Ya'll I hate Mikael, but he is a necessary evil and pretty much an antagonist in this story. Eventually he mellows out for a bit, then goes back to being the Mikael we know and hate. Anyway, here's update. I'm super excited about the next chapter, we get to see how everyone is doing in the present.
I wanted to say thank you everyone for the support, the follows, the favorites and the reviews make me happy! Hope you guys have a great start to your week!
Slight warning: I don't think what happens is triggering, but honestly anything can be triggering so here is warning for it. Mikael does grab someone, but it's not long and not the focus, but referenced.
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 Five
Mikael was furious at the sight before him. His youngest sons and the young woman who was a guest in his home were splashing about in the creek like children. He expected this sort of thing from Kol, that boy refused to grow up no matter what Mikael seemed to do. Henrik, he reminded himself was still on the younger side, but it made no difference to him. He stalked over to them, shouting to get their attention.
Henrik stood rigid beside Kol and Caroline, he straightened himself and kept his head up. Though he tried to hide his fear, it was no use. Both Caroline and Kol could tell the youngest here was afraid. Caroline glanced at Kol, his posture was as relaxed as ever, though his expression was one she couldn't read. It wasn't fear or passiveness, it was just there. Her attention returned to Mikael who made his way to stand before the three of them. Caroline could practically feel the anger coming off of him in waves.
"No need to be so upset father," Kol said through a forced casual tone, "Just letting off some steam is all."
"Is that so," Mikael hissed, his eyes colder than Caroline had ever seen them, "Playing games in the water when there is work to be done! You are old enough to hunt yet you continue to remain an incompetent child!"
Kol's only reaction was to clench and unclench his jaw.
Mikael turned to Henrik, "And you. I do not care that you are the youngest, you are nearly a man and should act as such, no matter who or what tries to lead you astray. Have some self control boy!"
Henrik could only nod, "Yes father."
"I will deal with you two accordingly later," Mikael said harshly, his gaze moved to Caroline, "As for you, consider this a warning. You are a guest in my home, with my family and should refrain from getting in the way."
Caroline knew she should just take it, but she had to say something, "Our intentions were not to upset you sir. No harm has been done, there is no need to fuss about."
"What did you say girl," Mikael said lowly stepping forward slightly.
Caroline replied taking a step slightly in front of Kol and Henrik, "We hadn't meant any harm, it was an honest mistake. It will not happen again. Allow us to get back to the chores and make it up to you. There's no need for things to, to escalate."
Caroline's words left a bitter taste in her mouth. There were plenty of other things she wanted to say, but she was essentially powerless here and there was nothing she could do to stand against him. However she was scared about what he would do to Kol and Henrik, she wanted to protect them if she could. Though looking in his eyes, she feared she might make matters worse. She could feel Kol and Henrik's eyes on her, she hoped she was helping them and not just making their punishment worse should Mikael feel the need to retaliate.
Mikael moved so quickly, she almost missed it. His rough hand grabbed her upper arm, his grip tight as he pulled her closer to him so that their faces were maybe a few inches apart. This allowed her a chance to clearly see his angered gaze and for him to see the fear she tried to hide. Caroline couldn't fight the surprised gasp that left her lips from the suddenness, but she kept herself composed and would not give him the satisfaction of seeing her so worried. She looked into his eyes.
In a calm, quiet voice she said, "Please let go of my arm."
"Do not forget your place," Mikael said darkly, his tone low, but loud enough for Kol and Henrik to hear, "You are here and remain here by my will and my will alone. I have no qualms about leaving you in these woods should you become too much of a nuisance."
Caroline held his gaze, "I imagine this makes you feel powerful. That you are in control and asserting your strength over me to prove a point to me and your boys. Threats will get you nowhere, you'll never have the respect and obedience you seem to crave."
His grip tightened around her arm, Caroline refused to react and just bit down on her tongue. She would not look away from his fierce gaze. Though her heart was pounding hard and fast in her chest, she would not show him how afraid she was if she could help it. She wished she had her vampire strength and speed again, it would really help her now.
