In a twist of fate, Jeremy Gilbert saves Mason Lockwood from certain death, convincing him—and Tyler—to leave Mystic Falls behind. But a small detour off the interstate leads them into the eerie, isolated town. As old bonds are tested and new threats emerge, the trio must navigate a reality where the road they chose may be their last.
The Road Not Taken (From/TVD)
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Prologue
- Location
- United States
A.N. FOR THOSE READING FANDOM BLIND: From is a 2022 tv show its a mystery box with a horror bend to it. TVD is just an Acronym for The Vampire Diaries (a 2009 show)
Jeremy POV
Jeremy stood frozen in the doorway of the Salvatore house, his breath catching in his throat. Damon was standing over Mason Lockwood, a sadistic grin curling his lips as he pressed a wolfsbane-coated scalpel against the werewolf's already mangled skin. Blood pooled on the floor, but Mason barely had the strength to groan anymore. His once strongeyes were dull, body limp against the restraints.
"What the hell are you doing?" Jeremy's voice cut through the silence, shakier than he intended.
Damon didn't even turn around. "Saving the world, one Lockwood at a time," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You should be thanking me."
Jeremy's heart pounded in his chest. Every instinct told him to leave, to turn his back on the situation like he'd donebefore. But this time was different. Tyler's face flashed through his mind along with Grayson Gilberts—Tyler, who didn't even know his uncle was down here, that the closest male relative he had now was being tortured for what? The others claimed it was for information but how much could he truly know?
"You can't just kill him." Jeremy stepped forward, fists clenching. Mason's head lolled to the side, his eyes barely focusing on Jeremy's face. He looked like he was on the verge of giving up entirely.
Damon chuckled, finally glancing over his shoulder. "What's the matter, Jeremy? Got a soft spot for furry little monsters now?"
Jeremy swallowed hard, his gaze flicking to the blood-soaked chains that bound Mason to the chair. He had to do something. He couldn't just let this happen.
Without thinking, Jeremy reached into his jacket pocket, his fingers curling around a small vial of vervain. He'd found it earlier in Alaric's stash, figuring it might come in handy. He never thought he'd have to use it against Damon.
"Don't." Damon's smirk faded as he saw the vial, his eyes narrowing.
"You're not killing him." Jeremy's voice was firmer now, conviction filling the space where his fear had been moments before.
Before Damon could react, Jeremy hurled the vial toward him. It shattered on impact, splashing vervain across Damon's face and chest. Damon hissed in pain, stumbling backward, giving Jeremy just enough time to rush forward.
Jeremy's hands shook as he grabbed the syringe from his other pocket, plunging it into Damon's arm before he could recover. Damon groaned, collapsing to the floor in a heap, his body twitching as the vervain coursed through his veins.
"You're making a mistake!" Damon growled, his voice weak as he tried to push himself up, but his strength was already fading.
Jeremy didn't answer. His focus was on Mason now, his hands fumbling with the chains. After a few tense seconds, he managed to free him, the heavy iron clattering to the floor. Mason slumped forward, but Jeremy caught him, half-carrying him towards the exit.
"Come on, we need to go." Jeremy's voice was tight with urgency as he helped Mason stumble out of the house and toward his car.
The car was silent except for Mason's labored breathing as they sped down the road. Jeremy's grip tightened on the steering wheel, his thoughts racing. He couldn't believe what he'd just done—attacked Damon, saved Mason... but it had been the right thing. He had to keep reminding himself of that.
Mason groaned from the passenger seat, his voice rough. "You just made yourself a target, kid."
Jeremy glanced at him, his jaw clenched. "Worth it."
Mason winced, leaning his head back against the seat. The silence stretched between them, thick with unspoken tension. After a moment, Jeremy broke it.
"You need to leave, Mason. You and Tyler both. Damon's not going to stop, and honestly ... I don't think Elena or anyone else is going to stop him either."
Mason chuckled weakly, though there was no humor in it. "You think I don't know that? But Tyler... " He trailed off, shaking his head. "He's got too much coming his way. I can't just leave him here."
Jeremy's grip on the wheel tightened. "That's exactly why you should leave. Get him out of here before it's too late. Before he ends up like you."
Mason turned his head, narrowing his eyes. "Where would we even go?"
Jeremy didn't hesitate. "Anywhere but here."
As they drove through the quiet streets of Mystic Falls, Jeremy spotted Tyler walking along the side of the road, hishands shoved into his pockets, head down. Instinctively, Jeremy pulled over and threw the car in park.
"Tyler!" Mason called, his voice strained but strong enough to get his nephew's attention.
Tyler looked up, frowning as he saw the two of them. He jogged over, confusion etched across his face. "What's going on? What happened to you?" His gaze flicked from Mason's injuries to Jeremy, suspicion creeping into his voice.
Mason stepped out of the car, wincing but pushing through the pain. "It's Damon. He's ... he's not going to stop until one of us is dead. We need to leave."
Tyler blinked, taken aback. "Leave? You just got back. And now you want to leave again?"
"It's not safe." Mason's voice was firm now. "Not for me, not for you. And definitely not with Damon on the loose."
Jeremy got out of the car, moving to stand beside Mason. "We need to go, Tyler. Before things get worse."
Tyler looked between them, confusion and frustration battling across his face. "Worse? What are you talking about?"
Mason ran a hand through his hair, clearly torn. "Look, Jeremy's right. We have to go. I can't explain everything now, but staying here is only going to end in more bloodshed." He shot Jeremy a look that was equal parts annoyance and gratitude. "It's not just for me. It's for you, too."
Tyler was silent for a moment, his eyes flicking between the two of them. Finally, he sighed, rubbing a hand over his face. "Fine. I'll go with you. But only if Jeremy comes too."
Mason raised an eyebrow, glancing at Jeremy. "Well, I don't know you too well, kid, and I've had my share of blows with your sister and her friends. But I gotta say, I appreciate you getting me out of that asshole's house." He crossed his arms, smirking slightly despite his injuries. "What do you say? Wanna leave this leech-infested town behind and head down to Florida? Surf's pretty good this time of year."
Jeremy hesitated, his mind racing with images of Elena, his family, and all the chaos he'd been through since Vicki and Anna. Part of him didn't want to leave them behind. But another part... the part that knew damon already killed him once when he didn't even do anything to him and could only imagine what he'd do now his sister's word be damned. He was tired of all the bloodshed, of losing people he cared about... that part was ready to go at least for awhile.
Finally, Jeremy nodded. "Yeah. I'm in."
The car roared to life again as the three of them drove away from Mystic Falls, the town disappearing into the distance behind them. Jeremy glanced in the rearview mirror, feeling a strange mixture of relief and uncertainty settle over him. For the first time in a long time, he was leaving the towns baggage both personal and supernatural behind.
The rumble of the car's engine filled the silence as they cruised down Interstate I-95, miles of empty road stretching ahead. Jeremy sat in the back seat, his head resting against the window, watching the sun slowly dip lower in the sky. It had only been half a day since they left Mystic Falls, but the weight of the tension they'd felt there seemed to vanish on the open road.
"What are you doing?" Mason's voice broke through the hum of the engine.
Tyler, leaning forward, fiddled with the radio. "Trying to find the football game."
"Nope, not happening," Mason replied, quickly switching the dial back to the surf report. "I'm driving. My rules. We're listening to the surf stats."
Jeremy glanced up, amused by the way Mason's eyes narrowed, clearly prepared for a battle.
"Surf stats?" Tyler scoffed, leaning back into his seat. "Come on, man. Surfing's for beach bums. Football's where it's at—aggression, tactics. You've got to be thinking three steps ahead. Not just… floating on water."
Jeremy stifled a laugh, not really understanding the tension but finding the way they bickered more entertaining than the actual argument. Sports were never his thing, and watching these two fight over which one was more impressive made the whole situation seem lighter.
Despite the serious tone of their words, the weight from Mystic Falls felt a million miles away.
"Floating on water?" Mason scoffed, turning to Tyler for a moment before focusing back on the road. "Football's just smashing into people and hoping you remember what play you're running. Surfing's about balance, man. You've got to fight against the ocean, read the waves—it's all about respect and control."
"Respect? What's respectful about wiping out and getting tossed into the sand?" Tyler shot back, grinning as he leaned forward again.
