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chapter two ━ the "protect elena" gang

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❝ i don't see how she's important ❞

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MYSTIC FALLS WAS far from normal, that much Melody realized. Vampires, witches, doppelgangers, and the list went on. The town had been through a lot and she nearly passed out with all of the information she received from both Damon and Elena. With that, Melody got a feeling that she wasn't going to like Elena. The girl just gave her that feeling and the vibes she got from people were hardly wrong.

Supposedly, Katherine was pretending to be Elena and had already caused trouble by cutting off some guy's fingers (but no one liked the guy anyway). They needed the fairytale woman's help to find out the vampire's endgame. She wasn't sure how they expected her to do that but she didn't argue.

Damon drove to Elena's house and once they arrived, he gave Melody the keys to her new car and led her inside where they found Stefan on the floor, just getting up.

"Stefan?" Elena questioned, quickly going over to help him up.

He breathed her name in relief, standing up. He saw Melody with them and furrowed his eyebrows. The female waved at him with a slight smirk. "Hey, Stefan."

"Hey," he greeted, rather confused as to why the fairytale girl was there. Then it hit him and he smiled, nodding gratefully. "Thank you. We need to help."

She merely smiled back, shrugging but not responding verbally at the appreciation. Before she could ask him what happened, Elena spoke first. "What happened?"concerned.

"Let me guess," Damon scoffed. "Katherine happened."

———

Melody sat leaned against the counter in the kitchen while Damon and Stefan stood. The brunette crossed her arms over her chest. "Did she say what she wanted?"

"No," Stefan replied, shaking his head a bit.

He was glad that Melody was going to help now because they really did need all of the help they could get. And with her magic — being similar to Bonnie's — gave them an advantage. Melody had explained to them that her magic was strong and she can use a lot of it before she loses her strength or passes out. But, she said that magic is a learning process and that she won't ever become all-powerful. It just wouldn't happen nor would she want it to.

"Woman certainly knows how to make an entrance," Damon commented after a moment of silence.

None of them argued on that, knowing he had a point. From what heard, Melody knew that Katherine had a flair for dramatics.

"She said she fooled one of us, at least. What does that mean?" Stefan questioned toward his brother.

"She pretended to be Elena too when I showed up earlier tonight."

Melody raised an eyebrow at that, seeing the look in his eyes. Elena walked back into the room and Stefan went toward her, knowing her expression. "I told Jeremy, I can't lie to him anymore," she admitted

"Are you alright?" Stefan asked softly.

"No, I'm not alright. I thought that with all the tomb vampires gone things would get better."

Melody spoke up. "If it makes you feel any better, I think that it's good you're telling him." Elena looked at her. "Keeping secrets from people you love is a bad idea. Trust me I've had secrets kept from me my entire life."

Elena smiled slightly, glad to have the reassurance. "Thank you, Melody." And then all of a sudden she realized something. Her eyes widened. "Katherine was in this house, that means she's been invited in, what are we gonna do?"

"Move," Damon suggested.

They all looked at him and Melody shrugged again. "That's actually not a bad idea."

"Very helpful, thank you," Elena replied sarcastically.

The brunette rolled her eyes. "Katherine wants you dead, Elena," she reminded. "Think about it. She was here, you would've been dead, but you're aren't. Which means she has other plans."

She wasn't actually thrilled to help and Melody didn't care for Elena either, but she tried not to be quick to judge (though she was at times). She saw the way the doppelganger looked concerned for her brother and Melody could relate, which was why she now relaxed and was willing to help them. If this was her, she would do anything for her brothers.

"Right, and we need to find out what those other plans are and not provoke her in the process," Stefan told them. He looked at Damon. "What happened tonight when you thought she was Elena?"

Damon made a face. "To risk another frown line encroaching on a very crowded forehead. We...kissed."

The doe-eyed teen seemed shocked and didn't know how to respond. Melody couldn't help but hid her smile at the drama. Stefan got defensive. "What do you mean you kissed?"

"Well, you know, when two lips pucker and they go," Damon started and then made kissing noises.

Stefan rushed at him with his super speed but Damon used his super speed as well and moved next to Elena, who was still sitting. Melody sighed, picking at her nails. "Boys. Always so jealous of one another."

"Don't be obvious, Stefan," Damon taunted, ignoring her words.

