Heartless to Heartfelt

Authors Note/Disclaimer: I do not own The Vampire Diaries or The Originals or Legacies. All credit goes to the writers and creators.

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Chapter Five


Klaus's body shuttered; his heart racing as the nightmare pulled him under. The peaceful sleep he had been enduring moments ago had dissipated, replaced with the memory that haunted him at night.
Not even the presence of Caroline could sooth the pain her felt inside, the torment.

"Please father, I beg of you. Please stop!"

"Be quiet boy. You stole from me, you deserve this punishment."

Niklaus quivered as the sound of the belt came whistling through the air, striking him on the bare skin of his back, the agonizing pain spreading through his body. It was the tenth stroke or at least that was the number he held in his mind, he had lost count around the time his father thumped his head into the wooden post.

"Hold still, boy."

He hated hearing it; he had a name, Niklaus. Why did his father never use it. "Father, please. I did not take your knife, I did not. I swear to you."

"Liar. You are rotten to the core, boy."

Klaus closed his eyes, trying to fight the tears that were welling. He had done better this time, refrained from crying for longer, yet the tears wished to fall.
A father was supposed to love his children unconditionally. He did not understand the hatred that Mikael had for him.

His eyes sprung open as the belt landed against his back. Overall he knew it was better not to plead, there was no one to help him and his father would never listen, but in a moments like this it was uncontrollable, everything he'd told himself to remember from the previous time faded when he was cornered by his father.
His mouth released words without his consent, his back was on fire and due to the pain, he made the decision without thinking. "Father,"

"If you did not take my knife then who did, boy?"

Niklaus felt his hands buckling under his weight, lifting his head to answer his father but it was then that movement caught his eye. He tried to focus through the tears clouding his vision but what he saw made him wish he could take back every word he had spoken.
Huddled in the corner hiding behind a pile of straw sat his baby brother, knife in hand. The sheer terror in his eyes old him that the seven year old boy had witnessed it all; his brother had seen a side of his father that the man never wanted his other children to witness. The side of himself he only showed to Niklaus.
No decision had to be made in that moment, there was no choice to be made. He would not dare tell his father that it had been the child cradled in the corner. If there was one thing he had always vowed, it was that Mikael would never lay a hand upon his siblings the way he did him. He would protect them no matter the cost. "It was me. I am sorry, father."

"A liar. A thief. You were raised better. You are nothing but a runt."

Niklaus kept his eyes on his brother, silently pleading with him to close his eyes and he did, the tiny child squeezed his eyes shut in fear. This was the moment he never wanted anyone to witness, the moment when he was the sheer mercy of Mikael.

"Ungrateful bastard. I will show you the error of your ways.

Crack!

The sound of the leather crackled through his ears, hands buckling beneath him as he feel to the floor, eyes squeezed shut tightly as he knew what was to come from this, the failure to hold his position.

"Stupid boy."

The kick to the side of his ribs hurt just as much as the leather, his small body unable to hold up against that of a grown man.

"I'll see to it that I do not raise a thief for a child."

Thud!

Klaus's eyes sprung open, a shutter running through his body at the memory of Mikael and just one of the many moments of abuse he had endured through his childhood. His time being daggered had brought old memories to the surface, memories that he had worked hard to bury over a thousand years.
Inching out of bed, he tried his best not to disturb Caroline. She did not need to be subject to his terrors. There was only one person who knew, and that person had witnessed the act by accident. Klaus never wished to burden another person with the truth.

He stood back from the bed, tilting his head as he eyed Caroline, she was lying on her stomach, only a sheet covering her lower half.
She knew that Mikael was a harsh man, one that had hunted him but she did not know how far the hatred Mikael felt for him ran. Klaus was unsure if he would ever tell her, even though they were now in a relationship.
Mikael had the ability to tear him down; to make him vulnerable. He would never admit to it but he felt embarrassment over his past. His mind, though he tried his best to push the thoughts away, would always be buzzing with the whys. Why couldn't he behave? Why could he not get the simplest tasks right? Why couldn't Mikael love him? Why had he ever been born? These were the thoughts he never wanted to share with others.

"You're lost in your thoughts again."

