#HARDEST PROLOGUE LINE IN WARRIORS

[chub-whisker]

i would’ve led riverclan into a golden dawn, not a bloody sunset.

[mentallyinwalmart]

Springtime— Prologue

Special thanks to @onefail-at-atime for the inspiration! This is shaping up to have 4 parts and be a predominantly Podsa/Gendrya fic with Braime sprinkled in (and obviously just badass Northern Queen’s and Southern Ladies/Knights and of course, the iconic Lannister Bros, and their time as Hands Of the King/Queen). This prologue basically gives you the setup for what I changed from the “official ending” and what has happened in the time elapsed. Enjoy!

—

Even after the longest night, the North pulled through the winter that came. Three and a half years had passed since that fateful night, and not a day went by where Sansa didn’t think of Theon and Lyanna and all the other warriors lost to the Night Kings army.

Nor did a day go by where she wasn’t courted by some suitor or another. Whether the declaration of intent came in a letter or gift, or in person differed from day to day, it was always the same. Just some man who craved the title of King in the north and wanted nothing more than to marry her, lay her with child, and push her to the side as they took the reigns.

She’d met a few men who were different, men who were kind and weak willed. Men who came with money and kindness, but lacked the spine and strength to truly make her a match.

She wondered how her parents had been so lucky to be pushed together by fate. A man and woman both so valiant and well matched. Catelyn had told her once it was not true love, that she and Ned had worked for every bit of connection and intimacy they shared.

But even if that was true, they’d both been strong, capable people who respected one another. People capable of forming a partnership even if the love never moved from platonic to romantic. Sansa was searching for that.

As a child she’d been a romantic, hoping for a knight like Loras or young Prince Joffrey to sweep her off her feet. But as she’d grown older, and felt the blows life had to strike, she began to realize what she wanted was strength, and power, and the ability to protect those innocents like her from the things she’d suffered.

But the thorn of jealousy had torn at Sansa’s heart when Arya had first returned from her quest, and begun receiving the letters. Sansa loved her sister, and after their occasional meetings she understood her sisters affections for the Lord of Storms End. But still, for Arya, who had never wanted anything but to swing a sword and be independent, to be living Sansa’s childhood dream of a handsome Lord pining over her stung just a bit.

But after their wedding at last years end, when Sansa for the first time truly saw them together, she realized this was nothing like her childhood dreams. But that it was positively perfect for her sister.

She focussed on her Queendom and keeping them alive. And promised her advisors that when Spring came she would find a suitable match, someone able and skilled, and capable of helping her get the North through the following winter.

Her winter reign was a time of peace, rebuilding, and the most joy any winter had been filled with in centuries. It was sometimes whispered that the fire of the Queen’s hair and the fire in the northmen’s souls melted the snow and summoned spring so quickly.

But when the first roses of red bloomed and the sky brightened each morn painted in pink and yellow haze, Sansa knew her time was up.

And still she was no closer to finding a match, or any man she could even hope to tolerate for a lifetime.

—

“Sansa.” Bran spoke without turning to face her as Podrick and Tyrion stood when she entered the council chambers.

“Brother.” She said with a nod in Brans direction, “Ser Podrick, Lord Tyrion.” Bran spun his chair to face the queen as she and the other council members settled at the table.

“I have called you all here to discuss the matter of my taking leave. Obviously, I have not brought the other members because this is a more,” she paused and bran could see by her placid face she was looking for the right word, “personal matter.”

“Is it really time already?” Tyrion asked, raising an eyebrow at Sansa.

He didn’t as his real question, ‘are you just using this as an excuse to avoid the imminent courtships you will have to soon take place in?’ But from her expression it was clear she understood.

“Yes, Tyrion.” She said, “you’ve seen my sister. Even though she may have the hardest will, her modest stature won’t outlast the eighth month, the doctors and I agree. Her babe will be here in no more than a fortnight and I must be with her when it arrives.”

Tyrion looked as though he wanted to protest but Bran looked at him, staring so deep it was as if he could see into the man’s soul.

“The Queen is right.” He said, “If she does not leave in the next three days the babe will come without her.”

Tyrion slumped slightly in his chair, and Bran watched as Sansa straightened up just a little bit.

“Fine.” The Hand mumbled, “But we’re sending no less than two dozen guards with you, as well as Podrick and myself.”

Sansa shook her head before he'd even finished speaking,

“No, Lord Tyrion, you’ll be in charge. My brother will accompany me to the South and Storm’s End.”

Bran looked between the two of them, and was just the tiniest bit of relief to find no hostility, simply persistent good will.

“I won’t be going. The wagons hurt my back and I’ve already sent Arya a raven insisting she come to see me when she’s back on her feet, which she has assured me will be moments after she gets, and I quote, ‘this goblin out of my stomach’.”

Sansa laughed and despite himself, Bran also cracked a smile.

“Poor Gendry,” Tyrion said, and then he and Podrick were laughing too.

After their brief lapse in serious discussions, Sansa straightened once more and nodded at Tyrion.

“Still, my Lord Hand, you must stay and rule in my stead. I don’t need extra protection, I am more than capable of caring for myself, especially with two dozen guards.”

“Even so,” Tyrion replied, “Ser Podrick will be going with you. As head of the Queensguard his place is with you. And besides, I think my sister in law will be most pleased to see him.”

Bran watched as Sansa turned to face Ser Podrick who was practically beaming at the mention of Ser Brienne, his former mentor. The moment the Guardsmen noticed the Queen’s gaze though he flushed slightly and toned down his enthusiasm.

“My place of course, is with you my queen.” He nodded at Sansa, “but Lord Tyrion is correct, more than anything I should like to see Ser Brienne.”

