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chapter three
❛PREPARE FOR BATTLE❜
1x16

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MYSTIC FALLS
HIGH-SCHOOL
(two days ago)

Bellona Bloodworth, the ancient heretic, stealthily made her way through the desolate halls of the school, shrouded in an eerie silence. The moon's pale light cast long shadows, adding to the unsettling atmosphere that permeated the building.

As she approached the principal's office, the faint sound of packing echoed, indicating that Mr. Thompson was still there, unaware of the approaching danger. With each step, Bellona's anticipation grew, her eyes gleaming with a mix of curiosity and a hint of malice.

Pushing the door open, Bellona revealed herself to the startled principal, who paused mid-pack, his eyes widening in surprise. "I'm sorry, but office hours are closed," he stuttered, his voice betraying his confusion.

Undeterred, Bellona gracefully entered the office, her presence commanding attention and filling the room with unspoken tension. "Mr. Thompson," she began, her voice dripping with an otherworldly calmness, "I believe it's time for you to consider relinquishing your role as principal."

Mr. Thompson's brow furrowed, his confusion deepening, "I don't understand. Why would you say that?" he questioned, his voice trembling slightly.

In response, Bellona's gaze intensified, her eyes transforming into fiery crimson hue, reflecting the darkness within her. The atmosphere in the room shifted, as if the very air had turned heavy and charged with an otherworldly energy. "Because, Mr. Thompson," she hissed, her voice laced with a chilling undertone, "your time at this school has come to an end."

A shiver ran down the principal's spine as he witnessed the terrifying metamorphosis before him. Bellona's vampire form was a sight that struck fear into the hearts of mortals. Her eyes glowed with an unholy light, her teeth sharp and menacing, and her presence exuded a palpable menace.

As the room plunged into darkness, the principal's heart raced, his mind struggling to comprehend the supernatural entity standing before him. The very essence of the office seemed to hold its breath, as if aware of the imminent clash between mortal and immortal.

In that moment, Mr. Thompson realized that he stood face-to-face with a force far beyond his comprehension. The eerie stillness was broken only by the sounds of rapid breaths, as he braced himself for the unknown fate that awaited him in the presence of Bellona Bloodworth...

MYSTIC FALLS
HIGH-SCHOOL
(present day)

Bellona, with a satisfied smirk on her face, carefully arranged her few treasured items on the desk. Her eyes gleamed with a mix of pride and anticipation as she admired the chaos, she had unleased upon the principal.

Taking a moment to revel in the triumph, Bellona gracefully lowered herself into the plush leather chair, feeling the cool touch of the ancient wood beneath her fingertips. The creak of the chair echoes through the office, a sound that seemed to symbolize her newfound authority.

With a sense of purpose, she leaned back, allowing the comfort of the chair to envelop her. The weight of centuries of power and knowledge settled upon her shoulders, as she contemplated the next move in her grand scheme.

As her fingers idly traced the intricate carvings on the desk, a mischievous smile played on her lips. The office, once a symbol of mundane authority, had now become her domain, a stage upon which she would orchestrate her plans.

Bellona closed her eyes, basking in the silence of the room, relishing the taste of victory. The air seemed charged with an electric energy, as if the very walls whispered secrets and possibilities to her. In this moment, Bellona understood the true extent of her power. She was no longer a mere heretic, but a force to be reckoned with. With each passing second, her confidence grew, fueling her desire for me.

As she opened her eyes, a glint of determination flickered within them. Bellona knew that the journey within them. Bellona knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges and adversaries, but she was ready. Ready to conquer, ready to thrive, and ready to leave her mark on the world of Mystic falls.

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Kali stood at her locker; her eyes fixed on her own reflection in the small mirror she had thoughtfully placed inside. The dim hallways lights cast a soft glow on her face as she carefully adjusted her hair, making sure every braid was in place.

Just as Kali was about to grab her books, she noticed Caroline and Matt a few feet away in the bustling hallways. Matt's gaze was distant, his eyes locked on Elena and Stefan who were standing together, lost in their own world. It was clear that Matt was lost in the memories of their times together and Caroline was feeling a bit left out, like a second choice.

Matt, oblivious to Caroline's feelings, turned away without giving her a goodbye kiss, leaving her standing there, hurt and confused. Kali's heart went out to Caroline, and she decided to step in and lend a supportive ear.

With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Kali decided to seize the opportunity to lift Caroline's spirts. She closed her locker, her footsteps echoing on the polished floor as she made her way towards Care.

"Hey, Caroline," Kali called out, her voiced filled with warmth and concern. Caroline turned her head, her eyes meeting Kali's. There was a flicker of surprise in her expression, as if she hadn't expected anyone to notice her melancholy. "Oh, hey, Kali," she replied, her voice tinged with hint of sadness.

