ok..this is the 1st time i've ever written a story on anything! my mom was doing it so i thought ok why not give it a go. vampire diaries is one of my fav. books so i figured it's as good a topic as any..so plzzz review and tell me what you think!:)) this is right after return:shadow souls!

Chapter 1

dear diary,

I'm speechless. Damon...a human? His whole life revolved around being a vampire and because of his curiosity it was quickly taken away. He's handling it exactly as planned, kicking and screaming the whole way. Everything is hard for him. Remembering to breathe and adjusting to his new and unimproved senses. He tries to do things humans just can't do! He picked many fights with Stefan and has lost everyone. As much as I hate to admit it though, I'm having a great time. Teaching him things, laughing when he is unsuccessful, and growing closer.

Shinichi is another story. How could he know so much? He's only stolen Damon's memories. Hasn't he? How would he know about everyone's secrets? Stefan won't forget about Shinichi and what he said about the night at the motel. He's dropped hints here and there and he knows I'm avoiding it. As to what i should say to him? My mind is in complete chaos. I love that I have Stefan back but I can't tell him anything just yet. He has to get better. He is improving everyday and for that I am thankful.

Elena

Elena quietly walked down the creaky old stairs in the Boarding House so she wouldn't wake anyone. It was four in the morning and she just couldn't sleep. She found her way to the kitchen to make some coffee but the pot was already half full. Who was up at this hour? She looked around the dark room and spotted a dark silhouette perched on the counter. It looked as if Damon couldn't sleep either.

"Can't sleep?" Elena said as she poured herself a cup and walked over to sit by him. She noticed how he jumped when she talked which meant that he hadn't heard her. She surprised Damon. That was something she didn't see to often. Actually, it was something she can honestly say she had never seen.

"No, to much on my mind. You?" He looked at her and noticed she was wearing a white t-shirt and shorts. I may not be a vampire but I still love her. He tore his gaze from her clothes and focused on her face. Something was bothering her but what? Elena was always a mystery. "What's wrong?"

Elena was shocked. Damon never cared about what was bothering her. I've changed him she realized. "Lots of things are wrong. We should be out looking for him. Letting him get away is not an option in my mind. I'm tired of just sitting here. I need to keep planning and moving. Not sitting around this house waiting for him to attack us again!" He knew exactly what she was feeling. They were so much alike. He wanted revenge and from the looks of it, so did she.

"Do you want to take a walk?" He suggested. "What harm could it do?" Elena looked at him from under her lashes. What harm could it do? Lets see. Shinichi could still be lurking somewhere nearby. Waiting for the right time to strike again. She also knew that Damon could no longer protect her from him and he would most likely get seriously hurt. She wouldn't live in fear her whole life though. She liked to live on the edge and have fun. Elena needed this. To escape for just a moment with the man she l...no Elena. She woulnd't let her mind go there. Her every thought was about HIM. The one who made electricty run through her body from just a single touch. Instead of turning him down and running from the temptation she grabbed his hand and led him out. Which, in return, made him want to lead her and he quickly picked up his pace so she would have to follow him. She chuckled uder her breath.

"I'll take that as a yes Princess." Ever since returning from the Dark Diminsion and becoming human Damon had so kindly bestowed her with the new nick-name. The Dark Diminsion made him realize she was more of a Princess than he thought. A queen in the making, his queen. Plus, Stefan hated it and whatever Stefan hated Damon loved. He could no longer physically hurt him now that he was human but verbally suited him just fine.

When outside Elena looked down and seen her hand was still in his. She had forgotten it was there. It was natural. She loved the way it felt and she figured she had became so close to him that it was only natural to want to hold his hand. She sometimes held Matt's hand. There was nothing wrong with this and it didn't mean anything. She slowly let go though. She looked up at Damon and seen that all to familiar gaze that she had gotten used to seeing from him and Stefan. She had no doubt that both of the brothers deeply.

They don't stray far from the house. The danger of the Old Woods still present. Being close to the house is safest and they ended up laying across the hood of Damon's car, staring up at the stars. Elena looked into Damon's eyes and could see those same stars reflected in them. He didn't want to break the connection but he had a question to ask and if anyone else was around he couldn't ask it.

"So, what are we going to do?" He would never ask anyone else that question. Damon Salvatore didn't ask people for help. Elena, however, was that one exception. She looked up into the sky and then my eyes again. I could tell she was comparing them to the sky as she so usually did.

"Damon, the truth? I don't know. When you became human we lost an important player on our team. Other vampires respected you. You kept me safe in the other diminsion. Now, you get beaten by Stefan. Stefan! It scares me!" Damon was mad. He hated feeling useless. Elena was never one to shy away from a problem before and she met it head on. I loved it about her and at the moment I also hated it. Sage had told everyone he wouldn't change me back and Stefan...he gave me one look and I knew I would be stuck like this forever.

"You haven't lost me! I'm still the same! Not as strong, I know this and will learn to accept it. I may be on my death bed before I do but I will learn eventually." Elena and Damon laughed at this. That would be the only time he would finally accept it but even then he would argue that he didn't need help. "I may not be able to protect you but I will make sure Sage and Stefan do." He hated admitting that he couldn't do it anymore. It tore him from the inside out. She can protect herself better than I can my ownself.

"Yes, I know you're the same guy. You're exactly the same. Everything about you screams Damon. I don't want you to change. I want you to always be the same. Just because you're not a super vamp. doens't mean you have changed. You still bottle things up that I wish you would just tell me. You still keep that mask on your face. It is easier to read your mind. I don't do it on purpose but you project louder than anyone I have ever known. I must have been like that. I must still be like that." He was shaking a little. The way he did when he was trying to control his temper. Like while in the Dark Diminsion she wrapped her arm around his waist and found themselves in that embrace the she had gotten used to.

"Princess, I won't let you down. I will always be here for you. The faith you put in me is unreal. Besides, my brother is back and will die fighting for you. So, he's an advantage for our 'team.'" Elena giggles at this. She leans over to smack his arm and his face shows mock hurt. "I'm glad I have you. You're a really good friend. I don't want you to ever leave me. I tell you stuff I don't even tell Stefan. I don't even know if that's a good or bad thing. You're a best friend or at least I try to think of you as only that." Elena could hear the mix of emotions in his mind. Anger at the thought of only being a friend. Glad at the thought of her having trouble at keeping me as only a friend and the actual thought of being more. The whole time he left the evil smirk that showed that his mask was up and he clearly didn't want her to know how much it got to him. He looked down at her and she was swimming in those black eyes that held the universe in them. A girl can drown in them and she knew that like a girl could drown in his a guy could drown in hers.

