In the many centuries of his long life, Niklaus Mikaelson had frequently boasted that he was immortal, often while shrugging off attacks that would have mortally wounded anyone else. In truth, he found the look of surprise and despair on his enemies' face amusing. He often took attacks he could have avoided, just so they could see how futile their efforts to defeat him were. So, it should come as no surprise that he had not given much thought to what the afterlife was like beyond hoping his father was suffering in it.
Whatever he could have expected after sacrificing his life to save Hope, waking up in a world of pure white was certainly not it.
He had secretly hoped that he would be able to be with Elijah in some form or another, but instead he was alone, surrounded by nothingness and silence. He could already feel the loneliness and despair he thought he had escaped closing in.
The past few years had not been kind to him. In fact, they were the longest and most difficult of his life. Adrift from his siblings and unable to connect with his daughter, he wandered the world alone with no purpose. It was worse than the years he had spent in Marcellus's dungeon. He had never felt so lost; not even the systematic killing of their old enemies had brought him any joy.
In fact, all he felt was numb. He was consumed with regret and shame for the mistakes that had ultimately destroyed his family. His initial jealousy and feud with Marcel. Allowing Lucian to become a threat instead of killing him and his compatriots. Standing idly by while Elijah killed Marcel over an unfounded prophecy. Somewhere along the line he lost a step, and because of it his family suffered.
He had even contemplated using the white oak stake and ending things before a breath of sunlight reentered his world. Even years later, Caroline Forbes had a way of turning his world upside down. For the first time in years, he found himself genuinely smiling. She had grown older and wiser, but the light and strength that had initially drawn him to her still burned as brightly as ever. As did the feelings that he had only ever reserved for her.
He had considered seeking out the blonde during his forced exodus away from his family. He had envisioned her taking him up on the promise he made years ago and seeing the world with him. But cold reality prevented him.
Caroline was a mother now, and he brought nothing but death and devastation to the people he loved. His enemies were vast, and his failure with Cami had taught him that not even his formidable strength was enough sometimes. He would not allow Caroline to suffer the same fate, so he ignored the part of himself that wondered what her answer would have been.
Nevertheless, it felt like a dream seeing her again. Their connection was as strong as ever, and he felt happy that she seemed as pleased about this as he did. They bantered and flirted, and as always, she seemed determined to inspire the best from him. He felt truly happy until Hayley's death and the discovery of Elijah's betrayal.
From there it was a roller coaster of pain and poor decisions until his daughter managed to nearly get herself killed taking on a power she couldn't control. And again, it was his fault. Allowing her to slaughter those vampires while knowing she was an inactive werewolf, allowing those bigoted vampires to threaten him. He had always prided himself on his foresight and strategic mind, but it seemed he was doomed to continue the same mistakes. So, with a heavy heart he decided to do one last good thing and end the cycle. His death would not only destroy the dark magic but would spare his daughter from the shadow of his misdeeds.
"To be honest, I had expected more from you," said a feminine voice from behind him. He turned in shock to see the form of a beautiful girl standing before him. She was lithe with rippling dark hair and piercing eyes that exuded immense power. Familiar power, and a familiar form.
"The Hollow," said Klaus calmly as he turned to face her. Despite the casualness of his tone, his claws were extending, and his quick mind was already calculating his chances in the event of a conflict. Considering the creature was reading his mind, they weren't good. "I'm sorry to say you have me at a disadvantage. I wasn't expecting company, or I would have prepared better accommodations. "
"I've had you at a disadvantage from the beginning, "she said. The girl considered him for a moment before grinning. With a snap of her fingers, the white world they were in disappeared and was replaced with familiar surroundings of the Abattoir. ''Still after you and your family managed to kill my original form and thwart my rebirth in your daughter's body, I thought you would prove far more challenging in the end. Instead, you hardly put up a fight. I'm disappointed."
"I've managed to save my daughter and end your influence on her. I'm afraid I have the only victory I cared for in this matter." He grinned at her. "Perhaps you are unaware, but your plans failed, and my death has sealed your own."
The Hollow merely smiled and waved a hand at him. Instantly he felt immense crushing pressure that sent tendrils of pain through his body. He screamed as his entire body was slowly crushed under the weight of her power. Then just as suddenly as it appeared, the pain was gone.
"Take a seat. It appears we have much to discuss."
Unable to resist the power pressing against him he obeyed, but his mind was racing. Something had clearly gone wrong. His sacrifice had failed.