Sansa opened her mouth to speak but Tyrion got there first,

“Ser Brienne and the King Of the Six Kingdoms will of course be in attendance. I cannot speak to my brothers where abouts however, as, like me, he may also be confined to the castle to rule in his majesties absence.” He shot Sansa a look that was mostly good natured. “Who’d have thought the starks and the Lannister’s would one day be ruling side by side, as King,” he paused, “and Queen of course” he nodded at Sansa, “and hand.”

“So it’s settled then.” Podrick spoke for the first time that day with real authority and Bran watched Sansa carefully as she straightened up where she sat. “We leave tomorrow at daybreak. I shall ready the guards and your carriage my lady.”

“No need.” Sansa said, ignoring the slip up and Podrick’s embarrassed stuttering to correct himself to ‘my queen’. “I shall ride horseback with the rest of you. We will make better time.”

She nodded to Podrick who stood and bowed before leaving in a flustered but seemingly happy hurry. Tyrion nodded too and stood up, bowing to her as well before retreating.

“As you say my Queen,” He said, “if you see my brother tell him if he doesn’t visit soon I’m declaring war.”

For a moment Sansa looked aghast but when Tyrion winked she let out a sigh of relief and offered her Hand a smile.

“As you say, my lord.” She chuckled as he departed and looked to Bran. “Do you need anything, brother? or perhaps need share anything with me?”

Bran looked at his sister, how long her hair had grown and the confidence and courage she now stood with, at how small smile lines had returned to her mouth and the drop of her eyes said her mind seemed to rest a little easier. He shook his head.

“No, dear sister, we have all we need.” He handed her a note, “when you see her, give this to Arya, will you?”

Sansa nodded, and took the sealed letter before exiting the room and heading towards her chambers.

~~

Let me know if you’d like to be tagged!!! (and I’m sooo sorry if I forgot you somehow)

Love y’all, Bea

Tag list: @sassbewitchedmyass @ahandwithoutahand @lannisteroftarth @ben-roll-io @briennexofxtarth @oathbreaker-oathkeeper @nashilena @marasjadesfire @onlyjaimebrienne @averageinside @itsclaucueva

[cecevolume]

Fate - Chapter One

Oofta.  I have to say, the first chapter is always the hardest.  Prologues are easy; you just set up the story.  First chapters of the actual timeline?  Ugh.

Little note: When I wrote the original, some characters hadn’t appeared in the show yet.  I’m adding them in where I see fit, so Enzo will not be a vampire.

As always, I hope you guys enjoy! 

CeceVolume 

CHAPTER ONE

               “I got friends in low places!” she sang, raising her mug with the rowdy bunch of demons she’d chosen for her drinking partners that night.  They all were singing along to the song, spilling potent demon brew all over the floor while the other beings in the place laughed and danced in the chaos.

               Yesterday, if someone had told Caroline Forbes that this was how she would be spending her night, she wouldn’t have necessarily been surprised; demons were especially fun to hang with on a night out. But if you said that she was doing it to give herself a cover should her friends decide to seek her out instead of her ignoring them on her phone?  That would have been a stretch.

               They were her best friends, after all.  But just a touch on the annoying side.

               “Too bad about your werewolf, gorgeous,” Enzo muttered, throwing his arm around her shoulder.  Over the last fifty years, they’d partied a lot; he was one of the few rage demons she could stand to hang with for more than a day.  “But that just means you can finally acknowledge your feelings for me,” he added with a smirk and swig of demon brew.

               Enzo St. John was a well-known demon around Mystic Falls, one who had no problem bedding any female he turned his attention to. His thick, dark hair always looked like he’d gotten up and run his hand through it, called it good.  If you caught those deep brown eyes sparkling at you, it meant one of two things: drop your panties or get the hell outta Dodge. As with most demons, he was lean, compacted muscle, the kind that made him hell in a fight.

               And she’d be lying if she said she’d never thought about investigating the rumors of his…endowments.

               Alas, she had found Tyler soon after meeting Enzo and he’d been a much safer choice.  Now that “her werewolf” was gone, she just wasn’t willing to go through knowing that he would leave her someday, just like Tyler.

               Rolling her eyes, she plucked his arm from around her. “You know,” she answered, “that’s never going to happen.  I’m not trying to get attempted tonight.”  As he opened his mouth to say something sly, she continued, “Or ever.”

               Once again, Enzo’s arm found his way around her shoulders, this time putting his mouth to her ear to murmur, “That’s a very long time for an immortal, love, and I’m sure you wouldn’t like to eat your words.”

               She stifled a little shiver but couldn’t help giving herself an inward shake.  Enzo was a demon looking for his mate, just like Tyler.  The accent and his do-what-you-feel attitude were tempting, but what would happen when he left her too?  At least with Tyler, she hadn’t had to worry about being cheated on as well as the end that was always looming in the distance.

               Giving him a small smile, she said, “How about this? If I don’t find myself a male by the time I’m five-hundred and you don’t find your female by then, we’ll try it out, see where it goes.”

               Throwing back his head to laugh with a sparkle in his chocolate brown eyes, he replied, “I’ll write you in, darling.”  He turned his attention back to Matt, who stood behind the bar with one eyebrow raised.  “Matt, old boy!  You’re our witness; Caroline’s mine on her five hundredth birthday!  A round for the bar in celebration!”

               All the Loreans in the bar shouted in glee, holding up their glasses in toast.

Normally, even a Born vampire wouldn’t be welcomed so whole-heartedly into the bar.  Naturally, a creature that drank blood for sustenance was an unwanted patron in any establishment, much less one that actually knew they were bloodsuckers.  Just the appearance of one could either clear out a place or turn it into a full-on brawl.

