Chapter Eleven

Homecoming

When he opened his eyes, all he could think of was the burning thirst. His eyes swept around his prison, taking in the blood-splattered dagger next to his coffin, the dank walls, the cloaked figure offering him a struggling human –

"Drink," a voice ordered from under the cloak, slitting the girl's throat and shoving her at him.

He attacked. It took less than a minute to drain her dry, his thirst temporarily slaked. He wiped his mouth as the body fell to the dirt floor. The cloaked figure was watching him.

"Am I still in Pembroke Castle?" he demanded.

A silent nod in the affirmative.

"How long have I been under?"

His cloaked helper did not move.

"What year is it!" he hissed.

"Sixteen-hundred and sixteen." It was a woman.

He roared with fury and flashed around the cell, kicking and punching the stone walls in a frenzy. With bloodied hands, he turned to the metal bars of his prison and wrenched them away. They clanged to the floor. He let out one last bellow before falling to his knees. Dust and debris hovered thickly in the air, but the cloaked woman was unmoved.

"I heard you had a temper," she teased in a raspy voice.

"You would too if you were desiccated for this long," he muttered into the ground.

"Oh, I certainly wasn't judging you. I'm impressed."

He twisted around to appraise the woman. Her hood was pulled low over her face, but there was something about her voice… "Who are you?" he asked in suspicion, rising to his feet with one fluid motion.

"Someone who can be a loyal friend. I think you'll find we may be of mutual assistance to each other," she told him.

He stalked towards her. "Meaning, you want me to repay your favor." He paused a hair's breadth away from her. "And what do you ask in return for taking the dagger out?"

"Protection."

"Who are you?" he asked again and now he reached up and pulled the hood off her face. He frowned in confusion at the familiar brunette…

"Kol, wake up. Kol! KOL!"

"Goddammit, I heard you the first time, Elijah," the Original muttered as he blinked up at his brother.

Elijah, wearing drab clothing and an anxious frown, was offering him a little translucent bag containing blood. Kol glanced around the room as he sat up. They were alone in a dusty old attic with sunlight streaming through the windows. He had a lot of questions for his brother, but his thirst took precedence.

He sucked it down quickly and threw it aside; without speaking, he held out his hand for more. Elijah handed him another bag from a curious white box. The translucent material encasing the blood gave the sustenance a strange taste, but Kol was not in any position to protest.

After five bags, he was strong enough to stand. His joints felt rusted over, but he could feel the blood pounding its way through his newly revived body. He knew from experience his strength would return fast.

"What year is it?" he croaked out.

Elijah adjusted his cufflinks. "It is summer of the year two thousand and ten."

Kol clapped his hands together and strode across the dusty floor of the attic. "That's interesting. I told Nik I wanted to be left in peace for three centuries. Desiccation did not affect my arithmetic – you've shorted me by 81 years."

"I apologize for cutting into your naptime, Kol, but might I remind you that you told Niklaus we could wake you early if either the apocalypse was upon us, or if the family was in the gravest of danger."

"So, which is it?"

"Both."

"Really?"

Elijah was not impressed by the tenor of keen fascination in his voice. His features settled into a stern expression. "Our parents are attempting to eliminate vampirism."

Kol scoffed. "Esther is dead."

"Mikael is resurrecting her."

The younger brother narrowed his eyes minutely. "So what?"

"What do you mean, so what?" Elijah snapped.

"Sorry, brother, but our parents plotting against us is old news," Kol drawled. "Maybe you should jab that shiny dagger right back into place."

They sized each other up.

"Are you going to tell me what's really going on?" Kol demanded.

A muscle in Elijah's jaw twitched. "I believe you are familiar with the legends surrounding Silas, the Immortal Witch."

Kol did nothing but cock his head to one side, a wary look on his face. Elijah continued.

"He has been awakened."

Kol's eyes widened. "By whom?"

"Mikael."

"Impossible."

"I wish, brother. Father stole the Cure from Silas. Our parents now possess the potion that could turn us back into humans."

Kol waved this off. "The Cure doesn't matter-"

"We know there's only one dose, but Esther could find a way-"

"No, it doesn't matter. The problem is Silas himself. He will not rest until he finds the Anchor and destroys it. That is the end of days," Kol insisted.

"Well, he can't trigger the apocalypse from the dungeon we've imprisoned him in."

Kol started. "You've imprisoned Silas?"

"A couple nights back. He'd just finished breaking the Hybrid Curse, so he was weakened."

Several emotions waged a war for dominance over Kol's features. Jealousy won.

"Nik's curse is broken? He's a true hybrid?"

"Yes. In retaliation for Mikael stealing the Cure, Silas forced Niklaus and his victims through the ritual sacrifice using psychic manipulations, giving us what I fear was only a preview of his full power. We were lucky it took so much effort; otherwise, Mariko and Pacari might not have been able to subdue him."

