The Merge {Part 2}

Disclaimer - (Cause fanfiction is tricky ground and I hope not to offend the creator of the original story and get sued)

I do not own "The Vampire Diaries", it belongs to its original creator Kevin Williamson, Julie Plec, and L. J. Smith. Nor do I own "The Originals", which belongs to it's rightful creator Julie Plec, Michael Narducci, Leslie Morgenstein, Gina Girolamo. This is only a fanfiction that I was inspired to write by the original work. Please support the official release of "The Vampire Diaries" and "The Originals". Most of the media - such as the art and illustrations, gifs, video's, etc. used in this fanfiction - are from the web. Thus, most of them aren't mine (because I really, really can't draw) unless mentioned. To fit the story, images are also edited by various apps and websites. So they aren't mine, just edited.

Also if you own a picture or Video that I found online, and you either want your name added, or me to take it down. Please contact me and we can talk it out. P.s. I also ask that you do not copy my work and publish it onto any other website.

If you're gonna use my idea, please ask me (If you ask nicely, I for sure, will agree). If I don't contact you within a week, then just assume I'm giving you the all clear and go for it. Just remember to credit me and the story you are getting the idea from.

Warnings: Hayley Bashing, Cami Bashing, Davina Bashing

Info You Might Need To Know: 'Thoughts', "Speaking", No Hallow,

Word Count: 5.3K

Summary: The girls are turning 17, and Caroline has exhausted all options finding a way to stop the merge, all but one. So Caroline calls Bonnie, and heads off to New Orleans with her daughters and her best friend… (Josie will throw down any day, any time for her mother; and Lizzie is already planning out her room in the Mikaelson mansion)

Today's Special

I'll wait for you because I don't want anyone else.

~Unknown

Caroline could feel her heartbeat pick up. She could feel it pounding in her ears so loud, that she wouldn't be surprised if Klaus and his hybrid hearing could pick it up. Looking at the 'three minutes remain until destination'. Really made her realize that what she was about to do was real.

Lizzie and Josie were still asleep in the back seats, well Bonnie was playing around nervously with her third Starbucks cup.

She nearly jumped when the voice of the GPS rang out, "Turn right at the next intersection."

"Is it too late to turn back now?" Bonnie asks, butterflies moving around in her stomach. She wasn't scared of seeing Klaus. But Kol…

"Where in his city. What do you think?" Caroline retorted. Her nervousness makes her snappy. "I know I'd get a call from him the second I so much as take a wrong turn. You can forget about turning around. There's no going back."

Caroline took a few deep breaths, trying to calm her frantic heart beat as she pulled up the driveway.

As Caroline parked, Bonnie reached over and gently began shaking the girls awake. "Lizzie, Josie. Come on girls. Rise and shine. Time to get up."

Josie groaned and sat up straighter, she stretched her arms above her head. Or at least as much as she could inside the car.

Lizzie, who was curled into a ball against the door. Was a lot harder to wake up.

The girls stepped out of the car, Josie couldn't help but gulp at the sight of the intimidating mansion in front of them.

Caroline saw this, and grabbed the brunette's hand. Pulling her close to whispered reassuringly told her, "It's gonna be fine. No one's gonna hurt you."

"Of course not love." A voice with a British accent spoke up. "I've ensured that nobody in this city would even think about it." Klaus said, smiling charmingly at the girls.

Bonnie crossed her arms over her chest, not at all impressed. It seemed Klaus Mikaelson still hadn't changed. But Bonnie couldn't help but smirk as she saw that the man still only had eyes for her best friend.

Lizzie froze in fear. This was Klaus Mikaelson. The greatest evil… making heart eyes at her mother?

Lizzie couldn't decide if she should be scared, or disgusted.

Taking a closer look at the older vampire, she realized that he definitely was Hope's father. The clear distinct feature that both Mikaelson's shared was definitely their striking blue eyes. But it wasn't just that. Lizzie could recall seeing Hope mirror the exact same expression her father was wearing several times.

Caroline smiled, a little too sweetly "Good. Because the second I so much as think the girls are in any sort of danger. I'm leaving, and I'm never setting foot in this city again. And you can say goodbye to Rome, Paris, and Tokyo as well."

Josie stared at her mother nervously. Did she just threaten Klaus Mikaelson!

