AN: Kol recruits a reluctant Toni, whose heritage makes her a target for more foes than just Kai.
Elena rejoices over her miracle baby, and a drunken Damon reveals some harsh truths regarding his emotions.
Enter Toni Topaz and some background on The Summit, next chapter we will meet her MIA sisters. ***UPDATE: I added what I felt was much needed context in some spots and as for the ambiguity on some of the things, they will be revisited and addressed in part 2 or 3 of my Kennett saga. I hope you still love it!
Songs for this chapter:
Counting Stars -by One Republic
Come and Get It -by Selena Gomez
Towards the end of this chapter is an ode to my high school crush, who neither knew nor cared that I existed until after I'd moved on with my life. Easily the most beautiful male I'd ever seen in my actual life.
Bonnie and Elena's POV
Bonnie waited until her girls arrived to return Davina's call. When Caroline and Elena arrived, she found she had to invite them into her home again; the dust Kol had given her acted as a barrier until the invitation was extended.
"Get in here," Bonnie ushered them inside, before throwing a glance around outside and shutting the door.
"Ok, but honestly look at this, Bonnie," Caroline yanked Elena's top up.
"Ow, careful with the tits! They're sensitive," Elena exclaimed as she slapped Caroline's hands.
"Oh, show her the cleavage too!"
Elena sighed and she figured she should just take off her shirt. Resting her shirt on her breasts was too uncomfortable. She stood there in a sports bra -because squeezing into her regular bra was not happening that day- and smoothed her hand over her usually flat stomach that had a slight bulge around the belly area.
"Wow, you are growing," Bonnie marveled. "When did you notice this?"
"Last night, when the storm started. I was with Liam and I got really nauseous. And then I lost my dinner. Do you think it's because you and Kol…"
"I don't know, I mean I get the weather but if it's going to affect you all, wouldn't Caroline be pregnant too?" Bonnie wondered aloud. "And why do you feel the symptoms but no heartbeat? Wouldn't there be a heartbeat if you're starting to show?"
"She was thinking maybe not because it's a vampire baby, maybe there's no heartbeat," Caroline suggested.
Bonnie face-palmed. "Caroline, there is no such thing as a vampire baby!"
"There was in Twilight! Bella had a half-human and half-vampire baby with Edward because she was human when she conceived their baby."
"And her pregnancy was accelerated," Elena added. "As soon as she was pregnant, she was showing. Hello?!" She gestured to her stomach. "I'm a vampire, my baby daddy is a human, and we just made our baby two nights ago. Bonnie, I am having a Twilight, miracle baby! There's no other explanation!"
Elena felt bad that Bonnie finally consummated her relationship with her soulmate, yet Elena was the one who had a product of love. Okay, maybe not love, but primal passion that she hadn't felt in years. But either way, this was her baby and whether or not things worked out with Liam, she would see this through. Her child would be as loved as her parents made her feel, and Elena would always protect him. She felt it was a boy, she would call him little Grayson, after her father.
With Elena being so excited over this strange pregnancy, Bonnie couldn't help but to be happy for her friend as well. She pulled her in for a hug. "Congratulations," she said, laughing in awe.
"Oh, ow! Watch the boobies," Elena winced as she pulled back.
"Sorry. I wish there was a spell I could do to see how this is possible. But my magic,"
"Right, what's wrong with your magic?" Caroline asked.
"Watch this. Incendia! " Bonnie gestured to candles in her living room and nothing happened. " Motus! " Still, nothing. "And I got a call from Davina Claire. Listen to this," Bonnie said before she played the voicemail.
"What the hell is going on?" Her blonde friend wailed. "And why do the heretics still have their magic?"
"The heretics have their magic still?" Care and Elena nodded. "They're siphons. That means that…"
Elena's eyes bulged in alarm. Siphons still had access to their magic. Kai Parker had access to his magic! Nothing about that was okay.
It was decided that Caroline and Elena would scope out the town square to assess the damage the heretics could possibly be wreaking on the town, though there was one order of business to be discussed first.
Caroline grinned wide as if she was about to burst open with big news, even though Bonnie knew she was only curious. "Sooo… how was your first time?"
She blushed profusely and looked at her boots. "Oh my gosh. I don't kiss and tell, you guys know that!"
"Well who else are you going to discuss it with? Besides your girlfriends, that's what we're here for!" Elena assured. "Don't you have any questions?"
"Did he treat you right?" Care asked.
Bonnie bit her lip as fond memories of her lover's perfectly chiseled body pressed up against hers replayed in her mind. "Of course he did," She clutched her arm and attempted to pull the sleeve of her hoodie down when Caroline gasped.
"Bonnie Bennett!" She snatched her arm and held it up for Elena to see. "What the hell?!" She was referring to the bruise marks near her wrist.