Kol's face was blank with shock. "Mariko and Pacari… Those are two names I'd never dreamed of hearing in the same sentence."

"You've missed a lot, brother."

"Obviously."

"We need to get back to the family; I've already taken too long."

Elijah began gathering his effects. Kol did not move.

"I've always known Silas was the antichrist," he muttered. "But how could he outmaneuver so many of you? What about Caroline?"

Elijah zipped the cooler shut and slid the strap over his shoulder. "Caroline is…indisposed."

"Elijah, I'm afraid my hearing has not entirely recovered."

The older brother ground his teeth. "Silas saw her as a threat to his machinations. He manipulated a Bennett Witch into cursing her, which affected both her abilities and her memory."

"Caroline has amnesia?"

"She has no memory of Niklaus."

Elijah frowned when he saw Kol's confusion morph into juvenile spite.

"You two are going to have to play nice."

"I always play nice."

"History begs to differ. Come on, Kol. We have a long drive ahead of us," Elijah said as he led the way down the rickety staircase.

"Where are we?" Kol asked when they'd reached the first floor. The high windows afforded them a full view of the surrounding rolling hills and lush forest.

"The state of South Carolina in the United States of America."

"You're bloody joking. The American experiment succeeded?"

"Astounding, I know. But these patriots are scrappy survivors. There is much to admire about their culture; though, I will always prefer the old country."

"Glad to see you're still a snob, brother."

"Continuity is key."

"Where are we going?"

Elijah had just opened the front door. He turned around with a rare grin.

"To our place of birth."

"Why?"

"I'll explain everything in the car."

"What's a car?"

Elijah sighed. "This is going to be a steep learning curve."

Quebec, Canada

Late July 2010

The witches were chanting 'round the altar with such intensity, Mikael could see the beads of sweat dripping down their necks. His vampires stood guard in the shadows of the trees.

A trusted coven had told him what was required to raise Esther centuries ago; he'd been collecting the items with painstaking effort ever since, all while hunting his children. Retaliating against Niklaus had always been the first priority. The second was eliminating the rest of his children. Finding the Cure and raising Esther was the ancillary strategy in case all else failed. When he'd discovered in the 19th century that Niklaus' beloved had become a vampire-witch hybrid with her own strain of vampirism, he knew it was time to focus on the back-up plan. He was no longer a threat to Caroline d'Ebanne, and with her and the Undying Witch at their side, his children were too well-protected. He'd doubled his efforts in hunting down their possessions.

By luck, he'd always had Finn's hunting bow. All the rest had taken time. There was a sword left on the strappings of the bastard's favorite horse in 15th century Bulgaria. He'd managed to rip a cravat off Kol's neck during the American War for Independence; his youngest had always been the most reckless. Rebekah was trickier. He'd attempted to get into their abandoned mansion when he'd sacked New Orleans, but the magic protecting it was too powerful. Nevertheless, he'd found a handkerchief in the garden embroidered with the letters R.M.

With nearly all the required objects, he'd switched gears in the latter half of the 20th century, focusing on retrieving Esther's casket. A little manipulation, and he'd gotten it right at the end of the century. But he'd still needed something of Elijah's, who'd proven to be the most elusive child. An old foe of Niklaus' had proven her worth by slipping a Rolex right off his wrist.

Now all of these possessions burned on the altar: Finn's bow, Niklaus' sword, Kol's cravat, Rebekah's handkerchief, and Elijah's watch.

His own blood was the final ingredient before adding Esther's body.

Only a little longer now. A little longer, and he would be reunited with his love.

One of the vampires appeared at his side.

"This had better be important."

She hesitated. "Our spies in Mystic Falls just made contact. They think Silas is there."

Mikael turned away from the altar to glower at his solider. "Why would Silas be in Mystic Falls?"

"He's – they say he's…" she faltered.

The Original grabbed her by the throat. "Speak up!"

"He's bro-broken the Hybrid C-c-curse."

His fangs dropped down and he fed from her. He tossed her to the forest floor with a growl. "Confirm it with your own eyes!"

She coughed on all fours.

"NOW!"

As she stumbled into the night, he patted his breast pocket. The Cure was safe – for now. Silas must have turned Niklaus into a hybrid in retribution for the theft.

His fists shook in fury as he stared into the white-hot flames. During their magic-induced meetings, he'd implored his wife to help him terminate the children. He did not want to overcomplicate matters by involving this so-called Immortal Witch. Wasn't it time for the family to find peace? But she had not budged, insisting they had robbed their children of normal lives; they owed them a human ending. The Cure was the way to change them back, once she figured out the linking spell. Of course, he had not been able to deny her, so he'd tracked down the Hunter, found the body, stolen the Cure, offered it back in return for assistance (a lie), been denied, and fled.

