𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐞.
chapter twelve, til death do us part!
PART II.

England, 1492. . .

BROWN LOCKS WERE FLOWING IN THE AUTUMN WIND. She turned her head, dark eyes of honey bright with excitement and the thrill of being chased. Her giggles carried in the wind, as her feet carried her through the graces of mother earth's flowers. In making the mistake of turning back, she had been tackled, the two girls falling into the fields that they deemed their own.

The brunette was laughing hysterically now, the melody seducing the woman on top of her that was showering the crook of her neck with passionate kisses. She drew back slowly, her bright smile enough to melt the heart of the Bulgarian native.

"Found you my love," Zakiyah sang, her curls being combed through by the winds as the evening sun basked her body in a golden glow. "Now what have I told you about turning back?"

Mystic Falls, present timing. . .

The Salvatore boarding house came into view of Zakiyah Reed. She had followed after Katherine's trail that led straight to where she assumed Damon to be. She smiled, entering the threshold that had her in awe. She looked around, fingers grazing the artifacts she passed by.

The English vampire shook her head and found interest in the task at hand. She saw the staircase and made her way up to where Katherine's scent was the strongest. She found herself standing right beside the Petrova doppelgänger who was leaning against the doorframe.

"I see Klaus didn't trust me." Katherine smirked as she and Zakiyah watched the interaction between Damon Salvatore and Elena Gilbert quietly. "Mm, quite the opposite. Thought I could leave the boys alone to have their fun while I have mine."

"Well isn't she a sight for sore eyes." Zakiyah nodded towards the Gilbert girl. Katherine rolled her eyes. "You mean the girl who stole my face?"

"Nonsense my love, you are still the better doppelgänger both in looks and fashion taste. Now who could ever steal that from you?"

Katherine lowered her head trying to hide her cheeky smile. The English native reached over, her fingers grazing Katherine's lower back. She shivered, yet attempted to play it off. With a hooded gaze, Katherine casted Zakiyah an innocent look over her shoulder.

"How sweet of you." Zakiyah shrugged, her grin melting Katherine's heart. "Always for you my love."

Katherine hummed, rolling her eyes at Zakiyah's cheeky response. Shrugging off her lover's touch she walked forward while Zakiyah stayed behind, replacing her spot.

"Well, it's me you should be thanking," Katherine mused. Elena was quick to get up from the bed, her muscles tense. "I mean, I'm the one who brought the cure."

"I thought you were dead." Katherine deadpanned as she made her way over to Damon's bedside. She sat down next to him, studying him with empathy.

"I was," She answered firmly. Zakiyah chuckled at the brave front the human tried to put up. Doe eyes caught her attention. "Who's your friend?"

"I think you mean Damon and I'm friend, right Damon?" Katherine pouted. She stroked the raven tresses from out of his face.

"You got free," his throat was burning making the delivery of his words raspy and rough. He swallowed, but it didn't help. His icy eyes lazily turned to Zakiyah who waved at him with a crooked grin. "And you brought, England."

"Yep. Finally." She poured some of the blood into his parted mouth. Zakiyah ignored the two's banter and used her speed to stop right before the Gilbert girl. She jumped in her spot, but raised her chin in defiance.

"You certainly have the Petrova fire," Zakiyah chuckled. She began to circle her, studying her from head to toe. "Who are you?"

"Relax, Elena, I'm not the enemy here," she stopped in front of her once more. Elena gulped, eyes narrowing in suspicion. "Seeing that you're with Katherine and maybe even Klaus, I'd say otherwise."

Zakiyah hummed, clearly amused. Elena gasped when her cheeks were harshly gripped. "Don't be fooled love, I can most definitely be your enemy if that's what you'd like. But you and I share a common goal so I'd assume you'd be wiser in choosing the tone you want to have with me."

"Who are you?" Elena grunted. Zakiyah pursed her lips and tilted her head. "Now Zakiyah play nice."

Katherine placed her hand of Zakiyah's shoulder giving it a reassuring squeeze. Zakiyah smirked, her eyes gleaming with mischief that alarmed Elena and slightly petrified her.

"As much as I'd love for you to kill her, she's better off being kept alive. . . for now."

"Hmm," Zakiyah swiftly released Elena from her hold, her face whipping to the right from the impact. The girl stumbled, clutching her red cheeks. Catching her balance, she looked up at the pair who radiated with power and authority.