Jeremy chuckled softly from the back seat, shaking his head. He didn't need to be into sports to enjoy the banter. It was strange, how quickly things had shifted from the heaviness of Mystic Falls to this easygoing back-and-forth. It almost felt... normal.
As the miles blurred together, the last remnants of tension from Mystic Falls seemed to fade, replaced by the steady hum of the car and the playful argument still bubbling in the front seat.
"We're gonna need gas soon," Mason eventually said, glancing at the fuel gauge.
Tyler, still grinning from their argument, checked his phone. "There's a station about a mile off the next exit."
Mason nodded, signaling as he pulled into the exit lane and off the highway soon after, small green exit sign looming overhead. The car bounced slightly as they turned onto a narrow two-lane road lined with trees. It was quieter out here—almost too quiet.
Jeremy frowned, straightening in his seat as the atmosphere around them shifted. Something about the road felt... off. Maybe it was just his nerves from everything that had happened, but there was a strange chill in the air that he couldn't shake.
They found the gas station without much trouble—a small, run-down place just off the highway, its faded signs hanging crookedly above a single, rusted gas pump. The building looked like it hadn't seen fresh paint in years, and the surrounding lot was cracked, and overgrown with weeds pushing up through the concrete. The pump itself creaked as Mason pulled the car alongside it, stepping out with a stretch.
"Charming," Mason muttered, taking in the dilapidated surroundings. He grabbed the nozzle and started to fuel up, the quiet hum of the pump filling the air.
Tyler pushed his door open, stepping out to stretch his legs. He wandered a few paces away, glancing down at his phone, frowning.
Jeremy stayed in the car for a moment longer, glancing around the station. A faint sense of unease tugged at his mind, but he shook it off. There were plenty of quiet, old gas stations like this one off the main highways. He couldn't expect everything to feel safe even if he wasn't in a supernatural hotbed.
Finally, he pushed open his door and got out, letting the heat wash over him. He could hear the faint cawing of crows in the distance, a sharp contrast to the otherwise stillness of the place.
"No service," Tyler said with a grimace, holding up his phone.
"Not surprised," Mason replied, still pumping gas. "We're in the middle of nowhere."
Jeremy's phone didn't have any bars either, but it didn't bother him. After everything with Mystic Falls, a little disconnect from the world didn't seem so bad.
After filling up, they piled back into the car, and Mason pulled back onto the narrow road, retracing their path to the interstate. Jeremy rested his head against the window, the sun hung high in the sky a beutiful clear day all things considered, but something felt off to him. The trees seem to have stretched on longer than he remembered.
"Where's the exit?" Mason muttered, glancing at the dashboard as if it would provide answers.
"Where's the exit?" Mason muttered after a few minutes, glancing at the dashboard as if it might provide some insight.
Jeremy frowned, his eyes scanning the passing trees. There should have been a sign for the interstate by now, but all he saw were endless rows of trees, stretching into the horizon.
"You missed it," Tyler said, though there was doubt in his voice. He looked at his phone again, tapping at the screen. "But... GPS isn't working. It was fine just a minute ago."
Jeremy straightened, glancing over Tyler's shoulder at the phone screen. Sure enough, it was frozen, the map stuck on a small section of road that didn't seem to match where they were. No signal. No map.
"Let me see," Jeremy said, checking his own phone. Same thing. Dead signal.
"That's weird," he muttered. A strange unease started to creep into his chest. They hadn't taken any wrong turns—Mason had been driving the same road they came in on—but it felt like the road itself had stretched, growing longer and more winding than before.
Mason's knuckles whitened on the steering wheel as his eyes darted to the rearview mirror. "I didn't miss anything. The exit should've been right there." His voice held a note of frustration, but underneath that, Jeremy sensed the same discomfort.
The tension in the car thickened as they drove further, the quiet surrounding them no longer peaceful, but oppressive.
"Turn around," Jeremy suggested, his voice low. "We must've missed a turn somewhere." He tried to keep his tone light, but inside, his pulse quickened.
Mason didn't argue, glancing around as if looking for a sign of life. There was nothing—just the endless stretch of road disappearing into the distance.
"Yeah, we'll head back," Mason agreed, already slowing the car to prepare for a turn. But as he did, Jeremy's gaze was drawn to something ahead, something that hadn't been there before.
There, in the middle of the road, lay a massive tree, its trunk thick and gnarled, its twisted branches reaching quite high despite it being felled. Dozens of crows perched on its branches, their dark feathers ruffled as they watched the car with beady, black eyes.
"What the hell...?" Tyler said, sitting up straighter, his eyes narrowing.
Jeremy leaned forward, his gaze fixed on the tree. There was something wrong about it—. The crows cawed loudly, the sound eerie in the quiet of the late afternoon.
"You've got to be kidding me," Mason grumbled, running a hand through his hair.
The crows shifted on their branches, their cawing echoing as they watched.
"We found Mystic Falls 2.0," Tyler joked, breaking the tension with a weak laugh.
Jeremy and Mason chuckled, but the unease remained.
"We should turn around," Jeremy said quietly. "This doesn't feel right."
Mason nodded, "We're turning around." He quickly shifted the car into reverse, backing away from the tree slowly, as if something would happen if they made any sudden motions. The crows shifted in the branches, their eyes tracking the movement as the car turned and headed back down the road.
As they drove away from the tree, the road seemed different. The trees pressed in on either side, the sky overhead growing dull, as though the light itself was fading. Jeremy glanced down at his phone again—still no signal.
"I swear we've driven this road already," Tyler muttered, glancing out the window.
Before anyone could respond, the road opened up, revealing a small town ahead. The buildings were old but not abandoned. There were cars parked along the street, curtains in the windows, and the occasional flicker of movement inside the homes.
"Where the hell did this come from?" Mason asked, his eyes narrowing as they rolled slowly down the main street.
Jeremy leaned forward, scanning the quiet town. It looked stuck in time. Not dissimilar to Mystic Falls in that way but it seemed somehow more confused. A 50s-style Diner here, while next to it stood a house that looked fresh and modern, like it belonged in the 2000s. Further down, a crumbling building, its wooden façade weathered and forgotten, seemed trapped in the 1800s. The whole town was a bizarre blend of eras as if it couldn't decide what time it was supposed to be in. It was the perfect combination of stuck in time and uncertain of itself. That was jarring.
"This doesn't make sense. " Tyler said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"No, it doesn't," Mason muttered, glancing at the dashboard again. The GPS was dead, and none of their phones were picking up a signal.
As they drove further into the town, Jeremy noticed something even stranger the people. Some walked the streets or stood on their porches, Typical for towns this time of day but their reactions to the car were odd. A few stared at the car as it passed, their faces frozen in shock, their eyes wide as if they couldn't comprehend what they were seeing. Others stood still, ignoring the car completely, going about their business as if it didn't exist. But what caught Jeremy's attention most were the few who looked genuinely panicked, their expressions tightening, eyes darting aroundnervously as they hurried away from the street or backed into the shadows of doorways.
"This place is weird," Tyler said quietly, his voice low as he took in the mix of reactions. "Like, typical small-town weird, but worse."
Jeremy felt it too, a creeping sense of dread that seemed to coil tighter around his chest. The town wasn't just strange because of the mismatch of run-down buildings and eras—it was the people. Their reactions—or lack of them—felt... wrong. Why were some of them afraid of a car?
"Maybe we should stop," Jeremy suggested. "Figure out where we are."
Mason pulled the car over, his knuckles white on the steering wheel. The engine rumbled softly. Silence stretched as they all sat there, staring out at the strange town and its eerie stillness.
"Think we're lost?" Tyler asked, his voice tight. Eyeing the people who still watched them from a distance.
Jeremy scanned the street again. The people who had been staring had now gone quiet, their eyes still lingering on the car, while others continued to move about as if the world outside didn't matter. It was disconcerting—the way the town seemed half-aware of their presence, half in denial.
"Definitely," he muttered, his eyes narrowing.
Mason sighed, leaning back in his seat. "We'll keep driving for a bit. Maybe we'll find a fucking highway."
As the car rolled forward again, deeper into the town, the buildings stretched into the distance, disappearing into the shadows. Jeremy's gaze drifted out the window, the unease in his chest tightening.
Unexpectedly, a wave of emotion hit him. He found himself thinking of Elena—her worried eyes always on him, and Aunt Jenna's quiet strength. For the first time since they left Mystic Falls, Jeremy felt a deep, sudden longing for home. For his family's familiar chaos.