Now he had another enemy of his own creation.

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Tyler was crossing the square to meet up with Matt when Klaus appeared beside him.

"Uh, can I help you?" he asked warily.

"Glad you asked, mate. I need a favor."

He stopped walking and tried his best to look blasé. "Oh yeah? I didn't realize I owed you anything."

Klaus took a step closer. "I don't think you want to play this game with me, Tyler."

Tyler crossed his arms. "What do you want?"

"Stay away from my wife," Klaus warned.

The werewolf had the audacity to look puzzled. "Your wife? I don't-"

Klaus cut him off. "Caroline, you insipid mortal."

Tyler's face cleared. "Yeah, see, we've been going to school with Caroline for two years, so to think of her as a wife is weird, man. She's been helping me with all this werewolf crap. I couldn't have gotten through it without her. She's…special."

The irritation rolling off of Klaus in waves was tangible. "She is special. So special, she took pity on the likes of you. I hope you understand why your little friendship must come to an end."

Tyler cocked an eyebrow at the hybrid. "No."

"Pardon?"

"No, I don't understand why," Tyler snapped, not sure if he was bolstered by courage or stupidity. Or testosterone. "She helps me, I'm thankful, that's it."

"I have a feeling that isn't all there is to it, Lockwood." The hybrid's eyes flashed yellow. "She has amnesia. She needs to heal without any distractions."

"What, are you afraid she'll fall for someone else now that she's forgotten you? Do you fear she'll want nothing to do with you when she realizes what you really are?"

"Is there a problem here?" Sheriff Forbes was standing a few feet away from the two supernatural men, and she did not look impressed. Her stern frown reminded Klaus so much of his wife he ached for her.

"We're all trying to live in harmony, right?" Liz suggested pointedly.

Klaus gave the sheriff a polite smile. This was the woman who had opened her home to him. He had moved out to give his wife some space, but Liz texted him daily updates about Caroline's condition. He did not need to cross her.

"Of course, not, Sheriff. I was just giving Tyler here a friendly reminder to keep better track of his clothes," he declared, clapping the werewolf on the back. Tyler winced.

"See you around," he winked before walking towards his car and driving away, keeping to the speed limit as to not distress the sheriff further.

Liz gave Tyler a pitying look. "You're better off staying out of it, Tyler."

"FUCK!"

Caroline shoved the papers off the desk in violent agitation. As they fluttered to the floor, she rested her fists against the wood and closed her eyes.

She'd been attempting to draw her life's timeline. She had been able to write:

1126: Born

1138: Father left for Crusade; discovered my magic

1139: Rebekah and Elijah came to Auxor; left for court EOY

1143: Married; battle; turned by Rebekah

And then she realized there was a two-decade-long gap in her mind. This was what had made her lose her temper. She felt like she didn't even know herself. It was infuriating.

A tingling sensation crawled over her flesh as she tried to calm down. She opened her eyes when the smell of burning paper hit her nostrils.

The papers were aflame.

Fuck.

She forced herself to focus on the fire, reaching out with her mind to smother the fiery tendrils. Seconds later, only smoke and ash remained.

She sat back down with a huff and grabbed a sheet that had survived her magical temper tantrum.

Instead of trying to remember everything, focus on the blind spots. Then at least you'll know where to begin…

She put pen to paper.

1143-1166: Almost nothing until my return to Auxor

1238: Brief gap in Mongolia

1325: Kol and I in treehouse talking about leaving. Then…?

Klaus must have reentered her life at this point. He hadn't been exaggerating when he'd told her it'd taken a long time for them to get together. She knew they married in 1402. Things must have been pretty hot and heavy between them, because trying to remember anything during that period was like trying to find light in a blackhole.

She stared at the parchment, cursing herself for never keeping a diary. She'd written a few memoirs over the years, but nothing compared to a daily journal.

"Having troubles?"

No. No way. On top of everything I'm dealing with right now - They undaggered him?

She twisted her neck around in disbelief.

A man with artfully ruffled hair was leaning against the stone archway with an air of haughty ownership. But it was not Damon Salvatore who stood before her. He observed the smoldering papers at her feet as she stared at him in mute shock.

A symptom of her amnesia was that the memories she retained were emphasized. She may not recall everything about Kol Mikaelson, but she had not forgotten her vendetta – or the reason for it. Hatred burned her veins.

Kol continued to eye the papers, giving no implication he would explain his sudden appearance. He wore jeans and a T-shirt – he'd worn breeches and a waistcoat last she'd seen him.

"You," she hissed.

"Me." He met her cold glare. "Hello, Caroline."

A shock of pain seized through her as they stared at each other, but she suppressed it. She stood to face her nemesis.

"What the hell are you doing here?"

He flashed across the room, pausing less than a foot away from her. "Came to help my cherished siblings."

