Wow, sorry about the super long wait guys! What do you think is gonna happen next?!
The Storm Part 1
Jane watched the large grey clouds for a moment. It was going to storm soon. She could feel it like a whisper in the air. It also sent a chill of apprehension down her spine. Something felt wrong. Adjusting her coat, she looked away from the sky, continuing her search.
"Felix? Here, kitty, kitty." Jane called, peering under some of the chairs in the courtyard of the compound. "Felix!?" Biting her lip, she turned to Thierry who was sitting at a nearby table. "Have you seen my cat?"
"No, sorry." He said, shaking his head.
"He's been missing all morning." She sighed. "Oh, I hope he hasn't run away." She turned to look at her fiancé. "Klaus, I told you to let him in our room last night."
The Hybrid rolled his eyes. "I'm sure he's fine, my love." He didn't bother to look away from his paper. Jane scowled at the back of his head.
"It's getting colder out. I'm worried about him."
"I know, sweetheart, but he's a cat." He said patiently, finally setting aside the paper in his hands.
"So? He's our cat." She said, pulling her knitted coat further around her baby bump
"Your cat, my love." He corrected, his eyes softening as he glanced at her. "You should be inside where it's warmer."
She shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm worried about Felix."
"He's probably hiding out somewhere inside."
"He usually eats by now though."
"He'll turn up when he's hungry, my love. You'll see."
She wasn't so sure, but it wouldn't do any good to argue with him.
"Have you asked my siblings?"
"Well, I would have, but all three of them left early this morning." She responded and watched Klaus' brow furrow. "You haven't...done anything have you?"
He frowned deeper. "No. Have they said anything of the sort?" He looked ready for a fight and she couldn't deny how tense things seemed to be between him and Rebekah lately. She didn't understand where it had come from or why Rebekah was so secretive all of the sudden.
"No, I'm sorry. I'm not accusing you." She apologized, coming over to kiss his cheek. "Bekah's been...acting odd."
"I noticed." He said tersely.
"What happened?"
"Who knows. Probably something I did decades ago, you know how she is."
Jane had to admit that was probably the case this time. She hadn't seen or heard any other reason for the behavior.
"Marguerite hasn't come in yet. Have you heard from her?"
Klaus shook his head. "Not today."
"I hope she's not sick. It's not like her to not come in. I haven't seen her since Tuesday." She frowned.
"I'm not liking her being absent. I'll be docking her pay." He looked up at her silence.
Jane was chewing her lip again and he took her hand in his. She glanced at him and he drew her closer.
"I'm sure she's all right, love. And your cat too." He pulled her into his lap, and she tucked her head under his chin. "You didn't sleep well last night."
It had been a week since Davina's sacrifice, and Jane felt an uneasy bout of apprehension since then. She didn't sleep well because of that fact, but even awake and in Klaus' arms she felt a sense of something sinister that she couldn't get rid of. It didn't help that someone had sent them sketches and drawings of elementals. Some were so old that they were on scrolls and even carved into a few pieces of wood and stone. Most of them depicted a young girl, outlined in a blue color. Kol seemed to think the images were telling a story, and so he and Elijah spent most of the past few days putting them together. They still hadn't figured out what it was telling about elementals or whether it had anything to do with Jane at all. Katherine seemed to think it did, dryly responding that it was probably her entire bloodline's tragic story. Jane had to agree with her on that note. Most of the images were of the elemental's dying or being killed.
"What is it, my love?" Klaus asked, stroking her hair soothingly. He could feel that she was more than just worried about the housemaid and the cat.
"I don't know, but I feel it. I've felt it since Davina..." She shuddered, putting her face into Klaus' chest as his arms tightened gently around her. "I'm scared, Klaus. I don't know what it is, but it scares me."
He pressed his lips to her hairline, frowning lightly. "Everything will be all right, love."
Jane looked around. "Where is everyone? Where's Marcel?"
"I sent a few vampires out to the Cauldron."
"Why?"
He shrugged. "They were bored. I sent them on a rousting."
"A rousting!" Jane exclaimed, sitting back up to frown at him. "That'll stir them up, Klaus. They just found out their Harvest didn't work and you want to poke at them? They may not be full power, but they do have magic! And on top of that, we still don't know who the hell took it to begin with? Why provoke unknown enemies?!"
"Calm down, sweetheart." He rolled his eyes at her dramatics. "There's nothing to be worried about."
"How do you know?" She demanded and he opened his mouth. "Well?"
"Klaus."
They turned as Marcel called from the front gate. He was rigidly standing so they knew something was bothering him.
"What's wrong?" Jane asked. "What happened?"
Marcel's eyes flickered from her to Klaus who in turned stiffened.
"Would you come outside for a moment?"
He slid her off his lap and stood.
"Klaus?"
"It's all right, love. Stay here."
He and Marcel went outside, and Jane scowled anxiously. Thierry smiled at her.
"I'm sure it's nothing." He said and she snorted.
"I think we both know it's not."
"Who do you think convinced him to let Thierry out?"
"Why would you do such a thing?"
"Because, despite Klaus' reprieve, Thierry despises him. I like that about Thierry and I also like that he used to date a witch, so he knows about French Quarter covens. Maybe he could lead me to whoever stole off with the Harvest magic."
Elijah frowned. "Rebekah, we are all devastated by the outcome of this ritual."
"That's just it. There was no outcome. We both know that power like that doesn't just vanish. I agree with Jane and say someone stole it. I'd like to know who, and then I'd like to make an ally out of them."