Stefan started toward Damon again but Melody went to Damon and pushed him back with her hand while Elena went to Stefan and did the same.

"Stefan wait. He kissed Katherine, not me," Elena pointed out. She looked at Damon who was being held by Melody's magic. 

The brunette removed her magic bind on him and glared at Damon with narrowed eyes. "Elena's right. We don't have time for a fight over a girl. In all honesty, I don't see why she's important." She put her hands up in a sarcastic manner. 

The Gilbert girl looked offended but said nothing. Instead, she put the conversation back on track. "John must know something. There has to be a reason why Katherine tried to kill him."

"She's Katherine," Damon replied. "She loves to play games and you're fooling yourself if you think you're going to find out what she's been up to before she wants you to know."

Melody leaned against the table, crossing her arms over her chest once more. "John could know something through Isobel." She looked at Elena. "Your mom was in touch with Katherine so maybe we can go to the hospital and get him to talk."

"I've got a better idea," Damon pitched in.

"Oh yeah? And what's that, sassy pants?"

"I'm just gonna ignore the bitch." He waved at them, making his way to the door. "See you."

Stefan stopped him before he could get far. "You sure that's a good idea?"

Damon turned to him. "If Katherine thinks she's been ignored it will lure her out, she'll make a move."

"Yeah? And then what?"

"Stake her, rip her head off, something poetic. We'll see."

And then Damon left. Melody huffed in annoyance and flicked a piece of hair out of her eyes. "Well, you guys don't mind, I'm starving so I'm going to get something to eat." She went to leave as well when Elena stopped her. Melody turned to her with a raised eyebrow, surprised at the gesture.

The doppelganger nodded. "Thank you, for helping us I mean. You didn't have to but you did. So thank you."

Melody forced a smile at her and nodded back. "No problem. I, uh, kinda just wanted the car but I'm glad that I'm helping. Gives me something to do." Elena smiled back and thanked her once more before letting the brunette leave. Melody stepped outside and got out her phone, texting Pan.

Turns out I'm staying in Mystic Falls longer than I expected

———

The next day, Melody drove her new car to the Mystic Falls Hospital to meet up with Stefan and Elena. She had volunteered to help interrogate John because even though no one liked the guy, she had magic if anything went wrong, and she honestly just really needed something to do. Netflix and a bowl of ice cream were calling her name but she chose to help instead.

Stefan and Elena were waiting inside for her and she greeted them before they all walked down the hallway to go and see John.

"You ready?" the dirty blonde vampire asked them.

"You mean I have my magic ready just in case something happens?" Melody guessed with a teasing smirk. "I am."

They walked into the room and Elena called out to the man who lied in the hospital bed. He opened his eyes and instantly started panicking when he saw her. He tried to press the button to call the nurse but Melody snapped her fingers, making it vanish. His eyes widened in shock when she smiled sweetly.

Elena held her hands up, moving toward him. "I'm Elena. I'm not — I'm not Katherine."

"We know she did this to you," Melody told him. "And we need to know why."

John didn't seem to question her presence or the fact that he had no idea who she was. "Where is she?"

"You tell us," she scoffed, moving to stand on the side of his bed. The brunette placed her hands on the table beside he bed, looking expectant. But he shook his head, telling them that he didn't know. None of them believed him.

He tried to sit up but Stefan pushed him back down. "You're a little too weak to play tough guy. Why don't you just sit back and answer a few questions?"

Elena placed the Gilbert ring into John's hand. "Please, tell us why she's here. What does she want?"

John didn't respond and Melody brought his attention to her. "She'll try again and again. Might wanna tell us because if you don't, we can't help you stay alive. So you may want to confide in us."

"In you? I don't even know who you are."

"Doesn't matter. If you don't trust me, or Stefan, then trust your daughter. That should provide some motivation."

"My daughter should have driven a stake through Stefan's heart by now." John looked at Elena. "I never spoke with Katherine directly, she never trusted me." Then he looked at Stefan. "So either kill me or get out because I can't stand the sight of you with my daughter."

Elena shook her head in disbelief. "You see the world with such hatred. It's gonna get you killed."

She left the room and Melody sighed, following after her, leaving Stefan alone with John. The doppelganger didn't realize how lucky she was to even have a dad and that kinda pissed her off.

