"Don't you dare walk away from me!" Klaus yelled in a fit of rage. "Stubborn, foolish, girl." He growled under his breath when the supposed girl of his dreams did not heed his demand. He loved her, but that didn't make what he said any less true. The hybrid shook his head trying to shake away some of the anger and idea of him going after her, while he headed towards the liquor cabinet.
The blonde vampire crashed down loudly with each step as she walked up the stairs. A few night walkers accompanied her on her way to make sure she made it back to her room, safely. That's what the arguments had mostly been about. Basically, she was under house arrest for her own safety. The quarter simply wasn't safe. At least it didn't feel it, not to Klaus. He tried to explain to her that it was for her own safety and protection. That he was concerned the Quarter still wasn't safe. But she was ever so stubborn and wouldn't listen. A disagreement eventually turned into a heated argument, then it got out of hand until their yells and bitter words were ringing in each others ears. Neither would give in. So why she stayed, he just didn't know.
Things had been going smoothly when Caroline first arrived. But, now, they could barely stand to be in the same room as each other. The city was dealing with the aftermath of the past war between the species;werewolves, witches, humans, and vampires alike. The cost was great and not without consequence. Tension, anger and negativity seemed to cling to all of them. The state of the kingdom effected everyone, himself included, it was greatly effecting his relationship with Caroline among other things. It was absolute chaos.
Though the war had been fought and won, there was always a constant threat lurking. There was always the chance the wolves, or more likely the witches, would cause another problem. But for Klaus, it was more of a feeling. A feeling that he was constantly being watched. Paranoia to put it simply. He was always on constant alert, always suspicious of everyone, and intent on accusing whether there was any evidence or not. Though these feelings always tugged at him, never allowing him to trust anyway, however now they escalated beyond all reason. Klaus was even wary of Caroline at a certain point. The girl who had won his heart, the girl of light and strength, had become a suspect. And a scape goat for his frustration and annoyance. The hybrid did not wish this for her, or to put this weight on her. He didn't want to make her life tainted and cursed just because he couldn't and wouldn't lose her. He was a selfish man no matter how he looked at it. Klaus just couldn't let her go.
The fact was, Caroline could not have come at a worse time, except during the actual war, maybe. This was nearly as bad or possibly worse, either way the outcome was not what he wanted. Klaus hadn't expected her so soon and at such short notice. It was just after Haley died. While it was great he didn't have to deal with her anymore, he still had his child to think about and protect. Which Caroline wasn't over-joyed about to say the least. And for a while they spent endless nights arguing... But, of course he wanted her there anyway, to be with him. Unfortunately her presence seemed to cause more problems than solve them...
Klaus sighed. He loved his daughter, but sometimes... he just didn't know. He loved Caroline too, and his daughter is what really got them off on the wrong foot. Yes, after that drama had ended they had a great time together; traveling,exploring the French Quarter and what it has to offer besides chaos and death. Lights, art, culture and music, things she would never see in such a dull town as Mystic Falls. But the enchantment of it all only lasted for so long. The happiness and the joy both felt only lasted as long as it usually did for Klaus, a mere second compared to the rest of his miserable existence.
Everything was falling apart at the seams. There were nightmares of long forgotten memories that only served to cause more anger and resentment. Then came the actual destruction of the city. For the most part, he was happy up until that point and so was his love. Surprisingly his family too. Things never last he supposed, especially happiness, which seems to only ever last for a fleeting moment in his life. A happiness he wasn't sure he deserved, but got anyway was finally won and he was losing it all; Caroline and his family. He so hoped this time would be different, but it seems time makes it all the same.
The weary hybrid continued to drown his sorrows as the day went on, unaware and impervious to his surroundings. Most days were spent this way now. Someone can only try to last for so long before it takes a toll. Early morning became late afternoon until the sun was setting, ending one of the days that never really ended. Without his love or his family around, what was the point in keeping it together. He crushed an empty bottle with his bare hand and watched as the blood trickled down from glass shards. Normally, it would be someone else' blood being shed, but that would cause more problems with Caroline, problems she would be less likely to forgive. And this was the only thing keeping him sane at the moment.
