Pairing: Vanessa/Finn (F/m) hand, mild

Louisiana Bayou

Mary's House

Sunday, May 28, 2011

Early morning

Jackson was pacing on the porch. He couldn't sleep. He couldn't eat, not when Hayley was out there.

"Dude, I thought you took off or something," Ollie said in relief, coming out on the front porch in just his shorts. Night in the Bayou was a little cooler, but wolves ran hot and the night air didn't bother him.

"I gotta find her, Ollie," Jackson growled. "I don't know what to do. We combed for miles around that sanatorium. There was no scent of her. I'm going crazy, man."

Ollie put a hand on Jackson.

"We'll find her and rip out who ever took hers guts," Ollie vowed. They hear howls far off in the distance. "She's one of us. We been through hard things in the past."

"Do you remember what it was like? When we were cursed," Jackson asked, turning to face Ollie. "Sometimes I miss it. We just acted and there was no worry, no thinking, just livin'."

"Yeah, I remember. But we also wasn't really us. We ran and fought, but I remember that feeling of turning back when the moon rose. It was like we had no control. Is that what you mean?" Ollie wondered.

"Maybe? I guess I feel helpless. All I can feel is rage. Why, Hayley? I know she is pure Crescent, but I swear, half of that girl is also an angel. Unlike me, she thinks of others first. Those kids in the camp, she worried they ain't eating or they are cold. She's the real thing, Ollie," Jackson said, choking up with emotion.

Ollie hugged him. "She's the best of us. Now, get your ass in here and get some sleep or you ain't going to be no good tomorrow. Come on, don't make me beat your ass on the porch."

Jackson wiped away his tears and laughed. "Yeah, you're right. How'd your date go anyway?"

"Okay, I mean, she didn't slap me or anything so that's a start," Ollie shared, as they went back into the house.

Undetermined Location

"This place is like a maze," Hayley complained. "Let's try this stairwell."

Mason and Hayley had been walking for what felt like hours. They had to find a guard who wasn't as well-cooked to get out of the door protected by an eye scanner. It worked after three tries and Mason vomiting.

"Ain't it odd that there are no camera," Mason proposed. "Like what is this place?"

"An old jail of some sort? I wish I had paid more attention in history class," Hayley observed.

"I don't know if this place would be in any dusty book. That guy, Mikael, said the Strix were the worst. I wager they have plenty of money and resources...But it looks like it wasn't quite finished," Mason said, noticing some fresh paint and new construction.

"Yeah, you are right. Should we try this ladder? Maybe we can get out through the air ducts?" Hayley said, pointing up.

"I think that only works on t.v., but let's take a look," Mason agreed. "Ladies first."

"Gee, thanks," Hayley replied sarcastically.

"Anytime," Mason said, following the female werewolf up the ladder.

The Loft, Algiers

Home of Josh, Aiden, and Sara

Josh left right after he and Aiden took a shower and got dressed.

Aiden kissed him and didn't say anything except, "Be careful" as Josh left. He promised he would.

Aiden's backside felt a little tender, but with his wolf healing, almost back to normal by the time Sara got out of bed.

"Where's Papa Josh?" Sara asked, glancing around.

"He had to go to work, honey," Aiden said, he noticed that Wolfie's head was flopping around. "Let's get some breakfast and I'll show you how to sew."

"Weally? Can I sew?" Sara asked, excited to learn something new.

"Um, sure. I think I have a big plastic needle that may work for you," Aiden said. "Because if we don't sew Wolfie's head, it's gonna fall off."

"Yeah," Sara agree. She was careful to hold the stuffed toy carefully as Aiden took her to the bathroom. After some cereal and toast, Aiden found his sewing kit.

"So you have to be careful not to poke yourself with the needle," Aiden began. "Like this."

"I wanna do it," Sara moaned.

"No, hon, this one is too sharp. I'll get you a bigger needle," Aiden clarified.

Sara frowned and went to push her half-eaten cereal bowl off the table. Aiden caught it. "Sara, you cannot throw a fit every time you don't get your way. No more throwing. Use your words."

"You're mean!" Sara said, she hopped down from the chair and left the room. Aiden tried to quickly sew the head back on while he went to see where Sara when off to. He found her in the open living area, sitting on her little time out chair. Aiden had it in the corner, but not facing the wall. Sara had sat in it and had her arms crossed.

"Whatcha doing?" Aiden asked, still sewing.

"I need a break from you," Sara mumbled.

"Okay, well, I'll be over here when you are ready to talk," Aiden said carefully, hiding his smile. He had tried to use time out for both of them when they needed a moment to calm down.

Maybe he was doing something right after all?

Sara came over a few minutes later and watched him finish sewing Wolfie.

"There, he's all better," Aiden said. "You ready to talk?"