Caroline Forbes was special, though.  Not only was Matt one of her best friends and now roommate, she was proud to say she was hard not to like.  Even people who didn’t like her could at least acknowledge that she was great to party with.  Life of the party, she thought to herself with a smile as she gave her beer another sip.

A chill she was all too familiar with went up her spine, making her eyes narrow as she turned in her seat.  It was the sense that someone was…exasperated with her.

Swinging her attention to the door of the bar, she saw exactly who she had expected to see: Bonnie and Elena.

They stood apart from the rest of the crowd, mostly because of their reputations.  They could drink and carry on with the rest of Caroline’s rag-tag team of friends, but that didn’t mean they didn’t get a wide berth the rest of the time.

Bonnie was the last Bennett witch, which made her quite possibly the strongest of her kind to ever live; the Bennetts were thought to be the first line of witches to step out of the ether.  It didn’t help that the mocha-skinned woman had no problem throwing her weight around, dropping immortals left and right with just a look if they displeased her.  Caroline thought it was a little over the top, but might makes right was the Lore’s motto.  And this witch might just be the mightiest.

Of course, she could also chug a bottle of tequila and ask for seconds, something she had learned before she’d even met Party Girl Caroline.

While Bonnie took care of everything mystically, Elena was the warrior princess.  As a Valkyrie, she had been trained since her birth forty years ago to battle with any weapon, at any time.  Being the Doppelganger was just more reason to train her harder.  She had no qualms about taking on the big and bad; nine point nine times out of ten, she’d end up winning too.

But she also could flip her long chestnut hair and shake her as like a champ.

Both of them weren’t shallow, one dimensional people.  They had depth.  Whoops, she thought with a larger gulp of beer.  Guess the universe just forgets to shade in some when they spend so much time painting other masterpieces.

Caroline was more a blunt tool, untrained kind of woman. If it could do damage, she would inflict some real hurt with it.  Though she’d learned to wield dual blades, she preferred to adapt to a situation; it made people more likely to underestimate her.

Yeah, walking around with a bow and short sword attached to you or magic glowing from your palms was cool, but to knock someone out with a lamppost was much more theatric.  Plus it didn’t require as much talent.

Raising her hand in a wave, she called, “You guys come to drink or fight tonight?”  She laughed when the whole bar—except the ever-suffering Matt, who merely shook his head with a grin—seemed to suck in a breath, waiting for the answer.

Normally, this would at least get a reaction of some sort out of the pair striding through the parting patrons.  A little spark of magic or a twirl of an arrow.  Just a little something to remind everyone that they were creatures with which one did not fuck.

Now, though, Caroline could see the purpose in their steps, their eyes.  What the hell was going on?  “Are you guys okay?” she asked when they finally got to her.

Bonnie gave a quick glance around the bar—glaring at Enzo’s back as he sidled up some nymph—before murmuring, “We have to get out of here, find some place we can talk.  There are too many people here that might be listening in.”  Her eyes strayed once more, as if she could pick out someone eavesdropping.

With a small snort, Caroline laughed, “Of course they’re listening; everyone here is just as much gossipmongers as a gaggle of old women.” A small mutter rippled through the crowd, making the vampire roll her eyes.  “Oh, yeah, because that doesn’t make it seem like any of you were eavesdropping at all!”

Elena snatched her arm, pulling her quickly out of the stool. “Care, I love you, but now isn’t the time.  Things are happening and Bonnie and I need you right now.”

Glancing over his shoulder, Enzo chimed in, “Did you read my dream journal?  Dear Diary, today I dreamed a lonely witch, Valkyrie, and vampire found comfort in each other’s hot, wet—ah!”

Bonnie clenched her hand as the demon dropped to the ground, clutching his head.  “Shut up,” she hissed before turning back to Caroline.  “We have issues to talk about and the longer we sit here, the more problems we accumulate—son of a bitch!”

Everyone sensed it a mere moment after the witch.  As a group, their attention went straight back to the front door and the two new occupants.  If she didn’t see Bonnie building magic in her palms or Elena slowly unsheathing her short sword, Caroline would have laughed at the audacity then joined in the soon-to-be melee.

Two Turned vampires walk into a bar, she thought mockingly as she downed the last of her beer.  “Is this one of the problems we’ve ‘accumulated’?” she asked quietly, noting Bonnie’s discreet nod in her direction.  “Are we in fight or flight mode tonight?”

Surprisingly, it was Elena who answered, “Flight,” before inching closer to the bar.  “Matt,” she muttered, “we could either use a berserker to clear the path or a distraction to get to the back door.”

The young, blonde vampire had never heard of a Valkyrie choosing retreat before the battle even started and had to eye the newcomers. What was so special about them?

Turned humans were notoriously arrogant; the sudden influx of previously unknown strength was like a drug to most.  Usually, though, they were put down before they got too old because they were driven mad by the level of emotions and bloodlust.  Their new instincts often warred with their delicate mortal minds.  And a crazy immortal ended up a dead immortal.

Tilting her head, she regarded them more closely.  The pair didn’t show any signs of madness, but definitely some intensity.  The taller of the two ran his hand through his tawny hair, his light hazel eyes surveying the gathered group with something akin to pity.  He stood just behind the other, his powerful body held tight beneath his brown leather jacket, forest green T, and jeans, as if waiting for the inevitable fight.

So he was the smart one, then.  Didn’t hurt matters that he was cute to boot.