Suddenly, the front door slammed and heavy breathing could be heard. The scent of blood filled the air and it was strong, enough to make someones stomach churn. It was so strong that despite all the alcohol consumption, it didn't go unnoticed by Klaus and even in his current state he could almost taste it. The hybrid looked towards the doorway, a lump in his throat at the anticipation of what was to come, and the thought of what it all meant.
"Kol, what the bloody hell is going on!" The hybrid asked, panic evident in his voice. He did not rush to his brother's side, but he was definitely concerned, fearful as well. He was afraid something like this would happen. In fact, he practically knew something like this would happen. But would anyone listen. Of course not. When did they ever. His life was filled with nothing but betrayal.
Peace, along with happiness, never lasted. In any of their lives. They were cursed and broken beyond repair.
His younger brother had collapsed almost the second he came in, literally drenched in crimson, it stained his clothes and crusted on his face. A puddle was forming beneath him covering up a large portion of the some-what small kitchen. He had scrapes, bruises and cuts alike. There was a few stakes in his back and Klaus assumed, also near his heart and chest, yet since regular stakes couldn't kill him, here he was. But that didn't explain why Kol wasn't healing like he should. In fact, as Klaus took a closer look, he realized his brother wasn't healing at all. It really was a horrid sight.
"Who did this. Why aren't you healing" Klaus asked, unsure if he really wanted to know. He had an idea, but it was a frightful one, one that he hoped wasn't the case. It could be the witches or even a trick pulled by the werewolves, who did something similar to him. Similar, not exact. No, in actuality there could only be one person capable of this, because the witches nor wolves were capable of this kind of torture no matter how cruel, unforgiving, menacing and powerful.
"He's back, Nik... Michaels back." Kol said, blood escaping his mouth. His breathing was quick, shallow and hoarse, and his voice sounded scratched like he swallowed razors. That smooth, arrogant voice was gone and replaced by someone who sounded frail and beaten.
Klaus' eyes grew wide with terror and his heart skipped a beat at the mention of his father's name. How could he be back. The other side was falling apart. But Micheal would still need help to be brought back and who would be foolish enough to do such a thing. If the intent was getting rid of him and his siblings, then there plan was surely not thought out. His father was the monster monsters feared. The being that left nothing but destruction and death in his wake. Whoever was responsible for his return had unleashed chaos upon them all.
"I don't know, exactly. He said it some kind of poison he acquired from a witch...Its not vervain. It's very different and... stops me from healing... It burns..." The younger original breathed. "Nik-" Kol began after Klaus started to head towards the stairs leaving a trail of bloody footprints as he went.
He had to get to Caroline before Micheal did. Those night walkers wouldn't be able to protect her from that monster. He had to keep her safe at any cost. And his daughter, too. They were all in danger now. No one was safe and it was up to him. If he lost either of the two... Any member of his family, then he truly wouldn't be able to live with himself. "Call Elijah and Rebekah. What they were doing before is of no consequence. Tell them to return here immediately."
"I already did. Elijah is on his way back from Mystic Falls as we speak... I tried calling Rebekah, Nik, and so did Elijah. We told her of the situation multiple times and she hasn't answered. I'm worried something may have happened..."
The hybrid paused half way up the steps, a million thoughts racing through his head. Klaus swore under his breath. He had to save Caroline and his child. He needed to get a hold of his sister. The white oak stake needed to be secured. Cami and Marcellus needed to be warned. And for crying out loud Rebekah needed to answer her damn phone. Klaus added after he tried calling and receiving no answer, smashed his phone against the wall. This was all too much and happening too fast. There was a great deal to do and so little time.
"She's fine, I'm certain." Klaus said calmly, but a storm raged inside and any moment it would let loose. The winds blocking thoughts from entering, rains drowning him in frustration and uncertainty, thunder sending the call of war, and lightning bringing the likely prospect of death. To back all this up was a flurry of rage. His eyes became gold as he tried to think of a way to execute everything perfectly, without anyone suffering or dying, especially not the girl he cares about more than anything.