Without thinking her mind sent to him. Kiss me. If only he could hear her. To her astonishment he did lean in to kiss her. He knew exactly what she wanted. Her body language was something that he had studied and he was no idiot. First, he leans in just to make sure he wasn't mistaken and lightly kisses her. He pulls back to look into those beautiful eyes of hers. The same eyes that remind him of the very jewel that he had to wear for hundreds of years that now didn't seem important anymore. She could not wait any longer. She pulled him back in for a longer kiss until they were both gasping for breath. No influence needed.

chapter 2

Stefan is woken up by the front door shutting. He's rolls over to wrap his arms around his personal angel and realizes she is not there. She probably went to the bathroom he figured and waited a little while for her to get back. Then, he remembered he did hear the front door shut. He got out of bed and started walking down the hall and seeing Damon's door open he looks in to check on him. No Damon either. He must have followed her out to see what she was doing. They had been spending a great deal of time together and Damon was most likely worried. When he gets outside what he finds doesn't please him. Elena and Damon are hugging. He knew when they first got back something had changed between the two. Elena had admitted she loved him. He thought the feeling would've passed by now but as he thought before she was spending lots of time with him. Her excuse everytime is he needs me. He thought back to a conversation they had had. Her always defending him.

"Why are you helping him lovely little love?"

"Because he would do the same for me. Actually he did. He helped me get to you. Do you not see he loves you? You're his brother. He may not admit it but he does. I can tell."

"Do you not remember he is the one who got me put there in the first place? He doesn't love me, he hates me. He wants you. How would you know that he loves me?"

"He was being controlled! Shinichi was doing it! I should know I pulled the malache out of him! I seen his pain! How could I hate him after that? I can't!"

"How do you know he loves me?" I finally whispered. The one question she hadn't wanted me to ask.

"I just do ok. You don't know your brother like I do. After all these years I'm sure I know more than most and yet he keeps most of it hidden." I knew I should give up because she had that glassy stare she gets when she is remembering something.

As he comes back to the future he hears her say something about telling Damon everything and Stefan only knowing a fraction of the story.

"Like what?" He whispers. He watched as Elena looked up and seen her come to the conclussion it was the wind. She had gotten stronger lately. To what extent? He hadn't feed from her in awhile and she somehow has learned to hide her aura. Stefan watches as his beloved and his brother kiss How can she do this to me? She risked her own life to rescue me and know she will leave me for him! His thoughts went back to Katherine but comparing the two was an insult to Elena. She knew what she wanted, she was untamed, sweet, had a wild streak that had gotten her in trouble more times than once, and Katherine had chosen me while Elena sits in Damon's arms. Katherine was a cute little kitten compared to what Elena could do. You never knew Elena's intentions and somehow he realized her and Damon were just alike. Everything about the two being together screamed perfection. Damon had never really loved Katherine. This he knew. Damon was in deep with Elena. He would die for her. I can't believe this but I think she loves him more too.

Without thinking he runs straight into the woods. The malache are still there and waiting for anyone to step into their trap. As he got farther into the unknown his eyes started to blur with tears. He trips and falls. He goes to get up but his legs and arms are held down. When he opens his mouth to yell for Elena or Sage something tightly wraps itself around him. Since he is still weak from the Shi no Shi it easily over-powers him with no problem. He tried to send a message.

Take care of Elena. You two are perfect for each other. It never got anywhere though. The poison seeps through his body and he goes limp. He hears someone close to him running at full-speed to get there. Then, he is free. He stands up to thank whoever it was and was shocked. He was no longer in the woods. It looks like he ended up in a twisted version of The Jungle Book. He only knew one thing. Shinichi would pay.

It was starting to get light outside so Damon and Elena went to sit in the kitchen and wait for everyone to wake up. Sage came waltzing in and took Elena by her hands.

"Madame, you may need to sit for this. You too mon cher, this has to do with your love's lover." Many things went through her mind. She slowly sunk to the chair, Damon crouched and wrapped his arms around her. She smiled at him. He would always be here for me. I would be in his debt forever.

"What, what is it? What's happened to Stefan?" Elena could help but think everything happens to me and him. No, everthing happens to him and in result stuff happens to me. Why can't Stefan be tough and not weak? What was she thinking? Talking bad about him? She didn't know what was wrong but she didn't like it.

"I was asleep in one of the trees deep in the woods with Saber and Talon like every night. I really hate to be woken because for me sleep is hard to come by and is very rare. Therefore, I treasure it. I'm not mad but I would have ripped any other vampire's head off." Elena was getting frustrated at how long he was taking. Wasting precious time. Stefan's precious time.

"What happened?" Elena had let part of her aura escape and flare. It quickly got everyone's attention and woke up the ones sleeping. She was tired of this. All of this. She needed someone who could take care of themselves. Her gaze wandered to Damon and he rubbed her leg to let her know he was here and alway would be. Elena internally shook herself. You love Stefan not Damon. Save Stefan.

"Sorry Madame. You'll have to forgive me. He came running through and he looked quite upset. I wanted to figure out what was the matter but he looked like he was literally ready to rip someone's head off. I would hate for that anger to be pointed at me. Then, he fell. He was still weak from the prison I assume. I was waiting for him to get back up but as he did something pulled him back down. I hastily ran after him but right when I got close enough to touch him he vanished." Elena was shaking. She knew eactly what this meant. He had fallen into one of Shinichi's traps.

"We just found him and we lost him again. Can nobody around here get a break? Shinichi will not get away with this one." Elena hadn't noticed everyone came down to check on her. She only knew Stefan was gone. Her personal male Damsel in Distress. Had he seen me and Damon or was he just out hunting? I hoped it was the latter. I also have many questions about Sage's story but not at this moment. She looked up at him and he just looked away. He felt guily that he didn't save him. "It's not your fault that you didn't get to him in time you do know that." Sage looked at Elena and smiled. He was glad that he didn't blame her. Did she ever hate anyone. I know of two exceptions. Old Ones and kitsunes. I don't blame her. If my frist encounter with one was as bad as hers i would hate them too. If only she knew.