But to her surprise Klaus, without missing a beat, said, "Of course." Accepting her terms at once.

Lizzie blinked at the display in confusion. Were they… flirting?

"Why don't you come inside love. I'm sure our conversation would be better suited there." Klaus told her, offering her arm.

Caroline stared at it for a moment before accepting. She tried to remain impassive to the warmth touching her fingertips. But failed to fight the smile that rose on her face.

Bonnie looked at the girls, who were still rooted to their spots. "Come on." She encouraged them. The girls were in unfamiliar territory. So even Lizzie, the outspoken twin, had quitted down, and listened without any protest.

Caroline lets Klaus lead her into what she assumes is the living room. She could see Hayley standing in a corner with her arms folded over her chest. Hope and Kol are sitting on a couch, with Rebekah, and a brunette that she didn't recognize, each in arm chairs.

Hope instantly springs up, and runs towards her. Caroline laughs, welcoming the hug. Their little reunion is interpreted when Hayley asks, "Excuse me! How the hell do you know her?"

Caroline glares at the tone in the women's voice. "I helped her win Miss Mystic Falls." Caroline answers.

Two years ago, Hope had come to her asking for her help in the pageant. Hayley had been spending all her time with the pack, so her father suggested she start a little project. Hope remembered that the blond had helped Lizzie win the year before, and knew that Josie had her plate full this year and wouldn't be entering the next. So she had approached the former winner with her request.

Caroline was more than happy to agree. So they spend every Wednesday afternoon and Saturday mornings practicing and building up her resume for the pageant,

Hope's main concern was how her father would react to the dancing portion. She remembered him being furious and threatening to fly in and compel the judges to forget about it, one afternoon. And the next, he was completely fine with it. She suspected that her mentor had something to do with it, but just couldn't ever confirm it.

"Wait, when did you even enter?" Hayley asks, surprised.

"Two years ago mom." Hope answers rolling her eyes.

"Oh, I'm so sorry honey." Hayley says sympathetic, thinking her daughter hadn't won.

"What do you mean?" Caroline asks, raising an eyebrow.

Hayley glares at her, "Just because you got first place, and then sabotaged my daughter. Doesn't mean you need to rub salt in her wounds."

"Excuse me?" Caroline glares at her. She could hear Rebekah and Kol laughing in the background. The man whispered something about a 'cat fight' gleefully. "I helped her win first place. She got a crown, sash and everything. She led the event the following year."

"What?" Hayley asks, turning to her daughter. "Why didn't I ever see any of it?"

"They're in my room." Hope answers, glaring at her mother. "You were so busy with the pack, you didn't even know I entered." At this, Hayley was at a loss of words. But Hope still wasn't done. If her mother wanted to know, fine, she'd tell her. "Dad even had a picture of it framed in his office."

Caroline instantly knew what picture he was talking about. She had taken a picture of Hope in the blue ball gown he had given to her years ago for the Mikaelson Ball. She had just received her crown and sash, and was waving at the crowd. You could see the diamond bracelet Caroline was wearing dangling from her wrist, on the corner of the picture.

"You framed it?" The youngest vampire in the room asked.

Klaus, with his hands clasped behind his back, smiled. "It would have been a crime not to." The picture wasn't only a reminder of the time Caroline and Hope had spent together, bonding. But it was also a reminder that she had kept the dress, despite how she had stormed out of the ball in anger.

"Hey Hope." Josie smiled, happy to see another familiar face.

"Hey. Where's your sister?" Hope asked. If Josie was here, then Lizzie wouldn't be two far behind. The twins were rarely ever seen without each other.

"Right here." Lizzie yawns, from next to Bonnie. The blond was leaning against her aunt, still trying to fight the sleep.

Bonnie was staring a head. Caroline followed her gaze to find her locking eyes with Kol. Almost as if the two were in a world of their own.

"Bonnie…" Kol says, almost breathlessly

"Hey Kol." The witch replies, trying to sound casual. As if she didn't have a thousand butterflies in her stomach.

Davina watched the exchange, with pain and envy visible on her face. She hadn't been able to get Kol. Even after she'd brought him back to life, she wouldn't ever be able to get him. She may have brought him back from the other side, but he couldn't bring back his heart, because it already belonged to another witch. So all she could do is be envious over what she never had, and wouldn't be able to ever get.

