This child of mine
Chapter 7: Holding on and letting go
Disclaimer: The characters and other things from The Vampire Diaries don't belong to me. Credit goes to the rightful owners
A/N: So sorry took a while to get this posted. Down to a couple more chapters after this. I hope you enjoy this update! :)
Sophie Deveraux was powerful. But even she was no match for the task presented to her.
Caroline walked in and placed her phone in her pocket after leaving yet another voicemail for Elena. It was the same as the last five—the veil is down, find Bonnie and bring her to New Orleans.
"I can locate them. It shouldn't be too hard." Sophie said slowly, wary with the presence of Hayley, who no longer belonged in this world. "But I cannot stop Esther. I don't have that much magic…no one does."
Caroline's eyes went to Sophie immediately, the movement almost imperceptible but the witch caught it and shook her head when Klaus wasn't looking. "Even Esther doesn't have that much and that's exactly why she needs Sam. And also why rituals like this demand everything from the sacrifice.
Klaus' fist slammed hard on the table they sat around. "You always talk about balance meaning there has to be a way to counter it. Start talking."
Sophie sighed and relented. "You are the counterweight, Klaus. If I draw power from you on the night the moon is closest to the earth, I will have enough to fight Esther and trap her into the deepest parts of the other side."
"She wins." Klaus whispered. "Either way, my mother will get what she wants. Sam truly is the perfect weapon against me."
"My son is not a weapon." Hayley said in a low voice. "He is just a child, who is scared and wants to go home. And we are not stopping until we figure out a way to get him back safe and sound."
"We already have our solution, Hayley." Klaus said in a tired voice.
"Maybe I should be clear—in a way that does not leave Sam an orphan." Hayley said through her teeth.
Klaus slammed his fist down again, this time hard enough to break the table in half. "Well, we don't always get what we want. The only important thing is that Sam gets through this alive…the rest of his life…whatever scars he will bring with him will just have to mend with time because at this point Hayley, that is the only thing I can give him—time."
With that Klaus stood up and stormed off, but not without pausing to say one last thing to Sophie. "I'm putting my life in your hands and tomorrow it will be gone. Please do not fail my son."
"You can do it." Klaus said encouragingly from somewhere behind the camera. "That's it, Sam. Take just one step towards me. That's it…"
The tiny boy's smile lit up the entire screen, a small dribble of drool to match, as he placed one foot in front of the other with his little fists up in the air. He gurgled happily as he stared at the man in front of him and took another step before breaking into hurried steps and toppling forward.
The picture shook until the view was steady at an awkward angle from the floor where Klaus had set it down hurriedly to catch his son. The child didn't even mind and continued cooing happily in his father's arms. Klaus kissed the top of his head and set Sam down again, picking up the camera again.
"How about we try again, Sam?"
Hayley hit rewind again as Caroline sat down next to her. "I actually saw this when it happened, you know? I'm pretty sure this was the moment that Klaus forgot about being a vampire, a hybrid…all that greed for power and just let himself go and be a dad."
Hayley turned to Caroline and looked her in the eyes, "That's life on the other side—always watching never really a part of what's going on. But it wasn't a bad deal since I got to see how Sam was every single moment…even when he asked you about having a mother. I wanted to be the one making breakfast with Sam, answering his endless questions. But I didn't hate you for that."
They let the video play once more, letting it finishing then starting it again. Hayley paused it again after the third time. "But you know what comes with watching Sam? Watching Klaus. You know what I saw? Everyday I watched a guy who had no clue about how to be a father but figured it out because he loves his son. I saw a man who accepted that he loved someone who was still busy loving the shadow of someone else who was already gone. I saw a person who somehow kept doing the right thing even after she pushed him away and stepped on his heart."
"Caroline," Hayley said turning to her fully. "I'm not Klaus' number one fan, even if he is the father of my child. But take it from me—he's changed. You know what he did when he walked away from you? He found Rebekah, gave blood to Stefan and brought Matt and Elijah to Sophie to wake them up. The old Klaus would have let them die just for knowing you. But he didn't. He couldn't. You know why? Because when he decided he was in love with you, he lived and breathed becoming that best version of himself. He accepted that it was who he was…while you're falling apart because you won't let him love you…won't let yourself love him because you can't wrap your mind around the idea that he's no longer a monster and the guy you kept up on that pedestal is the real traitor."