Meredith and Bonnie grab Elena's shoulders and can feel her power pulsating through her. She is reaching her breaking point Meredith thought. She had never seen Elena, the sneaky, manipulative, attention grabber, and everything in between yell at someone for taking to long. I don't think anyone noticed I was sitting at the bottom of the steps listening. Nobody ever notice me when Elena was around or even when she's not. I'm quiet and I study things. I always have a plan. It's just the way I am. We three girls balance each other out. We are different yet we go perfect together. Always have. She hated that Elena had chosen Damon. Well, she will eventually or she won't. Elena is not a person you can predict. I get under Damon's skin. I guess it's because of my logical thinking. I put him on the defensive to much for him to ever be comfy around me. It suits me just fine.

"Damon we need to talk." Elena said. She made a mental note of how much that sounded like the break up talk. She stood up and walked toward the stairs. The way she walked and stood. There was something different but what? Damon just couldn't put his finger on it. He knew though that nobody in their right mind would disobey her. Except a very ignorant friend.

"Madame, shouldn't we be out looking instead of talking?" Sage obviously didn't know Elena. She turned and she flashed her best two-second smile which she had learned from Damon. Damon only used that mask when he was tore up inside. That's why she looked different. She was completely unstable and only I could see it.

"Sage, we always plan and strategize first. You wouldn't go blind into battle would you? Of coarse not." Without another word she turned and walked away while mumbling something under her breath that made Sage's eyes go wide. Apparently it wasn't the nicest thing Elena has ever said. Nobody stopped her after that.

When they got upstairs Elena turned that smirk on me and I realized why she hated mine so much. It was beautiful on her but it was full of sarcasm and you couldn't tell if she were really upset or not. I walked to where she was but she still didn't drop it.

"Did I use your famous smirk the right way?" I still had no clue what to say. I decided I would never use it on her when we were by ourselves again. She should never have to be put through that.

"Perfect, now lose it. I now realize why you hate mine so much. I won't use it on you anymore." She kept it there for a while longer and I wondered why but didn't ask. She would tell me.

"Promise? I really do hate it and I will promise to use it only on others too." I had to promise her or she would keep that stupid smirk on her face. I never realized why she hated it so much but now I will never be able to use it again on her.

"Of coarse. Now please drop the act. I know you better than that and I know you're tore up inside if you're using something of mine. It works though. I'm sure you agree." It slowly melted from her face. Then, she was on her bed crying and I was beside her. He was heart-broken at how bad this hurt her. It was Shinichi who had caused all this pain and those evil snow globes. He will pay. The pain I will put him through will be so great. Then Damon remembered, no I won't. I'm a human. Elena perked up.

"You really want to change back don't you?" She often wondered why Sage had said no. They were friends and I always want what makes my friends happy. I want him to change back. It's Damon's world. He belongs there. I belong with him. No, you only love him as a brother. A tiny voive in the back of her head whispered. Yes, you used to. It's changed now. You love him. I wanted to tell the tiny voice to shut-up but it would be stupid to argue with myself. I don't give up and neither would the little voive.

"Sage won't do it. I've already tried." I shook my head at him. He just doesn't know how to ask or threaten right.

"You've tried. I haven't. Let me try. Trust me for once will you?" I smiled at him. Damon trusted me with his life. If I told him he could jump off a cliff and he would live I'm sure he would if he thought it would help. He wanted to hear what was going through her mind. He wanted to hear the plan she was making as we speak. These are the little moments when I miss my vampire abilites the most he thought. Every second he spends with Elena. He misses the way he could listen to her mind for hours and hours and never get bored, the way she smelled, and the way she looked. He could no longer hear the music when she laughed. She was different. No, he thought. She's the same, I'm the one whose changed. He kissed her hard. Not waiting to ask and not wanting permission.

She was laying on her back when he sat on her and kissed her. She loved this Damon. Her Prince of Darkness. He was excited about becoming a vampire again. She assumed that's why he kissed her.

"I'll take that as a yes Prince. I think it would help you. Immortality suits you." He laughed real hard at this and brushed his lips against hers again. Not wanting to move and not wanting to talk. He could smell her. He was close enough to get her smell again. He rolled off and put her on him. He hugged her and made sure her smell was all over him.

"Thanks Princess." Elena looked shocked. She had no clue what he was thanking her for. She would've done it for anybody. Had he ever thanked me?

"Don't mention it. I can get Sage to say yes. I think it will be very easy." He looked into her eyes and laughed. He kissed her again. Why wasn't she stopping him. He just felt so right.

"Not for that. Thank you for being you. You should hate me but you…don't. Why do you only read my mind when it's convient to you?" She looked at him for a minute than she kissed him. He loved her now more than ever. While Stefan was gone she was mine.

"I don't like to read your mind. I don't try. You project. I have a question though."

"Yes?" He had known something was on her mind.

"How can Sage stay in the woods without being attacked." Damon froze slightly but tried to remain calm. He hated lying to her but he couldn't reveal too much because that would prove disasterous.

"Sage is a scary person. Him and those animals. Malache don't even mess with him apparently." Elena was studying his face. He hoped it showed nothing. His smirk would've came in handy then. Whatever she seen she just shook her head and decided not to pursue it.

"I have a plan. I only want to repeat it once so lets go downstairs and get the others. We are not looking for Shinichi. He won't be found unless he wants to be. I'm pretty sure it was one of his evil snow globes." Elena had a flash of an old memory. The time she had gotten trapped in one. She shuddered. Damon wished he only knew what she was thinking about so he could ease her pain but he also agreed. He was in no shape to fight Shinichi and he knew if given the chance he would fight rather he was ready to or not.

"Well, lets go tell the world about my plan and hopefully get you back to normal." She was at the door and he pushed her up against it and kissed her one last time before opening the door. She had not pushed him away once. He's very excited she thought. What if Sage did say no?

Chapter 3

As they walked down stairs Elena realized Damon would be stronger if his first 'meal' was from her. She hadn't told anone but her powers had grown. To what extent? She didn't even know. She was getting very good at hiding her aura and that helped at hiding the powers. She had no clue at how big her aura had gotten but she could feel it was huge. New things happened everyday. They will grown over the years if I practice with them she thought. She didn't know how she knew. She just did. Only time can tell.

Everyone was still in the kitchen. All to shocked to move more than likely. Had I ever yelled at anyone besides people trying to kill me which have grown in number since she had met Stefan. Sage had disappeared but as she thought this he came back through the door with his animals. I wonder how that came about Elena started to wonder.

