly.

Bonnie continued to shake her head, lowering her clenched hands to her bag strap, something to hold on to, to keep her grounded. "All this, all this you're doing to keep us all safe, and yet, you... you're the one left standing open. I'm scared for you, Darcy. I'm scared you're going to get yourself killed. What do we do then?"

Darcy wrapped her arms around the girl and pulled her into her chest. "And that's okay, Bon. I'll be happy knowing you're all alive and I've succeeded with my plans. That's all that matters to me," she hugged her for a moment longer before pulling away and pushing open the double doors and walking outside. Bonnie followed behind her, gazing at her in worrisome.

"How do you know Isobel would come after me or anyone else but you and your family?" Bonnie questioned.

"Do you honestly believe she came into Mystic Falls without checking Elena's friends, acquaintances, and nemeses? If she can't get to us, she'll go after them. She'll cross off the necessities before going for the main course. It's what I would do, eliminate the obstructions and then eat the main course. Dessert will follow immediately after. There's no such thing as being full. Isobel may be smart, but I'm a step ahead. And, I intend to stay the winner in this race."

*•*•*•*

I love Bonnie and Darcy!!! <3

The next chapter will be the showdown between Darcy and Isobel. Brace yourselves! It's gonna be dirty... It may come sooner, or it may not depending on how dramatic I want to be. Actually, thoughts on wanting Isobel dead. I'm debating on whether to kill her off now or keep it to the plot in season two. What do you think? I personally don't think she's valuable and I do have a new character joining earlier in the next book (not an OC).

Yeah, I know I said updates will resume in the new year. However, I've had this chapter partly written for a few weeks, and finally after a burst of inspiration because you readers are just awesome, I managed to get it finished. I know it's shorter than the usual lengthy chapters. I'm learning how to pace out the chapters, rather than dumping everything in one go. Plus, you won't miss out on anything important.

The usual, tell me your thoughts and what you would like to see happening next? 

Oh, and a massive thank you for the 117k reads and 5k votes, these precious numbers wouldn't be possible without you guys. Thank you. I love you all so much! Happy Christmas,  may you have happy memories! <3