Author's Note: sorry for the wait...again. I have another idea for a new story that I am thrilled to write. However I am devoted to this story and won't have time to update both. The summary for this new story will be at the end of this chapter.

As always, review and let me know what you think! I appreciate those who did.

Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or their characters

"Yeah. Are you alright?" He asked. It was what he's been wondering since the second he saw her laying on the table.

She nodded and Kol let out a sigh of relief.

She smiled, brightly. Her smile met her eyes and she looked as if she was the sun itself, "And I know what I am."

Chapter 7

Klara barely got the chance to finish her sentence before Mother and Nik ran in, efficiently ruining the moment he and Klara had just shared. Kol helped her off the table and reluctantly distanced himself from Klara for the first time in the last couple hours. He didn't need Mother nor Nik suspecting that anything was going on between them due to their close proximity.

He watched as his brother hugged Klara and Mother questioned her. Although he wasn't focused on what they were saying. Their voices faded out as his mind wondered back to their kiss.

He kissed her.

He had actually kissed Klara and she kissed him back.

Fool! Kol thought, mentally face palming himself. They weren't even courting. Imagine the trouble his actions could cause for not just himself, but for Klara as well. The last thing he wanted was to cause her more problems.

But man was it worth it. To have a taste of something he shouldn't was extraordinary. It was as if Klara was forbidden to him, but purposely drawing him in at the same time. A magnetic pull that constantly put his self control to the test.

Daring to glance in her direction, Kol saw her talking to Mother. Instead of listening to the words coming out of Klara's mouth, he watched the way her lips moved as if he was in a trance. Her pink lips, a bit swollen from his kiss. Her violet dress ruffled from 'the spell' when in reality it was because of his audacious hands moving on her slim waist. The beautiful blonde locks that tempt him every time they bounce. He longs for her touch. She was addicting.

Kol snapped out of his lustful daydreaming when Esther ushered him and Nik outside, leaving Klara alone to discuss the issues of the spell with her.

As Mother escorted them to the door, he gave one last smile to the blonde beauty herself. She smiled in return and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, blushing. His grin widened at the sight.

Once Kol left, Esther turned back to begin picking up the mess from the spell. Klara about to offer some assistance when she realized Esther had noticed the burn marks on the unfortunate items surrounding the candles. Esther's hand lightly grazed the marks. Even in Klara's awakening, the spell shouldn't have caused the flames to lose control, and they both knew it.

"Klara? Do you mind enlightening about what has happened here?" She asked, confused.

Klara tilted her head towards what Esther was pointing at, noticing the burn marks as well. The kiss, the sparks, the magic happened. Klara shrugged her shoulders, "Must have been from the spell, Mother."

When it seemed Esther believed what she was saying was the truth, Klara went the opposite direction to help tidy up.

She began to blush, knowing what had actually caused the marks.

Late that night, Mother and Father were inside the house, sound asleep, as well as Henrik. The others, however, sat in the caves. Finn and Elijah had made them a fire to sit around, in order to stay warm.

Nobody else in the whole village knew about this cave. It was separate from the ones used for shelter from the wolves during the full moon. Niklaus had stumbled upon it years ago and it quickly became 'their' cave. It was where they would go to talk in private or hide out from Mikael when his temper got the best of him.

Klara had been the one to gather everyone here tonight so she could tell them everything. She wanted her siblings to know the truth she had discovered today. Esther was the first to know, being the one to cast the spell. However, Klara purposely left out the details that she didn't want Esther to know. Father and Henrik though, might remain in the dark about the spell for awhile. Father couldn't be told about the spell, because Mother claimed she didn't know how he'd react and Henrik couldn't know because he was too young to understand. Klara would tell him someday though, but not today.

After everyone was settled comfortably around the fire, she began her story. Klara started with how her parents reacted to her birth and how her mother fell ill during her pregnancy. Then she told them how happy her family was before she did 'it' for the first time. Unintentionally harming Annemarie with the powers she didn't even know she possessed. How at the age of two or three, the image her family had went from content and perfect to afraid and depressing.

