A/N: Alright guys faur warning, the spacing and format might look a little off as I'm doing this on my phone cause my laptop is dead. Hopefully it turns out okay. Anyway, we get to see someone new this chapter and I think you'll enjoy this. Caroline comes from a bloodline of witches, so let's meet one of her relatives :)
Summary: Klaus was not the only one affected by the hybrid curse, denying him his werewolf side. The curse had a second victim, his wife Caroline, who for a 1000 years he thought was dead. Only days before he is meant to break his hybrid curse, he learns she is alive and closer than he ever imagined. Klaroline!Time travel story.
Chapter Sixteen
The snow had started to fall heavily a week after Caroline had fully recovered, Esther refused to let her and Rebekah leave the house until the snowfall let up which took at least two days. The snow then fluctuated over the next few weeks, being light some days before being incredibly heavy. Caroline knew it was nearing what should be the end of February.
Now that the snow had let up a bit, Rebekah had been taken on a quick trip with her father while all the boys were out in the woods. Esther was giving Caroline a light magic lesson, simple things like levitation, lighting the candles or focusing her powers. Since Caroline's cold however, her magic seemed to be more restless than anything and despite the exercises Esther had taught her, nothing seemed to calm them down. It made Caroline jumpy and over the edge, her patience shorter than normal and her attention either lost in a daze or over focused on one thing.
When the small lesson was over, Caroline said she needed some air and after a few minutes of back and forth, Esther decided to let the girl go. She could feel the magic in Caroline growing unstable, she worried that it would release itself in terrible ways and she needed to find a solution and soon.
The older woman watched as Caroline grabbed her wool shawl and wrapped it tightly around herself, pulling the hood over her head and hiding her blonde curls, she exited the home. Esther had to admit she was worried about the younger girl. Bottled magic if not handled properly would cause more harm than good. She hoped that nothing would come of it.
Caroline had to admit that the winter time here, although much harsher than back home, was even more stunning and beautiful. She longed to play around in the snow, to have a snowball fight or build snowmen, but she feared getting sick again. Getting sick in this time was almost like a death sentence, she couldn't risk it once more or on the others. Her throat dried and she forced herself to breathe in the cold air. Caroline stopped her walk when she realized she had lost sight of the house.
While she knew the direction, she didn't want to go too far and get caught up in the bad weather. However, before she could turn back, she spotted a woman in the distance in clothing that certainly was not from this time. This young woman was walking in her direction, the skirt of her dress too puffy to be of the time period as far as Caroline was concerned.
The entire dress practically screamed royalty in comparison, but even from this distance, Caroline just knew it was more than that. And as the woman came closer, Caroline was also able to pick up on her age, close to her own. When the woman's attention fell on her, Caroline noticed her steps quicken as she rushed over.
"Hey," she called as she made her way through the snow.
Caroline looked around, wondering if the woman was referring to her. When she saw no one else was around, she turned her attention forward.
Now in front of her, the woman flashed her a charming smile and as she spoke her southern accent shined through, "Yes, honey I'm speaking to you. I promise I don't bite Caroline."
Caroline blinked in surprise, "How did you know my name? I haven't seen you around the village before."
"Let's say I'm from outta town," replied the woman, "And not exactly from this time. But then again, neither are you."
Caroline couldn't think of a response. A bit of fear raced through her and she took a slight step back. Her defensive magic wasn't the best, but her offensive magic seemed to be doing just fine. So she would likely have to quicker to react if an attack was coming.
The woman continued on, "I'm originally from the 1600's, turned into a vampire when I was twenty one. Been living the immortal life for a while now and then got called here to help you out."
"Are you, are you a Maclynth witch," Caroline said in a hushed tone.
The woman winked at her, "Atta girl, you catch on quick. I was and when I turned, still kept the magic, but decided to give it up to my younger brother. I'm here to help you."
Caroline visibly swallowed, "Wait- you're a witch and a vampire? How can you be both? That's not possible."
"You're a thousand years in the past and you think there are impossible things? But to answer your question, yes I am a witch and vampire hybrid currently," Lexi told her with a nod, "Long story short, our ancestors said I could keep my vampirism while here to look after and help you."
Caroline nodded, "Here to help me. How?"
"Darling, you have a pretty nice teacher with Esther, one of the Original witches no less, but she doesn't know how to handle your magic, you need some guidance from someone of your bloodline and our dear relatives picked me to do the job," explained the woman, her brown eyes shining with delight, "My name is Alexia, but just call me Lexi. You know Stefan Salavatore, I'm his friend."