He wanted to see his sister again. He wanted to walk into the kitchen and see Aunt Jenna at the counter, a gentle smile on her face. The feeling caught him off guard, heavy and unsettling.
He shifted in his seat, pushing the thoughts aside as best he could, but the weight of it stayed with him. There was a strange finality in the way it pulled at him, a whisper in the back of his mind that he wouldn't be seeing them again for a long time.
"It's just a small detour," he whispered, more to himself than anyone else, trying to untie the knot in his chest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mason in the rearview mirror, frowning but saying nothing.
A.N.
I've always been fascinated by the characters of Tyler, Jeremy, and Mason, and I've wanted to explore their dynamic outside of Mystic Falls' usual chaos. That idea started as its own story but quickly evolved into something more when I began thinking about From—a show with its own dark, supernatural mysteries. The eerie setting of From felt like the perfect backdrop for these characters to face new challenges while dealing with the emotional weight of their pasts.
One thing that always surprised me in The Vampire Diaries was how Jeremy didn't act when Damon tortured Mason, especially since he seemed really bothered by it. Given Jeremy's history of standing up to his sister and the Salvatores, it felt out of character for him not to intervene. So, in this story, I wanted to explore what might have happened if Jeremy had made a different choice—one that sets off a chain of events leading them into an even darker mystery.
I hope you enjoy this crossover.
NOTE ON ERA: So obviously From takes place in 2022 where TVD or at least this season of TVD takes place in 2010. Opposed to having the TVD characters end up in some era before alot of the characters we are familiar with in From. I decided for the sake of the story it also was 2022 in the tvd verse.
The trio arrives in 'Fromville'(one of the fan names of 'the town') not too long after the matthews and Jade, im thinking they arrive right after Sarah tried to kill ethan and gets caught
Chapter 1: Diverged in a Yellow Wood
- Location
- United States
A.N. For any who do not think they'll watch tvd heres a little clip from the "Point of divergence." That gives a better context on Mason. Scene
Mason POV
Mason's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter as they left the strange town behind, buildings shrinking in the rearview mirror. Still the uncomfortable feeling that had settled over him since they first arrived remained. He'd been driving for what seemed like hours, the road seemed infinite.
"We've gotta be close by now," Tyler muttered, his tone strained as he leaned forward. "Just a wrong turn or something."
Mason kept his eyes on the road, jaw clenched. "Yeah, should be any minute now."
But the trees stretched on forever, and Mason could feel the familiar sense of unease building. They should have hit the highway by now. His grip on the wheel tightened.
"This doesn't feel right," Jeremy said from the back, his voice low, more unnerved than before.
"Look," Jeremy added, sitting up straighter, "we've passed this before."
Mason didn't need to look. He knew Jeremy was right. They hadn't turned around, but something about the road felt familiar, like they were stuck in a loop. He took another turn, hoping to break free, but as the road bent, the same buildings appeared before them—the diner, the old houses, the strange blend of time periods.
The town.
"No way," Tyler muttered, staring at the buildings as they drove back in. "We didn't turn around, did we?"
"No," Mason said, his voice rough. "We've been driving straight the whole time."
He pulled the car over, frustration and unease gnawing at him. The weight of the town's strange atmosphere settled back over them as they got out of the car, glancing around at the same odd streets and mismatched buildings.
"Mystic Falls 2.0," Tyler said, but there was no humor in his voice this time.
"What the hell is going on?" He muttered, scanning the empty streets
As they walked down the street, the silence pressed in around them. It was as though the town itself was watching, waiting for something. Up ahead, Mason saw a woman and a young boy approaching. The woman's expression was guarded, her hand resting protectively on the boy's shoulder, but beneath the wariness, there was something else—pity.
Mason stepped forward. "Excuse me," he called out. "We've been trying to find the highway. Do you know how to get back?"
The woman stopped, her grip tightening on the boy. There was hesitation in her eyes, and when she spoke, her muted Latino accent became more pronounced, especially as she mentioned the road.
"You aren't gonna find the road you're looking for," she said quietly, her voice carrying a nervous tremor.
"What the hell does that mean?" Tyler snapped, stepping forward. He was done with the cryptic answers. "We just need directions."
Her accent peaked with her nerves. Mason, having spent enough time in Florida, recognized it Colombian —though her voice had been softer before, more muted. Now, her accent sharpened her words, and her gaze darted between them and the boy.
"It's not that simple," she said, pity creeping into her tone. "This place… it doesn't let you leave."
Before Mason could respond, he noticed a man in a priest's collar approaching from across the street. The man's steps were slow and measured, and though he carried a calm demeanor, there was something about him that instantly commanded attention.
"Tabitha, is everything alright?" the priest asked, his voice steady, though there was a nervous caution behind it.
Tabitha—the woman—gave a small nod, but it was clear she wasn't fully at ease. "They're new," she said softly, as if that explained everything.
Mason's mind raced. He glanced at Jeremy and Tyler, both of whom were watching the interaction closely. There was something wrong here, even just the way the people spoke.
"You've just arrived, haven't you?" the priest continued, turning his attention to the trio. His voice was calm, measured, but there was no mistaking the gravity of his words. "And you've already tried to leave."
Mason nodded, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Yeah, we've been driving around for the past hour. Ended up back here. How do we get back go the road?"
The priest sighed, glancing briefly at the darkening sky. "This place is… not like others. The roads don't work the way you're used to. No matter how hard you try, you'll find yourself back here." He paused, studying their reactions. "I'm Father Khatri. And if you're smart, you'll settle in before nightfall."
The warning in his voice was unmistakable.
"Settle in?" Mason echoed, his voice edging with frustration. "We're not staying."
Father Khatri's expression softened slightly, but there was a finality in his gaze. "It's not about whether you want to stay. Its about ensuring you and your younger brothers survive the night"
Younger brothers? Mason blinked in surprise. Under different circumstances, he might've chuckled at the assumption, but the seriousness in Father Khatri's eyes made the words stick. He didn't correct him. The gravity of the situation was too thick to lighten with small talk.
Tabitha shifted beside the priest, her eyes darting between them. Her expression was still guarded, but Mason could sense a quiet urgency, as if there was more she wanted to say but couldn't. Or wouldn't.
"We can show you where it's safe," Father Khatri continued, his tone measured but firm. "But we need to move quickly. Night is coming."
Mason exchanged a look with Jeremy and Tyler. He didn't like the sound of it, but something in Father Khatri's voice told him that whatever came with nightfall was nothing they wanted to face unprepared.
"One more try," Mason muttered to the others, the decision already weighing on him. "We'll drive around one more time. If we end up back here…"
Father Khatri tilted his head upward, scrutinizing the sky for a moment. He took a step forward, his tone becoming a bit firmer. "Look, with new cars, we usually follow a certain standard." He paused, then sighed. "But I'll make sure there's an exception. If you still want to drive around tomorrow, you can." He glanced at the darkening sky, his brow furrowing. "But tonight? It's cutting it too close. Please, come to the diner."
The word "please" hit differently. He didn't like being told what to do, but something about Father Khatri's insistence. He took a long glance at his nephew and a shorter one at jeremy.
Whatever came with nightfall, it wasn't something they wanted to face unprepared.
Reluctantly, Mason gave a nod. "Alright, we'll go to the diner."
Father Khatri's expression remained calm but the tightness in his face seemed to loosen just a little bit. "Good. If you don't mind then follow me best we get this done quickly."
As Mason, Jeremy, and Tyler settled uneasily into the booth, Father Khatri motioned toward the two men sitting at one of the tables nearby.
"Before I go," Khatri said, his voice calm but firm, "I should introduce you. This is Boyd."
Boyd, the older African American man, gave a brief nod, his expression serious and watchful. Khatri gestured to the asian teen next to Boyd, who looked around the same age as Tyler..
"And this is Kenny."
Kenny gave a slight smile, though his eyes continued assessing them intensely.
"They'll help you get settled in," Khatri continued, his tone more insistent. "They've been here a long time. You're in good hands."
Mason, feeling a bit of the tension ease, nodded in return. At least now he had some names to put to the faces watching them so carefully.
Seemingly content with the quick introduction, Khatri turned to Boyd and Kenny. He lowered his voice, though Mason, still on edge, caught most of the conversation.
