A/N: After the first part here is the second one. This time it's mostly based on Nikola and the end. I had a lot of fun and tears writing it. I've recently just read Dicken's book and I have to say it's not easy and as much as I would try to write in a way he did I know that I can't so I'll just have to go with this. It sets directly after the end of the first one although I put another intro in because, well, I think it should have one so we can see what Nikola did at the beginning. Also, for better understanding I might add some explanation for The Christmas Past: Nikola's older brother Dane died in an accident while he was riding his horse. It's not entirely clear if Nikola caused it to happen by spooking his brother's horse or not. For the sake of this story he didn't and neither does Dane make him responsible for anything. If questions are coming up just let me know and I will do my best to answer them. As always, all the mistakes you might find belong to me and I do have the copyright on them.
I wish you a great Christmas and a joyful time during the holidays. Merry Christmas.
Summary part 2: It's Christmas Eve at the Sanctuary and everything seems peaceful. When an old friend appears everything seems to change. What will Nikola see on his journey through time?
Genre: Drama/ Family/ Fantasy/ Friendship/ Romance/ Hurt/ Comfort
Disclaimer: I'm not giving up on getting something-anything at all. So far I didn't make any progress but I am hopeful that maybe one day Team Awesome will discover and hire me as a writer. Maybe I could get Amanda to help me... Maybe not *shrugs*
TESLA'S CHRISTMAS CAROL
Nikola Tesla stood on the tower looking over the city with a glass of wine in his hand. It was the day before Christmas Eve and everyone at the Sanctuary was in Christmas mood. Everyone but him and Dr. Helen Magnus. He had seen her leaving earlier. Now he was watching her coming back. Nikola had stayed at the Sanctuary after he had lost his vampirism. Although Helen had tried everything she couldn't help him and it drove her crazy. She had asked him what he would do over the holidays and when he had answered he'd do the same as every year she had smiled sadly and offered him to stay. He had hesitated first but gave in not long after. It was Christmas, the holidays you spend with your beloved once after all and he loved Helen Magnus.
When Helen was back Nikola sat down on a chair he had brought before. She had looked so sad almost broken.
"Helen..."
He raised his glass to the stars.
After a while Nikola left for the dining room. Helen hadn't shown up so why waiting where it's cold? He had written a little note for her where to find him which he had left in his lab/room in case she wanted to talk to him. She didn't. He left a few minutes after the BigGuy had told him that Helen was sleeping. Nikola went to his room and drank another glass of wine. Helen always told him he shouldn't drink that much now that he was mortal and alcohol actually had an effect on him but he didn't really care. The first month he had drank too much on purpose. Now he didn't anymore- for Helen but sometimes he couldn't think of any other way to make him forget.
Nikola fell asleep soon after he had finished his glass. Once again he was dreaming about Helen until he was woken up by a strange green light. Nikola opened his eyes and saw his old friend Nigel Griffin standing in front of him.
"Your timing sucks, Griffin."
"It's good to see you too, Nikola."
"What do you want? Tell me to drink less to avoid hallucinations like you?" Nikola spit out.
"I'm not a hallucination. I'm a ghost and I came to tell you that three ghosts will come to you." Nigel started explaining but got interrupted by a mumbling Nikola.
"That was a strong wine, Helen... Ghosts, huh?"
"You will see for yourself. The first one will come with the beginning of the next hour. I have to go now."
"Whatever...I liked you more when you were invisible."
Nigel disappeared again shaking his head over the stubborn man Nikola could be sometimes. He was simply incorrigible. Believing he just had a simple hallucination caused by the wine he fell back asleep.
An hour later he woke up again. There was that weird green light once again.
"Next time I gotta listen to you, Helen..." He started but when he saw the person in front of him he coughed several times before falling silent.
This couldn't be. It was impossible. It had to be dream- a hallucination- anything but real.
"Dane?"
The ghost nodded smiling.
"You...You can't be real. You died over 100 years ago! You died..."