Klaus blinked, watching as Caroline sat up, pulling the sheet around her body. "Just admiring the view. You are exquisite." He saw her blush. "When I return you shall let me paint you, correct? Every queen should have their portrait painted."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "Charming. You do realize you have already won my love."

"You were mine from the moment I laid eyes on you. I have no need to win your love, I've had it from the beginning."

"Cocky."

"Only when it comes to you, love."

She smiled, knowing that everything he said was true. She'd loved him from the very beginning, even if she hadn't admitted it to herself. "Are you certain you wish to do this?"

Moving back across the floor, he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I need to find the stake before any harm can be done. It'll only take a few days." He didn't wish to leave, the mere thought of parting from his girls, it was not a thought he enjoyed but by doing this he would protect his family and Hope. "Will you keep an eye on Davina for me? Magic is consuming her."

Caroline held the sheet around her body with one hand, using the other hand to caress his cheek. "You care for her;" She couldn't help but smile. "You've changed."

"I had no choice." He admitted, the dagger had changed him in ways he would never be able to explain. "I should go." He stood up, his fingers brushing against her cheek.

"I love you." Caroline had no expectations to hear those words repeated back to her. She knew that emotions and speaking about them did not come easy to Klaus, and she didn't mind. It was the type of man he was, the type she had fallen in love with despite knowing this.

Klaus ran his tongue along his bottom lip. He could not recall a time after his human life that he had told a single person that he had loved them. It was not a word that came to him easy, but like many things, being daggered had changed that. He would change his way for the few people that mattered dearly to him. Caroline being one of those people. "I love you." He leaned down and kissed her forehead.
He moved across the floor, grabbing his bag and then the shirt that laid on the floor, tossing it across the room to her. "You should put that on, I can here one of your girls moving about," Josie immediately came to his thoughts, she had quieter footsteps then Lizzie. "See you in a few days." He left the room, closing the door behind him.

Klaus had said the words to her, words she had never expected him to say and although she wished to say something, she knew that making a fuss would do no good. Klaus did not like his affections to be publicized, he liked the quiet moments. They could be scarce but that only made them more special, she'd hold onto them dearly.

/

Klaus breathed deeply once he was outside the room, leaving now made his heart ache just a little but it was for a good cause. It was for his family whom he had sworn to always protect.
A slight movement caught his eye, just peaking around the corner he could see the dark hair that belonged to one of Caroline's twins. He had barely heard Josie speak; and when she did it was directed at Caroline. She was shy, the complete opposite of Lizzie. The blonde headed girl was a firecracker, she'd come around to him quickly and although she didn't often want to paint he would sometimes find her sitting cross legged on the floor watching him. She would study his movements and ask random questions. He cannot recall a time that he had ever been asked if he'd rather have blue skin or three feet.
Josie was a completely different equation to her twin. He wasn't sure if the brunette was scared of him, or if she didn't trust people in general but he wanted Caroline's girls to feel comfortable in his home, in what he hoped would be their home for a long time.

"I have to leave, and I wouldn't want your mom to be lonely. Do you think you could stay with her?" He watched the little girl, startle a little when he spoke directly to her, her eyes flickering to the door behind him as if she was debating with herself internally, after a few moments she gave a very tiny nod. "Good. I'll be back in a few days."

Josie hesitantly stepped around the corner. "Are you going to be okay?" Josie whispered. "Davina said it's dangerous."

Klaus tried not to seem surprised when he heard Josie's voice; yet it kind of shook him. She was worried for him? He never wanted anyone to worry about him, as long of his family was safe, he was fine. "Davina is just worried. I'll be fine. Nothing will happen to me."

Josie shuffled slightly, gripping her teddy bear close to her chest. "Be safe."

Klaus opened the door to his room for her. "I will, little lady." He promised, and he stepped away from the door, making sure she would feel comfortable as she raced by him into the room, he waited a moment then closed the door after her. He hoped the discomfort in the air would fade soon, he wanted her to be able to be herself.

"Klaus, you ready?"