"You don't care about anyone but yourself, Kol."

"Ooh, that smarts. And here I was hoping we could rekindle our friendship."

"You must be joking."

"Did my last words to Nik have the intended effect? Is that why you're so angry?"

She glanced away, her cheeks reddening.

"Oh – that's right! You have no idea what I'm talking about."

"I know enough!" But her expression clouded as she tried to remember.

"Confused, darling?"

Memories swirled in and out of focus. Hunting in the darkened streets of Cairo, the air so warm steam rose from the limestone. Running through the jungle. Laughing until they couldn't breathe. Building a treehouse. Crying in his arms. A conversation on the deck of a schooner.

He was projecting things into her mind. She glared at him until a blood vessel burst.

The smug expression evaporated as he clutched his head, hissing: "I thought your magic was affected!"

"I still remember the basics, asshole! Stay out of my head."

"Why? Didn't like what I showed you?"

Before she could respond, Elijah and Klaus appeared on the upper level.

"I told you she's suffering from memory loss, Kol! I said stay away!" Elijah scolded.

Klaus looked surprisingly uncertain, his eyes flickering from his wife to his brother in trepidation.

"We were just catching up, brother," Kol muttered, still recovering from her attack.

Caroline stepped back and rubbed her temples.

Elijah joined them on the lower level. "We have no time for your old feud."

She sat in the desk chair. Kol saluted his brother before plopping into a leather armchair. Neither of them released the tension in their shoulders.

Elijah sighed. "I suppose that will suffice. Rebekah and Pacari found one of Mikael's spies while patrolling. They tried to subdue him so we could question him, but he staked himself."

"An old trick of Father's – compel his soldiers to make the ultimate sacrifice for the cause," Klaus hissed.

"Are they coming here now?" asked Caroline.

"They want to run the perimeter again, then check the woods. If there's one, there's more. We'll meet with them in the woods in an hour," Elijah explained.

"Why can't we just meet here? A clandestine gathering in the woods sounds sexy on paper, but I see alcohol here." Kol leaned back in the armchair.

"Silas is in the basement," Elijah argued.

"Is that a euphemism?"

"No. Mariko is keeping watch as we speak. We can't risk him overhearing us."

At Mariko's name, Caroline and Kol locked eyes across the room.

"She and Pacari take turns guarding him," Elijah continued.

"That's right – my mate Pacari is here," said Kol. "Did he ask your permission, Caroline? I'm surprised you've allowed him anywhere near my sister."

Caroline's fangs popped out, but Klaus intervened. He vaulted over the balustrade and placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Sweetheart, we can't fight each other," he implored.

Kol winked at her. Elijah grabbed his brother's arm and dragged him towards the door.

"Care to meet Silas?"

"Not really, but I wouldn't mind seeing an old friend."

Caroline's fangs receded when they heard the cellar door shut. She stared at Klaus.

"Thanks for the warning," she grumbled after a beat, pressing her fingertips into her temples once more.

"I wasn't sure how you'd react," he murmured. "Are you alright?"

"My memories of Kol are all twisted up. Seeing him was a mindfuck – for multiple reasons."

"Because of me. I was present for some of your memorable showdowns."

"Oh, I remember daggering him just fine."

"I was referring to the night I daggered him."

She sat on top of the desk and hugged her knees to her chest. "Yeah, that's a mess in my head. Can I ask you something?"

"Anything."

"You said we still had some secrets between us."

"I did," he agreed slowly.

"What do you know of my past with Kol?"

Wariness followed the initial surprise. She watched him force his features into a mildly curious expression with what seemed like Herculean effort.

"Why do you ask?" he questioned.

She couldn't tell if he had no idea, or if he did and didn't like to think about it.

"Because I'm not entirely sure I remember everything. Making me wonder if you were involved."

A vein on the side of his neck was beating against his skin. His eyes were bulging, and a droplet of sweat ran down from his scalp. She reached out to wipe it away. He caught her hand.

"Tangentially," he muttered into her skin.

She frowned in confusion, but he shook his head.

"You and I," he drawled, "retired the topic long ago."

"Okay. Which means…?"

He brought her hand up to kiss it. He laid it over his heart. "It will make sense when your memory returns."

She pouted. "No fair."

He smiled, then pressed his lips into her forehead.

Mariko panicked when she heard the voices on the cellar steps.

"Do you think you could try a touch harder, Kol?"

"What? I think that went swimmingly!"

"Was that before or after she gave you an aneurysm?"

They were nearing.

"Well, aren't you feeling conflicted," a sly voice taunted from the darkened dungeon. "Exes can be such a bitch."

She ignored him. Elijah and Kol rounded the corner.

