Hello readers, got a new chapter for you! First off, I like to thank Atlafan1286 and Wildfire69 for the reviews love your comments keep on sending them! Second, this chapter has a lot of feels… you have been warned. Enjoy.
Marie's eyes shot opened feeling goose bumps running up her skin. Something is coming… She jumped out of bed glancing at the clock reading just after two in the morning. The hallways were dark, one source of light came from down stairs over the railing. Her ears perked up hearing quick whispers in the air. In panic she flashed to the entrance but slammed back into the barrier. She will not be an easy target confined in some room.
Flashing into the bathroom she pulled a towel off its rack running it under the sink. She had thought of dozens of plans to get out, many she tried and failed. This one was a simple thought after a little spill of blood from one of her usual breakfast from a glass. Marie brought the dripping towel towards the entrance she thought if it work she should use the advantage for her – now the time feels it had come. She tossed the towel lightly it flopped creating a small pool of water.
Nervously she glanced around the area she could see from her position grabbing the edge of the towel she dragged it back to her smearing the dried blood slightly. Smiling slightly she repeated the motion feeling the suffocating power disappear. And Klaus thought she wouldn't be able to break the barrier. Flinging herself over the barrier she grins in slight relief and triumph standing tall in the dark hallway. She whipped her head around hearing the whispers further down the hall, it brought back dark memories.
Marie froze as she stood before a door at the end of the hallway the lights were on but she could not hear anything from inside. She hesitated at the knob glancing back to the staircase. Don't do it, don't do it just walk away. Marie tried to convince herself from doing something she may regret later. She had been told multiple times that her curiosity got her into trouble. Her face paled when she stepped back as the door clicked open. Shivers ran down her spine as she could see the whiteness of her hot breath. She could understand only a few words from the whispers "Come in…"
She jumped as something touched her shoulder the eeriness disappeared in an instant when she was twirled around meeting Kol's curious face, "Took you long enough to break it. What are you doing roaming the halls? I would have thought you would be running out of this house for air."
"I thought I heard something." Marie responded nodding to the door. Kol's puzzlement showed as he only heard Marie's familiar foot patter from downstairs.
"Well come on, Rebekah and I are downstairs. I believe you need to stretch your legs." He teased smirking at her Marie rolled her eyes. Kol pulled her towards the stairs Marie glanced back towards the door feeling something was watching her.
Rebekah was in the family room reading a magazine. Marie was curious why they were both up so early in the morning. Kol explained, "We can't sleep, you know with the whole daggering issue and having Niklaus popping in and out of the place. Better to be awake then vulnerable with your guard down."
Rebekah rolled her eyes, "Oh please. Marie, do not listen to a word he says. He is only awake for he stays up to play his video game; he never has time during the day to do so." Kol gave her a glare of pure annoyance to be told on.
Marie smiled at him teasing, "See are you happy I showed you that game?"
Rebekah scoffed, "I'm not. His bloody game keeps me up! I am at the edge of breaking it."
Kol smirked at her cheeky, "Break it and see what happens."
Rebekah ignored him gazing at Marie, "I am surprised it lasted for four days."
"Oh trust me I thought up many ways to try to break it." Marie remarks.
"What worked?" Rebekah asked curiously as Marie sat next to her as Kol sneaked towards the television.
"I soaked a towel with water and threw it on the dried blood. In moments it washed away." Marie smiled.
Kol mocked, "Good thing you are a woman and knew how to clean. Or you might just be stuck for more days." Marie and Rebekah glared at him, Rebekah thrust a pillow in his direction he ducked in the last second laughing.
"Are the others asleep?" Marie asked.
Kol snorted, "With all the noise you two are making? No. Elijah and Nik left to see a witch and Finn I believe is up in his room. I would not be surprised if only one of them is to return. Elijah and Niklaus have been at each other's necks." Kol added as his ears heard a pair of foot falls from outside, "Ah apparently they survived each other—."
The door slammed opened the three of them gazed at the two frantic Originals. Klaus spotted Marie his eyes held a mixture of emotion, rage, bewilderment, relief, annoyance and much more. Kol raised his hands in mock surrender, "She broke it herself I swear."
"Get out of the house." Klaus commanded.
Kol narrowed his eyes in suspicion, "What is going on?" Marie and Rebekah stood up staring at the men in bewilderment.
"Where's Finn?!" Klaus snarled glaring at everyone.
"I'm here." Finn's voiced called from upstairs. The three younger Originals moved out of the room to get a view of the railing. Everyone froze seeing Finn gazing down upon them his hand ushered someone to come forth. Klaus held back a horrid gasp seeing Esther peer down at them her blue eyes finding each face. Her eyes fell on him and he stood there, frozen under her gaze, he saw the flash of anger in her eyes.
Esther stepped down the stairs so elegantly her white dress flew like the wind. Marie's eyes widened in recognition, she had seen that woman before. Her face and blond hair was like a dream in white light, an angel that had spoken to her… but those eyes – the eyes of the horrible nightmare, of death. The two thoughts collided together mixing together in truth – this is her savior and tormentor. Her eyes couldn't leave the woman as she stepped down to their level.
Klaus noticed Esther's eyes shifting to him then to Marie, on instinct he stood in front of his daughter protectively. He pulled her close to him making her chest to hit his back to ensure him she was behind him, he shielded her the best he could. His hand grabbed her arm behind him keeping her from moving away to get a better look.
He couldn't move, he didn't know why, was it fear? Magic? Klaus held his breath seeing the blue eyes on him, her eyes narrowed. Klaus couldn't help it to look down away from her gaze, like he had done in the horrible past of being scowled upon. "Look at me." Her voice demanded he winced by the familiar command she used on him when he was a child.
Klaus gasped glancing up into her eyes, he could feel himself shaking, why was he shaking? "Do you know why I am here?" She asked her voiced held that tone. Klaus hesitated, moving back slightly moving Marie back with him. His eyes glanced around at his siblings pleadingly, but they were all too stunned to come to his aid.
"You're here to kill me." Klaus croaked – damn her voice to make him act weak – especially in front of his child. He should not be afraid of anyone, especially a person who he had already killed.
Esther frowned her emotions were hard to read, "Niklaus, you are my son. I am here to forgive you." Klaus stared at her in disbelief liar he thought. It was a lie and he knew it, how can she forgive everything he had done – forget the betrayal, forget that he killed her out of rage – out of rage to be cursed, to take his child. He knew it was all lies but he still took a shaky breath of relief, his body was telling him otherwise. After all these years he just wanted to hear those words, and hearing them took him by surprised. Klaus continued to stare, he will not fall for it, but he was willing to play her game.
Klaus smiled slightly for show he could see his siblings all sharing the baffled appearance. Esther's gaze was soft and loving – oh he will not be played as a fool. Klaus could feel Marie shifting slightly to the right to peer at the woman before them.
Esther eyes left his face glancing at the brown eyes half hidden behind Klaus's arm, "We have many things to catch up on." She turned around looking at all of her children. All of them stared at her in awe and still held their shock, "I want all of us to be a family again."
Family The word struck all of them. Be a family again. Marie stirred by it, this woman was family – that cruel spirit its words spoke harshly, how can this be the same person? Marie felt Klaus grab her arm keeping her with him. He turned slightly to see her, his eyes told Marie one simple warning, do not go near her.
Marie had so many questions to ask. All this time her relatives knew the spirit and didn't even tell her she was her grandmother? Why keep it a secret? Marie finally understand what the woman's regret making her children into immortals, the stories of her grandmother – Elijah, she remember, told her his mother created them to be everlasting after the death of his youngest brother, to never feel that pain again. Here was the woman sitting before her studying her with those blue eyes Marie had always seen as cold and furious. Is this the same woman? Marie wondered. Before her Esther seemed joyful to have her children around her but in the other side she was disgusted by the abominations she created.
Marie didn't feel at ease with Esther, the flashes of the dark memories in the cemetery still crossed her mind. Marie could feel Klaus next to her, not leaving her alone with the woman they called mother. She knew Klaus didn't trust Esther either just by the way he sat next to her. His arm wrapped loosely on her back in case Marie was to stand up, being closer to Esther than he liked her to be. Klaus kept a vigilant eye on Esther as she walked around the room examining his artwork.