"To what end, exactly?" He asked cautiously.
"I'm tired of being threatened and controlled by our tyrant brother. If you want to stop a bully, you need the power to stand up to them."
"I expect such behavior from Niklaus, perhaps Kol, but it's so disappointing when it comes from you, Rebekah. Do you not see, in his own way, that he's making an effort here? He's invited us back into our family home, even Finn and Sage should they decide to come back permanently. He yearns for our family to be reunited."
"Yes, he's in a brilliant mood now, but for how long?" She scowled. "He only wants us here because of Jane. She wants us, not Niklaus. It's his trick, Elijah. He lulls you into a false sense of camaraderie and kinship, and then he turns on you like a snake. How long before he does it to Jane? Or the baby?"
"Rebekah-"
"Don't tell me he won't because he loves her! I know he does and I've never been happier for him, but look at what he's done so far. Jane is in a city full of enemies. The box of drawings is the latest." She sighed. "I fall for it every time and wind up with a dagger in my chest. No more. Jane hid them but he'll find them again. Or she'll give it to him."
"I believe that he is approaching some semblance of peace here." Elijah countered. "He is making a home for us, for Jane, and for his child. Leadership, may in fact, be a good thing for him. Now, sister please, I ask you, if you cannot support him, then at least do nothing to provoke him. Because you will have to answer to Jane as well. And I have a feeling she won't be so protective this time. We hurt her with our accusations, and she's forgiven us, but doubt is still there."
"Because she knows us, Elijah. She knows this family. If we don't do the provoking, Niklaus will. It always happens. He'll drive us all away. Including Jane." With that she turned and stormed away. Elijah sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose for patience.
Klaus grimaced. The woman's body was hardly recognizable. Her skin had markings on them that were very familiar, but the one thing was so obvious was the hole the size of a fist in the woman's chest. Her heart was missing.
Katherine's eyes widened as she peered around Marcel. "Isn't that the angry little housekeeper that used to wait on Jane? What the hell happened to her?"
"Make sure she doesn't find out." Klaus warned her and she rolled her eyes.
"Aw and I was planning to go make her cry today." The Original growled at her and she smirked impishly.
"Children, please." Elijah spoke up and glanced down at the body.
"That symbol looks familiar."
"Dark magic." Marcel murmured and Katherine frowned.
The Original brothers exchanged looks.
Elijah pulled out his phone. "I'll call Rebekah and Kol."
"Hey, guys."
Diego jogged up to them, behind him were a few of the vampires.
"We have a problem."
His eyes landed on Marguerite. "And it looks just like that."
"Katherine." Elijah said softly. "Stay with Jane, make sure she doesn't venture out until this is taken care of."
"Sure." She nodded at him. "What exactly is going on?"
"Someone is attempting to copy a very powerful witch. One that has been dead for quite a while." Marcel responded to her.
"Fantastic. And we know it has nothing to do with elementals, right? Because she's going to ask."
"No." Elijah assured her. "Jane's perfectly safe." No sooner had the words left his mouth than a clap of loud thunder came from the darkening sky and rain began to trickle down.
"Well, that's not ominous." She drawled and Klaus rolled his eyes.
"We came to mess with the witches, just like you said." Diego was saying as they ducked under a string of lights. A few witches had setup outdoor lighting in the area between the lot shared behind their houses like a party venue. In the middle of the deadened grass lot was a white circle drawn in the dirt. In the middle of the circle were two bodies lying on a few symbols also drawn in white. Vampires who had the appearance of being staked, the grey desiccation lines running across their features and both had a symbol etched into their foreheads.
"And then these two went missing." He nodded unnecessarily at the two dead vampires. "They're not even staked. Just dead."
"That marked is tied to some bad mojo." Marcel said, frowning.
"So, what do we do?" Diego asked.
"We're going to find whoever did this, and I will show them what suffering is." Klaus snapped. Elijah merely watched the proceedings. Marcel turned to him.
"What do you make of it?"
"Nothing good. I can only hope this is ended quickly."
"What's the matter?" Jane asked, sitting across from Father Kieran. The man ran a hand through his unkept hair nervously.
"Three dead humans."
She frowned. "What?"
"Yes, three of my congregation. One of which was an elderly man. All three were found, drained of blood, lying in circles of strange symbols and they were missing hearts."
Jane's own heart thudded in her chest. "No hearts?" She whispered and he nodded. Her nightmares from a month ago flashed in her mind. The heartless bodies. No Mikaelsons around. Chaos.
"Yes. Now I don't know which is to blame, but I assume that this is an attack from a witch." He continued. "Sending a message, I presume, to your...fiancé or Marcel." He frowned, looking around. "Where are they?"
"Not here. They've all gone out." She said and chewed her lip. "Is there anything I can do?"
He smiled at her softly, in a fatherly way. "No, but thank you, honey. Just send Klaus or Marcel my way when they come in."
He stood and then placed a golden key into her hand. "I believe you wanted this?" He said to her confusion. "The key to your uncle's apartment across from the church. Room 13."
"Thank you." She murmured and he went out the gate.
"What was that about?" Katherine asked. "Your uncle had an apartment?"
"Yeah."
Jane pulled her phone from her pocket, frowning.
"Love. Is something wrong?"
"Father Kieran was just here." She quickly explained to him what the man had told her. "There were dead humans, Klaus. What's going on?"
Klaus sighed. She could hear Marcel cursing in the background. "I'm not entirely sure, my love."