"Where's Stefan?"

"Are you sure you care?" Katherine teased. Zakiyah ran her tongue over her teeth. Her lips stretched into a daunting smile that made Elena nervous. She stood her ground, much to Zakiyah's surprise.

"Where is he?"

"He's paying for this," she held up the vial, Elena's eyes following it. Zakiyah could see the regret and fear shinning. "He gave himself over to Klaus. I wouldn't expect him anytime soon."

"She's right, little one," Zakiyah giggled. She crossed her arms over her chest amplifying her dominance. "The Stefan you once knew is gone. Don't worry, you'll have Day to keep you company."

Shrugging off Katherine's grip she walked towards Damon who was sitting up. He had a look of confusion and apprehension. "I'm going to miss you, Salvatore."

"Where are you going?" Damon questioned just as Elena addressed Katherine. Zakiyah smiled sadly. "I'm going to take care of some business and then I'm going to keep a close eye on Niklaus and Stefan."

"Protect him, Englad." Damon whispered. Zakiyah nodded, her smile tired. "Always. Goodbye, Salvatore."

The English vampire leaned forward, her hand going behind Damon's head. She brought him close to her lips that pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead. Damon's eyes fluttered shut the moment being shared bringing him a sense of tranquility.

Then, just as quickly as her touch had come, it had disappeared.

"He just sacrificed everything to save his brother, including you. It's a good thing you have Damon to keep you company. Good-bye, Elena," Katherine smiled when Zakiyah joined her side, intertwining their fingers together. The two made their way towards the door, but paused. Katherine glanced over her shoulder, addressing Elena one last time, "Oh. It's okay to love them both. I did."

Tossing her the vial, Zakiyah and Katherine disappeared leaving Elena Gilbert and Damon Salvatore alone in heavy silence.

★彡. ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.

KATHERINE PIERCE WAS GIGGLING, HER HAIR FLOWING PAST HER SHOULDERS AS SHE RAN WITH HER VAMPIRE SPEED. She looked over her shoulder noticing that Zakiyah was no longer behind her.

She stopped in her tracks, catching her breath with a smile. The Petrova vampire found herself in the woods where the waterfall was rushing. She looked around, keeping her guard as the silence became loud. She closed her eyes, taking in the sounds of the night.

Just as her eyes snapped open, she tried to catch the hand that wrapped around her throat, but was too slow. Katherine smirked at the sight of Zakiyah Reed gripping her throat with a cocky grin. The moonlight that poured through the trees was shinning down on her as if she were an angel sent from the heavens above.

And maybe Zakiyah Reed was just that- an angel sent to redeem Katherine of her vile self she thought was deemed to an eternity of loneliness.

"Now didn't I tell you to always be aware?" Zakiyah teaser, slowly dropping her hand. She went closer to Katherine and cradled her face gently. Katherine smiled innocently. "You also said you'd always find me."

"And that I did once again," Zakiyah whispered softly. She brushed a curl from out of Katherine's eyes, tucking it behind her ear. Katherine latched her hand around Zakiyah's wrist. "Come with me, 'Kiyah. I'm finally free after all of these years on the run and I want to spend the rest of my days with you."

"You mean that?" Zakiyah's voice cracked. Katherine nodded vigorously. She let go of Zakiyahs wrist to grip her face as well. "Obviously. I'm in love with you, Zakiyah and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. We can finally live out our dreams of exploring the world together like we've always wanted."

"I want that more than anything," Zakiyah whispered as she leaned in. "Then run away with me. Please."

Zakiyah didn't respond. Instead, she smashed her lips against Katherine's with an intense hunger. Katherine responded instantly, her hands going to Zakiyah's curls that she harshly gripped as the kiss deepened.

Two souls, broken beyond repair now together after centuries of being ripped apart. Zakiyah bit Katherine's bottom lip and pulled back slowly, ending the kiss. Katherine licked her bottom lip that was swollen. She rested her head against Zakiyah's. Her hands went to wrap around the back of Zakiyah's neck.

"Does that mean you'll come with me?" Katherine breathlessly questioned. Zakiyah smiled, but it didn't reach the darkness in her eyes. "Actually, quite the opposite my love."

