Disclaimer: Don't own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals. I only own the OCs that are in this story.
A/N: I hope all of you had a better week than me. I was stuck at home with a horrible cold. I am surprised I was able to finish the new chapter. I have been worried if this story is feeling too slow but it's only because I wanted to create a nice setting and develop the characters. With this chapter I think it will finally get the ball rolling. Kol's plan is starting get up and running. Also there is some drama that will happen, but I don't want to spoil anything for you all. As always, thanks for the support and enjoy.
My Dearest Elijah,
Words cannot express how sorry I am that I disappointed you. You are the last person in the world that I would ever want to hurt. When we met all those years ago, you saw something in me that no else was able to see. I saw something in you as well. We were two people playing a role in order to keep others at arm's length. You have tried countless of times to save me, but I never needed saving. I'm Katherine Pierce, I'm a survivor.
However, you know me as Katerina Petrova. The young girl who was casted out by her family for having a child out of wedlock. Not fighting for my child to keep her will forever haunt me. I know that you understand what it's like to lose a child. I know that you understand what's it's like to lose a brother since three of them have died. What I cannot understand is that you scolded me for playing a part in Jeremy Gilbert's death, but do nothing or say nothing in regards to my doppelganger's assistance in Kol's death? In fact, what about Elena's other friends for their role in the death of Finn? Why does Elena and her gang get a pass, but I don't?
The last thing you should ever be, my darling, is a hypocrite. You constantly preach how you are all about family, but yet you do nothing when one of them has been harmed or murdered. Hell, for centuries you allowed Niklaus to dagger them without batting an eyelash to stop him.
Elijah, you are the one person that I care about. Please, never doubt that. I only hope that you will forgive me one day. I want you to have everything you desire. To show you that I am not evil, or selfish (at least not 100%) I know someone who can help you get your family back. Do you remember the Deveraux clan out in New Orleans? If not, then Kol sure did and they remember him. A witch by the name of Jane Ann Deveraux and her younger sister Sophie have devised plan that would resurrect him. Does this peek your interest? If so, then take yourself, Klaus, and Rebekah back to New Orleans. I remember you telling that the city was once home to you Originals. Get that back.
Love,
Yours truly,
Katerina
Elijah reread the letter that Katherine wrote him. At this point, he lost count of how many times he read it over and over again. The first time her read it, the words her words hit him hard. Katherine didn't hold back. He realized that he judged Katherine too harshly. Maybe it was because he held her to a higher standard compared to others, but that was only because he knew that she was capable of doing good. Katherine Pierce was a façade. A role that his Katerina played up for others.
As he lied in bed, Elijah was about to contemplate contacting Katherine to apologize for how he judged her. The one thing Katherine had asked of him was to never judge and to see things from her point of view. He failed to do so on both accounts.
Before Elijah could grab his cellphone, a loud scream erupted from Kol's room. This was not unusual. The former Original could be heard talking, groaning or mumbling in his sleep that would always end up with him screaming at the top of his lungs.
A sighed escaped from Elijah's lips and he got out of bed, put on his robe, and walked out of his room. He stopped in front of Kol's room to hear what was happening.
"Get off me! Get away!" Kol screamed. He always screamed those words.
The first time it happened both Klaus and Elijah barged into Kol's room to see him flailing his arms and legs around. It looked like he was fighting someone invisible.
Elijah and Klaus never knew what to do. They tried calming Kol down, but would end up getting thrown into the nearest wall each time they got near him. Knowing he would be useless to assist his brother, the eldest Original just shook his head and headed on down the stairs where he was greeted at the sight of Klaus fiddling with their grand piano.
"Did our little brother's hissy fit wake you up?" Klaus teased as he took a swig of his bourbon.
"Niklaus, put yourself in Kol's shoes for a moment. How would you feel if you died, then came back as a human? To have all the things you did as a vampire for a thousand years haunt you day in and day out? The faces of the people you murdered, maimed, and tortured burned into your brain. Never having the ability to turn it off? Our brother is slowly going mad. We have to help him." said Elijah sadly at being unable to help his little brother.
"Kol has made it abundantly clear that he does not want or need our help. He has the witches and his little werewolf pet to assist him with whatever he needs." Klaus retorted. The bitterness evident in his voice."
