Caroline scurries to her mother's side. "Mom, please. Mommy lay down."

Liz slumps back. "Caroline, you need to listen to them."

"What have you done!" Rebekah cries. "Why have you come back? Can't you see we are already suffering!"

"Rebekah, you need to listen," the sheriff tries again.

"She's dying!" Rebekah persists. "We're miserable. Its pure agony watching her go. We all love her! Do you really hate us that much or are you jealous she's the kind of mother we've never known?"

Caroline watches Liz wilt; her head and shoulders tire out and droop. "Mommy?"

"Please, girls. Just listen," Liz beseeches, her lids heavy again over greying-blue eyes.

Caroline brushes the top of her mother's head, caressing her cheek. She pulls away, seizing Liz's hand.

"Once and for all, leave us the hell alone!" Rebekah bawls, crumpling in Caroline's weak embrace.

She knows it's a frail effort—a scrawny, feeble attempt to console and pacify Klaus' sister, but Caroline's stunned and nervous, pitching distrustful, sneering glances at the witches as she minds her mother and holds Rebekah.

"Rebekah," moans Liz.

"Shh… it's okay, Mom. Please, just… shh… okay. I got her."

Caroline glowers. "Why are you here? You're upsetting my mother. She's dying! Can't you see that?" She fixes her gaze on Bonnie's grandmother. "Miss Sheila, how could you? My mother was good to you!"

"This is about us again, isn't it?" sneers Rebekah. "You and father and Finn are in a huff that we're as close as we've ever been—me, Kol, Elijah and Niklaus. You can't stand it. You can't stand it that we're bound and steadfast no thanks to you, for it surely was not our upbringing."

Caroline shakes her head. "You have to leave them alone. Leave your children alone. Just get out of their way! Can't you see the good in them, because all I see is the viper and coward in you," she hisses, her tone dropping.

Esther draws back.

Caroline feels like her heart froze for an instant, but it's pounding now, and blood rushes to swell her nerves.

"Klaus is wonderful," she utters. "He's breathtaking. He's perfect. Stop depreciating him and start dignifying what is good. You gave him nothing! You said nothing. Your silence and lies belittled him and I have seen all his faces. Some of us want your son. I want him! You can't take him away from me. I love him. We need Klaus."

Esther's lips press together in a slight grimace. "Yes, I see that," she says. "I'm at a loss for words but pleased to hear it nonetheless"

"Pleased?" scowls Rebekah. "Liar!"

Liz's face contorts.

"Rebekah!" scolds Caroline. "You're scaring her."

Liz drifts off, her eyes locked. A fresh batch of tears scald Caroline's face.

"She's still with us, sweetie," Miss Sheila offers support. "Elizabeth is still here, but we popped in to see you, Caroline. Child, we're not here to harm your mother. How can you even think that? Your Bonnie's best friend."

"Because you hate vampires and she's supposed to defend our town from them. Instead, she's been covering for us—harbouring me."

"You are far from the predators and monstrosities I accidently created," bids Esther. "My dear, you are incredible in only beautiful ways."

Caroline swallows, flummoxed.

"There's been a lot of talk about you on the other side, Caroline. You handle what you are awfully well, and people are impressed, maybe even a little bit jealous," says Sheila. "But those fixated on Klaus have no choice but to come to know you as well. Quite some company you're keeping these days, angel. That original hybrid is consumed by you. You're like an extension of that man and you're amending what the books will say about the Mikaelsons without even knowing it."

"Get on with it!" interjects Rebekah. "What the bloody hell are you really here for? Are you seriously trying to praise her or are you here to punish her for granting our family a semblance of peace and unity?"

"Caroline knows I don't get involved in vampire business," says Sheila. "But, I knew her as a girl. I don't care what the other witches have to say about me, but that girl still lives inside her and I fight for the girl. I've seen it. We've all seen it. In fact, I caught Esther watching over some of the same people I look over myself," explains Sheila. "We had different reasons for it, but we found common ground when we both started rooting for Caroline. We want her safe. We want you happy, angel. You certainly deserve a better father but at least you landed a man who outright cherishes you. He's changing, angel."

"You changed him," Esther cuts in. "These days, my children take my breath away as well. My darling Rebekah seems to have found a sister and I'm so happy for you," she says, shifting her gaze towards Rebekah. "You are simply splendid, my daughter, and I returned for the sole purpose of assisting this admirable woman and mother with her fight to protect her only child, a child I will look over and protect whenever I can, for she is now a member of our family."

"You stopped being our family ages ago," rebukes Rebekah.

