_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_* Elena's POV*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
The comfort I had gained in the trip back with Dean was washed away quickly when we noticed both cars were already gone and the police were at the hotel. Without a phone, we were left standing in the woods wondering where the other two would have went.
"Apparently Racheal can drive." Dean says denying my request to be set down. He walked back into the darkness and started into the direction we were driving in yesterday. I sigh and let my head rest on his shoulder once more and he bounces me a few times playfully making me clench my legs into him.
"I'm sorry I drug us out of there unprepared." I mumble.
"Worse things have happened. Besides the two of them got out of there obviously." He says and I listen out hoping to hear one of them in vain. We continue, after about 10 minutes I hear Jena's song I had let Racheal listen too off in the distance.
"Stop." I listen close hoping to pinpoint the direction. There in the distance to the left.
"Go left." I say.
"Why left?" He asks nearly falling over a rock in the ground.
"Racheal is playing Jenna's song; or Sam is but I can hear it that way." I find myself humming the song after I answer and catch the way Dean smiles as I do.
"I'll rise up, rise like the day, I'll rise up unafraid, I'll rise up, and I'll do it a thousand times again, and I'll rise up high like the waves, Ill rise up, in spite of the ache." I sing horribly and he bounces me higher towards the end making me smile before I tuck my face into his shoulder, more than exhausted by the emotional rollercoaster the night has caused.
As he walks I can begin to hear Racheal and Sam talking. Sam's assuring her this would work, I would hear them. "They aren't much farther." I mumble and Dean hums in acknowledgement. Twenty minutes later we find them parked in a little alcove off the road. Dean doesn't slow and walks with me on his back right up to the two, Sam leans in as we come into sight and shuts the radio off.
"I knew those ears would locate us." Sam says happily and I am happy to see Racheal isn't afraid to look in my direction.
"It was a good idea. Sorry I ran out of there without a plan." I say as Dean places me down on the ground and I miss his warmth almost immediately.
"Elena, you need to call, Bonnie and Ric and everyone else apparently." Sam says in exasperation. Tossing my phone at me and I frown and the missed messages and calls. I look to Sam questioningly.
"Your witchy friend knew what happened somehow." He says with a shrug. I look to Racheal and she watches me closely.
"Are you okay?" I ask quietly as I step up to her. She shrugs but reaches for my clean hand and gives it a squeeze. I look up to see the guys waiting by the cars and motion for us to go. Racheal and I enter my car and the boys the impala. Dialing Bonnie as I follow the brothers and Racheal plays with the radio, I feel horrible as Bonnie's tired voice fills the line.
"Elena, I swear you take forever to return a call." I hear Damon and Ric talking in the background and realize how late it is.
"Bonnie, I owe you my life. Have I ever told you how talented you are?" I declare exuberantly. Bonnie sighs and I wait for the grilling that will happen.
"You're safe that's all that matters. Sam explained everything."
"How did you know?" I ask
"Well the power they were throwing at you was juicing me up. It was odd and I didn't understand what was happening; just an unexpected side effect from the stone I guess." Bonnie rambles on and I smile.
"Well as long as it didn't hurt you." I say as Racheal settles on a radio station.
"Nope really the opposite. It's late though and I woke the entire emergency line up so you might want to call your brother. Sorry." Bonnie says sincerely making my eyes roll.
"I'll call you tomorrow Bonnie." I hang up the phone the phone with a sigh.
"I have to make one more call. You need anything?" Racheal shakes her head and I hesitate about pulling my case out and having blood in front of her. I have been withholding since we picked her up and the fight has taken its toll on me. Deciding to wait until we stop again and I can put on actual clothes and shoes for that matter. I call my brother not surprised to have a long chat with Caroline before I can get a few words in with Jeremy.
The ride to New Orleans was long. We stopped a few times, the morning break being longer then lunch since we hadn't slept much that night. My nerves grow as we get closer and I am unsure if it because I am leaving Racheal with people I don't know or because Klaus resides in the destination. Although Jackson agreed to meet on the outskirts of the bayou.
"What if I don't like it here?" Racheal whispers and I slow the car down to pull off the road and give her my attention.