Caroline looked away and sighed. She kept her eyes trained on the video as she spoke. "Sam will be a real heartbreaker when he grows up. Just like his dad. Even back then in Mystic Falls…before all this…it felt like the most natural thing to fall for Klaus. It was so easy to want him. He was every bit the bad boy I was taught to avoid. I should have realized that didn't mean he wasn't the right one. But I guess it's just a little too late for that."
Hayley sighed and sat back to watch the video again. "I guess it is."
Caroline frowned, "But there's something we can do…for Sam. Wait one second."
Caroline disappeared into the other room and came back with a camera. "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow night or even how long you get to be here but that doesn't mean you miss out on getting to talk to your son. It's not much but hey…at least he's going to know who you are."
Hayley's eyes filled with tears as she looked at Caroline and smiled. Hayley laughed as she wiped her tears. "Thank you…Okay. Let's do this."
Caroline smiled and set up the camera, making sure it was focused on Hayley. "Okay, one, two, three…go."
"Hi Sam…It's me…It's mommy…"
Sophie hurried to leave the bar, counting down the minutes in her head and the ingredients for the spell she had gathered in the last 24 hours. She opened the door and found Caroline there about to knock.
For a few seconds the two women merely stared at each other, somehow understanding what brought them to that point.
"There's another way, isn't there?" Caroline said, breaking the silence. "There's a third source for the power you need…one that's strong enough to bring down that damn veil and shove it back up with certain people behind it for good."
"Klaus won't allow it." Sophie said cautiously. "But yes…you are the third option."
"Sam can't lose his father." Caroline said her voice breaking. "And I can't let Klaus lose his son. I've broken him far too many times. It's time I do one thing right by him."
"Caroline," Sophie said placing a hand on her arm gently. "You killed twelve witches and even if that was in the service of another of our kind…they still won't treat you kindly on the other side. Even if you are using the power that stayed with you to save Sam and defeat Esther…it won't matter to them. Your friend Bonnie may be a Bennett witch but I don't know how much protection she can afford you there. Are you sure you want to do this?"
"Yes." Caroline said her voice shaking but she repeated it, firm and sure this time. "Yes."
"Then follow me."
Klaus paced in front of his house, phone glued to his ear as he called Sophie. Hayley watched him anxiously, her eyes shifting to the rising moon above them.
"Where the hell is that witch?" Klaus said impatiently.
"Nik!" Rebekah said frantically as she emerged from the house, followed by Matt, with Elijah bringing up the rear.
"What?" Klaus snapped absently at his sister.
Rebekah didn't answer but nodded at Matt to hand over the piece of paper in his hand.
Klaus snatched the folded note addressed to him when he recognized the handwriting. He tore it open and crumpled it when he finished reading.
I'm sorry I was never brave enough to actually say it but here goes nothing…
I love you.
I do.
I just have a funny way of showing it.
And I'm going to miss you
I just needed you to know.
I love you.
"I should have saved Bonnie from Silas." Klaus said in a hollow voice. "I shouldn't have let Caroline kill the witches. I should have done it myself…then she wouldn't be able to do this."
"Brother." Elijah said quietly. "Do not lose yourself to anger. There is hope. You need to focus on saving them. We stand with you, Niklaus."
Klaus merely closed his eyes and drowned everything out. But even in that space he could not himself with Caroline and Sam after all was said and done.
"Damon called." Matt said breaking through Klaus' thoughts. "They're on the way and Bonnie is with them. Klaus…we know where to find them."
Klaus nodded, "Lead the way."
Sophie pointed silently towards the two silhouettes in the middle of the clearing surrounded by a halo of light. "Are you ready? Remember, I can stall her long enough for you to get Sam to safety then you need to come back to finish this. I can buy you a few minutes but nothing more. Do you understand?"
Caroline nodded and bit her wrist to let a few drops fall to the ground. Sophie closed her eyes and began to chant. The light began to dim and the older figure whipped around. Esther saw Caroline and her eyes blazed in anger. She moved to step forward but she couldn't move nor speak.
"Sammy!" Caroline called out. "Sweetie, let's go!"
Sam looked at Caroline then at Esther. He stepped closer to Esther but kept his eyes on Caroline. "No. I have to stay."