Rebekah leans back in her seat. Watching the exchange, and Davina's face with a smile. She knew all that Bonnie had done for her brother when he was dead. If it hadn't been for the witch. The man might have actually lost it on the other side.

But what truly earned her gratitude towards the witch, was how she didn't forget him, even when she came back to life. She could have easily moved on with her life. But she didn't. For that, not just Rebekah, but all the Mikaelsons would always be thankful.

Then there was also Davina. The witch had the power of the harvest at her disposal and had gotten way too cocky with it. She needed to be cut down. And if anyone could put her back in her place. It would be the Bennett witch. One of the oldest living bloodlines in the world. Descending from the witch who created the first immortal herself.

The gears in Caroline's mind began turning as she watched the sparks fly between Kol and Bonnie. She was mainly here to find a solution for the merge… but she has always been a great multitasker. Who says she can't get Kol and Bonnie together by the end of this trip. Judging by the look on Rebekah's face, the blond original was definitely aboard the ship.

Unfortunately for the blond shippers, the moment was ruined when two people entered the room.

One was a tall, dark skinned vampire. The other was an older, blond haired woman with blue eyes. A human.

Klaus' eyes dart between Caroline and Cami, an uneasy feeling rising in his chest. He opened his mouth, instantly wanting to clarify any misconception Caroline may have had.

But it was too late.

Caroline had already seen how the other blond looked at Klaus.

She liked him.

Caroline could have sworn that she was past feeling insecure and letting other people get to her. But she couldn't help the feeling of insecurity that began bubbling in her chest.

Josie's eyes darkened as they instantly caught the brief flash of hurt that crossed her mother's face. Caroline was quick to cover it with her usually cheerful smile. But it was too late.

Her mother was kind and loyal. Josie knew from personal experience that people often mistook that for weakness.

Klaus Mikaelson or not.

No one hurts her mother.

No. One.

"You certainly have a type." Josie commented, glaring at the human and the hybrid.

Klaus resisted the urge to wince at the sharp tone in the teenager's voice. Great, his first impression on Caroline's daughters, and one of them already thought he was a man-whore who didn't value their mother.

Kol's shoulders began shaking as he watched the show. Here was the big bad, original hybrid. And he was nearly shaking from one young woman's comment. Though in his defense, she was the precious daughter of the love of his life. Still, didn't make his brother's suffering any less humors to the youngest male original.

Rebekah decided to add fuel to the fire. "Well that's one way to put it. I guess his type would be, blond, blue eyed. Oh, their names starting with Ca, and ending with E, are a must." the blond drawled. Smirking at her brother. Pay back was a bitch. Not like he could exactly threaten to dagger her when he was still trying to salvage whatever chance he may have off making a good impression on the twins.

Caroline crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow and shook her head. Ok. Whatever insecurity she may have had, just went down the drain. "That's just desperate."

Kol, who started full on cackling after his future sister-in-law's comment, managed to get out, between laughs. "Oh, fun fact. He always preferred her full name. Guess we finally know why."

Klaus' eyebrow twitched. Oh he was so going to make him pay for that latter. He turned his gaze towards Caroline, completely ignoring Cami's open mouth and offended gaze, he decided to focus on his main priority.

"Love, listen-" The hybrid tried to explain, but was cut off by Bonnie.

"Oh, you better have a damn good explanation Mikaelson. Or I'm one step away from giving you the aneurysm of a lifetime. The excuse better be good, if you made her promises, AFTER getting the were-slut pregnant, and now have a cheap, wish ordered, Caroline imitation, hanging off of you." Bonnie huffed, glaring at the man.

"He's the original hybrid." Marcel points out. "You do know threatening him is a one way ticket to the grave right."

Kol knew exactly what Marcel was trying to do, and let out a growl. Sitting up, he was about to snap Marcel's neck. But was stopped by the witch raising her hand. Bonnie was flattered he was sticking up for her. But she could fight her own damn battles.