"I promised him he could drive around tomorrow," Khatri said quietly, his voice low enough that only Boyd and the young man could hear. "So just leave the car alone for the day."
At the mention of something being done to his car, Mason almost instinctively moved to get up, but he stopped himself, his body rigid as he listened.
Boyd frowned, leaning closer to Khatri, his voice laced with irritation. "Why would you promise that? Last time I let someone drive around before letting the shoe drop, three people died."
Mason's eyes flicked toward the young Asian guy next to Boyd. He couldn't see much from his angle, but he caught a subtle shift in the boy's posture, as if the tension in the room had kicked up a notch. Mason could almost feel the guy's heart thrum a bit louder at the admission. His own pulse quickened in response.
"What was I supposed to do?" Khatri responded, his voice still low but edged with frustration. "They were gonna drive around again, and it's still awhile till nightfall, but it would've been cutting it pretty damn close. Didn't want to see three more pass."
Boyd let out a long sigh, his irritation simmering beneath the surface. "Alright, quick thinking. I'll just have to figure out what to do about that when morning comes."
Khatri nodded, but there was still a weight on his face. He glanced toward Mason and the others, then back at Boyd. "I've got to go."
"Now?" Boyd asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why so soon?"
Khatri gave him a small, tight smile. "I've got a few things to take care of. You've got this, right?"
Boyd didn't answer immediately, but after a pause, he nodded. "Yeah, I've got this."
The Priest's heartbeat was steady but quick, betraying underlaid anxiety. It wasn't just the road, their pressence or whatever happened last time that had him worried. There was something more as to what Mason couldn't say.
With a brief nod, Khatri left the diner, his departure doing little to ease the tension in the air. Tyler was visibly on edge, and Jeremy wasn't far behind. But Tyler's frustration was palpable—his fists clenched, his jaw tight.
Mason glanced at the two people across the room, the man and the younger guy, both of whom seemed to be sizing them up. Everyone else had already cleared out, clearly not wanting to stick around for whatever was gonna happen in this Diner. It set Mason farther on edge. For now though he'd let things play out. After all he could easily take the two or three on if need be. He hoped it wouldn't come to that though at least regarding the Young Kid, and the waitress,
The asian woman behind the counter walked over, holding a pot of coffee. She offered it to Tyler first.
"Coffee?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Tyler's reaction was instant. His hands slammed down on the table, voice like a knife. "Why the fuck would I want coffee? What the fuck's going on here?"
Mason's stomach twisted at the sound of his nephew's outburst, His anger was far too familiar rage, pure and unfiltered, the kind that Mason had felt himself the very day Jimmy's head cracked against the pavement. He'd seen his nephew boiling so much in these past few weeks. Everytime, his fear grew deeper. Because Tyler wasn't just angry—he was dangerous.
Across the booth, Kenny shot to his feet, his face hardening as his eyes flashed with protectiveness. "Hey, that's my mom! Watch your mouth!" Kenny's voice was sharp, defensive, but Mason's focus was locked on Tyler.
His pulse quickened as he saw Tyler rise to his feet in one swift motion. Body coiled tight, like a spring wound too far.
Mason knew what this kind of anger could do—what it could trigger if it went unchecked.
Before Tyler could make a move, Mason's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around Tyler's arm in a firm, unyielding grip. His heart pounded in his chest as he tightened his hold, feeling the tension thrumming through his nephews entire being.
"Tyler, stop," Mason yelled commanding, but he wasn't sure if his voice would get through the haze of rage.
Jeremy scrambled up from his seat, moving to stand between them, acting as a barrier between Tyler and Kenny, though it was clear that his twiglike frame wouldn't do much if Tyler truly snapped.
"Stop it dude!" Jeremy's voice wavered, his eyes wide with fear as he pushed against Tyler's chest, trying to calm him down.
Tyler, breathing heavily, glared at Jeremy with frustration. "I'm sick of this secret supernatural shit!" he shouted, his anger boiling over. "I thought we were done with it!"
"What the fuck is going on?" His nephew shouted voice cracking, as he turned his fury towards him. He wanted answers, but Mason didn't have any to give. Not the kind that would calm him down, anyway.
Mason's throat felt dry as he tried to find the right words, but nothing came.
"I don't know," Mason finally said, his voice low but firm, trying to gain a foothold of the situation. "I know it's been a hell of a few weeks, but you need to calm down."
He felt the words rung hollow but the unspoken —or else you'll trigger the curse—hung in the air between them.
For a long moment, Tyler didn't move. His chest heaved, fists still clenched. Mason held his breath, waiting for another inevitable explosion. But slowly, Tyler's fists unclenched, and the tension in his body began to ease, though his quickened heartbeat indicated it didn't fade entirely.
Nontheless, he dropped back into his seat, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface. Finally Mason fully released his grip on his nephews arm.
The diner was silent, everyone watching with wary eyes. The older woman, who had stepped back once the chaos started remained behind the counter, giving the back of Tylers a look that could kill between eyeing Kenny .
Kenny, still standing, glared at Tyler with a fury that nearly matched his own, though he to slowly sat back down beside Boyd looking worse for wear.
"You need to watch it," Kenny muttered under his breath, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Mason exchanged a look with Jeremy, both of them shaken by the outburst. Tyler, though calmer, was still on edge, and Mason knew it wouldn't take much to set him off again.
Boyd cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over the room. His voice was firm but not unkind as he addressed Tyler directly.
"You've got a temper, kid, and I get that," Boyd said, his eyes steady on Tyler. "But you need to keep it in check. Here, more than anywhere else." There was a weight behind his words, a seriousness that cut through the lingering tension.
Tyler didn't respond, but Mason could tell he was listening. Boyd's calm authority seemed to have an effect, though Tyler's fists remained clenched at his sides.
Boyd sighed, rubbing a hand over his face as if trying to figure out how to begin. Finally, he leaned forward, his eyes moving between Mason, Jeremy, and Tyler. Voice dropping, taking on a more measured tone.
"Look, I know you likely won't believe this," Boyd began, his tone measured, "but you need to hear it anyway. This town… it's different. And it's dangerous."
Mason's eyes narrowed as Boyd continue.
"There are things out there—things that come out at night. You might think it's some kind of joke, or that we're all just some crazy cult, but it's real. And it's deadly." Boyd paused, letting the words sink in. "I'm telling you this now because you need to understand. You can't be outside after dark. None of us can."
Tyler opened his mouth, ready to interject, but Boyd held up a hand, silencing him before he could speak.
"Just listen," Boyd said firmly. "You don't have to believe me right now. But stay inside tonight. See for yourself. You'll understand come morning."
Boyd leaned back slightly, his face grim as he looked between the three of them.
"This place… it traps people," Boyd began, his voice steady. "It's not like anywhere else. Once you're here, there's no getting out—at least, not that we've found."
Mason furrowed his brow, exchanging a quick glance with Jeremy. Boyd's tone was calm and practiced, like this was a speech he'd given too many times before. But the word trapped stuck in Mason's head, digging in like a thorn. It wasn't a word he liked. It never had a good connotation. As a child, he'd been trapped under the weight of the Lockwood family legacy, always in the shadow of something bigger. As an adult, he was trapped by his own anger, his inner rage a cage he could never break out of. Becoming a werewolf had only added another layer—now he was bound by the moon, a prisoner to its cycle. And not even a day ago, he'd been trapped in the Salvatore house, at Damon's mercy.
It seemed like no matter where he turned, he could never escape being trapped.
"I was a soldier," Boyd said after a pause, his gaze shifting for a moment, distant. "Army. I was driving across the country with my wife, and son. Trying to figure out what was next for us after retirement and everything that happened overseas. We took a wrong turn somewhere and found a dead tree covered with crows, just like you, then ended up here."
Mason's gut tightened. A wrong turn, the tree and crows, the way they had driven around in circles, no matter which road they took, only to end up back in the same strange town. Was this place… cursed? Could it be the work of witches? He barely knew any witches, but he recalled enough whispered stories to know that curses like this weren't unheard of in supernatural circles. Some even believed the Other Side was created by an ancient witch.
Tyler shifted uncomfortably in his seat, but he didn't interrupt. Something in Boyd's voice kept him focused, at least for the moment. Mason noticed how Tyler eyed him and Jeremy, like he was wondering if they knew more about this than they were letting on.
But Mason didn't say anything. Not yet.
