1956 Flashback

"Ladies and gentlemen, as it is almost midnight, I think it fitting that we toast the New Year with a glass of vampire blood, wouldn't you agree?" Dr. Whittmore's brother announced to the excited crowd.

He had just finished showing them the effects vampire blood had on wounds, and the people were enthralled. Apparently, from what I heard the doctors say, every year all the investors and donors would be invited so that they could see all the progress the experimental lab had made.

Today, they would be seeing me, the unsolvable case of the supernatural. Enzo was also usually brought up since he was one of the longest patients here, but this year the attention was supposed to be on me only.

I was being held by two guards behind some curtains, dressed in an extravagant dress that was way too tight. My hair was braided harshly, two strands falling towards my face while I was unable to brush them away

"Maybe after the party, you can join my chambers," one of the men whispered lowly in my ear, and I tried not to spit in his face. "I'll come up with some excuse for why you aren't in your cell."

"I would rather DIE than be touched by you!" I snarled, stomping down on his foot.

"Control yourself," the other guard whispered to his partner, restraining him from getting angry. "That's against protocol."

"And now we will be bringing in our greatest mystery yet!" I started listening to the doctor's voice again, and he motioned for the guards to bring me to the stage.

They forcibly maneuvered me to the center of everyone's attention, and the room fell silent as they ogled at me.

"She's just an ordinary girl."

"Not even an extraordinary one at that."

"What is she supposed to do?"

"We want a show!"

"Bring us something else!"

Voices overlapped one other and I cringed at the volume, trying not to get offended at the hurtful comments.

"Quiet!" ordered the doctor. "Now this one has been with us for 5 decades, and the following is all we have found out about her."

He went to speak, but before he could utter one word, the doors to the floor burst open, a group of weaponized men barging through.

"This is a SWAT team!" one of them yelled. "Everyone get out!"

The audience started screaming, covering their faces as they ran out through the doors. It seemed that they didn't want their identities to be found out since I didn't think this whole place was legal.

The police quickly followed after, banning anyone else from exiting the building.

"What is the meaning of this?" the doctor commanded in anger. "You have no right!"

"Actually we do," the head man said, showing him a paper with complicated writing on it. "Alan Whittemore, you are under arrest for.."

He went on to prattle a list of crimes the doctor was responsible for, including helping out with this facility.

"Who else is working with you?! Where are your laboratories!" demanded one of the SWAT personnel.

"He has the right to remain silent," the policeman reminded, and I huffed in anger.

"I can tell you everything," I spoke up, and their attention flitted to me, who they had evidently not noticed yet, even though my white dress stood out like a sore thumb.

"Ma'am, please stay silent," one of the men said, holding a hand in demand. "Why don't you go home and get to bed. We don't want to have to arrest you as well."

"What?" I yelled. "No! I'm not one of the investors or audience, I'm one of their lab rats!"

"Get her out of here. Only people on official business in here," the man commanded one of his colleagues.

"NO! My friends still need your help. There are hundreds of people you still need to find!" I yelled, trying to fight the arms escorting me towards the door. "Just let me tell you where they are!"

The door slammed in my face, and I heard the lock click. I stared in astonishment for a few seconds, before turning around and glimpsing the world which I had not seen for decades.

I started walking down the street, trying to push down the feeling of guilt that I had not tried to do more.

I guess I should be happy that I escaped.

End of Flashback

"You can do this Kaitlyn," I glared at myself in the bathroom mirror, my hands propped on the sink basin. "Just throw the rest of the bottles away. You promised."

My arms were shaking, an undesirable need to drink more rising in my gut. I had not intended to drink 3 bottles last night, but I couldn't stop myself. I also couldn't bring myself to throw the rest of the Hellcraft away.

Instead, I had spent the majority of the day packing all of them in multiple boxes and then storing them deep in my closet. I was sure I had gotten multiple calls and texts, but I didn't want to deal with other humans at the moment.

"WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU!" I yelled at myself, my fist shattering the glass in loathing.

I panted heavily, looking at my bloody hand in surprise. I couldn't believe I had actually punched the mirror. I didn't even have enough money to fix it.

I walked quickly out of the mirror and sat down on my bed, running my fingers through my hair. A sad attempt to soothe myself, but it ended up working just the slightest bit.

I decided to check my messages as a way to distract myself. The couple that caught my eye were:

Jenna's funeral is at 14:00 today. I would really like that you attend as well.

Kaitlyn, I need to talk to you. Something's happened to me, and I would really like to see you before it's too late. I need to apologize.

I guess you didn't want to come... the others missed you

Hey Katie. I've given you some space these past few days, but I really want to see you. I'm so sorry for telling the others. I didn't think it would blow up like this.

I completely understand that you won't forgive me. Take as much time as you need. I'm so sorry about Rose.

That caught me off guard. I had been so drunk with Hellcraft that I had completely forgotten about Rose's death. A choked sob escaped me.

Rose was... dead.

She was dead because of me. Because I was stupid enough to believe my brother would show mercy.

IF YOU WERE STRONGER, YOU COULD HAVE SAVED HER.

The devilish voice of Hellcraft whispered in my head, and tears slowly slipped down my face. I had been hearing voices all day today, the darkness urging me to drink more.

I looked at my phone again.

Please, Lyn. Come by the house. It's urgent

Katie, you need to come by the house now. Damon's been bitten. I don't know how much time he has left.

∆ ∆ ∆

I ran to the house as fast as I could, my stomach somersaulting as I tried not to puke. A bite was fatal, I knew that, yet I couldn't grasp the possibility that Damon could die. At that moment, I wasn't thinking about his betrayal, it didn't matter right now, all that mattered was that I could say goodbye.

"You won't even try to save him?" my mother's voice appeared next to me, as she floated quicker to keep up.

"What?" I spluttered. "The idea hadn't even come to mind. Oh my god, how could I....how could I have not thought of that first?"

"Lynie, I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to tell someone about this," she whispered, and I shook my head fiercely.

"I'll throw them away this evening okay?" I promised her, knowing deep down that I probably wouldn't.

"It's already too late, the darkness is spreading," she said cryptically. "You need to tell your friends, they'll help you." Then she disappeared.

"Damon!" I yelled as soon as Stefan opened the door for me. "Damon!"

"He's up here," I heard Elena's voice sigh. "I'm surprised you showed up."

"Can I have some time alone with him please?" I asked politely, and shockingly, she left without a word.

Damon's forehead was shining with sweat, making him look like a glazed donut, and his blue eyes were dimmer than usual. Yet he looked slightly delirious, a wonky smile on his face.

"She kissed me," he almost giggled, whispering to himself.

"Who?"

"Elena. She kissed me."

"Um, congratulations?"

"I'm glad you came," Damon smiled, patting the space on the bed next to him. "I needed to say this to you before I die."

"Stop," I raised my hand. "You're not going to die. Not on my watch."

"At least I know you still care about me," he mumbled.

"Of course I do you Gibface," I scoffed, ignoring his slightly offended look. "That's why you hurt me the most. Because you're the one I cared for the most."

"I'm so sorry I accused you of working with the bad guys. My feelings for Elena clouded my judgement, and I unfairly took her side against you. I should have believed you, Lyn, I hate myself for not doing so. Even my brother was smart enough to hear your side, which is almost more horrible because I love you."

My eyes widened.

"Platonically."

"I fo–" I was about to forgive him like I always did when the voice came back.

Are you really that stupid as to forget his actions? You're weak. He'll know that as well, which won't stop him from betraying you again. Show him who the powerful one here is.

I brought my hands to my forehead, scrunching my face in anger as I tried to block the voice out.

"Shut up," I whispered.

"E-excuse me?" Damon stuttered.

"Sorry, what I was about to say was that..."

Show him he can't hurt you again. You'll never be anyone's first choice. Do it!