The youngest Mikaelson brother paused when he spotted her sitting in front of the dungeon. His dark gaze drank her in. One denim-covered leg dangled over the edge of the freezer while the other stretched out across the top. Her father's knife was strapped to her side beneath a leather bomber jacket. Her sharp nails were painted with onyx-colored lacquer. Amethyst eyes peered back at him from behind a swath of black hair, cut much shorter than he'd ever seen it.

"Iki."

She'd had days to prepare for this moment – no, she'd had centuries to prepare for this moment. Yet still he managed to disarm her with a single word: the nickname he'd created.

He was just the same, of course. His haircut, the pallor of his skin, the devil-may-care demeanor. In an ironic move, Elijah had dressed him in jeans and a graphic tee featuring the Slytherin house crest.

Guilt rose up like bile in her throat. "Kol."

He stared into her eyes for one more moment before glancing at the cell. Silas was Stefan Salvatore today. This was the appearance he took on the most, especially when he was weakest. It made her wonder.

"So, this is the Immortal Witch," Kol declared.

Silas said nothing.

"We couldn't do anything about his shapeshifting ability," Mariko explained. "But I am curious as to why he's so partial to this form."

"Then you don't know what he actually looks like?"

"No."

Kol grasped the iron bars and stared at the ancient witch. "Heard a lot about you over the centuries."

"I'm flattered."

"The crazies love you. Fanatics. I was always told you'd trigger the apocalypse."

"Don't you have your hands full with your dear parents?"

Kol smirked. "We all have to prioritize."

"I've heard a good deal about you – inside the minds of those I've met here," Silas taunted. "You're the reason for much of the friction within your family."

"I've always been a mischief-maker."

"Me too."

Elijah leaned against the freezer beside Mariko. "You missed his reunion with Caroline," he muttered out of the corner of his mouth.

"How did that go?"

"About as well as expected."

She touched the handle of her knife. "Rebekah and Pacari still patrolling?"

"We're meeting up with them in an hour."

"I need to stay here."

Silas had risen from the cot and was now standing on the other side of the dungeon door, watching Kol.

"Kol, we shouldn't linger here," Elijah said.

"Your brother hasn't yet decided where his loyalties lie. He may help you, but then, he may prefer to watch you all fail. You see, all of you have had a long time to get over the past. For him, 1791 was yesterday," Silas drawled.

Kol turned away, his entire frame shaking. Mariko rose up, grabbed the special tonic she and Pacari had made to subdue his psychic powers, and swung open the door.

"Time for your medicine."

Rebekah shoved the vampire up against a tree with her hand wrapped around its neck. Her pupils dilated. It was the third vampire they'd found that day; the town was lousy with Mikael's spies. It could only mean one thing – he would be there soon.

"Where is Mikael?"

The vampire clawed at the Original's hand to no avail. In fact, all she did was rip Rebekah's shirtsleeve, which made the blond tighten her grip.

"This is one of my favorite tops," she snarled. "You try my patience. Where. Is. My. Father."

Mikael's spy bared her fangs. "I'll never tell."

"It's no use, Bekah," Pacari said beside her. "He compels all in his entourage to keep his secrets. Your compulsion cannot override his."

"Then she's bloody useless."

"Maybe not. I might be able to get through."

"You think you can countermand Mikael?"

He smirked. "Mariko's taught me a few tricks."

She rolled her eyes. "Of course she has. Riko is the answer to everything," she mumbled under her breath. But she let go of the vampire and stepped back to let him try.

He drew the vampire's gaze. After a beat, the whites of his eyes had blackened. The vampire's features went lax as the trance took hold.

"Where is Mikael now?"

"Canada."

"Has he resurrected Esther yet?"

"Yes."

Rebekah's breath hitched.

"When will they be here?"

She was attempting to fight him. Her teeth gnashed together, and she broke eye contact. He slipped a hand under her chin to force her to meet his gaze again.

"When?"

"Three days."

Rebekah grasped the vampire's arms and shook her. "Why can't they leave us alone?"

"Bekah-"

"WHY!"

"Because you're monsters. We all are, and we must be vanquished."

With a shrill scream, Rebekah shoved her fist through the vampire's chest and ripped out her heart. The body crumpled to the ground.

"Did you bring enough for everyone, Beks?"

She turned at the sound of her brother's voice. Klaus, Elijah, and Caroline were behind him, all of them taking in the scene. She let the heart slip out of her fingers as she gaped at Kol.

"She pissed me off," she offered in a flat tone. "Hello, Kol."

"Nice to see you, sister."

They kept their distance.

"Did you find out anything useful?" Klaus insisted.

She tore her gaze away from Kol to look at him. "Our parents descend on Mystic Falls in three days."

Klaus' eyes narrowed. In an unconscious gesture, he reached out and pulled Caroline towards him, wrapping his arms around her torso. She stiffened before relaxing into him.

Pacari approached Kol. They clapped hands and embraced.