Marcel's voice greeted his ears softly from the compound, he was clearly waiting. "Just one moment." He walked down the hallway a bit, coming to stop a Davina's door. He could hear her breathing from the other side, steady.
Opening it, he peaked around the corner, she was curled up in her bed blankets pulled all the way up to her chin. What bothered Klaus was the books related to magic that were on her bed, the ones she must have been reading when she went to sleep.
He had been trying to work out how to help her; but all he could come up with were losses. She wanted to help, and he was grateful but if it were Hope he'd feel exactly the same. A normal life was needed. It did not mean that magic could not exist, it just shouldn't have to be the prime focus of every waking moment. "What am I to do with you, my little witch?" He sighed, rubbing his chin briefly. He would never wish to change her, her dedication was fierce, a rather good quality to have. He just wished to teach her to spread herself. To have fun within the chaos.


The Following Day


The smell of alcohol and smoke surrounded Klaus as he sat in the bar with Marcel, another round of drinks being placed in front of him. They had not been able to locate the gathering of the vampires, though he grapevine they knew it was being held tomorrow but everyone was tight lipped on the location.
It was deeply frustrating as he knew this person was attempting to hurt his family. The family that had wronged him, yet also the family he wished to keep safe.

He swallowed the cool liquid, breathing deeply as it ran down his throat.

"You could place a call, people respond better to you then they do to me."

Klaus smirked. "People only respond to me out of fear." The fear that was placed into people by nothing more then that sound of his name was quiet amusing. He had never intended to be a person that people feared, but over time he had become proud of it, it protected those he cared for. People knew if they messed with the Mikaelson family they would face the wrath of Klaus and nobody wanted that.
However, his siblings saw things differently. They saw him being feared as merely an outcome for all the terrible crimes he had committed.
"If one person was to know I am awake, then word would no doubt reach my siblings. I cannot have that, we must continue as discussed."

Marcel picked up his drink, swaying the liquid in the glass. "Do you think they are aware that someone is hunting them?"

"Yes. If there is a threat towards his family then Elijah would know about it." He glanced towards Marcel, an eyebrow raised. Since awakening he had had the question within his mind, yet he had not asked it, never alone for long enough to get the right opportunity. This moment was the longest time he'd had alone with Marcel since he had awoken. "Have you spoken to Rebekah at all?" It was a fair question, after all they had loved each other once.

"No." Marcel was unphased by the question, he was not at all surprised that Rebekah had not attempted to contact him, it was well known that all Mikaelson's protected their family first. Rebekah was no exception to that rule.
He knew a part of him would always love her but there was no longer any expectation that she would put him first. No expectation that they would ever be together.
The saying that blood is thicker then water did run true within the Mikaelson family and despite how Klaus was acting now, he still had doubts if things had changed that much within the man he called his father.
"I don't expect to hear from her. She knows full well that if you were awake you would approach me for their whereabouts." He swirled the drink in his glass, eyes focused on the liquid. "Besides, she knows where I stand on what occurred."

"…We're free."

Marcel stood on the other side of the table, shocked to the core by what she had just told him. "Free? No, Rebekah, you aren't." He watched her face fall, but he could tell in her eyes that she was already aware of that. This woman before him was a woman he loved, since the moment he first set eyes on her regardless of the fact that he had just been a child in that moment. "You already know that though, don't you? When he is free because he will be one day, he will come after you; hunt you down for the betrayal…"

"Freya placed a cloaking spell on him, no one will be able to find him. The dagger worked, Marcel, Freya made it work. We are free."

Marcel could not believe what he was hearing, he had his troubles with Klaus but regardless of everything, the man did rescue him and the thought of having him locked up and buried did not sit well. One thing Marcel had learnt from him was that family was everything. What seemed worse was, Rebekah was standing here before him siding with a sister she barely knew. "You'll never be free from him, Rebekah, what you have done will ensure that he comes after you all."

"It was to protect Hayley's daughter…"

Marcel raised his eyebrow. "Do you forget that this baby Hayley is carrying is also Klaus's?"

"We have to do what is best for her. Klaus will only corrupt whatever innocence she is born with."

Marcel shook his head. "Who is that speaking? You or Freya, perhaps Elijah?" He questioned her, this was not just her, Rebekah loved Klaus to think she would do something this drastic was unimaginable. "You forget that he raised me, Rebekah. He didn't turn me evil, he was a good father. You didn't think he could love anyone outside of your family, and I am living proof that he did. This is his child you are ripping from his life for your benefit. You need to think about that."