Klaus continued up the stairs, barely touching the steps as he ran. Caroline would be his top priority for the moment. When he reached her room he found the door closed as it should be, but something didn't seem right. He broke the lock of the door and upon entering, found the two night walkers he had sent unconscious with snapped necks. The once perfect, beautiful room was a complete and utter mess, it looked as though a tornado hit. The blankets from her bed were tossed to the floor, the contents from her desk lied across the glossed wood floor, clothing was strong across is also. And the mural he had painted just for her looked like someone had run their nails down it leaving deep gashes. The most noticeable thing was the window wide open letting in an excessively cool air.
"Caroline!" Klaus called scanning the room, his heart pounding. There was no sign of her. The hysterical hybrid called her name a few more times, ignoring that he knew she was gone. He had known from the first moment he stepped into the room she was gone, it was just... It felt like his world was shattering, crumbling beneath him. He lost her, his light, the girl of his dreams, his most precious treasure, who was likely to be reduced to nothing more than ashes, even if he ever managed to recover her. It felt like he was alone once more and was doomed to always be.
No, he couldn't think like this, not shook his head trying to shake away some of the misery and despair. The idea that he may never get his treasure back was too much to bare. He had to get it together for her sake and his daughters. So, with a shaky breath Klaus left the destroyed, previously beautiful pink room and ran towards his other treasure, hoping above all else she was safe, still within her crib.
Much to the hybrids relief, there she was, still lying safe within her crib. She was asleep, peaceful and sound covered in a baby blue blanket. The color was strange considering she was a girl because traditionally a baby girl would have a pink blanket, not a blue one and he preferred tradition. But the decision was made by her mother, one of the few she had mind you, and Klaus thought it suit the tiny thing well in the end. Gently he picked her up, holding her like she was made of glass, a fine porcelain. It was only for a moment he wondered why his father had not found the sleeping child, but decided it was best not to over think it. There was enough to think about all ready and this was not relevant to the situation.
The hybrid gave the sleeping mass cradled in his arms one last soft look, one filled with love and hope before putting on a blank, uncaring expression. It really wasn't a hard thing to do for Klaus as he went back down the stairs to where his brother stood leaning against the doorway instead of beneath it. He had used this façade many times before, before he met Caroline. It was a necessary evil, Micheal couldn't know the pain and love he felt for the young blonde for her sake and his own. His father had to believe he did not care for the love of his life as much or at all as he truly did. Nor see a glimmer of love he had for his daughter, it would give her away, and Micheal would have something else against him. Not caring was the only way he could protect them. His family.
"...Nik?" Kol hesitated, not turning to face his brother, but still making eye contact, it hurt to breathe let alone move. There was a look in his brothers eyes, one he had not seen in a long time and wished to never see again. It was like Caroline- light never existed in them. And never would again. They burned into his brown ones dark and menacing like. There was passion, but with no love or warmth. Only hate and the desire to kill. A shield brought up to hold against anything. A wall of hate, carelessness and malice.
"He's taken her." The older brother said, barely louder than a whisper. He was trying his hardest to keep the panic out of his voice. "We have to retrieve her, we have to get her back. I will not lose her. And... I will not lose Hope." Klaus said hesitantly walking up to and handing his beloved daughter to his brother, who looked at him surprised. If he was going to face Michael, he obviously couldn't take Hope, his child or figuratively.
"Why are you-. I can't." The young original looked at him with wide and plea-full eyes. He couldn't be responsible for someone so important. He could barely take care of himself...
"You can and will, Kol. If only to keep your own life, you will keep her safe. No matter what happens to any of us, she will survive. Klaus sighed. "Believe me when I say you were not my first choice, but since Rebekah nor Elijah is here, this falls to you."
"I understand." Was simply said, then the matter dropped.