"I did. It wasn't your fault, Nikola. It just happened. It was an accident there was nothing you could have done."
"You were 12 when I saw you dying!" Nikola yelled now with tears in his eyes.
He was 5 when he had seen his older brother die.
"I'm Christmas Past, little brother. I came to show you what Christmas was like." Dane explained and offered his brother a hand.
Nikola looked at Dane in disbelief. This wasn't happening...was it? He didn't know but if it was a dream or a hallucination then what could possibly go wrong? Nikola took Dane's hand and suddenly felt how time was passing by.
He found himself in Smiljan, Croatia in 1860.
"Where are we?" Nikola asked confused.
This wasn't the Sanctuary but it felt so familiar. Just like...
"Nikola! Dane! Come in!" Someone yelled friendly in Serbian.
"Mum?" Nikola turned around.
"Where have you two been?"
"We were playing in the snow, mum." Little Nikola answered smiling brightly.
It had been over a century that Nikola had heard someone speaking in his mother language. He had missed it. When he was younger back at Oxford he had taught Helen a bit but after he had to fake his death he hadn't spoken to anyone in Serbian.
"That was the last Christmas we had with you." Nikola now remembered.
He knew where he was what time it was and what date. Christmas Eve. The two children went inside dragging their mother behind them.
Dane nodded at Nikola.
"Yes but it was also my favourite Christmas." He smiled.
"Why?" Nikola asked not understanding completely.
"Because of you. Look at you, Niko. You were so happy full of life and love and you were so excited to give me my present. The look in your eyes when I opened it. I will never forget this moment. But you have changed after that year- after I died but there was another moment in your life. Another big change because of another important person."
Nikola smiled sadly. His brother was right- with everything. He had locked himself away after Dane had died. Until Oxford. Until he had met that incredible and somehow extraordinary blond woman- his first and only good friend- Helen Magnus. She had changed his life even before the Source Blood had transformed him into a vampire. And he had fallen in love with her one day. Then Druitt had shown up and had proposed to Helen. Nikola had been too late but he kept being the friend he used to be. He stayed close and whenever she needed someone to be there for her he was the first to come.
"What did you wanted me to realize?"
"You're the genius here, Nikola. I'm sure you've already figured it out."
With a simple movement of his fingers they went to another place. Oxford.
"1888..." Nikola mumbled instantly knowing where they were and which year it was.
Dane pointed at Nikola's former self and the woman next to him.
"Helen..."
"She was there that Christmas with you."
"Because Druitt had decided to make 'slicing throats of whores' to his new hobby." Nikola replied sarcastically.
Dane nodded. His brother was right. After Druitt had become Jack The Ripper Helen had changed too. She wanted to spend the Christmas after the incident alone but Nikola had been stubborn about it and joined her. They had drunken wine and Nikola even had a little present for her.
The Teslas watched Victorian Nikola handing Helen his gift and saw how Helen's face instantly lit up.
"I don't have anything for you..." She worried.
Both Nikolas just smiled.
"You're smiling, that's enough for me. Plus, I am here with you." Victorian Nikola smirked.
Helen blushed stroking her blond hair out of her face. How Nikola would have loved to tell her that she deserved something so much better than Druitt but he kept quiet enjoying their time together.
"Thank you, Nikola. For being here today." She said almost shy.
"She really likes you a lot, Niko." Dane suddenly threw in.
Nikola looked away from Victorian Helen and at his brother.
"She does, I'm sure. Look at this picture." Dane said again pointing at Helen.
"It was Christmas...I couldn't let her alone in all her pain."
Dane smiled. Nikola had changed a lot over the century but when it came to Helen he'd never change. He was cheeky, incorrigible, arrogant, selfish and sometimes just a pain in the ass but he would always think of Helen first. Most of the time at least.
"We have to go now, I'm afraid."
Nikola didn't reply anything. He kept looking at the good old time he was able to see through the window. Dane took his hand and they went back to the Sanctuary.