She sent a aneurysm towards Marcel, one that brought Marcel to his knees. Davina gasped, and tried to attack Bonnie, only for the witch to put up a barrier spell. The harvest girl's spell not even affecting her. "Now, let's make one thing perfectly clear. I am a Bennett witch. A very powerful one at that. So hybrid or not, I can take him. But even if I was a weak, pathetic little human such as that cheap knock off. He still couldn't lay so much as a finger on me. Because the second he does, he can kiss 'however long it takes' goodbye." Bonnie finished, finally stopping her spell, leaving Marcel gasping for breath.

Cami watched the scene, envy filling her gaze. "Do you really love her that much? That you'd let her friend attack you without retribution?" She asked. She knew that if Davina even tried something like that, even if it was to protect her, he'd have her dead within an instant.

"If she's doing it for Caroline. Then yes." Klaus answered without any hesitation, surprising Josie and Lizzie. Lizzie glanced at Josie, who finally stopped glaring at the man. Maybe they'd need to reevaluate their impression of the man. Klaus wasn't lying either. He knew that if he ever hurt Caroline, he'd gladly take whatever spell the witch would throw at him.

Rebekah laughed, "Please. Why do you think Mystic Falls is still standing despite their constant attempts to stand in our way or kill us. Honestly, if it weren't for Caroline, none of their plans against my brother would have even taken off."

"You knew?" Caroline asked, surprised, before sighing. "Of course you knew." He was a thousand year old hybrid. Of course he knew a distraction when he saw it. Yet he continued to let her play her games.

Turning her eyes heaven word, Bonnie groaned. "Of course they knew. I'm willing to bet Kol's death was nothing short of a miracle baby between a fluke, and pure dumb luck."

Kol laughed, swinging an arm over the Bennett witches shoulder, "I'm flattered you think so highly of me."

Davina watched the display, with her heartache and anger clearly painted on her face. Kol wasn't necessarily opposed to physical touch. In fact, ever since he was resurrected, he tended to pull people closer on sudden whims. But the way he held Bonnie, the way his hand gently clasped her arm. It was almost tender. As if he had been longing for her touch for years.

Before Davina knows what she's doing, she feels her magic take over and launch towards Bonnie. Within an instant, the Bennett's eyes flash with danger, as she stops the spell. Neutralizing it before it can reach her.

This only made the witch angrier, so she turned her anger towards someone she could actually touch. The youngest vampire.

The reaction to Caroline clutching her head in pain is instantaneous. Rebekah is jumping to her feet, Hayley pulls Hope back, but the brunette shakes off her mother's hold.

Klaus rushes to Caroline's side, wrapping his arms around her protectively. Before Davina knows what's happening, Bonnie's magic has slammed her into a wall. Causing her to lose hold of her spell.

Marcel tries to defend his wall, but is quickly groaning in pain as a result of Lizzie and Josie's combined magic.

All Cami could do was watch as everyone rushed to protect the blond. Her heart clenched in pain as she watched Klaus tenderly hold Caroline. She'd been in danger many times. And every time, Klaus had chosen to pressure the enemy, vs comforting her. But not with Caroline. He had chosen to protect her, over everything else.

Davina tried to escape the hold of Bonnie's magic in vain. "How are you so strong? I have the power of the harvest on my side!"

"Are you deaf? Did you not hear what I just said about being Bennett?" Bonnie asks, squeezing her fist tighter so the younger witch is gasping for breath.

"So what? What's so special about the Bennett's?" Davina asks. Still not able to wrap her head about their being a stronger witch than her.

Kol sighed. "The Bennett's are one of the oldest living witch bloodlines in the world. Over two thousand years old. Qetsiyah. Without argument was one of the most powerful witches of her time - the one who created the first immortal, and a Bennett. Ayana. She was my mother's mentor, and helped develop the vampirism spell. The brotherhood of five, was also created by a Bennett witch. Abby, Bonnie's mother. Was able to take on our father, the destroyer and seal him away for decades. Well Bonnie here. She brought the dead back to time, survived expression magic, lowered and raised the veil; and was the anchor to the other side." Kol explained.

Marcel's eyes widened. He had heard stories of the Bennett witches. But hearing them all at once, truly makes you realize how powerful their dynasty truly is. His panicked gaze met Davina's. What had she done!

But Davian, angry, turned her head to the other side. Refusing to meet his gaze and acknowledge his mistake. She was supposed to be the strongest witch in the quarter! She should be Kol's favorite! Not some witch who came out of nowhere.