"Oh my God, that was necessary," Bonnie said once she yanked her hand away and covered her face. Elena raised a brow. "I had him hold me down sometimes in case I… you know. I was still getting used to… him,"
"Oh my God, why didn't you say something then!"
"I didn't think I was obligated to give you every detail of my personal life,"
"Of course you are, Bonnie you're a woman now! I can't believe it, at the same time I can because if it wasn't for the weather last night you wouldn't have even told us, so I am glad that the milestone to womanhood had such a cosmic impact on magic. And I'm just glad we can be here for you," Caroline teared up towards the end, for some reason. It may have been the fact that her mom was recently gone and life still had to go on. Milestones would continue to be reached among her friend group and now Liz would no longer be a part of it. Bonnie knew Caroline grew up with dreams of having a family that was more intact than her own upbringing. The loss of her mom was still very new.
"Caroline, I appreciate you," Bonnie assured. "I just… There's a lot I still need to get used to. I mean I've had Kai's filthy paws in places I hated, and then I couldn't even go near Kol as soon as he- oh God, what did I say?!" Sniffles from Elena interrupted Bonnie's rundown of why discussing sex with her girls wasn't going as smoothly as she'd always imagined it'd go.
"I just love you both so much and I'm glad we're all here. I want you both there when my baby is born," she sobbed. Suddenly, Elena's hunger overcame her emotions, which were placed on the back burner as her friends assured her they'd be there when the time came. She wiped her tears and smoothed her hair. "I need a milkshake. With some fries,"
She was gone without another word.
"Wow," Caroline said.
"Yeah, those pregnancy hormones are no joke," Bonnie agreed. "Damn, I forgot to give her the thing!"
They took Bonnie's car to the Salvatore boardinghouse first to give Elena some space before issuing the red dust Kol had left behind.
Stefan's POV
"I'm just saying, I'd make a great mother. I mean considering who my mom was?" Caroline raised her brows expectantly.
"I know you would, and she'd be absolutely fucking proud," Stefan said, pulling her closer. Caroline pouted. "In fact, why don't we practice the act of making babies until one day, we get tired of all this and find the cure. Then, boom, first try as humans, you'll be carrying my baby."
Caroline giggled against his lips. "What if it takes more than one try?"
"Mmm, you know I never miss,"
"Mhmm, so I'll hold you to that," she tilted her head up and kissed him. Every kiss with Caroline always incited his arousal. It was likely because she was a passionate kisser and Stefan was a passionate person. Now that they were finally together, he couldn't get enough of her. As he pushed her up against his Porsche outside of the boarding house, both of their heads turned towards his home when they heard Damon going off on Bonnie.
"What the hell?! " Caroline groaned as she marched toward the front door with Stefan following close behind.
Damon's POV
Damon's day could absolutely not get any worse. Being betrayed by Lily and her band of heretics, then he was stuck at home because of the storm, having to listen to Stefan and Caroline go at it for hours last night, and today he comes to find out witch magic is on the fritz, only the heretics still had their power, and were abusing it now that the Originals had left town. Fucking convenient.
According to Caroline, most of this was because Bonnie finally decided to give up the goods. Even if he hadn't caught wind of that, he detected the altered scent that was Bonnie's before she even came through the door. She even looked different, more glowy and cheery than he'd seen her in a long time. The sight was certainly beautiful, but jealousy and envy reigned his emotions so powerfully that the beauty of her new glow sickened him.
"Hey, good morning," she said tapping his shoulder as she walked up, carrying a nap sack. He jerked his shoulder away. There's nothing good about this morning , he thought.
Bonnie frowned. "What's wrong with you?"
"You bring the sage?"
"Yes," Bonnie said slowly, eyeing him curiously. "And I was going to try a cloaking spell so Kai can't track me, but that's off the table now. Will you do the honors and be my puny human's self bodyguard?"
"What's in it for me?" He asked, with a stone face.
"Ahh, well I have a gift for you. Guess what Kol gave me?"
Fuck. It's like she was setting him up to lash out at her with her fucking rainbow parade of everything is swell now that she has a sex life with Kol. Damon gritted his teeth and snapped, "I don't have to guess, I can smell him all over you,"
Taken aback, Bonnie dropped her mouth open. "Damon, I don't know why-"
Damon stalked up to lean into her face.
"I don't know why either, Bonnie. I don't know why I fucking bother with you. Am I just that convenient to you?"
She looked behind him and saw that there were two bottles of bourbon, one completely empty, and the second was nearly gone as well. Then she sneered.
"You're drunk," she scoffed.