Klaus noticed Elijah's suspicion written on his face when Esther turned away from him. Kol also felt on edge moving away only slightly when Esther moved past him. Kol was nervous if Esther had heard his statement he gave to Klaus days earlier to let her corpse burn. Rebekah and Finn seemed like the only ones who weren't uncomfortable.
Marie glanced at Klaus uneasy by the silence in the room; he simply shook his head not wanting her to ask any questions. Esther turned around smiling at Marie and Klaus, Klaus stayed solemn, Marie smiled nervously wanting to get out of the room Klaus's arm tighten around her back keeping her from doing so. "Look at you all grown. You have your mother's looks." Marie's blood went cold by the statement remembering Esther telling her she was there when her mother died with Marie in her arms.
Marie took a long moment to calm herself, "Thank you. I also been told I have my father's temper." Klaus squeezed her side in warning to not talk.
Esther smiled, Klaus shivered slightly noticing the knowing in it, "A temper shouldn't be something to be proud of."
Marie shied away from her eyes never wanting to see them again. Esther peers around seeing all her children standing around in silence. "I am so glad we are all together again. It has been too long. I believe we shall celebrate this reunion."
Klaus was distasteful of this situation he would rather have a celebration after they are rid of Esther. Klaus calculated the situation of having a celebration if there were many people it would be easier to slip away from her. It may even be easy to kill her right there while everyone else is occupied with entertaining guests, no one will notice. Klaus grins, "Perhaps a ball where we can invite everyone in this town to inform them of a new family moving in." Klaus got surprised and outrageous looks from his siblings.
Esther smiled at him, "I would enjoy knowing our neighbors." Klaus smirked good his mother thought he was naïve, he will show her. Esther's eyes went to Marie, "I hope you bring some of your friends." For the first time Marie noticed that familiar cold shine in the blue eyes. She was certainly the same woman and Marie knew this woman would not bring fortune to her family.
Marie slipped from Klaus momentarily as Elijah ushered him to follow. She tried to calm her panic, desperately wanting to get away from it all. Her goal was to stay as far from that woman bur apparently it was impossible. Marie froze finding herself at the entrance of the study finding Esther writing cards on the desk. Esther smiled glancing up at her, "What can I do for you my darling?"
Marie hesitated distasteful of being alone with her, but she doubted she will have any other opportunity. She stared at the woman before her, "My last breath as a human I saw your face. You were the one that brought me back as a vampire weren't you?"
The doors closed by themselves giving them some privacy. Esther placed the writing instrument down responding, "At that moment I thought of it as rational, Niklaus was blindly killing innocent people because of your death, and I saw how your death affected him. You were what held his humanity."
Marie asked, "How did you turn me?"
"The day of your birth I gave you Petrova blood, spelled it to stay in your system until the spirits killed you –."
"That is the reason the spirits taunted me as a child?" Marie whispered staring at her. She knew magic was the reason for the torments, but the spelled blood in her system as well?
Esther shook her head, "I had done much more than that. Have your father ever told you he and Elijah loved the same woman?" Marie shook her head no, but she heard stories from Rebekah. "This girl was destroying their bond, I took matters into my on hand thinking Niklaus would leave her be if another woman he was involved with was to bear a child?" Marie's eyes widened in horror just as a memory of an eerie whispered, "Conceived by magic." She was unnatural from the beginning—she knew that – Finn was surprised by how much magic she held. She had thought her mother helped her with magic to survive the labor, sacrificing her life for her as a baby.
Esther smiled at her seeing the realization, "I helped create you, the gifts I had given you. You were such a beautiful thing that held my children's humanity when they were in darkness. You are the perfection I had always wanted for my children."
"What?"
"I never intended them to have the bloodlust, I never wanted that for my children. But you I had fixed the spell, you had never drained a person dried, you had never lost your humanity." Esther answered.
Marie was stunned by the truth of her words. It has all been planned, to the moment she was born that she would be the experiment of a perfect immortal. It disgusted her that everything she is was to prove that a spell could actually be made. Witches had always told her she held the most humanity they had ever seen in a vampire. Marie and her blood line were never able to drink so much. Her father never intended to get her mother pregnant – it was Esther that made it happen.
Marie felt like she was a mere object, being used to satisfy someone else's needs. Marie whispered, "I will not allow you to use me."
Esther's tone sounded amused, "No little one I have another purpose for you." Marie stared at her terrified of what purpose.
The door flew open Klaus stepped in glaring at Esther Marie looked down from him with regret Klaus grabbed Marie's shoulder pushing her out of the room he growled at Marie, "Go find Elijah." Marie hurried away.
Klaus turned back to Esther seeing her smile his voice was deadly low, "I allow you to stay in this house. It does not give you any right to speak to my daughter."
"She came to me, for she has the right to know of her being."
Klaus's eyes darken, "I am aware of what you did to my daughter – as well as fetching the spirits upon her. I do not take it lightly of you being near her. If you do anything to harm her I would gladly rip your heart out again."
Esther smiled at him, "Is that any way to speak to your mother?"
Klaus snarled, "My mother died the moment I pulled out her heart. Here standing before me is a threat to my child, I wouldn't even hesitate. I would simply prove to you what type of father I am. Mark my words I won't care what the others think, you have done enough to my daughter."
Klaus grabbed Marie roughly by the arm hissing, "I told you to stay away from her."
Marie responded hastily, "I stumbled upon her – I took the opportunity for some answers –."
Klaus snarled, "Nothing good has ever come from that woman – especially towards you! Never will you talk to her alone understand me?!" Marie nodded.
Elijah turned his gaze on both seeing Klaus's furious expression, "What did she say?"
Klaus snapped, "Does not matter, everything she says are lies!"
Marie glanced down from Klaus's gaze, Elijah responded comforting, "Go on Marie."
Marie peers up looking at the two. Klaus narrowed his eyes, "Let's talk where it's private." Pulling Marie with him, the three left the house heading to the acreage of land to a large gazebo.
"We shouldn't trust her." Marie whispered, that woman was planning something against them she knew it.
Klaus snorted, "We are already aware of not trusting her. She happens to awaken now when all of us are together and Mikael is no more."
"What did she say?" Elijah pressed.
"She has a plan, I do not know what but it is coming." Marie adds seeing Klaus's concern towards her, "No, she is not going to use me – I have another purpose…" She trails off still anxious of what plans the universe had for her. It kept her alive for this long it must want something from her.
Klaus exchanged glances with Elijah, "We should simply kill her just to be safe –."
"She is our mother. Are you not aware what our siblings would think?" Elijah argued.
"I had already threatened her with death if she were to ever come across Marie again." Klaus remarked.
Elijah sighs, "Then she knows of your suspicions. Although I don't believe she is aware of my suspicions. It is important to have an upper hand in this to make her believe we are not wary."
Klaus glared, "She has been dead for a thousand years, and the person in that house is not that loving woman you once knew. I am not taking any risks of not acting soon." Klaus set his glare on his daughter, "And you stay far from her and Finn I do not want to see you by yourself in that mansion."
Marie responded innocently, "I can just move back into my cabin."
Klaus narrowed his eyes, he was not a fan of her being out of his sight with Esther in the area. Although the cabin is spelled to keep anything out unless invited in.
Elijah considers, "It might be for the best. Niklaus you need a clear head – mother already believes you have your doubts. Marie, if you were to leave you must stay in the cabin or inform one of us if something arouses."
Klaus gave her a warning glare, "Listen, I swear if you do anything to yourself to be in harm's way –."
"Don't need to tell me twice. I already learned my lesson, if I do anything harmful then the box or a locked room for me." Marie remarks, Klaus gave her an annoyed scowl.
Klaus and Marie walked up the steps of the porch, Marie peers at him hesitatingly, "What is the gain of allowing Esther to roam around?"
Klaus answered, "I am curious of what she has to offer us –."
"And if she offers death?" Marie asked waiting for his gaze to turn to her, Klaus gaze finally met her with acknowledgement and sincerity, "I will kill her before she attempts it."
"And if you are too late to act upon it?" Marie asked showing him her concern.