"That was years ago," Boyd continued, his expression darkening slightly. "And we've been stuck here ever since. My wife—she didn't make it." His voice tightened at the last words, but he moved on quickly. "And every night, we deal with them. The monsters."
Mason's stomach clenched. Monsters. It wasn't the first time he'd heard the word, but the way Boyd said it—so matter-of-fact, so resigned—made it hit harder. His first thought was vampires. The way Boyd described the creatures, looking like people, smiling at you, only to kill you when you let your guard down… it was too close to what he already knew. Could it be vampires? Or something worse?
Jeremy leaned forward, curiosity and tension mixing on his face. Mason could tell he was thinking along the same lines—vampires, maybe even something more sinister. But Jeremy seemed calm, almost as if he had a better handle on this than anyone else in the room. Mason envied that calm.
"What kind of monsters?" Jeremy asked cautiously, his voice steady but laced with the need to understand.
Boyd looked directly at Jeremy, his face unreadable for a moment before he answered. "They look like people—at first," he said, his voice low. "They can smile at you, talk to you, even seem friendly. But if you let them in—if you even open your door a crack—they'll kill you."
Mason's breath caught. He wasn't sure what to believe anymore, but the way Boyd was speaking, it didn't sound like vampires not exactly. There were similarities but it wasn't one to one. For one they didn't need to be invited in. Though a barrier still held some power. It was different. Worse, maybe. His mind thought back to witches and curses. Could a coven have created these creatures, cursed this town? He didn't know. He hadn't cared much about supernatural lore beyond breaking the werewolf curse, but now, in this moment, he regretted not learning more.
"And it's not quick," Boyd added, his voice hardening. "They'll tear you apart."
The air in the diner grew heavier. Tyler clenched his fists, his face tense, but he stayed quiet, clearly trying to process what Boyd was saying. His eyes darted between Mason and Jeremy again, as if hoping for one of them to admit they knew more about this than they were letting on.
"We've lost a lot of people to those things," Boyd continued, his eyes hardening. "Families, kids… anyone who doesn't take the warning seriously."
Mason could feel the weight of Boyd's words pressing down on him. He'd seen enough flavors of death to know when someone was speaking from experience.
Boyd took a deep breath, glancing at each of them in turn then held up a rock with strange symbols on it. "I know you likely won't believe this—not right now. But you need to listen. Tonight, you stay inside. Make sure a talisman is hung up, keep all the doors locked. Don't open them for anyone, no matter what you hear. No matter who you think it might be."
The thought of being trapped inside while something prowled outside, waiting to tear Tyler or even Jeremy apart, made Mason's skin crawl. And yet… Jeremy seemed oddly calm, like the idea of dangerous creatures lurking in the night wasn't new to him. Maybe it wasn't. They had lived through vampires, werewolves, and other horrors before. But this—whatever this was—felt different. More unknown.
For a handful of minutes, the diner fell into silence beyond the sound of water running in the back of the diner, as the three of them processed everything. Tyler's rage seemed to settle, though Mason could still sense the tension in him, like a storm waiting to break.
Jeremy, on the other hand, looked unnervingly relaxed, like he had already made up his mind about what they were dealing with. Vampires. Mason could guess that's where Jeremy's head was. He hoped it was just that simple. But even if it was vampires, these weren't the kind that you could reason with.
Mason's nerves stayed on edge, his mind working through the possibilities. If anyone could figure out what was going on, it was Katherine. She had survived for centuries, always finding a way out of impossible situations. She must know something about this place. Maybe she'd come for him if word reached her. After all, she had a habit of finding people when she needed to.
And if Katherine somehow failed… maybe Jeremy's presence was a blessing in disguise. Elena would never let her little brother stay lost in a place like this. She'd move mountains—and with Bonnie Bennett and the Salvatores at her side, they'd possibly do just that. They'd tear the world apart to find him. And when they did, maybe they'd find a way to break whatever this place was.
But Mason knew better than to rely on hope. None of those were guarantees. And with the way things had gone with the Salvatores, he wasn't exactly in their good graces. If they showed up, there'd be more than one kind of reckoning. Still, if it meant Tyler getting out of here—and maybe the rest of these people—it would be worth it.
He thought of the people in the diner. He didn't know any of them, but he could feel their fear. He knew what it was like to have your world turned upside down, to be dragged into the supernatural in the worst way possible. No one should have to face this. No normal person should be caught in whatever twisted game this town was playing.
As his thoughts churned, Boyd walked over, breaking the silence. "How you taking it?" Boyd asked, his voice quiet but curious. "Usually, groups aren't so quiet when they find out."
Mason glanced up, unsure how to respond. His mind was still tangled in half-formed thoughts and unspoken theories.
"Not well," Mason finally admitted, his voice low. "But I doubt anyone does."
Boyd gave him a slow nod, as if to say he understood all too well. There was a heaviness in his eyes that told Mason this wasn't the first time he'd had this conversation—probably wouldn't be the last, either.
But now, Mason knew he needed to take control of the situation before things could spiral. He couldn't afford to let Boyd—or anyone else—catch onto Tyler's comment about the supernatural. Not yet. The last thing they needed was for people to start asking the wrong kinds of questions, especially about werewolves. If these people were on edge because of whatever came out at night, they definitely wouldn't react well to finding out there were more creatures like him in their midst.
Mason took a breath, deciding to cover his bases. "Look, I'm Tyler's uncle. He's been through a lot this past month—he just lost his dad. After that, everything kind of… unraveled." He glanced at Boyd, hoping to redirect any lingering thoughts about Tyler's outburst earlier. "The town we're from—Mystic Falls—it's gone downhill, quality of life isn't what it used to be. We needed to get away for a bit."
Boyd's gaze softened slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, his voice heavy. "Might not mean much, but around here, we're no strangers to loss. Not the same kind, maybe, but it's something nearly all carry." He paused, as if debating his next words. "Who's the other one?"
"Jeremy," Mason replied, gesturing toward him. "He's a good friend of Tyler's. We were heading down to Florida, where I live now. Figured they both needed a break from home after everything that's happened."
"Got any other family back home?" Boyd asked, his tone more casual, but the question held weight.
Mason nodded, his thoughts briefly going back to Mystic Falls. "Yeah, Tyler's mom—my sister-in-law. And Jeremy has a sister and an aunt." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "But like I said, things haven't been easy back home. We all needed to get away, take a breather." The unspoken truth of their recent supernatural battles came to the forefront of his mind, though he didn't dare reveal the real reason for their escape.
Boyd nodded, his expression softening further. "Yeah, I get that. Sometimes a break's all you can hope for."
Mason felt a small sense of relief. Boyd seemed to accept the explanation, at least for now. He'd managed to steer the conversation away from Tyler's supernatural outburst, and that was a win in itself. But even as Boyd's questions eased, He couldn't shake the deeper worry still gnawing at him.
It wasn't just that they were all trapped here—it was that his nephew, was trapped here untriggered. As far as everyone in this diner knew, Tyler was just a normal teenager with a bad temper, but Mason understood how fragile the reality truly was. If things escalated, if stress built too high, Tyler could lose control. And then, on top of being stuck in this place, they'd have another werewolf to contend with.
If even part of what these people said was true, there were a lot more stressors to deal with than just the usual human tensions. Mason had seen firsthand how people could turn on each other when they felt boxed in, when fear and anxiety took over. That alone could make people dangerous.
But this? This was more than just the natural frictions that came with being trapped together. There were layers of danger here, layers of fear—both from whatever was lurking in the dark and from the pressure of the unknown. The creatures Boyd had described, the idea that something could be out there waiting for nightfall, added a whole new level of anxiety.
And as far as Mason could tell, Tyler was already teetering on the edge.
The thought weighed on him. Trapped humans, especially ones already teetering, were volatile enough. Add supernatural creatures and the fact that his nephew was an untriggered werewolf into the mix, and this whole situation was a ticking time bomb. Mason knew they'd have to tread carefully—every move could set something off.
But tonight would be the test. He'd have to see for himself if these monsters were real, if this place really was as dangerous as Boyd claimed and it held any truth, things were about to get a whole lot worse. He only hoped they'd work something out before that clock ran out. The full moon is still three weeks out after all
A.N. Well theres chapter 1 (the earlier chapter I consider the prologue). Curious to know everyones thoughts.