"Elena!" Melody exclaimed, catching up with her. The doppelganger stopped and turned to her. "Look I know you may not know me but it seems like I'm already given you a bunch of advice in these two days I've known you." Elena smiled slightly. "But I have more so get ready." She took a deep breath and then began. "I get it, John's your dad and you want him gone. But trust me, if he were to die, you wouldn't feel the same. I had a fall out with my dad that lasted for years and we made amends about five years ago and I've never looked back. Because I realized no matter what he's done, he's still my dad and I love him."

Elena thought over her words and then realized what she was saying. "Thank you, Melody. You do give some pretty good advice."

The two laughed. Melody smirked. "You bet I do."

———

Though it was pointless and she didn't even know the man, Melody thought it would be best if she went to the Mayor's funeral party at the Lockwood Mansion. She had dressed nicely in a black t-shirt with a jean jacket and some skinny jeans with her regular tennis shoes. The place was crowded and she sighed before walking inside. Upon entering, she saw what looked to be Elena, but Melody knew better.

She approached the Katherine, not even an ounce of fear in her body. "Hey, Elena." Katherine turned to her. "Can we talk? It's about Stefan."

Katherine followed her into an empty room without question. As soon as she entered, Melody used her magic to close the door and she used her magic to give Katherine a migraine. The doppelganger gasped in shock and held her head in pain. She clenched her teeth to keep from screaming. Melody stepped forward. "So you must be Katherine. I'm Melody."

The brunette released her hold making Katherine gasped for air, rubbing her neck. "How the hell did you do that? Witches can't use that spell on me."

"Well, it's a good thing I'm not a witch."

Katherine looked up at her with a curious look. "Then what exactly are you, Melody."

Melody shrugged, a smirk playing on her lips. "Much better than you." She flicked her wrist and the doors opened, so people could see inside the room.

Katherine was still looking curious but now looked impressed. "Smart."

Stefan stepped into the doorway, having heard the conversation from outside the room. "Katherine."

The doppelganger smirked and looked at him. "Stefan." He told her to leave the fairytale woman alone. Melody smirked even more and watched as Katherine gave her one last look. "Okay." Then she left the room, seeing the little wave she got from the woman.

Katherine traced a finger across Stefan's chest, walking past him. Stefan gave Melody one last look before following after her. The brunette sighed and then left the room as well, going another way. She went over to the food table, grabbing some strawberries.

Bonnie walked by and saw her, realizing that she had seen this girl with Elena. She walked over to her and smiled. "Hi, I'm Bonnie."

Melody turned to her and smiled, shaking her hand in greet. "It's nice to meet you, Bonnie. I'm Melody."

Bonnie felt a shock and then saw a glimpse of a fireball. They let go. Her eyes went wide in surprise but also wonder. She finally met another witch that looked to be around her age, even though she really wasn't. "You're a witch?"

"No." She shook her head. "I'm a fairytale character, long story. But I do have magic." Then she paused and pointed at Bonnie. "You're one of Elena's friends right?"

Bonnie nodded, still shocked to have met someone else with magic. "Yeah. Are you new to Mystic Falls?"

"Yeah. I actually was going to travel and my first place was here. The rundown is that my car crashed because of Damon and he got me a new one but the catch was I have to join the protect Elena gang, so here I am."

She bit into the strawberry and Bonnie laughed. "Well, welcome to Mystic Falls and welcome to the group I guess." Then she made a face. "Didn't realize it existed."

Melody grinned, finishing her strawberry. She wiped licked her fingers and then sighed. "We should probably find Elena before she gets kidnapped and tell her about Katherine."

The two walked out of the house to find Elena out of the front porch with Damon. "Elena!" Melody called out, making Elena and Damon turn to her and Bonnie. "We may or may not have a problem."

"What happened?" Elena asked, looking concerned.

———

Melody wiped Stefan's wound and he groaned in pain. She rolled her eyes, looking up at him. "I can't heal the wound if it's infected."

He smiled at her. "I know. Thanks, by the way."

"No problem." She finished up and looked around her before waving her hand and making it heal. Melody looked at him with concern, frowning a bit. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it doesn't sting anymore."

The brunette gave him a look. "You know that's not what I meant."

Stefan leaned back, shaking his head. "I was trying to figure her out. I was playing along and I let her get to me."