The other, though, garnered Caroline’s interest in a different way.  There was something about how he held himself—loose but alert—that told her he was used to fighting and winning.  Thick black hair fell in a small wave to accentuate the hard lines of his features. A smirk played on his lips as he surveyed the room with his lightning blue gaze, stopping to lock on…Elena.

Because of course it was Elena he was looking for; wasn’t everyone?

“Sorry, folks, we’re just passing through.  Seems something of mine has wandered in,” he called to the room, raising his hands as if in surrender.  “I don’t want to fight any more than the rest of you.”

Rising shakily from the floor, his rage state beginning to form, Enzo snarled past thick, strong fangs, “Fucking Damon,” before turning to his comrades.  “That’s the fuck that stabbed me with a tree limb.”

Growls erupted from the room; demons might fight amongst themselves, but it was more in a sibling rivalry way.  They didn’t take kindly to someone else doing it.

It was about to get very messy in the bar.

Glancing over her shoulder, Caroline saw that Matt had similar thoughts.  His eyes were already flooding pure black as the specter of the bear inside him shimmered over him like a thin veil, his muscles beginning to grow.  As he shattered the mug he’d been holding into tiny shards, he growled, “Go out the back.  Only one vampire is allowed in this bar.”

As the trio tensed to jump the bar, the blue eyed Turned finally took his eyes off Elena long enough to say charmingly, “You might not want to push this, fellas; what’s a little stabbing amongst friends?”  When that didn’t stop anyone from readying themselves, his smile deepened into something dangerous.  Once again, he caught Elena’s eyes and winked.

“What the hell,” Caroline asked as she turned towards her friend, “is that all about?”

With a blush rising in her cheeks—again, what the fuck was going on—Elena muttered, “He thinks I’m his Bride, which means we gotta get out of here.”

Well, desperate times….

Leaning towards Enzo—who just needed the smallest nudge to completely lose control—Caroline whispered, “You’re really going to take that from a Turned?  He ran you through!”

Enzo’s battle roar seemed to be all the spark this particular tinder box needed because all around her, chaos broke out.  Matt vaulted the counter, his body nearly twice its usual size as Enzo charged the pair.  All around other demons followed suit, the nymphs fading into floorboards. In the corner a pair of female werewolves snarled as the change began to take hold, their fangs shooting longer and claws curling into the wood of their table.  A group of Sirens started to lose their glamour, transforming quickly into their true monstrous selves.

This was pretty much a done deal.

“Do we still have to run—”

Elena grabbed her arm and began running towards the back even as the Turned bellowed her name from behind them.  Stumbling backwards as she tried to right herself, Caroline saw just as Enzo and his crew reached the pair before Bonnie shouted in her ear, “Let’s go; we don’t have time to be caught in a bar brawl!”

Bursting through the door, the Valkyrie finally released her vampiric friend’s limb and said, “Grab your keys!  Time to book it to Val Hall!”  When Bonnie started to argue, Elena cut her off quickly.  “It’s closer and they won’t be able to get past the lightning.  Plus, I’m ninety percent sure that they have a witch too.”

“Okay, ladies,” Caroline said as she ran past them, barely a blur, “we have way too much to talk about!  Just get in the car!”  Beeping the locks, she opened both front and rear passenger doors for the others, watching as Elena nose-dived immediately into the front seat.

Bonnie, however, stood facing the shaking bar, arms spread wide. Flames began to ignite in her hands and Caroline could have groaned.  So now the witch wanted to stand her ground?  What happened to not having time?!

“It’s time to go!” Caroline said sharply, drawing her friend’s attention.  Blazing eyes turned to her.  Waving her arms in a this-way motion, the vampire hissed, “We can always come back and whoop ass later, but right now, Elena kinda needs to leave.  The last thing we need is some Turned catching her and making her his Bride.”  Glancing back at the Doppelganger in her car, she murmured knowingly, “Unless you want the vampire?”

All she got was a glare, so she shrugged with a smile.  “I mean, to each their own; just had to check.”

However, neither of the other women seemed to think she was funny even though she was pretty sure she was hilarious.  Once again, different strokes for different folks.

“Fine.”  Bonnie started back towards the car, looking only a little put out.  “But only because this is the least of our worries right now,” she added testily, sliding into the backseat and slamming her door.  “We have to talk about the oracle—”

Slam!

All three females’ heads twisted back to the barely surviving door, only to see it on the pavement, the blue-eyed vampire snarling atop it.  He was fully vampiric now, his fangs long and lethal as black veins spread down his cheeks. His clothes and skin were splattered with blood, just to top off the whole look.  “Don’t even think about it, Elena,” he growled, stalking forward. “If I have to find you—”

Rolling her eyes, Caroline shook her blonde hair. “Okay, I’m done with this melodrama. Maybe you can call her and set up a date?  Instead of the whole vampire Tarzan thing?  We have stuff to do and you’re really—” she yanked a lamppost out its cement base “—getting in the way of that!”  Swinging the post over her shoulder, she shouted, “Batter up!”

In that moment, he charged, moving faster than even she could track.  Fuck, she thought, how old is this guy?  In the blink of an eye, he would be on her; if she swung, she wouldn’t get a second chance.  She had to make sure he couldn’t dodge….

With a sudden hiss of pain, he dropped to his knees mere feet in front of her, fingers digging into his scalp.  A look over her shoulder showed Bonnie—from the safety of the car—clenching her hand much as she had with Enzo.

“Bonnie, coming in clutch with an aneurysm!” Dropping the light, Caroline strode to the car.  “Thank you.  While part of me believed I could do some damage, I didn’t want to take the chance that guy took my head off.”  She smiled as she climbed in the driver’s seat, casually adjusting her mirrors.  “I mean, he made it out of a bar brawl with a myriad of monsters; I don’t know how much hope I would have.”