Elijah couldn't hold back the urge to roll his eyes. "By the tone of your voice I detect a hint of jealousy. Could it be because Kol has been able to achieve the things you so desperately want?"
"And what would that be, dear brother? What does Kol have that I want?" asked the hybrid amused.
"Someone who is loyal to you the way Jess is loyal to Kol. That is, after all, what you strived to have with your hybrids. The fact that this young woman was able to evade being captured by you is impressive." Now it was Elijah's turn to tease Klaus.
"Speaking of which, I happen to have a date with the lovely Jessica tomorrow. I'm taking her to the New Orleans Museum of Art."
"How did you manage to coerce into going anywhere with you?"
"I simple asked and she accepted."
"Why would she do that? Don't you think it's a little suspicious?" questioned Elijah as he grabbed a book from a nearby shelf and settled himself down in a chair.
"Oh how you underestimate me, brother. I am well aware that she is going with me for Kol's benefit. That's his first mistake. From what I hear from Marcel is that Jess is a useful asset. She knows what's going on in this city. People seem to like and trust her. She's respected from what I can tell. For Kol to have someone like her on his side is dangerous." Klaus explained to Elijah.
Before Elijah could respond the sound of footsteps were making their way down the stairs. Both brothers turned their heads to see Kol appear before him.
"What are you two doing up?" asked Kol as he looked back and forth between Elijah and Klaus.
"Just having a nice chat between brothers." Said Klaus then taunted Kol by adding, "What about you? Bad dreams?"
Kol just smirked and replied, "Always antagonistic, Niklaus. Please, don't ever change. I need some water. All that screaming leaves my throat feeling parched."
Then he left his brothers to head towards the kitchen to quench his thirst.
Jess told Klaus that she would meet at the entrance of the New Orleans Museum of Art. He had offered to pick her up at her home, but Jess politely declined. The main reason was that she didn't want him to know where she lived. Although, Jess wouldn't be surprised if Klaus already knew that information.
Wearing a floral patterned skirt accompanied with a black fitted tee and black boots, Jess walked up the steps and waited by the entrance to the museum. Klaus said to be there at 2 o'clock and her watch read 1:50 p.m.
"Definitely an improvement from the last time you were expected to arrive on time." A voice said startling Jess. She turned around to see Klaus standing in front her. A small smile on his face. Clearly he liked that he was able to catch her off guard.
"Yes, well…you invited me personally and I didn't want to be rude by being late. Besides, I always wanted to come here, but never could quite find the time." Replied Jess as she tried to put on a cheerful tone.
"Thank you for accepting and I'm glad to be the one to show you around." Said Klaus as he steered Jess towards the entrance of the museum.
They made their rounds to see art collections from Europe, Asia, and Africa, then headed towards the prints and drawings area, and finally to sculptures. Klaus' knowledge about art truly left an impression on Jess and she caught herself staring at him intently when he would describe a painting or reveal something about the artist that no one knew about except him.
He looked over to see Jess staring at him with a wide eyed expression on her face. Klaus actually started to laugh.
"I'm sorry. I tend to go on and on when it comes to art." He apologized shyly.
"No. Don't be sorry. I like hearing you talk about all this. Kol told me that you are also an artist. Do you have of your work show in any museums?"
"Come here. I have something else to show you." Informed Klaus and took Jess by the hand to lead her to another area of the museum.
The last collection of art Klaus showed Jess was by an unknown artist whose work ranged from prints, drawings, and paintings.
Jess read the description that was on the wall about the art work: The collection of art displayed were found abandoned in a house in the late 19th century. Nothing is known about the artist or artists who were behind these masterful pieces that holds a great deal of history to New Orleans.
"Wait, are these yours?" she asked surprised.
Klaus just smirked proudly, "I do have a few others on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and at the Louvre." He shared.
"The Louvre? As in the Louvre in Paris?" asked Jess surprised.
Klaus just chuckled at her reaction.
"That's impressive. Gosh, you should be famous. I mean these are…they're beautiful, Klaus. This is real art right here. Not that splatter paint stuff that Pollack guy did."
"Hey now, let's not diss good old Jackson Pollack. He was…well he was a prick, but he was good artist too."
"I'm sure he was." Jess giggled and strolled over to take a seat on and unoccupied bench. Klaus took a seat next to her and watched her look at the painting in front of them. "I like this one." She spoke up and pointed to the painting.