"Then we will figure something else out okay? You have the phone I got you and my number. I also put Caroline, Ric and Sam's numbers in there. If for any reason I can't answer the phone one of them should be able to. I would start with Caroline she likes to talk." I smile at her and Racheal attempts a smile that comes out more like a grimace.
"I would keep you with me but it's not safe." I run my hand over her head and she leans into me.
"I can take care of myself. I won't be in the way." I notice the way Sam is leaning into the windshield of the Impala that stopped behind us. They must be able to tell we are fine because they don't exit the car.
"Oh, Racheal. I know you can, you did good before we got there. This life is no life for anyone let alone you. I live it because I have too. I want you to experience all the awesome things this life has to offer." I say softly and she sniffles into my shirt before pulling away.
"I can learn all of that just as easily here." She motions to the car and I feel my heart sink. I don't want her to feel abandoned.
"Racheal, the honest truth is that I might not even be able to save myself from what's coming my way. I won't take you into the darkness that is coming." The words are harsh but they don't seem to shock Racheal as she leans into me once more.
"You took care of the witches so easily though." I can't stop the sad chuckle from escaping.
"Witches, vampire and wolfs are nothing compared to real darkness Racheal." Images flash in my head of Matts black eyes and bloody walls that make my head jerk slightly from the visual influx.
"You talk like witches are our strongest enemy though." Racheal asks and I look her straight in the face trying to make her understand.
"They are for people that are just wolves or just vampires. They can also be your best ally remember that."
"You're not just a vampire?" I shake my head and she drops her head onto our hands that are clasped between us.
"Everything is changing so fast." She cries and I lay my head on top of hers.
"One day at a time okay? We will figure this out and like I said, I will be here wen ever I can. I will talk whenever I can." I lift my head and wipe the tears from her face. She nods sadly.
"But you won't always be available." I frown at her.
"No. We are traveling for a reason. The darkness does not wait and we are trying to stop it." I watch her breath deep before turning away from me.
"Let's get this over with." She says wiping her own face.
"Hell Racheal, you may meet these people and never think about me again." I joke and she shoves my shoulder as I pull back onto the road. An hour later the meeting point comes into sight and I see Elijah standing conversing with Kol and who must be Jackson. The couple standing a couple yards from them make me feel less at ease. They seem on edge which seems to have been noticed by Racheal as well as she grabs my hand tightly once more. I smile before exiting the car and frown when she doesn't exit the other side.
Dean and Sam exit the car behind us and I walk around to her door. Making eye contact with Elijah as I go, he stares and without one facial change I can tell he is happy to see me; which makes my nerves skitter wildly. I pull Racheal's door open and crouch down in front of her, grabbing her hand.
"One day at a time, right?" I say softly and she nods before letting me pull her from the car. Although she holds my one arm between her two and stays a step behind me. Maybe this is a bad idea. Elijah steps forward with a slight nod and Kol seems to begrudgingly greet Sam and Dean who stands just behind us. Jackson steps forward but the couple stay where they are watching us closely.
"Elena. I hope the trips was well." Elijah says and Dean scoffs behind us. I jerk my head around to give him the stink eye and he makes a face as if I was dumb.
"I take it the trip wasn't well?" Elijah says and I roll my eyes and flip my free hand.
"Just a hiccup. Is this Jackson?" I hold my hand out to him and he steps forward and I try to move the conversation onto simpler things for Racheal's sake.
"Hey Elena, and you must be Racheal." Jackson leans closer to talk to Racheal and I wish I was getting the vibe from the couple in the distance that I was getting from Jackson. Racheal nods and too my surprise Dean steps up on the other side of Racheal and places a hand on my shoulder around the girl.
"Hey there Jackson, Dean Winchester." Dean slings hand out there and I smile at him slightly. He is full of surprises, who would have guessed he would try to break the tension in this meeting.
"Dean, thanks for getting Racheal here safely." Jackson says as he shakes his hand.
"Hey, Elena did the witch slaying, I did act as a buffer between you and the wall right Rach." I want to throw my head back at the face Elijah makes as Dean mentions witches. He grabs Racheal's shoulders and shakes her slightly, making her huff and suppress a laugh. I implore the men in front of me to leave the topic alone and they seem to take the hint. Jackson motions towards the couple and they step forward hesitantly.