"I don't forgive you!" I blurted out, and before I could stop myself, continued speaking. "I will not forgive a monster's actions. You're only apologising so you'll feel less guilty before you DIE! It's pretty clear you will choose everyone else's side before mine if this ever happens again. So there! I hate you. And I want you to know that while you drift away."

Through my words of venom, I hadn't noticed that I had started pressing my hand on his chest, directly above where his heart was. My nails were digging in his flesh, inching closer and closer towards his slow heart.

"Kaitlyn," he gasped, trying to scramble away. "What's wrong with you."

"KAITLYN!" Stefan yelled, running into the room and roughly throwing me off the bed. "What the hell are you doing?!"

"I..." I stammered, unable to come up with an explanation. "I don't know. I was about to forgive him, but then suddenly I was trying to kill him! I..... I just need some air."

I stumbled backwards out of the room, trying to wash out Damon's hurt face, and Stefan's bewildered one.

What was happening to me?

Pathetic. You couldn't even do that. Don't worry. More Hellcraft will make you stronger.

"GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" I screamed, clutching my temples and running into a confused Elena.

"Are you okay?"

I didn't answer her, merely dashing out of the house, trying not to yell again in anger. I had to find a way to make this right. I was going to find a way to save Damon. To somehow stop the looks everyone was constantly giving me these days. To redeem myself.

And I knew just the person I had to go to.

Klaus.

∆ ∆ ∆

"And where are you going?" Stefan demanded as he zoomed down the street to appear next to me.

"I'm going to Klaus, to save Damon," I refused to look at him.

"Well lucky for you, I'm going there as well. So now you can tell me what the hell is going on with you."

"I..."

This was my chance, this was the perfect time to let Stefan help me. To tell him about the Hellcraft, so he could help me wane away from it.

"I..."

It was as if cold icy hands were wrapping around my throat, cutting off the words I wanted to say. I was so scared that if I confessed, the hands would kill me.

Do you want him to think you're weak? That you need his help? Don't be foolish. Don't show any sign of weakness.

"I just lost control, I'm sorry. I don't know what's gotten into me," I sighed. "It's probably the deaths of Liam and Rose taking a toll. I understand if you don't want to be around me right now."

"No.." he trailed off. "It's okay. But you know you can tell me anything, right?"

Guilt threatened to consume me. "Yeah, of course."

As soon as we opened the door to Alaric's apartment, Katherine jumped up, relief flooding her face.

"Two days, I've been waiting. I'm supposed to be free of Klaus' compulsion by now. He's supposed to be dead!" she huffed ungracefully.

"Yeah, we had a little setback," Stefan admitted sheepishly.

"What?" she spluttered.

"Klaus isn't dead," I droned, stalking around the room, not approaching her. "Elijah ended up saving him."

"Great," she hissed. "Lynie, aren't you happy to see me?"

"What? Oh, yeah, I am," I smiled lightly.

"Are you okay?" she asked uncertainly, noticing I still hadn't come towards her.

"Yeah," I said quickly. "Look, do you know where we can find him? It's really important."

She opens her mouth to speak, but then cocks her head, evidently hearing a noise. She whooshes towards me, pinning me to a concealed nook behind the apartment, before running back next to Stefan.

"You're back," she said nonchalantly. "Look who decided to pay you a visit."

"You just keep popping up don't you," I heard Klaus's voice chuckle in bemusement.

"I need your help," Stefan told him lowly. "For my brother."

"Well, whatever it is, it's gonna have to wait a tick. You see, I have an obligation to my brother that requires my immediate attention."

"You understand how important family is, or you wouldn't be here. My brother gave me his word that he would reunite me with my own," I heard Elijah's voice say, and my eyes widened.

I didn't think I was ever going to see him again. In fact, I honestly doubted that I would see Klaus either.

"And so I shall," Klaus said before I heard a rustle and a grunt of pain.