While the characters attempt to rationalize events using their TVD knowledge, this doesn't necessarily mean I'll directly link From to the TVD universe. Their milder reactions, compared to characters like the Matthewsfamily, stem from their previous supernatural experiences.
Although there are potential connections to Native American folklore or fae, and decent ways to link things given the TVD verse lore I'm keeping my options open for the story's direction until we learn more in from. Though there is still plenty to work with just in what we learn in the first two seasons despite all the secrets not being out there yet.
I hope the personality and struggles of the trio came through this chapter. These particular characters hardships especially around this time is another reason I felt they'd be a good fit for From. Given the nature of the town and the aspect of most the residents having some 'complicated' life aspects before they end up in the town.
Before anyone asks I will be following the theory that the town maintains a balance in its population, with new arrivals often coinciding with deaths. Timeline-wise, this story takes place a bit before the Colony House massacre and after Sara's capture. I hope you enjoy the story, and I'm eager to hear your theories and feedback!
Mason POV
Mason's hands gripped the steering wheel tighter as they left the strange town behind, buildings shrinking in the rearview mirror. Still the uncomfortable feeling that had settled over him since they first arrived remained. He'd been driving for what seemed like hours, the road seemed infinite.
"We've gotta be close by now," Tyler muttered, his tone strained as he leaned forward. "Just a wrong turn or something."
Mason kept his eyes on the road, jaw clenched. "Yeah, should be any minute now."
But the trees stretched on forever, and Mason could feel the familiar sense of unease building. They should have hit the highway by now. His grip on the wheel tightened.
"This doesn't feel right," Jeremy said from the back, his voice low, more unnerved than before.
"Look," Jeremy added, sitting up straighter, "we've passed this before."
Mason didn't need to look. He knew Jeremy was right. They hadn't turned around, but something about the road felt familiar, like they were stuck in a loop. He took another turn, hoping to break free, but as the road bent, the same buildings appeared before them—the diner, the old houses, the strange blend of time periods.
The town.
"No way," Tyler muttered, staring at the buildings as they drove back in. "We didn't turn around, did we?"
"No," Mason said, his voice rough. "We've been driving straight the whole time."
He pulled the car over, frustration and unease gnawing at him. The weight of the town's strange atmosphere settled back over them as they got out of the car, glancing around at the same odd streets and mismatched buildings.
"Mystic Falls 2.0," Tyler said, but there was no humor in his voice this time.
"What the hell is going on?" He muttered, scanning the empty streets
As they walked down the street, the silence pressed in around them. It was as though the town itself was watching, waiting for something. Up ahead, Mason saw a woman and a young boy approaching. The woman's expression was guarded, her hand resting protectively on the boy's shoulder, but beneath the wariness, there was something else—pity.
Mason stepped forward. "Excuse me," he called out. "We've been trying to find the highway. Do you know how to get back?"
The woman stopped, her grip tightening on the boy. There was hesitation in her eyes, and when she spoke, her muted Latino accent became more pronounced, especially as she mentioned the road.
"You aren't gonna find the road you're looking for," she said quietly, her voice carrying a nervous tremor.
"What the hell does that mean?" Tyler snapped, stepping forward. He was done with the cryptic answers. "We just need directions."
Her accent peaked with her nerves. Mason, having spent enough time in Florida, recognized it Colombian —though her voice had been softer before, more muted. Now, her accent sharpened her words, and her gaze darted between them and the boy.
"It's not that simple," she said, pity creeping into her tone. "This place… it doesn't let you leave."
Before Mason could respond, he noticed a man in a priest's collar approaching from across the street. The man's steps were slow and measured, and though he carried a calm demeanor, there was something about him that instantly commanded attention.
"Tabitha, is everything alright?" the priest asked, his voice steady, though there was a nervous caution behind it.
Tabitha—the woman—gave a small nod, but it was clear she wasn't fully at ease. "They're new," she said softly, as if that explained everything.
Mason's mind raced. He glanced at Jeremy and Tyler, both of whom were watching the interaction closely. There was something wrong here, even just the way the people spoke.
"You've just arrived, haven't you?" the priest continued, turning his attention to the trio. His voice was calm, measured, but there was no mistaking the gravity of his words. "And you've already tried to leave."
Mason nodded, trying to keep his frustration in check. "Yeah, we've been driving around for the past hour. Ended up back here. How do we get back go the road?"
The priest sighed, glancing briefly at the darkening sky. "This place is… not like others. The roads don't work the way you're used to. No matter how hard you try, you'll find yourself back here." He paused, studying their reactions. "I'm Father Khatri. And if you're smart, you'll settle in before nightfall."
The warning in his voice was unmistakable.
"Settle in?" Mason echoed, his voice edging with frustration. "We're not staying."
Father Khatri's expression softened slightly, but there was a finality in his gaze. "It's not about whether you want to stay. Its about ensuring you and your younger brothers survive the night"
Younger brothers? Mason blinked in surprise. Under different circumstances, he might've chuckled at the assumption, but the seriousness in Father Khatri's eyes made the words stick. He didn't correct him. The gravity of the situation was too thick to lighten with small talk.
Tabitha shifted beside the priest, her eyes darting between them. Her expression was still guarded, but Mason could sense a quiet urgency, as if there was more she wanted to say but couldn't. Or wouldn't.
"We can show you where it's safe," Father Khatri continued, his tone measured but firm. "But we need to move quickly. Night is coming."
Mason exchanged a look with Jeremy and Tyler. He didn't like the sound of it, but something in Father Khatri's voice told him that whatever came with nightfall was nothing they wanted to face unprepared.
"One more try," Mason muttered to the others, the decision already weighing on him. "We'll drive around one more time. If we end up back here…"
Father Khatri tilted his head upward, scrutinizing the sky for a moment. He took a step forward, his tone becoming a bit firmer. "Look, with new cars, we usually follow a certain standard." He paused, then sighed. "But I'll make sure there's an exception. If you still want to drive around tomorrow, you can." He glanced at the darkening sky, his brow furrowing. "But tonight? It's cutting it too close. Please, come to the diner."
The word "please" hit differently. He didn't like being told what to do, but something about Father Khatri's insistence. He took a long glance at his nephew and a shorter one at jeremy.
Whatever came with nightfall, it wasn't something they wanted to face unprepared.
Reluctantly, Mason gave a nod. "Alright, we'll go to the diner."
Father Khatri's expression remained calm but the tightness in his face seemed to loosen just a little bit. "Good. If you don't mind then follow me best we get this done quickly."
As Mason, Jeremy, and Tyler settled uneasily into the booth, Father Khatri motioned toward the two men sitting at one of the tables nearby.
"Before I go," Khatri said, his voice calm but firm, "I should introduce you. This is Boyd."
Boyd, the older African American man, gave a brief nod, his expression serious and watchful. Khatri gestured to the asian teen next to Boyd, who looked around the same age as Tyler..
"And this is Kenny."
Kenny gave a slight smile, though his eyes continued assessing them intensely.
"They'll help you get settled in," Khatri continued, his tone more insistent. "They've been here a long time. You're in good hands."
Mason, feeling a bit of the tension ease, nodded in return. At least now he had some names to put to the faces watching them so carefully.
Seemingly content with the quick introduction, Khatri turned to Boyd and Kenny. He lowered his voice, though Mason, still on edge, caught most of the conversation.
"I promised him he could drive around tomorrow," Khatri said quietly, his voice low enough that only Boyd and the young man could hear. "So just leave the car alone for the day."
At the mention of something being done to his car, Mason almost instinctively moved to get up, but he stopped himself, his body rigid as he listened.
Boyd frowned, leaning closer to Khatri, his voice laced with irritation. "Why would you promise that? Last time I let someone drive around before letting the shoe drop, three people died."
Mason's eyes flicked toward the young Asian guy next to Boyd. He couldn't see much from his angle, but he caught a subtle shift in the boy's posture, as if the tension in the room had kicked up a notch. Mason could almost feel the guy's heart thrum a bit louder at the admission. His own pulse quickened in response.
"What was I supposed to do?" Khatri responded, his voice still low but edged with frustration. "They were gonna drive around again, and it's still awhile till nightfall, but it would've been cutting it pretty damn close. Didn't want to see three more pass."
Boyd let out a long sigh, his irritation simmering beneath the surface. "Alright, quick thinking. I'll just have to figure out what to do about that when morning comes."
Khatri nodded, but there was still a weight on his face. He glanced toward Mason and the others, then back at Boyd. "I've got to go."