Caroline brings a shaky hand to her forehead, pinching between her eyes. She thinks she should sit down, her balance tested, but she pushes through the fog and dizziness, sucking in a quick breath.

"When a door starts to open for someone out here to get to the side that's waiting for them," enlightens Sheila, "others may try to wedge their way out from one opening and into another. We squeezed though, angel. Elizabeth will soon be off to somewhere else that has nothing to do with us, but we scrammed out of there just to get to you."

"You are being hunted, and my son is desperate to protect you. His father and I found each other again and we are here to help. That is a promise."

"Father?" mutters Rebekah. "You brought father back? You do intend to kill us!"

"Not your father," cautions Esther. "Niklaus' father."

Rebekah jumps back as Caroline stiffens.

"And I agreed to join them," says Sheila.

"Trust that we have every intent to return where we came from so to guard any entry into this world. Your friend Bonnie needs protection, too, Caroline."

"Don't speak to her!" yells Rebekah. "Niklaus would rip your tongue out if you dare."

"Rebekah, let's just listen," Caroline urges. "Mom wants us too."

Rebekah nods slightly, her hands clenched.

"There are witches who find nothing to do but hate my granddaughter's friendships and decisions," adds Sheila.

"And Caroline needs protection from her father and Niklaus' enemies. Each of my own children need protection. Many, dead or alive, thrive on just their refusal to see any Mikaelson happy. So, we mean to return just so we can prevent anyone from coming through to hurt those we love."

"You see," adds Sheila. "Elizabeth will be amongst the pure. That's her side. Your father is in limbo because he was half-way to turning, and the rest of us are on that infamous other side."

Rebekah and Caroline scan the sheriff's body, relief dawning on their faces as they acknowledge Liz is still with them. Caroline grips her friend's arm, imparting encouragement.

"Caroline?" Sheila interjects. "I take it you like my gift," she says, regarding the necklace.

Caroline's hand grazes the pendant. "Is that why you're here—my necklace?" she inquires. "Oh God. Please don't tell me I just unleashed everyone from the other side because I put this thing on. Klaus will never make me hear the end of it."

Caroline startles when she witnesses Esther chortle an almost embarrassed laugh.

"Brava, mother," Rebekah cuts in. "You've decided to endanger your children once again. Honestly, I don't know why I'm even surprised, but do tell who else you've dragged up here from hell? Actually, let me tell you something. If Niklaus so hears word that you merely looked at this one the wrong way…" she says, pointing a finger at Caroline, "he'll tow you down himself to wherever you came from, inhabit hell for the rest of time just to torture you and keep you away from his beloved."

Esther draws in a breath and Rebekah holds her fire.

"He has your cheekbones," mutters Caroline. "Niklaus," she clarifies. "I can see a resemblance."

Esther's eyes narrow. "Is that so?" She smiles. "You'd do well not to share that with my son. He will ask your friend Bonnie for a new face," she jests.

Sheila inhales. "Oh, and you'll tell my granddaughter I say hello."

"Of course," Caroline answers softly. "Can I call her? Is there time? She'll want to see you."

Rebekah shakes her head, exasperated. "Just tell us what this is all about," she demands.

"No, angel. There's not enough time," the Bennett witch replies, glancing over to Liz.

Caroline's gut lurches. She staggers in place.

"Tell us now!" Rebekah insists.

"Again, it's not like me to get into vampire business, but this struck a chord and I struck a deal with the original witch. Your present enemies are close. In fact, we know exactly where they're lurking, and we want you to surprise them—not the other way around."

"How do you know?"

"I told you. We've been keeping tabs on Mystic Falls."

"Where are they?"

"There's some time, but first, you need to hear why I gave you that necklace in the first place, angel."

Caroline nods.

"I always knew you were meant for miraculous things," says Sheila. "You look just like what everyone hopes an angel will look like—luminous hair, radiant eyes, a mellifluous laugh and a soft, musical voice… You could compel the devil and you did."

"With all due respect, Miss Sheila, but you don't know him. He's not the villain in my book and I don't appreciate your insinuations about Klaus."

"Klaus is good to you. I get it. Nevertheless, I just thought I'd protect you when I heard vamps were in town because you're exactly who they'd want in their possession. Damon Salvatore got to you, and I got to his necklace. That was Bonnie's. It belonged to our family, and so I gave you another one in exchange, except I juiced it up a little, lacing it with a protection spell. If you could use a witch, I'd sense it. If there was something I could do to help, I'd know."

"So, this is why you popped up?"

"Not really. We were trying to break out before you even slipped that pendant on. Elizabeth's dream came from me, angel. Her door was opening, Caroline, and once the light from her side streamed underneath the crack of our door, we connected to where we wanted to go, and the necklace and my living grimoire all worked to pull me in. I just hauled a few extra people to come up for a visit who I believe want to help you."