"Are you going to come home soon?" She asked, hating that she sounded anxious, but she was truly worried about what was happening out there. Her nightmares of the heartless bodies had never truly gone away. That first night it had shaken her so badly that she had gotten out of the comfort of Klaus's arms a month ago, stuck out in her mind the past few days. Something wicked this way comes, echoed in her head. A warning.
"Yes, I'm on my way now."
"Where is everyone else?"
"Is Katerina bothering you, my love? Shall I do something about it?" He sounded almost gleeful and she giggled at the disgusted look on Katherine's face.
"No, she's been nice. I'm just worried because I haven't seen Kol or Rebekah since this morning when they left."
"I haven't heard from them either, but they'll turn up."
"Klaus, my nightmares..." She trailed off.
"Yes, I thought of that myself." He said and then hesitated.
She picked up on it quick enough. "What?"
"About your...About-"
"Oh, my god its not Felix is it?" She panicked.
"No, no. It's not the cat. There's no other way to say it, Marguerite is dead."
She gasped sharply. "No..." She swallowed nervously. "Like-like the people Kieran found?"
"Yes."
Tears were going down her cheeks and she sniffled.
"I'm sorry, love. I'll find who did this, I promise."
"I know."
Jane was in his arms as soon as he walked into the compound and he held her close with a heavy sigh. She wound her arms around him despite he was slightly wet from the rain.
"It's all right, love." He soothed. She was frightened of something and truthfully that worried him more than the dead bodies. "I'm very sorry, sweetheart."
"I should have checked on her."
"It's not your fault, my love." He cupped her face. "You didn't know. No one did." She buried her face back into his chest and he stroked her hair. "Still no luck with the cat?"
"No." She said sadly. He felt her tense when the heartless bodies of the two vampires were brought inside. She edged closer to him, worried, and he pressed his lips to her forehead. Elijah came inside as well and looked at her.
"Have you heard from Rebekah and Kol?"
She shook her head. "No, not since this morning." She gripped Klaus' Henley tighter. "Where are they?"
Elijah shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure. Kol was supposed to call me."
She leaned back to look at Klaus.
"I'm sure they are just fine, love." He soothed, but she didn't believe it. It wasn't like Rebekah to not call or not come home. Rebekah always texted her. It was Kol that was flighty, but even still...something had to be wrong.
Klaus kissed the top of her head and pulled away from her gently.
"Someone will die for this." He said, bending down to examine the dead vampire's forehead.
"Remarkably, I don't disagree." Elijah said and Katherine snorted. Klaus rolled his eyes. "However, I would like to know where they learned such dark magic. I had hoped to never see that symbol again."
Jane drew closer, frowning at the patterns etched into the vampire's skill.
"I recall it is a signature of a fool who once stood against us."
Jane looked sharply at Klaus but didn't ask just then. Someone was obviously making a message for them specifically. But why kill humans and Marguerite?
"Clearly some upstart witch is salvaging old tricks. I'll do for him as I did the other." Klaus continued.
"That might not be the best idea." Jane argued. "I mean look at them." She gestured needlessly at the downed vampires. "Someone is replicating this witch, a dangerous one by the look of it."
He shook his head. "This is a threat on our home and it will be taken care of. Diego." The vampire looked at him.
"When night falls, I want you to gather every vampire in the Quarter. Get me the head of whoever did this and it put on a stick."
He looked troubled. "Yeah, that's gonna be a problem. everyone is freaked out, man. We hadn't had witches killing vampires in a long time. Marcel saw to that."
Jane flinched at the look on Klaus's face. It was bad enough they were refusing but the comparison to Marcel boiled it over.
"I see. Well do you see him anywhere?" He demanded. "He's run off like a scared child." She hadn't noticed his absence and felt a bit bad for not looking for him. It was odd that he wasn't with them, but she knew he was still dealing with Davina's death. "Now, who of you will fight to defend our home?" No one moved. Jane looked at Elijah who narrowed his eyes at the scene before him. Katherine was rolling her eyes and Jane scowled at her. "Not a single one of you, will stand with me, so afraid are you of this new threat?" Quite frankly, Jane was scared too, so she didn't blame them for not wanting to go.
"Well do you expect them too?" Katherine scoffed. "Look at their companions! If a normal vampire can't control this witch-wannabe then who can?"
Klaus glared at her. "They should know better." He growled. "I'll handle this myself."
"No!" Jane moved and clutched at his arm. "Don't go alone."
He shook his head at her, taking her fingers and gently prying her off him. "Stay here. I'll be back."
"Please don't go." She grabbed at him again, tightening her grip on him. "Klaus, please." She was begging him to stay. "It's not safe out-"
His ego, already bruised from his vampires refusing to go out looking for the threats, crumbled more and jerked out from under her fingers, breaking her sentence.
"I'll be back." He said gruffly and left in flurry of motion before he could look at her hurt expression any further. Jane let her hand fall, feeling as if he would never come back.
"Oh, yes, he's definitely not been in foul mood."
"Shut up, Katherine." Jane said, but with no anger as was intended. She was watching where Klaus had disappeared, and she chewed her lip as she toyed with the buttons on her coat. Elijah noted her nervous behavior and stepped closer to her.
"I'll go after him." He murmured to her, then noticed her paling expression. "Jane, what is it?"
"I've had this feeling for the past few days..." She looked at him, a deeply rooted fear in her eyes that made his nerves stand on end. It wasn't a mere feeling, it was something much darker.