“He’s starting to get up!” Elena cried.  “Go, go, go!”

Sure enough, despite the fact that Bonnie still had him, the vampire was struggling to rise to his feet, seeming to shake off the pain to focus on the Valkyrie.  He lifted his arm, pointing at her shakily.  “I’ll find you,” he snarled.

With a small squeak—and that wasn’t even directed at her—Caroline turned back around and put pedal to metal.  The tires screeching, she took off without looking back, just letting the car hit its top speed even as it shook.  “What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fuck,” she chanted, nearly constantly looking into her rearview.  If he could resist Bonnie, what was to stop him from being fast enough to catch up?

Elena was breathing heavily, sinking into her seat in relief.  “I just want to get back to Val Hall to hang with my sisters, that’s it.  I need a stiff drink and a hot bath.”

Bonnie leaned between the front seats, hands on the back of each.  “We have a lot to talk about.  That Turned vampire is the least of our worries right now.  Caroline,” she turned her full attention to the blonde woman, “the Oracle at the House had a vision today about you.  She told us to watch after you, but that’s all she would give us; she says if you can avoid being captured for a week, to come to her and you’ll be ready for what she has to say.”

Caroline had to stop herself from slamming on the breaks at that.  “What?!” she demanded.  “And you didn’t think something like that was important to tell me immediately?! Who the hell is trying to come after me?!”

She wasn’t the one that immortals chased; there was nothing special about her.  She was just a seventy-four year old Born vampire whose parents ditched her the moment she transitioned into a full immortal.  Not a Doppelganger, not the most powerful witch in existence, not even a rare breed of monster that was strong enough to lift a semi.  There wasn’t a single thing that would make her stand out to anyone for an abduction other than knowing several High Profile beings.

Caroline Forbes was nothing to anybody but a side character in someone else’s story.  Wasn’t that exactly what had happened with Tyler?  Second best to someone he hasn’t even met yet, she thought as her hands clenched the steering wheel tight enough for it to start to crack.

“I don’t know!” Bonnie said.  “That’s why you need to lay low for a week!”

Elena sat up at last with a sigh, pushing her heavy chestnut hair back from her face.  “Which brings us to the next problem.”  Turning to Caroline, she explained, “There’s been sightings of a couple of Originals all around the county.  We don’t know what they’re after but we can guess it has something to do with me or Katherine Pierce, the Queen of Illusions and Persuasion.”

That seemed a touch more important than having to lay low for a week, at least in Caroline’s mind.  If someone was looking for her, it was usually to plan a party.

But when they were looking for either of the living Doppelgangers, it usually meant they were trying to do something evil; Doppelganger blood held mystical properties that’s power was through the roof.  Essentially, it was the immortal way of going nuclear in a war.

And the Originals—though they normally seemed to keep the murder and mayhem to a minimum—were the Vampire Royal Family.  No one was sure how old they were, but they were the strongest vampires in existence and were rumored to have untold power.  Though she’d only seen them in Lorean tabloids, like for Finn and Sage’s vow renewal twenty years before, that didn’t detract from the fact that they had strength not just as a collective but separately to do whatever they wanted.

Like most Born vampires, Caroline had grown up hearing stories of them and how, even without magic, they could day-walk, that they were all the strengths and none of the weaknesses.  What they wanted, they got, no matter how many innocent people they had to take down in the meantime.

So….  “That seems a little more important than watching my back,” she conceded, glancing in the mirror at Bonnie as she pulled up to Val Hall.  “If the Originals are after Elena, she needs more protection than I do.”

As they stepped out of the car, Caroline noted that both Bonnie and Elena looked down at their shoes guiltily.  “That’s what we thought, too,” Elena murmured, looking up at Caroline from beneath her lashes.

“Not that you aren’t special enough to get kidnapped,” Bonnie hastily added, walking over to Caroline.  “Just…you know, she’s the Doppelganger.  But when I talked to the Oracle about it, she said that Elena would be safe until you were able to get the information from the prophesy.”

Making herself smile and jokingly wave her hand, she ignored the insecurity in her stomach; it hurt that nothing made her different from anyone else when two of her best friends were Big Deals.  But she was used to it, knew better than to show it to them.  “Guys, I’m not upset,” she said quickly.  “I don’t want to have a constant target on my back like the two of you; looking over my shoulder would definitely cut into my having fun time.” Linking arms with both of them, she strode towards the porch where two of Elena’s sister Valkyrie sat whittling shives.  “I only have to worry for a week; you two have your entire immortal lives.  I think I’ll survive.”

Insert Break

The next night, Caroline woke in a bed that wasn’t her own to the sound of Valkyrie battle cries.  The sound of them shook the entire house, the lightning outside striking so often it was like there was a spotlight shining through the curtains.

Instantly, the vampire remembered what she’d learned the day before, groaning at what the fighting meant.  I guess I should have known that we wouldn’t get a day off, she thought as she snatched up her clothes and matching stiletto blades. Sliding the weapons into the sheaths she’d had sewn into all of her shirts, she started out of her borrowed room and up the stairs at break-neck speed.

Bonnie had gone back to the coven the night before, hoping to get more information on what the Originals were looking for and who was after Caroline, so she probably had no idea there was even an attack yet. Luckily, going after a Valkyrie at Val Hall was one of the worst things you could do, so hopefully they didn’t need her.

Racing into the moonlight, Caroline was surprised to find…no one was there.  There was nothing outside except for the constant arcs of lightning and the shrieks coming from deeper in the forest.  But why would the Valkyrie lose home advantage, especially at night? There were so many Loreans that lived within those woods, yet they were leaving their house unprotected….