Her parents taught her how to defend herself sure and she knew of a few ways to get out of his grasps, but the only thing that kept her in place and not struggling against his hold was the fear of what he would do to Kol or Henrik. It was like what Elijah had said, he punishes them by inflicting pain on the others because it makes them feel responsible. It was twisted.
"Watch your tongue. You are at my mercy, you may try to speak against me, but you will wish that you had kept your mouth shut like a proper woman should," Mikael informed her darkly.
"Let go of me," Caroline said through gritted teeth.
Her gaze hardened, she refused to look away from him as a feeling of heat and ice pulsed through her veins. It was the weirdest thing, but as it spread she watched as Mikael's face flickered to a different expression she had never seen on his face or believed possible.
It was pained.
The expression was there for only a moment and then it was gone as Caroline lost the hot and cold feeling, it had slipped away through her grasps like sand. She had to wonder if that was the magic Esther believed she had trying to break through. The thought both thrilled and terrified her.
"Father, please," Henrik said from his place.
Caroline glanced at him, he was visibly afraid of what Mikael would do to her the longer his hand gripped her arm. The hold he had was hard enough that Caroline was almost certain that if he kept it up, it would bruise. Not a moment later, Kol was at her side.
"There is no need for this father," Kol said, "This is my fault. She and Henrik tried to stop me from being childish, but I insisted and continued to bait them relentlessly. I implore you, the consequences should fall to me."
Mikeal turned his gaze to Kol, "Henrik, get back to the house. Kol, you and I are going to have a chat."
"Release Miss Caroline and we can get started," Kol said simply.
Mikael looked back at Caroline, "Remember what I said. Let it echo in your mind should you think it wise to stand against me."
He roughly released her from his grip. Caroline stumbled for a moment, but quickly regained her footing as Kol placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. They didn't say anything as Mikael stormed off, calling for Kol to follow him. Caroline wanted to tell him not to go, but she knew there was nothing she could do or say to stop him. Not to mention the slight throbbing of her arm served as a silent reminder.
Kol followed his father, but he glanced back at Caroline and mouthed to her 'I'll be fine,' before he disappeared through the trees leaving Caroline and Henrik alone by the creek. Henrik asked if she was alright to which she answered she was okay. The pair walked back to the house in silence, the only noise between them was the wind and crunching leaves beneath their feet.
Elijah and Niklaus had finished their work on the huts for the day, Finn had gone off likely check the traps they set the other day. The two remaining brothers intended to go after him, but they were halted when they spotted Henrik and Caroline. Their clothes appeared a little worse for wear than they had when they left, however something else seemed off, at least Niklaus thought something was wrong. He made a move to go towards them, but was stopped by Elijah's hand on his chest.
"Wait," Elijah said, he looked around for a moment, but Niklaus couldn't imagine what he was looking for, "Kol and our father are not present."
Niklaus nodded, "Yes brother I do have eyes which can see that."
"Think Niklaus," Elijah said in his usually calm tone, "Something must have occured. Kol left with Caroline and Henrik, yet he is not with them. Father went to retrieve them, but he has not returned."
"So it would seem," NIklaus said softly.
Elijah lowered his hand, "I imagine there must have been some kind of situation. I will inform mother she may need to prepare some wrappings for him."
Niklaus nodded, "Yes, I will learn what happened."
Elijah went to find his mother while Niklaus went after Henrik and Caroline. The blonde girl disappeared inside the house while Henrik stood outside looking guilty and clearly upset. Niklaus wanted to go straight to Caroline, but he could not just ignore his little brother who was clearly not doing well. He glanced inside to see Caroline hugging Rebekah, his sister returning the embrace not but a moment later. For the time being she had someone to offer her comfort which would allow him a chance to speak to his brother.
"Henry," Niklaus said as he approached his younger brother.
Henrik looked up dejectedly, but said nothing.
"What's the matter," Niklaus asked, "Did something happen?"
Henrik wouldn't look at his brother, "We were just messing around in the creek for a few minutes. Father found us."
Niklaus nodded in understanding, "Yes, father does not take kindly to anything relating to fun."
