By the Light of the Moon

*AGE CHANGE FROM 12 to 14; Birthday no longer on Founder's Day*

"Does it say anything, Bonnie?" Emma asked, sitting at the head of Elena's bed with a book in her hands.

Bonnie, sitting on the bed as well, shook her head and flipped to the next page of the grimoire. "No. Nothing yet."

During the night of the unfortunate events that had occurred, Emma saw it was finally time to tell everyone about her abilities after Elena and Damon came back from visiting Stefan at the tomb. Let's just say her sister was not too thrilled about the secret. But of course, upon seeing Emma's distraught and trembling form, Elena let go of her anger and comforted the fragile girl. In order to solve the mystery of Emma's powers, Bonnie had offered to help by searching the grimoire for answers.

Elena stood by her dresser, staring down at the moonstone in her hand. "So, now that you've got this back, what are you gonna do with it?" she asked Bonnie, turning around to face the two girls.

"Right now, it's what's binding the sun and moon curse. If I can figure out a way to remove the spell from the stone, the stone becomes useless."

"And according to Katherine, Klaus becomes vengeful." Elena added.

"Maybe." Emma injected, setting her book to the side. "If he finds out."

Elena groaned. "Can't this wait? Stefan is stuck in the tomb with Katherine. We've got to get him out." she said.

"Stefan wants me to focus on this." Bonnie argued, gesturing towards the moonstone.

"Well, don't listen to him. He thinks he's protecting me, but he's wrong." Elena reasoned, desperately trying to convince Bonnie otherwise.

"I'm taking Stefan's side with this one." Bonnie stated. "We're not gonna let you get used in some creepy sacrifice ritual." She reached out and took the moonstone out of Elena's hand.

Elena looked over at Emma for support, but the girl gave her older sister a guilty shrug.

Just then, Jeremy opened Elena's bedroom door. "What are you guys arguing about?"

Emma scooted her way off the bed. "Arguing about nothin', big bro." she said, grabbing her research book again and walked over to him.

Bonnie nodded in agreement and put the moonstone in her bag's front pocket. She made quick eye contact with the two younger Gilberts before standing up.

"I need a coffee." She moved passed Emma and Jeremy and went downstairs.

Emma glanced at her older siblings and awkwardly left the room as well, going downstairs after Bonnie. Bonnie was just turning the corner of the bottom of the stairs when she saw Emma.

"You know what to do." she said.

Emma nodded and opened the front door, stepping outside. Upon shutting the door, she patiently waited with her arms folded behind her back. And in no time, Elena opened the door and was stopped by an invisible barrier.

"Going somewhere?" Emma asked, giving Elena a sad smile.

Elena furrowed her eyebrows in confusion as she tried to walk through the door. She looked at Emma with an hurt expression before she turned to Bonnie.

"What did you do?"

"It's for the best, Elena." Bonnie said.

Elena let out a defeated sigh and continued trying to push through the barrier.

"Elena, please, just stop." Emma pleaded, advancing forward.

Giving up, Elena shook her head and turned, walking to the living room. Emma stepped inside the house through the barrier, frowning as she watch Elena go. Bonnie rested a reassuring hand on the girl's shoulder.

"Hey, she may be mad now, but soon, she'll understand." the witch said and Emma nodded in understanding. Bonnie walked over to Jeremy, grabbed her bag from his hands, and stood at the base of the door. "Well, I'm going to do some more research on the curse and . . . find out Emma's problem." And with that she left.

Emma slowly made her way to Elena, who was sitting on the couch. "Since, um, you're kind of stuck here," she joked, earning a slight glare from her sister. "do you think you can help me? You know, make time go by faster?" she finished, gesturing to the book still in her hand.

The oldest Gilbert nodded, reaching her hand out for the book. Emma smiled, handing it to her. "I'll be back." She then ran up the stairs to her room. From her bed, she grabbed the various books she checked out from the library on mythical beings. Emma carried the stack of books downstairs and stopped at the base when she saw Damon make his way for the door.