Shaking off doubt, she dashed towards the fight, only then noticing the beginnings of gnawing hunger.  This was why she had suggested they go to the house she shared with Matt; there, they had the protection of a mortal living within the home and she had a fridge stocked full of blood bags.  Plus, while the other Valkyries put up with her, they weren’t exactly happy to have a vampire in the house, no matter how many times Elena reminded them that Caroline had been raised to never drink straight from the vein.

She slowed as she realized the sounds and flashes were still beyond her, even though she had to have covered the distance already.  What the hell?  Are they fighting that hard?  Her heart caught in her throat; the only beings that might be able to take on a house full of battle-trained Valkyrie were the Originals.  And she wouldn’t be surprised if the warrior women led the attackers further away from their goal.

Before she could take off after them again, she heard a throat clear from behind her.  Spinning around she saw the blue-eyed vampire from the night before.

“Sorry, Barbie,” the vampire said, arms and ankles crossed as he leaned lazily against the trunk of a tree.  “I really didn’t want it to have to come to this, but seeing as my Bride is hiding behind a shield of sisters, I had to figure out a way to lure her out.”  Too white teeth shown in the light as he pulled away from the tree.

Taking a step back, Caroline asked slowly, “How did you lead the Valkyrie away?”

He shrugged, following her.  “A Mimic owed me a favor; it started shrieking and all the Valkyrie followed.  Unfortunately, that worked against me because they brought Elena with them.”

For a moment, she could see a softening in his eyes at the mention of her friend and for that time, she wondered why Elena wouldn’t want to be the Bride of a devoted male.  To have someone care about you more than they cared about themselves, to want nothing more than your happiness…so many people searched centuries for that kind of love but not Elena.

Was that why Caroline wasn’t one of the Big Deals? Was the fact that she wanted to love and be loved in return why she would never be High Profile?

Not for the first time, she asked herself if she would always have to be second fiddle to Elena.

Lost in her thoughts, Caroline missed the male moving, was quickly caught by what felt like a shackle around her wrist.  She looked up at the vampire, feeling her vampire traits coming to her face.  “So, you’re going to ask Elena to come to you in exchange for me?  Isn’t that just so typical of immortal men?  No wonder she wants nothing to do with you.”

Okay, his vampire face was a bit more daunting than hers. “I’ll do whatever I have to, Blondie, to get my Bride.  Do you know how long I’ve been chasing her, what it feels like to have your body totally shut down?”  He yanked her closer, baring his fangs right in her face.  “I’m Turned; I’m sure you know that.  I felt myself die then woke up without my heart beating, without having to breathe.  For over a hundred and twenty years, I’ve looked all over for her.  I’ve paid my dues and now I get my reward.”

“You do realize I won’t go without a fight, right?” she asked, faking a yawn.  “Besides, if anything happens to me, Elena will never accept you.”  In a flash, she had one of her blades pressed to his throat even though his grip threatened to crush her other wrist.  Don’t get abducted for one week, that was the deal, she berated herself.  You had one job and you already screwed it up.  “So I think you’re the one with more to lose, don’t you?”

Keeping the blade against his throat meant that when he leaned forward, she had to lean back, giving her unsteady footing.  Not exactly advantageous, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She still had Elena to hold over him, of course.

“Then maybe I rip your head off here and leave you for the animals to eat.”  His smile turned sinister.  “No one will ever know what happened to you.”  Without so much as blinking, he ripped the stiletto out of her hand and tossed it away, completely decimating the bones in her wrist.  As she cried out in pain and tried to yank herself away, he flipped her to her back on the ground, his hand around her throat.  Crouching over her, she saw he wasn’t even the slightest bit breathless.  “If you swear to do what I say, though, I don’t have to kill you.  But if you don’t…they won’t know what happened to you.”

Blinking back the pain in her arm, she wanting to give some snappy comeback, to put on some bravado.  Unfortunately, she didn’t have much experience with anything other than friendly sparring so she…was…terrified.

Tears came to her eyes at being helpless, once again being collateral damage in someone else’s story.  “I’ll go with you just please…don’t kill me.”

[invaderzia1]

The Worst is Yet to Come (Jean Kirschstein x Fem!Reader) (Modern au + Supernatural au) (Part 1)

Prologue | Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 |

“I’LL DO ANYTHING, JUST PLEASE DON’T HURT HIM!”

Everything felt as if it had frozen as the words left her mouth. Everyone’s attention had been drawn to the girl, who was on the ground crying out. The entire fight that had been happening ceased as everyone had stopped. No longer was everyone fighting against the Warrior’s, even those demons had stopped to take in the scene. I was still hung in the air, with the claw like hand of the burly demon against my neck. It only took a few seconds for our enemy, the demon Reiner, to throw my body to the ground and make his way over to her.

Nobody tried to stop him as he made his way over, everyone too perplexed by his sudden interest in her. I was frozen in fear, unable to move to her. Instead, I sat and watched like a fool.

Once he stood in front of her, he looked down, only facing her. He let out a hefty laugh before speaking.

“Anything, you say?” The devilish tone in his voice prominent.

“Yes, anything. Please, don’t hurt him.” She cried out.

The rest of the Warrior’s began to look at each other, confused by the exchange. Annie kicked Eren away from her, shooting a feral glare at Reiner.

“Reiner, what the fuck are you doing? There’s no time for us to be fucking around!” She spat at him, her eyes glowing a darker shade of red than before.

Reiner, ignoring Annie’s remark, kneeled down to (Y/n)’s level, offering a hand to her. She weakly accepted, more tears falling down her face.