Klaus placed his hands on her shoulders, bending slightly to be eye level, "I am not going to allow her to harm our family. Not again." Klaus touched her cheek reassuringly. He turned to open the door, inside RJ was in the kitchen preparing a meal for himself.
He only paused slightly when he remarked, "Let me guess babysitting?" He smirked at Marie teasingly before he returned to his preparing.
"Actually I am living in my own home free from assuasive parenting." Marie responded.
"Is that so?" RJ hummed.
Klaus rolled his eyes, "I like to keep Marie far from the mansion until further notice." Klaus flashed towards RJ, his eyes dilating, "You are to keep your eyes on Marie the whole time. You will not allow her to leave this house. Understand?" RJ nodded Klaus smirked, "Good."
Klaus turned to Marie, "Go against my rules again I will find another consequence that would be fit – might cost you a friend." Marie scowled at his threat as his eyes fell on RJ, with that Klaus flashed out.
RJ remarked, "He must be in a hurry to not smell the Vervain bracelet." RJ twisted the leather bracelet on his right wrist, "So what I miss for him to be extra paranoid?"
"That hag is living in the same roof as the rest of your family?! Why haven't they killed her?" RJ asked in outraged after Marie explained to why Klaus was on edge.
"Apparently she is my grandmother." Marie responded.
"Oh she is just lovely!" RJ responded sarcastically. He spat, "That woman is dangerous, and how can they not see it? If they are not going to act about it, I would gladly do it myself."
Marie grabbed his arm trying to calm him, it was rare to see RJ furious, "Runa she was seconds from killing you in my body. Please if you simply break down the door and try to kill her I know for a fact it would either be her or my uncle that would kill you."
RJ glared at her, "She cannot be as strong as she was when she possessed you. I would act fast, no one would know what happened –."
Marie argued, "Stop and think. I know you are smart with war tactics but look at the odds. She possesses magic, I am not aware of how much but if she has enough to hold you back for a few seconds Finn would end you. You must also remember all my relatives are inside, all our faster than you. Elijah and my father have a plan and if you run in there to kill her it might just blow up in their faces. Either way if you leave to kill her or leave me alone my father will kill you. I am not allowing you to do it."
RJ asked, "Do you feel safe with her in this town?"
"No –."
"Then it is settled –." He stood up from the table Marie grabbed at his arm. He broke from her grip asking in outrage, "Would you allow her to cause destruction? We both know what she said, she wants the world to be rid from vampires, she ripped through my chest to set an example of what abominations she wants to destroy. Sitting and waiting for her to make it possible to kill all of us does not sit right with me."
He flashed from the house Marie went after him, she tackled him to the ground. He growls thrashing to face her Marie grabbed his wrist slamming them down on the forest floor. His black eyes glared at her, he breathed heavily to calm his rage. Marie pleaded, "Stop, you're the last friend I have left. I would not bear to lose another. Runa you been by my side for centuries, please I cannot live if it was my family that killed you."
"And I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I did not act upon a threat that would end all of us." RJ responded fumingly.
Marie held back tears knowing if he were to enter that house he would not return, there was no way to keep him from getting killed. Klaus had already threatened to end his life if she left his sights, and Marie is not going to just stand back and allow Esther to hurt her family. One way or another RJ would be killed one because of Marie the other because of her family. Too many people died because of her family, she isn't going to allow it to happen, especially to her longtime friend. She wouldn't be able to stop him even if she compelled him, Klaus would just kill him for Marie would be able to slip from the house.
Marie saw the puzzlement in his black gaze, asking her why would she allow that woman to live, does nothing else mattered? Marie muttered, "You have been a piece of my life, you have found a place in my heart that I rarely show others than family. If you died then a part of me would die with you."
RJ's eyes soften, "As you are to me." He will not give up that chance she knew it.
Marie kissed him to distract him from what she was doing. She watched as he closed his eyes his lips followed hers, his hands were still pinned by hers but his fingers curled around hers. Marie let go of his right hand; his hand ran through her curly hair. Marie fingers worked on the knot of the leather bracelet, he didn't notice he was lost in the kiss. Marie succeeded allowing the bracelet to drop his eyes shot open hearing it. He pulled away the look of shock and pain forming in his eyes.
Marie calmed her voice controlling herself before she can burst into tears. RJs eyes widened knowing what she was about to do, "Marie don't. We can do this together, do not worry about me. You cannot do this by yourself –."
"Shh." Marie whispered her eyes dilating RJ fell quiet his eyes pleading her. Marie caress his cheek, "When I leave you will forget everything. Forget about this small town, and my family… you will not remember me." Tears slid down her face as his eyes held the compulsion. "You had amazing adventures around the world. You had helped so many people and won many wars. You love being what you are, you thanked your gods for making you immortal, stopping your suffering. You would stay alive Runa, you know how to stay alive." Marie kissed his cheek brushing away tears that fell from his eyes. Marie whispered, "You would be able to live a long happy life, free from the worries and the harm I brought you. You are free." Marie sat on the grass next to him as he lay still, he was afraid to move he knew when she left he would forget her. He didn't want to forget, many happy memories were with her.
"Why would you do this to me Marie?" RJ whispered setting his eyes on her tears trickled down her face.
"You deserved better, there is a whole world out there. Don't let me be the one to end that for you. I had only brought trouble upon you –."
"No you gave me life." RJ responded sincerely not breaking his gaze from those brown eyes he fell for the moment he saw them in the empire. Her curly brunette, blonde hair and that soulful smile she gave him when he was on guard and sneaked a peek at her when she enchanted the harvest. "I would have been dead if it weren't for you." When the Spaniards came and killed the emperor he and the rest of the men were on the verge to retaliate. But Marie pulled him away she pleaded him to help the women and children to escape, if she had not he would have lain dead with the remains of the empire.
"Runa must understand you would not survive my family feud –."
"It doesn't matter I would gladly sacrifice my life for the people I care about. I still believe you to be the last of my people that I need to prove I can protect. I already lived a long life I would be all right to die for a purpose." RJ mumbled grabbing her hand keeping her from leaving, giving him more time with his memories.
"You already proved yourself. I wish for you new adventures, maybe fall in love with a woman, I'm not holding you back. In two years you will be five hundred, which is still young. Wish you to have another five hundred birthdays to know what it feels like to be a thousand." Marie smiled slightly a tear landing on their entwine hands.
"Maybe for my five-hundredth you would give me back my memories." RJ responded childishly.
Marie smiled, "When the time is right, our paths will met again. May your life bring you happiness good friend."
RJ's eyes widen, "Marie don't le—." Marie flashed away from his sights. He blinks a few times confusion clouding his mind as he glanced around at the unfamiliar landmarks. Standing up he frowned towards the ground seeing the lone bracelet a vial of clear liquid twirled around the leather bounds. He picked it up feeling the cool glass and warm leather examining it. A thought aroused in him of it being familiar to him, keeping him safe as if were a luck charm. He placed it in a pocket for safe keeping and flashed to the west.
Marie watched him go, tears escaped her and she allowed the sobs to come. He had to get as far away from her family as possible, death would meet him every day if he were to stay there. Esther proved to be a threat and she was planning to end her creations. Marie would not allow it to happen, in every ounce of magic in her power, all her strength she would make sure no one would ever harm her family – no matter what the cost. Marie hugged herself as the air became colder she gazed back at the last time she saw RJ, "Farewell old friend, forgive me for my actions. One day I hope to see you again."
Klaus breathed in the fresh air overlooking the mountain of St. Moritz in Switzerland, over his long life he had seen many beautiful things, this sight was of his many. He stood before it admiring the beauty of the iced mountain and the beautiful flower brushes scattering in front of him. Making brilliant colors on the floor and a rainbow of on the mountain as the whiteness of the snow and ice reflected the sun's beams. A canvas was next to him as he painted the details.
"Papa look!" Klaus glanced up curiously hearing Marie, she sounded so young. He spotted her yards in front of him picking up flowers a mixture of whites, blues and purples in her arms. He smirked slightly there was his little girl, she seemed she was the age of five. Sometimes he missed seeing that innocence she had when she was a child, ignorant of how evil the world was. But at times he could see her youthfulness especially when she was frightened.
