The Next Day
Bonnie and Elena were getting ready for school. Since Bonnie hadn't brought any extra clothes, she was borrowing something from Elena's closet.
"I still can't believe you ate a finger," Bonnie said, her face twisted in a mix of disgust and disbelief.
"I was five the first time, okay?" Elena replied, buttoning up her shirt. "And I had to eat the other two because we need to get stronger."
"I get it… but it's still gross. Right?" Bonnie asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes. Yes, it really is. And I really hope I don't have to do it again for a while."
At that moment, an eye and mouth appeared on Elena's cheek.
"Don't hold on to that hope too tight," I said. "We still need to gain more of my power if we're going to be strong enough. And Bonnie—you should talk to Sheila. Ask her for a spellbook. It's time you started training too."
Bonnie stared at the eye, then sighed.
"That's still weird to look at… but okay."
After I said my piece, I disappeared back into Elena's soul.
Elena and Bonnie were just about to head out the door when Jenna stopped them.
"Do I look grown-up enough?" she asked, adjusting her blouse in the mirror. "I've got that parent-teacher conference for Jeremy."
Jeremy had already left the house. He told Jenna he had to get something for a birdhouse project, but in reality, he was visiting Vicki at the hospital. I was watching him through one of my birds perched in a nearby tree, keeping a silent eye on the kid.
Poor Jeremy. He's trying to be strong, but grief hits different when you're young and no one's being real with you. We really need to intervene soon.
Anyway, back to Elena and Bonnie—they were getting in the car, heading to school. On the drive, Bonnie was still buzzing with questions about the supernatural world.
"Okay," she said, eyes on the road but mind clearly elsewhere. "So I know about vampires, witches, and werewolves. But are there any other supernatural creatures out there?"
I popped back up on Elena's cheek again, grinning.
"Not that I know of... at least, not anymore."
Bonnie narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean 'not anymore'?"
"Well," I began, "this was before my time, but I read about it in some old book—could be myth, could be real, who knows. But supposedly, a long time ago there were other supernatural beings. Dragons, sirens, druids... and more. Powerful ones."
Elena glanced at Bonnie, who was clearly intrigued.
"The three major supernatural races—vampires, werewolves, and witches—joined together to create something called Malivore. A magical construct designed to seal the others away. One by one, they were erased from the world, and over time... people just forgot they ever existed."
"So the only creatures Malivore didn't go after were the ones who created it?" Bonnie asked, piecing it together.
"Exactly. At least, that's how the story goes. Could be a fairy tale... could be ancient truth buried under centuries of lies. Either way, take it with a grain of salt."
"That's insane. I can't imagine dragons actually existing," Elena said as she pulled into the school parking lot.
"Same here," Bonnie added. "It sounds... impossible."
"I don't know," I chimed in. "I think I would've liked dragons. And those other powerful beings. Could've been fun to fight them—if I were still in my prime."
"You're crazy," Bonnie said with a laugh.
"Maybe," I said casually. "Maybe not. Everyone should be a little crazy sometimes. Keeps the world interesting."
They both chuckled, shaking their heads.
"So what are we going to do about Caroline?" Bonnie asked. "I know she's still into Stefan—even after he rejected her."
"And you'd rather your best friend not date a vampire?" I teased.
"Not really. From what you two said, vampires are dangerous." Bonnie shrugged.
"They are," I agreed. "But so are we. So are werewolves. Hell, even regular humans can be. It all depends on the person. Stefan's not a bad guy… but his brother? Damon's a problem. And the body count is rising again in town. That's no coincidence."
"Okay... so what do we do?" Bonnie asked, her tone more serious now.
"You won't be involved—at least not yet," I said. "You're still in training. Elena and I will head to the Salvatore house after school. We're going to have a little chat with the brothers."
I grinned wide—my wicked smile practically radiating through her skin.
"And if things get ugly, Elena gives me control and I'll teach that little vampire a lesson he'll remember for the rest of his immortal life."
"Okay, please stop smiling like that," Bonnie said, visibly unsettled. "You're kind of scaring me."
"Old habits die hard," I said with a sigh, fading from view. "And I don't think this one's dying anytime soon."
After that, I retreated back into Elena's soul. The girls made their way into school, and surprise surprise—it was even more boring than last time. I seriously need my own body. This "high school experience" is starting to feel like a prison sentence.