“Well, how about this, we’ll cut this whole party short and I promise to leave your boy unharmed, but in return it going to take something from you.”

As the words hit me, I tried to stand up, but found a sudden force stopping me from interfering. One of the demons here must be doing it. My eyes were wide as I tried to break from this force, trying to scream for her not to take it. No sound was produced from my throat however.

“W-What do you want?”

“Oh don’t worry, I’m not asking much of you. How heartless do you think I am? No, what I want is just some of your memories.”

Everything was quite again, both sides taking in this whole deal that was going down.

Reiner pulled them both up, helping (Y/n) to her feet. Her face was contorted in fear and confusion, her eyes moving from me and Reiner erratically. She stopped after a minute and shut her eyes. Then she nodded her head.

I felt everything inside me shut down. I was screaming, pleading for her to stop this. Was she insane? I didn’t deserve this at all, why was she doing this?

“So you agree then? We will spare not only the boy, but the rest of your companions in return for your memories.”

She just nodded her head, more tears falling from her face as she did.

“No, no. We need to hear you agree to it. Come on now, say it.” Reiner told her, almost too delighted in tormenting her.

“Yes, yes I agree. Please just, don’t hurt him.” She cried out.

“Perfect.”

Reiner then dipped down, pressing his lips against hers as a dark mist surrounded them. It encompasses both their bodies for a few seconds. A bright light then moved from her body to his as they pulled away, she mouthed the words “I love you” to me. Then Reiner dropped her and her body fell limp to the ground, where she laid unmoving and unresponsive.

I was frozen in shock as I watched her fall, everything felt paused for that first couple of seconds after she hit the ground. I quickly recovered and ran to her side, finding my body now free and my voice rambling anything and everything. I was overcome with worry as I cradled her in my arms, whispering for her to be okay.

I was unaware of my friends running up behind me, circling us in worry, or that our enemies had indeed fled from the scene. None of that mattered. She was the only thing that mattered to me. I cried into her shoulder, not caring who heard me, as I begged her to wake up.

She began to move after a minute passed, slowly awaking. I stared into her eyes as she took in her surroundings, moving from each of our friends then down to me. She tensed immediately as she looked at me, almost like I was a stranger. When I tried to hold her close she pushed me away, crawling away from me in horror.

“B-Babe, what’s wrong?” I asked, cautiously moving my hand out for her.

“I’m sorry, I-I don’t know who you are, I think you have the wrong person.” She stuttered out.

Her words hit me like a train. Sending my entire world crashing down. Everything we had together, was gone.

As I sat on the ground, pathetically staring back at her. The rest of the group approached, Sasha taking the lead in trying to calm her down. As Sasha got closer to her, the (h/c) girl just gave her a confused look, as if she was searching for answers from her.

“Sasha, whats going on? Where am I?”

Everyone was taken back by the girl, she didn’t remember her boyfriend but she remembered Sasha. As they questioned her, leading us all to Eren’s apartment, it became evident she knew who everyone was. Everyone except me. Then it hit me, the demon didn’t take away all her memories. Only the memories of me.

We tried to explain it to her, who I was and what had happened, but she got even more confused. The only way we were able to tell her that I was in fact her boyfriend was when the group pulled up many different photos of us being together. She looked perplexed and kind of disappointed by this. She was able to fully understand the whole fighting demons thing, but having me as her boyfriend seemed to be impossible.

She stared at me, as if she was examining me. It was strange, her gaze was awkward and tense as she tried to make a little sense of this whole scenario. It hurt me to look at her, everything in me was screaming to pull her close and cry. The room was still spinning and the radio static in my head was killing me. I felt as if I wasn’t even there any more, like I was trapped inside myself as the shell of my body continued on.

“So... we used to date?” She asked, her head cocked to the side.

“Not used to... are dating.” I explained, my voice weak and sad. Pathetic.

Her lips were pursed in a tight line as she tried even more to understand. I know she was confused, but it hurt to have to convince her that we are dating. It hurt to have to explain that I wasn’t just some random nobody. It hurt. Everything hurt.

“H-How long were we together?”

“Are together. And for five years now.” I replied, staring down at the ground. It was more bearable than looking at her face.

“S-Sorry, sorry. It’s just weird saying that.” She apologized. Her awkward laugh made it all more worse for me, knowing she had the habit with strangers. “So, um... Gene, tell me about yourself!!”

I knew she was trying her hardest to make this less awkward, to try to make this better to the best of her ability. But it hurt. She couldn’t even say my name correctly. I just threw my head into my hands, the tears already pouring out pathetically as I wept.

“I, um-Gene, are you o-okay?” She stuttered out, awkwardly unsure of what to do.

Luckily, Eren and Mikasa weren’t far away from us. They ran to both our sides, eren showing me a sliver of kindness not normally given to me. I wouldn’t dare admit it, but the fact that he did meant a lot to me. Mikasa pulled (Y/n) away, ushering into another room, one far away from me. As the rest of the group heard the commotion, Armin and Historia joined Eren and I.

I didn’t care what they thought of me anymore. I didn’t care that I had been crying for hours now. It didn’t matter to me, I was a broken man now. I just lost my other half and she couldn’t even pronounce my name right. I cried for a few minutes longer, as armin and Eren tried to calm me down.

“Jesus dude, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone this torn up before...” Eren muttered to himself, taken aback by the weakness in me.

Armin, elbowing Eren, shot me an apologetic look as he rubbed my back.

“Come on, pull yourself together dude. It’ll get better.” Eren murmured, awkwardly giving it his bet effort to calm me down.