Rebekah blinked as Marcel's words rolled through her body. "It's been done. Freya…"

"Freya knows nothing of Klaus. You have been his family for a thousand years. You have always stood by him, why the sudden change? Remember all that Klaus has done to look after you, Rebekah." Marcel sighed. "I cannot possibly agree with what you have done."

Rebekah stared at him, the sorrow in her eyes evident. "Marcel, I love you. Elijah and Freya agree that he won't wake up, take the leap of faith and come with us, please."

"No. You Mikaelson's are always feuding but this crosses the line. By daggering him you have taken away his chance, his right to be a father to his biological daughter. Are you aware of that? I can't be a part of it. Leave. Leave and don't contact me."

Klaus tilted his head; he had never been overly fond of the relationship between Marcel and Rebekah. Marcel was his son, and Rebekah was the sister whom had been by his side for a thousand years, she was sister he had raised as they grew up. It was true that in his eyes no one would ever be good enough for her, it was why so many of her loves had disappeared over the years and while he was not thrilled by the aspect of her choosing Marcel, he did have to admit that man he saw as a son was a far better suitor then those she had chosen previously.

"Do you regret your choice?"

Marcel raised his eyebrow. "What choice?"

"To stay." His son might not think he knew; but Rebekah would have tried to take him with her. Once she had laid eyes on him again, her love had flared up. It was only natural that with him buried away she would want a fresh start with him. "Rebekah has never loved a soul as she loves you. I never would assume that she walked away without begging you to follow."

"She did. I said no." He drowned his drink, placing it back on the bar with slight force. "I don't regret being here. Finding you was a priority, I had to stand with Davina."

"Marcel,"

"If anything I am haunted by the knowledge that if I did go, I could be protecting your daughter now. Davina could have sent word to me. I could have brought her home to you." Marcel would be lying if he hadn't thought of this scenario in his mind, twisted every inch of it so that he could determine all the ways he could have done things differently. Would he have been able to pretend to agree with their decision for this many years? He honestly didn't think he could.

Klaus stared into his drink, it wasn't as if he hadn't thought the idea over in his mind but he always came back to the conclusion that Marcel did the right thing. "You made a difficult choice but you know I didn't raise you to bend your morals." He eyed the bartender. "Another round." He tipped the rest of his drink down his throat, feeling the cool liquid slide down. "I raised you to stand for what you thought was right, you did just that Marcel. Despite how I feel about them, my siblings and Hayley will do all they can to keep Hope safe. You stood with Davina, that is more then I should ever ask of you." He left the unspoken words hanging in the air.

Marcel smiled slightly into his new glass, whether he had said the words or not, Marcel could hear them. I'm proud of you. It was amazing how after all these years, everything that had happened, that it still meant something that Klaus felt that way. His father was proud of who he had become.
His phone buzzed, drawing his attention, a frown forming on his face. "Do you think she is physic, is that even a possibility? Actually, discard that, I am beginning to learn that nothing is impossible."

Klaus frowned, turning his head to look at Marcel. "Hmm,"

"Rebekah, do you think she is physic?" He held his phone up, Rebekah's name was displayed across the screen as an incoming call.

"Do not tell her I have awakened. Find out any information you can but do not mention me." Klaus spoke with stern precision. He did not want his family to know, part of him feared they would attempt to dagger him again. He did not wish to live through that torment again, once was hard enough. It was easy to protect them if they were far from sight, it would be harder if he had to look them in the eye.
Forgiveness was buried somewhere deep inside him, so deep he wasn't sure he could pull it out.

"Rebekah, to what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Marcel, I need your help. Well your knowledge to be exact. Do you know if Klaus is awake and roaming New Orleans?"

Marcel raised his eyebrow at Klaus, aware that the original hybrid could hear all that was being said. "You daggered him Rebekah, his body is tucked away so that no one can find him. For him to be roaming New Orleans someone would have had to recover the body."

"You haven't heard from him?"

"Should I have?" He paused giving Klaus a brief look, but seemed to be staring into space, listening but showing no emotion. "What is it you want, Rebekah? I made it clear that you weren't to contact me."

"Someone is hunting us. I am not saying it is Nik; but well, it could be a possibility. What we have done could have changed his view on us, he could have decided that we are worth killing."

