The Land of the Dead – I

Summary: Princess of Cælum, Caroline Forbes, finds herself forced in Infernum as a plot for revenge against her Father. As terror begins to consume the angel, she finds comfort from the enemy, an Infernum Prince. l Twist on Heaven and Hell l Klaroline AU

I do not own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals.

In the land of the living there were many rumours circulated around about what happens after a human's death. Many religions speak of different scenarios and others just seek comfort in the idea of somewhere else instead of vanishing from Earth, but no one has managed to prove the truth. Humans only discover their fate once they cross realms…

The truth was that Heaven and Hell exists but not in the form which living humans believe in. Heaven, or most commonly known by its Latin name Cælum, was still for the dead who had led themselves a good life prior to their death and resembled life on Earth in many ways. Each inhabitant, known as 'Angels', would begin to develop mystical powers once they had settled in their new life. These abilities would improve an Angel's quality of life and open new doors for them to explore during their existence.

Hell, known as Infernum, however was a completely different scene. Once a dead human enters into the realm they begin to transition into their inner-demon. Vampires, werewolves and dark witches roam Infernum causing havoc each day and night.

Both Cælum and Infernum have been against each other from the beginning of time. According to legend, the Infernum developed as an extension of Cælum with the idea to keep Cælum peaceful after a Demon emerged from the land of the living, named Mikael Mikaelson. The King of Cælum, William Forbes, exiled the vampire to Infernum. When the Demon's wife and seven children died, they joined him in Infernum, transitioning themselves into monsters. Others began to populate the realm and the Mikaelsons proclaimed themselves as royals like the Forbes. The story continues with how the King of Cælum met his wife once she entered his kingdom and their quest for an impossible child. This quest was still ongoing until almost two decades ago…

Princess Caroline Forbes was born as the first 'dead' child. She grew up at a human rate but carried Angel features with her presence. The Princess was extremely popular with the population of Cælum and sadly no one knew whether she'd ever stop aging. Her mystical abilities only began to emerge when she passed her eighteenth birthday. In her Father's kingdom many men wished to take her hand in marriage as Caroline was a beautiful woman with striking long golden curls and sapphire eyes which shined in the midst of her light.

The Mikaelsons were completely aware of the Princess' birth and had spies posing as Angels in Cælum. The King had demanded for him to be updated with her situation at all times. He was positive that their next attempt to take revenge on the Forbes and Cælum would succeed.

CAROLINE

I sat on the carpeted floor of my chambers, with a few objects before me. As my powers were beginning to come to light, I regularly practiced each morning and night. The bright glow of Cælum drifted into the room while my fingers glided above causing the small teddy bear to begin to move off the floor. I instantly lost my concentration when the door opened.

I looked up to greet one of my best friends, Stefan Salvatore. It was almost a year ago when he died on Earth and entered Cælum. We instantly became very close friends and spend almost every day with each other. I felt like I could relate to him in a way as my ability to perform spells was only slowly emerging, whereas he couldn't float a feather. It was unknown why he hadn't developed the skill yet. Even so, he was incredibly encouraging towards my learning.

"Ready Princess?" He asked me, as I stood up from the pale floor and patted the creases down in my white dress.

"Of course," I smiled softly reaching for my silk shawl to place around my neck.

On our way out we passed my parents who gave a quick wave as they continued their royal business. They trusted Stefan, as did I, and knew that I'd be safe with him.

"So what is this place you've been wanting to show me?" I asked as my flats tapped the stone steps daintily. There was already a small crowd outside of the royal house inching for a glimpse of their favourite Princess. As always, I smiled and waved while Stefan escorted me away from the angels of Cælum.

"You'll see," he answered with a slight smirk to his voice. I knew he was up to something, but it was unknown to me.

After a short drive past the elaborate buildings and magical flower spiral gardens we arrived at a place I'd never been before. We walked side by side, causally chatting about my latest mystical achievement until we reached a gold fence.

"This is the edge of Cælum…" I realised, stopping my steps but Stefan continued walking. "Where are you going Stefan? We cannot continue any further."