This painting was of a forest that was immersed in shadows. Jess was able to make a lonely figure getting swept in by the darkness. It resonated something within her.
"Why do you like it?" asked Klaus.
"Because everyone is vulnerable when it comes to darkness. Some people are able to overcome it while others surrender to it. Everyone, at one point or another, has dealt with horrible things in their life. It's all in how we-"Jess stopped herself and looked over at Klaus who was still looking at her. When she finally was able to find her voice Jess asked, "Can I ask you something without you getting mad?"
"Well that depends, love. What do you want to ask me?"
"Do you feel bad about what happened to your hybrids? Was it worth going through all that trouble to finding wolves and turning them? I mean, in the end, you don't have anything to show for it? They'll all dead."
Klaus was taken aback by such a bold question. Honestly, he was upset that his goal of a hybrid army did not turn out the way he had always envisioned. He always thought he did those hybrids a favor by freeing them of having to turn during the full moon. If only Tyler Lockwood hadn't been such a nuisance.
"On paper, the hybrids were a good idea. However, the crop I had to deal with were a huge disappointment."
"I probably shouldn't tell you this, but what the hell. You want to know how I was able to escape you while were on your mission to round up wolves to turn into hybrids? It was because I was never an omega. You see when word got around that you broke your curse, wolf packs from all across the U.S. formed a plan, which was to offer up their omegas. Those poor wolves you caught to turn into hybrids were just used to distract you in order for the rest of the pack to escape. Make no mistake, wolves can be very smart and cunning."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because you needed to know." Replied Jess then asked. "How did you feel when Kol died?"
Klaus didn't answer. He didn't even look at her.
"Klaus that was the second time you had to witness one of your little brothers getting killed. That had to have made you feel something. You were forced to watch over Kol's burnt body for three days." Jess went on talking.
"How do you know that?"
"Kol told me. He saw you from The Other Side. He saw how you were the only one to actually show any real emotion towards his death. Why didn't you act on your threats to his killers?"
"I was going to. Right after we found the blasted cure. I was going to make the Gilberts pay for what they did to Kol, then Elijah explained how he received this letter from Katerina saying how she knew a witch that could bring Kol back. I just figured getting him was more important than acting out my revenge. I just wanted him back." Klaus revealed honestly to Jess.
She was surprised at how open and honest Klaus was being with her. It probably wasn't an easy task for him.
"Kol isn't your enemy. Hell, Marcel isn't your enemy. He isn't even that much of a threat. I haven't shared this information with either of them, but I think there is something bigger going on behind the scenes in the supernatural community." Said Jess worried.
"What do you think is going on?" asked Klaus his tone changing with his demeanor. His guard was back up.
"I don't have all details yet. I'm still trying piece all the information together. I'm sorry. I don't mean to say all that to worry you. Kol thinks I am being dramatic."
"Speaking of Kol. Tell me what my brother's plans are?" asked Klaus as he got up from the bench and looked down at Jess.
For him, nice time was over. It was time to get down to business.
"What?"
"Don't play dumb. It doesn't suite. One thing I know about Kol that you may not is that he is one to hold a grudge. Now tell me what are his plans? I know he has been gathering up alliances and I am well aware of the role that you play in this whole thing."
Standing up and folding her arms over her chest, Jess marched up to Klaus. She didn't back down from his hard gaze.
"All I can tell you is that Marcel has secret weapon. Kol believes it's how he is able to find out if the witches are using magic without his consent. He is so close to finding out, but Marcel is hesitant to reveal it to him. In order for Kol to find out about Marcel's secret it will come with a price. One that both Kol and Marcel have agreed upon. Now all they need is for you to deliver on that promise." Reported Jess.
Klaus sighed and rubbed his face with one of his hands. He then asked, "What do they want me to do?"
"Kol doesn't think you will be able to do it."
"What do I have to do?" asked Klaus gritting his teeth.
"Who is the one person you know that could possibly get in the way of you getting what you want? Who is that one person who has always been by your side? Who is that one person who believes you to be redeemable?"
"Elijah."
"Right. Tall, dark and handsome, Elijah. Seriously, does he own anything besides suites? Look, all you have to do is dagger Elijah, store him in a coffin and have Kol deliver him to Marcel. No harm will come to him that is something Kol has made sure of. "
"If you are lying to me, I will cause you to suffer so much pain that will last you an eternity." Threatened Klaus.