Rebekah, who had the biggest heart out of all them, seemed the most torn with the story. Nonetheless, everyone showed her empathy. Kol sat to her left and offered her comfort whenever she'd choke up. Nik sat to her right, giving her concerned glances, but never interrupting. Klara just assumed it was because he hated seeing his siblings in pain and didn't know how to react. Or perhaps it was because Kol beat him to the punch.

With less than half an hour passing by, Klara managed to share every last detail of the beginning of her flashbacks. From her first known existence to her first known problem.

"Sister, if you do not mind me asking," Elijah started, "how does any of that show you what you truly are?"

Out of everyone, Klara wasn't shocked that Elijah asked the number one question. He was quite intelligent compared to most his age.

"I mean, from what I have heard, it seems uncertain if you have either gene." Nik spoke up.

Klara smiled and pulled the fur blanket around her shoulders closer, "Well dear brothers, I have not finished the story. You see, after I had harmed my mother for the first time, I was pulled into another vision."

Klara watched as the little girl in front of her faded into nothing. As the warm sun morphed into the cold weather the winter brought. The green grass her mother was sitting on was now covered in snow. Luckily for her, Klara couldn't feel the harshness of the cold temperatures.

She also couldn't hear a thing. Her face scrunched up in confusion as she rose to her feet. Shouldn't she hear something? Anything?

Her questions were quickly answered when Alexander and Charlotte walked back outside. Both children seemed to not have aged much, but they certainly have age a bit.

"Why we go outside?" Charlotte asked in her little baby voice. She stumbled over a majority of her words, but fortunately she was still understandable.

"Because, Char, Mother and Father are discussing your 'problem' with Aunt Adelaide."

For a brother, he sure seemed cold. Not that Klara expected a perfect family from the beginning, but after what she did see and from her personal experiences with her own brothers, perhaps she did expect more compassion. However she did adore the nickname he's given her. Char. The beginning being pronounced as it was in her full name. With the S-H sound.

"Just..." he sighed, "do not touch anyone. That is the least you can do." Alexander advised, then walked further away from the house, expecting Charlotte to follow.

Which she managed to do for a small thing, "I will not touch people, Alex." Charlotte promised as she ran to keep up with her brother.

Instead of following the children, Klara turned and walked inside to find, as said, Zachariah, Annemarie, and Adelaide gathered around the fire. The couple shared a seat coated in light grey fur. Zachariah had one arm around Annemarie's waist and the other holding her hand. Adelaide sat across from the two holding a cup of tea.

They were talking about, none other than her, "Thank you again, for coming on such short notice, Adelaide," Zachariah said.

Adelaide nodded, "Yes, well it is my duty as a witch and the child's blood. Speaking of her blood, do you have what I need?" She asked, looking between the two.

"We do," Annemarie said, handing her a small cup, similar to the one she was drinking from, "She is only a child, so you understand why I could not take much."

Klara moved to take a seat closer to the scene. She watched as parents nervously eyed her aunt as she took a look inside the cup. Adelaide nodded in approval, "It will do the job," she set the cup aside and held out her hand to Zachariah, "I will need blood from both parents. Zachariah, if you will?" He hesitantly pulled his blade from his boot and handed it to her, showing his trust in her. He put his hand in hers, palm facing upwards. Adelaide took the blade and made a small cut across his hand. She then did the same to Annemarie.

Klara watched on, intrigued as her aunt poured the cup of Charlotte's blood out onto her own hands, coating them red. She then grabbed ahold of Zachariah and Annemarie's hands and began chanting under her breath.

Klara couldn't help but wonder, why wasn't her mother doing the spell? If she was a witch like she's heard she was, why did they need her aunt to do the spell?

Observing the lack of ingredients, it was nearly impossible to identify what spell Adelaide was doing. Esther had taught her how to identify spells by what ingredients were being used and what chants were being said, although Klara didn't recognize the words tumbling out of her Aunt's mouth.

After a moment of continuous chanting, her aunt opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She wiped her hands of the blood on a cloth next to her, leaving her parents looking as curious as ever.