But Davina wasn't the only one angry. Once Klaus knew Caroline was fine, his inner wolf began growling as his eyes bleeded into gold. "That's it. Anyone who isn't a Mikaelson, leave! Or I'll rip out your intestines and choke you with them." He growled.

Bonnie dropped the now quiet Davina, letting Marcel catch her and flash away. But Cami and Hayley were still in there.

Josie and Lizzie looked at each, confused if they should leave or stay. Turns out, they didn't need to voice their question, Cami did it for them. "Shouldn't that include them as well." The bartender asked.

Klaus' fists clenched and he was one step away from carrying out his threat, when Caroline grabbed his hand. Clasping it firmly in hers, she shook her head. In the past fifteen minutes. Her impression of Cami had been less than stellar. But the last thing Caroline wanted was for Klaus to rip out someone's organs in front of her daughters. Cami had already made a dent in Klaus' impression on Josie. The human's death wouldn't be doing him any favors.

To everyone's surprise, Rebekah got up, and began walking toward Camille. The human opened her mouth, but was shushed by Rebekah in an instant. "Now let me share something with you, Clammy. It's not a matter of if, only WHEN Bonnie and Caroline will AGREE to let my brother's put rings on their fingers. Then both Bonnie and Caroline, Lizzie and Josie as well, without question will be Mikaelson's. Again, it's only a matter of when, not if. So until that time comes. It's safe to assume that they are unofficial Mikaelson's. Well you are clearly not. Now get out. Because the last time I checked, you can't regrow your intestines." In the face of Rebekah's dismissal, all Cami could do was turn on her heels and run out of the room.

Rebekah turned around to see some surprised gazes and scowled. "What, I meant what I said. Unofficial Mikealson's. And I'd be damned if I let anyone speak to a Mikaelson like that and get away with it." Rebekah then turned her attention towards Hayley, "As for you. You may have given birth to Hope. But that still doesn't make you a Mikaelson. So go back to your pack in the swamp. You know, the one you call family and have put before your own daughter. Several times."

Hayley looked offended and turned to Hope. But she got no sympathy from her daughter who only glared at her. It was true. Hayley had abandoned Hope several times, so she could be with the pack. "Just leave mom."

Kol laughed as he watched Hayley leave with her tail tucked between her legs. He then turned to Bonnie and pulled the witch close, "So how about that ring?"

Bonnie hummed, "How about no."

Seeing the couples, Hope turned to Lizzie and Josie. "How about I give you guys a tour."

Lizzie looked like she was about to turn her down, but Josie pinched her sister. "We'd love that." She answered, pulling her sister with her as she followed Hope out of the room. Rebekah also taking this chance to leave her siblings alone with their girls.

Lizzie rubbed her arm where her sister had pinched her. "What was that for?"

"To give mom and Mr. Mikaelson some alone time." Josie answered.

Lizzie scoffed, "Yeah. After your little stunt, we may as well start calling him dad."

"Hey. He's not that bad." Hope defended her father. At the looks the twins gave her, she decided to back paddle a bit. "Well, he's not that bad when he's on your side. From what I hear, he's saved your mother multiple times."

"He has?" Josie asked, surprised.

Hope nodded. "Yeah. I mean it took me a while to connect the dots. Your mother's been poisoned by werewolf venom. Several times in fact. And until I was born, the only cure was my father's blood." she sighed and led them to her father's studio. "If that doesn't convince you. Then this should." she said, opening the door.

Josie and Lizzie looked around the room, their jaws hanging open. There were various paintings and art works in the room. There were sketches, landscapes, portraits and even random pieces thrown into the bunch. But when category dominated all else. Their mother. There must have been at least thirty pieces of her in here alone.

"I think mom has a stalker." Josie whispered.

Lizzie nodded, but brightened up. "On the other hand. I want the room at the top of the west tower."

Hope shrugged, "By all means. But advance warning. If you want your boyfriend to survive. There are two things you might want to keep in mind. Make sure your first meeting with my father is in public, with your mom around. And whatever you do, do not leave him alone with dad. And last but not least, I recommend having their funeral planned out before your wedding."

Klaus turned to Caroline, "I believe I still owe you a tour as well."