"Where is he… Klaus' father? Does he want to meet Klaus?" Caroline asks.

"I am certain he does," says Esther. "But, Ansel is just as eager to meet you. As Sheila said, you are amazing, my dear girl, and Ansel and I are indebted for what you have bestowed on our son. I do not believe you truly understand what you have given our boy, and it is twice as much for me. You are kind to all my children."

"I still don't believe it," Rebekah cuts in. "Witches despise my mother. She created vampires! Why the sudden change of heart?"

"Because I saw what was happening here, especially to Caroline," replies Sheila. "And Esther came to me as a mother, not a witch. It's time I start listening to my heart and gut. Ain't no-one gonna tell me who I can or cannot help. Now, you need to stop wasting time because we're here as long as Elizabeth's here.

Caroline swallows. "What does that mean?"

"It means she's drifting fast, but we're only putting our noses into this if you agree. That's our promise to ourselves and to some decent sisters on the other side. We'll forego another second here if you want us gone, or we can lead the way so you catch those wolves. It's up to you, angel."

"It is true," says Esther. "I am afraid we cannot say another word until you approve. It has been imposed this way. We will not trespass against your wishes. Our good sisters will see to it from the other side."

"Please," croaks another voice, equally startling the blondes.

Rebekah and Caroline whoosh to the threshold of Liz's lavatory.

A man is buried in the dark, standing awkwardly against a wall.

"Please, forgive me," he says. "I, too, come in peace. I humbly expected that a gent in a lady's private chambers was not something Elizabeth would appreciate," he says, his voice wavering. "That is why I hide. I mean no harm."

The man's nerves make his Adam's apple bob, much like someone else Caroline has come to know.

She's dumbfounded. "Oh my God."

"At long last, it is a pleasure to finally meet you, dear Caroline," says Ansel.

Caroline crosses her arms, clutching her chest. "What do you want?"

"To meet my son," Ansel reacts promptly. "Simply to tell my boy that I always had faith in him even when he made it so gruelling to watch. His father had faith in him."

"Those wolves have one of us working with them," interrupts Sheila. "She had a hand in killing an innocent human, your friend Miss Elma, and she'll get hers for misusing our gifts. There's a price for that and we all want her to pay for her misconduct. On top of that, she thinks she can get her hands on my grandbaby's grimoire—my family's book. That's her goal. If that ain't a fool then I don't know who is."

"And I can assist to subdue the wolves she has merged with, the very ones who want to harm you," adds Ansel.

"How?" tests Rebekah. "Do you think you're a match after you've been dead for so long when they're very much alive and shifting?"

"I am the original hybrid's father. My blood runs and replenishes in Niklaus' veins. They will know this and surrender one way or another."

"We know how to get out of that bubble Bonnie put up without crossing any of your friends out on patrol or even taking it down, and we'll block the way for that band of menaces that's trying to come into town. Those no-goods want my grandbaby to craft them a bunch of rings."

"As an ancient Alpha, I perceive little if no decency in the shifters your father familiarized himself with," says Ansel, sympathetically. "They do not deserve alleviation of any kind."

"But, we must do this with you, Caroline," urges Esther. "You must confirm for our few, benevolent sisters that you support our mission and stand by us—alone. This task is all for you, and Ansel will not meet Niklaus unless we have carried out what we promised we came here to do. We cannot move forward without you and only you."

"Trust me," says Sheila. "I want to see my Bonnie again, but there are vows we must esteem to for this chance to help you. We're just sticking to our promise, angel.

Rebekah scoffs. "You honestly believe I'm letting her walk out of here with the lot of you!"

"Rebekah," chides Caroline.

"No! Don't you dare, Caroline. Nik would never agree to this."

"It isn't up to Nik, is it!"

"I forbid it."

"Mom looked like she wanted us to trust them," Caroline wails. "She must know something or maybe it's a mother's instinct, I don't know. But, look at her, Beks," she says, returning to Liz's side. "She finally looks so serene, like she's sorted things out and she's prepared," she says, her voice breaking. "I have to go with my gut. I'm going to trust them," she declares.

Caroline's gaze rises to meet the witches. "Okay, I'm going to trust you."

They nod, and Ansel steps out. "Before you authorize this there is more for you to know prior to moving ahead." He regards his traveling companions sternly. "Tell her everything."

Author's Message: Oh boy. Stay tuned as Caroline prepares to disobey Rebekah and Klaus. Cross your fingers with me that she'll make the right decision.