"So what if I am. It doesn't blind me to the truth. I'm just an emotional booty call for you, which is a new low for Damon Salvatore, by the way, and now that you have an actual dick to ride on, you fucking-"
Bonnie shuddered and slapped his cheek, so fast he didn't see it coming. "Don't you ever speak to me that way!"
Damon grabbed her shoulders and glowered his wild blue eyes at her. "Admit it," he hissed.
Bonnie shook herself free of his hold. "You're supposed to be my friend! Instead, you're being an asshole. Some friend you are!" She reached into her bag and tossed a small pouch his way. It hit him and fell to the floor. "Here. Here's some magic dust for your door to keep you safe, not that you appreciate it!"
She grabbed her bag and ran out of the front door in tears, rushing past Stefan and Caroline as they walked in. Caroline scowled at Damon, shaking her head in indignation.
"You just can't help yourself, can you?" She flashed out after Bonnie.
"BONNIE!" Damon wiped his hands over his face, stretching his skin, before he grabbed the empty bottle and shattered it against the wall.
"Real smooth, Damon. You have no right to judge her for shit that's her business," Stefan called as he approached his brother.
"Yeah, make me out to be the fucking bad guy here. I don't lead people on and then treat them like they don't mean shit to me,"
"First of all, that's exactly what you do and that's why Caroline only tolerates you," his little brother explained. "And second, you put yourself in these situations, going after another man's girl, except what the fuck are you talking about? I've never known Bonnie to lead you on, not once."
"I had her Stefan! In the prison world. Right before that little prick showed up and ruined everything. We had a moment, we kissed. It was passion, it was everything and now it's fucking gone."
As much as he'd tried to prepare himself that Bonnie was back with Kol, it was easier said than done. His feelings would not, could not just automatically vanish.
"Damon," Stefan said softly. "She loves him,"
"But I love her. I can't stop,"
"You need to focus. What are we going to do about our mother?" Stefan reminded him.
Bonnie's POV
"Damon's an asshole. We all know that," Elena said, dipping another handful of fries into her milkshake, before popping it into her mouth. She pointed to Bonnie's carton of fries. "You gonna finish that?" She asked with a mouthful of fries.
Bonnie handed over her fries and sighed. "And then last summer was spent with him getting drunk off his ass, and I had to be there for him. If anything I was his emotional support, but do I get any recognition for that? I mean yeah, he was there when I was the anchor, but I specifically asked for alone time. It's not my fault if he didn't listen! And now that Lily's back, I bet he's gonna-"
"Ok, I'm going to stop you right there, Bon. These hormones are testing my patience as much as Damon does so I'm just going to give it to you straight." Elena sighed deeply. "Damon Salvatore is not your responsibility, in fact, he's not even Stefan's responsibility. Of course, they won't listen to me, but that's because men are unreasonable, especially vampire men. Yeah, he's been there for you, but he's also been there for himself. He's so attached to you, he can't be just friends with you. He never will be your friend, he's stuck in love with you, and he's not going to just get over you, now that Kol's back in the picture. He didn't invest nearly three years of his time in you for you to just go running back to your literal soulmate. He doesn't care about that, his emotions cloud his better judgment. He's hurt. And what does he do when he's hurt?"
"Lay in the street like a drama queen so he can slaughter the first poor fool who takes mercy on him, the way his feelings have been slaughtered," Bonnie had to admit.
"Exactly because that's what Damon does. Because he is Damon! And that is not your fault, so don't you dare blame yourself for the way he chooses to react! That's his problem. You're a good friend because you care so much, but Damon…" her vampire's face flickered as anger seeped in. She squeezed the burger she'd picked up. "In fact, why don't you let me go talk to him, I'll-"
"Whoa, Elena. It's fine, why don't we just give him some time. I'm sure the whole Lily thing isn't helping,"
Bonnie didn't want to admit she felt guilty since she let Lily and her friends out, she had a feeling that would once again spark Elena's hormonal rage. "But this is for you, and your baby daddy," she said, handing her a small pouch. Kol gave it to me before he left."
Intrigued as Elena picked up on the scent of it, she asked, "What is it? Why does it smell so good?"
"I don't know but he said putting it in front of the doorway will protect our homes,"
Last night
After reclaiming his jeans and wrapping Bonnie inside his leather jacket, Kol began to lead her inside when something caught his attention. He stopped at the entrance. "Wait here, love," he zipped to the front gate. Outside of it was a small dune of fine, red sand.
He zipped to the front door, only to be halted by an invitation barrier. "What is this?"
"Oh, sorry. Kol, won't you please come in? This is my home," the bashful and innocent way she acted despite the things they just did, spurred his desire once again. He entered his former home and took Bonnie to his former room, only remembering when his little witch slumbered to collect that which he had found.