"What is it?"
"I can't explain how I know. I just do...Something bad is coming. For all of us." He put hand on her arm when she shuddered. "I just wish he hadn't gone. I'm worried about him, Elijah. I have a bad feeling about us being separate. Something bad is going to happen. Not just to Klaus. Find Rebekah and Kol...Marcel too."
"I'll bring our family back to you, Jane. You have my word." He promised and touched her cheek.
"Wait. She just said she had a feeling about being separate and here you go too out too." Katherine rolled her eyes, coming over to him. "I'm going with you."
"No. You need to stay here with Jane." He smiled at her. "I'll be back as soon as I can." Katherine scowled and he kissed her forehead. "Stay and wait for me." He vanished in a blink of an eye.
"You rest while I'm gone." He said and touched Jane's cheek gently and then was gone, leaving her to watch the empty doorway with vampires idling around behind her. Jane sighed heavily.
Diego moved closer. "Um...what do you think we should do?"
She turned around. "You're all welcome to stay here if you'd like. I know I wouldn't want to be out there." She noticed Katherine's absence and rolled her eyes. Leave it to her to disobey Elijah and follow him anyway.
"Jane's right." Marcel stepped into compound. "If you're not comfortable dealing with the witch threat then off you go. If you got any guts at all you'll stand here and fight for our home."
She turned to him as the rest of the vampires did.
"I know it's not ideal. I made sure the witches were under control, but we don't have that any longer. They are declaring a war and we must fight back to regain control. Refusing me will get you kicked out. Refusing Klaus will get you killed. We're partners in this. Get used to it and do your job. I want you patrolling, keeping off the street if you have too. I want names of potential enemies and names of those who are missing."
Diego sighed.
"But Marcel-"
"This isn't going to go away on its own, Diego. We have to stop it. Keep off the streets, come back tonight and we'll figure out a plan."
Diego opened his mouth and then closed it again with a nod. Looking at his companions, he made gestures and they filed out the gates. The last one closed them with a clang.
Marcel lowered his hood, shaking rain off it. He glanced over at the pregnant girl, immediately noticing her expression.
"Hey, you okay? I heard Elijah say he'd find Klaus. He's probably the only one who can."
"I know, but that doesn't make me any less nervous about them being out there."
He smiled at her and then sighed down at the dead vampire. "Guy never had a chance." He looked at her again. "Sorry about your friend."
"Thank you. Where have you been? You didn't seem very happy this morning and you left really fast. I was worried about you."
He smiled, a warm feeling in his chest at her sincerity. "I'm...dealing." He said quietly. "But thank you for being concerned."
"Klaus said he knew the witch that had done it before."
"Yeah, I met him too."
"Will you tell me?"
"All right." He nodded, glad to be able to keep her occupied from looking so scared for the time being. "This was right after I had returned from World War I. I had been trying to get out of New Orleans for a while, but something kept drawing me back."
"Rebekah?" Jane guessed with a smile and he chuckled.
"Yeah, except she was still angry with me." He went on to tell of Klaus' warm welcome and then of the problem he seemed to be having.
"Klaus doesn't like to be diplomatic." She said and he shook his head.
"Exactly. He wanted to take the threat down for good."
"Who was this threat?"
"His name was Papa Tunde." Marcel explained and the name chilled Jane for some unknown reason. She hadn't heard the name before but there was something chilling about how Marcel said it. "A witch from some distant coven. Klaus had invited him to the party and I didn't get it at first. Klaus was the one who wanted to go to war. So why was he inviting his enemy into his home? Why be so generous to someone he was gonna have to kill? But, you see, that's the thing, it was all part of Klaus' plan. He was sussing the guy out, learning his weaknesses, his strengths, getting him to let his guard down."
"Then he strikes where it hurts the most." Jane concluded and Marcel nodded. "So...what exactly did Papa Tunde want?"
"He said he wanted to empower the witches. Mostly, he wanted money and territory. Klaus and Elijah weren't about to give him either. He didn't like that, so he went on a rampage."
"Killing people like the person is now?"
He nodded. "Right. No one was safe. Not the humans in the Faction, not the Guerrera werewolves...he even went after witches that opposed him. Elijah offered a truce, he gave his word in fact-but Klaus, being Klaus, he had another idea." He shifted. "Not sure I should tell you the rest."
"I know what he's capable of, Marcel. Who did he kill to get Papa Tunde's attention?"
"His twin sons."
"Oh, god..."
"Yeah. Got his attention all right. Klaus murdered this sons, took their heads off and placed them in a box much like Tunde had done to the human mayor weeks before."
Jane chewed her lip. "What happened to Papa Tunde?"
"Klaus killed him."
"And someone was obviously displeased with that." Jane muttered and he smiled.
"Yeah, looks like."
"Where did you leave my sister!?" Kol roared from the doorway.
They turned to see him, pinning Thierry against the wall. Jane ran over.
"Kol, what are you doing?"
"He was the last one with my sister this morning. What have you done with her?" He snarled and shook the vampire, fingers digging into his throat tighter. Thierry gasped for air and she tugged Kol's sleeve.
"Let him speak!" She urged and then faced the pinned vampire. "Thierry?"
He looked from Kol to Jane and then to Marcel before lowering his eyes.
"She asked me to keep an eye out for witch stuff. I found something, so when I showed her, we were jumped by some guy. He desiccated her with his touch." Jane gasped and Kol growled.
"And like a coward, you left my baby sister?"