"Well? Do you know what she is?" Zachariah asked, impatiently, taking both his hands and putting them in his lap.

"Yes, sister, is she a werewolf or a witch?" Annemarie continued for him, "I must know."

Klara leaned forward in anticipation, waiting for the answer she feared would come.

Adelaide took another deep breath and choked out, "Your child is both, witch and werewolf."

Her parents gasped at the new information.

Klara closed her eyes in pain. She expected this answer, but it didn't mean it wasn't any less painful to hear.

Seeing as neither of her parents were speaking, Adelaide continued, "Under normal circumstances, this outcome is impossible. The power of being both witch and werewolf would overwhelm the baby before or shortly after birth. None have ever lived to see their first year."

"Then how?" Zachariah asked baffled, "How is it possible that Charlotte is in perfect health if she is both, as you so claim her to be?" Annemarie held his hand, attempting to calm him.

"Your child is only part witch. The reason she has managed to live and grow for this long is because of her ability."

It didn't pass by Klara that her 'aunt' only called her a child and not by her name.

'Some family.' Klara rolled her eyes and spoke, despite knowing she could not be heard.

"Her ability? Do you speak of her problem to hurt her own mother?" Zachariah accused.

Adelaide simply took a sip from her tea and nodded, "Her ability is beyond rare. Anne, you spoke of your daughter hurting you when you made physical contact, yes?" Annemarie nodded, "When that happens a faint glow appears from her hands?" Both parents nodded this time. Adelaide continued, "Your child-" She paused and sighed, "Charlotte," she corrected, "doesn't have her own magic, but she can absorb it from other things or people in which contain magic. She is what's known as a siphon."

Zachariah seemed confused. Neither him or Annemarie had heard this word before.

'A siphon?' Klara asked, just as confused.

Adelaide finished what was left in her tea and stood up, brushing off her dress and picking up her coat, "I really must take my leave, but my best advice is to keep Charlotte hidden. If anyone, especially your pack, were to find out about her, she will be put to death. Charlotte's powers are unnatural and a burden. I wish luck to the both of you." She then walked up to her sister and hugged her, shocking Annemarie.

Klara shot up from her seat when she noticed Adelaide lean into her sisters ear.

She heard Adelaide whisper, "Her powers do not end there, sister. Our blood runs through her veins. The abilities her mind can go to are unlike anything our family has seen in a long time." With that she allowed Zachariah to show her out.

'What did that mean? Must she be so cryptic?' Klara thought.

When Zachariah finally came back, he had a drink in his hand. To say he seemed upset was an understatement.

Annemarie looked at him with concern. He laughed darkly and gulped the rest of his drink down. He stared into for a few seconds as if the answer to his problems were in there.

Klara took a few steps back and looked outside to see Alexander and Charlotte walking back towards the house. 'If it wasn't weird looking at myself as a kid, I certainly do not know what would be.' she whispered.

Klara jumped when Zachariah chunked his cup at the wall, allowing splinters of wood to fly everywhere and the remains to burn in the fire. He began mumbling under his breath while running his fingers through his hair. Annemarie didn't move an inch from the spot she was standing.

"A siphon," he laughed humorlessly, "Can you believe that, Anne? A bloody siphon." With a grunt he lifted a small side table and threw it as well causing it to fly across the room and break.

"Zachariah." Annemarie breathed out, in shock of his behavior.

This was the man Klara knew. The man who once haunted her in her nightmares. The wolf. The beast.

Annemarie turned around when her children walked through the door. It wasn't like she could tell them to go back outside. In these temperatures, they'd fall ill. However if they stayed, they'd witness their father's wrath.

The second Zachariah saw his daughter, he groaned and went off to fetch himself another drink.

"Hello Mother." Alexander greeted and hugged her.

Charlotte moved to hug as well, but almost as quickly as she stuck her foot out, she froze. Charlotte took a step back away from her mother, sadly.

It broke Klara's heart to see such a small, innocent child so afraid to hurt her own mother. She shouldn't be going through this.