Abby's POV
Day 1 of magic being out
"I'm staying here," Abby insisted, folding her arms over her chest. "I'm not leaving her again."
She stood in a defensive stance against their hotel room door.
Klaus sighed, stroking Abby's locks. "Abigail, darling. We can better protect your daughter if we eliminate each and every ally the siphon may have. Reports of bloodshed similar to the recent wedding massacre are surfacing in various areas. We need to go there and find out what they know. I have no doubts he has contacts in New Orleans. It is, after all, the headquarters for all witch covens,"
"What part of I am not leaving my daughter don't you understand? She doesn't even have her magic and I don't know how long that's going to last," She walked around Klaus. He could be impossible when he thought his way was the only way to proceed. "Why don't you and Kol go? You can each cover more ground that way,"
Klaus caught Abby and spun her back into his arms. "Kol is on a slightly different mission. He's gone to consult for assistance, I mean to eliminate the minions of the wretched siphon."
He couldn't be talking about the summit leaders. It was forbidden! "He's going to the summit?!"
"Kol will find a loophole before we consult them; he always does," a message came through on his cellphone. He appeared pleased when he checked it. "Worry not, my dear. All will be well and soon we will be home," he pulled her in closer and dotted kisses on her neck.
Abby rolled her eyes. "I told you, I'm not-"
"Yes, I heard you, unfortunately, you're sorely mistaken. You'll have to forgive me,"
"For what?" Abby barely had time to finish her question before a piercing, then burning sensation shot through her. The vervain took a moment to affect her as being a hybrid slightly delayed the side effects. Her vision became blurry and she felt Klaus lift her tenderly.
He carried her to the hotel bed and laid her down. "Forgive me, my love but I will not travel without you. We've got work to do and people to kill, and I need you by my side through it all." -was the last thing she heard before she blacked out.
Damon's POV
One week later
"Why are you so obsessed with me?!"
It took three days for Bonnie to get her magic back, during which Damon continued to seethe over Bonnie's new relationship status. It was his anger and hurt over his lost opportunity that kept him in a mood, as well as blaming her for the drop in witch magic. It was easier to stay mad at her, knowing she'd want to make things right. Only she didn't, she wouldn't even come back to the boardinghouse after he ripped her a new one. She claimed he was obsessed.
"Sitting duck now, is that what we're doing?" He asked when he appeared on the doorstep to Sheila Bennett's former home.
Bonnie was standing just beyond the invitation barrier with her arms crossed as if he couldn't just reach in and yank her out in an instant. He'd already secured his invitation, she was just being cocky because she was pissed at him.
"It's better than being subjected to your verbal abuse. I've taken enough shit from Kai, you know that. I shouldn't have to take it from you too,"
Damon rolled his eyes in a smirk. "Bon, just get your ass back to the boardinghouse before the big bad siphon finds out you're here alone," he whispered the last word.
Witchy frowned and raised her brows. "Are you even going to apologize?"
"I'm sorry that your sextivities caused a global meltdown for witch magic, and that's something we can figure out together, but not here. I still want you safe. Bestie,"
Bonnie leaned forward slightly. "Get off my porch,"
Since Bonnie was testing his patience, he figured he'd have to take her kicking and screaming. She'd thank him later. With vampire speed he reached for her, only to collide with an invisible barrier at a painful top speed.
She gasped. "Were you really just going to try and grab me?"
"I'm trying to protect you. Why won't you let me? Because I've been pissy or is there another reason you refuse to talk about?"
"I don't know what you're talking about,"
Damon scoffed when she avoided his gaze. "Don't even act innocent, Bonnie. We kissed and you know where it was going,"
"If I tell you that my heart is always going to be with Kol, no matter what, are you gonna find the next closest person to my heart and kill them?"
Ouch! Coming straight for his heart, bringing up old shit. Damon knew he should just leave, but since Witchy insisted on trampling all over his heart, he decided to bite back.
"I like to think I've grown since the days little Gilbert was around. See, maybe that hot kiss knocked some sense into me-"
Bonnie looked around and clicked her tongue. "Shut your mouth! Come in," she waved her hand quickly.
Surprised, Damon stepped inside. Bonnie closed the door. "So, Kol knows that we kissed and he's trying really hard not to kill you over it. You should really just let it go now, don't push the issue," her eyes implored.
"That wasn't just a kiss, Bonnie and you know it," he reached for her hand but she pulled away, glaring at him. "I know you wanted me, I could taste it in your lips and how hot you were for me," Her cheeks turned red, not from embarrassment, but because they both knew it was true. "You were ready for me, you would have let me take you right then and there because in some small way, you care about me, the way I care about you,"
"Damon, all of that is irrelevant! It was just a stupid, meaningless kiss because I love Kol and only Kol. Always, and forever,"
He grabbed her shoulders, ready to shake the truth out of her. "Your stubborn ass would admit it if he hadn't shown up, wouldn't you?"