"This is Chris and Jennifer. They are who you will be staying with." Jackson says and I can tell that he is trying to bridge the gap for all wolves' present. I step closer pulling Racheal with me and she loosens one hand as I reach forward to shake their hands.
"I'm Elena, I can't thank enough for helping Racheal." The man hesitates to shake my hand and Jennifer down right wont and it makes Racheal tense beside me. I am aware of the angered grumble that I know is Kol. Pushing the worry down I try to appease them once more.
"We are happy you found her and not someone else." The man says conversationally although it clearly upsets Jennifer.
"She kept me on my feet that's for sure. She's got everything she should need. I got her clothes, toiletries and a phone. I am available if she needs anything else." I try to implore to them ability to help them with whatever they may need.
"We won't need anything else from you." Jennifer says harshly. Racheal jerks back beside me even closer this time and I know this won't work from the grumble in her voice when she speaks.
"Elena saved me. Witches tried to kill me last night and she stopped them. Quit acting like she did something bad." She growls and Jackson steps around between us holding his hands up obviously aware of Racheal's rising temper.
"Racheal, it's hard for wolves to accept vampires. I know you were raised in a normal human family but we don't usually mix well. This is tense for everyone." He implores to the girl.
"Racheal it's okay. Remember not everyone thinks and lives the way I do." I say softly to her and she shakes her head a scowl firmly in place. I step around to face her and take in the tenseness of the four men standing behind her. I look over her head and give them a scolding look. All ease their angry stance except for Kol; which isn't surprising.
"One day at a time, right? They can teach you things I can't. I am always a phone call away and I can come when I can." I say and hear a disgruntled huff from behind me.
"No child of mine will converse with vampires." Jennifer growls and Racheal snaps to the side before screaming.
"I'M NOT YOUR CHILD." Jackson is standing in front of her arms wide and a disbelieving look cast over his shoulder at the couple behind them.
"Racheal get back in the car." I grab her face to make her look at me and she stays rooted in spot but Sam steps forward and grabs her by the shoulders turning her away from me. I am aware of the argument going on behind me and the contempt spilling from both Jackson and the couple.
"Only you would be okay with this. Your wife has corrupted you Jackson." The man points his finger at Jackson before they turn and disappear into the darkness of the bayou. I watch Jacksons shoulders slump before he turns back to me.
"Thank you for trying." I say sadly and he chuckles darkly.
"This wasn't anything to thank me for." He scrubs at his face before looking at Racheal in the car.
"Look. I have one more person I can talk to. Can you hang around for a little bit?" He asks and I make a skeptical face.
"I don't want to put her through this again. If you bring someone else they need to be worthy of her trust." I say sharply to him and he smiles at me.
"The worthiest. That's all I will bring. I need to see if I can make it happen." He says to me and motions for Elijah to step forward.
"I might need your help." Elijah questioning looks to me and back to Jackson.
"You will be okay with my brother?" Elijah asks stepping closer and I am finally able to really look at him. I nod with a small smile.
"Your brother takes the best care of me." He shakes his head slightly with a small smile that falls away when I feel Kols arm drape over my shoulders. I lean into him in show and Elijah walks away with a head shake and I watch the two drives off.
"Well Ellie. What shall we do." I turn to look at him and kiss him on the cheek.
"Not a lot we can do." I say
"Ellie, we are minutes away from the best city in the states." He says and I feel my stomach churn.
"He won't touch you Ellie, let alone know you're here. I won't let anything happen." Kol says earnestly and I look over his shoulder at the guys leaning against my car conversing with Racheal.
"It's not me I am worried about." He huffs before hugging me to him before releasing me.
"I'll protect them too if it means you will come." He stares at me cockily and I cave.
"Great. I have a person I want you to meet if she can come." He types on his phone as we walk and I stop in my tracks. Kol is introducing me to a girl and before I can get over the happiness I feel for him I jump on him. He grumbles as I hug him and tries to dislodge me from his side.
"Kol Mikealson. You have a girlfriend and haven't told me yet." I let go and he throws a cautious look towards the three by the car before turning to face me.
