The fighting eventually stopped, Klaus barely got a hit in against his brother, even though he was stronger, Elijah was faster and much more enraged than him, giving him the advantage; Elena just stood in the background, watching silently, unable to do anything else.

"Would you mind giving me and my brother a moment to catch up please, sweetheart? Klaus spoke insincerely, cleared annoyed at her for awakening Elijah.

Before she answered, she looked over to Elijah; he knew Klaus better than anyone and what he was capable of, she didn't think there was anything she would do from now on without consulting him first. Klaus related matters, at least.

He turned to look at her, his gaze locking onto hers; he saw only pain in her eyes, he was regretful that she was in this situation. He nodded his head, "you'll be safe, Elena."

She reluctantly left the room, walking down the hallway towards the kitchen; she went to enter but thought again, taking a few silent steps back until she was in hearing range of the original brothers.

"This is madness, Niklaus, everything you have done since I was in that damned coffin is completely wrong, don't you see that?" Elijah spoke

"No, I don't, brother," Klaus spat, his patience thinning, "maybe I am the big, bad monster everyone seems to claim I am, maybe tormenting Elena and making hybrids is everything I want from life."

"That is how it looks, don't pretend otherwise."

Klaus had walked over to the cabinet that housed the scotch, he pulled two glasses and the bottle from inside it and placed down, pouring two large shots. He passed Elijah a glass and grinned, "here, loosen up."

Elijah took the glass and threw into the wall, it shattered into a thousand pieces, "I don't have to deal with this any longer, I am taking Elena home and killing every hybrid you have created, you have gone too far, brother."

"Don't!" He yelled, more from panic than rage; he brought his glass to his lips and consumed the entire shot, placing the glass down to pour another, "you can't, Mikael will kill her and then us."

"We will deal with Mikael together, you don't need to do all this," Elijah had always felt responsible for his siblings, Klaus included, he sympathised with his brother snd his plight but he couldn't condone his monstrous behaviour any longer, "I'm still taking Elena home, she doesn't deserve this."

"I won't let you leave this house, not with her," he slammed his glass down and moved towards his brother, fefusing to back down.

"Enough," Elena stepped out from in the hallway and into the living room, "thank you, Elijah, for defending me but I don't want you to keep fighting because of me, you're family."

"Elena, you're not remaining in the presence of my deranged brother for even a moment longer," his voice was serious, his face even more so.

"If I return home, someone I love is going to die, either by the hand of him or Mikael; even though my situation isn't great, at least I know everyone is safe, everything bad that happened in Mystic Falls was because of me and when I left with Klaus, it all left with us."

"Are you sure you understand what you are saying?" he questioned her sanity at this point, "you'll be agreeing to stay here with us, donating your blood to Klaus and possibly facing our father?"

Elena took a deep breath, she didn't need to think about it anymore, when the safety of her family was in question, she'd always choose to protect them, "yes, I understand."

"Perfect!" Klaus mused, once again, everything worked out for him; all except for one thing, Elena hated him now, something that bothered him more than it should, "shall we have a drink then?"

"Everything is going to change from here on out now though, brother," Elijah smirked, walking towards the scotch and taking two more glasses from the cabinet; he poured another two shots into the glasses and handed one to Elena, "you will not hurt Elena or anyone else who is innocent for that matter, you will not obsess about Mikael or creating an army of hybrids, we will kill Mikael together like we had always planned on doing, deal?"

"I won't hurt the lovely Elena ever again, you have my word," he spoke directly to Elena, his guilt overcoming him, "but I will make more hybrids, they are needed."

"No they are not, Niklaus," Elijah pressed his hand to his forehead, his frustration at his brother was giving him a headache.

"2 blood-bags a month?" Elena interjected before there arguing began again; all she could think about was rest, she was exhausted, "but that's it! When the blood is gone, you'll kill the hybrids that can't transition without it."

"Elena, no," Elijah sighed slightly, he despised his brother for this.

"2 blood-bags and I don't come with you to change them ever again?"

"And I won't be leaving her side for even a moment, I don't trust you." Elijah gave his final condition.

"So, do we have a deal?" Elena raised her glass towards them, a small smile on her lips.

"Deal," Klaus tapped his glass on hers, both of them turning to look at Elijah, waiting for his answer.

He pursed his lips together, trying to ignore the bad feeling he had in the pit of his stomach; he raised his glass and tapped it against theres, "deal."