She shook her head. "We're just friends, Damon. Please! Why are you so obsessed with me?! Let it go!"
Lily's demon heretic chose a convenient time to come knocking, as he ended up being the perfect target for his rage that Bonnie incited with her outlandish accusations.
"Good evening, my name is Malcolm. I'm told by Lily that you're the Bennett witch who released us from our cold and decrepit captivity," he said in his creepy old English accent when Bonnie answered the door with Damon standing behind her.
"Yeah and what a mistake that turned out to be," she said.
Lily had almost left Damon behind in the prison world if not for Abby's intervention with her black candle trap. She made Valerie go back for him because she knew herself what Damon meant to Bonnie. And those drainer fucks were now ripping through the town slowly, preying on the summertime parties in the woods. People were encouraged to stay indoors now with an increase in animal attacks as of lately.
"Is it? For your part in freeing us, I came to offer my protection. My wretched family is taking their debauchery to the neighborhoods since the invitation barriers are useless against the heretics. Except yours of course. If you invite me in, I can assure your safety,"
Oh great, another self loathing Finn Mikaelson. "We'll what do you say, Bon? Truce?" Damon asked, with obvious disinterest in his tone.
Bonnie cast an uncertain look his way. "If he breaches this invitation, what's to stop him from killing me, the only one who can even put them all back in their prison world?"
"Good point. So no truce then," in an instant, he reached over and snatched the heretic's heart out. He desiccated slowly on her front porch.
"Damon what the hell?"
"Obsessed, Bonnie?" He slammed the door shut and advanced on her as she backed away. "Really? That hurts considering there is someone who's actually crazy and obsessed with you and it ain't me. But to answer your question, I wouldn't find the next thing closest to your heart, I'd find the last white oak stake and do what you were a long fucking time ago!"
As soon as he said that and felt Bonnie's heart drop and saw the expression on her face, he was sorry. He didn't mean it anyway, he wouldn't actually kill the Original unless Bonnie choose Damon over him, then he'd have to. His pride and ego was wounded that Bonnie would deny there was true passion between them, he was there! He experienced her desire for him and she wouldn't fucking acknowledge it. Damon knew Bonnie wasn't the type to play when it came to matters of her heart, so any feelings she had for him ran deeper than what she was letting on. If it wasn't for Kol still fucking existing! That's why the intimacy spell affected Kol and him.
"You know how much I love him! Why would you…" she blinked hard. Before any tears could fall, Bonnie grimaced and shrieked at him. "GET OUT!"
By some form of silent sorcery, Damon's invitation was retracted, the door swung open, and he was thrust out past the threshold.
She avoided his calls until her magic was back, after three days. The little witch was tempting fate by holing up at her Gram's for those three days. If Kai was watching, he could have gotten to her anytime. The red dust must have been some good luck charm because as far as Damon could tell, Bonnie was fine. It pissed him off even more since he was left worrying.
Of course, Elena's crisis required 'girl time' and the whole gang for support, so Bonnie had no choice but to come out from under her rock. And once everyone was occupied, she'd have no choice but to speak to him and confront the feelings she was undeniably hiding. Even Kol knew that.
He knocked on the door to Sheila's and Bonnie answered, with sweetheart curls in her bob and a quite risqué maroon dress, she was looking and smelling like a new woman. It snatched and squeezed at his heart, but he swallowed the feeling down. He was still angry with her and they needed to have a conversation about it. No batting of her eyelashes would sway his mind.
"You ready for this baby shower?" He asked in a cool, aloof fashion.
"Is it for you or Caroline's twins?" She couldn't help but curve the corner of her lip into a half smile. Dammit, Bennett!
He scowled and they stared each other down for a moment until he couldn't help but crack a smile. "You know I'm not gonna let this go, Witchy,"
"I know," she agreed and looked at her shoes. "But it's going to have to wait until later on tonight. Elena and Care need us right now. And Kol will be back in seven days,"
"Well, whoop dee fuckin doo," Damon quipped as he led her to his car.
Davina's POV
New Orleans
Day 2 of magic being out
She knew she was testing his patience, but Davina was literally powerless without her magic. Why was Kol here without Bonnie anyway, if he wanted to be with his beloved witch so bad?
"These dark objects were crafted with the sole purpose of being used by persons who cannot wield magic, meaning you, currently. Open the tomb, Davina," Kol insisted. They were standing in front of the mausoleum she'd moved his dark objects to, years ago, only they were locked out.
"I can't. It's magically sealed and since my magic isn't working right now. You know better than I do why magic is down, right?"