"It's complicated Ellie, but I want you to meet her." I nod a grin splitting my face.
"Don't behave that way with company again, it may make me rethink having you around." He huffs and I grab my chest feigning hurt. He demands to drive and Racheal steps into the back while the brothers follow us in the Impala. His pone pings and he look at if briefly before groaning.
"Well she is already at the bar, her present company though my brothers do not care for." Kol says finally entering the city and I feel the tension rise in me once more.
"Then we shouldn't take Racheal around them." I say wondering how dangerous this person is. Kol laughs dryly before turning toward me slightly.
"Ellie, he is safer than any of us. Marcel makes it his life to keep the supernatural in this town under control. Klaus may have his problems with the man but he is the one person you want her to meet." He looks from me to the rearview mirror to look at Racheal.
"Racheal, this man is a vampire but he protects children above all, from humans to werewolves. If there's ever trouble he is usually trying to stop it." He looks back to the road as the roads grow smaller.
"He is like Elena then?" Racheal asks and Kol chuckles once more before giving me strange face.
"He is, except he stays within this city, Ellie here is trying to save the world. One day at a time, right Ellie." He grabs my hand and squeezes it briefly and I return the gesture.
"Now Racheal, this is a bar. No sneaking drinks okay darling." Kol says helping her from the back and I can see Racheal has taken to Kol easily. Dean and Sam approach and we enter quietly. The place isn't busy but there are a few people scattered many them vampires.
"There's trouble." A small brunette calls before standing to greet us, the men at her table dragging another one over and making room for us.
"Elena, this is Davina. Davina this is Elena." Kol introduces us and I have to fight not to grin at the woman with how formal he is being. I grab her hand and shake it softly.
"Davina, I am ever so happy to meet you." I say and she laughs.
"Likewise, I wonder if it's for the same reason." She says and I smile.
"The knowledge that Kol can makes friends on his own." I deadpan and she laughs before introducing herself to Sam and Dean. The shake hands politely. She steps towards Racheal and introduces herself quietly. Clearly Kol has filled her in on Racheal's situation. They converse for a moment and the dark-skinned man watches us closely.
"Okay, this is my friend Cami, life-long tormentor Marcel and his tag along Josh." She introduces the table and I nod at everyone before sitting, Racheal on my left holding my arm once more and Dean and Sam on my left. Davina sits on the other side of Racheal and Josh jumps from his seat.
"This is a bar, I am the bartender would nay of you like a drink?" The guys don't hesitate and I get a water with Racheal.
"Racheal, Davina filled us in on your situation, I am so sorry to hear about your parents." I want to eye roll at Cami but she seems sincere and Racheal leans forward to look at the woman more directly. Apparently, she likes her because she says thank you.
"New Orleans is a beautiful city with great culture. You'll love it here after a while." Marcel says and Racheal grows tense once more.
"Racheal might not be staying here, we will see." I say for the girl to put her at ease.
"Oh, sorry. That's too bad we like having new people around. Josh can't tell a story to save his life." Marcel leans closer to stage whisper to Racheal and she loosens up beside me.
"So, Dean and Sam, how did you get drug into this business?" Marcels tries to move the conversation along and I tense wondering how the supernatural in this room will take to their occupation.
"Family business. Elena here though has been teaching us new tricks." Dean pats my shoulder and I scowl at him as Josh places drinks down in front of everyone.
"Elena." Racheal whispers and I lean down closer to her so she can speak privately.
"I'm hungry." I nod looking around noting the absence of food but Marcel stands and holds up a finger before fluttering out the door. Cami leans forward to ask about the brothers travels and I converse with Davina about her magic. Kol looks like a cat with a canary behind her and I am overwhelmed with happiness for him.
Marcel returns and sets down a box in front of Racheal and I mouth a thank you as he sits down and she digs in. One thing is certain the girl despite being tiny can eat more than Dean.
An hour passes and Cami has excused herself for the late hour and Josh starts cleaning up and I wonder if we should leave but Racheal is sleeping in the chair next to me slumped against my coat. I check my phone and frown wondering what could be taking so long.