Klaus held back a flinch, listening to his baby sisters words. The fact that she thought he would hunt them like their father hunted him, it showed that she did not know him as well as he thought. That hurt, he wished it didn't. Before the daggering it wouldn't have bothered him, now his emotions seemed to be going haywire. His sister had just hurt his feelings, that was not something that had been done for many years.

"I have not seen nor heard from Klaus. However I did warn you of this possibility, I told you time and time again that this would never end well." He breathed deeply. "Do you have any idea who the person is that might be hunting you, why they are doing it?" Marcel need to gather any information that he could, Klaus would want to use whatever he could to capture the person responsible for this.

"No. I told Elijah it was irresponsible to leave before we recovered the stake but he and Freya thought they knew best. Now someone has turned it into bullets; one could come flying through the bloody window and into our hearts. We have no idea who this person is but we cannot take any chances, not with Hope's safety in the mix."

Marcel took notice that Klaus had tensed that the mention of his daughters name, so he took the opportunity knowing that Klaus was listening and would appreciate it. "How is Hope?" He could sense Rebekah's hesitation, but knew her well enough to know that the pride of being an Aunt would win over all, she would not be able to contain her need to gush.

"Hope is amazing. Exceptionally bright for her age. She resembles Hayley, just with Nik's eyes and fiery temper. Something I have in common with her, a piece of Nik we share. She is innocent and sweet, everything we wanted her to be."

"She sounds wonderful." He saw the lone tear trail down Klaus's cheek, it could not be missed. "There is more..." He heard Rebekah draw a deep breath, the birds in the background behind her.

"I wonder what will happen to her if this person gets their wish. If we die who will care for her. Despite being bright and capable, she is still a little girl."

"Nothing is going to happen to you, Rebekah." Marcel knew that they would reach any threat before it could reach her or the family. There was no need for Rebekah to worry.

"You don't know that. Truth is, we know nothing of this person and that makes them more deadly. Times like these, I realize what Nik did, he took each and every threat seriously, eliminated it before it could become deadly." She paused for a moment. "I only hope that I can protect his daughter like he protected me...Auntie Bex, mommy wants you."

Marcel flinched, Rebekah ended the call immediately, at the exact time Klaus flew out of his chair and the bar. He could only guess that knowing your daughter is out there in one thing, listening to her voice for the first time was another.
It would be an unbearable pain for the father who didn't know the child she had become.
Marcel didn't chase after him, knowing he needed to give the man a few moments to process what had occurred.


Rebekah stared at the note on the kitchen island, another threat had been delivered to the doorstep yet none of them had seen nor heard anything. They had come to an agreement the person was not Niklaus, her talk with Marcel making it more certain, but it still left the big questions. Who was it? What did they want?
The only thing Rebekah knew for sure was that this person had a grudge against the original family. They wanted retribution. However, that did little to narrow down the field of potential people that were trying to hurt them.

Gently she took the note between her fingers, reading the words over in her mind.

You believe yourselves to be innocent. That the choices you make are justified.
You do not care for the hurt your bring others, the pain and suffering you instill.
You have a debt to pay and I am here to collect.
Payment is your lives.

The arguing filled her ears, her head spinning as she listened to Hayley arguing with her siblings. She wanted to leave, to take Hope and run but the question remained. If they were to run, where would they go?
This person should never had been able to find them, yet they had, which meant no matter the precautions that were taken, this person would likely find them again.
For what seemed like the millionth time since this threat begun, Rebekah wished that Nik was by her side. It was times like these where she needed her big brother, the one that had cared for her since the moment of her birth.

"Rebekah, are you going to contribute to this conversation at all?"

Rebekah turned to look at Freya, a frown falling onto her features. "What is there to say?" She was certain that her attitude caught her family off guard.

"Are you alright, sister?"

"No Elijah, I am not alright. If we do not run we could be dead within the hour, however, if we chose to leave then where do we go? Where is safe?" She ran a hand through her blonde hair. Her safe place had always been with Niklaus, without him she didn't know where to find safety. "What will happen to Hope if we die?"

Hayley glared at her, glad that Hope was upstairs in her room unable to hear Rebekah's words. "Don't go down that road. We will not die, none of us." Despite how she felt about Elijah and Freya, she did not wish for them to die. They were Hope's family and she loved them, which meant they needed to live.
She reached for the map that was laid out on the table. "We could try Texas, settle there and make a home."