"Nothing you need to concern yourself with. What aren't you telling me?"
She glared at him and backed away. "I don't know what you're talking about," she turned around, only to find Kol was right in front of her again. She gasped.
"Marcel!"
"He's indisposed at the moment. You know where she is, Davina. Where is the halfling?" He demanded as he advanced on her.
Davina blinked slowly, trying to retain her own patience, wishing an aneurysm spell could teach Kol bossing her around wasn't necessary and she should be able to refuse being of service to him if she so desired. She should be able to discard him as quickly as he'd discarded her, yet here she was, aiding his ungrateful ass again .
"I think she's in Atlanta. Tying up some family tree business,"
"Can you confirm this?"
She dialed a contact, hoping she wouldn't answer. When she did, Davina sighed. "Toni, how's everything? Are you okay?"
ATL
Kol and Toni's POV
They locked eyes before she broke his gaze and started over to the bar. He watched as she sauntered up to the counter and waved down the bartender. No doubt she was going to order one of her signature drinks she ordered during his observations. She reminded him of the Bennett witch, only slightly taller in stature with hazel eyes instead of green, the witch had sable tresses in a short bob, Toni had rose gold beach waves cascading down near to her waist. Although he could tell she was no witch, there was definitely a supernatural aura about her. She was more than human, something ancient he could smell in her blood and her aura, and he still didn't know if being supernatural, she'd be able to be compelled. Her supernatural side was likely suppressed but he could fix that.
He slid up to the bar next to Toni and ordered the same drink, a Sex on the Beach, avoiding her gaze when she looked over at him.
"What's your game, Hitchcock? Or is this some weird coincidence?" She mused at what she perceived as his lame attempt to get her attention.
"I beg your pardon?" He feigned innocence.
"Oh the innocent act, really? Like you weren't eye fucking me across the room from the moment I walked in here. And now you've taken the very seat next to me, and you also ordered the same drink as me."
"I'm merely enjoying a drink. I attribute it to pure coincidence that we happen to fancy the same tastes," He delighted as he tasted the drink for the first time in his existence. "I'm impressed, you've got quite the tastes for fine spirits."
"Yeah and I'm Beyoncé." She stated sardonically.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Beyoncé. I'm Kol." He raised his glass. "Now, are you going to tell me your real name so we can discuss why we are here?"
Toni frowned. "Well Hitchcock-I mean Kol, I don't know about you but I was really just trying to enjoy a drink and maybe get lucky tonight but without the creep factor. So I'm gonna go… that way,"
"Getting inebriated beyond comprehension and picking up strangers in bars for the past seven days, you really find solace in that? I may have misjudged you.."
She scoffed. She looked equally annoyed as well as alarmed at the revelation that he'd been tailing her.
"You fucking- you're misjudging me now! And why the hell are you following me?"
Kol smirked and said nothing, enjoying the fact that he was already getting under her skin. He liked them feisty.
"You've really been watching me?" She whispered.
Kol nodded.
"For how long?"
"For seven days, Toni. As I've stated. Keep up!"
She took a breath and rolled her eyes. "Ok, so you're coming off real old school and judgey so I'm going to say goodnight and hopefully you don't follow me. I've had enough weirdos lately. Word of advice, if you wanna hang with me, you need to drop the creepy stalker act. Creep," She muttered under her breath before she turned to go and at that moment she realized everyone in the entire establishment was shuffling out the door.
"Right on time, lovely. Sit down darling, we now have a private moment to hang ." Kol spoke a calm but steely order. She immediately obeyed, intrigued and dazed.
"On..time? Everyone is gone," he nodded expectantly. "How did you know? How did you do that?" She looked to her drink and furrowed her brows. "Did you put something in my drink or am I trippin?" Her eyes widened in horror. "Oh my God, you're here to kill me!" She whispered and shrank back in horror.
"I assure you, your drink was not tampered with and I will not harm you, as long as you do as I say. I mean to have you as an ally. Before you walked in here, I'd compelled everyone in the bar to leave at the stroke of midnight so we may discuss matters in private."
"An ally for what? You just hypnotized everyone ! You're fucking psycho or inhuman and I don't have time for this shit!"
Kol knew she was playing coy, she knew he meant for something supernatural, just what, he was sure she didn't quite understand. His eyes gleamed something thoughtful and maybe evil for just a second before they turned business-like. The look in her eyes told him she was equal parts intrigued and terrified.
"Right as you may be about the psychotic part, I also happen to know what you are Toni, darling."
"Holy shit, you really are a stalker," she sighed.
"You are the only person I've met who couldn't be drained by a siphon witch. I am an Original Vampire and I can't be killed, trust me. I'm on your side," At the mention of siphon witch Toni recoiled, furiously shaking her head.