"So, Elena, I believe you are the fearless human that liked to dagger Originals." Kol laughs and I sigh from my seat.
"Is Rebecca still going on about that?" I exclaim tiredly. Kol and Marcel laugh this time.
"Yes, but you were infamous before she returned." I frown wondering how they would know of that, then again plenty of vampires passed through in that time.
"So, you were fearless before you turned?" Dean asks beside me and I turn and frown at him.
"Not fearless, determined." Kol changes the subject sensing my unease but it stirred up the dark feelings already. Since I was taken the sacrifice has been plaguing me more and more. Elijah enters moments later with Jackson and Hailey in tow. Hailey stops when she spots Racheal and stares at the girl for a moment.
"Marcel, unlikely finding you here." Elijah states coming to stand behind me and I find myself irritated that he is being this way when Marcel has been nothing but nice.
"I like good company." I turn towards Jackson at Marcels remark, not wanting to listen to them trade barbs with one another.
"Any news?" He smiles and motions Hailey forward and I see her finally look away from Racheal; her eyes misty.
"We will take her in. We were taking care of space issues, sorry for the delay." I frown at them not happy with the connection to Klaus but feeling that Jackson won't let anything happen to her I nod slowly.
"If it doesn't work I can always figure something out." I say more for myself than them.
"Won' be necessary we can do this." Hailey says speaking for the first time. I look to Racheal and realize I need to give them her things as well.
"Could I show you two something before we wake her?" I ask and Davina kindly shifts the girl over to her shoulder before I ask for Deans keys. Elijah, Hailey and Jackson follow me out of the bar, walking a little way to the Impala I pop the trunk.
"Hailey claimed she didn't want anything from her house. Was adamant really, so she might hate me for this one day but we got what we thought might have been important." I say and watch Hailey lift the garment bag gently running her hand over it.
"This is great, we can hide it until we feel like she is ready for it." Jackson says and I hand him the bag.
"What happened with the witches Elena?" Elijah asks and all their attention is on me again.
"Retaliation from what I could tell. They were hired by someone to kill the Kessler's and Racheal killed one of their own. They wanted revenge. I took care of them." I pull the trunk closed.
"Why were they hired to kill them?" Hailey asks quietly and I sigh sadly.
"For money really, they say the they were told the Kessler's had murdered someone. I think they just wanted to believe that to make themselves feel better."
"How many were there?" Jackson asks
"Three, I got the feeling that's all there was so she should be safe now. If not, I can always help."
"Elena, you have enough to deal with. We can handle this here." Elijah says.
"I know my limits and I promised her I would be here when I could. I hope you understand that I will keep on being in her life." I say looking more at Hailey than Jackson.
"What ever she needs. I just hope you understand that Chris and Jennifer do not reflect the entire pack. We were quite appalled by their reaction, especially to a child just wanting a friend." I nod before remembering the wedding rings tucked into the glove box. I grab them quickly.
"Sorry I haven't had time to clean them." I say sadly handing them over to Hailey who rolls the evidence bag in her hand. The dried blood on the jewelry making me frown.
"Why don't I run this stuff to my place. I can keep it safe until she is ready for it." Elijah offers and holds out his arms for the items. I squeeze his arm before he disappears. We start the short walk back to the bar and I am caught off guard by Hailey turning to face me.
"I don't really know you, I honestly wanted to hate you but I can't possibly do that after you have done this." She motions towards the door Jackson has already disappeared through and I smile sadly at her.
"Well I am happy you don't hate me, it might make my visits really awkward." I try to joke but she stares at me for a long moment.
"You're a good person." I shrug my shoulders.
"I try to be, it's not what everyone makes it out to be." I answer and she turns grabbing my arm to pull me forward.
"So, what do you know about her?" She asks and I tell her everything I can think of in the few minute walk back to our sleeping cargo. Dean and Sam both look ready for bed themselves and I wonder if I should dare staying in the city tonight.
"Racheal." I shake her and she comes to easy enough, blushing when she realizes she was leaning against Davina.
"Racheal, I have some people that want to meet you." She jerks up with a frown. I lean down to make eye contact.