"Meredith, you and Bonnie will say here and research. We need to learn how to destroy star balls. Mrs. Flowers and Matt we need some more of those post-it notes that made the malache stop. Sage, you can turn people into vampires, I want you to do it for me." Everybody got wide-eyed. Maybe she put that wrong. She smirked at them.

"Elena, you don't have to do that!" Matt shouted. Everybody silently agreed. Do they not know me at all? I don't want to be a vampire. Been there done that.

"No, me and Damon think it's a good idea to turn him back. If you refuse we will leave and find someone else no matter how dangerous that could be." How could anybody say no to that Damon thought. Do it or don't? Simple.

"Your wish is my command." Elena and Damon looked at each other and Sage knew they were having a private conversation with their eyes. Those two confuse him. Does she not love Stefan? Maybe it has changed. She actually scares me. That girl. She's not what she seems I know for sure. She has something building inside her.

"Good, now would be great. Take him to his room and do it there." I don't think I really had a choice. It feels as if she has been suspicious since I told my story. If only I could read her mind. I need to gain her trust not lose it.

Damon was full of exctiment. He could have his life back. He heard Elena's voice clearly in his mind. When you awake, come to my room. He would do as he was told. He layed down and let Sage lead the way. He had never been faint-hearted luckily. Sage smiled.

"This will only hurt a little bit." His teeth elongated and he struck quickly. Damon smelled like Elena. His lips smelled like her. His whole body smelled like her. What had they done? Damon was a love-struck fool. You could see it in the way he talked to her and gazed into her eyes. His smirk nowhere on his face.

Elena walked to her room and switched on the computer. She was never one to just sit and wait. Shinichi's snow globes have became a very hot topic in their lives lately. She needed to know what they do, if you can get out of one from the inside, and what sort of things were in them. She got lucky and found the answer to every question.

'when dealing with kitsune's magical traps remember nothing is as it seems. Trap doors are everywhere! Their traps can range from very simple to very complex. It can keep you somewhere until you die from starvation or things can be lurking around every corner waiting to kill you. Keys and doors are hidden. They are your escape routes. The people I've talked to who have made it out say it is very difficult. There are obstacules keeping such things out of your reach. Kitsune's traps can have anything in it. They create everything. They defy gravity and the impossible becomes the possible.'

Elena leaned back in her chair. There were her answers yet it didn't make her feel any better. I wonder if Stefan is ok? She hadn't told anyone that she planned on going to exactly where it happened and getting sucked in. She only wanted two people to go with her, Damon and Sage. She knew that meant a fight with Matt was in her future. Nobody will question why she wants Damon there but they will ask about Sage. Her and Sage hadn't seen eye-to-eye the past couple of day. Nobody really knew him. She somehow knew he was an Old One. While in the Dark Diminsion she had brought it up and he didn't ever say he wasn't. Even if he were she wouldn't blame him. He has been helpful and hasn't done anything to me. Elena already knew what she was going to do. Her friends would hate it but they would survive. I won't be responsible for any deaths.

After Elena packed all the things they might need she headed downstairs to have a one-on-one with Sage while Damon slept. She walked through the house once and figured he was outside again. He felt most at home there. She walked towards the Old Woods and stopped. She wouldn't let a little thing like this stop her. She pushed her luck and walked forward.

She stopped and looked around after she had taken a few steps. She still didn't see him and was about to keep walking but couldn't. Something had her leg. She looked down and a root was snaking it's way around her. She bent down to pry it off but a word burst out of her mouth.

"Fire." Her hands instantly heated up and had a bright red glow to them. I felt hot all over but it didn't hurt. It actually felt good. She placed them on the roots and they withered away. "Wow."

"You can say that again." Sage was literally frozen in a running position. He must have been on his way to help Elena thought. "How did that power come about?"

"I would like to know the same thing. Ever since we've gotten back I've had at least two new powers everyday. Different situations different powers." Elena wanted to finally get this off her chest but she had questions that needed to be answered.

"Madame? Shall we check on mon cher Damon?" Sage didn't know what Elena was about to do. He had been around for many years but nobody measured up to her. She was special but he didn't want to be with her. He did love her but not like most guys do. His feelings for her were strickly sister and brother.

"Yes, but lets talk about some things on our way in. This is completely confidential. Nobody has to know. I need to know this. Who are you?" Elena never was one to put something off for later discussions.

Chapter 4

"I am Sage." He looked taken back. The question clearly threw him off. He knew she had to ask something but why that? He gave a nervous chuckle. Why was he nervous? He hadn't planned on letting her get to him. He had seen her make greater men studder, falter, and second guess themselves under the gaze of her lapiz blue eyes. Now that they were fixed on him he wanted them off. She smirked. Damon was rubbing off on her. I think she could actually school him. I can't wait to tell him his love is better than him at certain things. Her wild streak was even worse. The smirk got bigger. She can read my mind!

"I know this. I want to know if you're an Old One? You never said you weren't." My face must have shown some emotion because she held up her hand. "Let me finish before you interrupt. I don't care. You may or may not be one but I know one thing you are. A friend, you have proved that time and time again. I really hate to be lied to especially by my friends. You're keeping a secret. What are you?" She must have seen the thought of lying dawn on my face because she said quickly. "Don't think about it. Just tell the truth." He was completely silent for five minutes.

"I..I'm..uh..yes, I'm an old one. It's worse than that though. My past. You would hate me if you knew. I've done things that Damon would be shocked to hear." Elena looked torn between two things. She couldn't surpress it any longer. She grabbed him up into a big hug. He was shocked but finally his arms wrapped around her.

"No, I would never hate you. You're my brother. I don't hate family. You can talk about it. I bet it's been forever since you've talked about it." She tightened her grip. She soon would not want anything to do with me. Not even the angel brought to earth can keep loving me after I tell her what I did.

"But..I..uh..I've killed many people. You know this. You will forgive me for that. You've done the same for Damon. He has a bad past and you've looked past it. It's who I've killed that will make you hate me." Elena just kept shaking her head no. She had no idea. I would miss her after this. No longer forgiving. He hugged her tighter. This will probably be good-bye. I'm sure not even she can forgive this one. Damon will kill me when she tells him. He will torture me.

"Damon and Stefan killed each other. They eached killed their own brother. I don't hold it against them! The past is called the past for a reason. You can't change it now why regret it? Did you kill someone in your family? Who Sage? I'm going to love you anyway!" Why did nobody believe her when she says she doesn't blame them. Do I go around accusing people of things? Tears were rolling down his face. Tears! Why did this girl bring out these reactions in him? Things he hasn't done in thousands of years! How did people live with her? Persistent and confident. Loving and loved. Elena was and did many things. One couldn't help but love her he supposed.