"Where, T?" Marcel demanded, not looking too friendly either.
"The docks." He stammered. "Warehouse 57." Kol released him.
"I'm going after her." He said and Marcel looked at Jane.
"It's Rebekah. Go." She told him and he nodded grabbing Thierry on the way out. Jane watched them go, worrying her bottom lip.
An hour so passed, with no word from anyone and Jane was torn before staying or going to look for someone, anyone. Because even Diego's ill temper was more companionable than the silence. The only sound came from the rain that had restarted. Raindrops hit the china and furniture around the compound courtyard, making faint clinking noises.
She squinted up at the sky and then sighed, resigned to go inside before she got too wet. Surely Felix wouldn't be out in the rain.
"Good afternoon, mademoiselle."
A voice was smooth like honey, drifted from the entrance to the compound.
Jane spun to face the speaker.
He was tall, with dark chocolate skin and a bright white suit. His dark eyes were focused on her with such intensity that she couldn't move or look away. She was frozen in the middle of the courtyard. Raindrops tickled the back of her head as it slowly wet her hair. Where was everyone?
"Oh, um, hello...Can I help you?"
He flashed her a bright smile. "I was searching for Niklaus Mikaelson, your betrothed." He made a point of looking around. "Clearly he is out."
"Yes...he's not here." She said lamely, wondering why she had the urge to run from this man and why she suddenly couldn't move. "Can I tell him you came by? Mr..."
"Alphonz Bellatunde Delgallo." He bowed to her, sweeping his white bowler hat off his head in a grand gesture. Rain sloshed the ground from having collected on the brim. "But you may simply call me, Papa Tunde, mon petit chere."
Jane felt the blood rush from her face and leave a dizzying feeling of lightheadedness. "Oh...well, I'll tell him you stopped by." She tried to back away and her feet were slow to respond inching her backward.
He never took his eyes off her and Jane knew he wasn't going to leave. Perhaps she could use her powers to get rid of him, but how had he gotten past... Davina. She was gone and so was the magical ward. Because he wasn't a vampire he walked in freely. She felt sick to her stomach, wishing now that Klaus there. The rain sounded louder, trickling faster as it hit the patio furniture and the water fountain.
"There's no need for that, mademoiselle. Klaus will know exactly who was here, I'm sure of that." His eyes spoke of violent promises as they flickered darkly. Klaus would most definitely figure out who had come. Jane's insides twisted and she swallowed.
"Please." It was all she could say. Any other words would not come. Tears stung her eyes.
"If there were any other way to get my point across, but alas, you're beloved Mikaelson took two precious things from me."
"Your sons."
"Yes...So you see, it's only fit that I too take what he loves. It's a shame you must die, you are quite beautiful." Jane tried to run as he stepped closer and he shook his head in bemusement. "Come, mon petit." He beckoned to her and she felt herself move forward.
"No!" She cried and tried to stop, but as if being pulled by an invisible rope, was jerked forward her shoes sliding over the cobblestones beneath her feet. "Please don't!"
She was dragged over and then trapped against a wall, eyes widening in horror as he raised a curved blade made of bone. Her hands were on either side of her head, trapped by an invisible force.
"You-"
He paused, looking down at her stomach, now unhidden by the overly large coat.
"You are with child." He said, a hand hovering over her baby bump. "Niklaus'." He tsked. "I am truly sorry then. For your fate." Jane choked out a sob as he raised the blade.
"Get away from her!" Marcel shouted, storming into the compound.
"Ah, Marcellus." Tunde turned to him. "You remain always in the shadow of your father. Climb out from beneath it, will you, so you can die like a man?"
"Let her go. This is between us."
"I think not. She carries the child of Niklaus. He killed my children, so I only think it's fair to kill his. Starting with you." Marcel zipped up to him, grabbing his neck and snapping it. Jane screamed as he turned his head back, snapping the bones back into place and smiling at them before grabbing Marcel by the throat
"Go, Jane."
"I can't move." She said, biting her lip.
"You cannot defeat me." Tunde warned Marcel. "I channel the power of an Original vampire, soon I will have all four."
"No!" Jane shouted, kicking her legs, but still couldn't move off the wall. She had to do something. She had to try to use her powers.
"But first I will take you," Marcel's eyes clouded over, and Jane gasped. "Symbole du masque, et de l'ombre embrace-toi." She concentrated on the wind, feeling it pick up faster. Frowning at the witch in front her she willed her magic forward.
Tunde felt a force hit him and he flew backward into a wall. The magical hold on Jane released her and she slid down the wall unsteadily. Marcel rose to his feet, moving to protect her.
"That was-"
He was cut off by Tunde rising to his feet.
"Well, that was interesting, mon chere." He said to her. "You have a gift. It is too bad you won't be using it for long." Marcel tackled him and Jane fumbled for her phone. Tunde turned and tossed Marcel before slinging her backward with a wave of his hand. Jane smacked the wall, stars bursting behind her closed eyes as pain erupted from the back of her head. She fell forward, barely conscious enough to keep from hurting herself before collapsing on the ground in a dizzying heap. Her eyes slid closed as Tunde finally pinned Marcel down.
"Klaus, we found Rebekah. She's trapped in a magical spell that's syphoning off her power like an endless source." Kol spoke into his ear. "Where's Marcellus?"
"Can you get her out?"
"Not without an interfering object. Elijah suggested-"
"Jane's blood, yes."
"Marcellus was supposed to do that. He hasn't come back. Jane's not answering either."