"Well, if it isn't our little fortune teller." Damon said, with a sly smirk on his face. "How's research?"

Emma sighed, shoulders slightly hunched. "Not good. Bonnie's having a hard time finding anything in the grimoire."

"Don't worry, we'll get answers." Damon said, patting the Emma's back.

Though, when his hand made contact, Emma's eyes went wide as she let out a loud gasp and dropped the books on the ground.

A woman's face appeared in her mind. She was beautiful. Brunette with hints of blonde, tall, blue eyes. She said the name 'Mason' as it echoed within.

"Emma."

The girl blinked multiple times in confusion until she finally saw Damon shaking her shoulders as he stared worriedly at her.

"Did you- did you just have a vision?" the vampire asked.

"Y-yeah. I think I did." she responded, eyebrows furrowed in thought. Who was that lady?

"Then what did you see?"

Emma shrugged. "Um, it was some lady? I don't know, I've never seen her before. She was saying 'Mason'." she informed. Upon seeing Damon's recognition to her words, she then asked him, "Wait, do you know who I'm talking about?"

Damon made an uncertain expression. "Maybe. Not sure. Alaric just called me that someone's asking questions about our dead dog. Could be who you just saw."

"What are you going to do?" Emma asked. "You're not going to kill her, are you?" She put her hands on her hips as she gave Damon a disapproving look.

"I'm not going to kill her, okay? We have leverage. We know about her before she knows about us. If she turns out to be a problem, then I'll kill her."

Emma scoffed in shock, and Damon smiled at her, patting her head and leaving the Gilbert home. She shook her head, bending down and picking up the books she dropped on the floor. Going to the living room, she set them down on the coffee table and sat down. For the remainder of the day, she and Elena read and read and read, but could not find anything.

"Hey, I'll be back. I'm gonna shower." Elena said, tossing a book onto the couch as she got up.

Emma softly smiled up at her. "Okay."

A few minutes went by and the girl slammed her current book shut and threw it aside. She huffed in annoyance as she reached out for another. As she opened the book, she heard the front door open along with Jenna's and a stranger's voice.

"Hi, Jenna." she greeted, her focus on her book.

"Hey, kiddo." Jenna responded. "Could you come here for a second, I'd like to introduce you to our guest."

Emma quietly grunted, rolling her eyes and tossing the book to the side. She got up and went to the foyer where she saw Jenna smiling at the man who had his back facing Emma.

"Emma, I'd like you to meet Elijah." Jenna introduced, the man, Elijah, turning around to reveal his face to the young girl.

She froze mid-step when she saw him. What was Elijah doing here in her home?

Elijah smiled at her. "Hello, Emma."

Emma broke from her trance as she opened her mouth and struggled to speak. "H-uh-h-hi." At the same time, she stumbled back and bumped into the table that had picture frames. She quickly turned to make nothing fell. "Oh, sorry." She faced the adults again. "Yeah, hi." Her heart was beating rapidly in her chest from the anxiety she was feeling. She was sure Elijah could hear it.

Elijah stuck his hand out towards the girl. "It's nice to meet you."

Emma glanced from his hand to his intriguing eyes. Her uncasted, shaky hand extended out and shook his. "Likewise."

When their hands pulled apart, Elijah turned to Jenna. "I'm terribly sorry, but I'm quite parched. Do you mind-?"

"Oh, yes. I'll get you something." Jenna said, leaving Emma and Elijah to go into the kitchen.

A moment of silence went by. "Emma Belle Gilbert." Elijah began, folding his arms behind his back. "I've heard much about you. Daughter to Miranda and Grayson Gilbert, youngest of three, and apparently one. . . who can see the future." he stated, moving closer to her.

Emma's eyes widened in surprise. "H-how did yo-"

"Oh, our friend, Damon Salvatore, had informed me, during our little encounter with your sister, of your vision seeing me come back to life." He grinned down at her. "You know, I've met a couple of your kind during my long life."

"What?" Emma tensed at his previous statement. "Wait, does that mean you know what I am?" she asked.