Annemarie instructed the children to clean themselves up and warm up by the fire while she prepares supper.

Klara was beginning to wonder why she was still sitting here in the memory. It seemed clear that nothing else was going to happen. She knows what she is now, so why is she still here? As if on cue, Zachariah stumbled into the room.

He was drunk.

"Charlotte! G-go...go outside." He slurred, lazily pointing towards the door, almost tripping as he did.

For the first time Klara has seen thus far, Alexander spoke up, "Father, have you gone mad? It is too cold! Char will freeze."

Klara held her breath as she watched the scene in front of her.

Zachariah looked from his son to Charlotte, grimacing, "I cannot look at her. A monster, she is."

He paused for a moment, swaying on his own feet, before turning back to Charlotte and roaring "GET OUT!"

Klara jumped at the volume and anger his voice possessed. Her heart began to race and she started to lightly shake in fear. 'Kol' she whimpered, wanting nothing more but to be far away from here.

Annemarie ran in and put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "My love, please calm yourse-" she tried.

"NO!" He shrugged her hand off her shoulder and charged for Charlotte grabbing ahold of her upper arm, lifting her off the ground by a few inches, only to be pushed back by Alexander.

"Father stop it!" He cried, standing in front of his sister.

Zachariah stumbled back due to his drunken state, releasing her arm.

Klara's breath picked up to a pace she couldn't keep up with. She was having some sort of panic attack.

"Zachariah STOP!" Annemarie pleaded.

Zachariah turned around and grabbed ahold of Annemarie's shoulders, roughly shaking her, "You have had an affair! ADMIT IT! SHE IS NOT MINE!" He roared.

Annemarie began to sob uncontrollably in his arms.

"Let go of her!" Alexander yelled, attempting to separate his parents.

Klara couldn't make sense of anything else happening in front of her. Her heart was hammering in her chest and she couldn't breathe. Her whole body was shaking. It was too much. Everything was moving in slow motion. She watched, helplessly, as the floor came rushing to her. A searing pain shot through her as her head met the ground. Her eyes drifted shut, effortlessly knocking her out cold.

The next thing she remembered was sitting up, gasping for air. Somebody was talking to her, but she couldn't make sense of what they were saying. She felt safe in the strong arms wrapped protectively around her. After a moment she pulled away to find none of than- "Kol."

Everyone was silent as she finished telling them about her flashbacks. A single traitorous tear fell down her cheek, but she quickly wiped it away.

Klara took a deep breath to calm herself, "I am a siphon. Both witch...and werewolf."

Still nobody said anything. Not a word was uttered.

Were they judging her? Perhaps they no longer saw her as the sister she once was, but as the monster she truly is. If her own father could turn on her so quickly, couldn't they?

Klara studied each and every one of them, seeing as not one dared to speak a word first.

The silence became too much for Klara, so she stood and ran towards the exit of the cave, desperate of escape. It was always pointless to run, because she never made it far, "Nik! Let me go." Klara didn't yell this time, but nonetheless demanded to be let free.

With his arms around her waist, he carried her over back to the fire and set her to her feet, turning her to face him, "No more running, Klara." He pulled her into a hug. At first she tensed up in shock, but she quickly threw her arms around her brother and quietly cried into his shirt.

He ran his hand through her hair and down her back, calming her. After the day she's had, it didn't come as a shock to anyone that she felt overwhelmed with everything.

She felt a different hand on her shoulder and turned around to find Elijah standing there, "We shall not judge you, sister. You are a Mikaelson. You are family."

Klara smiled at her brother and hugged him too, only to shortly be interrupted by Rebekah. Her voice sounding tearful as well, "It is my turn to hug my sister, Elijah!" Klara laughed and hugged Rebekah.

Even Finn walked up to her, after being the most silent. He stood tall in front of her and nodded, "I admire your strength, sister." He smiled and was about to walk away when she hugged him. He was taken back at first, but hesitantly wrapped his arms around her.

The comfort felt good. She was afraid everyone would turn their backs on her like Zachariah quickly did.