Katherine's eyebrows knitted together at the sudden change of mood from Zakiyah. The air became thick with an unsaid tension. Before Katherine could question the love of her life's sudden coldness, she let out a gasp, eyes pinching shut at the sudden pain in her chest.

Zakiyah had shoved her hand into Katherine's chest, gripping her heart in her hand that squeezed it mockingly.

England, 1492. . .

"Yes, but I like it when you catch me," Katherine admitted. She was staring up at the eyes of her lover, eyes glistening with pure love. Zakiyah smiled and tilted her head to the side. "And why's that my love?"

"Because it means you'll always find your way back to me." Her cheeks warmed at her confession. Zakiyah chuckled, holding Katherine's face in her hands. "My darling dove I will always find my way back to you, rest assured."

"If they are to find out about us, Zakiyah, I am afraid they will have your head and mine." Katerina whimpered. Zakiyah shushed her and began stroking her cheeks with her thumbs, the action soothing Katerina.

"And if they do, Katerina?"

Zakiyah scoffed a familiar gleam of rebellion shinning in her eyes.

"I promise to protect you from danger━━ they shall have my head in exchange for yours, as I will not be shamed for loving a woman as exquisite as you, my love."

"You truly mean that?" Katherine whispered in awe. She had tears in her eyes at the raw truth evident in Zakiyah's words. She nodded, smiling.

"Without a doubt. I won't let anyone hurt you as long as I shall live. I promise you."

Mystic Falls, present timing. . .

"Now I've upheld my promise, darling as I would never let anyone hurt you. But I never said that I would not," she squeezed Katherine's heart mercilessly, the action causing her knees to buckle.

Katherine cried out, but it fell upon deaf ears. Zakiyah was looking down at her, nonchalant to the pain she was inflicting. It was almost as if the agony she was causing and the cries of pain were boring her.

"Why are y-you doing this?" Katherine questioned, her breath harsh, voice cracking. She was wheezing through her teeth that were clenched in agony. She was paralyzed by her pain. "Isn't it obvious, Katerina? I didn't let love get in the way."

"I-I thought you said you wanted me to survive. To l-live." Katherine wheezed, her eyes bulging. Zakiyah giggled. "I learned from the best to manipulate and lie. After all, you taught me to always care about myself."

Taunting the brunette, Zakiyah lazily brought her hand forward. Katherine's heart sobbed as the valves were slowly being ripped apart. Katherine let out a broken cry at the pain. Tears ran down her rosy cheeks, pleasing the English native.

"B-but we were supposed to run away together. Zakiyah please- have mercy!"

"Like the mercy you showed me?" Katherine's eyes widened, guilt and fear shinning in her eyes. Zakiyah nodded.

"That's what I thought. And now, Katerina, you shall pay for your sins," Zakiyah looked Katherine in the eyes one last time, basking in the fear, betrayal, and utter agony she was putting her through.

She leaned in, so that her lips brushed past the doppelgänger's earlobe and whispered lovingly, "Goodbye Katerina. I shall see you in Hell, my darling little dove."

With one swift pull, Katherine Pierce let out a gasp-her body falling limply to the ground in a pool of her own blood.

Zakiyah crouched down to Katherine's level and dropped the doppelgänger's heart beside her. It fell to the floor with a wet splat. Zakiyah curled her fingers around the lapis lazuli pendant that Katherine wore and snatched it off her neck. She brought Katherine's gray hand to her lips, pressing a tender kiss on the cold skin.

"May our story continue in another life, my love." At that, Zakiyah Reed stood to her full height. She looked down at the necklace in her bloody palm, eyes hardening. She let out a heavy sigh and placed it in her pocket.

Raising her head, Zakiyah smiled to herself and stepped over Katherine's body that lay lifeless at her feet. She didn't bother to spare the Petrova doppelgänger one last glance.

And maybe if she had, she would've seen the lone tear fall free from Katherine's lifeless eyes right before the English woman vanished- leaving her lover all alone as she did her in 1492.

For Katherine Pierce paid the price of her sins committed against the angel she had authored to become the devil incarnate.

★彡. ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.

and that will be the end of love the way you lie. thank you so much for all of your sweet words and loving support! it truly means the world to me that you all enjoyed reading katherine and zakiyah's story just as much as i loved writing it!