When Nikola blinked and turned around he was alone but he could still hear his brother's last words.
"Volim te, Nikola."
Nikola didn't move but smiled sadly.
"I love you too, Dane."
He fell on the couch seconds later overwhelmed by sadness. Minutes later he was asleep again.
He woke up when he was seeing a green light through the black of his closed eyes. Opening them he saw another old friend.
"Another one?" He asked half asleep.
"Nikola."
"James."
Covered in the same green light Nigel and Dane had been covered in before stood James Watson, the genius himself.
"It's good to see you again." James smiled.
They had been friends when The Five were still alive. When they needed what was left of the Source Blood they had come back together- all of them but Nigel who had died a long time ago. James had died after they had found what was left of the Source Blood.
"It is. Why are you here?" Nikola asked.
The two geniuses looked at each other for a second.
"To show you the present Christmas."
"You're telling me you're another one of Griffin's ghosts? That's getting old."
James laughed for a second. What an incorrigible man...
"I know you don't believe in ghosts, Nikola. Give it a try, though. You will be surprised." James said with his huge British accent.
They shook their heads almost synchronic. Nikola stood up from the couch and Watson placed his hand on Tesla's shoulder. They went to the next day: Christmas Eve.
They stopped at Helen's office first.
"She's still working." Nikola said.
It wasn't a question. She looked tired, exhausted and sad.
Although Nikola expected one of the children to come to her, no one came- not even he did.
"Where are those annoying children?"
"Kate and Henry are in the library with the BigGuy and Will..." James started and transported them to Nikola's room, "Is with you to convince you to come and celebrate with them."
"I'm not here to celebrate with you children." Nikola heard himself saying to Will.
He was there to celebrate with Helen but if she wasn't coming he didn't see a reason to go either.
"You would never go to tell her the truth about your stay. Your ego wouldn't allow it but Nikola, you have to do something if you want to spend Christmas with her. She's waiting for someone to come- for something." James said and Nikola knew his friend was right but letting his ego behind wasn't an easy task.
Theoretically, Helen knew how he felt. Practically, she didn't believe him. His confession was...not in a good moment. Back in Rome they've been running for their lives and Nikola had threaten to kill her right after he had told her that he loved her. It hadn't been one of his smartest moves.
"You want me to talk to her? So what? She could kick me out?"
"You are one of her oldest friends, Nikola. She will listen to you."
Nikola shook his head. Watson had a point- they knew each other for 100+ years but still. There was something that told him she wouldn't change her mind.
"I may give it a try. If it's not working out I gotta curse you to hell."
James simply smiled and placed his hand on Nikola's shoulder once again.
They were back at the Sanctuary a day before Christmas Eve. Nikola sighed.
"What an interesting night..." He mumbled when he noticed that Watson was gone.
Nikola fell back asleep only moments later.
When he woke up the next time he just smirked when he saw the person standing in front of him.
"You're green, Johnny-boy."
John smiled devilish at Nikola.
"Ok, so after the last 3 hours I would guess...You're supposed to show me the future?"
The ghosts nodded still not saying anything.
"When you're the future ghost- or whatever you are- does that mean I finally got rid of you in my future?" Tesla asked cheeky.
"Don't push it Tesla!" John spit out and placed a hand on Nikola chest to teleport them to the Christmas Yet To Come.
Nikola saw Helen and the 'children' standing in the front yard of the Sanctuary.
"What year is it?"
"2030."
They stepped closer to the tree the others stood under.
"You gotta be kidding me." Nikola said annoyed.
"I'm afraid not." John said with his usual deep voice standing behind Nikola.
"How?"
"I killed you."
Nikola was frozen for a second.
"So...Jack's back for good? Did Helen kill you?"
Nikola was seriously pissed. Defeated by Jack The Ripper. That wasn't something that made him very happy but after he had lost his immortality... well, he still liked to mess around.