"Haven't you stepped into no-man's land?" He asked, placing his fingers on the handle in order to let the gate swing open.

"Of course not, no-man's land is the space between Cælum and Infernum. No one would go there unless they intend to cross…And you know the rules: any Angel that crosses into Infernum is a traitor."

"You're not if you enter no-man's land though Princess," Stefan pointed out before taking my hand. "Come." I shook my head.

"No, I don't want to," I insisted trying to pull my hand from his strong grip. "Stefan, let me go." I pleaded but I found myself moving towards the edge of my Father's kingdom. "Stefan stop!" I continued but it was no use, he was too strong for me.

I found myself standing in no-man's land with the soft glow of Cælum's light behind me as I stood in the light cold wind with grey smoke around my ankles. Stefan still held my hand tightly, feeling my scared shivers. My eyes moved ahead to see the dark mist of Infernum ahead.

"Please," I begged turning my gaze onto the person I had called a friend. I was beginning to believe it was all a lie. "Let me return."

"Oh I don't think so sweetheart." A deep smirking tone sounded from behind me. As I turned my head, flicking my shimmering curls, my eyes met with a tall slender man with curling dark blond hair and matching stubble. Standing behind him was another man and a woman.

"Who are you?" I questioned with an authoritative tone, using it as a way to hide my fear.

"Demons, angel," the man stepped forward clasping his fingers around my other wrist. I tried to fight the man, but like Stefan I couldn't shake him. With a soft click I realised a small black chain was fastened around my wrist.

"Wha…What is that?"

"Your ticket to your new home darlin'," the other man spoke, carrying the same arrogant smirk. I couldn't stop myself from trembling with fear. I'd never been in this sort of situation before, none of my instincts told me what to do except be frightened.

"Well done Stefan," the blonde man congratulated my friend, confirming my suspicions that Stefan was just a tool in an evil scheme. I felt an arm, slither around my waist holding me to my captor. "You will be rewarded."

"Let us take her home now, we haven't succeeded until she's across the border remember," the woman reminded the men.

"My parents will find me," I insisted. My spoken words were more for my own benefit than for theirs as I was trying to give me hope for a safe future.

We began to move, my feet being dragged along the hidden floor. I felt one of my shoes leaving the sole of my foot, causing the bottom of my foot to touch to cold rough terrain below.

"You know they won't angel, no one of Cælum can enter into Infernum without a little tag like the one you're wearing," the blonde tapped the clasp on my wrist.

Without warning we were suddenly in front of a new set of gates. Somehow we'd moved in a split second over several miles. I assumed this was one of the talents of a demon. Dark spikes pointed at the top of the black gates and darkness was all I could see on the other side.

"Mikaelson," the brunette male spoke into a small box. His brown hues glanced back at me before he arrogantly added. "With Forbes." The gate buzzed, instantly swinging open to reveal the inside of Infernum. Mikaelson? I knew the name belonged to the royals of Infernum. I internally gasped, realising these were a small selection of the Princes and Princesses of Infernum. I still questioned Stefan's relation to them.

I had heard many stories about what one would encounter inside but none of them could accurately describe the bitterness of the air or the swimming dark red sky. As soon as I entered I could feel eyes on me. I noticed many reptiles and ravens appearing from small black ponds or winter trees which held no leaves. I was slowly led along the main path with my four escorts surrounding me. Many demons of Infernum left their homes to witness the Princess of Cælum being taken captive by the Mikaelsons of Infernum.

Little did the Princess know, but as she walked through the streets of Infernum, towards the centre square where the Mikaelson home resides, her light shimmered around her figure in an indescribable glow. Something many of the demons of Infernum had never witnessed before. She was seen as treasure that the likes of pirates would want in their chest, worth more than any sum of money. The inhabitants rejoiced in hope that this achievement would lead to Infernum conquering Cælum as an act of revenge against the angels after they exiled all demons away.

A/N This is my next Fanfiction which I will be writing along side History Hides the Truth. Please let me know your thoughts in a review and ask any questions you make have towards the concept. I hope you enjoyed it!