For the first time since waking, Kol relaxed. Pacari's was the first truly friendly face he'd seen, the only one out of the lot of them to not have betrayed him at some point.

"Welcome back," Pacari said with a grin.

"I'm starting to forgive the early wake-up call," Kol drawled. "What's going on here?" he nodded his head towards Rebekah, who was speaking to Caroline, Elijah, and Klaus a few paces away.

Pacari flushed. "It's complicated."

"Better get that sorted, papi. Wouldn't want to greet the apocalypse with unfinished business."

Elijah cleared his throat. "We need a plan."

"We need more back-up. Mikael's already proven he has an army of vampires and witches. We need our own army," Rebekah said, glancing at Klaus.

He clenched his jaw and shook his head. Neither Kol nor Caroline missed their silent exchange.

Rebekah sighed. "We'll call in reinforcements."

"Calling in back-up is all well and good, but what is the offense?" Kol countered. "We can't wait around for them to show up. Besides, we have Silas to worry about."

"Silas is the bigger threat," Caroline agreed, causing Kol's eyebrows to inch towards his hairline.

Pacari crossed his tattooed arms. "Mariko and I both suspect he is strong enough to break out of that dungeon, but he's biding his time."

"What is he waiting for?" Klaus demanded.

"Well, he didn't fantasize for two thousand years about breaking your curse, Nik. He wants to destroy the Anchor, take the Cure, and die," Kol snapped.

"He needs Mikael and Esther here," Elijah concluded.

"We could take him away," Pacari suggested reluctantly.

"Where?" Klaus asked.

Pacari looked to his sire. She started.

"Seriously? No! Absolutely not, Pacari."

"What? What did I miss?" Kol questioned.

"It's so well-protected," Pacari reasoned.

"We're not bringing him to Des Cendres!"

"Alright, alright. It was only a suggestion."

"Des Cendres?" repeated Kol in surprise.

Caroline's expression was murderous. "He stays here."

"We've decided to gather reinforcements; that should be enough for now," Elijah intervened in a placating tone.

"Great. Meeting adjourned – I need a shower," Rebekah grumbled.

She whooshed into the night. Elijah looked down at the body of Mikael's spy with a sigh.

"I assume the responsibility of discarding her falls to me," he noted.

"What are big brothers for?" Kol teased. He threw his arm around Pacari. "What the hell have you been up to for the past two centuries, mate?"

"Oh, man," Pacari said. "We'd better find the nearest watering hole."

"That good, huh?"

They started walking back to town. Caroline watched as Elijah tossed the corpse over his shoulder.

"Do you want help?"

He shook his head. "I'm fine. Go relax." He disappeared in the dark thicket, leaving Klaus and Caroline alone.

There was a long pause. Crickets chirped, owls hooted, and a strong breeze rustled the leaves with a sound like the tide breaking against the shore.

She sighed. "I know Pacari means well, but…"

"We won't bring Silas to the school unless you say so," Klaus promised.

"Which is never."

He inclined his head. "May I escort you home?"

Caroline nodded and accepted his proffered arm. She enjoyed feeling his warmth under her fingers. They took their time heading back, drinking in the night. Pacari and Kol were only a few dozen yards ahead of them; their laughs punctured the quiet every few seconds. Many minutes passed before Klaus spoke again.

"We should have warned you about Kol," he said stiffly.

She gave him a small smile. "It's okay, Klaus."

"Nik," he corrected. "Or Niklaus. But don't call me Klaus."

"Would she never do that?" she asked.

He halted, forcing her to stop with him. "Sorry, love – did you just refer to yourself in the third person?"

She blushed. "It's easier that way."

"Separating yourself into two people is not going to help you get you memories back," he reproached her lightly.

"I concur!" Pacari yelled from ahead.

"Seriously? I know, I know; I'll stop," she grumbled. "Niklaus."

His heated gaze trailed over her skin. "Thank you."

"Though I suspect I call you Klaus whenever you step out of line. Like the other night."

"I beg your pardon?"

She glared at him. "It isn't nice to tease."

"Love, teasing is my specialty."

Pacari led the way to the bar and ordered two glasses and a bottle of Macallan 12-year scotch whisky. As he poured a very generous portion into Kol's glass, his old friend observed the Grill in fascination. It was weird seeing Kol, whom he'd met during the French Baroque period, amidst smartphones, flatscreens, and double bacon cheeseburgers.

"Everything's so different."

"Not everything, mate." Pacari grinned, sliding the tumbler towards Kol.

They clinked glasses and drank.

Pacari lowered his slowly. "Listen, before I regal you with tales of adventure and woe, I need to tell you something."

"That's ominous."

"It's about Katerina."

Kol chuckled. "Ah, Katerina Petrova, the wiliest, unluckiest vampire I know. Let's hear it, then. What sort of trouble is she in now?"