"What are you talking about?" Caroline said confused. "Sammy, we have to go now. Your daddy is very worried about you."
Sam flinched at the mention of his father. Caroline looked at Esther who shook her head. "Leave. This is not your fight."
Caroline ignored Esther and focused on Sam, taking a step towards the boy. But Sam stepped back with every move she made, finding his way behind Esther, peeking out at her with wide eyes.
He was afraid. Caroline looked at Sophie who was fully concentrated on the spell. She didn't have much time but Sam refused to run.
Caroline clenched her fists and took a deep breath, opening her palms as she breathed out when she realized she couldn't rush Sam. She sat down on the ground, hoping she looked friendly and nonthreatening. "Sweetheart, you want to tell me what's wrong?"
"I have to stay." Sam said trembling.
"Why?" Caroline asked patiently.
"She…she said so I can help daddy be better. So he won't be scary anymore." Sam said.
"What do you mean, Sammy?' Caroline said. "He's not scary. He's not mad or anything. He's just very, very, very worried about you right now. He's scared you'll get hurt."
"I saw him! I saw you!' Sam said tearfully. "He was mean to you and he…he took the heart of that man."
"You are in over your head." Esther said to Caroline with a savage smile. "Leave. Do not make me say it again."
"You showed…you had Sam watch what happened…Oh God." Caroline's eyes widened with the realization of what Esther did to Sam. She turned her attention again to the child. "Sammy, what you saw…your father…what he did…it wasn't nice but trust me when I say…he was only trying to protect you. That man…he was dangerous and he was going to hurt you and your dad made sure he wouldn't be able to. He was just trying to keep you safe. He loves you, Sam."
Sam was still crying but his attention was on her, his voice stronger as he continued to talk to her. "But what if he does it again? I need to stay so he's good forever."
"Sweetheart, he will never, ever, ever hurt you." Caroline said, forcing a smile on her face. "But you know what, I have an idea, why don't I take your place and you can go check on your dad…make sure he stays okay? How's that?"
"No, Sam—" Esther said but her voice vanished as Sophie's chanting became louder.
Sam kept his eyes on Caroline as he walked towards her slowly at first before breaking into a run until he fell into her arms. Tears fell from Caroline's eyes as she kissed the top of his head. "You're okay, sweetie. I got you. Now go run to Sophie okay? Stay with her until…just stay with her. She'll bring you to your dad."
"Can't you come with me?" Sam said in a small voice.
"I'm sorry. I can't." Caroline said as she started to let him go, pausing for a second. "Sammy…tell your dad something for me…tell him to be happy. Okay? Now go."
Sam nodded then ran off to Sophie. Caroline bit her other wrist and locked eyes with Sophie, nodding once before facing Esther.
"It's just you and me now, bitch." Caroline said closing her eyes as she let the blood drain from her. "Bring it on."
Esther's eyes turned black when she finally regained her speech. "With pleasure."
Klaus ran. He forgot about everyone with him. He didn't care where they were. All that mattered was getting to where they were.
"Dad!"
The voice made him stop. Klaus saw his son beside Sophie and he ran to his side.
"Sam." Klaus said as he picked up the boy and held him tight, tears unashamedly falling fast from his eyes as his son placed tiny arms around his neck. "Are you hurt? Are you okay?"
Sam nodded. "Are you good now? Promise me you are. Please be good forever."
"Esther." Sophie said breathlessly. "She showed the boy…what you did…to the traitor…the one she was working with."
Klaus saw red but he forced it away, trying his hardest to keep a calm façade for Sam. He was able to contain it but then a sound broke through the night that stopped him cold.
Caroline screamed.
It was the sound of pure pain. It was the sound of her death.
Somehow Klaus found Rebekah's arms waiting for Sam. He turned around and watched in horror as a web of white light trapped Caroline sprawled at the feet of Esther, writhing in agony, her tears already made with blood.
"Nooooo!" Klaus screamed as he ran into the barrier, pounding on it but it would not shatter.
"Niklaus!" Esther said darkly. "Will you let her die for you…for nothing? She cannot defeat me. Her death will be for nothing…unless you finish this. Come my son…end this now."
"Klaus…" Caroline said in a faint voice. "Go."