As she let go of Finn, Klara looked to Kol who had his back to her, "Kol?" He didn't answer. She could see his body visibly tense and began to worry. Klara cared so much about what Kol thought that if he were to reject her, she'd be heartbroken.

Just as Klara was contemplating on leaving the cave, he slowly turned to face her. His fist were clenched tightly and his eyes were slightly red and she understood. Seeing the emotions flash across Kol's face made her want to cry again.

Despite being there when she awoke, Klara never had the chance to tell Kol what happened. This was the first he's heard of it. The story clearly had also taken a toll on him.

Before she got the chance to say anything else, Kol walked over to her and engulfed her in his arms, holding her tightly against him for the second time today. Holding her in a way that made him seem afraid to let her go. As if she would disappear if he did. Klara wrapped her arms around his waist, holding him just as tight.

They stayed like that, savoring the feeling of comfort and relief when being pressed against each other before he pulled away. He kissed her forehead and whispered, "I am happy for you, my little witch." He smiled, "You have deserved to know the truth, and now you do. I might never utter this aloud again, but Elijah is right. You are family." Klara mirrored Kol's smile.

"Always and Forever." Nik said from behind her. She turned around to see everyone else nodding in agreement.

Their words warmed her heart. She had nothing to fear. Her family wouldn't reject her for what she was. She knew that now.

"Thank you...for not hating me."

Klara could be mature enough to fool an adult and strong enough to handle just about anything, but it was moments like these that Elijah was reminded that she was still his little sister. She looked exhausted from crying and from the visions she's had. Klara leaned on Kol's shoulder and he wrapped an arm around her waist. As much as Elijah was curious about what was going on with them, he decided to put that thought aside for now before it got too late.

"You are my sister, Klara," Rebekah said, "and I nor will any of our lunatic brothers ever hate you. Besides, Kol may be a witch, but judging by the way he acts he might as well be a wolf too. Therefore you are not alone." Both girls laughed at Kol who just scoffed.

Before Kol could reply with a sarcastic response, Elijah interrupted, "Yes, well it is getting late and Klara, you are looking quite tired."

Closing her eyes she mumbled into Kol shoulder, "Mhm. I suppose I have had a long day."

Kol effortlessly lifted her into his arms and instead of protested, she snuggled into his chest.

Finn, Elijah, and Niklaus were the first ones to leave the cave with Rebekah, Kol, and Klara following shortly after.

After a few minutes of walking, Klara's breathing evened out signaling she was asleep while Rebekah had managed to fall several feet behind everyone.

"Kol!" She whisper-yelled.

He stopped in his tracks and faced her, "What, Bekah? Is your intention to get lost?" He whispered back. She waved him over towards her and they walked together, out of their brothers earshot.

No one spoke at first, which would've irritated Kol if he wasn't thinking about something else. Or someone else. Klara. She consumed his thoughts as always. However in this moment he was thinking about what she told them. About her parents mostly. It made him angry to think how her father could so easily reject her. Kol has been siphoned by her and even then he could never be mad like he was. He wasn't sure he could angry with her at all.

"Kol?" Rebekah asked, breaking him from his thoughts.

"Yes, Bekah?"

"Do you love Klara?" She looked up at him, awaiting his answer.

"Of course I love Klara, sister. You know that."

She sighed, "I meant are you in love with her?"

Out of all the questions Rebekah could've asked...

Kol looked down at Klara. She looked so peaceful in his arms.

He knew he'd protect her. He knew he wanted her to be happy. And when he kissed her earlier, he knew nothing had felt so right before in his life than her being in his arms.

He sighed. If he told Rebekah that, she would sure as hell tell Klara how he felt. Only a fool would tell Rebekah something expecting her not to tell her other half, Klara, "I cannot say."

Rebekah smirked. As if she didn't see the way her brother was gazing at Klara. She knew how Klara felt and she's seen how Kol feels. It's written in the way he smiled at her. His eyes light up whenever he sees, hears, or speaks of her.

She smiled, triumphantly.