As tempting as the offer sounded, Caroline shook her head, "No." She couldn't get distracted. "The merge first."

Klaus visibly deflated a bit. "All right. What do you have so far?"

"We know we have until their 22nd birthday to find a way out, or they will have to perform it." Caroline said, taking a seat.

"As a result, their consciousness and magic merge together… so they can become stronger." Bonnie added.

"Do you know what will happen if the merge doesn't happen?" Klaus asked.

"Yeah. Apparently they will start to lose their magic, weaken and then die." Caroline said, her voice growing quieter with every word.

"Well the more detailed explanation would be that their body automatically starts getting ready for the merge," says Kol. "When they turn 21, the process begins. After that, they begin to weaken, and die."

"What's the trigger?" Bonnie asked.

"There isn't one." Kol shook his head, his voice growing serious. "Every pair of Gemini twins are born with this self triggering gene. But to make sure they only have one leader, and no competition for power. The clan prevents any other pair of twins they may have, from performing the merge. Letting them die."

"That's sick." Caroline said, disgusted. She then turned to Klaus, "How do you guys know all this? I've talked to the remaining members as well. Yet none of them knew this."

Klaus looked like he was trying to find the right words, as not to set Caroline off. "They knew," he said. "It's more like they choose not to tell you."

"Yet they were so forthcoming with you?" Bonnie asks, raising an eyebrow. "Of course they were. They must have sat them down and offered them tea." the witch said sarcastically.

Klaus glares at her, "Well let's just say we weren't afraid to get our hands dirty to get information."

Kol scoffs, "Oh please. Who are you trying to lie to. We all know that wasn't your only reasoning."

Caroline turns to Klaus with her arms crossed, "What does he mean by that."

"He found out how much choice you really got in carrying your little bundles of joy, and wasn't all too happy. You've met Katty. You know he can hold a grudge. He just found a legitimate reason to carry it out." Kol says, without giving his brother any time to think of an answer.

Bonnie scofs, "Like he's ever needed one before."

"I have killed 12 witches for Bonnie before. I'm not one for torture, but if it saves the girl's lives…" Caroline shook her head, "Well, I didn't go through labor and nearly died carrying them for nothing."

"What do you mean you nearly died?" Klaus growled.

"Well, the girls are siphoners. So they began siphoning the magic out of me when they were still in my womb. Luckily Bonnie was able to find a solution to that problem." Caroline answered.

Just then Kol shot up. "That's it! Their siphoners. That's the answer."

"What do you mean? How's that the answer?" Bonnie asked, still lost.

Kol shot a look at the girls, "Don't you girl's remember your run in with the heretics?"

"Yeah. I try to forget that on the account of the torture and vervain skin." Caroline said, her eyes then widened when she realized what Kol was getting at. "Wait, you want to turn them?!"

"Wait, here me out before you go all mama bear and Klaus decides to dagger me to get into your pants again." Kol said, holding his hands up in the air. "They would still have their magic, since they'd become their own source. And we just have to do it before their twenty-first birthday. Because of this, the gene will remain untriggered."

"Like a werewolf one." Bonnie nodded.

Klaus looked like he was coming around to his brother's idea as well, "The choice would remain theirs. But right now. This may be our only solution."

Klaus turned to Caroline, her eyes were bright and shining, glossy with unshed tears. "The merge doesn't have to happen." The mother cried, tears of joy spilling down her cheeks.

God this was long (and took so long to write!), but it was definitely choppy throughout the entire story. Not my best work, but I do like it. Who knows, maybe when I run out of ideas, I'd come back and work with this idea again. Sorry the update was delayed. But I had covid and a test the next morning from when I was originally planning to post this. So it was delayed a bit.

I'm also thinking of Making a story about a Lucifer crossover. Where the TVD cast goes through the Lucifer story, with some changes of my own - such as more Originals siblings screen time. With Klaus being Lucifer, and Caroline being Chloe of course (And Elijah would be Amenadiel, without question). What do you guys think?

I know your all probably thinking I must have a lot of nerve thinking to post another TVD fanfic. But in my opinion, considering what the writers did to us. There will never be enough Klaroline fanfics. Like how can you use the lines "However long it takes", and "That's the beginning of another story". And then do that to us!

Anyways,

KLAROLINE FOR LIFE!