"Your sacrifice was merely an endgame in a plan that has stretched back since our initial encounter. Your brother's as well."
Klaus was stunned. What did Elijah's death have to do with anything?
"Have you already forgotten the immense power to be gained from sacrificing powerful souls? Harnessing the power from the deaths of two original vampires has increased my power beyond even what I had anticipated." She laughed at the horrified look on his face. "Do you still not understand? You and your family have been dancing on a string since you thwarted my original plan. A nice blend of revenge to sweeten the successful accomplishment of my goal. "
"I have better things to do than to listen to your lies. I had my fill of you trying to toy with my mind when I was alive. Now it only serves to bore me."
"You have no idea how deep in my web your family has been spun. Let's tally them up, shall we? Who do you think planted the idea of wiping his memories in Elijah's mind? Or lowered his natural defenses to even make such a thing possible? " The Hollow grinned. "You and your siblings may have split my power, but my will remained. I've toyed with all of your minds, preying on your insecurities and fragile emotions. I drove you and your brother to suicide, haunted and compelled your daughter as my unwitting accomplice, and even arranged the kidnapping of Hayley Marshall. Every move you've made has been according to my will."
"Lies!" snarled the Hybrid, his eyes turning golden in sheer rage.
"Lies, are they? We both know that there were dozens of ways you could have saved little Hope without taking your own life. You could have let Elijah take your place, or even sweet Aurora suffering beneath these very walls. A pair of siphon witches at your disposal, and yet you were stubbornly determined to leave your daughter an orphan. Why? Because that is what I willed." The Hollow moved forward and caressed his face, smirking when he twisted his face from her grasp.
"I left you bereft of family and purpose with nothing but your thoughts and insecurities to occupy you for years. I mean I knew removing Elijah from your side would tip the scales, but not even I knew how much. You were lost in despair and regret and would have killed yourself sooner had it not been for the interference of that wretched girl. Not that it mattered. You were tamed. Docile. No longer the big bad wolf, but a pawn in a game you were no longer capable of playing. I guess dear old dad was right about you huh?"
Unable to take anymore, Klaus launched himself at the Hollow only to have his momentum used against him, and the attack dodged. With a fling of her wrist, Inadu sent him flying.
"There's no use in attacking me. This world is merely a construct, a physical representation of my power that keeps our souls bound to this plane." The Hollow seemed solemn now, looking at him with almost resigned eyes. "You look at me with such hatred. But the truth is you and your family were broken long before I got involved. I merely used the pieces for my own ends."
"Perhaps you are right. But as my brother once said, something being broken implies that it can also be fixed. Without your influence, perhaps our bonds would have had a second chance to heal and be born anew."
"Perhaps you are right," murmured Inadu. She seemed contemplative. "You know the problem with absolute power? It's boring. I have the power to erase you from existence, but to what end? Eternity is a curse when you are forced to navigate it alone." She sat and crossed her legs and stared unblinking into the distance. "I had high hopes for you, you know. You are one of my children after all, and we have similar origin stories. Born with unique gifts, betrayed by the person who was supposed to care for us. Our rage gave us power. It allowed us to overpower those who would keep us in chains, and yet while I have continued my path of strength, you have stagnated."
With a gust of speed, she appeared before him, waving a disapproving finger in his face. "I was hoping for an epic conflict. My power and followers against yours. The original werewolf vs the original vampire. I expected songs to be sung of the carnage that ensued, the cities that fell during our battle. You showed such promise in killing my original body and thwarting my plan. Only to fall victim to the same mental tricks you once scoffed at. So disappointing. And now that you and your family are no longer threats, I have only an eternity of boredom awaiting me. "
"My apologies," he snarled sarcastically. "If only I had known ahead of time that I'd be facing an all-powerful psychopath, I would have made sure to bring my A game."
She looked thoughtful. "Perhaps there is a certain clarity in hindsight. Do you truly feel you can do better?"
He scoffed. " I am not an enemy you want to face twice. Now that I am aware of what you can do, I am sure I can find a way to crush you like I have all the other fools who thought they could stand against my family. You were fortunate to have gotten the best of me. Unfortunately, luck is its own strategy."
"Well then, I'll hold you to that." The hybrid looked up at her words only to see the girl starting to chant. The walls in the abattoir began to shake and a whirlwind of power was sending everything flying around.
"What are you doing?" he yelled, trying to be heard over the cracking and screeching of the metaphysical building.