"It's not like last time, they live a life like mine. With witches and wolves alike. Okay? You'll be safe and learn all you need to about your heritage." Hailey steps forward and I lean back for her to speak with the girl.
"I'm Hailey, I know this is all overwhelming. I lost my parents when I was young. It's horrible and a lot to handle, but I can help you. I am part wolf and part vampire. Jackson here is all wolf. I also have a little girl she is much younger than you but she would love having you around I am sure. We would love nothing more than to bring you home with us." I watch Racheal study her face and she must feel comfortable because she nods slowly.
"What is your daughter's name?" She asks quietly.
"Hope." Racheal seems to nod but stands to approach me and I hug her to me tightly.
"You won't forget about me?" She whispers into my shirt and I huff pulling her away.
"Please, I have the image of you out eating Dean scarred into my brain." I joke and she rolls her eyes at me.
"You have to eat fast or not eat around Dean." She says hauntingly and I hear Dean scoff.
"I see how it is turning your back on me already." He says and she looks past me to smile at the brothers.
"Never, just stating the facts." Sam laughs and she turns back to me. I am happy Hailey and Jackson are seeing her untimid side before they leave with her. I feel the tears building as she locks eyes on me. I know whatever she will say will break my heart.
"You save people, so you have to save yourself from the darkness okay? Even if it is stronger." Her watery whisper breaks me and the tears fall.
"That's the plan Rach. I haven't died yet and I don't plan on it." She lunges at me and I am happy everyone has given us some space. I look up to see Elijah's eyes boring into mine from across the room. The heat in his gaze making my chest tighten. We pull apart and I straighten her hair and wipe her face.
"Alright let's get your clothes from my car okay?" We walk slowly to the car and I don't know if it's because she is young or just lost her parents but separating from her is harder than it has ever been before. I pull her new suit case from the trunk and she grabs her back pack and duffle bag. We may have gotten a little over board with the shopping.
"I can carry this stuff." Jackson steps forward to grab the suitcase and the duffle. Dean steps forward and gives her a fist bump and Sam gives her a one-armed hug. I step back by the brothers and watch her follow Jackson down the street with Hailey trailing behind her.
"Well Gilbert, we need to find a place to rest for the night." Dean huffs and turns to look at me I nod before Marcel steps forward.
"I have plenty of room for you guys at my apartment." He seems very polite but the way Elijah's jaw ticks beside him tells me I should decline.
"We will probably just catch the first hotel on the way out of town." I decline politely.
"No trouble, just thought I would offer. It was lovely to meet you Elena." Marcel steps up to shake my hand and I see him from the corner of my eye and know from the way he slinks from the darkness he is here to start trouble.
"Figures the doppelganger would be conspiring with my enemies the moment she came to town. Tell me brother what excuse do you have brother. Kol is not surprising he has no real family values, but I expected more from you." I can't stop the way I step in front of Sam who is closer to Klaus as he speaks, my back going straight; body preparing for a fight.
"No one was conspiring here brother. Go home, it has nothing to do with you." Kol says stepping in front of Davina who I end up pulling closer behind me to stand by Sam. I feel Dean shift and hope he doesn't do something to make Klaus snap. I have seen him this way before, Klaus is on edge; something will happen it just depends on what. His eyes stay trained on me even as Elijah steps in front of me. Marcel seems content to stick around in case something happens.
"Brother, she was bringing an orphaned girl. Nothing untoward happened here." Elijah's attempt to placate the man is failed and I watch his eyes darken as they drift over my shoulder.
"Seems the little doppelganger is always trying to save people. Sad really, considering you couldn't save that aunt of yours, right love?" The words rip through me; my finally constructed walls beginning to crumble. The weeks of exhaustion and trauma make dark images sweep through my mind and I can't seem to stop tears from building. I feel as is hours have passed since the words left his mouth despite it being only seconds.
"Niklaus!" Elijah chastises his brother, a single word that somehow hurts more than all the words his brother said. How can he be so calm when I am so wounded? Bonnies words drift over and over through my head. "How can you stomach to look at him with what he and Klaus has done?"