Henrik looked up at his brother then, "It was me and Kol's fault. He, he grabbed Caroline."
"What did you say," Niklaus asked, his tone low and filled with surprise.
Anger was not an uncommon emotion for Niklaus, but hearing those words seemed to spark a new kind of rage that even surprised him. He felt similar anger whenever his father struck his siblings, whenever he couldn't fight back, but this, this seemed to burn a bit colder. The idea of his father or anyone laying a finger on Caroline was enough to make his blood boil and freeze all at once.
"She was trying to help us," Henrik said, he shook his head, "She shouldn't have said anything, but she stood up to father. And he grabbed her arm. Kol stepped in, not letting it go further, but I was worried Niklaus. Father, I don't want to think about what he could do to her."
Niklaus inhaled sharply, "How is she? Where is Kol?"
"Shaken, she's shaken up and Kol went with father deeper into the woods," Henrik answered softly.
Niklaus placed his hand on his brother's shoulder, keeping his anger under control, "How are you feeling?"
"I should have done something," Henrik replied.
"There was nothing you could have done," Niklaus told him, "Be on the lookout for Kol's return. I am going to speak with Caroline."
Henrik nodded, "Will you tell her I'm sorry?"
Niklaus said, "You have nothing to be sorry for, it wasn't your fault."
Her words from that night. When he returned after a 'fight' with his father, beaten up from his punishment and she had told him it wasn't his fault. That he had nothing to apologize for and that he did not deserve it. His siblings would tell him similar things, but hearing it from her was different. She didn't have to say that, his siblings in a sense 'had to' though they would deny such a thing.
Caroline saying it to him was unique, it meant just a little more.
Niklaus walked inside the house to find Rebekah alone, tears in her eyes that she was struggling to hold back. She was furious and incredibly sad over the matter. Caroline had tried to downplay what happened, how it had just surprised her, but Rebekah could tell it was affecting her new friend more than she would admit. It always hurt Rebekah to see her father lay a hand on her siblings, to know he put his hand on her new friend had rubbed her the wrong way.
If he was so bold as to hold her in place, it was only a matter of time before she may face the true extent of his cruelty. Mikael was harsh on the boys, when it came to Rebekah he ensured that no marks could be visible. With his sons people would assume that they had been fighting, training or received the injury on the hunt. It would be harder to explain it should the women of his household bear the same marks when they did nothing of the sort to warrant it.
"Bekah," Niklaus said, his tone questioning.
Rebekha took a steadying breath, "Father had no right to grab her."
"You are right," Niklaus said, "What's done is done. Let us be happy he didn't strike her, I am afraid my self restraint would be lost had that occurred."
"You cannot beat him," Rebekah said, she ignored the wince on his face from her words.
Niklaus nodded, "Perhaps not now, but one day he will not lay a hand on another… how was she?"
Rebekah glanced in the direction Caroline had gone, "He gave her quite the fright. She's changing now, but I imagine she will go to the clearing for a little bit."
"Why do you think that," Niklaus asked.
Rebekah looked back at him, "She declared it her favorite spot when I showed it to her. Why don't you go to her?"
Niklaus hesitated, "Do you think she would appreciate the intrusion? She may want to be with her thoughts."
"Nonsense," Rebekah argued, "She needs someone by her side. Mother is still in the village, Elijah went after her. I need to prepare the bandages and some herbs for Kol in case he has some more serious injuries. Go to Caroline now."
Niklaus didn't bother to protest, he wanted to see Caroline and didn't need so much pushing. He grabbed some of the wood he intended to use for her gift and a knife. Though he wanted to surprise her with a gift, he thought perhaps he could distract her by carving something for her while she was there. Pieces of doubt entered him, that she would have no interest in it, but he pushed the thoughts aside. He went to the clearing without another word to his sister who now had to wait for Kol to return.
Caroline was shaken, the earlier fear she felt had faded away, but her nerves were reaching their limit. Gingerly she touched the still sore area of her upper arm where he had grabbed her. Had she still been a vampire, she would have broken free from his hold without an issue.