"I'm resetting the chessboard. Try to be less of a disappointment this time. See you soon little wolf."
With a loud crash, the power surged, and everything went black.
Klaus came to with a crash. Every nerve in his body was on fire, and his head felt like he had been hit with a magical sledgehammer. Dimly he noticed that he had fallen from his bed.
"Are you okay sir?" asked a concerned voice from downstairs.
When he didn't respond, heavy footsteps echoed quickly up the stairs, and a large man bounded into the room.
A familiar man. Also, a very dead one. Maddox. It must be another one of the Hollow's tricks.
"Are you okay sir?" stated the witch again, and Klaus waved him off.
"I'm fine. Give me your phone. "
The witch looked confused but quickly obeyed.
August 5th. 2009. Impossible! Or was it?
Dialing a familiar number, he let it ring for a second before a cultured voice answered the phone.
"Elijah, speaking."
Klaus felt lead in his stomach. it couldn't be. " Brother…"
"Niklaus, this is certainly unexpected. Surely you haven't called to beg for forgiveness. I'm afraid what you have done is unforgivable."
What had he done to earn his brother's ire this time? Oh yes. He had forgotten about misleading his brother on the murder of his siblings. Not that they didn't often tempt him. In his defense, he hadn't expected the elder Mikaelson to believe him.
"I expected more of you dear brother. I had forgotten you still believed that old lie. Rest assured our siblings remain safe and sound. "
"I see. And I suppose you are informing me of this out of the goodness of your heart?"
"No need for skepticism, Elijah. We need to meet immediately. I'll text you the address. Be quick about it. We have much to discuss. "Before waiting for a response he hung up, feeling his hands start to shake as the realization hit him. He was in the past.
There would be time for marveling at the Hollow's power and endgame later.
For now, there were plans to make, and enemies to slaughter. Relationships to mend. War was coming.
"Find Greta and tell her to prepare for a trip to New Orleans. I want you to have some men ready the house, we will have some company soon. "
The witch left to do his bidding, and Klaus let out a sigh. He had had a long time to think about the many mistakes he had made. Enemies he had taken too lightly. Betrayals he didn't anticipate. It was always the punch you didn't see coming that puts you down. Lucian. The Hollow. Even Marcel. But why didn't he see it? War and betrayal were what he reveled in. or had anyway. So, the question isn't what happened; the question is what happened to him?
Somewhere along the way he got sloppy, complacent. Dulled the rage and fire that had fueled him for 1,000 years. Dulled his own edge. Maybe he even did the worst crime of all. He got civilized.
Well like the Hollow said, it was time to zero the clock. He had a second chance to attain everything he ever wanted. Something to fight for besides survival and the notion of family. There was happiness as well as joy, and even love. He had a chance to fix everything. But for that, he'd have to find that animal side again. Return to the monster in the dark and remind the supernatural world why he was its king.
His blood burned in anticipation.
First things first. He had to break his curse. Even now he could feel the absence of some of his strength. His werewolf side still bound by Esther's spell.
He also had some bridges to mend.
In a burst of speed, he vanished from the room. He reappeared in the basement and looked in almost reverence at the five coffins that lay there. Elijah's was obviously empty. His mother he would deal with later after discussing her fate with the rest of his siblings. But the rest he would awaken now. Although considering the nature of the discussion he needed to have with each of them, perhaps it would be better to do so one on one for now.
Better start with the most difficult one first then.
Making his way to the one that housed Kol, he pulled the dagger from his youngest brother's body. Knowing it would take a few minutes for the effects of the dagger to wear off he moved to a nearby chair and waited.
He had reflected a lot on the fractures in his relationship with his family. But out of all of them, Kol was the one he felt he had hurt the most. The look of shock on his brother's face when he told him he adored him hurt more than he cared to admit. It was time to clear up any misconceptions his brother may have had about his feelings towards him.
After a few minutes his brother gasped and sat up. He glanced around and noted the change in venue from the time he was daggered. Spying his brother in the corner, he scowled.
"Well, if it isn't my bastard brother. I take it we are no longer in New Orleans. Tell me, how long has it been this time? "
"A little over a century," stated Klaus quietly.
Kol scowled. "Well, if you are waking me, you must be either bored or in need of something. Done something heinous to offend Elijah's sensibilities again? Or have you murdered another of our sister's lovers?"
Klaus said nothing but tossed the dagger over to his surprised brother.
"Niklaus, what is this?"