Elijah nodded. "Of course. You happen to be-"

"Here you go." Jenna announced, handing the Original vampire a glass of water. He gladly took it and took a sip. "Well, I'll get those records I was telling you about."

"Ah, great. I'll wait in the kitchen." Elijah said, giving Emma one last smile before going into the kitchen.

"Here, Em, help me out." Jenna ordered, opening the door to the closet underneath the stairs.

Emma knelt down and helped pull out the boxes Jenna handed her. "So, why's Elijah here?"

"I'm-"

"Hey," Elena said, standing in front of Jenna and Emma. "What are you doing?"

"Perfect timing." Jenna said, lifting a box up to Elena, who struggled to hold it. "These are your mom's files from the historical society."

Elena glanced at Emma to see her uneasy expression. They made eye contact and Emma hoped that her sister would get the hint that something was wrong.

"I got roped into helping Mrs. Lockwood." Jenna explained, picking up the other box and giving it to Emma. "And by roped, I mean very excited to participate." Jenna said, closing the door to reveal Elijah to Elena, scaring her.

"Hey, I'm Elijah." he said, introducing himself.

Elena looked at Emma again for an explanation, though the young girl could only give a defeated shrug.

"Emma, set that at the table," Jenna ordered, Emma following her directions. Jenna went up to Elena and took the box she held from her. "Elijah's in town doing research on Mystic Falls." she added as she put the box on the table as well.

"It's a pleasure." Elijah held out his hand to Elena which she shook.

Emma stood by Elena as Jenna spoke to Elijah.

"So you know, you're welcome to stay here and rummage through this stuff, or we could help you load it into your car." she offered.

"Yeah, or I can get someone to pick it up tomorrow." Elijah suggested.

Jenna chuckled. "Also a good plan."

As Jenna guided Elijah to the front door, Elijah said, "Thank you, Jenna, for inviting me into your home, and, Emma, Elena, I hope to see you again." He smiled and went on his way.

Elena grabbed Emma's hand and dragged her upstairs. "Why didn't you say anything?"

"He was right there. He could have heard me." Emma argued, struggling to match her sister's speed.

The two girls made it to Jeremy's room and started to rapidly knock on his door. Just as Elena was about to turn the doorknob, Elijah appeared and grabbed her arm, preventing her from opening the door. He raised his index finger to his lips and silently shushed the girls. Footsteps were heard inside Jeremy's room and he opened his door. Elijah pushed his back to the wall and hid.

"Hey, what's wrong?" he asked, taking off his headphone.

"N-nothing." Emma stuttered, earning a curious glance from the vampire.

Elena nodded. "Yeah. Jenna just needs your help with the boxes."

"Okay." Jeremy said. He left his room and went downstairs, unaware of Elijah standing with the girls.

Elijah stepped forward as he watched Jeremy descend. "Wise choice."

"What do you want?" Elena questioned, pulling Emma close to her.

"I think it's time we had a little chat." Elijah said, motioning to Elena's room.

Elena narrowed her eyes and made her way to her room with Emma by her side. As the three entered the room, Elijah went up to the window.

"Oh, forgive the intrusion. I mean your family no harm." he stated, moving aside the pillows on Elena's window seat.

"Why did you kill those vampires when they tried to take me?" Elena asked, closing the door.

Emma sat on the corner of the bed, facing Elijah.

"Because I didn't want you to be taken."

"Why would you, of all people, want to keep Elena safe?" Emma asked, crossing her arms.

Elijah chuckled. "Klaus is the most feared and hated of the Originals, those that fear him are desperate for his approval. If word gets out that the doppelganger exists, there'll be a line of vampires eager to take you to him, and I can't have that."

Elena voiced another question. "Isn't that exactly what you're trying to do?"

"Let's just say that my goal is not to break the curse."

"Then what do you want?" Emma questioned.

"His obsessions have made him paranoid. He's a recluse. Klaus trusts only those in his immediate circle." Elijah said.

"Like you?" Emma asked.

Elijah slightly shook his head. "Not anymore."