Elena placed the glass on her lips and drank the entire shot, smiling slightly at the two brothers, "Well, I'm glad we could finally come to an agreement. Now if you don't mind, I'd like to go to bed, I feel like I haven't slept in weeks, I'm exhausted."

"I'll walk you up," Elijah smiled kindly at her, he took her empty glass from her hand and shoved them towards Klaus, he caught them and placed them back on the table.

"Goodnight, Elena," he spoke, watching as they both began to exit the room.

"Goodnight," she forced a small smile for him but carried on up the stairs, Elijah following closely behind.

Once they had entered her bedroom, she went straight for her case, pulling out a pair of shorts and a t-shirt, "do you mind if I just-"

"Of course," Elijah gestured his hand towards the en-suite; she nodded her head and walked into the bathroom, quickly throwing on her night clothes and cleaning her teeth, followed by running a brush through her knotted hair; she exited the bathroom and saw Elijah sitting on the edge of her bed.

"Thank you for everything you've done for me tonight, Elijah, if it wasn't for you, Klaus probably would have murdered me by now," she sat beside him, her mind wandering to him.

"What he has done to you is completely unacceptable," he raised his hand towards her neck, his finger tracing along the bite wounds on her skin, "this is the last thing I want for you."

Her heart began racing at his touch, a reaction she had least expected but couldn't control; she took his hand in hers, enjoying the few long moments she had to indulge in his touch, "I don't want you to think I only took the dagger out because I wanted you to protect me."

"Wasn't it?" His gaze flickered towards there hands, she had interlocked there fingers and brought there hands closer to her chest.

"Of course not," she paused for a second, contemplating her next words carefully, "in a way, I've always felt close to you, you've not given me a reason not to trust you and even though I have betrayed you in the past and our relationship hasn't been perfect, I knew I wanted you by my side."

"I'll be there for you for as long as you want me too, Elena."

A brief silence had filled the room, Elena couldn't stop; she wasn't sure if it was exhaustion or how he had protected her tonight that lead her to act and speak as she was doing but she knew she had to stop. This was Elijah. She released the hold she had of his hand and cleared her throat, nervously tucking her hair behind her ears, "I should get some sleep."

Elijah nodded his head, his confusion at it's highest; he stood from the bed and adjusted his jacket, "of course, goodnight, Elena."

"Goodnight, Elijah," she watched as he left the room, closing the door behind him.

He was taken by surprise by her actions, he had always felt something for Elena but he had never contemplated romantic feelings before now; he knew he had to push these thoughts aside, they weren't real, they couldn't be.

-w-

When the morning had arrived, Elena had woke up with less anxiety and dread for the first time in days; she climbed out of bed and entered the bathroom, starting her usual morning routine: bathroom, shower, teeth and hair, followed by dressing, today she was sporting a pair of denim sorts with a black, short-sleeved t-shirt and a pair of black converse to match - she'd learn't her lessons with heels.

She made her way to the kitchen, finding Elijah and Klaus sat at the table discussing a plan to kill Mikael; she chose to ignore until she had finished at least a single cup of coffee, she poured herself a mug and joined them at the table, "good morning."

"Good morning, sweetheart," Klaus mused, Elena just rolled her eyes at his comment, still unable to forgive him.

"How did you sleep?" Elijah asked, his gaze flickering from Klaus to her, he too couldn't stand his pettiness.

"Good, thank you," she returned his kindness with a smile, before diverting her attention to the mug of coffee in her hands; she knew she had to distract herself otherwise she'd stare at him for longer than appropriate, "so, what's going on?"

"Trying to think of a plan to kill our father," Klaus spoke casually, as if it didn't effect him but she knew all too well that he was scared, his usual brave and fake facade in place.

"We're attempting to formulate a plan that guarantees the death of our father without endangering any of our lives but even with Klaus' hybrids, we don't stand a chance against the white oak stake," Elijah explained.

"White oak stake?" Elena's brow furrowed.

"The white oak tree was using the ritual that turned us into vampires, it gave us immortality and it can take it away," Elijah turned his attention to Elena, explaining a story from his past that involved there potential demise was not something he did often, if ever.

"The only weapon that can kill an original," Klaus commented.

"And your father has it?"

"Correct," Elijah nodded his head.

"So, instead of focusing on killing Mikael, couldn't we figure out a plan to try and get the weapon from him instead?" Elena pondered.