"It is yours. Once we are done here, I plan on waking the others. None of you have to fear the dagger ever again. "
"Have you done it then? Has Father finally met his end?"
"From what I understand Mikael is currently incapacitated, although I know not where. I am releasing the others as soon as you and I are done."
"I'd say we'd be done for a thousand years, Nik. I'm not going to stick around just waiting for the moment my bastard brother decides that I've gone too far again. I was never a part of always and forever anyway."
"I won't apologize for protecting you from Mikael. Or preventing you from endangering us with your indiscretions. " He paused, "But there is a mistake I must atone for; a shame I will carry for the rest of my eternity. I should have never let you doubt your place among us, and I will never fail to do so again. But hear me loud and clear, little brother. You are a Mikaelson. You are my blood. And you are loved. I need you to stand with me. Always and forever."
"Niklaus, you tell me it has been centuries since I was daggered. Why have you chosen to awaken me now?"
"I'm trying to rectify my mistakes brother. We have never been close. You've always been a bore and knowing you hated who we became made you difficult and untrustworthy. Blame Mother and Father for their betrayal, not I. But we carried you with us nonetheless for nine centuries through every danger and enemy we faced because you are our brother. You will always be a part of our family, and there will always be a place for you here with us. It is time you find your own path and have a chance at a real life. Sage, the woman you love, is out there somewhere. Find her and be at peace. But first we have a mission."
-
"How long has it been Nik?"
"Too long, Bekah. Come, I'm sure I can scrounge up a new dress for you, and I'm sure you're hungry."
"I'm famished. Don't think I've forgiven you for daggering me just because you are being nice all of a sudden."
"Of course not, little sister. I brought you a gift, your dagger and a location on our dear friend Stefan. Although fair warning, he won't remember you right now. "
"You utter bastard Nik. I loved Stefan. You knew this, and you stole him from me like you did every moment of happiness I managed to find in this wretched eternity of ours."
"Mikael would have killed you both. I won't apologize for saving your life." He sighed and hugged her. "I killed our mother, and I know you are the one who set Mikael on us in New Orleans. We have hurt and lied to each other countless times throughout the centuries. "
"Nik…" started the surprised blonde.
"It's okay Rebekah. Through war and heartbreak, you were always the one who stayed at my side. We have protected each other for centuries. And yes, we caused each other pain and heartbreak that would've shattered a bond lesser than ours. I know I haven't always been easy to live with. My anger and jealousy caused me to lash out at you and those you chose countless times. I'm sorry little sister. I promise to never dagger you again. Let all our sins against each other be laid bare and forgiven. Me for being a bastard brother who dominated your life and ignored your wishes, and you for a momentary betrayal against your blood. I want you to live the life you wish, and I hope you will choose to remain at my side.
"That's what family is Niklaus. It's the people you're born to and the people you choose who stand beside you when things get hard. There's no place I'd rather be than right beside you. I'm sorry as well for Mikael. "
-
"It's good to see you Brother. I see your fashion sense has yet to evolve with the times. It's 100 degrees and you are wearing a 3-piece suit. "
"Always a critic, Niklaus. Surely you could have bothered to shave that rat's nest you call facial hair. "
"Oh, how I've missed your pathetic attempts at witty repartee. Surely centuries at my side has taught you a few things, brother."
"Well, there's a reason I know a dozen ways to get bloodstains out of leather pants."
Klaus grinned and hugged his brother with an intensity that surprised them both.
"It's good to see you, Elijah. I've missed you. Come, the others are waiting for us."
"I admit, while I am beyond relieved that your claim to have murdered our family is false, I did not expect you to remove the daggers from them. Not while Mikael still roams free."
"Our father is currently incapacitated, and I'm still astonished you believed that rubbish. You who know me best of all."
"You've always been prone to impulsive actions, Niklaus, and over the years the darkness in your heart has only grown. Sometimes I don't even recognize the boy you once were. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive brother. You have always stood by my side, believed in me when no one else would. It's high time I returned the favor and lived up to it. The people we once were are dead Elijah. And they will stay that way. But that does not mean we do not deserve happiness. It's time the Mikaelson family reforged its bonds and retook our place at the top of the supernatural world. Our vow will be the glue that holds us together instead of a curse to make us miserable. My greatest wish is that you out of all of us find the peace you so richly deserve."
Elijah was stunned. Never had he heard his brother speak in such a manner.