"It's not the same. I killed someone close to you. Two very special people. Elena, I killed your mom and dad." She looked up and tears pooled in her eyes but she brought that smirk back. Talking about them had always made her cry. She didn't believe he would intentionally hurt her but she didn't want to admit he was right just yet. He could be trying to throw me off track.

"I'm positive you didn't do it. They died in a.." I cut her off so I could prove I was as horrible as I felt. I'm terrible. If it was anybody else's parents I wouldn't care but this girl gets to me. She's made Damon into a softie and I'm following down that road and I don't even love her like he does. She is great and precious. I know we will protect her with everything we have. Shinichi will not get her.

"Car wreck. I know, I caused it. I pushed it off the road. I had just lost a fight and I needed to drink. Your mom and dad were the first ones to drive by. I was exhausted so I wasn't discreet. I killed your mom first. Since she was in the wreck she had already lost a lot of blood and that didn't fill me up. I wasn't satisfied. I could've stopped there but I didn't. Your dad was still alive. He was calling someone's name that I didn't recognize. I drained him too. I wasn't full though. Fighting always did make me want more of everything. Then, I came upon the girl with the golden hair in the backseat. She looked like an angel. She was of coarse covered in scratches but she wasn't dead. Her eyes fluttered open and closed quickly. I was shocked. Her eyes were the same color of the lapiz lazuli that I wear every single day of my life. Her blood smelled so good but I couldn't muster up the energy to kill her or even drink from her. So, I left her to die. After, I killed her family! I made them die so I could live. If only I had been more careful. I could've lived and so could they. I didn't though! You couldn't even see the bite marks. They were to scratched up for anyone to think twice about it. I'm horrible. Please hate me."

Elena sat down with me still in her arms. She started shaking her head back and forth. I'm not going to leave though he thought. He wanted her to cuss him out, make him feel like dirt, and hit and kick him as hard as she could. She looked up and what he saw surprised him. It wasn't anything he expected. She had no hatered in her eyes..only..what? Was it love? How could she still love him? He who had surely caused her so much pain in her life.

"It's not your fault. It's your nature and as you said you were hurt. I'm glad you told me. It's been a mystery all these years as to why the car had crashed. I needed the closure. Is this the reason why you always helped me, even though I hadn't done anything to deserve your generosity?" He was really crying now. She just called him generous after killing her parents. How did she do that? Not hate him for everything? All she can show is love for him. She either was the best actress or she really was an angel.

"Yes, I promised I would make it up to you. I'm sorry. I don't expect you to forgive me. I don't want you to forgive me. It was awful and I don't deserve your love." She kissed my check and wiped her tears and mine. She was amazing.

"Do all vampires believe they don't deserve love. I swear. Between you, Damon, and Stefan that's all I hear. Everyone deserves love no matter what they have done. I do forgive you and I release you from your promise. You owe me nothing. We don't need to speak of this to anyone. Damon might kill you I suppose. Leave if you like but I'd rather my brother stay and accompany me into Shinichi's trap and get Stefan back." She had stopped crying and had accepted what life had gave her. I have to do the same Sage thought.

"It will be my honor. Let's go check on Damon." I couldn't be mad she thought. He didn't know and he was hurt. Holding grudges wasn't my strong point. I knew he would stick by my side and he would take it back if he could. He cried. It's over and done with. The past is exactly what it's called. The past.

"I'm going to my room to take a nap. If you need me you know where I am." Elena was very strong. She would be a wonderful vampire. She could handle herself well. Better than that man of hers, Stefan. Her and Damon are a better match. What should be will be. Her growth in her powers is another mystery about her. What else could she do? We would have another one-on-one and it will be my turn to ask the questions this time.

Elena ran upstairs and flopped down on her bed. Instead of being sad she was glad. She was finally able to figure out the missing piece that caused the wreck. They never knew why it had happened, just that it did. She was tired but ready to save Stefan. She wanted to sleep badly but couldn't. She walked to Damon's room, stepped in, and shut the door. I loved the way he looked when he was sleeping. So calm. His stupid mask wiped clean away. I wish he would stay like that forever. Awake but same facial expression.

"Elena…kiss me." He was dreaming of her. Apparently it was good. She giggled are walked to the bed. She leaned down and pressed her lips to his. That all to familiar electric current shot through her and he shuddered, unable to hide it while sleeping. She walked back out and could feel him coming awake. She had twenty minutes before he would come looking for her. She was sure she had time to write in her all but forgotten diary. She had been denying it the attention it needed. This would help her sleep. She should've seen it sooner. She didn't know why the thought hadn't occurred before. She ran all the way back to her room. Eager and ready.

dear diary,

I should really be sad I realize but I'm not. It cleared up their death and it cleared a few things up about Sage. Should I hate him? She could never. He was apart of the family. You know what they say, once you open up you can't stay shut. I believe me and Sage will talk again very soon. I have a hunch that he knows a lot that he is keeping to himself. Forgiving him ,however, will bring it out. Showing him that he could trust me was harder than Stefan but easier than Damon.

Speaking of Damon, he will be waking up soon. I'm anxious about this. Should I be happy? I am. He's getting his life back. I have to tell him aobut my new powers but he will know soon enough. My blood has also changed. Stefan told me when we first got back that it was a little more…more. He had no words to describe it and with every new power my blood got sweeter and my aura grew bigger. I can feel this. I'm just so yummy.

I don't know how I've lived this far without someone discovering me. Being in a little town is a blessing I guess and I have learned how to hide most of it but that didn't explain it. Damon put wards around the house right when we got home. After our discussion I believe Sage will be joining in the protect Elena wagon. Stefan asked me why he cared so much and I just shrugged and told him that there were no words to explain his brother. Stefan, however, volunteered a few words that decribed his brother perfectly to him.

How can I tell Stefan that me and Damon have became closer and he didn't know nearly enough to judge him. How do you tell someone that you see their brother in a whole new light and you might like what you see?

Well, I discovered my new motto. Only time can tell!