Kol sighed deeply, bracing himself for the events his next words would set into motion. They could very much cause him to outlive his usefulness, even in taking care of Hope, but they needed to be said. "I know. I was going to explain before you tried rushing to her aid." He was interrupted before he could finish by a statue crashing down, shattering, spreading across the fine wood floor. Then, Kol heard is brother swear and mutter under his breath. His eyes widened with fear and disbelief. "How could you give that to her!" He yelled so loudly the whole French Quarter could probably hear. "The only thing that can kill us, Nik! And you gave it to your girlfriend!"
"I thought it would help protect her!" Klaus yelled back, equally as loud. He knew his little brother was right, but Caroline always seemed to make him irrational. He couldn't think clearly with her around and it showed in his actions, this one in particular of giving Caroline the white oak stake. He always said love was a vampires greatest weakness. Well, this time it wasn't just a weakness, it was a fatality. And it was his fault. It would be his fault if anyone got hurt. "I never considered the possibility of our father returning." The hybrid finished lowly.
"Neither did I. I'll admit, the thought never crossed my mind." Kol admitted biting his lip. "I believe... We may need to take a different course of action... I-I believe we should resume our previous course of-" The Original held his breath, his heart racing and his body stiffening against the wall. "running. I don't believe we should go rescue Caroline. Shes a friend and I admire her, but I just don't think she's worth risking our lives for."
Before Kol could even begin to consider letting go of the breath he held, he was hung against the wall by his throat. Yet despite this action, thankfully, the baby was unharmed. But that didn't mean it would be the same for the young original. Perhaps he should have kept his mouth shut after all, he realized. He wasn't known for keeping his mouth shut, ever, but this time could-should have been the exception. Only this one time, of course.
"Watch your tongue, or I'll rip it out." The already angered hybrid spat out between clenched teeth. No matter what anyone said, suggested or advised, he was going to save her and make Michael pay. Even if it wasn't the rational thing to do. Really, running was rational, this was not. "You wont be the one risking your life for her... Now, take Hope somewhere safe. I don't care where. Anywhere as long as she's safe." He couldn't lose another he cared about. He just couldn't. Klaus released his grip and his brother nearly fell to the floor again gasping for air. Then he backed away and headed towards the door when his brother's voice interrupted.
"You really do love her, don't you." Kol stated. How could this not be love. Klaus was willing to risk his life going against the being he feared most in the world. The being who tormented his childhood and made him into someone unrecognizable to even the ones closest to him. The being who had chased him down for over a thousand years and even in death haunted him. His older brother had changed, a little, but... Enough to show there truly was hope for the hybrid.
Klaus' only response was a quick glance and Kol understood. It really was a foolish question.
He had no idea where he was going, where Michael was. He had no way of tracking him or Caroline. Elijah was still nowhere to be seen and neither was Rebekah. He could have asked Kol- should have asked Kol. Klaus didn't understand why he hadn't thought of it sooner, but there was no need now because on the other side of that door Michael stood waiting for him. The hybrid had no idea how long his murderous father had been there and it didn't really matter.
Klaus' froze and his blue eyes widened in fear. If his heart could really beat, it would have stopped at the sight. The very being he feared all his life was at his front door. Death was at his front door. He had expected to at least have the element of surprise. It wouldn't be a surprise because it was obvious Michael knew he cared enough about Caroline to save her, otherwise he wouldn't have taken her. But when and how was a different matter. Well, there were no options now. This was it, a probable chance this would be the end of them all. The distraught hybrid could only hope Caroline would be spared and if not freely, then at the cost of his life. He would probably lose it anyway, but at least something will have been gained from it, though the chance was slim. He found someone worth dying for. And isn't that one of the many things people hope to gain in life. Someone worth living and dying for...?
"Hello, Niklaus. Care to invite me inside."
Cliffhangers are great, huh? Yes, this will be two parts. Why? The honest answer is I had no idea how this was going to go at first and thats why it took so long to even write this beginning and update. Obviously because I don't want it to be predictable and I hope it isn't...But I finally got this part done and I hope it turned out alright. Please review ^_^ Oh, I almost forgot, I edited 'A howling wind' if you guys wanna check that out. And I'm not really happy with the title... but i didnt know what else to call it, even though its kinda clever ;)