"I am grateful for your loyalty Elijah. And I honor you. But it's time you learned to live life for yourself. There will always be another battlefield, another enemy that dares to stand against us. Even when Mikael is killed for good, we are not completely invulnerable. It's time to let go and find some happiness for yourself brother."
He reached in his pocket and handed his brother a folded-up piece of paper.
"What is this?" Asked the elder Mikaelson.
"It is the current whereabouts of Katerina. When we have achieved our goal here, find her and tell her she is free. I will no longer hunt her provided she turns over the moonstone in her possession. You have my blessing to explore the love I long denied you with my callousness."
With that the hybrid patted his stunned brother on the back and left to rejoin his other siblings in the kitchen. Elijah looked down at the now crumpled piece of paper and smiled. Perhaps there was hope for his brother after all.
``Now that is a sight I never thought I'd see again, " said Kol gazing at the large creepy house before them. "I haven't seen it since you trapped my witches in there."
"I'm surprised, Niklaus. After what happened with Mikael, I never expected you to be so willing to return to New Orleans. Is there a reason you don't want us setting foot in the city?"
"Yes. I've recently learned that our old friend Marcellus is still alive. He has done quite well for himself in fact as king of the city. However, as long as our father is still alive, it's too dangerous to bring him back into the fold.'
"You bastard, how could you wait so long to inform me!" Shouted Rebekah.
"Please sister, you will have your reunion with Marcellus soon enough. We have bigger concerns right now, and stealth is key."
"You will pay for this. I'm setting your piano on fire just as soon as we make it back."
"I see your penchant for arson has not mellowed through the centuries, " stated Finn calmly. "Niklaus, why are we here?"
"What we seek is in the attic. Normally a Claire witch would have to donate their blood to allow us in, but Maddock and Greta should be able to overcome such a spell."
"It seems Mary Alice did not lose her touch. Consider me intrigued, Nik."
The two witches started chanting and soon the barrier around the house fell. With a grin Klaus opened the door and led the group up the stairs, ignoring the shocked faces of the inhabitants inside. Once they reached the attic, the other Mikaelson siblings were shocked to see a coffin resting inside. In the coffin was a beautiful woman with dirty blonde hair sleeping peacefully.
"I need you to link her lifeforce to me," stated Klaus quietly much to the shock of the other siblings.
"Nik, who is this? She looks familiar," said Rebekah.
Before he could respond, the woman's eyes shot open, her green eyes frantic. She glanced around in surprise as she slowly recognized the figures before her.
"Hello sister" said Klaus calmly as he reached in to pull the surprised young woman from her coffin.
"Sister!?" said the others in shock.
"Meet Freya, our long-lost sister. Long story short, our mother's betrayal of her children started long before she helped our father murder us and turn us into vampires."
"Is it really you?" asked a stunned Finn.
"It is, although I'm at a loss as to how you found me or even knew I was alive. wait if I'm awake that means that Dahlia must be as well."
"Never fear, our dear aunt has a few more years of slumber left before she can make a nuisance of herself. I had my friends here link your lifeforce to mine. You'll get to keep your immortality while not having to take any more long naps. It can't be good for your hair."
"You are surprisingly well informed, and not what I expected considering the last time that I saw you."
"Oh, that's the number one thing you will learn about me sister. I know everything, and you caught us at a bad time. Family drama and all that. I'm certain you will get used to it soon."
"Wait, I remember now," said Kol. "You and I met a century ago, didn't we? You were the only witch in town I couldn't charm into doing my bidding. Honestly, I just figured that you fancied the ladies."
"Oh, because that's the only reason a woman wouldn't swoon for you?" asked Freya with humor in her voice.
"Well, either that, or you're my long lost, not so dead older sister. You've been asleep awhile, but I'm actually quite handsome you know."
"For a man child you mean, "taunted Rebekah.
"Now, now, let's save picking on Kol for another time. I'm sure our sister would like some new clothes and a hot meal. We have much to catch up on."
"Thank you, Elijah. And yes, I want to know everything."
Well, hello everyone. Welcome to my first full length fic. First, let me state that everything in canon happened as the shows dictated. Yes, even the stupid stuff. But now it's a fresh slate, starting a few months before season 1 of Vampire Diaries. Now I have never cared much for that season and barely remember it, but fair warning canon will be blown up relatively quickly in this fic.
I also purposely kept Klaus's reconnection with his siblings vague. All is not instantly forgiven but I do plan on showing the Mikaelsons as a united family.