Marie smiled at him, her dimples showing on her round rose peddled cheeks. Klaus took a second to admire the pure happiness from her, lately she hadn't shown it. "They are lovely sweetheart." Klaus responded smiling as he turned back to the canvas.
"Papa look there's an angel!" Marie shouted in awe. Klaus frowns he had almost forgotten Marie's imagination when she was a child. He glanced back to her curious what had taken her attention, his face pales seeing what stood in front of him. The mountain darkened and the flowers were covered by frost and snow. Marie was on the floor sitting crisscross peering up at the figure.
"Marie, come here sweetheart." Klaus pleaded unable to move.
Before him the area was cold and frozen over, Marie gazed at the woman coming towards her. Klaus held his breath seeing Esther fully in white her hair flowing in the wind making her shine bright. Her light blue eyes fixed on his little Marie. Esther gave the little girl a sweet smile, the one that would reassure a child that there was no harm.
"Marie!" Klaus shouted breaking free from his frozen state. Marie glanced at him in confusion her brown eyes found his panicked blue ones, she crawled to her feet. Marie's eyes turned to fear noticing her father running to her Marie glanced at the stranger before her stepping back.
Esther grabbed Marie's little arm pulling her with her. In a panic Marie screamed for her father, "Papa!" Klaus pushed himself to run faster but his little girl was farther away from him than he thought.
No, no, no she can't take her! Klaus lost sight of Esther and his child, the world was completely black. She can't take her from me! Klaus gasped glancing around in the darkness trying to find some light to see.
"Papa!" Marie's scream hit his ears he squints seeing light at the end of the darkness where Marie's voice echoed, he flashed towards the light.
Klaus shot awake gasping from his sleep, a cold sweat covered his body from the nightmare. Quickly he jumps out of his bed rushing to the door to reach Marie's room. The mansion was dark and quiet, not a sound was heard other than his heavy breathing. He reached her bedroom door opening it slightly his nightmare became true not seeing her inside. He stepped in the room panic coursing through him. Where is she?! He thought in a blind panic. Esther had her he was sure of it, Klaus exited the room only to get knock back by a figure. Klaus flashed his fangs his golden eyes glaring at the intruder only seeing Elijah.
"Where is Marie?!" Klaus growled, Elijah must be part of this. He was scheming against him again taking his child from him as leverage. What do they all want from him?!
Elijah regarded him with concern, "We both agreed Marie would be safer in the cabin two days ago remember brother?"
The memory came back to him he took a shaky breath of some relief. Klaus nodded calming his hitched breath. Klaus replied, "Every moment she is here I will not be at peace."
Elijah assured, "Tomorrow looks promising." Klaus nodded knowing the blasted ball he prepared was tomorrow and soon their problems would be solved. Klaus stepped away from Elijah heading downstairs he gave Elijah one look telling him he will make sure Marie is fine.
Klaus climbed the wooden stairs to the second floor, he hadn't heard sound other than one room. Klaus opened the door slightly seeing Marie cuddling with a pillow, he could smell the saltiness in the air. Was she crying? Marie's eyes opened hearing the door she met Klaus's gaze; she knew he would come check on her. Marie scooted slightly making room for him, seeing the concern and relief on his face.
Klaus lay next to her; Marie put her head on his chest closing her eyes falling asleep again. Klaus frowns by the exhaustion, what was she doing to make her so tired? Klaus wrapped an arm around her, his hand twirled a curl. The past few days it was nonstop plotting, he never had the chance to see her. The mansion was already set for the ball. He breathed in, his nerves calmed as he closed his eyes having Marie with him.
He didn't know what he would do if Marie was forever gone from him – actually he did, it happened once before. He was a soulless creature gone from the light of the world, knew nothing of happiness only death and pain. Blood was the only thing that kept him living. No remorse would ever come to him, he would forever hate the world, making the spirits pay by killing their bloodlines – he would simply stop caring.
But here he was a creature that is capable of so much death, so much destruction soothing his little girl. He wondered if that day when Esther took Marie when she was an infant and actually disposed of her. Would he still be this man now? A man that is capable of death but still capable to caress a child so softly? He didn't know the answer, he knew his hatred for humans wouldn't change, they were pathetic and cowardly – but were those thoughts only because they were unable to save his child's human life? They were certainly food to him, maybe useful objects but nothing more certainly if he hadn't have Marie he would still feel that way. Although Marie showed him so much light when he was in his darkest states, she gave him hope to look for the future, if he didn't have her what is it to live for without a child or a family that cared for him? Marie was the reason his siblings stayed with him, all for her. He never truly thanked her for that, he resented of being alone now he doesn't have to be. The only thing standing from his thought of true happiness was Esther, and she will not ruin it for him.
The mansion was lit up throughout the halls and rooms, cars were pulled up to it, women in long flowing gowns and men in sharp tuxedos. The people of Mystic Falls couldn't say no to a fancy party, able to dress to impress in a marvelous mansion.
Klaus and his siblings gazed around the area seeing guests entering as they stood on the staircase. Klaus hated parties especially ones that have people who tried to kill him, his gaze locked on the Salvatores and the doppelganger he was surprised they even considered coming. Klaus met Stefan's gaze seeing the rage, ah it seems he was able to control his ripper side – he would like to push the Salvatore to see if he were to massacre the party so he wouldn't need to.
Klaus's eyes moved to the girl behind them as she was escorted by his hybrid – Tyler. Klaus examined her in awe, her blond hair pinned in a bun, her dark blue dress matched her eyes…He had seen her before, a few times actually when he needed a drink. He smirked, he might look forward to a dance after all.
"I am pleased that everyone could make it tonight." Klaus's attention came to Elijah as he spoke to the crowd. Klaus made a mental note that Marie was not here but safe. Elijah extended his hand as Esther held for it, Klaus kept himself from cringing by how easily Elijah was able to conceal his disgust.
Esther smiled down at their guests, "Tonight would be a night to remember. It celebrates the reunion of my family and for the community. Hope all of you enjoy." Klaus smirked darkly it will certainly be a night to remember.
Elijah smiled warmly waving his hand as he stepped down the steps, "Please, allow me to escort all of you to the ballroom."
Klaus narrowed his eyes as he stepped down noticing the Salvatores and his doppelganger come towards him. The rest of his siblings broke away to mingle with their guests. Klaus sneers, "I never took your lot for going to formal balls."
Damon remarked, "Oh you would be surprised. I'm a great waltz dancer."
Klaus smirked, "And who would lovely Elena dance with? I don't believe she be able to dance with both of you." He loved to see the destruction of the Salvatores' bond for this silly little girl – Klaus couldn't remember what he saw in Tatia, just seeing the girl's face made him want to kill something.
Klaus froze feeling a light hand on his arm, he knew the touch. Never has he wanted to feel it again, he kept himself from snarling at Esther. His mother smiled at the trio, "You must be Elena Gilbert and the Salvatore brothers. It is a pleasure, I am Esther." Klaus noticed the hesitation in the Salvatores face although Elena was smiling oblivious of the discomfort.
"It is nice to meet you." Elena responded.
Esther nodded turning to Klaus, "Niklaus would you be so kind to escort them to the ballroom?"
"Yes mother." Klaus replied, he hated the word equally as much as Mikael. He is going to need a few drinks for it's going to be a long night.
Kol stood by the hall towards the front door waiting for a lone woman to depart from the pack of people, he hasn't had a decent meal for days because Esther made it clear no drinking from humans. His eyes brightened with mischief seeing a woman exiting the ballroom heading his way. One can't harm anyone, he doubted anyone would notice. A few people lingered in the other rooms in the mansion, but this woman was all to himself.
Kol grinned meeting her, "Hello, I don't believe I formally introduce myself, Kol Mikaelson." Kol bowed grabbing her hand and kissed her knuckle.
The woman blushed, "Jenna Sommers." Kol smirked the name sounded familiar, he believed Elijah had spoken of her. The blood under her skin smelled so sweet to him, one bite can do. "I'm a realtor – I've seen your family's mansion and it was one of my favorites."