"Now?" Boyd asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Why so soon?"
Khatri gave him a small, tight smile. "I've got a few things to take care of. You've got this, right?"
Boyd didn't answer immediately, but after a pause, he nodded. "Yeah, I've got this."
The Priest's heartbeat was steady but quick, betraying underlaid anxiety. It wasn't just the road, their pressence or whatever happened last time that had him worried. There was something more as to what Mason couldn't say.
With a brief nod, Khatri left the diner, his departure doing little to ease the tension in the air. Tyler was visibly on edge, and Jeremy wasn't far behind. But Tyler's frustration was palpable—his fists clenched, his jaw tight.
Mason glanced at the two people across the room, the man and the younger guy, both of whom seemed to be sizing them up. Everyone else had already cleared out, clearly not wanting to stick around for whatever was gonna happen in this Diner. It set Mason farther on edge. For now though he'd let things play out. After all he could easily take the two or three on if need be. He hoped it wouldn't come to that though at least regarding the Young Kid, and the waitress,
The asian woman behind the counter walked over, holding a pot of coffee. She offered it to Tyler first.
"Coffee?" she asked, her voice soft but steady.
Tyler's reaction was instant. His hands slammed down on the table, voice like a knife. "Why the fuck would I want coffee? What the fuck's going on here?"
Mason's stomach twisted at the sound of his nephew's outburst, His anger was far too familiar rage, pure and unfiltered, the kind that Mason had felt himself the very day Jimmy's head cracked against the pavement. He'd seen his nephew boiling so much in these past few weeks. Everytime, his fear grew deeper. Because Tyler wasn't just angry—he was dangerous.
Across the booth, Kenny shot to his feet, his face hardening as his eyes flashed with protectiveness. "Hey, that's my mom! Watch your mouth!" Kenny's voice was sharp, defensive, but Mason's focus was locked on Tyler.
His pulse quickened as he saw Tyler rise to his feet in one swift motion. Body coiled tight, like a spring wound too far.
Mason knew what this kind of anger could do—what it could trigger if it went unchecked.
Before Tyler could make a move, Mason's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around Tyler's arm in a firm, unyielding grip. His heart pounded in his chest as he tightened his hold, feeling the tension thrumming through his nephews entire being.
"Tyler, stop," Mason yelled commanding, but he wasn't sure if his voice would get through the haze of rage.
Jeremy scrambled up from his seat, moving to stand between them, acting as a barrier between Tyler and Kenny, though it was clear that his twiglike frame wouldn't do much if Tyler truly snapped.
"Stop it dude!" Jeremy's voice wavered, his eyes wide with fear as he pushed against Tyler's chest, trying to calm him down.
Tyler, breathing heavily, glared at Jeremy with frustration. "I'm sick of this secret supernatural shit!" he shouted, his anger boiling over. "I thought we were done with it!"
"What the fuck is going on?" His nephew shouted voice cracking, as he turned his fury towards him. He wanted answers, but Mason didn't have any to give. Not the kind that would calm him down, anyway.
Mason's throat felt dry as he tried to find the right words, but nothing came.
"I don't know," Mason finally said, his voice low but firm, trying to gain a foothold of the situation. "I know it's been a hell of a few weeks, but you need to calm down."
He felt the words rung hollow but the unspoken —or else you'll trigger the curse—hung in the air between them.
For a long moment, Tyler didn't move. His chest heaved, fists still clenched. Mason held his breath, waiting for another inevitable explosion. But slowly, Tyler's fists unclenched, and the tension in his body began to ease, though his quickened heartbeat indicated it didn't fade entirely.
Nontheless, he dropped back into his seat, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface. Finally Mason fully released his grip on his nephews arm.
The diner was silent, everyone watching with wary eyes. The older woman, who had stepped back once the chaos started remained behind the counter, giving the back of Tylers a look that could kill between eyeing Kenny .
Kenny, still standing, glared at Tyler with a fury that nearly matched his own, though he to slowly sat back down beside Boyd looking worse for wear.
"You need to watch it," Kenny muttered under his breath, but it was loud enough for everyone to hear.
Mason exchanged a look with Jeremy, both of them shaken by the outburst. Tyler, though calmer, was still on edge, and Mason knew it wouldn't take much to set him off again.
Boyd cleared his throat, breaking the uneasy silence that had settled over the room. His voice was firm but not unkind as he addressed Tyler directly.
"You've got a temper, kid, and I get that," Boyd said, his eyes steady on Tyler. "But you need to keep it in check. Here, more than anywhere else." There was a weight behind his words, a seriousness that cut through the lingering tension.
Tyler didn't respond, but Mason could tell he was listening. Boyd's calm authority seemed to have an effect, though Tyler's fists remained clenched at his sides.
Boyd sighed, rubbing a hand over his face as if trying to figure out how to begin. Finally, he leaned forward, his eyes moving between Mason, Jeremy, and Tyler. Voice dropping, taking on a more measured tone.
"Look, I know you likely won't believe this," Boyd began, his tone measured, "but you need to hear it anyway. This town… it's different. And it's dangerous."
Mason's eyes narrowed as Boyd continue.
"There are things out there—things that come out at night. You might think it's some kind of joke, or that we're all just some crazy cult, but it's real. And it's deadly." Boyd paused, letting the words sink in. "I'm telling you this now because you need to understand. You can't be outside after dark. None of us can."
Tyler opened his mouth, ready to interject, but Boyd held up a hand, silencing him before he could speak.
"Just listen," Boyd said firmly. "You don't have to believe me right now. But stay inside tonight. See for yourself. You'll understand come morning."
Boyd leaned back slightly, his face grim as he looked between the three of them.
"This place… it traps people," Boyd began, his voice steady. "It's not like anywhere else. Once you're here, there's no getting out—at least, not that we've found."
Mason furrowed his brow, exchanging a quick glance with Jeremy. Boyd's tone was calm and practiced, like this was a speech he'd given too many times before. But the word trapped stuck in Mason's head, digging in like a thorn. It wasn't a word he liked. It never had a good connotation. As a child, he'd been trapped under the weight of the Lockwood family legacy, always in the shadow of something bigger. As an adult, he was trapped by his own anger, his inner rage a cage he could never break out of. Becoming a werewolf had only added another layer—now he was bound by the moon, a prisoner to its cycle. And not even a day ago, he'd been trapped in the Salvatore house, at Damon's mercy.
It seemed like no matter where he turned, he could never escape being trapped.
"I was a soldier," Boyd said after a pause, his gaze shifting for a moment, distant. "Army. I was driving across the country with my wife, and son. Trying to figure out what was next for us after retirement and everything that happened overseas. We took a wrong turn somewhere and found a dead tree covered with crows, just like you, then ended up here."
Mason's gut tightened. A wrong turn, the tree and crows, the way they had driven around in circles, no matter which road they took, only to end up back in the same strange town. Was this place… cursed? Could it be the work of witches? He barely knew any witches, but he recalled enough whispered stories to know that curses like this weren't unheard of in supernatural circles. Some even believed the Other Side was created by an ancient witch.
Tyler shifted uncomfortably in his seat, but he didn't interrupt. Something in Boyd's voice kept him focused, at least for the moment. Mason noticed how Tyler eyed him and Jeremy, like he was wondering if they knew more about this than they were letting on.
But Mason didn't say anything. Not yet.
"That was years ago," Boyd continued, his expression darkening slightly. "And we've been stuck here ever since. My wife—she didn't make it." His voice tightened at the last words, but he moved on quickly. "And every night, we deal with them. The monsters."
Mason's stomach clenched. Monsters. It wasn't the first time he'd heard the word, but the way Boyd said it—so matter-of-fact, so resigned—made it hit harder. His first thought was vampires. The way Boyd described the creatures, looking like people, smiling at you, only to kill you when you let your guard down… it was too close to what he already knew. Could it be vampires? Or something worse?
Jeremy leaned forward, curiosity and tension mixing on his face. Mason could tell he was thinking along the same lines—vampires, maybe even something more sinister. But Jeremy seemed calm, almost as if he had a better handle on this than anyone else in the room. Mason envied that calm.
"What kind of monsters?" Jeremy asked cautiously, his voice steady but laced with the need to understand.
Boyd looked directly at Jeremy, his face unreadable for a moment before he answered. "They look like people—at first," he said, his voice low. "They can smile at you, talk to you, even seem friendly. But if you let them in—if you even open your door a crack—they'll kill you."