Pacari stared into his glass moodily, swishing the dark amber liquid around for a moment before responding. "She isn't in any trouble. She's dead."

Kol froze. Pacari downed the rest of his whisky.

"How? When?" Kol choked out after a tense silence.

"She was the vampire Silas used to break Nik's curse," Pacari told him.

Kol's head bent over the bar. "Bloody terrible way for her to go."

"Yes, it was," Pacari agreed.

Kol shook his head in dismay. He straightened out and finished his drink. "Another," he ordered. Pacari refilled their glasses.

"To Katerina, my constant companion for many decades; her cunning, survivalism, and chutzpah will never be matched. She was a trusted advisor and audacious lover. May she live in infamy," toasted Kol.

"To Katherine Pierce, a surprisingly faithful friend," Pacari added.

"Aye, more trustworthy than anyone in my wretched family," Kol groused. "Katherine Pierce? Really?"

Pacari shrugged. "Katerina Petrova was too memorable a name."

They clinked glasses again and drank liberally. Pacari gazed into his emptying glass while Kol studied the television screen above the bar with extreme concentration. A hockey game was on. His brown eyes followed the players as they beat the puck around the ice and slammed each other into the plexiglass.

"I consider you one of my best friends," Pacari said after a while.

Kol smirked. "But?"

"But you must know where my loyalty lies."

"Is that a threat?"

"It is if you're here not to help us but to create chaos."

The Original broke eye contact. He didn't say anything for a long time.

"Well?"

"It hasn't felt like 219 years to me, Pacari."

"I know."

"However, I wasn't entirely without awareness in my casket. I had a lot of time to ruminate. There were good times with my siblings. Besides, I still have some sense of self-preservation."

"Good."

"How has my charming family been passing the time?" Kol questioned after a few minutes.

Pacari raised his eyebrows. "Could you be any vaguer right now?"

"Why don't you start by explaining how you've gotten so bloody chummy with darling Caroline? I noticed Bekah has forgiven her – have you as well?"

"Caroline and I are now great friends; I have the upmost respect for my sire," the Incan defended.

"Sounds like there's a story there."

Pacari sighed. "It's a long one."

The Original grabbed the bottle of Macallan and refilled their glasses.

"I love a good story, mate."

It didn't take three days for Mikael and Esther to arrive. It took two.

Rebekah, Elijah, and Klaus were patrolling the woods in the late afternoon. Rebekah's phone was pressed against her ear as she ran. She was talking to Caroline, who was at the Boarding House.

"I'm not defending him, Care. I'm just saying if you still had your memories, you wouldn't be wasting your breath complaining about Kol," the Original said. Klaus sent her a sharp look but said nothing.

"Pacari and I had important things to discuss about the school, and Kol kept distracting him."

"Crucify him - he has one friend in this blasted town. You know Pacari is easygoing and forgiving."

"Yeah. He is," Caroline muttered pointedly. "He's also long made up for past mistakes."

"Not this again...It's too late for us."

"That's bullshit and you know it. Stop hiding-"

On either side of her, her brothers had come to a complete stop. Elijah motioned for her to hang up. They were on the edge of the clearing where the mansion was being built. Rebekah narrowed her eyes through the trees and saw what they'd spotted.

"Get to the construction site for the mansion, Caroline."

"What? Why?"

"They're here."

It was all she needed to say. As Caroline sucked in a sharp breath, Rebekah ended the call and shoved her phone in her pocket. As one, the siblings walked forward.

Her parents stood on the foundation, staring down at her and her brothers. Mikael lurked a few steps behind his newly resurrected wife, his countenance dark and his arms crossed. The White Oak Stake was strapped to his belt.

"My children, your curse as bloodthirsty monsters will soon be broken. You have stolen too many years," Esther cooed down to them.

Elijah snarled at his mother. "You made us this way! You cursed us! Are we to be blamed for doing the best we could? All we've ever done is dealt with the repercussions of your arrogance."

"I am sorry, Elijah. But we are here to make reparations and end it all."

Klaus glared at her. "I don't think so. You've spoiled us, Mother. We like immortality. I've only just embraced my werewolf side. No thanks to you."

"Actually, if they hadn't awoken Silas, you would still be cursed," Rebekah pointed out.

"You're right, Bekah! Thank you, Mother!"

Esther responded with a vindictive smile. "If you hadn't murdered me, we might not be here."

Rebekah and Elijah stared at their brother in shock while Mikael laughed.

"You were right, my love! He never told them!"

Mariko, Caroline, and Kol joined them then. Caroline arrived from the east and the other two from the west.

"Kol!" Esther cried. "My baby boy!"

Kol rolled his eyes. "Greetings, Mother and Father," he called across the field.

Mikael stepped forward. "My children are almost all here. But one is missing. Where is my eldest? What have you done with Finn, sønn som drepte sin egen mor?"