"Ah, you have good taste indeed. Care for a tour? You must be dying to know what this mansion holds." Kol used his sweet accent and words to woe her. He smiled wavered spotting a man coming towards them, Kol let go of her hand.
The man held out his hand, "Damon Salvatore." Kol smelled him the moment he and his brother entered the mansion.
Kol didn't shake his hand annoyed by this vampire coming to ruin his meal, "Yes I've met your brother. I have my money on him to win the girl, but I just love scandals. Try not to kill each other mate she is just a girl." Kol replied mockingly, disregarding Damon he turns to Jenna, "It has been a pleasure."
Kol turned away walking towards the front entrance to head to the other hallway to start a hunt again. Kol stopped in his tracks catching lavender from the steps to the front door with the corner of his eye; he turns seeing Marie smiling at him in a flowing dress, it ripples with light blues and purples waves. Her hands were covered with silver gloves to her elbows, her hair was pinned back allowing a few curls to roll from her face. The dress was strapless revealing her mark on her collarbone, she wore a turquoise necklace with small diamonds around it as well with matching earrings.
"What are you doing here?" Kol whispered in outraged glancing around the area.
"I can't miss a ball where my family is the host." Marie responded innocently.
Kol scowled at her, "You know you can't –."
"Have some fun Kol, weren't you the one to say that to me constantly?" Marie teased stepping into the mansion.
Kol smirked at her wickedly, "If you are the cause to get a dagger in me, I would make your life a living hell." Marie smiled at his threat knowing he wouldn't throw her out.
"Dance with me?" Marie asked giving him a flicker of eyelashes.
"You're lucky darling, I haven't got a dance partner." Kol smirked twirling her to follow him.
"Is my father here?" Marie asked.
Kol laughed, "He's here, although he has his attention on this one girl. She's dashing I would woe her the whole night too if Niklaus didn't find her first. We might be lucky to get a dance or two before he sees you in this beautiful dress."
"And Esther?" Marie asked.
Kol scoffed, "Please I don't wish for her to ruin anymore of my fun. I cannot even eat – I'm starving! Those bloody bags do not satisfy me. I am hoping to get a little bite by the end of the night. Care to join me darling?"
"Depends how the night goes." Marie responded.
Kol smirked haughty, "Hmm can't wait." Marie rolled her eyes he escorted her into the ballroom. Dozens of shades of colors twirled around the room, she would have never thought how big the room would be. Kol tilt his head to point at Klaus dancing with a girl with blond curly hair in a blue, silver dress, "There they are. How about this, we stay far from my siblings so we can have a good time before one of them breaks the fun?"
Marie nodded Kol grins they twirled into the dance floor moving with the wave of people in the waltz. Marie glanced around trying to spot Esther, Kol made it difficult as he kept getting into her view. His brown eyes peered at her curiously, "Why did you not bring your mutt?"
Marie glanced away from him trying distracting herself with the move of the crowd with each twirl. "Let's not talk about him."
Kol became more curious he grinned, "What happened? Another feud, you two are like an old couple –."
"I said I don't want to talk about it –."
"Oh yes we are." Kol grinned not letting her off that easy.
"I didn't want him to get killed so I compelled him to leave, happy?" Marie snapped, not in a mood for a dance anymore Kol can really be a bastard at times.
Kol sobered, "Sorry to hear that darling. Nice lad I must say, I sort of liked him." Kol noticed her sadden gaze he smirked, "Cheer up Marie, tonight I hear will be memorable, and when all this bloody drama is over we could finally settle down and be a family again." Marie nodded Kol twirls her around seeing Klaus eyes on him damn. Kol smirked back at his older brother twirling Marie from Klaus's sight to make him believe her to be a random girl.
Finn noticed Marie come in with Kol, she wasn't supposed to be there he knew Klaus kept her away from the mansion. Before Finn headed up towards the stairs he caught Klaus's concerned expression with Marie there. The plan had to be tonight, the full moon has arrived and the Bennet witches were just outside the mansion ready to cast the spell in the opening in the trees. All of his siblings must be present for it to work, Esther had already convinced the doppelganger to give her blood to bind their immortality, now only he was needed.
Esther came down with him. He guided her back to the ballroom, butlers had set the champagne around the room, laced with the doppelganger's blood. He lingered back with the glass in his hand watching his family. Kol was smiling at Klaus with Marie next to him while Klaus was heading towards them, clearly angry. Elijah stood next to Elena smiling at her, but his gaze held suspicion as he took the glass. Rebekah was with a blonde-haired boy.
Esther smiled raising her own glass, "I thank all of you for coming. Cheers to family and new friends." Everyone raised their glass. Finn downed his own watching his siblings take it one after the other. His eyes locked on his niece, slightly hoping Klaus would keep her from drinking it.
Marie held her drink to her father seeing the rage, "To family." Klaus snorted in annoyance clinking his glass with hers. Taking a sip of the drink Marie frowned tasting a hint of blood. Her eyes turned to Kol curious if he was the one to secretly place blood in the champagne for he complained earlier of not being able to feed. Marie asked, "You put blood in this?"
Kol smirked, "I wished I had, who ever thought of it is brilliant." He drank the whole glass slightly satisfying his appetite.
Klaus swirled the liquid around the glass tasting the familiar blood, his eyes narrowed it was the doppelganger's. He glared around at each face not seeing the Salvatores or his mother anywhere, they were planning tonight and he was stupid enough to not sense it sooner. Klaus's eyes halt meeting Elijah's, he had speculated something was wrong. The hybrid's eyes fell on Elena next to his brother; he is going to kill that girl.
Finn stood before his mother a blade in hand watching her brew the spell while writing each of his siblings' names in their native language. He noticed Marie's name under Klaus's, it was unlike the other names, which were spread out across the page. He had hoped to spare his niece but the more he thought of her being able to live the guiltier he became. It came to his understanding if she would be spared she would be alone in the world.
The rest of their family would be gone, and with their bloodline making the growing predatory species go to extinction. Marie and her bloodline couldn't be spared, what was the point if not to destroy them all, just to keep them from reproducing? Magic is what created them and magic is what will end them.
He convinced himself it was better for Marie to be in this plan, she did not need to be alone, no more suffering, no sadness of the death of their family. They would be free, free of the horrors they had witness, free from the evil they done. Finally be able to have peace…
"Finn my love come here." Esther ushered him to stand in front of the paper and bowl.
Finn obeyed, his legs moved on their own despite his conflicted thoughts, it was the only way the race they accidently created can finally end. There was no harm in it, it may be as though it were a slumber, and each horrid creature would fall, just slip away. Neither the humans nor the creatures would feel the pain of the end of the vampires. The humans would be left with their own troubles and murderers to watch out for.
Finn glanced up at his mother, she was always the one to try to make things right. She put others before her that was the only reason to make them immortal, but they abused the reason causing so much destruction. Esther smiled lightly, "You will be a savior to the human race, the spirits and witches will see you as a hero."
Finn smiled shyly, he would gain the spirits' and witches' respect again, he craved to have that the moment he was turned. Ever since he lost his connection with the elements he tried to prove he was not like the others, that he was still a nature's guardian.
He sliced his palm wincing only slightly as he squeezed his hand. The drops of blood splashed in the center of the page. His eye widen in awe as Esther closed her eyes making the windows open by the force of the wind casting the spell, the blood sprawled across the paper blurring over each name. The blood devoured the writing into a wave of red, he was stunned as the blood connect each other creating an image of a tree. The tree that gave them life and the tree that gives them death, magic works in mysterious ways.
Esther smiled, "Our family is reunited, bound by blood, and bind to death."
Rage burned through him, they truly believe they can stay unscathed by this? Klaus would show them, there were already countless ignorant humans in this ballroom. He was done showing mercy, actions always proved things better. Klaus turned to Kol seeing the smirk disappearing from the younger brother's face as he understands what happened.
"It appears we have conspirators, let's show them how much mercy we given them." Klaus sneered at Kol. He knew Esther was planning something what not to have a little distraction? She hates what they are, well he will show her what they were capable of.
Kol grinned disappearing into the crowd. Klaus grabbed Marie's arm pulling her with him as they head towards Elijah and Elena.
Rebekah was by his side, "What is going on?"