It just reminded her of how powerless she was here, about all the times she had been at the mercy of someone else. She was weak again and she realized for the first time in awhile just how much she actually liked, loved being a vampire and how much she missed it. Sure drinking blood to stay alive wasn't all that pleasant, but she wished it would come back. Then she wouldn't be so helpless anymore. She lowered her hand and looked up towards the cloudy sky.
"Are you alright love?"
Caroline glanced to the side to see Niklaus standing a few feet away from her. His expression was filled with concern, she knew then that Rebekah or Henrik told him what happened. A flicker of shame went through her, how she must look like some weak and fragile doll. It wasn't fair, she hated being this helpless.
He spoke, when she didn't say anything, "Henrik told me. I wanted to check on you."
Niklaus closed the distance between them and took a seat beside her as she answered, "Well nothing I can't handle. I was just surprised."
"He had no right to put his hands on you," Niklaus told her, Caroline was surprised by the serious and angry undertones his voice held.
"I'm alright," Caroline told him in a softer voice, "Truly, but I am worried for Kol. Your father said he would deal with him later, but had Kol follow him deeper into the woods."
Niklaus nodded, "Yes, our father does have a way of dealing with us, but I can assure Kol will be just fine if not a little battered."
Caroline looked away, "That doesn't make me feel that much better."
Niklaus took her hand, causing her to look back at him, he spoke to her softly, "Kol will be okay, I promise you. Tell me the truth, how are you really feeling?"
Caroline visibly swallowed as his blue gaze caught her own. The intensity of his eyes was more than she was expecting, but she thought she could have gotten consumed by them. They were reassuring, yet filled with anger she saw that wasn't directed at her. Not to mention the comforting warmth that filled her from his hold on her hand. How his thumb moved across the back of her hand, for a moment it was all she could focus on and almost forgot the question he asked her.
"I, I don't know," Caroline whispered, "I felt helpless, angry. He shouldn't speak to you, to any of you the way he does and he certainly shouldn't hit you. It's wrong."
Niklaus released a breath, "It is how things are. We can only do our best to get through it until the day we no longer are at his mercy."
"I wish it wasn't that way for you and your siblings," Caroline told him, "Your father is not a nice man."
Niklaus laughed at her words, "No, he certainly is not. Do you not have more colorful language?"
Caroline playfully hit his shoulder, "I was told to hold my tongue remember? Besides, he is still your father and I do not want to offend you by disrespecting him."
"While thoughtful of you, it is unnecessary," Niklaus told her, "You may say whatever you like about that arse."
Caroline chuckled, "I will remember that."
Niklaus smiled at her, "Now onto happier matters, I have brought this for you."
Niklaus held up the wood and knife to her, she looked at it curiously, but said nothing.
"I wanted to surprise you with a carving, though I was unsure of what you might like," Niklaus explained a bit hesitantly, "Given what you have been through today, I thought perhaps you would like to pick out something yourself and watch me carve it. Though I completely understand if you would rather not-"
"Are you kidding," Caroline interrupted him.
Niklaus swallowed, she must hate this, "I, no."
Her smile was radiant as she said, "You want to make me something? That is the most thoughtful thing I think anyone has ever done for me or will do for me. Whatever you carve, I know I will love it."
Niklaus relaxed, glad to see she was not turned away from him, "Well then, I suppose I should get started. Anything in mind you wish to see?"
Caroline thought for a moment. In all honesty she had no idea what she wanted as a wood carving, she knew whatever was carved for would be great. Maybe a flower, but she wasn't sold on that idea. She knew Rebekah had a knight, but she didn't want that either. The sound of chirping birds echoed in her ears for a second and she thought of the bird she had 'healed' earlier.
The thoughts of being a witch returned to her and while it made her uncomfortable, she had to admit that if she were a witch, she would no longer be this powerless. Maybe she could use the bird as a reminder, that even though she was here without her vampirism and friends, at least she could find another way to be strong.
"How about a bird," Caroline asked.
Niklaus grinned, "As you wish Caroline."