"Noted and thankfully I won't live for an eternity."
After filling Klaus in on what he needed to do the two left the museum and went their separate ways.
Texting Hayley that she survived and was on her way home. Hayley texted back that Kol was here waiting for her. That caught Jess off guard because the two had not seen each other in a week. She tried calling him, but only got his automated voice message.
Pulling up in to the curb and parking her car, Jess walked up the steps and entered the apartment. It was quite a sight seeing both Kol and Hayley sitting on the couch with their feet up on the coffee table.
"Do you two not have manners? Feet off of the coffee table." Ordered Jess.
But the two were too focused on the television in front of them.
Jess just rolled her eyes and she went over to lean her arms on the couch. She looked over at Kol.
"Hey." She said in an even tone.
"Hey." He replied not looking at her.
"Where the hell have you been?" Jess asked annoyed.
"Around." Kol answered.
"Around? What the hell does that mean, around?" Jess started to yell. She yanked to remote from his hand and turned off the television.
"Hey, I was watching that." whined Hayley.
"Oh hush. The grown-ups are talking." Chastised Jess as she walked away from the couch to sit in a chair. She continued to stare at Kol with a harsh glare.
Kol looked right at her. Upon realizing that she wasn't going to lay off he answered her question.
"I've been with Sophie, okay. She has been helping me."
"Why couldn't you just tell me that?"
"Because you made it clear that you don't like her." Kol answered. He grabbed the remote from Jess and turned the television back on.
The two werewolves and the warlock were silent. The only sound coming from the cable box that held their attention. It was Hayley who broke the silence when she asked how things went with Klaus.
"It was fine." Jess answered nonchalantly.
"Wait, what? You were out with Klaus?" Kol was confused. He was never informed of Jess going anywhere with Klaus.
"Yep."
"Were you ever going to tell me about this?"
"Well I would have if I could have located you. But apparently you were off we Sophie doing God only knows what."
"Did you two have sex?" asked Hayley jumping in the conversation.
"What!" yelled Jess and Kol in unison. Clearly shocked at the blunt question from the younger girl.
"I wasn't talking to you, Jess. That question was for Kol. Have you and Sophie wrestled under the sheets? I mean your scent is a little off. Smell him Jess." Hayley insisted as she scooted closer to smell Kol.
"Stop!" he yelled and pushed her away.
Hayley just laughed, "It smells rather recent."
"This is absurd. You wolves and your scent. Have you ever heard of a thing called privacy?"
"Kol, did you sleep with Sophie?" asked Jess point blank. She didn't want to smell him. She just wanted the truth.
Kol sighed. He didn't like that he was put on the spot. The truth was that, yes, he did sleep with Sophie. More than once during the past week. But it wasn't anything romantic or anything. The sex was just a stress relief and Sophie was more than a willing partner. He had no reason to feel guilty.
When Kol didn't answer it was Jess needed for clarification.
"That's great Kol! How about you just go ahead and sleep all of the witches in the French Quarter! In fact, why don't you go ahead and sleep with Cami! Hell, sleep with Hayley for all I care! It doesn't matter to me! Have sex with whomever you want! Won't make a difference to me!" screamed Jess at the top of her lungs.
"Okay, Jess, calm down." Said Hayley getting up from her seat to try and soothe her friend.
"Why should I calm down? We are only plotting against a thousand year old vampire and a thousand year old hybrid who both, in fact, could kill us without breaking a sweat. And our fearless leader over here is off rolling around in the sack with some skanky hippy witch. "
"Just take a deep breath. In and out." Instructed Hayley taking in deep breaths and letting them out slowly.
Jess did as she was told and continued to breathe in and out.
"Jessica, are you alright?" asked Kol concerned for his friend's well-being.
'No!' she wanted to scream at him. Not wanting to look at Kol or be anywhere near him for the time being, Jess excused herself from her own home. That's how bad she wanted to get away from Kol.
"What is her deal?" asked Kol confused about Jess' behavior she displayed.
Hayley had to resist the urge to roll her eyes at Kol's lack of awareness. It was clear that he had yet to realize the feelings Jess had developed for him.
"You could find a way to live for a thousand more years and you will still never deserve her." Said Hayley and walked out of the apartment leaving Kol alone.
Shaking his head at what just happened, Kol mumbled, "I could live for another thousand years and still not understand women."