"Oh yeah, he's talked about you before," Caroline commented softly, she frowned, "Why couldn't you help me in my time? Why did they send us both back here?"
Lexi frowned at her question, she took a few moments to reply, "In your time we're both vampires. Though I die before you're turned and before your birthday. I can't say for sure they always had it in mind that I would teach you, but that could be a reason."
Caroline felt her heart stop, "Do you know how? I mean I know, I remember when Stefan told us, but I-"
"Yes I know what happens. I came from the late twentieth century and, yes, my clothes are from my time when I was turned, they let me stop there for a minute to get some things before they were lost in a fire and I had to change clothes to blend in better. It was quite the trip. I will likely return to my time with most of the memories of my time here, so I'll make sure he never puts his hands on you," Lexi said, her smile hiding the anger.
"Stefan never-"
"I'm talking about Damon and you know I was, but we don't need to talk about that now."
"I- I okay. If they told you, you all of that then maybe you can stop your death."
"Possibly, but not my concern. I lived a long life, more than most people, so it's fine by me. Now, let's get out of here before you freeze to death. You're shivering."
Caroline then realized that she was freezing, she could barely feel her feet and fingers anymore, her face losing the stinging sensation from the cold.
Lexi tilted her head to the side, studying her descendant with bright eyes. Throughout her life as a vampire, she didn't keep a close eye on her bloodline. Only checking in every so often, she hadn't checked in since the beginning of the 1900s and knew when she returned, would look for Caroline and protect her, if their ancestors allowed it, which they likely would.
On her way here, she had learned just about everything important in Caroline's life, all of the life changing stuff that seemed like a massive invasion of privacy, but necessary if Lexi was going to teach her proper control.
"Do you know how to warm yourself," Lexi asked after a moment more of silence.
Caroline frowned, "I think so."
The younger girl closed her eyes and tried to get her body to warm up, but only managed to make herself colder. The stinging sensation returned, but at a much sharper rate than before. Suddenly, Lexi's hands were gripping her own.
"That is definitely not how it's done," Lexi said with a disbelieving expression, "You were basically draining the magic out of you. While you managed to melt some of the snow at your feet, you also exposed yourself to the cold even more without the protection."
Caroline nodded, she bit back her annoyed reply and said, "Okay, how do I do it then?"
Lexi grinned, "Focus on your heartbeat, breathing and the remaining warmth you have. You know how a fire can pulse? Same principle here. You fuel the metaphorical fire with your breathing."
Caroline took a steadying breath, followed by an even exhale. After doing this a handful of times, her body warmed up and the feeling returned to her hands and feet almost instantly. Her blue green eyes shimmered for a moment, she felt a lot better.
"Nice job," Lexi said as she released her relative's hands, "Next order of business. A cover story for us."
Caroline's eyes widened for a moment, "Yeah, yeah. How am I going to explain to the family I'm living with you're here?"
Lexi replied, her head tilted upward slightly, "I'm your cousin, that's our relation. What did you tell them when you got here?"
"That I had been chased by wolves and the wolves killed my mom and friends," Caroline answered, she glanced around nervously hoping no one was listening.
Lexi put a hand on Caroline's shoulder, "I still have my enhanced abilities from vampirism, if someone was nearby, I'd hear them. We're safe to speak freely here."
Caroline nodded, the tension in her shoulders eased, "Okay, good. So you're my cousin. I guess I had been traveling to see you and when we never showed, you started to search for us."
"Perfect. Then I happened to stop here on my journey and found you," Lexi said grinning, "I will warn you, I won't be able to stay for the duration of your time here. Do you know how long you have?"
Caroline shook her head, "No, I don't."
Lexi nodded in understanding, "They like to do things by months, so whatever number they told, that's how many months you have."
"Nine, they said nine," Caroline said sadly, she looked at the snowy ground, "That means I'll spend a year here."
Lexi tilted her head to the side, "Interesting. Well you'll be happy to know that little time passes in your own time. It will be a year for you, but at the very most a week for those back home."
Caroline felt relief flood her then, that made her feel just a bit better, "That's good. Come on, we should get back."
Lexi smiled sweetly, "Couldn't agree more cous'."
Caroline found explaining to her host family that her cousin had appeared looking for answers on what happened to her family had been much easier than she expected. Lexi was welcomed with open arms and was set up in the same room as Caroline and Rebekah. Henrik and Kol had been with them, but for the time being they would be moved to stay with their brothers.
As the night came, Caroline found herself standing by the well, looking out into the woods with a thoughtful expression. All she could do was think about Lexi, a Maclynth witch sent from her time to help her here. It seemed way too complicated as far as Caroline was concerned, but her best guess was there had to be a reason.