"No Hitch, I can't, I don't even know what I am! I can't be your ally. He'll KILL me!"
Clearly, she was terrified. That was good, he needed her terrified just enough to be angry and seek out retribution. But time was wasting.
She moved to get up but he gripped her arm gently, using impossible strength so that she couldn't free herself from his grasp. He rolled his eyes. "My name is Kol darling and rest assured, I'll kill you myself if you refuse or fail to be of assistance. But you have my word, no harm shall come to you so long as you heed my instructions exactly." he hissed and black veins swirled under his eyes.
Toni shrieked and at that instant all of the bottles on the shelf busted. Finally! Kol instinctively shielded her with his body. They were crouched down a moment until the rainfall of glass subsided. As they rose, he inspected her to see if she was ok. His vampire visage had disappeared. "Are you alright?"
She nodded. "I'm fine. But sorry, that happens sometimes when I'm in trouble. I know you," He smirked at how she never wanted to appear vulnerable, just like him. And just like his brave little witch. Except he wasn't sure where she knew him from and Kol was sure she was mistaking him for someone else.
"I don't believe we've ever met before, darling, and I didn't mean to frighten you but I had to make you use your power. I have gathered through my observations that you're more powerful than you can imagine. It's how I'm confident you will make an advantageous ally and a formidable opponent." He reminded her he is indestructible and they have a common enemy.
"No, I know you! And I'm sorry, Kol, I don't even know how to use my powers, much less where they come from. It's only ever happened with the siphon and once, a few years ago."
"How did your powers manifest that long ago?"
"Something scared me. I was at a hotel in New Orleans with my girlfriend and we had just booked a room at the Bourbon. We were taking the elevator up to our room and a guy and girl appeared out of nowhere. It was you ! You made that face and scared us shitless."
"I vaguely remember that. Many apologies, darling but I don't think your power manifested then. It was my beloved still getting a hold on her use of magic." Kol remembered that night in New Orleans as his first and, at the time, only intimate night with Bonnie. Oddly enough, one of his last nights with her.
"It was me, Kol. I can't explain it but I felt it. And outside I broke a streetlamp because I was so on edge. Do vampires have magic?"
"No, but I used to be a witch, or warlock if you will. Witch magic is harnessed by the balance of nature and it's what created my immortality, my vampirism. Your magic, however, is fae and it just is and it comes out through your emotions. No nature or expression to channel it, it has existed for eons when succubi roamed. It can't be siphoned but it is like a battery that keeps you going so long as you utilize it. Otherwise, your magic will be finite."
She glared at him.
"Fae, like a fairy? You fucking serious, what makes you think I want it? All it does is seem to attract anyone who's magical and crazy!"
"Toni, darling, you have to use it. I can show you how to control it and utilize it. You'll be hunted down and slaughtered for your magic if you don't. Why do you think the siphon was after you?"
Everything Davina told him began to make too much sense. As the harvest witch, she had a deeper knowledge of the supernatural, which included contacts for every faction of the summit, for peace talks. She was the one who told him of a halfling, otherwise, he would have had to travel to California and lure someone with fae blood out. Luckily there was Toni, and apparently, they'd crossed paths before. It seemed another twist of fate. The power that Kai Parker was trying to access and harness for Bonnie was the power of the fae, which he'd found in Toni. Except Kai was never supposed to rise to power with how volatile and reckless he was. He couldn't be trusted with that knowledge and his witch contacts wouldn't give him any information on anything related to the fae. Kai just thought she was a special kind of witch, but he'd left a bloody trail in his path when witches would refuse to reveal any information he requested.
Toni just stared at Kol, feeling overwhelmed, he guessed. He tried again. "I understand you've had an ordeal with the siphon and you probably want to put it all behind you. Kai isn't the only one you have to worry about. And with him on this plane of existence, you aren't safe, and there are others unsafe from him as well. There are also things you don't know, Toni, about your heritage. I can help you with that."
"I'm sorry Kol," she sighed softly.
"It's better if you come willingly darling, I can make you agreeable but I'd rather you come of your own accord." Kol was growing impatient.
"How?" Toni pressed. "If I'm in for the fight of my life, I need some encouragement."
"Actually," he gripped her arms and she shuddered. "Do not fear me, Toni." His pupils widened in compulsion and he heard her breathe a sigh of relief and his vampire senses heard her heartbeat steady. "Tell me what Kai did to you, darling."
In a trance Toni murmured, "He seduced me and he attacked me, trying to access my power. Every time he hurt me, my magic would spark and he couldn't absorb it. It made him violent. He killed my fiancee." She pulled her shirt to the side to reveal scars on her collarbone.