Klaus snapped, "It appears mother has other plans tonight and the doppelganger is a part of it."
Marie stopped in her tracks hearing a spell whisper in her ears, she breathed feeling a suffocating atmosphere like the one that held her in the room. "She's casting a spell." Marie breathed feeling light –headed as a wave of different emotions crashed on her.
Rebekah grabbed onto her as Klaus stepped away determined to interrogate what the doppelganger did, his family is not going to be harm, not under his watch.
"Marie what is happening?" Rebekah asked in concern. Marie shutters feeling Rebekah's concern, then her father's rage, the next second Kol's sadistic mischief. She rumpled through the feeling then it made sense, she felt it before – she had linked herself to Shelia Bennet once for magic, she could feel the power running through her as Shelia cast the spells and every conflicting emotion that ran through her.
"We're linked – why are we linked? Unless –," She broke off remembering Esther wanting to destroy the creatures she created. Marie shuttered getting a wave of depression and regret consuming her, "Finn – something's wrong Rebekah."
Rebekah nodded, she watched Klaus marched to Elijah and that bitch. Rebekah was enraged by this girl, if anything happens to her family she will make her pay.
Klaus snarled at Elena, "What did you do?"
"I didn't –."
Klaus grabbed her arms hissing, "Your blood was in the champagne, what is she planning?"
Damon pushed Klaus away from her, "Leave her alone –."
"Gladly until you lot tell me what Esther is doing!" Klaus snarled.
Elena replied, "I don't know what you are talking about –."
Klaus sneered, "Now would your little secret be worth it to have the party massacred? My brother Kol is plotting as we speak –."
"Damon!" Elena shouted at him to find Kol. Elijah grabbed the vampire from going anywhere.
"You wouldn't do that!" Elena gasped staring at Elijah then Klaus.
Elijah watched Klaus noticing his sincerity, "You might have forgotten that family is important to us. Now do you wish for everyone to die or would you tell us?"
Damon growled, "She said she knew how to kill Klaus –."
Klaus sneered he knew it, never would his mother ever forgive him for what he done.
Elena stuttered, "But – but I didn't know she was planning to kill all of you –."
"What?" Both Elijah and Klaus were stunned they knew their mother was scheming but to kill them? Elijah had thought she would try to reverse the immortal spell – but to kill them?
"Hey I thought it was great. It's like killing two birds with one stone." Damon remarked sneering at the Originals' discomfort.
Klaus narrowed his eyes just say another word Salvatore I will certainly kill you.
Elijah mused over the news, if Esther planned to kill their whole family to end her mistake – there were already thousands of vampires roaming the earth. What is the difference of only killing their family? Unless… "She said she wants to kill us?"
Elena nodded. Elijah asked, "I have been told my mother hated the creatures we had become. What is to stop her from killing the whole race?"
Damon stared at him, "She could do that?"
"Here's the thing Mr. Salvatore we were created by magic and blood take that away we would sieges to exist." Elijah responded.
Realization crossed Damon's features, "We need to stop her."
"Now where is she?" Klaus snarled.
"I – I don't know – I swear." Elena pleaded, but it was not the answer Klaus was looking for.
"Here's the thing love, when someone tries to harm my family people die." Klaus sneered just as screams echoed through the room.
Rebekah and Marie dashed out of the mansion, Rebekah turned only slightly hearing the chaos of screams from inside. Marie winced feeling Finn's emotions becoming stronger as they head to the trees – so much sadness, so much regret and loathing was too much to bear.
"How do you know we are going the right way?" Marie asked as Rebekah pulled her.
"This mansion was built near a sacred place my mother used to take me when I was younger. The moonlight power could be stored in this underground cave, if she were to do a powerful spell she would go there." Rebekah responded.
Marie and Rebekah stopped, hearing the chanting through the air. The horror of their family's fate went through them making the strides ever so determined. "I am not going to allow anything happen to our family." Rebekah vowed, "No matter who goes against us."
Marie nodded the wind blew through them like ice, daggering their skin with the burning cold as the wind rip through their dresses. They spotted the orange light surrounded by the shadows of the trees. Rebekah suppressed a gasp seeing her mother and brother in the center of a pentagram. Her eyes narrowed see the two witches chatting just outside the circle of fire.
"Finn – Mother what are you doing?!" Rebekah shouted eyes widen in pure disbelief and pain.
Finn stared at his sister and niece apologetically. He was regretting to see their distraught appearances – he never wanted to see them before he takes his own life to end them all. "We are reestablishing the balance of nature." Esther responded soberly.
Rebekah's eyes widen, so it was all true, Klaus and Kol were right, their mother hated them. "You would murder your family?" Rebekah asked Finn glanced away from her turning his gaze on his mother for help.
"My family perished the moment I turned them all into creatures." Esther replied.
Rebekah in distressed, "Mother we are still here. We have not changed –."
"You have murdered, you have manipulated and caused so much misery. It shall stop." Esther responded eyes holding her determination.
Marie scowls; she will not allow her family to die. At the same time of the witches' chants Marie muttered a counter spell trying to break the bond. Esther's eyes shot to Marie, she breathed allowing the magic to run. Black veins sprawled onto her body she gasped keeping her mind on track to break the bond.
Rebekah and Finn gasped as their bodies mirrored Marie's with black veins forming over them. "Marie!" Rebekah gasped feeling the rush of power and pain going through her.
Esther glared at Marie, "You will be doing me a favor, killing yourself would kill the rest of them."
Marie hissed through her teeth, "I could break the link before it kills me." Marie screamed making a wave of power knocking both Bennet witches to the ground. Finn fell to his knees, being linked once again he could feel the powers of the elements and it was beautiful.
"Marie!" Rebekah screamed as the pain was too much.
"Just a little more –," Rebekah grabs Marie slamming her foot down breaking the ground underneath them to the tunnels. Marie gasped as the connection to her spell broke as Rebekah sent both of them underground.
Klaus sneered at the doppelganger as she bawled following the screams to the entrance seeing the broken body of Jenna, Alaric's body right next to her. "You threaten my family and I simply showed you what happens if you don't give me answers!" Klaus growled.
Elijah stirred slightly by the sinister ways, but he couldn't think lowly of his brother we would do the exact same. Klaus growled, "Now tell me where Esther is or the whole town would die – maybe I'll rip the throat out of your brother next?"
"She's with Bonnie in the forest."
"Now was that so hard? It is a shame sweet Jenna had to suffer…"
Kol met with them he smirked, his teeth were tainted with blood, "Hmm she was so sweet…"
Elena's face held rage, Damon growls trying to get his hands on Kol. Kol smirked punching Damon, "I get a bit fussy when someone ruins my meals."
Elijah regarded Elena, "My deepest apologies." Klaus dragged Elijah with a gleeful Kol in front of them, they passed the stunned crowd of people.
In the forest Klaus narrowed his eyes smelling the scent of Rebekah and Marie, of course they couldn't leave it alone.
The three men stopped in their tracks as power ran through them. Klaus gasped as black veins covered his and his brothers' bodies – he seen this before, "Something is wrong with Marie." Klaus cringed feeling a surge of pain Kol and Elijah gasped falling on their knees.
Klaus stumbled hearing the whispers, the chants of a spell – his daughter's scream. If Esther so as touched her – he gasped as the veins disappear, the pain gone, something happened. The three brothers flashed towards the one source of light of fire.
Kol stopped in his tracks seeing Finn in the middle of the pentagram, rage consumed him – he should had stopped this, he even told Finn he was not alone in this. But still Finn went down into the darkness and it infuriated Kol. Kol growled, "Pathetic you are Finn! Playing sacrificial lamb!" How could you? Kol wanted to say but his rage was too much for that sympathy.
"Be quiet Kol your brother knows his virtues." Esther snapped. Kol glared at her, how dare she used Finn's self-esteem against him!
Klaus's eyes fell on the hole in the ground hearing Rebekah and Marie arguing. His eyes studied the area before him seeing the Bennet witches. Elijah narrowed his eyes at the scene before them, the brothers started to edge towards the pentagram predatorily. Esther and Finn stayed in the lines of fire.