Elena

Damon was waking up and he was ready to see her. He had an idea of what was going to happen and he was ready and willing. He missed the taste of her blood. The smell, the sounds, and the loving looks they exchanged. He missed her. He was absolutely head-over-hills in love with her and every moment they spent together he was just falling deeper. She was changing him. He talked about his life with her and how he felt. He was being turned into a softie. He didn't know why he continued to let her in. After Stefan returned she'd go running back to him and he would surely be forgotten again. He remembered though that she did spend most of her time with him when they had gotten back from the Dark Diminsion. She hadn't left him yet and maybe she wouldn't. He was under her spell, a softie and everything between but only for her. He chuckled at this. Damon Salvatore. A softie.

Chapter 5

He walked in and was over-whelmed. She was everywhere. Something had changed though? He hadn't forgotten anything about her and he compared this Elena to the one in the Dark Diminsion. She had definatly changed. Power was pulsing from her. She had gotten stronger and more intoxicating. He shut the door and lounged against it. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing deeply. They both had been awake at four this morning and after everything that had happened she needed this. He was taking her in with his eyes. His vampire ability only making her look more flawless. He walked over and lay beside her. Why did she have to belong to my brother? Everyone picked him. Katherine, dad, and their 'friends'. He snorted at this. She rolled over and snuggled under his arm.

"Damon. I have something to tell you." He sat up and listened. This should be good. Let her confess her love for me while sleeping so when she woke up it would all be forgotten. She does love me. She does love my brother. Which does she love more? Hopefully me he agreed.

"What Princess?" He tried hard to hold back but the bed shook with his silent laughter.

"Damon please. This is important." She was smiling. This must be good. He sobered up and was serious. He wanted to hear this and laughing would ruin it.

"Yes, tell me." She kept her eyes closed the whole time. Not a hint she was awake. She was a very heavy sleeper he had remembered and she did do a lot of talking while she was awake. Sleeping wouldn't be much different.

"Damon…you're squishing my leg." Her eyes popped open and she began laughing. It was hilarious to her. I have to admit it was funny. He started laughing and she stopped. "I love your laugh. I wish I heard it more often. How do you feel? Because if it can wait awhile it needs to. I have to tell you something." I would wait for her to tell me. Nothing is more important than Elena. He shook his head telling her to go.

"I'm sure you've noticed that I'm different. I'm trying really hard to hide it. I have these new powers. I can get up to two new ones everyday. Today I learned I could make fire come from my hands but I'm sure it includes every part of me. I can read human and vampire minds better than before. I can control the elements like a strong vampire can, which also includes the weather. People listen to me. If I want it I can persuade them into giving me what I want. The two powers I gain everyday are usually similar so I probably will be able to freeze things next. If I happen to burn my hand we will see if my theory is right. My aura. How do I explain it? Basically, if I were to let it show it would feel the whole room at this moment. Every time I get a new power it grows bigger. Making me stronger. When my aura gets bigger my blood gets more intoxicating. Lets use the word you thought when you first smelt me. Smell again. I was hiding it awhile ago so you wouldn't go crazy. I want your first snack to be me so you can gain power. I've thought this out and I want you to do it. You will be incredibly strong. Go ahead smell." He did as he was told and it hit him. It was…wow…never in the hundreds of years I have been alive have I smelt anything like that. Just to think, everyday it would get better.

Elena leaned back to give Damon a full view of her neck. She was feeling full there anyway. He was the simple solution. He didn't move for awhile and she wondered why.

"Problem?" He just looked at her savoring the sound of her voice. Problem? Yes, if he tasted her then Stefan would probably never get her back. I would have to kidnap her he realized.

"I want to see your aura." She had perfected the normal girl appearance except for the beauty. Nobody would call her normal with the face of an angel.

"I'm going to let it out slowly so it won't over-whelm you. It can do that." She released it. Only a little at first because his eyes kept widening as it kept growing. She smiled and she heard the confusion in his head. He didn't know which he wanted more: her blood or her. "I don't think I should let it out anymore. It's grown since yesterday."

Damon just looked shocked. "There's more? How can there be anymore? It's amazing Princess. You're sure it will grow everyday?" He couldn't believe it. His blood lust was momentarily forgotten. She was amazing. He hadn't felt this way in a long time. He had never felt THIS way.

"Yes, there is more. I'm as surprised as you are. The last time I checked it was smaller. I'm not sure it will grow everyday. Hopefully it will stop one day because it takes awhile to learn how to hold all of this in." She gestured around the room and as quickly as she had let it out she brought it back in. Damon was disappointed. He could still see the aura that made him want her but the desire and passion that came with it all the way out was gone. He would not be able to stop himself if it happened to slip out while he were around. "So, are you going to bite me or not? I'm extra yummy now." She smiled and he leaned in and kissed her.

"I forgot I was hungry for your blood." He kissed up her neck to the spot and he had barely penetrated the skin when the delicious smell hit him. He bit deeper. Stars, sparks, comets, and fireworks. This had no words. It knocked him speechless but he still had control and knew he had to stop. He felt so powerful. He had never been this powerful. Her blood was wonderful but he had to admit he liked her way better. They layed down beside each other and soaked in everything that had happened.

"Yummy? I pricked my finger and I put it in my mouth to stop it from bleeding and even I loved it! If my plan is right, which it is, you should be a super vampire again. Stronger than you were before. I know you are. I can feel it." Elena yawned. This had tired her and it was getting close to nightfall. She had slept longer than she thought but was still tired. Damon rolled her on top of him and pulled a knife from his pocket. He made the incision on his neck and lead her to it. He had never really done this a lot, but she had. She knew exactly what to do and when to stop. She looked up at him and he pulled her back to him but this time it was for a kiss. She still smelled of blood and my teeth elongated. She was very experienced with what pleased them. She captured one tooth between her lips and held it there. It got even sharper. Had they ever been this sharp? He couldn't remember any other times. He believed he loved her more than his brother did.

"You are absolutely delicious." He planted butterfly kisses up and down her neck while she giggled.

"I missed you." The rest of the time he whispered sweet nothings in her ear. Damon Salvatore. Doing that? Yes, a softie but only for her.

"What have you done to me?" He interrupted lightly and she laughed. She loved games. She was getting sleepy again and she wasn't planning on letting Damon leave her bed. He was comfy.

"Whatever do you mean? I'm just an innoccent little girl who knows not the ways of the vampire." Wow, Damon thought. That was sexy. He always had a thing for girls who could play innoccent when convenient. She had no idea where those words came from. They just came and she realized that Damon liked them. Maybe it reminded him of his time era but whatever it was made that flame of desire in his eyes burn brighter.