Damon arrived, coming over to them. "I tried to track her but she's gone. Oooh, cover up, Fabio." Stefan pulled his shirt down. "We got a crazy ex on the loose." He nodded his head toward Elena who was standing and talking to Bonnie nearby. "She better watch out, looks like Katherine is trying to steal her guy."

Melody scoffed. "Like it makes much of a difference."

"That's not what's happening," Stefan denied with a blank face.

Damon made a face. "Isn't it? I mean it's only fair since I went after your girl."

"Okay!" Melody exclaimed, standing up. "You two need to relax. Honestly, fighting over the same girl? You two are going to get yourselves killed." She sighed. "I'm gonna go talk to Elena. Let me know when you guys are done being love-sick teenagers." Melody left and walked over to Elena who now stood alone. "Stefan's healed. He'll be alright."

Elena let out a breath of relief. "Thank you, Melody."

The brunette smiled. "You're welcome. Turns out I'm going to be the one that's going to save you all if something happens. Not exactly what I was hoping for but it's alright." It actually wasn't if she was being truthful. She wanted to explore, not get dragged into someone else's problems. And yet, for some reason, she felt as if she had to stay and help.

"I'm sorry if this isn't what you wanted. I know you have a family and you wanted to see the world. Sorry you got into this mess."

Melody waved it off. "It's fine. I always say things happen for a reason. Maybe there's a reason why I'm here too."

Elena smiled, agreeing with her. "Yeah, maybe there is."

The two Salvatore brothers finished talking and Damon left, leaving Stefan. Melody nodded to Elena and then went up to him. "Hey," she said, getting his attention.

"Hey. I heard what you and Elena were talking about—"

"Don't worry about it. I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to be heading back to the motel."

Stefan nodded he stopped her before she walked away. "You know, there are some guest rooms at the Boarding House. You could stay there if you'd like. I figured that the motel isn't the best place."

Melody smiled slightly. "It's not." She thought for a moment, feeling tempted by the offer. "You sure you want me to stay? I don't want to be a nuisance."

He shook his head. "You won't be. Just go and get your stuff and move on in. We could use the company."

She nodded, smiling more. "Thank you, Stefan." The brunette turned on her heel, leaving the younger Salvatore brother to talk to his girlfriend.

———

Melody dropped her stuff on the bed in one of the guest rooms and sighed. No one was home and since Stefan had given her a key, the woman had gone inside and picked a room. The bedroom was a good size for her and the bathroom was beautiful, as well as the closet being huge and having plenty of space for clothes.

She had almost finished putting her stuff away when she stopped, sensing a presence. Melody recognized the vibe she got and rolled her eyes. "What do you want, Katherine?"

Melody continued to put her stuff away and Katherine laughed slightly. "Just wanted to visit the girl who has magic but isn't a witch."

"And what?" Melody prompted with a laugh of amusement. "Torture me until I tell you something?" She turned to see Katherine standing in the middle of the room.

"No. I'm interested in you."

"Is that so?" the fairytale woman questioned, crossing her arms over her chest. "What about me is so interesting?"

Katherine looked around the room and stopped, running her hand across the sketchbook lying on the bed. "You remind me of myself. You're a survivor, ready to do whatever it takes to keep going."

Melody made a face. "Sorry, I don't see the resemblance. And besides, you do anything to keep yourself surviving. Which means at a moments notice you will sacrifice someone else to keep yourself from being killed. I, on the other hand, will risk my life for the people I care about."

"That's what I used to think. Before my life was destroyed. You will learn that the hard one." Katherine looked back up at her. "You will regret ever risking your life for others."

She shook her head, narrowing her eyes. "You're wrong. I never will. I will fight for the people I care about until my last dying breath. Because if I do die, at least I'll die knowing that I was loved."

Katherine got closer to her. "You will regret your choice. Don't say I didn't warn you."

And with that, the doppelganger flashed out of the room, leaving Melody glaring at where she had stood. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that Katherine was wrong. She would fight for the people she cared about until she took her last breaths.

———

I already know that some of you are thinking Melody will get with Stefan. She won't. She and Stefan are just going to be really good friends. And as for Katherine, she's just trying to steer Melody off course because she knows Melody has powerful magic and she wants Melody on her side. I hope you guys have a great day/night and don't forget to vote on this chapter, comment your thoughts, and follow me for updates!

( credit : @pepperronys )