Kol released her from his compulsion. "The reprehensible wanker will pay dearly for his crimes, Toni. Take comfort in that knowledge. Your beloved's death will not be in vain."
"Oh my god. Kol how did you-? I'm scared, Kol. But you can take that away?" She looked at him, her eyes pleading. "The mind thing, you can erase my fear! That's the only way I can face him. Please take it away," she implored.
"I can't compel you for that, Toni, not yet. You need your fear of the siphon to help channel your powers. Your emotions are your power. I can help you control it." He tried but she looked panicked again, as if his compulsion wore off.
"No, I'm sorry, I can't! I don't want to, I can't even-" Kol's face started writhing with black veins, his patience just about gone. He shook it off and stared into her eyes, pupils widening again.
"Be still."
She stilled, gazing into his eyes with empty, receptive eyes.
"Toni from this day forward you will pledge your eternal loyalty to me. You will be my right hand, my second in command, and answer to me, while I, in turn, help you harness your fae powers and offer you protection."
He surmised that she may only serve as a means to an end in order to dispatch Kai. Bonnie wouldn't be happy about that, putting more people in danger in order to save her from Kai's juvenile but very potent obsession. It was decidedly for the best as Toni would be the distraction needed to help take that siphon prick out. His obsession with Bonnie might only be trumped by his obsession to tap into a source of new power. No doubt he'd be doing his homework on how to access the power of the fae once he found out what she was and would be scheming up ways to commission Bonnie to be by his side.
Kol thought it sickening and also amusing that Kai had found Toni who bore so many similarities to his little witch. Both petite, caramel beauties, coming from a lineage of great power, both fiercely loyal to their own detriment. That was where the similarities ended because Bonnie was more chaste and didn't thrive on chaos, she only fought when necessary. His innocent reserved little witch, how he couldn't wait to get back to her. In contrast, Toni was all too happy to work her seductive charm on Kai after a wild night of debauchery. Kai wanted to corrupt the incorruptible so he chased after Bonnie's innocence.
Kol brushed his shoulders off as Toni blinked back to reality. He stepped off the platform the bar was on and held out a hand for Toni to join him. "Now that we're allies, I have someone I'd like you to meet, another young lady who was also tormented by Kai. Come now, we have a long journey ahead."
Toni sighed and reluctantly took his hand and let him lead her out of the bar, her newfound loyalty trumping over any objections she may have had, thanks to his compulsion. "You could have just said girl in trouble. We're not off to a room, I'm guessing. So much for getting lucky." She pouted. "You know you could've at least bought me a drink before you let me down."
"Many apologies love, I can rectify that when we reach our destination. As for leaving together not turning out how you imagined, I am not blind to your beauty, however, I am indeed quite spoken for." He smiled at the thought of Bonnie's possessiveness over him. "If you like, later I can compel someone to sate your carnal appetite."
She glared at him. "I don't need help getting laid, especially from your ancient ass."
"Are you certain about that? Your tastes nearly cost you your pretty little head recently."
"I blame it on the rebound. And the alcohol. Trust me it's not a usual habit but I am officially back on the market now so.." Her voice trailed off.
"You and my little love have a lot in common. Rare beauties, petite but packs quite the powerful punch, and imbued with an extraordinary amount of power. Save for your pursuit of inebriated carnal pleasure-seeking, of course."
Toni rolled her eyes. She could do without his vampy judgments. Surely a vampire who was as old as his ancient ass seemed to be could understand the need for a drunken hookup. Especially since her last one was a major bust. "We're going to meet her."
Toni swirled a finger in the air. "Yippee," she said, making no effort to conceal her lack of enthusiasm.
"So tell me about the faeries." She said as they got into his car.
AN: Did anyone guess that faeries were involved? It was only in the tags lol well on the Archives website, I definitely did indicate as much in the tags.
I absolutely loved the show even though people only seemed to care about Delena this, Delena that, but one thing that always put me off was that there was absolutely no authority to answer to; it was basically what Kol said here, the vampires do whatever, just don't mess with the Originals. However here, we have The Summit. The vampires and factions running amok certainly have bigger consequences, especially with things going public as the next chapter will show. Oh no, I've said too much!
Poor Elena thinks she's having her a miracle baby, she's so excited for it, except she has patience for nothing lol Sadly, we will see what the actual case is. I had to add in that twilight part, who else has a vampire baby to reference? lolololol
Wanted to focus on the week with Toni, so we'll have to backtrack to what happened in MF while Kol was away.
I hope you are still enjoying this, I love the faerie storyline, I absolutely wanted it to remain ambiguous until the deeper plot is slowly /
Please read, share, add comments, kudos, let me know if you are liking this, and if there are any errors of any kind, I will read back and hunt them suckaz down :)