"You, my dear Princess, have turned me into what people these days would call a softie." She laughed and it was like music to my ears. How would I live without her after Stefan got back. Maybe, she would choose him and not his brother.

"Your confusing your language with another time. We would now call you whipped." She was sleepy now and could no longer keep her eyes open. She layed down on Damon and quickly drifted to sleep.

-Elena's dream

"I love you."

"forever and always"

She knew that everything was perfect. The beach water was clear blue and the sun wasn't too hot. She was with the man she loved. The ONLY man she loved. She ducked under water to wet her hair and seen a shark. As he walked over and wrapped his arms around me the shark swam the other way. No animals messed with the strongest predatore of all.

"Princess, you should stop playing with dangerous animals. It could've bit you and ruined those perfect legs of yours."

"You know I could handle that shark all by myself. I like to pet them. They need to be loved to and they don't get loved very often because everyone is scared of them." He laughed. I always did love the wrong things. I'm sure he was glad about that.

"There are reasons why they don't get the love you think they require. They like to bite people who try to love them. Not many people like things that bite." She turned around and nipped at his ear.

"I'm glad I'm one of the few that do. I love you Prince Damon."

-End of dream

She woke up the next morning to his loving gaze. A big bright smile on his face. Not that I hated the smile, it's just he never had that certain mocking smile on his face without a reason.

"What are you smiling so big for Damon?" He started to chuckle. She had no idea that she spoke in her sleep so often. I heard most of it but not all of it.

"Oh, no Prince Damon? I'd really like for you to fill in some blanks because you only say what your talking about. What did I say in your dream?" Her face reddened. It was so cute the way she looked. Yes, he was whipped but not like Stefan.

"I just don't think I will tell you. Unless, you figure out a way to make me but I doubt that." She jumped out of bed, ran down the hall, and straight into the kitchen. Fatty

"I think I can make you do whatever I want you to do. I am stronger than you my Princess." He had whispered it but you could hear her laughing about it all the way downstairs.

You think you're stronger and you look stronger but don't believe you are stronger. It may surprise you. He heard her mental voive ringing in his ears and you could practically see the smile on her face when she said it. You could hear the smile as it is.

Chapter 6

Elena was very hungry. She didn't eat yesterday. Sage was already at the table staring down at his hands, lost in thought. She turned on the coffee and quickly took a seat by Sage.

"How is Damon? I assume you know since he was not in his room when I went to check on him. Does he act the same? No complications?" He wanted to make sure he did the procedure right. He wouldn't kill another person close to her.

"He is great, just the same. He is excited about having his life back. I let him stay in my room last night in-case any complications did arise but nothing." Sage could feel Damon upstairs. He was better than great. He was stronger than he had ever been. Her blood must be amazing. She must be strong too. She had to keep everything bottled up so nobody would find her. It isn't fair for her to do that. When we get back from saving Stefan, he promised, I will take her somewhere so she can let her powers out to the full extent.

"Madame, tell me of these other powers you spoke of the other day." It had been on his mind and he couldn't bare to wait any longer.

"Well, my power for reading minds for one. I can hear everything a human is thinking and with a vampire I can pick up certain thoughts and ideas even if you're trying to hide it most of the time. I can turn it off though, like right now. I have it as off as it can be so you can have your privacy. I can control the elements. All four of them. The weather matches my mood when I want it to. Strong vampires can do the same thing so it's no big deal. I only got one new power yesterday which was fire and I'm sure ice will be coming later because they usually come in similar pairs. I had to tell this to Damon last night. My blood is more intoxicating as he put it and my aura, there are no words to describe it. It's..I would just have to show you one day. Oh, I can also persuade people to do as I say. I have some vampire abilites it seems like." Sage didn't know what to say. She was as different as any girl could be. She got up and fixed her some coffee and had a muffin that she absolutely loved. Damon finally decided to grace us with his presence. Yes, he was different. He had drunk from her. With the blood, aura, and powers she has no wonder he is like that. I would be to. Sage, however, had no desire to drink from her. She was hiding her power well. He couldn't sense anything from her besides a normal teenage girl.

"Amazing. You have great control. When are we leaving? I'm ready to go save your love." The look Elena had on her face didn't match what she should be feeling. Stefan was her love? Wasn't he? Sage liked Damon better and if she happened to choose him over the other than he was ok with it. Elena had already drained her coffee and was needing more.

"After I explain it to everyone, have a fight with Matt I'm sure, and make sure me and Bonnie can keep in touch. I have gotten some information off the computer. There are ways out or I wouldn't ask you to do this. You can choose if you want to bring Saber and Talon or not. They are not essential but can prove to be important. A bird's eye view would be great." Damon wrapped his arms around Elena and produced a cup of coffee in front of her. One for him and one for her. Sage chuckled and Damon gave him a perculiar look.

"What is so funny might I ask?" He considered telling him. It was the perfect time to let him know how Elena could school him in the manipulation category.

"She has turned you into a softie. I also would like to add that you could learn a thing or two from her. She has perfected your smirk in every single way. It is absolutely the best." Damon used the smirk in question and laughed at me. He would never beat her, even if he lived another hundred years. It just came naturally.

"Elena can turn me into whatever her little heart desires. Yes, I am a softie or whipped as people this day and age would say." They bothed laughed at this. Damon turned his gaze on Elena and that hated smirk melted away. Them two are a piece of work. Stefan didn't stand a chance.

"We're leaving today after I fight with Matt on why he can't come. Sage was just about to tell me if his animals would accompany me on our little trip to the unknown." Speaking of the devil. Matt walked downstairs at that precise moment. Elena's eyes wandered to Damon's arm wrapped around her. Matt would hate this. She would have to make him stay here against his will.

"We were just talking about you. I want you to do something for me. We are going to go into Shinichi's trap and get Stefan. I want you to stay here." Matt's face got a dark shade of red and she could tell he would argue until the sun went down and she just didn't have time for it.

"No, if you go, I'm going. You can't make me stay here. I won't! I left you with Damon in the Dark Diminsion. I won't do that again." He was dead set against her going.

"You want to stay here. You don't want to leave Bonnie, Meredith, and Mrs. Flowers unprotected do you? No, you don't. You would rather stay here. Stay here." Damon and Sage could feel a fraction of the power she were using. It didn't strain her. She wasn't even trying. She made him listen to her. She had mentioned the new power but seeing Elena use it was shocking. Nobody would believe she would use it. "Now, you want to go tell the rest of them what we are going to do and tell them not to worry. We can keep in touch through Bonnie." He got up and walked out. Amazing. It was just like a vampire's but they had a feeling that it could surpass even the strongest vampire.