"New Orleans is our home; no place will ever compare to it. It is Hope's home, where she should be raised." Rebekah left the room without saying another word; once she was safely in her room, she took a seat on the bed. "Why did we do this?...God, Nik, I need you here to protect me..."


"So, what did you think of the school?" Davina sat in the swing besides Josie, the eight year old was swinging gently, not putting any real effort into going high. Her eyes focused on her feet. Davina didn't know either of the twins very well or Caroline, but one thing she had noticed was that Josie was rather quiet, the complete opposite of her twin. "Josie?"

"It's okay." Josie mumbled, not lifting her head to look at Davina. She wondered why Davina was talking to her, but she kind of liked it. Davina was a witch, just like her and Lizzie, she could sense it in Davina, the magic. That she was one of the good ones just like Auntie Bonnie.

"Just okay?"

Josie shrugged. "It's not like before."

Davina slowly nodded, before they had come to New Orleans. "What was your other school like?"

"Momma was our teacher and Uncle Stefan."

Home schooled, Davina could see that it kind of made sense. "I see. I went to this school when I was your age."

"Did you like it?"

"I made some really good friends here; and I met some really great teachers. You will have all kinds of fun."

Josie looked skeptical. "I don't..." She sighed, looking down at the ground.

"Have you ever been to a school before?"

Josie shook her head. "Momma said we had to wait, one day when he was gone we could."

"Josie. Davina. Come on, girls." Caroline waved them over.

Davina wanted to ask, who was he? But Josie was already running towards her mother leaving Davina sitting there wondering what the child had meant. When he was gone.

/

Caroline watched the girls run into the compound ahead of her and Davina. Looking at schools hadn't gone as well as she planned, they had looked at a school for the girls that she thought was a good option yet neither of her girls seemed thrilled at the possibility.
She knew it was a big change, they had been home schooled all their lives, but this was what they had been aiming for. A time when it was safe for them to attend a school with other children. To experience a normal childhood in a place where they could put down roots. New Orleans was that place. The girls would love it, she knew that. Lizzie would take to it at first, and then Josie would follow. It was how they adapted to all new things.

It had taken a little while of observing but Caroline now understood why Klaus was concerned for Davina. The teenager had accompanied them on the trip after Caroline had threatened to call Klaus, though she had no interest in actually looking at the two schools they visited. Caroline had even attempted to talk to her about subjects she might be interested in, things she wished to learn but Davina was adamant what all she wanted to learn was magic.

"Davina," Caroline called her name when she could see the girl was ready to sneak back upstairs to her room.

Davina turned around, she knew why Caroline had taken her out. Klaus wanted her to look at options for her future. It seemed a waste of time especially when she could spend that time doing something more useful. "Yes?"

Caroline tilted her head towards the chairs. "Come sit for a moment." They walked over to take a seat. "You didn't seem very interested in,"

"Caroline," Davina interrupted, knowing exactly where is conversation was heading. "I know what you are going to say. That my future is important, that I need to finish school and I agree. One day. Just not now. Magic is my focus, it is important to me that I learn all that I can."

Caroline nodded slowly. "Magic is important." She would agree to that; she knew how important magic was to Bonnie and how important it was to her regarding her girls but she also knew what it was like as a mother. The last thing she wanted was for her girls to be consumed by it, to lose their identities. Normal was an important part of life. "It is important to learn all about your gift and how to use it appropriately, and what it can be used for."

Davina couldn't help the smile that crept onto her lips. "You understand,"

"I do, magic is who you are Davina, it flows through your veins."

"Why can't Klaus get that?"

"He does," She saw Davina's skeptical look. "He understands how important magic is to you, and I have no doubt in my mind that he will encourage to reach your full potential."

Davina frowned, if what she was saying was true then why did he insist on this trivial stuff, like school. "Then why,"

"Well, do you want to travel the world?"

"One day."

"In that case, imagine living here in New Orleans for your entire vampire life. Never leaving the city to experience the world and what it has to offer." She let Davina maul that over for a moment. "It is like studying magic and never realizing what else is out there to learn and discover. Klaus just wants you to get the best of both worlds. "

Davina bit her bottom lip leaning back in her chair. "I want to be the best at what I do. If I can master things that no one else can, then I can protect..."