"She shot me right after I killed you. Do you want to see what happened?"
Nikola looked at Helen. The children had left a few seconds ago and Helen started crying her heart- and feeling- out. Nikola remained silent when he heard her words.
"Show me."
The last thing he felt before they went to another Christmas in the future was John's hand on his back.
"2015."
"So, I'll die in 5 years, huh?"
"Watch."
Nikola saw himself, Helen, John and the 'children' in the main lab of the Sanctuary. John looked mad, his grin was devilish and the blade in his hand spoke for itself.
"Why are you here, John?" Future Helen asked carefully.
It looked like John but everyone in the room knew Jack The Ripper was back and he had come to kill.
Instinctually, Nikola stepped in front of Helen holding his hand out slightly to keep her where she was.
"How very noble of you, Tesla but now that you are mortal I would step aside. This time I didn't come for you."
Nikola didn't move.
"Nikola, please, step aside. I can handle this." Helen was almost begging.
It broke the heart of both Nikolas to see her like that.
She placed a hand on his arm trying to convince him she would be fine but he kept stubborn.
"Helen, I can't lose you again." Future Nikola said.
He saw the threat and danger of Jack The Ripper. They had mocked each other through the century playing their little game and even worked together but this time it was different. John had come to kill and he wouldn't leave before he did so.
Nikola had underestimated Helen though. She shoved him away pulled out her gun and stepped in front of John.
"I can help you, John." She tried to stay calm.
"Ah, not the old game again, Helen. I won't fall for it twice." Jack said and teleported behind her.
Nikola had stepped closer to her just in case and although he wasn't a vampire anymore his reflexes were good. Somehow, he was able to push Helen away before John could harm her. When Nikola got hit by the blade he fell to the ground instantly. John had sliced off his stomach. The first thing Helen did out of a reflex was shooting John. When he also fell to the ground bleeding she fell to her knees right next to Nikola. She gently took his head in her hands and lay it on her legs stroking through his hair in order to keep him calm.
"Nikola! Nikola! Stay with me! Henry, get my medical kit, right now!" Helen cried.
Will, Kate and Henry had been standing there watching the scenario but wouldn't and couldn't do anything. They were unable to move. The BigGuy had been gone to get some tea for Helen so he wasn't even in the room. Now Henry was on the run to get the medical equipment Helen had asked for.
"I love you, Helen. I meant it..." Nikola said breathing one last time.
His head fell aside in her hands and she could almost feel and see how life left his body.
"No, Nikola! No, no, no! You can't! You can't leave me. Nikola, please!"
When Henry finally arrived with the kit it was already too late for Nikola. Although Helen tried everything she could to revive him there was simply no way. Now she had to take care of John. As much as she wanted to see him bleeding to death for killing Nikola she was doctor after all and she couldn't let him die without trying everything possible to save him. Maybe there still was hope for him.
"Get me out of here, Jack." Nikola said almost frustrated.
He couldn't bear to see Helen that heartbroken. Especially not under circumstances like this.
John growled. He hated it being called like that and the way Nikola said it contained so much hatred it drove John mad. He got them back to Nikola's time.
Back at the present Sanctuary John didn't disappear like the others.
"What, you're not done yet?" Nikola asked annoyed.
"I came here to show you the Christmas Yet To Come but there is something personal I want to give you before my task is completely over." The high British accent he had most of the time seemed even stronger as a ghost.
"What?"
John held out his hand. There was something laying within it and even though he was a ghost Nikola knew the item is as real as he was himself.
"Are you actually trying to...?" Tesla didn't finish his sentence but smirked as hell taking the item out of John's hand.
"Seeing the future and doing this task was hard for me but time has spoken, old friend."
John took a bow and disappeared the same way his present self used to teleport away.
Nikola looked at the gift from John when he heard steps coming closer. Someone was running through the Sanctuary- on heels. There was only one person he could think of. Helen.
She knocked gently against the open door. It was late and he should be asleep.