The rest of the walk was silent.

The next morning Kol woke to a quiet house. Usually Father or Elijah would wake him so he would do his chores, but apparently luck had been in his favor.

Kol sat up and stretched, curious as to why he was the only one in the house. Just as he opened his eyes, a head of blonde curls tackled him back down.

"Guess what!" Klara bounced, jumping off of him, pulling him to his feet.

Kol laughed at her excitement, "You've consumed alcohol and clearly are not in your right mind?" He jokingly guessed.

She ignored his comment, "Father and Mother went to the village gathering today and everyone gets the day off! I believe Finn and Elijah went as well. Nik and Bekah on the other hand? I have no idea."

He couldn't help but smile as she spoke. Her rambling was adorable. "Wait. Where is Henrik?"

"Oh, that. He is-"

"Klara! Is he coming with us?!" Henrik ran through the door.

"I have not asked him yet, Henrik. Kol has just woken up."

Confused, he crossed his arms and asked, "Where are the two of you going this fine morning?"

Klara and Henrik laughed, "Afternoon," she corrected, "and Henrik and I are going...walking."

He put a hand on his chin, "Walking?"

"Mhm. It is a beautiful day, is it not?" She smiled, smoothing out her dress.

Kol hummed in suspicion, "Alright. I think I will come along."

"Great!" Klara shouted.

"Good!" Kol shouted back.

Klara turned on her heel and walked out the door.

Oh man, is she beautiful. Kol thought, grinning like a lovesick fool.

Henrik looked between the door and his brother, "Kol, are you alright? Is your face stuck like that?"

"Oh shut it, Henrik." He put his arm around Henrik's shoulder and walked out the door with him. Kol ruffled his hair and Henrik pushed him away, running out the door with Kol, shortly behind, chasing him.

Klara, Kol, and Henrik walked together up to where wild horses grazed freely. Klara had thought Kol would be more upset, because of the few dangerous horses, but he was actually excited about it. Although she should have known. Kol would always be searching for an adventure. Which is why they were here.

Petting horses who haven't yet known the fate that could await them. To be owned. They are free.

Klara couldn't speak for a horse, but the feeling of freedom is stronger than anything. Without it, you feel like you're drowning. Which makes it all that satisfying when you're able to breathe that first breath when you're given the opportunity to be free again. In her opinion, wild horses should remain free.

Free.

She smiled at the thought.

"What are you smiling about, little witch?" Kol asked next to her.

Kol seemed to have taken up the name 'little witch' as of late. Not that it bothered her one bit. In a way she was a witch. Might as well embrace it.

"Do you think horses prefer to remain wild as they are now?" She asked, voicing what was truly on her mind. Henrik was in sight, but most likely couldn't hear their conversation. Therefore they could speak freely.

She looked up at Kol who was looking straight ahead.

"Why do you ask?"

She shrugged her shoulders, also looking ahead to see he was watching Henrik. He was feeding an apple to one of the horses, "Perhaps I wish to know what it is like to be so free. Not held back by anything."

"I do not believe you would allow anything to hold you back, Klara." He said, truthfully.

She cracked a smile at his answer. He could see right through her.

Klara, still looking ahead said, "You are right. I would not let anything hold me back. If I want something," She paused and looked into his eyes, which were already on her, "I will take it."

Kol only smirked at her response. He reached up and grazed her cheek with his knuckles causing her to blush. Her eyes met the ground, but she knew he was still looking at her. She could feel his gaze burn into her.

Not wanting to start something, Klara turned back towards the brown and white spotted horse in front of her.

"I kissed you." Kol said softly.

"I kissed you back." Klara answered, with her usual confidence and sarcasm.

Although Kol seemed nervous and scared to say the wrong thing, Klara didn't show she felt the exact same way. She held herself tall despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Did you- um I...I was wondering if...do you-" he stuttered, rubbing the back of his neck nervously, "Do you...regret it?"

Klara laughed at the way he was acting. Kol was always so confident around everyone. It was completely unlike him to act like this.