Kali's gaze never left Care for a second. Not to look at the other students wandering the halls, or to look over at a laughing group of girls down the hall. Nothing. She turned for nothing. Caroline noticed Kali's unwavering gaze and it made her slightly uncomfortable, as if she was being seen through. She couldn't help but question it.

"Is there something on my face?" Caroline asks and Kali seems a bit taken aback as she lets out a chuckle, her answer hesitant. Kali's lips then curved into a playful smile. "Oh, sorry if I made you uncomfortable," she said, her voice light. "I guess I was just trying to have a proper conversation by making eye contact. Is that not allowed? Will I turn to stone?" Kali questions jokingly as Caroline was now the one taken aback.

Caroline blinked, taken aback by Kali's response. She had never expected someone to look to her first, to see her as the focal point of their attention. It made her question her own worth and place in the world.

Before Caroline could respond, the bell rang, signaling the start of class. With a sudden resolve, she pushed away from Kali and hurried off, leaving Kali slightly confused and wondering what had just happened.

But Kali understood that sometimes, people needed space to process their emotions. She silently wished Caroline well, hoping that she would find strength to confront her feelings and find happiness.

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Myra sat alone in the empty chemistry classroom, completely engrossed in a captivating science book. The pages seemed to come alive as she delved deeper into the fascinating world of atoms and molecules. The soft hum of the fluorescent lights provided a peaceful backdrop to her reading.

Just as the bell rang, signaling the start of another class, Jeremy hurriedly made his way down the hallway. As he passed the open classroom door, he caught a glimpse of Myra, a familiar face that has intrigued him since he first met her in the same hallways of Mystic Falls high school. Curiosity got the better of him, and he couldn't resist knocking on the door.

"I didn't realize we had a new chemistry teacher" Jeremy chuckles and Myra looks up from the hard copy book, "I didn't know we had another annoying stoner kid" Myra states, a fake smile plastered on her face. "For your information, I am an ex-stoner kid, so it doesn't count" Jermey concludes, stepping deeper into the classroom.

"You look like you've never been in here" Myra declares and Jeremy shrugs his shoulders, "I'm more of a physical science guy" he says as he sets his bookbag down on top of one of the desks. "Oh, sure, make yourself at home" Myra mumbles under her breath before flipping to the next page in the book.

Undeterred by Myra's dismissive response, Jermey decided to take a chance. He quietly took a seat beside her, hoping to catch her attention. Myra, determined to stay focused on her reading, continued to flip through the pages, seemingly unaware of Jeremy's presence.

With a mischievous smile, Jeremy turned the desk to face her, "So, you plan on going to first period?" Jeremy questions, Myra finally glancing up from the book, her eyebrows furrowed. "Why should I when it seems I can spend my time exploring the wonders of chemistry with you..." Myra declares stubbornly.

Jeremy, intrigued by Myra's response, couldn't help but challenge her. "Oh, really? Prove it them. Show me an experiment," he said, a playful glimmer in his eyes.

Myra scoffed in disbelief, her lips secretly curling into a sly smile. She then closed her book and set it aside, her curiosity piqued by Jeremy's request. "Alright, but only because I want you to leave" Myra declares and Jermey rolls his eyes playfully, "Right."

With a swift motion, Jermey retrieved two white lab coats and a pair of goggles from the back of the classroom. He handed a set to Myra, who tiredly placed them on her face and the coat over her body. The room buzzed with anticipation as they prepared for their impromptu chemistry adventure.

"So... Doctor? Scientist? Um, Myra-- what will we be doing today?" Jermey asks as he salutes towards her, "We're creating colorful chemical reactions, not signing up for the military" Myra scoffed as she gently shoved Jeremy to the side, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she began to explain the experiment.

With everything set up, Myra poured the ingredients into a glass beaker, causing bubbling and swirling reactions. The mixture changed colors, transforming from clear to a vibrant shade of blue. The classroom was filled with awe and wonder as the chemical reaction unfolded before their eyes.

They both leaned in, their faced illuminated by the mesmerizing glow of the experiment. "Woah!" Jermey marveled, his admiration evident in his voice. Meanwhile, Myra beamed with pride, her eyes sparkling.

"Where'd you learn this?" Jeremy wonders and Myra shrugs, "Just... something we did at my other school. Chemistry has always been something I loved to do" Myra explains.

"Don't get all nice on me now, I'll think you're starting to like me" Jermey jokes and Myra shoves Jeremy away, a little too hard, but they both ended up smiling in the end.

As the experiment came to an end, Myra and Jermey couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. They had created something extraordinary together, a small glimpse into the wonders of science.

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Bellona sat in her principal's office, the quietness of the halls enveloping her like a comforting shroud. With everyone in class, the school seemed unusually serene, amplifying the hushed whispers that floated through the air. As she bent down to the mini fridge tucked away in the corner, a sense of anticipation mingled with caution coursed through her veins.