"And how do you suppose we do that, love? Our father is a thousand year old vampire who hunts vampires, he's not easy to fool," Klaus rolled his eyes.

Elena was quiet for a moment, taking a large sip of coffee whilst she scoured her mind for anything that could help, "couldn't we use magic?"

"Actually," Elijah interjected, his head cocking to one side whilst he thought more into it, "father is an original vampire, he is not immune to the effects of the white oak; if when stabbed, we turn to fire, could we not spell it to make it burn at it's touch? Making it impossible for Mikael to wield it."

"We wouldn't be able to hold it either, we wouldn't be able to take it," Klaus spoke.

"No but I can," Elena looked between both brothers, Elijah seemed to be happy with the way the plan was going but Klaus was not.

"And then you use it against me, I won't allow it," his paranoia leeched out into his voice, his frustration apparent.

"As much as I like the idea of that," she tilted her head, smirking towards Klaus, "looks like you're just going to have to trust me."

"Or we could find another way," Klaus shook his head, his lack of trust would be the end of him, "I'm not putting our lives in the hands of a witch and the doppelgänger."

"I think this is the best plan we have, brother, all we have to do is lure Mikael to a safe location, spell the stake, Elena takes it and we get out of there."

"Sounds simple enough," she stood from the chair and walked towards the coffee machine, taking the pot and filling her mug once again; she leaned against the counter and continued to sip at her coffee.

"We're still not addressing the issue of I don't want you to have the stake," Klaus snarled.

"At lot can go wrong for me as well, Klaus, I'll be in the same room as three original vampires, none of which have any value for the life of the doppelgänger except for her blood, so like I said, we're just going to have to trust each other," she placed her cup down on the side and folded her arms across her chest, "if Mikael dies, there's no reason for you to create hybrids anymore, right?"

"Maybe," Klaus pondered, shrugging his shoulders.

"Niklaus," his brother spat, his patience thinning, "I trust Elena, we can do this."

His words replayed in her mind over and over, her heart panged slightly at his words, "I'm not the one who has defend myself, since you've taken me, Klaus, I've honoured our deal and all it got me was scars."

Klaus looked down, still unable to process what he had done to Elena; when he replayed the scene in his head, he saw how violent and bloody the entire situation was, she should have been never been apart of it, he got caught up in the power that came with creating and controlling his hybrids, "fine, we'll do this but when something goes wrong and we all die or the lovely Elena here ceases an opportunity to kill us, I will be telling you 'I told you so' from the other side."

"I'm sure we can handle that, you tend to be that annoying on the daily," Elijah smirked, his words causing Elena to chuckle, she shrugged her shoulders in agreement.

"Very funny," Klaus glared, his eyes rolling, "so, this plan then, let's figure it out."

-w-

They had spent the rest of the morning working out the details; Klaus knew of a witch powerful enough to spell the stake but she resided in Atlanta, he had made all the necessary arrangements to fly, he had arranged for a jet to take them at 3pm.

Elena was already packed, her things had never left her suitcase and Elijah was recently daggered so he didn't have anything to take with him either, Klaus had arranged for his hybrids to drive up and meet with them in the night.

They left for the airport, a 45 minute drive to the closest one; Elena was in the backseat and the two brothers up front, she was going over the plan in her head, everything she had to do to make sure they didn't fail, they had contingencies and back-up plans, she was feeling confident.

She could help but let her mind wander to the alternative, what if she did acquire the stake and use it against Klaus? Her friends and family would be safe, she could return home and see Damon again but most of all, she wouldn't have to be a human blood-bag any longer, prisoner to no-one.

But how could she? She knew how much Elijah loved his brother and she couldn't inflict anymore pain on him. She quickly pushed these thoughts away, betrayal and lies only ever ends with pain and suffering, usually hers.

They arrived shortly after, Klaus had took her bag from the boot of the car and continued to carry it, very chivalrous of him; although she was still angry with him, she could see he was trying to mend there relationship, "thank you."

"Wouldn't want you to break a nail now, love," he smirked, full of amusement as they carried on walking through the airport, she had a brother on either side of her.

"Yeah, I've been through enough," they both chuckled slightly at her sarcasm, "maybe you can treat me to a manicure soon, it's only fair."