She thought it ridiculous that Kol even had to ask if she regretted kissing him. Klara felt, as of late, if she wasn't near him or touching him she'd explode. She felt comfort when his lips met hers. In that moment his concern, relief, and joy radiated off of him. Perhaps as a wolf she could sense those things.

"No," Klara looked at him with nothing but honestly.

Despite her answer though, Kol didn't seem convinced. Klara wanted so badly for him to believe her. To understand that she longed for him just as much as he did her.

Eager to make him understand, Klara pushed back every nerve in her body telling her to stop what she was thinking and stood on her toes to pull Kol's face to her and kissed him. A simple, chastise kiss. This time it was much shorter than the last, but meant a lot nonetheless.

Klara pulled away without letting go, and whispered against his lips, "No, I do not regret it. Does that prove it?"

Her breath tickled his lips in a way he'd want forever. He didn't want her to move away from him.

Kol hummed in satisfaction yet said, "Not really. You should kiss me again just to be certain." He smirked.

She laughed and kissed him on the cheek, then whispered in his ear, "Can you catch me?" Then she took off in Henrik's direction.

Kol stood there, shocked. This girl.

She was already out of earshot when he whispered, "Even if I do not, I will still enjoy the chase, my little witch." With one last glance at the running girl, he took off after her.

"Nik? I think Kol is in love with Klara." Rebekah said bluntly.

Niklaus spit out the water he was drinking, temporarily choking on it.

Rebekah and him had gone walking around the village and were stopping at the well for some water. Rebekah sat on the ground next to the well while he was leaning against the stone, currently choking on water.

Catching his breath he said, "Nobody is in love with anyone, Rebekah." He was clearly taken back by her statement, "Klara is much too young and so are you!" he said seriously. Although that didn't stop Rebekah from smiling.

"Have you see the way they look at each other? Kol loves her, Nik. I'm sure of it."

Of course he's seen it. He'd be blind if he hasn't. However that is his little sister's heart at risk. Niklaus wanted her to stay his little sister as long as possible. Not to mention the trouble their relationship would cause. Esther had passed Klara off as her own child. It'd be the talk of the village if her son and daughter were to court and possibly marry.

He groaned at the thought. It wasn't that Kol and Klara weren't compatible, because truth be told they were. More than Niklaus has ever seen in two people in his short life. EIt was a selfish thought, but he didn't want Klara to grow up.

Rebekah, however, wanted the exact opposite. She wanted her sister to grow old and marry and have children she can call her nieces and/or nephews. She believes Klara and Kol could live happily however. Perhaps they could. But not now!

"No, actually I have not." He denied.

Rebekah looked up at her brother in disbelief, "Why do you not wish for us to find love, Nik?"

He sat down next to her, handing her some water, "It is not that, Bekah. I hope one day you marry a good man who will treat you nicely and give you a wonderful life," he sighed, "However today is too soon. You and Klara are my little sisters. I do not want you to get hurt by a man who does not deserve your heart."

"Do you think Father will arrange my marriage?" She mumbled sadly.

Niklaus growled at the thought, "If it is not what you want, then I will not allow him."

Rebekah smiled and hugged her brother. He wrapped his arms around her and helped her stand.

"Lets get out of here. Perhaps we can find where the others have run off to."

Rebekah smoothed out her dress and walked by her brothers side back towards the village.

Without looking at him she smirked, "I think they will marry!"

Niklaus groaned in complaint.

Elijah rolled his eyes for the hundredth time. He didn't partially enjoy these meetings, because the issues they discussed were either easily fixable or out of his and everyone else's control. He might as well have began talking about how the leaves change colors.

The village leader, Arthur Bentley, was finishing with his usual 'unite as one' ending to every gathering they've had.

"...and together, I believe we can grow as a village. To unite as one for a better tomorrow."

Elijah was relieved to hear the end and began to get up from his seat when he spoke again.