"Ok, not as much of a fight as you had thought." She smirked at Sage. He was clearly shocked but she had warned them about it.

"There was going to be one. In his mind he was already thinking about keeping us here until nightfall if he had to. I just intervened before it could start. No reason to wait around for the inevitable. We will leave right after I eat and finish this coffee."

As Elena finished in the kitchen and talked to her friends Sage and Damon went outside to fetch Talon and Saber. He decided Elena was right and they would be needed on the trip. Sage wanted to tell Damon a few things and now was as good a time as any.

"I told her what I was. She doesn't even care and she doesn't plan on telling anyone. She's really amazing. How do you feel?" Damon was in one of the best moods I had seen him in in ages. Love did that to you. He was laughing. Damon Salvatore didn't laugh.

"Yes she is. I told you it would be ok. I feel great. She's wonderful. I'm not even close to being as strong as she is though. Her strength hasn't improved but if the situation arises I'm sure that power will come along sooner-or-later." Poor Damon. She better choose him and not Stefan or it would be terrible.

"What about the two of you? Is there something going on there? No, it's obvious there is but is it strong enough to over come her love for Stefan? I don't want to see you hurt. She wouldn't do it on purpose but it can happen." Damon looked down. He didn't want to talk about this. He didn't talk about his feelings. He wouldn't talk about them. He just smirked and pretended it didn't bother him.

"If she does she does if she don't she don't. Who would want to pass me up?" Sage never knew when Damon was hurt and when he was not. His heart was hardened by the years of disappointment he went through and nobody but Elena was allowed in. Elena was the exception to everyone. Nobody could deny her the answer she wanted and nobody wanted to deny her anything.

"Well I'm ready to leave and I'm sure you are to. You must miss your brother greatly." Damon looked at him as if he were crazy. Him? Miss his brother? Never, the only reason he is going is because Elena wants it and he was still his brother. No matter how bad he got on his nerves he still loved him.

"I'm going to catch a quick snack and be back. You should do the same because we are going into the unknown practically blind. We won't be able to eat for awhile." They quickly went their separate ways and Damon knew he really didn't need this. Elena's blood would probably last weeks before it finally emptied out but hopefully the power would still be there. He believed the power had soaked into him and would always be there. When he found his snack, a blonde girl the age of eighteen, he had been thinking. Sage had hit the nail right on the head. It would hurt painfully if she took Stefan back. He knew she would comfort him in the beginning at least but she would tell him when he started getting better. He wanted this more than anything. For someone to finally pick him and not St. Stefan.

Prince and Princess could finally come together. The perfect match. Each strong-willed and stubborn. Elena was just like him but everyone loved her for it. They were the same but nobody seen it. If they did, they choose to make Damon seem more of a killer than her. He was of coarse but he hadn't killed a single person since meeting Elena. His thoughts were torn back to when Shinichi had controlled him. That was the exception. There was always one to every rule. People love Elena for the same thing they hate him for. It isn't fair. He could hear his father in his mind reminding him over and over again. Nobody ever said life was fair. You learn to live with it. He hated his father. He did everything in his power to go against what his father said. Damon would never learn how to live with it. He fought and hustled it everyday of his life and would continue to do it.

He would never be the saint his brother is. He wouldn't ever try to be. Elena loved him the way he was and he could never be as helpless as Stefan. He wouldn't sink that low. He would love Elena as much as he could and she would soon realize they were meant to be.

He made his way back to the house. Careful to avoid the Old Woods until it was time to purposely walk into their trap. He hated the idea of it but Elena knew what she was doing. She was outside waiting. Sage was already back. Elena and him were laughing. Jealousy flared. She seen him and her eyes sparkled. She loved him. If only she knew.

"Are you ready? Sage is going to take us to where the trap is. The malache won't attack with him around and if they do I can handle it. Be prepared to fight when we first get there in-case we are ambushed. Nothing is impossible. While looking for Stefan we should be looking for keys and doors. Meredith said the keys were easy to distinguish. It's finding it that will be the problem. The doors will probably be hidden and guarded by things you could only find in your nightmares. Now, any questions?" She had explained it clearly enough. The only thing left was to put it into action. Damon noticed the post-its on the out-skirts of the trees. "They are there so the malache have a less chance of getting to our friends." She hadn't even seen he was looking at them. She had heard the thought in his mind. Elena turned around and smiled at him.

"You are very weird. Freaky powers." The two of them had laughed and Sage just snorted.

"You call them weird, I call them a little annoying. Having someone in your mind at all times. You are definitely a sister because only a sister can annoy me like you can." She turned around and smacked his arm with a giggle. Damon didn't like him saying that she was annoying. She was everything but not annoying. He knew they were joking but he didn't really want to hear that.

"You, Sage, are a big brother because only a big brother can push buttons and get on my nerves like you can." He reached up and tousled her hair. This shocked Damon. Did he just kid around with Elena? Did Sage even kid around with anybody. No, he had never seen it and the two of them had traveled together for years.

"I will bite you the next time you do that." He got a kick out of that. Sage doubled over laughing.

"I'm sure your bark is worse than your bite. If it comes to that we can compare because I promise you, I will bite back." Damon was speechless. They acted like to kids around each other. Fighting and making fun of each other. He didn't know if he liked the attention Sage was getting from Elena but it wasn't the kind of attention he had to be worried about. She was still brushing that beautiful hair that was slightly ruffled now. They had already gotten deep into the woods without noticing it. Sage lost all his playing and started to focus. Elena picked up on it and put away her things. It looked as if her pupils grew and Damon realized she was directing her power to her eyes. He also knew that with the power she had, her whole eye was probably pupil, it would maximize her view until she could see everything. Damon was proud of her. His princess, doing as he had taught her.

"Stop Elena. He was only a few steps from here." Elena could already see where he had fallen. She could sense the trap was ready to spring as soon as somebody walked on it.

"Elena, promise me you won't get yourself killed." Damon was worried for her. All the while she kept walking toward it even though Damon wanted to go in first. She laughed and tilted her head to the side to see him.

"It's right here. I promise not to let the evil monsters get me. At least without a fight. So, ready or not, here we come." she took one more step and was quickly sucked in. I ran the rest of the way and quickly followed to make sure she was alright. I could hear Sage right behind me and I knew there was no turning back now.