"Come in, Helen."
Helen entered almost shy and smiled apologizing at him.
"I'm sorry. I know it's late...How did you know it's me?"
"I always do, Helen- but your heels and the time. Plus, you are the only one who is attracted to me-"
"Nikola!"
"Why are you here?" He asked straight.
Helen stopped locking her eyes with his.
"I had a weird...'dream' and I just wanted to be sure you're alright." She admitted.
"Tell me about it..." He replied thinking of what had just happened during the night.
Did she have...
"You don't know "A Christmas Carol" by any chance, do you?"
"Oh, please. I'm a scientist and not a fairytale reader but I do. Dickens made quite a deal with it. Why?"
"It's just...well my dream seemed to have some references to it. I was reading it before I fell asleep. This night felt so...real." Helen stuttered.
"Why did you want to check up on me?" He smirked but it didn't reach his eyes.
She could see the deep concern lingering there.
"Because you were dead in my dream." Helen answered without hesitating.
Nikola's idea about her having the same things happening this night got even stronger now. He had made a theory out of it the moment she had asked him about Dickens book.
"I'm still alive and besides the fact that I'm still slightly tipsy I feel perfectly well, my dear."
"Nikola, this dream- it showed me something."
"And again, tell me about it. However, before you continue I have a favour to ask of you. I know I'm barely in any position to do so but I have a gift for you and no, it can't wait until this evening because I do not want to give it to you when all the children are around." Nikola interrupted.
Because this evening I will know that all of this was just a dream, he added in his thoughts.
"What is it that is so urgent it can't even wait several hours?" She smiled.
"This." Nikola held out a small mistletoe and grinned from one ear to the other.
Score.
"I thought you don't care about Christmas traditions?"
"Every rule has its exception, my love. You don't want to ignore the tradition now, do you?"
"I wouldn't dare to." Helen replied smiling.
That man was definitely the cheekiest person she could think of. She stepped closer looking at the mistletoe and then back at Nikola. When she lend forward to kiss him a thought crossed her mind and she stopped in her tracks.
"Where did you get that from?"
"And old friend. He thought it would be nice to give it to me after e doesn't need it anymore." He grinned.
Helen shook her head and kissed him gently. Nikola kissed back the moment he felt her lips touching his. If this was a dream it was a damn good one. Unlike Rome she didn't pull back almost instantly.
High score.
"Do you know why I came to spend Christmas here?" Nikola asked when they broke apart.
"Why?"
"After you offer...there was only one thing that made me agree. The only thing about Christmas I truly believe in. It's the holiday you spend with the people you love."
He could see how Helen's cheeks got pink. She was blushing and it was incredible cute. Nikola wasn't lying. The confession which lay behind his words made her feel all fuzzy. Then she smiled.
"You know, you really are beautiful even when you are ruffled like this." He said pointing at her hair.
It was one pure mess. Helen laughed at him.
"Do you know why I tried everything to revamp you?" She asked back.
"Why?"
"Because I couldn't bear the thought of losing you. We are the last of The Five."
Nikola looked almost disappointed when he thought she had finished her explanation.
"And because back then I realized just how much I care about you. It broke my heart when you lost your vampirism and when you said you were ordinary I wanted to tell you so much how extraordinary you are. You always will be extraordinary to me. I love you, Nikola." Helen finished.
She saw how his face-expression changed the second the words were out.
"And it was worth the wait to hear those words from you." He smirked brightly.
She kissed him again this time without the mistletoe over their heads.
"I'm glad you came to stay here, Nikola. Otherwise I would probably never have told you. I really love you."
"Don't I know it. No matter what I do- I love you, dear. I meant it back in Rome. The circumstances just had a bad timing, so had Johnny-boy." Nikola kept smirking at her.
Helen shook her head. That man was one hell of a bloody sexy bastard. And she was fallen for him in all ways possible.
This Christmas was worth all the trouble they went through before.
THE END