My stomach churns and words I had been saying to Racheal just this evening seem to click some piece of myself together. "Witches, vampires and wolves have nothing on real darkness." The heat rises and I know instantly I can hurt him. No one is prepared for me to fling the hybrid down the street. I hear my name as I attack once more. Klaus's smug smile before I grip onto him is dark but morphs the moment my hands grab him.
I focus and imagine the shocks I am sending into him. As the first yell breaks through his lips I feel a since of accomplishment and power I have never experienced before. Klaus buckles to his knees and I hear someone approaching quick and turn placing Klaus between I and whoever is approaching. My heart should break when I look into Elijah's eyes but it doesn't. Anger fills me and his hardened gaze that I haven't seen directed my way finally tips the scale and I crack. I'm not sure how I am controlling these powers so well but I feel as if I could do anything.
"Let him go Elena." Elijah's clipped tone only fuels the anger and I push more power into the hybrid at my feet. Straighten my shoulders pulls the hybrid up making him yell out once more. Klaus reaches forward to bite me but I push harder feeling his skin melt beneath my hands.
"Don't move or I will finish you here." I say it to Klaus not breaking eye contact with Elijah. The realization that I am guarding myself from Elijah is started to chip away at the anger, my heart breaking apart one piece at a time.
"Ellie." Kols quiet call makes the first tears slip down my face but the anger doesn't fade, I don't look away from the man I have placed all my hope into. He has been my reprieve and compass for the past year; longer really if I was honest.
"What were we thinking." I say to him unable to fight the break in my voice. Not a flinch, not a muscle moves on him and it breaks me even more. I look away from another lost love to the man at my feet whose flesh is burning and I can't seem to let go.
"I am done running from you Niklaus Mikealson. I won't fear you anymore. I have seen real evil, you are nothing but a child with too much power. A selfish creature who ruins lives for fun. It stops now." I throw his arms away from me and he flops back with a gasp. I look up finally to the faces of our audience. Kol looks sad and Dean looks ready to fight but Marcel is standing in front of them, where I stood and I realize I owe him greatly. My anger could have cost them their lives. My face comes back to Elijah and I look from him to Klaus and back again.
"There is no more hierarchy, no more your lives above everyone else. You will hold your selves to the same damn standards you help me enforce." My voice drips with contempt and my finger is pointed at Elijah and once more he remains rooted, unmoving. Klaus is still gasping and I step around him and walk past Elijah without a glance. Kol steps in front of me and places his cheek next to mine speaking directly into my ear.
"You're my family Ellie. Don't forget that." He presses his cheek into mine and I can't stop myself from pressing back. I hear Klaus's feral growl and whirl before he strikes. Kol is in front of me this time. My reach under Kols arm imagining the wall dividing us and it appears, white and thin so I push harder to reinforce the divide.
"Your fucking funny." I growl and Kols hand drifts back to land on my side trying to calm me. It doesn't and as I hold the wall with little effort to my amazement. Klaus is focused on me, ignoring his brothers but for once he isn't the all-knowing powerful being I have been haunted by. He looks at me in hatred and uncertainty. I see the way Kol shifts to look at me and wonder what he is trying to do.
"Ellie, your eyes." His whisper gets the attention of Elijah and he looks through the light towards me. I can't feel a change but am guessing they are lit up once more.
"You can pull rank all you want love. I'll put an end to whatever is powering you up and be rid of you soon enough." Klaus growls but my eyes are trained on Elijah even as the dark laugh falls from me.
"I have this Ellie. You go." Kol says calmly.
"No, I will not let him hurt you." I say tightly.
"I have this Elena. You should not waste your will here." Finns soft voice makes my head jerk to the side at the new comer. "No harm will come to him, I assure you." I hesitate to drop the barrier.
"Oh, not you too Finn. I will not be betrayed by my own family." Klaus seethes.
"Maybe you should consider who is betraying who here brother. I have made it clear she is off limits to you." I feel Finn pulling me back as Kol speaks and I let the wall disappear and wait for Klaus to strike. He seems content to stare Kol down.
"Off you go." I make eye contact with Finn briefly as he turns me and I fight not to look back. Not to see if his eyes follow me still, not to hope that somehow there will still be a light in them that is there just for me. Not to get what I am sure will be my last glance at Elijah.