Elena did have a quick chat with Matt about Vicki—she's doing okay. Still recovering. That's good. Though if she starts talking about vampires, Stefan's going to have to compel her to forget. That's the cleanest solution.
Meanwhile, I kept an eye on Jeremy. The kid looked like he was about to pick a fight with Tyler. I get it—Tyler's a jerk, and Jeremy's got some boxing training now thanks to Elena. But Tyler's not your average human. Even if his werewolf curse hasn't been triggered yet, he's still stronger, faster, meaner.
It's probably time Elena and I stepped in. Jeremy deserves the truth. He needs to know about the supernatural before he ends up as collateral damage.
After school finally let out, we made our way to the Salvatore house.
Elena knocked on the door, but no one answered.
Still, the door creaked open.
'Obviously Damon's trying to mess with you,' I said. 'Just go in.'
She stepped inside. The house was quiet, but Stefan's bag was near the stairs—so he was definitely here. I channeled cursed energy through her body, sharpening her senses. She moved through the entryway and into the living room.
A sound.
She turned toward it—nothing. But then—
"Hello there."
Damon appeared behind her out of nowhere, his usual smug grin plastered on his face.
"You must be Elena. Stefan's new girlfriend."
"I'm not," Elena said flatly. "I came here to talk. To both of you."
Damon cocked his head, amused. "Oh really? And what could you possibly want to talk to me about?"
"I'll explain everything," she said, voice calm but firm. "But I'd prefer to wait until Stefan's here too."
"I'm here." Stefan's voice came from behind. He stepped into the room, surprised to see her. "Elena, I didn't know you were coming."
He shot a sharp look at Damon.
"Sorry, but I needed to talk to you both. And I don't have your number." Elena shrugged casually.
Stefan looked confused, matching his brother's expression now.
"Why do you need to talk to both of us? And… how do you know about Damon?"
"That's a bit of a long story," Elena admitted. "But let's start with this—you need to stop the murders, Damon."
That got their attention. Both brothers stared at her in stunned silence.
"And I also know… that you're vampires."
Damon chuckled softly, intrigued.
"Interesting. So you know what we are… and yet you walked into a house with a vampire known for killing. Let me guess—you thought Stefan would protect you?"
"Wrong," Elena said coolly. "I can protect myself. But we're not here to talk about me. We're here to talk about you… and what you really want, the tomb."
Their expressions tightened.
"You think Katherine's in there. But she's not."
Damon's smile dropped. "What the hell are you talking about? If she's not in the tomb, then where is she? And how the hell do you know about Katherine? Or about us?"
He stepped toward Elena, anger flaring in his eyes.
'Elena,' I said calmly. 'It's time to switch.'
She nodded.
In an instant, her posture shifted. Her breathing slowed. Strange black markings began crawling across her face like ink under the skin. Her eyes turned crimson—deep, glowing red, unlike anything Damon or Stefan had ever seen.
Both brothers stepped back, stunned. Something ancient and dangerous had just awakened inside the girl standing before them.
And I smiled.
"What the hell—" Damon started.
"The reason Elena knows all of this… is because of me," I said, my voice smooth and laced with threat.
Damon quickly shook off his shock and stepped forward. "And what exactly are you? How the hell do you know any of this?"
I raised my hand and swiped through the air. My cursed energy lashed out like a blade. Damon flew back, slammed into the wall with a grunt—and a fresh, deep slash opened across his chest.
"Damon!" Stefan shouted.
"Show some respect, boy. I'm far older than you."
I stepped forward, my presence heavy enough to make the walls feel smaller. "You want to know who I am?" I smirked. "My name… is Sukuna."
Stefan's eyes widened, fear finally cutting through his confusion.
"That's… impossible. Sukuna disappeared over a thousand years ago… At least, that's what Lexi told me."
I tilted my head. "So you know the name… and Lexi too. Huh. She must be an old vampire then?"
Stefan hesitated. "Lexi's my best friend. She's only about 350. But she knows vampires who've passed your legends down. She told me about you."
I let out a dark, twisted laugh that echoed unnaturally in the room. It wasn't Elena's voice—it was mine, soaked in ancient power.
"Even after a thousand years, the witches and vampires still whisper my name? Hah. I guess I made quite the impression." I leaned forward slightly. "And since you know of me, then you should know what I'm capable of."
Stefan nodded slowly. "Dark magic… cursed techniques. You were the strongest in your time."