Her fingers brushed against the cold surface of the fridge, and her heart skipped a beat as she grasped the blood bag hidden in the back. Just as she was about to secure her precious nourishment, the distinct sound of approaching footsteps echoed in the hallway. Instinctively, she closed the fridge, concealing her secret in an instant.

The door to her office creaked open, and Bellona's senses heightened. In a blur of movement, she found herself pressed against the wall, her breath catching in her throat. A pair of piercing eyes locked with hers, and a mixture of anger and longing flickered in them. It was Pearl, her long-lost best friend from a century ago.

"Bellona," Pearl hissed, her voice laced with a hint of bitterness. "It's been a while, hasn't it?" Pearl questions.

Guilt. That's what Bellona felt, but she quickly brushed that feeling away and shoved Pearl away from her. "Pearl," Bellona declared, "That tomb wasn't homey enough?" Belle asks and Pearl raises her hand to throw a punch towards Belle, but Belle grabs ahold of her wrist and twist it painfully.

"I should've killed your daughter once I locked you in that tomb. It would've made sure you never got out" Bellona taunts before Pearl raises her knee and slams it into Belle's stomach before gripping her hands around her throat, her eyes narrowing with a mix of anger and hurt.

"You left me to suffer, Bellona. To rot in darkness. How could you do that to me? I helped you with that plan! I helped you put my friends in there so we could get away" Pearl shouts out in anger as Belle laughs evilly, "And you let love overtake you and you trusted a Gilbert, who ended up stuffing you away. I just tagged along. You may have helped me, but I wasn't going to be tucked away to rot" Belle declares.

Silence hung in the air, thick with unresolved emotions, Slowly, Pearl released her grip on Bellona, her anger softening into a glimmer of understanding. She took a step back; her eyes searching Bellona's face for sincerity and couldn't find an ounce of one.

"If you're looking for remorse, you won't get it. If you were in my position, you would've done the same thing. You just hate to think that about yourself" Belle states and Pearl lets out a sigh, knowing she would do the same thing. If it meant keeping her and her child safe, she would do it in a heartbeat. She would lock Belle away with no regrets.

"I know what you thought was right, Belle. But it was lonely and agonizing existence. I couldn't help but feel abandoned" Pearl explains, seeking solace and reconciliation. "The plan had to be executed. I will say I've missed you" Belle says and suddenly, Pearl pulled Belle into a tight embrace. They stood there, locked in an embrace, the echoes of their laughter filled the principal's office, a testament to enduring power of friendship and the strength of forgiveness.

SALVATORE
BOARDING HOUSE

Pearl, and her daughter Anna, stepped into the dimly lit Salvatore Boarding house, Pearls' eyes scanning the surroundings. She had heard tales of Damon Salvatore's reputation, and she this meeting wouldn't go easy. He wasn't the same man from 1864. As she approached the wide living room, she heard Damon from a mile away and watched as he entered from the family room area.

Damon eyed Pearl skeptically, his guard clearly up. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone laced with suspicion. Pearl took a deep breath, summoning her inner strength. "I'm here to talk, Damon. And trust me, you're going to want to listen," she replied, her voice firm and determined.

Swiftly, Damon sped over to her, and tries to strangle her, but Pearl twists his wrist and pushes him to the floor. "I suggest you listen to what I have to say before you try and kill the only person who can make your dreams come true" Pearl declares, as Damon stood to his feet, scoffing in disbelief.

Moments later, the 3 meet in the family room and take a seat across from one another, "Now tell me why you came into my house uninvited. I'm losing interest by the second" Damon states before he downs another glass of alcohol. "Listen, the tomb never closed after the spell was done and some, well, most of the tomb vampires and I have taken up shelter in a farmhouse" Pearl explains.

"You may not enjoy my presence, but long ago I was busy following orders from other people and that's what got me trapped for 100 years. Vampires need to start taking back this town and I am ready to do so because I have a plan" Pearl says and Damon's curiosity piqued, his eyes narrowing. "And what's your grand plan? How do you expect me to help?"

"I have a whole army of vampires behind me. The first step to taking over this town is killing the person who can stop the whole operation or even succeed in the plan herself. Bellona Bloodworth. We lure Belle in, we gather all the tomb vampires, and together we take her down" Pearl declares, causing Damon's expression to shift into a mix of intrigue and caution.

"Revenge, huh? That's a dangerous game. Why should I trust you?" Damon questions, knowing the downs of the operation, but what are the ups? "I can find Katherine. Her and I were best friends long before we came to Mystic Falls, Damon. I know how she thinks, I know her patterns, I know where to find her" Pearl states, and Damon shakes his head slowly as he stands to his feet.