Klaus cursed and turned around to head back home. His phone buzzed again.
"Hold on, Kol." He switched calls. "What-"
"Klaus, shut up and listen. There's a crazy witch doctor killing Marcel and he's got his sights on Jane next. We're at the compound."
"Get her out if you can." He said rapidly and hung up, getting back on the first call immediately. "Kol, tell Elijah that Tunde is after Jane and Marcel."
Jane screamed as pain shot through her body.
Tunde was chanting something, but all she could focus on was the pain. She felt blood coming out of her nose rapidly.
"No." She moaned. Marcel was grey-skinned and lying on the floor, Katherine just the same after Tunde had found her helping Jane.
"Sins of the father, are paid for by the child." He grabbed her throat, holding the blade toward her forehead. "It'll be over soon, mon petit." Pain erupted from her head as he drew a line, blood trickling down her face from the cut.
She screamed again as he pressed down to make another line, and then there was Klaus.
With a snarl, he grabbed the witch and jerked him off of Jane, tossing him across the compound. She gasped in air, raising a shaky hand to her stomach.
"You're here. Good. I can crush you before the eyes of your son and your mate, then I will consume you all."
Klaus' eyes flickered to Jane briefly when she made a small sound, he immediately saw the blood on her face. Rage rushed through his body.
"I killed you once, I rather relished it. What a joy it is to relive fond memories." He hissed and leapt at the witch. Tunde was faster than expected, he would be while channeling Rebekah, but Klaus wasn't about to him let lay a finger on Jane again.
The witch doctor grabbed his throat, stilling him from moving away.
"This time, I am stronger."
Klaus grunted as the witch doctor squeezed his throat tighter. He spotted Dorian in the darkened entryway and for the moment was glad to see him. he knew he'd protect Jane and get her out of there.
Papa Tunde tossed him, and he slammed the wall next to Jane. He met her eyes, conveying she'd be all right.
"No, please." Jane weakly made a grab for him, fingers barely brushing his jacket, but Tunde pulled him out of reach. "Klaus...no."
"Her pleas for you, will be the last thing you hear." He hissed, gripping Klaus' throat and pressing the tip of his dagger into his forehead. Muttering his incantation, he started carving into his skin. Klaus' eyes turned white as he gasped.
"Niklaus!" Jane screamed.
Dorian rushed inside, gathering Jane up into his arms. He glanced over his shoulder Papa Tunde and Klaus. Luckily, the voodoo man was occupied.
"No, wait, Dorian! Klaus!" She tried to get out of his arms.
"Leave him. He can handle himself." He said, glancing again at Tunde who hadn't noticed his appearance just yet. Klaus was starting to desiccate like Marcel and Jane grabbed Dorian's sleeve, frantically tugging.
"no, we can't leave him, please."
"We have to go, Jane." He said, ignoring her pleas and stepped out into the rain.
Jane felt a sponge being dabbed under her nose and she frowned, squirming away from the feeling.
"It's all right." A kindly voice said and she opened her eyes slowly. A familiar woman smiled at her.
"Mona?"
"Hello, Jane."
She patted her face with a towel and then pulled it back.
"There now. That's better."
Jane blinked and looked around. "I fell asleep."
"Yes, you were exhausted, you poor girl." Mona said, helping her sit up. A blanket fell to her lap and she glanced down at it before looking back up at Mona. "My nephew told me what happened. Papa Tunde is a very dangerous witch, and he could have hurt you worse than he did." She frowned and then her face softened. "But you and your precious child are well. Dr. Blakely saw to that."
Jane smiled at her and then took the offered cup of steaming tea.
"This will take the chill of the rain out of you."
"Thank you." She took a sip. "But you didn't have to go to any trouble."
"Oh, you're so sweet." Mona pinched her cheek lightly. "It was no trouble at all."
Dorian came into the parlor dragging a large keg. Mona rolled her eyes.
"Dorian Joseph, what on earth are you doing with that keg?!"
Jane covered her giggles behind her hand as the Hybrid turned around at his aunt's exclamation. Dorian saw her laughing and flushed red.
"It's for the guys...And Oliver wanted it."
"Oh, Oliver." She scoffed, waving a hand. "He needs manners, not a stiff drink."
Dorian rolled his eyes and kept going with the keg onto the back porch.
Mona turned to Jane with an excited smile. "The pack is coming here tonight. It's a full moon. Our only chance to talk. They are just going to love you."
The girl looked shyly at her lap. "Really? I mean...I'm not exactly-"
"You are always part of us, Jane. Never forget that. You have a wolf gene we all sense it. And without it, you wouldn't have found your Niklaus."
Thinking of her Hybrid love, she frowned. "Have you heard from him? It's been hours."
"No." Dorian said, coming back inside and shaking rain from his hair. "I've tried calling Elijah, but he won't answer either."
"Maybe I should head home. I'm sure that witch is gone by now."
"Please stay, dear. It's starting to get windy out. I don't want you getting stuck in a storm."
Jane bit her lip anxiously. She knew Klaus would be tearing the city apart looking for her and after seeing Katherine and Marcel for sure he'd come target Dorian. "Okay, but only until the storm ends."
There was a rush of something in the air and Tunde staggered back in shock. His power was dwindling. Sensing this and praising his siblings on figuring out a way to get Rebekah out without Jane, Klaus leapt upward and tossed the witch far away from him.
Jane was gone, safe with Dorian and he relaxed slightly. Tunde stood, staggering for a moment and then fled almost as quick as a vampire.