"This family?" Caroline finished for her, reaching forward to take her hand. "That isn't your responsibility; this family will work together to protect itself. We won't ever let what happened to Klaus, happen again. Let's make a deal,"

Davina raised her eyebrow, the skeptical look creeping into her eyes again. "What kind of deal?"

"You explore options and be open to the idea of some normal life experiences, and I'll speak to my best-friend, she is a witch, about helping you with some of your research. Bonnie's been doing this a long time, and she has some great resources that I think she'll be willing to share."

Davina's eyes lit up at the idea of more resources. "Um,"

"You have to promise to try, Davina; Klaus isn't trying to make your life miserable. He just wants you to have a life. You'll attend school and have up to two sessions with Bonnie a week." She knew Bonnie wouldn't mind, she loved teaching Lizzie and Josie magic, the thought of being able to teach someone else would spark an interest within her.

Davina felt Caroline squeeze her hand. "You promise to call?" She had never had mentor or someone to show or teach her anything about magic.

"Once you pick a school."

"Okay." Davina agreed. "Deal." She reached out and gave Caroline a hug. She hadn't been sure about Caroline to begin with but now she understood the appeal. Caroline was reasonable and kind. She was exactly what Klaus needed.


Hope.

Hope's voice.

Klaus sat on the roof of the bar staring out into the sunset, the sound of his daughters voice was playing on repeat in his mind. Five words constantly circling.
He wanted nothing more then to hold her in his arms, to hear her call him dad, or just simply to say hello but he could not have that.
Although he never wished to, a part of him did agree with his siblings, Hope was safer without him in her life. She did not have to live in fear of his enemies each day, he had a lot of them and many of them would wish to end her life.
He was not sure what kind of father he would have been since he had never had a good role model but he did like to think, that by staying away, he was being a reasonable one.
Hope needed normal, she needed safety and more importantly she needed a chance to be happy. None of which he thought he could provide being with her, it was what they had all thought.

His phone rang loudly against the silence and he pulled it out of his jacket, a small smile crossing his lips at the sight of her name. He quickly swiped the tears from his cheeks and answered the call.

"Little witch, something you need?"

"I could sense that something was wrong. Everything okay?"

Klaus couldn't help but feel a little lighter, she was concerned about him. It was rare that anyone worried for him. "Everything is fine. I still have all my limbs." He chuckled. "Just an unexpected call, nothing to fear."

"Being separated isn't good. You should come home."

"Not yet."

"You are being stubborn, come home."

He shivered at Caroline's voice, not expecting to hear her on the call. He wanted nothing more then to return home, but he could not, not when he needed more information. "Soon."

"Klaus, it's Josh, the stake was turned into bullets."

Klaus couldn't help but wonder how many people were on this call. "I know." He had heard Rebekah mention it over the phone. By turning the stake into bullets it became that much more deadly. Now able to kill more the just one of his siblings. A wicked idea. However, admittedly it was clever.

"How do you know, Josh only just got intel,"

"I'll fill you in later. I sense there is more,"

"They've been purchased.

It was not what Klaus wanted to hear. It was one thing to know the bullets were out there, another to know that the person wishing to harm his family had them.


When the stake had first gone on the market, he merely thought of using it to in-still fear in them. Tormenting them with the idea of death, then he was going to merely dagger them and tuck their bodies away safely.
It changed now.
He had seen to much in the last year to simply allow it to go unpunished.

Not Hope.

Not, the little princess that he vowed to protect. He could never lay a finger to her.

Leaning back into his chair, he examined the bullets.

Rebekah.
Elijah.
Hayley.
Freya.

He picked up one, rolling it between his fingertips. Never would he have thought to carve the stake into bullets, however it seemed as though someone else wished for them to pay a price as much as he did.
The message had come though at the perfect moment, telling him how to make the most of his purchase. It meant he now had the means...the means to slaughter them all.

It should have bothered him, the thought of taking their lives but he could not look past their treachery. It pained him to acknowledge that they had taken away the one person that had always cared for him.

He drew a deep breath, he would have to shift into the image had earned over the years. Psychotic Manic. He would embrace it, taking on that persona to avoid any guilt that may follow after because in his mind he had to believe that this was for the best. They deserved everything that would happen to them.


Let me know what you think.

Much Love. x