"I'll even throw in a pedicure for ya, darlin'," they continued to joke, Elijah couldn't help but find amusement in there conversation, although he was still protective of her, he was glad she could find it in her heart to at least try and make all this work.

Elena smiled kindly at Klaus, there eyes meeting briefly; she felt as though she could move past this, providing he doesn't try to make her hybrid food again, "sounds like we have a deal."

"I guess so."

They arrived at the gate, they walked straight through, compelling the guard on there way past; none of them had passports and the jet was hired in different names so they just went straight through, boarding the plane.

The flight was quick, Elena had spent the majority of it watching out the window, looking at the views and staring into the clouds that flew past her. She knew she wanted to travel someday, it had always been a dream of hers to see the world.

Once they exited the plane, they jumped in a taxi and where headed to a neighbourhood called Summerhill, it was small and quiet but filled with local history; Klaus had told Elena that she was seeking a quiet life away from vampires and the trouble they bring but she owed him one.

When they arrived, Elena glanced around the area, noticing a few shops and bars and a large park, it did seem peaceful. It was 4pm, not many people out and about, perfect for what they had come here to do.

Klaus had lead them to a back-alley bar, complete dive; it was dimly lit and only had a few regulars, they all seemed down on there luck. Elena had took a seat on one of the stools at the bar, Klaus and Elijah had stood at the bar, waiting for someone to come out from the back.

He saw a woman carrying a crate of beers, she struggled as she pushed open the door that lead to the main bar; she placed them down on the floor and stood back up, her eyes widening when she noticed the originals stood there.

"Klaus," she rolled her eyes, the last person she expected to see; she just continued to restock the fridges with the fresh beers, "Elijah."

"Elena, I'd like you to meet Leanna, we've worked together for many decades," Klaus smiled at her, although he knew she wouldn't be too easy to convince to work with him again.

"It's nice to meet you," Elena spoke kindly.

"Nice to meet you too, doll."

"You've worked together for decades, you said?" She asked Klaus before turning her attention back to Leanna, "you don't look a day over 30."

"Well, aren't you sweet, I have a magical skincare routine," she mused as she closed the fridge door and walked towards the bar where the brothers stood, her elbows propped up on the counter and her head supported on her hands, "whatever the reason you two are here, I don't care, I'm not helping you."

"Oh, Leanna," Elijah turned his charm on, making him completely irresistible; Elena couldn't help but stare, he neared her face, a smirk curled up on his lip, "surely you wouldn't deny us just a small amount of your time? I'd be eternally grateful."

Leanna had began to blush but she held her own, resisting the temptation, "I can't be involved in another vampire vendetta, I have a family to think about now, I'm sorry."

"Enough niceties, time is running out," Klaus spoke impatiently, "Mikael is back and we need you to help us stop him; if it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have your nice and quiet life here with your lovely kids and white picket fence, you owe me. We're not leaving until you at least hear us out."

"Don't threaten me, Niklaus," she growled, her anger rising, "I've done enough for you in the past, I served you for a long time and don't deserve to have you come in here unannounced and completely disrupting my life."

She sighed deeply, fearful of the consequences she may have to endure for not doing as he asks, Klaus would probably threaten her family, as he always does.

"We just need you to do two spells," Elena interjected before Klaus would turn into his usual arrogant self, she could see in her eyes that she just wanted to be alone, "you don't have to leave and you won't be in any danger, I promise."

"If I help you, this is the last time, Klaus, I never want to see you or your family again," she argued, "do we have an agreement?"

"I give you my word, you will never see us again," Elijah spoke, his nobility untainted.

"What is it that you need?" A small sigh escaped her lips.

"Mikael has been released and is out to kill me, we need you to locate him so we can take the fight to him," Klaus explained, "and we're not sure if this can be done but we need you to spell the white oak stake that is currently in my fathers possession so he is unable to wield it."

She was silent for a few minutes whilst she thought about what they said and whether it was possible, the magic required of her would be vast, she just hoped she could handle it, "I need to go home and get my grimoire, meet me tonight at the cemetery to the north of town, there is a lot of magic there I can channel."

"You can do it?" Elena asked, shocked and relieved that she was able and willing to help.

"I think so, yes, I just need some equipment, meet me after dark," she nodded her head slightly before heading to the back, exiting the main floor of the bar.

"Let's hope this goes well," Klaus remarked, feeling the slightest bit of hope; all he wanted was for this all to be over, for Mikael to be dead so he can make his family whole again.