Her mind wandered to the time she had here, nine months. She had eight or maybe a little more than seven left since they told her that number weeks ago. She shut her eyes and struggled to keep herself in check, but the tears were getting harder and harder to fight off.
Niklaus had been watching Caroline for the past few moments, wondering if he should go speak to her or let herself have this time alone. It must have been quite the surprise to run until a relative she had no contact with, though it was suspicious that Caroline never mentioned her.
However Caroline never talked of her family besides her parents, when asked why, she usually brushed it off or didn't answer. Niklaus decided to go talk to her. She would be his wife one day, he wanted to help her in whatever way he could.
"Caroline," he asked as he walked over to her.
Caroline glanced over her shoulder and watched as he came to her side, but she said nothing.
"Are you alright love," Niklaus asked her, his tone concerned.
"Alright," she said quietly then looked away, "I was surprised to see her, I hadn't seen her in years."
Niklaus nodded, "Yet you do not seem happy of her visit."
Caroline found his gaze again, "I am, truly. It's just- She's great and all that, but she's also a reminder to everything, everyone I've lost."
It was then Niklaus understood why her relatives return hadn't made her happy. Though her cousin was alive, it reminded Caroline the loss she suffered when she arrived here all those months ago. How her parents were gone, her friends lost, her life virtually destroyed and it was all coming back to her.
He could see how much she missed her family, how there would be random moments that she would get wrapped in her thoughts of them. Niklaus couldn't imagine the kind of pain she was in. Though death was inevitable, it was something he wished would never come for his family, at least not without him.
"I understand," Niklaus said, he took her hand into his own and continued, "And that loss stays with you, but perhaps this could be a sign of hope. That your loved ones are always with you, or will always find their way back to you."
Caroline offered him a weak smile, "You might be right about that."
"Come on love, you need to get some sleep," Niklaus said, he started moving away and tugged her arm.
Caroline was too tired to fight him, she followed his lead back towards the house. However he stopped the pair of them before they could make it around the corner to the back door. He turned around to face her, his hand still holding her own. Caroline opened her mouth to speak, but no words came as she studied his expression, trying to understand what he was doing. There was a flicker of pain on his face, but Caroline recognize the look after a few moments. He wanted her.
A smile tugged at her lips, she remembered that conversation, "I've already told you I have no objections."
A dry chuckle left him, "I intend do this right, but you make it very difficult."
"How, I didn't do anything," Caroline told him sweetly.
Niklaus leaned in, she could feel his breath on her ear as he said, "You existing is temptation in it of itself."
"I'm sure," Caroline replied, her lips brushing against his cheek.
"Temptress," Niklaus said as he pulled back.
Caroline put her hands on the back of his neck so he couldn't move away, "Goody two shoes."
He raised an eyebrow at the phrase. Caroline mentally cursed herself for that, it wasn't the first time she let something slip out like that. However it was too late to take it back. So she did the only thing she could think of. She pressed her lips against his own and he did not fight her, allowing her access to his mouth as he gained access to her own.
The world disappeared around them, she could feel nothing, but his body pressed against hers and his lips moving with her. Her heart rate picked up in speed, she could hear and feel the heaviness of his breathing as their kiss came to an abrupt end thanks to Rebekah and Lexi.
"I told you," Lexi said with an all too pleased smile.
Rebekah gagged, "You two are gross. Nik, get away from her! Carol, step aside."
Caroline buried her face in Niklaus' shoulder for a moment as she tried to recenter herself form the rollercoaster. If only it were possible to never be away from him, then she would truly be happy and a constant state passionate bliss. For now, she would deal with these stolen moments and interruptions to go with it.
"Do you have nothing better to do sister," Niklaus said lowly, his expression annoyed.
Rebekah crossed her arms over her chest, "I'll have you know I was here looking for Caroline and now I'm scarred for life. And don't you think of taking her virtue before the wedding!"
Caroline shook her head at her friend, "Nothing was going to happen, he refuses consistently."
"Reluctantly," Niklaus admitted with a tight smile.
Lexi laughed at the exchange, "I can only imagine the pain of doing such a thing."
"You wouldn't believe it," Caroline remarked, she glanced at Niklaus, "I'll see you tomorrow morning."
Niklaus kissed her forehead, he whispered, "Until tomorrow sweetheart."
With a sweet grin, Caroline walked away to join Lexi and Rebekah, who were ready to tease her endlessly. Even though she was still trapped in a place without any modern comforts, she'd never been so happy to have something this crazy happen to her.