Klaus shook his head. "No. You're not dying like this."
Caroline tried to smile but her face was twisted as another wave of pain shot through her, her eyes squeezed shut. "Remember when I was held hostage in the school? You know…when Alaric went all extreme vampire hunter? Can you still remember what you told me then?"
"Yes." Klaus said in a broken voice.
"Can you say it again?" Caroline asked in a small voice. "Please?"
Klaus clenched his jaw as unbidden tears fell from his eyes, his hands forming a hard fist as he shook with rage. But all the same, he found his voice shaky as it was, he said what she wanted to hear.
"It's okay…" Klaus started. "It's okay…it's me…it's okay…you're safe."
Caroline smiled, crawling to the edge of the boundary that separated them, stretching out her hand to him. Klaus knelt down to try and hold her hand but all he could do was touch the same part of the barrier she was pressed against.
"I think…" Caroline said barely able to speak. "I think that was when I began to trust you. Like I…I'm going to trust you now…to let me go. I love…you."
"Enough." Esther said stretching out her hand and raising it, lifting up Caroline as she did.
Caroline screamed again but this time she wasn't alone.
Sam screamed and broke free from Rebekah then ran towards them. Klaus caught him by the waist but the boy instinctively threw out his hand, palm out.
A pure white light emanated from his hand, hitting Esther squarely in the chest, forcing her to drop Caroline.
"Klaus!" Bonnie screamed as she ran towards the center of the clearing followed by Sophie. "Give me Sam to Sophie and get Caroline out of there. We need to bring up the veil now!"
Klaus hesitated and Bonnie faced him. "You need to trust me. We don't have time. If we don't pull up the veil now, Sam will get sucked in with Esther. And that means he dies…you will die and so will everyone else that is from your bloodline."
Without a second thought, Klaus handed over Sam to Sophie and scooped up Caroline from the ground just as a flash of blinding light filled the clearing followed by the fading scream of Esther.
Klaus blinked looked around. Bonnie, Hayley and Esther were gone. The veil was up.
He surveyed the scene until he found his son on the ground beside Sophie. The child hugged his knees to his chest as he rocked back and forth, sobbing quietly.
"Put…" Caroline whispered against Klaus' chest. "Put me down. Go to Sam."
Klaus realized he was still holding her and moved gently to set her down on the ground beside Sam. He tried to reach out to the boy but Sam wouldn't respond. The child looked blankly at him for a second then went back to rocking back and forth, flinching whenever Klaus tried to touch him.
"The magic…" Sophie started tentatively. "It was part of who he was, Klaus. Sam lost too much of it too fast."
"And?" Klaus said absently as he watched his son helplessly.
"It might have…damaged him…traumatized him." Sophie said as gently as she could.
"How…how do I fix this?" Klaus said. "Tell me. I'll do it. I need to help my son. I need to make him forget this."
Sophie's eyes widened at his words. Klaus caught it and figured it out. "You can make him forget…you have a spell."
"Yes." Sophie said. "He won't remember tonight…or anything…not me, not Esther, not Caroline…not even you. Clean slate, Klaus. We give him a new life. It's the safest way to keep him from remembering tonight."
"You mean I have to give him away…to another family." Klaus said in a hollow voice. "Will he be able to live a normal life…can you seal his powers? So he can be…human."
"Yes."
Klaus nodded. "Just let me say goodbye."
Klaus wiped a tear from Sam's face and tried to gently get the child to look at him. "Sam. I love you. I'll always be here and watch out for you even if you won't know it. Be good. Be safe. I love you."
Sam stared at him, seemingly uncomprehending but the boy nodded and muttered. "Love daddy. Love. Love."
The boy started rocking back and forth again and Klaus stepped back to let Sophie take over. Sophie placed a hand over Sam's head but the boy moved and scooted next to Caroline. He laid down next to her and placed his hand in hers.
"Sleep, mommy, sleep. Love you."
Klaus bowed his head, his face contorted as he let the tears flow freely. "Do it, Sophie."
Sophie nodded as she cried herself, her hand gently passing over the boy's face to close his eyes and made him forget there were people who walked around without beating hearts, people who had magic at their fingertips, or those that became wolves. In his sleep, Sam forgot the white light, the darkness, pain…and that his father was named Niklaus.