Mason's breath caught. He wasn't sure what to believe anymore, but the way Boyd was speaking, it didn't sound like vampires not exactly. There were similarities but it wasn't one to one. For one they didn't need to be invited in. Though a barrier still held some power. It was different. Worse, maybe. His mind thought back to witches and curses. Could a coven have created these creatures, cursed this town? He didn't know. He hadn't cared much about supernatural lore beyond breaking the werewolf curse, but now, in this moment, he regretted not learning more.
"And it's not quick," Boyd added, his voice hardening. "They'll tear you apart."
The air in the diner grew heavier. Tyler clenched his fists, his face tense, but he stayed quiet, clearly trying to process what Boyd was saying. His eyes darted between Mason and Jeremy again, as if hoping for one of them to admit they knew more about this than they were letting on.
"We've lost a lot of people to those things," Boyd continued, his eyes hardening. "Families, kids… anyone who doesn't take the warning seriously."
Mason could feel the weight of Boyd's words pressing down on him. He'd seen enough flavors of death to know when someone was speaking from experience.
Boyd took a deep breath, glancing at each of them in turn then held up a rock with strange symbols on it. "I know you likely won't believe this—not right now. But you need to listen. Tonight, you stay inside. Make sure a talisman is hung up, keep all the doors locked. Don't open them for anyone, no matter what you hear. No matter who you think it might be."
The thought of being trapped inside while something prowled outside, waiting to tear Tyler or even Jeremy apart, made Mason's skin crawl. And yet… Jeremy seemed oddly calm, like the idea of dangerous creatures lurking in the night wasn't new to him. Maybe it wasn't. They had lived through vampires, werewolves, and other horrors before. But this—whatever this was—felt different. More unknown.
For a handful of minutes, the diner fell into silence beyond the sound of water running in the back of the diner, as the three of them processed everything. Tyler's rage seemed to settle, though Mason could still sense the tension in him, like a storm waiting to break.
Jeremy, on the other hand, looked unnervingly relaxed, like he had already made up his mind about what they were dealing with. Vampires. Mason could guess that's where Jeremy's head was. He hoped it was just that simple. But even if it was vampires, these weren't the kind that you could reason with.
Mason's nerves stayed on edge, his mind working through the possibilities. If anyone could figure out what was going on, it was Katherine. She had survived for centuries, always finding a way out of impossible situations. She must know something about this place. Maybe she'd come for him if word reached her. After all, she had a habit of finding people when she needed to.
And if Katherine somehow failed… maybe Jeremy's presence was a blessing in disguise. Elena would never let her little brother stay lost in a place like this. She'd move mountains—and with Bonnie Bennett and the Salvatores at her side, they'd possibly do just that. They'd tear the world apart to find him. And when they did, maybe they'd find a way to break whatever this place was.
But Mason knew better than to rely on hope. None of those were guarantees. And with the way things had gone with the Salvatores, he wasn't exactly in their good graces. If they showed up, there'd be more than one kind of reckoning. Still, if it meant Tyler getting out of here—and maybe the rest of these people—it would be worth it.
He thought of the people in the diner. He didn't know any of them, but he could feel their fear. He knew what it was like to have your world turned upside down, to be dragged into the supernatural in the worst way possible. No one should have to face this. No normal person should be caught in whatever twisted game this town was playing.
As his thoughts churned, Boyd walked over, breaking the silence. "How you taking it?" Boyd asked, his voice quiet but curious. "Usually, groups aren't so quiet when they find out."
Mason glanced up, unsure how to respond. His mind was still tangled in half-formed thoughts and unspoken theories.
"Not well," Mason finally admitted, his voice low. "But I doubt anyone does."
Boyd gave him a slow nod, as if to say he understood all too well. There was a heaviness in his eyes that told Mason this wasn't the first time he'd had this conversation—probably wouldn't be the last, either.
But now, Mason knew he needed to take control of the situation before things could spiral. He couldn't afford to let Boyd—or anyone else—catch onto Tyler's comment about the supernatural. Not yet. The last thing they needed was for people to start asking the wrong kinds of questions, especially about werewolves. If these people were on edge because of whatever came out at night, they definitely wouldn't react well to finding out there were more creatures like him in their midst.
Mason took a breath, deciding to cover his bases. "Look, I'm Tyler's uncle. He's been through a lot this past month—he just lost his dad. After that, everything kind of… unraveled." He glanced at Boyd, hoping to redirect any lingering thoughts about Tyler's outburst earlier. "The town we're from—Mystic Falls—it's gone downhill, quality of life isn't what it used to be. We needed to get away for a bit."
Boyd's gaze softened slightly, a flicker of understanding crossing his features. "I'm sorry to hear that," he said, his voice heavy. "Might not mean much, but around here, we're no strangers to loss. Not the same kind, maybe, but it's something nearly all carry." He paused, as if debating his next words. "Who's the other one?"
"Jeremy," Mason replied, gesturing toward him. "He's a good friend of Tyler's. We were heading down to Florida, where I live now. Figured they both needed a break from home after everything that's happened."
"Got any other family back home?" Boyd asked, his tone more casual, but the question held weight.
Mason nodded, his thoughts briefly going back to Mystic Falls. "Yeah, Tyler's mom—my sister-in-law. And Jeremy has a sister and an aunt." He hesitated for a moment, then added, "But like I said, things haven't been easy back home. We all needed to get away, take a breather." The unspoken truth of their recent supernatural battles came to the forefront of his mind, though he didn't dare reveal the real reason for their escape.
Boyd nodded, his expression softening further. "Yeah, I get that. Sometimes a break's all you can hope for."
Mason felt a small sense of relief. Boyd seemed to accept the explanation, at least for now. He'd managed to steer the conversation away from Tyler's supernatural outburst, and that was a win in itself. But even as Boyd's questions eased, He couldn't shake the deeper worry still gnawing at him.
It wasn't just that they were all trapped here—it was that his nephew, was trapped here untriggered. As far as everyone in this diner knew, Tyler was just a normal teenager with a bad temper, but Mason understood how fragile the reality truly was. If things escalated, if stress built too high, Tyler could lose control. And then, on top of being stuck in this place, they'd have another werewolf to contend with.
If even part of what these people said was true, there were a lot more stressors to deal with than just the usual human tensions. Mason had seen firsthand how people could turn on each other when they felt boxed in, when fear and anxiety took over. That alone could make people dangerous.
But this? This was more than just the natural frictions that came with being trapped together. There were layers of danger here, layers of fear—both from whatever was lurking in the dark and from the pressure of the unknown. The creatures Boyd had described, the idea that something could be out there waiting for nightfall, added a whole new level of anxiety.
And as far as Mason could tell, Tyler was already teetering on the edge.
The thought weighed on him. Trapped humans, especially ones already teetering, were volatile enough. Add supernatural creatures and the fact that his nephew was an untriggered werewolf into the mix, and this whole situation was a ticking time bomb. Mason knew they'd have to tread carefully—every move could set something off.
But tonight would be the test. He'd have to see for himself if these monsters were real, if this place really was as dangerous as Boyd claimed and it held any truth, things were about to get a whole lot worse. He only hoped they'd work something out before that clock ran out. The full moon is still three weeks out after all
A.N. Well theres chapter 1 (the earlier chapter I consider the prologue). Curious to know everyones thoughts.
While the characters attempt to rationalize events using their TVD knowledge, this doesn't necessarily mean I'll directly link From to the TVD universe. Their milder reactions, compared to characters like the Matthewsfamily, stem from their previous supernatural experiences.
Although there are potential connections to Native American folklore or fae, and decent ways to link things given the TVD verse lore I'm keeping my options open for the story's direction until we learn more in from. Though there is still plenty to work with just in what we learn in the first two seasons despite all the secrets not being out there yet.
I hope the personality and struggles of the trio came through this chapter. These particular characters hardships especially around this time is another reason I felt they'd be a good fit for From. Given the nature of the town and the aspect of most the residents having some 'complicated' life aspects before they end up in the town.
Before anyone asks I will be following the theory that the town maintains a balance in its population, with new arrivals often coinciding with deaths. Timeline-wise, this story takes place a bit before the Colony House massacre and after Sara's capture. I hope you enjoy the story, and I'm eager to hear your theories and feedback!