"I no longer have any desire to see Katherine ever again. And there's no way in hell I'm gonna play the role of your little minion" Damon says, making Pearl rush up to her feet and push Damon on the couch. "I'm not asking for your help, Damon. Finding Katherine was just a mere gesture of kindness. The rest is non-negotiable" Pearl demands as she slams her fingers in Damon's eyes and pushes him on the floor, hearing as he screams in pain.

"I have four hundred years on you, little boy. I'll rip you from limb to limb without even blinking and you know it. I'll be in touch." Pearl concludes before her, and her daughter proceed to leave.

THE WOODS
(year 1864)

Myra and Harper found solace in the secluded woods; their hearts intertwined in a moment of intimacy. Myra's mind, however, was burdened with the weight of a secret plan. As they basked in the tranquility, the distant sound of shouting and stomping shattered their serenity.

Harper gently placed his hands on Myra's waist, their lips moving in unison as they continued kissing up against their special tree in the woods. Meanwhile, Myra's expression remained stoic, her emotions concealed beneath a facade. She knew it was time to act, to follow her mother's instructions.

The shouts grew louder, torches flickering in the distance. Suddenly, a group of founding families emerged from the shadows, their eyes filled with fury and determination.

In a desperate move, Myra deliberately cut her hand on the sharp edge of a tree, a crimson sacrifice that would reveal Harper's true nature. As his eyes turned red and fangs elongated, he stood before the hunters, a vampire unmasked.

"Stop right there!" Johnathon Gilbert shouted out as he and a crew of hunters, which were made up of some of the founding families, rushed towards the Myra and Harper, surrounding them. Harper locked eyes with Myra, his voice low and trembling with concern as he reached out to protect her, but she pushed him away, playing her part in the charade.

"Myra?! What-- what are you doing?" Harper asked before he was stabbed in the back with a wooden stake, but the person made sure not to hit the heart. "Ahhh!" Harper shouted as tears welled up in Myra's eyes as she witnessed the scene unfold. She watched as they beat him to the ground and waited for his wounds to heal before beating him again.

They finally got tired of the act and soon seized him, injecting him with vervain to weaken him. She watched helplessly as Harper whispered her name, his voice barely audible, before succumbing to the effects of the vervain.

As the hunters carried Harper away, Myra's heart ached for him and was intertwined with the pain of sacrifice. "Are you okay? Everything is alright now, that monster is gone" A man reassured her as a tear fell from her cheek. Myra nodded her head slowly before watching as the hunters walked away, thrilled to have caught another vampire.

Myra raised her hand and swiped the tears from her eyes, her facial expressions going back to its dark, stubborn and emotionless look even if deep down, she hated seeing Harper treated like that. But it was all a part of the plan...

BLOODWORTH
RESIDENCE
(present day)

Kali sat in the center of a dimly lit room, surrounded by flickering candles that cast dancing shadows on the walls. As she closed her eyes, the atmosphere grew heavy with anticipation. The air seemed to crackle with an otherworldly energy, signaling the arrival of something extraordinary.

Suddenly, Kali felt a surge within her, her siren instincts awakening. Her eyes rolled back, revealing the whites as her mind transported to a realm beyond the present. In a flash, she saw fragments of the future, like scattered puzzle pieces slowly coming together.

Faces she recognized began to materialize in her mind's eye. The vampires that had once been trapped in the tomb now appeared before her, but they were no longer confined. The flashes of the future showed them standing tall, their expression filled with determination and hint of weariness.

But it was the next vision that sent chills down Kali's spine. Her mother, Bellona, emerged from the shadows, surrounded by a haunting scene of fallen bodies. It was clear that a battle had taken place, leaving devastation in its wake. Kali yearned for more context, but the memory slipped away before she could grasp it fully.

As Kali's consciousness returned to the present, she found her mother standing before her, concern etched on her face. "Kali, what did you see?" Belle asked, her voice filled with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

Heart pounding, Kali locked eyes with her mother, her voice trembling slightly as she spoke. "I saw Bethanne, Frederick, and even Harper in the future memories," she revealed. "But they weren't in the tomb."

Belle turned away, gazing into the distance, her expression a mix of determination and slight worry. She knew what lay ahead, the battle she had to prepare for. But deep down, there was a lingering fear, a sense that something even more sinister loomed on the horizon.

With a heavy sigh, Belle felt there was something worse, someone worse, that they needed to face.

In that moment, Kali understood the weight of their destiny. The future was uncertain and those memories she saw could be what is to come or what could happen. The battles ahead would test their strength and resolve. But together, with love and a shared determination, they would face whatever darkness awaited them, ready to protect their loved ones and confront the unknown.

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words- 3796

i hope you guys enjoyed. i put in some cute moments and even a little flashback of myra and harper!!!! i figured harper was too sweet to not be loved or even liked by someone in the past so i made a little moment for him and myra. again, i wanted to make sure you understood the storyline of the show while also writing my own scenes so i hope you enjoy that as well.

thoughts?