"You don't know where he is, do you?" Elena inquired. Elijah's distraught face said it all. "So you're trying to use me to draw him out."

Elijah gave a somewhat suppressed smile. "To do that, I need you to stay put and stop trying to get yourself killed."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?" Elena asked, crossing her arms as she stood next to Emma.

"Well, if I wasn't being truthful, all your family would be dead," Elijah snuck a glance at Emma. "no matter how special they are," Emma tensed. "and I'd be taking you to Klaus right now. Instead, I'm here, and I'm prepared to offer you a deal."

"What kind of a deal?" Elena asked.

Emma held out her hand to stop her. "Whoa, you're not actually thinking about trusting him, are you?"

"What choice do I have, right now?" Elena countered.

"Don't worry, you don't have to do much. Simply do nothing." the Original said, standing up and walking over to Elena's dresser. "Live your life, stop fighting. And then, when the time is right, you and I shall draw Klaus out together, and I shall make certain that your friends remain unharmed."

Elena uncrossed her arms. "And then what?"

"Then I kill him."

"Just like that?" Emma asked, unsure about the level of easiness of killing Klaus.

"Just like that."

"Aren't you guys supposed to be difficult to kill?" Emma questioned.

"That may be but I'm a man of my word. I make a deal, I keep a deal. I make sure there is a way."

Elena adjusted her feet, placing her hands in her back pockets. "How are you going to be able to keep everybody safe?"

"You know, I notice you have a friend, Bonnie, is it? She seems to possess the gift of magic."

"Let me guess, you have friends of your own." Emma concluded.

"Correct, little one. Together we can protect everybody that matters to you." Elijah advanced towards the girls and looked at both of them in the eyes. "So do we have a deal?"

Elena seemed to have realized something, making her say to Elijah, "I need you to do one more thing for me."

"We're negotiating now?" Elijah questioned, an eyebrow raised curiosity. Elena cocked her head to the side, as if to challenge him and Emma feared for the worse.

Thought, it turned out Elena had Elijah use the power of his witch friends to lift the curse from the tomb in order to save Stefan. In addition to freeing Stefan, Katherine was made to stay in the tomb, left to wait for Klaus' punishment. When Stefan had arrived at the Gilbert house, Emma gave him a quick hug and went to her room so that the two lovebirds could be alone. What she didn't expect was to see Elijah patiently waiting for her in her room.

Emma let out a gasp in surprise upon seeing him. She quickly closed the door and faced him. "What are you still doing here?"

"It dawned on me that our previous conversation was interrupted earlier this evening. I'm simply here to pass on the information you desperately desire." Elijah responded, arms behind his back.

Emma shrugged. "How do you know I don't already know what I am."

Elijah chuckled and kindly smiled at the young girl. "The many books you have scattered about on mystical beings says otherwise."

Emma sighed and waved out her arms. "Fine, you got me."

Elijah brought out one of his arms, appearing to be holding a medium size brown book in his hand. He gave it to her.

Confusion was evident on Emma's face. "What is this?"

"The answers you seek."

Emma looked at the cover of the book. The outside material was leather and looked and felt worn out. Engraved on it was the word 'Seer'. She glanced up at Elijah with furrowed eyebrows, only to see he had disappeared.

"What?" she muttered, scanning her room to make sure he wasn't standing behind her.

She looked at the book once again and then slowly made her way to her bed. Getting comfortable, she opened the old book to page one and began reading. It was going to be a long night.

~~~~♡~~~~

Okay guys, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Emma finally met Elijah (yay!) and we know what Emma is (double yay!). I apologize for how short the chapter is, usually the word count is in the four or five thousands, but this episode of TVD didn't have much for me to go on. It didn't have a lot of scenes in the Gilbert house, but I made it work.

And I wanted to ask if you guys liked the new cover I put for the story. It has a bit of symbolism but I can't tell you what the connection is just yet because I'd have to spoil what I have planned for future chapters and I think it would be kind of cool to find out in the end.

So stay tuned and get ready for the next chapter!