Klaus responded by charging towards Mikael, who flashed into the woods. Elijah and Rebekah followed.

Caroline, Kol, and Mariko faced Esther.

"Caroline, dear," Esther called. "I've watched you raise your girls for so many centuries. You should be proud of all you've done for generations of women. It would certainly be a shame if anything ever happened to the school tucked away in the mountains."

Esther leered at her daughter-in-law, causing Caroline's stomach to roil.

"You cannot touch them, Esther," Mariko disputed.

Esther eyes widened. "Riko d'Ebanne, you have meddled with nature more than I have!"

"I'm sure I'll get what's coming for me one day."

"Perhaps. But it is often the innocent who pay for our sins. Isn't that right, Caroline?"

Caroline blanched.

"ENOUGH!" Blue flames licked Mariko's hands. She sent the sparks at the Original Witch.

Esther waved the fire away and countered with a blast of wind. Mariko dug her heels into the ground as she took control of the spell, redirecting the blast into the woods. Esther hissed at her and sent another blast. Caroline and Kol flashed to either side of her. Just as they closed in, she vanished.

Mariko blinked.

"That was a strong spell," she muttered. "Not quite a portal, but-"

Caroline looked like she wanted to shake her. "We don't need a comment on how good the magic was! Where did she go?"

"There's no way of tracing that, Care," the Undying Witch admitted.

Kol swore. "At least the wait's over."

Caroline looked at him blankly, a memory stirring in her head. Then she took off, flashing into the woods. Kol turned to Mariko.

"Should we follow? Does she know where Esther just went?"

A horrible thought dawned on Mariko. "No," she said slowly. "She's distracted by something else."

Without another word, the witch ran towards the side of the road where she had left her motorcycle, jumped on, twisted the ignition key, and gunned it.

Elijah chased his brother and father through the woods, his sister close on his heels. Of course, he had his brother's back. Of course, he would kill his father at first opportunity. Of course, the most important thing right now was catching Mikael and getting the White Oak Stake and the Cure. But….

He believed it.

He remembered the day that Niklaus had told them Mikael had killed Esther for turning them into monsters. Everything was so chaotic then; it had made sense, because nothing made sense. They had hightailed it out of Mystic Falls to escape their homicidal father. But with perspective, with all the years between then and now, and all the evidence… Why would Mikael go through all the trouble of resurrecting Esther if he had killed her? Mikael hated anything magical and unnatural. He would only bring Esther back as a last resort to get rid of his children. And out of a deep love for his murdered wife.

It made too much sense. It seemed a long-overdue confrontation with his brother was nigh.

The chase continued.

Mariko swerved across town on her motorcycle. Her destination, the Forbes house, was close, but not close enough. If Caroline took Esther's not-so-veiled threat seriously, the consequences could be catastrophic. For starters, Nik would lose his shit. Rebekah would lose her shit. Elijah would try to keep everything from falling apart. And Kol… Kol would probably revel in the mayhem.

Mariko breathed a sigh of relief when the Forbes house came into view. She swerved the motorcycle onto the lawn (Sorry, Sheriff) and kicked it off before charging into the house.

"Caroline?!" she shrieked into the living room.

The vampire in question appeared in front of her. "What's wrong? What happened?" she demanded.

Mariko let her body relax slightly. "You're here!" she exclaimed. "I was afraid you'd left."

A shadow passed over the vampire's face. Mariko's heart dropped.

"You are leaving."

Caroline grimaced. "Follow me. Let's talk," she led the way back into her bedroom, which was in complete disarray.

Mariko sank against the doorway. Caroline had been frantically packing. "You can't let them win, Care. They want this!"

"I don't care. I cannot compromise the safety of the girls," Caroline argued as she rummaged through the closet and dresser.

"But what about all of us? You would risk our safety?" Mariko knew it was a low blow.

"You and the family are immortal; the girls are not," Caroline retorted as she threw some shirts into a suitcase. "They're vulnerable."

"Esther and Mikael don't care about the school."

Caroline zipped up the suitcase and hugged her friend. "I can't make any assumptions, Iki."

"She wants to separate you and Niklaus," Mariko argued. "When he finds out you've left, he's going to lose it!"

"I am not responsible for his actions." Caroline threw the bag over her shoulder and turned towards the door.

"Caroline, please!" Mariko begged. "Emme and Gita won't let anything happen to the girls!"

"You know why I have to go to them."

"Caroline!" Mariko yelled.

It was too late. Caroline was gone. She probably wouldn't stop running until she reached Dulles International Airport and caught the first flight to Lhasa.

A/N: Super excited for the next chapter - it explains a lot. Thanks for reading!

Translation of sønn som drepte sin egen mor: Son who murdered his own mother. Or, less literally, mother killer.