"Exactly. And now I'm offering you both a deal—one that benefits us all."
Damon grunted as he pushed himself off the floor, his chest slowly healing. "And what kind of deal is that?"
"Simple. I'll help you open that tomb—so you can see for yourself that Katherine isn't in there. In return, you infiltrate the town council… and feed us information."
Damon narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, see, I don't buy that. If she's not in the tomb—where is she? Why should I believe you?"
I sighed and waved my hand again.
Another slash. Damon flew back, slammed into the wall harder this time, and groaned in pain.
"I told you to show some respect. I don't like repeating myself."
"That's it!" Damon roared, charging at me.
He aimed for my neck—I caught his arm effortlessly, his eyes going wide at how easily I overpowered him.
"Tch."
I snapped his wrist. He cried out and dropped to his knees. I raised my leg and kicked him across the room like a ragdoll.
He crashed into the wall. Again.
I raised one finger, and began moving it through the air.
Tiny, precise slashes started carving across his body. Blood beaded up as his shirt tore in multiple places.
"Please—stop!" Stefan shouted.
I paused. Looked at him. He was pale. Scared.
Then I turned my attention back to Damon, walking toward him slowly.
"I tried to be civil. I even offered you a deal." My voice dropped, venom in every word. "But now? Here's how this is going to go—"
I crouched in front of Damon.
"You're going to stop killing people. You're going to infiltrate the council and give us every piece of information they have. And when I need your vampire compulsion or any of your other little tricks—you're going to answer the call." My crimson eyes glowed, voice low and cold. "Because if you don't… it doesn't matter if you leave town. I will find you. And I will kill you, understand."
Damon wheezed, bloodied and trembling. "Crystal clear…"
"Good."
I stood up. "And I'll still help you open that tomb. I have people in there I want out too. And through them… we might just find a way to contact Katherine."
I turned and headed for the door. "Have a nice day, boys."
I walked out of the Salvatore house without looking back. Once we were a safe distance away, I returned Elena's body to her.
She exhaled shakily and began the walk home in silence.
Later that day…
Bonnie and Elena were walking through town, handing out pamphlets about the meteor expected to pass over Mystic Falls. As they worked, they talked—and Elena filled her in on everything that had gone down at the Salvatore house.
"That's insane—and kinda cool. So Sukuna beat a vampire? Like, with just a wave of his hand?" Bonnie asked.
"Yeah," Elena nodded. "I know it sounds crazy, but I saw it happen. He beat Damon like he was a kid."
"Wow…" Bonnie said, clearly impressed.
"Honestly, if Sukuna can take down Damon that easily… I don't even know why he needs more of his fingers. I mean, maybe he could take Klaus now?"
'While I do appreciate the confidence, Elena… Damon is a baby vampire. He's only a hundred years old. Klaus? He's over five thousand. He's far stronger than Damon. If we're going to have a real chance against him, we need more of my fingers.'
Elena frowned at that.
"Everything okay?" Bonnie asked, noticing the change in her expression.
"Sukuna just reminded me that Klaus is on a whole different level... so yeah, more fingers." Elena sighed.
Bonnie gave her a look and tried not to laugh. "So that means you're definitely going to have to eat another one, huh?"
Elena groaned. "Ugh, don't remind me."
That night…
Everyone had gathered in the town square, holding small candles as they prepared for the meteor to pass. The vibe was calm, warm—almost peaceful.
Until Stefan showed up.
"Hey… can I talk to you?" he asked.
Elena nodded. They walked a little ways off from the crowd, just far enough to speak privately.
"So what did you want to talk about?" Elena asked.
Stefan hesitated, then looked her in the eyes. "I just… wanted to know. Do you know everything? About me—and about Katherine?"
Elena nodded. "Yeah. I know you were in love with her. That she loved you too, in her own way. And I know Damon loved her as well. That's why you feel drawn to me—because I look like her."
"No," Stefan said firmly. "That's not why I like you, Elena. Yeah, you look like her, but you're nothing like her. You're kind. You care. You're honest. That's why I like you."
Elena gave him a small smile. "Thank you, Stefan. That means a lot. But… I'm just not ready for a relationship. Not right now."
Stefan nodded slowly. "I understand."
"But… I'd still really like to have you as a friend."
A smile tugged at his lips. "Yeah. I'd like that too."