"Although, under normal circumstances, I would end our gathering here, however I am afraid I cannot." Elijah groaned and sat back down, hoping he didn't draw attention to himself. "For years we have lived in peace with our neighbors, the wolves, but unfortunately recent activities have caused some issues. You see, it brings me no joy to inform the village with such terrible news."

This had Elijah's attention peeked.

"A family in their village has grown beyond powerful. The power they hold is dangerous to all, for they are willing to spill blood to obtain more. Our blood."

The village people gasped in horror, murmuring upon themselves.

Mr. Bentley began to speak again, louder this time, "They have many loyal followers whom will gladly follow their path to destruction and heed their every word. With their famous name comes enemies whom will do anything to take them down," he started yelling as he spoke, enunciating each word, "A werewolf and a witch, conceived a child, thus creating a beast! A monstrosity!" He paused and lowered his voice, "A greater evil..."

Elijah gaped at what he was saying. A werewolf and a witch having a child that is supposedly evil? It sounds awfully like someone he knows.

He pressed his lips in a thin line and silently prayed Mr. Bentley wouldn't say what he thought he'd say.

"Sir? Who are these people?" A man spoke from within the crowd, "Are we to assume them dangerous to our families?"

"This family? Are they whom we think they are?" Another man asked.

Elijah's heart raced as he waited for the answer, hoping he'd hear a name he's never heard before.

Mr. Bentley inhaled deeply then spoke at an almost inaudible voice, "This family, is the respected yet feared,"

Don't say that name, Elijah pleaded to himself.

"Definitely dangerous,"

Damn it Bentley, do not say what I think you will!

"Bastilone Family."

He clenched his eyes shut.

"Their child was presumed dead. Rumors have it otherwise. However know this! Man or woman, child or as of age, this demon spawn must be hunted and burned at the stake! Or else...IT will kill us all." He finished, walking away.

As everyone started to leave and murmur about the tale Mr. Bentley has just spoken, the Mikaelson's sat still. Unmoving.

"What are we to do, Father?" Finn asked, careful to not be overheard by eavesdroppers.

Elijah turned to look at Father, awaiting his answer.

"We do not do anything. Nobody will find this 'demon child' because it does not exist," he turned to face his sons, "and that is all we know. Not a word of Klara's true descendants will be spoken. Do I make myself clear?"

Elijah and Finn nodded eagerly, wanting no harm to come to their dear baby sister, "Yes, Father." They answered in unison.

Esther put a hand on Elijah's cheek, grazing it with her knuckles, then doing the same with Finn, "No man will harm my children. Isn't that right, my love?" She asked her husband.

Mikael stood from his seat, helping himself to the free alcohol the group offered. He took a gulp from his drink and hummed in agreement, "Indeed, Esther. No one."

He announced his agreement without argument, but why didn't Elijah believe him?

No matter what enemy comes for Klara, if they mean to harm her, Elijah will fight back. No one is going to take his little sister from him. She's family.

Thank you for reading! Review or feel free to contact me personally. My PM box is always open and I promise to respond as soon as possible. Until the next chapter!

NEW STORY SUMMARY:

"My parents always taught me to fight when I'm backed into a corner. To protect my baby sister above all. Our town is at war. Our enemies are intent on killing us all and I believe they will stop at nothing until they succeed. After my mother was attacked, my father went in search for her. Neither has made their return home. Although I worry for their safety, I know they have lived many lifetimes before us and survived countless battles. The kingdom my family has built was blown to pieces shortly after my parents disappearance. My dear sister saved me. Her magic is the only reason I continue to live. I had to save her in return. So I did the only thing I could do. My aunt and I took her and ran. She plans to send us to safety with a spell. We don't know where we'll go or what we will face, but I will not stand by and allow my only sibling to die. I was taught better than that. Besides, I am the son of Klaus and Caroline Mikaelson. I stand my ground and fight for their vow of Always and Forever. I owe my sister that. She is my only priority. Adriana Mikaelson is forever under my protection. My name is Noah Mikaelson...and I will save my parents. In my universe or the alternative one my aunt sent us to, I will be their savior. After all, I am a Mikaelson."

A klaroline fanfic. Should I write this story?