Elijah and Kol rushed into the compound seconds later, looking for Tunde and discovering he was gone.
"He didn't finish them off, they need blood to heal." Klaus nodded toward Marcel and Katherine. Elijah was carrying their sister, who was also in need of healing.
"What happened? Where's Jane?" Kol asked and Klaus stood.
"Dorian has her. Once Tunde is gone permanently, he'll bring her back."
"He walked in, because Davina is gone." His little brother said quietly, and Klaus nodded.
"Yes, and that will have to be remedied immediately."
Kol grabbed his sister when she rounded the corner.
"Kol!? Bloody hell!" She shrieked and he scowled at her. "What?"
"You know what." He growled. "Why in the hell are you teaming up with that moron? He about got us all killed."
She scowled. "I thought he had the answers! Then he left me!"
He rolled his eyes at her. "Where did the coward go?"
"I don't know." She said with a frown. "I thought you said he led you to me?"
"He did, but the little bastard took off soon afterward."
"Kol, Rebekah, what is going on?" Elijah demanded, frowning at the two of them. "Your behavior of late is becoming a-"
Before he could finish his sentence, something leapt out of the nearby alley and onto his back, sharp teeth finding his shoulder.
He cursed loudly and was sent crashing to the ground. He rolled onto his back to face his attacker. The smell hit him before he saw it, it smelled decayed and...it was. With an appearance like a zombie, the humanoid creature wrapped its hands around his throat in an unnaturally tight grip.
"Elijah!" Rebekah shouted, but she too was being attacked as was Kol.
He was in his own battle as three more joined the first. They were quick like vampires, darting at him almost playfully. They took turns toying with him, distracting him from the two others so that they could make a grab for him.
"Morts-viviants. Jane's vision." The blonde Original stated. Marcel and Klaus found them, the former pausing in horror at what he was seeing.
Tackled to the ground, Marcel looked up at his undead attacker and frowned as the moonlight hit her just right. "Jane-Anne?" The witch hissed at him, blood running down her chin. He grabbed her head twisting it. Head snapped, she fell off him, but to his horror, her head popped back into place like Papa Tunde.
He heard a snarling sound from further in the alley that sounded like Klaus and then Rebekah screamed. There were more.
"Oliver for god's sake put on pants! There is a young lady in the next room!" Mona said shrilly from the kitchen and Jane covered her mouth with her hand, stifling laughter.
"Is she pretty?" Came the country drawl of the newcomer.
"Shut up, Oli." Dorian said from the hallway and Jane heard fabric being thrown. "Cover up before you burn my aunt's eyes out."
"Hey, I am good looking. Ain't hurting nobody's eyes."
Dorian entered the parlor with another young guy behind him, this one had shaggy blonde hair and green eyes. He noticed Jane immediately and his jaw slackened.
"Is that her? The elemental everyone's been talking about? No one said she was a knockout."
Red cheeked, she rose from the couch as non-awkward as she could with her baby bump.
"Hi, I'm Jane." She said with a smile, offering her hand to him. He took it and raised it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. She flushed again.
"It's a pleasure to meet you. My name's Oliver, but you can call me anything you want, sugar." He wiggled his eyebrows and she tried not to laugh. Dorian elbowed him in the gut.
"Knock it off. She's not available."
"Yeah, yeah, the Original's girl." He scoffed, but he winked at Jane. "Doesn't mean she can't upgrade."
"I think you mean downgrade."
The two of them started scuffling like brothers and Jane smiled at them.
"Hey, Jane."
She turned her head, frowning when she saw who was in the doorway.
"Hayley?"
"Holy shit!" Sophie yelled, staring at the Mikaelson siblings. "What happened to you guys?"
Rebekah scowled. "Some witch has started a war. Now which one did it?"
"Did what?" The witch demanded, frowning. "What exactly did we do now? We can't do anything because the Harvest didn't work."
"It worked. Only it brought back the wrong people." Marcel spoke up. "Like Papa Tunde."
"Papa Tunde...But he...I mean are you-"
Klaus rolled his eyes. "We all saw him." He snapped. "And he attacked my beloved."
"Oh, god...Um, well...it wasn't me." Sophie stuttered to say, still in a bit of shock.
"We know that much." Rebekah snorted. "Now who was it?"
"I don't know." Sophie shrugged. "It could be anyone I guess, but to purposely take away the Harvest magic...It just doesn't sound like one of us. We wouldn't risk our own magic."
Elijah frowned. "Where is Sabine? Surely as someone who has seen things, must have had an inkling of this. Not only did this person bring back witches such as Papa Tunde, but also created undead witches."
"Undead, like zombies?"
"Morts-viviants."
"Wait...That sounds familiar."
"The same thing happened hundreds of years ago." Elijah went on to explain. "A vengeful witch misled Niklaus into a deal that summoned lethal undead creatures that attacked humans and vampires alike, taking hearts and killing their enemies. They are strong and fast. And this breed of monster...are stronger and faster than their predecessors."
"How'd you get away from them?" Sophie asked, eyes wide. "You guys look worse for wear."
"
Who would have such power?"
"What of Celeste?" Kol asked. "We haven't even figured out why Davina kept drawing her."
"You said that Celeste's remains did not have magic, yes?"
Sophie nodded. "But what-"
"Niklaus come with me. It's time we pay Celeste a visit." Elijah said, without answering her. Klaus raised his eyebrows, but complied. His older brother looked ready for a fight.
"Sophie!"