Marie gasped as the air got kicked out of her as she and Rebekah fell into the tunnels. Dust and dust cleared finding the ten foot drop the tunnels were dark, the sounds of drops of waters and the roar of the fire from above ground.
"I was seconds away to break the bond –."
"Stop. Breaking the bond would kill you, let my brothers handle –."
"Finn is up there sacrificing himself! Waiting will not do him any good –."
"And you think I am not aware of that?" Rebekah argued.
Marie stared at her, Rebekah pulled her deeper in the tunnel. Rebekah said, "You should stay far away from here. I have to be responsible for you. I am not allowing you to get killed under my watch – not again."
"I was human than –."
"It does not matter, I was responsible for you and my neglect ended your life. I am not allowing history to repeat itself Marie."
Marie was baffled by the mix signals, for Rebekah had always acted like a sister rather than an adult in the centuries, "Then you should had took responsibility in the first place rather than be my friend –." Rebekah slapped Marie across the face, Marie's hand went to her cheek stunned. None of her family had ever strike her intentionally.
"Now I am, my family is threatened and I am not allowing any member die tonight." Rebekah hissed she forced Marie onward. "You are going to listen to me until this fiasco is over." Rebekah ordered.
Marie remarked stubbornly, "Yes ma'am."
Marie stopped in her tracks seeing the stone mound in the center of a cleared area. Decayed torches littered the floor above the stone an opening allowed the moonlight glow lighting up the cave. It felt familiar to her; she can't remember ever exploring tunnels in her youth. Marie touched the stoned alter she flitch away getting a flicker of noises whispering in the air and a baby's cry.
Rebekah broke her trance as she pulled Marie deeper into the tunnel remembering there was an exit somewhere. Drops of water echoed to their left Rebekah followed, careful to not stumble over scattered rocks with her broken heels. Marie grunts as she slammed into Rebekah when she suddenly halted.
"There's a boundary." Rebekah mused peering into the sealed off cave noticing a small pool of water with rock piles towards the cave wall. Her eyes widen seeing the symbols – a few she had made when she was a girl inscribing her and her siblings' names, claiming the cave as their little hide out. It appears the natives had reclaimed it, writing a story.
Her eyes read each symbol; Marie peered over her shoulder in curiosity. Realization came across Rebekah seeing the story – it was their story the night they were turned. The tree, the witch's spell, werewolves but one symbol struck her. The linking spell was a distraction to delay them. A trick to keep them ignorant of the true danger – the White Oak lives.
Their mother was not powerful enough to kill all of them. She only needed to kill one and they all go – it appears she has not found the location of the Tree. Esther may merely shadow her true motives with the act she and Finn are doing above. Rebekah needs to warn her brothers her eyes fell on Marie, "Stay with me."
She pulled her niece roughly. Marie asked in a panic seeing Rebekah's urgency, "Where are we going? What do the symbols mean?"
Finn nervously, "Mother –."
Kol snarled, "You still call her mother? What mother attempts to kill her children?"
"One that knows what horrid creatures they are." Esther replied, Finn glanced down struck by the words again.
Kol narrowed his eyes both Elijah and Klaus stared at him, it appears it was up to him to waver Finn. Kol rambled through his conflicted thoughts, "Finn you would rather die than experience this new world?"
"What is there to experience? I had been in a coffin half my life –."
"As I a few centuries, there's always an experience to share it with someone. I believe Sage is still running a bout." Kol expressed so much convincing, sly tone to his statement to make Finn falter by his words.
Sage… Finn's mind unlocked the few happy memories he had as a vampire. His Sage, his red rose how could he forget her? His thoughts of being this creature, to finish this race – but how could he do this to his sweet red rose? "Is she well?" Finn asked his eyes finally showing the deepest regret as he gazed to Kol.
Klaus answered, "After I desiccate you Marie took her to the Americas. Marie knows her whereabouts."
Finn eyes widen Sage is close by. Esther noticed Finn's conflict, "Finn remember what at stake here. Thousands of people had already died, you can end this."
Finn held his breath, he couldn't breathe, too much is rushing through his mind. He wanted to end all of this suffering to end the murderous creatures they created. No one else has to die, there will be no need to shed innocent blood. He couldn't do this without seeing Sage, to tell her why he was doing this. He wanted to be with her again, maybe in death he may see her again – but he needs to see her just once before he does anything.
Esther cooed soothingly, "Finn." His eyes shot to her coming back to reality, his eyes glanced around seeing his position. He could feel her influence touching him, her soothing voice.
"It has been found." One Bennet witch mumbled her eyes turning back to normal. It's happening too fast. Finn shakes his head. Esther smiled getting the information of the Tree's whereabouts. Kol flashed towards the witches before he can get knocked back he sank his teeth into the eldest.
The woman screams. Bonnie gasped trying to stop Kol by a wave of power. Kol dropped the Bennet witch, growling his eyes dark, fangs flashing with blood dripping off his chin. Bonnie runs through the circle to Esther.
No, it is too soon. I have to see her! Finn in a panic flashed away. Esther gasped seeing her son running off leaving her with the three hostile ones.
Klaus sneered, "All alone. What ever shall you do?" Klaus took a predatory step towards the fire.
Esther narrowed her eyes murmuring a spell, the three Originals shield their eyes as the fire became extremely bright and soared towards the sky. As it deceased the forest became dark again, Kol walked through the pentagram not able to smell any sign of his mother's or the Bennet witch's scent.
The night seemed almost peaceful despite the conflicting thoughts that silently suffocate a calmed conscious. Finn's motives were all fueled by this long loathing, it appears it was too much for him to bear any longer. Marie frowned by the thought of the determination Finn had to simply kill his whole family just to stop the trail of bodies they created over the centuries. Was Finn so lost all those centuries ago and just needed that little push to wipe out a whole race from this earth?
The wind blew lightly through her hair and torn dress. Her back rested on a dead tree's trunk, before her the headstones glowed in the shine of moonlight. Marie's appearance made her seem as though of a ghost in the past. As if she was one of Death's mistresses, watching over the bodies that sleep underneath her feet. So many people had perished. Many had never reached adulthood… Her eyes lingered on a headstone yards from her many words eroded by long years, by the size buried underneath was a mere child the date read 1863. People died every day by simple things, disease, hunger, but not her, not her family. They were blessed with immortality, not needing to work a day in their life to stay alive, not until now. She mused over by it, this feeling of knowing one of these days Esther would find a way to kill them.
Did every human have this feeling? That one day may be their last? Marie was stunned by this new sense of survival, she had never thought much of it as a vampire once when she was human she supposed. The night of her last, she had fought to survive, not going to die until she could take down a werewolf with her – which she respected from humans. Many would try to die fighting, but many simply died by illness… What was the average life span of an average person? How young did they die? A hundred was young to her, but glancing over these stones many had barely reached fifty.
"There you are." Marie peers up at Kol as he sat next to her, he still worn his blood coated suit. He added, "Rebekah and Nik went to find Finn." Marie nodded peering back towards the cemetery. Kol frowned gazing around the area, it had an eerie feeling to it. "What are you thinking about darling?"
"Death." Marie responded simply.
Kol stared at her with slight concern, "I believe everyone been thinking about it lately. It is not the death of a dagger where you can merely come back alive by it being pulled, but death and never to return. Scared?"
"No not really." Marie replied earning herself a deeply concern and quickly turning anger of Kol. "We had lived a long time Kol, although with this long life I wish not to end it, but if it must I'll be all right with it –."
"Bloody hell, first Finn is going suicidal now you. Is our family damned for death then?" Kol growled.
Marie gazed back at the tiny little headstones resembling the children that had once breathed this air. "I am not suicidal; the one thing I want is my family to be safe and happy. But if we were to die I would also be at peace to reunite with the friends I lost to the centuries of old age. I can finally see Elizabeth again, as well as Cora and many others I had lost while I still alive and healthy. Everything would fine, there will be no more suffering and death, be able to live forever in the afterlife. May even meet my mother…"
Kol stared at her seeing her hesitate as she felt the ground with numb fingers, "This area is where she died. I could feel the raw power in the area of the massacred souls… when I first came here I swear I could hear the screams. This place has its own history, layers are added by every new headstone. Each one holds a story of their life makes each one special in its own way. And when I look at my own I discovered I had many lives I had lived, ones people would never know. If I died where would I be buried? What meaning would it bring people when they see my headstone? Or will I be buried in a mask grave like so many other vampires that needed to be hidden from the human world? –."