“You don’t understand, she can’t even pronounce my fucking name right! It hurts, she’s gone. She’s not mine anymore. Why did she do this? Why?” I wailed, my tears starting right back up again as I sunk further down into my depression. “Why is she so fucking stupid? Making a deal with a demon? Why?”

“Jean, you have to calm down. This isn’t helping anything and you are just scaring her more.” Armin jumped in, pleading for me to stop my fit.

Pathetically, I began wiping the tears and snot from my face, realizing how disgusting I must look right now. Luckily, Historia grabbed a box of tissues on the side table next to us, forcing them onto me.

“Maybe we can fix this... you know, there has to be a way for her to regain her memories.” Eren thought out loud.

I weakly looked up at him, my eyes blank with emotion.

“H-Historia, you could call Ymir up!! She’s one of them, maybe she can counteract it or get them back or something.” Eren rambled on, trying to find anything at all to give me a sliver of hope.

“Y-Yeah, maybe we can find some loophole... I’m sure we can... fix this.” Armin added, clearly not believing Erens words either.

Both boys turned to Historia, searching for any sort of hope from the girl.

“I can always try Ymir... it’s worth a shot...” her voice wasn’t hopefully, but she didn’t out right reject the suggestion either.

I felt as if there was a small sliver of hope now, needing something to hold onto in order to keep sane. Ymir was a demon like the Warriors, but she didn’t really have any sort of definitive motive or side she was on. As long as she had Historia she would just follow her.

Historia went and locked the door, not wanting to be interrupted by any one while she did this. She pulled out her necklace, clutching it in her hand as she repeated some phrases into it. It began to glow red and she summoned Ymir to her, a red seal forming on the ground in front of her. It took only a minute for Ymir to appear in front us.

Ymir was a rogue demon, not belonging to any one demon faction, such as the Warriors like Reiner. She could, if she wanted, but choose not to concern herself with that drama unless it ultimately helped her in some way. Due to this, she wore normal clothes like most humans do, the only demonic apparel on her being the matching necklace she has with Historia. Her horns, cone shaped and pointy, jutted from her head and bright red in coloration.

“Yo, what’s up?” She said, nonchalantly before turning to look at me. “Jesus Christ, Kirschstein. You look like someone kicked your puppy.”

“Ymir!” Historia hissed, smacking Ymir upside the head.

Armin and Historia decided to fill Ymir in for me, not wanting to stress me out more than I already was. Her usual easy going nature turned serious after they finished, a weird change of tone for her.

“Shit, this is bad. She made a deal with Reiner? Does she have a fucking death wish?”

“Is there anything you can do?”

Ymir thought for sometime, pacing back and forth trying to figure some sort of plan out.

“Fuck, I don’t know. I don’t think I can personally do anything since she did make a binding deal with Reiner, but I think there’s a possibility you all can do something.”

My eyes widened as I heard this, feeling a spark inside me ignite. I felt eren smack my back, what I assumed was his way of giving my support.

“Really?” I asked, hopeful.

“Maybe. I’m not saying it’s a hundred percent guarnteeed to work, but I’m sure there’s something you can do.” Her tone was sharp and uncertain. “If you give me some time, I can probably gather some research or some shit and see what I can do. Though it may help if someone like Armin came with me.”

Armin tensed at Ymir’s suggestion, but nodded his head none the less.

“If it means helping (Y/n) and Jean I’d do anything.” Armin said, confidently.

“Good, because I’m going to have to take you back to hell with me. It’ll be the easiest way for us to research.”

“Wait, I’ll have to go to hell?” Armin asked, his confidence wavering.

“It’s the only way. It’s not as bad as everyone says it is, though.”

Armin nervously looked at Eren for support, before looking at me. The hopefulness in my eyes must have been enough for him, as he nodded his head to Ymir.

“I’ll do it, it’s for the greater good.”

“Great, now there’s just one more thing i have to do.”

Ymir turned to look at me, getting in close before she brought one of her hands under my chin, making me look up to her. She studied my face for some time before speaking.

“Kirschstein, are you willing to do anything to help her?”

“Anything at all.”

“No matter what the cost is?”

“Of course, she means the world to me.”

Ymir let go of my face and nodded, before turning to Historia and embracing her closely. The two continued for a few seconds before Ymir pulled away, getting herself into position to head back.

“Alright, Armin, be ready in a hour. I won’t wait around for you any longer than that.” She told him, giving him a harsh glare. Slowly, she turned to me, as a seal began to form on the ground, glowing a faint red light. “Hey, if this thing doesn’t work out you can always try to win her over again. Though with you, that may be hard to do.” She let out a snarky laugh as the seal began enveloping her, transporting her away.

Once everything died down, I looked over at Armin, who seemed more nervous than before. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, startling him.

“Listen, Armin... this means a lot to me. I appreciate you doing this.”

“Jean, it’s really no problem. (Y/n) has been like a sister to me and I know how happy you made her, I want to do everything in my power to help her.” Armins big eyes stared back into mine, filling me with more hope.

Eren places a hand on Armins back, nudging him to the door.

“Come on, we should probably get you all ready to go.”

Armin nodded and both boys got up off the bed and made their way out the room, heading down the hall to Armins room. I decided I should make my way to the living room and join everyone else. Historia followed behind me, turning her attention to her phone in order to distract herself.

As I made my way to the living room, I noticed most of our friends were all on the couch, along with (Y/n). They seemed to be watching some television show that I didn’t recognize. Upon entering, the group stared at me, trying to get a read on whether I was okay or not. I just nodded my head as in order to tell them shit was okay. Unready to be around her yet, I entered the open kitchen, deciding to sit at the island and keep my distance.

I was unaware of another set of dark eyes on me, watching me from the room.