They turned to see a young witch panting from her long run. "Sophie...It's...Monique."
"Monique?" She frowned.
"She's awake."
"What?! How?"
"I don't know, but she's in the cemetery. They are saying it is a miracle."
Sophie frowned. "So...who died to bring her back? One of the four that got brought back had to have died in order for her spirit to come back."
"I know I'm late and missed like a ton." Josh appeared behind Sophie. "But I think it's that Papa Tunde guy."
Marcel looked at Rebekah. "We'll check that out. You and Elijah go deal with Celeste."
"I'm going with Rebekah and Marcellus." Kol said, eyeing his sister who only rolled her eyes at him.
"Joshua, after you show Rebekah and Marcel where Tunde is, please go check on Jane. See if she needs anything, but do not tell her any of these new developments yet. I don't want to upset her and she'd only come out to look for us. It's too dangerous for her to be venturing about. If her visions of the undead witches is coming true, than we need to be on our guard. Celeste may be working with this over coven."
"The one that Laurent is in charge of." Marcel guessed and Elijah nodded.
"Yes, exactly. Now go."
"So bossy big brother." Kol smirked and Klaus rolled his eyes.
"Yes, isn't he?"
Rebekah shook her head at them.
"They are your family." She smiled at Hayley who nodded. "That's amazing. But you haven't spoken to them until now?"
"No, it's not been safe too." She shook her head.
"Despite everything...I'm glad you found them." Hayley smiled too.
"Thank you, Jane. And I'm sorry for all that I've done."
They said quietly for a moment, watching the werewolves dance and party. The rain had stopped and now they could dance around a bonfire and enjoy the outside decorations that Dorian and setup before the storm happened.
Jane looked over her glass of water at a werewolf who was leaning against the porch railing. His dark eyes resting on them. "That one is looking at you." Hayley turned and then turned back around abruptly. "He must like you. He is nice looking."
"Stop looking."
Jane waved at him and Hayley shook her head.
"No, Jane." She protested, but the werewolf came over, running hand through his dark hair.
"Hello, ladies." He said, smiling and sat down on the chair near Hayley. He looked at Hayley. "You're Hayley. I'm Jackson." He turned his dark eyes on Jane. "And you...you are Jane, the elemental. It's nice to see you again."
"You're the wolf who saved me in the bayou. And came by the pool. Dorian's cousin." She said excitedly, setting down the water. "It's nice to finally see you."
He smiled at her. "Yeah, had to keep an eye on you. Precious cargo."
"The baby."
"No, that's not what I meant. I don't care about the baby." He grimaced at Jane's raised eyebrow. "Uh, that came out wrong. Of course, I care, it's special. Like you. A little miracle child."
Jane smiled. "Yes, she is, but I think you mean that I can help your family's curse."
Jackson nodded. "Yeah. I don't know all the details myself but, even if you weren't the elemental, you are an important part of this pack. And it's our responsibility to keep you and yours safe." He took her hand, flipping it over to her star tattoo. "We are of the same people. You, me, and Hayley." Mentioning her name, Jackson looked up at her and then at Jane again. "We protect family here, Jane. We're not what others think of us."
"You mean, Klaus. He has his reasons for hating werewolves. Reasons that I won't go into detail because it's not my story to tell, but he also has werewolf family out here somewhere."
She sighed and stood from her spot. Her back was aching from the chair and she needed to move. "It was nice meeting you, Jackson. I will figure out how to help your family, I promise."
"Our family." He corrected before adding: "And that includes you're chosen mate." He smiled, eyes twinkling and she nodded.
"Thank you."
She started to walk away when she felt lightheaded. She paused, swaying and trying to focus on what was in front of her.
"Jane?" Mona was at her side. "What is it, honey?" The woman's voice sounded as if she were inside a tunnel. A pain erupted from her abdomen and she gasped sharply a hand on her baby bump. "What is it, Jane? The baby?" Mona saw blood trickling from the cut on her forehead again. the one that Papa Tunde had carved.
"Dunno..." She slurred and closed her eyes, pressing her wrist to her forehead as an ache started from the cut on her head. "Just...need...sleep." Jane felt her legs give out and Mona shouting for help was the last thing she heard before the world went black.
Dorian leaned against the house, frowning at the vampire before him.
"What the hell is going on out there, Josh? Why is Klaus being so damn cryptic?"
"Something big, man. All these connections keep popping up. All pointing towards something dangerous. Possibly aimed at Jane."
"Well, shit." The Hybrid scowled.
"So, Klaus is confused too and that makes him angry. He can't bring Jane home and he's angry about that too. So he's just pissed off completely."
"Tunde is dead right?"
"Yeah, but now they got another problem. Someone is messing with the New Orleans witches and it might be some other coven. I just don't know." Josh shrugged. "I was just send to make sure Jane was okay and if she needed anything."
"Dorian! Dorian, come quick!" His aunt called. "It's Jane."
Josh swallowed. "That doesn't sound good."
Dorian didn't bother to answer as he rushed back up the steps of the back porch. Jane was lying on the porch, her head in his aunt's lap. She was pale and her forehead was bleeding as well as her nose. Dr. Blakley was examining her closely and then she glanced at Mona.
"You have to go find, Klaus." She told her nephew. "We don't know what to do for her. She's not waking up." Dorian didn't hesitate and Josh followed.
"I think he and Elijah went after Celeste." He offered and the Hybrid nodded.
"See if he'll answer his damn phone. Tell him it's important. It's Jane."
To be continued...
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