Kol put his hand on Marie's shoulder, "You are not going to die, we will find a way to break the link and burn that bloody tree to the ground." Marie's brown eyes went to his. He muttered, "And if you were to die, we would make sure you would have one of the most beautiful headstones for you." He smirked seeing Marie smiling slightly by his words she hit him lightly on the arm.
"That is not the point. The point is would I have someone to mourn for me, to remember me in their memories as I had done for many others. For I keep my lost friends alive in my memories. Will others do the same for us or would they celebrate with glee and dance upon our graves?" Marie asked seriously.
Now Kol understand, they did make enemies over the centuries with every species. Kol shrugged, "What does it matter if our enemies were to die right behind us? It is how life is, like you said we live in our memories if we to pass we would live even more in the afterlife."
Marie nodded she shied away from his eyes, "Do you believe my mother is still watching over me?" She has had her theories if the spirits of witches were able to torment her then her mother would also be watching her. But would her mother become impatient, waiting for her to join her, but Marie had lived to a thousand? Give up on wanting to know her, to see her after seeing what Marie was capable of?
Kol smiled at her, a genuine smile. He never was the one to tell stories of his human life – most of his human life he care not to talk about, "I tell you what. That woman had genuine beauty, far from any other woman in the village. She was one of the sweetest people I've met."
"Tell me about her."
Kol smirked by the memories, "I believe Niklaus had told you of her name. Sweet Serah, the morning star, her name tells you all about her. I like to think back then people name their children by what they believe their personality would be. Your name appears to hit it spot on." Marie smiled slightly remembering Klaus telling her that her name truly defined who she was, bitter, rebellious of being controlled, he told her this for a mere annoyance by one of her outbursts of when she was a child.
Kol hummed gazing at the cemetery, "Serah was a shy little thing, she was fine to stay unnoticed while all the men in the village drool over Tatia, don't get me wrong Tatia was a true beauty but she liked toying with people, wanting to cause some drama. Back then I simply liked to play the same game, going to every woman, but I wouldn't go to Tatia. She had too many suitors to count, and I really didn't want to bother with a feud amongst Elijah and Klaus."
Marie listened Kol stood up offering her his hand, "I like to show you something." She grabbed it and he strolled down the brush away from the cemetery, "I came across Serah on one of my strolls, I had the decency to know everything about every woman but that one was a compete mystery to me. She would always shy away from me." Kol laughed slightly, "I believe the first words she said to me was 'am I one of your next targets? Believe me sir I am not one to be easily taken' as shy she may be she had spirit."
"You liked her didn't you?" Marie asked seeing the slight spark in his eyes as he thought back into the memory.
Kol being Kol just smirked cheekily, "She was a hard one to get call it a little awe." Marie knew Kol was never the one to show certain emotions…
Kol turns back to his memory as he went on, "When I found out Niklaus had took part with her I was a little… angry. For years I had pursued her and my brother easily took her in a few weeks to just try to get Tatia jealous. It appears she liked Niklaus all along and just put up with me –."
"I believe it was Esther's doing. She simply wanted my father's and Elijah's feud to stop, Esther could had manipulated her or hexed her." Marie responded trying to ease Kol's hurt seeing these emotions of hurt from him was really rare.
Kol narrowed his eyes, "Huh of course Esther would do it, trying to appease her favorite sons. She didn't really pay much attention towards me Ayanna was mostly the one that knew where I run off to." Marie was surprised by how much Kol was giving her, he rarely let anyone know his weaknesses, his faults of when he was human.
Kol led her to a small waterfall with a pool of water he sat next to the water throwing his feet in without a care of his shoes and pants. Marie took off her heels placing her feet in Kol stared at the waterfall thinking back when he used to take his little brother to this very spot.
"I was angry at her, stopped talking to her all together actually after I found out she was pregnant. Niklaus ignored her as well and he went back to Tatia's siren call." Kol watched the blood from his shoes twirl into the water.
"Both of you used her like a mere object and left her to fend for her own?" Marie asked slightly angry and stunned.
Kol chuckled, "Oh I wished, Niklaus did it easier then I but I couldn't really leave her be. I was still fond of her as she simply disappeared from the village and went exploring the world around her." Kol eyes went to Marie, "You asked if she is still watching you. I believe she still is. I've seen the way she placed her hand on her growing stomach. She wanted you desperately. I've seen her come to this very spot laying on her back as she glanced up into the blue sky. If you don't mind I could show you." Kol placed his hands on Marie's head, he had done dream manipulations plenty of times.
"Let me show you." Kol's voice sounded distant as Marie closed her eyes. The dark night disappeared around her. As she opened her eyes she was blinded by the bright light of the morning sun, Kol smirked at her pulling her to her feet, "Come on before she sees us." Marie followed Kol as he dove into a bush, he pulled her close to him both popping their heads out to see the waterfall before them.
Kol pointed to the brush of flower beds, Marie moves out slightly to get a better look. Her eyes brighten with awe by the woman she lays back her hair twirling into the flowers' petals. Marie smiled, she did hold some traits from her mother, Serah was so beautiful, like Marie had imagined.
Serah smiled up at the trees her eyes followed birds as they flew by. She rubbed her stomach tenderly, unable to wait to see her child, to watch it grow. Marie smile became bigger as she had done the same when she was a child lay back on the ground to watch the birds fly free.
Kol whispered, "She wanted you, don't be mistaken. I believe that night you were born she had given you so much love to last you for an eternity." Marie smiled at him. Kol nodded to a tree, "I wasn't the brightest lad." Marie followed his gaze seeing Kol in a tree gazing down at Serah, an admiration smile on his face. Marie suppressed a gasped as Kol fell off the tree as he leaned too close to the edge and splashing into the water.
Serah sat up quickly in bewilderment just as Kol spat up water floating to the surface, his face a bright red with embarrassment of being seen. Serah smiled at him, "Are you all right Kol?"
Kol face burned red with more embarrassment, "Oh yes I'm quit all right."
Serah giggled slightly, "You know you could spy on me on the ground."
Kol responded, "I was not spying on you! I was – picking out apples in the tree." Serah peered up at the tree smiling lightly seeing the tree bare.
The memory disappeared leaving Marie and Kol in the dark night with the slight falls of the water. Marie smiled at him, "Thank you for showing me."
Kol nodded standing up his face becoming serious, "Well this was a nice chat, but I believe we have some work to do." Marie's smile wavered being reminded of what danger they were in.
Kol glanced back at her, "Finn is on the break of suicide and I believe Sage is the only one to bring him back. Do you know of her whereabouts?"
"I do –."
"Good, we need to find her and bring her back here. Nik and Rebekah are already fetching Finn and Elijah is scouting for that Bennet witch and Esther." Kol responded as Marie followed him.
"And where are you heading off to?" Marie asked.
Kol smirked at her, that smirk she knew too well, "Getting some leverage to get this bloody linking spell off of us. Niklaus gave me a lot of information about his…doppelganger's little group and I am willing to make some accords on certain boundaries." He grinned at her, "Don't worry darling I am not going to be gone long." He smirk became bigger seeing her roll her eyes.
Marie thought sarcastically and just when I thought Kol was opening up to be more genuine…
There you have it! So what do you think with about the key feeling moments?
RJ/Marie moment
Klaus and Esther's standoff
Finn/Kol's hate/understanding relationship
Kol/Serah past
Rebekah/ Marie talk
Marie/ Klaus moments
The true meaning of no one hurts the Original family moment at the ball
Love to hear your comments! Secondly next few chapters are going to be a tad bit different then the TV show, don't believe you know what's going to happen by the knowledge of the TV show – things are going to be changing and the real meaning of protecting family would be seen.
Next off, in a later chapter I'm going to be creating a character and you will decided what his personality going to be like, what color eyes he will have and the common traits from each review would be written in the story! Be creative!
Leave a comment please! Thanks for reading.
~xAngel-Demonx3541