I ran out from behind the wall to see Klaus shoving a dagger into his brother's heart, and Elijah gasping, his skin turning grey as his eyes met mine, shining with his brother's betrayal.

"No!" I breathed, and Klaus dropped Elijah, his attention on me now.

"Well well," Klaus laughed. "Look at this. It seems I have two visitors."

"Please listen to Stefan. Damon's been bitten," I pleaded, and Klaus sighed, looking from Stefan to me.

"The witches said you had a cure. Make me a deal. Just give me the cure, and I'll do whatever you want," Stefan spoke up.

"Trouble is I don't know if you'd be any good to me the way you are now. You are just shy of useless," the hybrid strolled over to the table, sitting down.

After pouring himself a glass of blood, he walks back to Stefan, who was standing impatiently. I however was standing idly, inspecting my nails as I waited for the ultimatum.

"I heard about this one vampire, crazy bloke, always on and off the wagon for decades. When he was off, he was magnificent. 1917, he went into Monterrey and wiped out an entire migrant village...A true ripper. Sound familiar?" Klaus whispered, smiling to himself.

"Ripaaahh," I mimicked, and despite myself chuckling a bit.

Luckily Klaus hadn't heard me, for his gaze was trained on Stefans.

"I haven't been that way in a very long time," Stefan gritted his teeth.

"Well, that's the vampire I can make a deal with. That is the kind of talent that I can use when I leave this town," Klaus shrugged. "Katerina come here."

Katherine cautiously made her way towards him, shrieking when he grabbed her arm, sinking his teeth into it. My eyes widened and I took a step towards them, wanting to see if she got the venom in her. Klaus put his hand on my shoulder, pushing me backward a little. He then bit into his own wrist and forced the brunette to drink.

We all watched in amazement as her wound began to heal, and she breathed in relief.

"You want your cure?" Klaus grinned, his teeth were red from his blood. "There it is."

"Your cure is the blood," I whispered.

"Gotta love mother nature. Now let's talk, you and I," he motioned to Stefan, leading him into a private room.

"I can't come?" I demanded, and as an answer, Klaus shut the door, sending me a wink before it closed.

"Finally, some time alone," Katherine huffed, hugging me from behind. "How are you? You seem different."

"I shifted," I told her, and she let me go in surprise.

"WHAT?" she practically squealed. "HOW?!"

"Well, it wasn't the merriest situation," I rolled my eyes, thinking of the sacrifice again. "It was under a stressful and traumatic situation. Also, I had adrenaline from... something."

"From what?"

"I..." the words wouldn't spread past my lips. "I...I don't know. Just something."

"Okay, well, how are you doing?"

"I'm fine," I smiled tightly. "I might leave town for a bit, clear my head and everything."

"Well it's a good thing I'm planning on leaving as well," she smirked. "Where do you want to go first?"

"Um," I cleared my throat awkwardly. "I was actually planning on traveling alone. I need to rediscover who I am, and who I want to be."

"Oh, um," Katherine tried to hide the hurt from flashing on her face. "Whatever, you probably would have picked boring places to go anyways."

We sat in silence for the next few minutes, Katherine playing with her hair while I tried not to notice the various looks she was giving me. Eventually, the door opened and Klaus and Stefan came out, the Salvatore looking slightly unhinged. He had red around his mouth, and his eyes had a crazy glint to them.

"What did you make him do?" I demanded in anger.

"Stefan has merely become the person I wanted him to. A better version."

"Stefan?" I looked at him.

"It's okay Katie, I made a deal with him."

"And what was it?"

"I'll help him make hybrids, be the ripper, and be loyal to him. In exchange, he'll cure Damon."

Klaus was meanwhile pouring his blood into a bottle and then handing it over to Katherine.

"Take this over to Damon, and be right back," he looked her in the eye.

"Y-you want me to leave?" she tried to hide her excitement, sending me a subtle look of happiness.

"NO!" Stefan yelled.

"Yes, and if I were you, I'd hurry," Klaus smirked.