"Yesh, thanks for sewing Wolfie. He is happy again," Sara said.

"Good. I am proud of you for taking a break when you needed to," Aiden said. He gave her the wolf back and carefully put the needle on the coffee table. "Want to give me a hug?"

"Yesh," Sara said. "Can we go to the park?" Sara hopped on Aiden's lap and snuggled against him.

"Sure," Aiden smiled. "Then, we can work on the sewing okay?"

"Sure, if you want to," Sara said, hoping up to get her shoes.

"Wait, silly, you are still in your p.j.s," Aiden laughed.

Sara looked back at him sharply, "So are you!"

Aiden smiled and admitted that he was also in his pajamas. Sara was nothing, if not observant.

Mystic Falls, Virginia

Elijah's Study

Mikaelson Mansion

"I spoke to Ric and his contact at Whitmore, the expert in these so-called Augustines," Elijah said. "He faxed over these documents."

Marcel looked over the paperwork.

"Okay, this is the translation of the prophecy that I have. But this one looks more complete," Marcel noted.

Elijah looked closer at where Marcel was pointing. "I see. Maybe if we go by it line by line, we can figure out what they really want."

Marcel paraphrased, "So eons ago, heaven was one. Then, there was a conflict and God's best angel, Lucifer was 'cast out.' It goes on to say that a babe will be born on Earth of an 'abomination of nature' and an angel. So that could be Papa and Cami, and this baby would have the powers of heaven and Earth combined. It can take its' place on the celestial throne, whatever that is...The signs will come and it will restore Heaven and destroy Hell?"

Elijah tapped his pen on the paper. "Why would they want Earth destroyed?"

"Maybe so the angels can go back to heaven? I mean, are those freaks trapped here?" Marcel proposed.

"Maybe? I just don't know how we can fight them. We need a weapon that will work on angels or our powers are useless," Elijah noted.

"Caroline? Cami? If they can smite these guys, maybe they should come?" Marcel pointed out.

"That would be the last resort. You know your father would never put innocents in danger like that," Elijah mused.

"That is true. So this Order of the Angels or whatever is an off-shoot of the Augustines?" Marcel asked, still peering at the document.

"Ric believes so. It is hard to pinpoint the start as they are so secretive. In the literature, it looks like there is a fine line between angels and demons," Elijah said dryly.

"Like in the Bible? Lucifer's fall and all that?" Marcel asked.

"Ah, you remember our studies of Milton's Paradise Lost? I'm impressed," Elijah laughed. "I know you and Kol always preferred Shakespeare."

"Well, we didn't have much choice. You always kept that old hickory stick and your ruler handy," Marcel recalled.

Elijah nodded, "You try teaching two unruly teenagers who wanted to be out drinking spirits and gambling at the pleasure houses!"

Now Marcel chuckled, "That was all Kol. He had many lady friends in Storyville that he was eager to 'visit with.' I went like twice before Papa caught me."

"Indeed. Niklaus did not hold back that day, if I recall correctly," Elijah smirked.

"And I was studying sitting on a pillow for the next few days. But I think Kol got it twice it bad from you?" Marcel grinned.

"Yes, it took him a few more decades to work the courage to go back again," Elijah said, flipping through his notes.

"That's what you think...," Marcel trailed off.

Before Elijah could pry into the past, the door opened and the small office was full of children.

"Daddy! Finn hit me," Henrik moaned, holding his arm.

Elijah stood and went over to inspect his arm, which had a small red mark. The eight year old was wearing swim trucks and a white t-shirt. His hair looked wet and he was on the verge of tears.

"Oh dear, what happened, Son?" Elijah said calmly.

"Dad, it wasn't my fault! He took my iPad," Finn wailed, as he looked to Lukas to back him up.

"Lukas, buddy, what happened?" Marcel asked.

"It's true. Henrik took the iPad while we were playing a game and ran. We couldn't get it back," Lukas confirmed, his blond hair was wet and spiky.

"I thought you boys were in the pool. Why were you even on iPads?" Elijah asked, pulling a slightly damn Henrik onto his lap to comfort.

Vanessa walked in, not looking happy.

"I'm sorry, hon. They were supposed to be showering. Then, we are having our summer school sessions. Guys, you are in big trouble," Vanessa said firmly.

"Finn, you shouldn't have hit your brother. If the iPads are causing a distraction, maybe we need to take them for a few days," Elijah added. Finn stomped and screamed, "I hate you, Henrik. You are such a-."

Vanessa turned Finn and spanked him twice. Slap. Slap.

"That is enough of that. Your father said no ipads and you disobeyed me. Now, get your butts in the shower before I spank all three of you. Finn, apologize to Henrik!" Vanessa demanded.

Finn's face was angry and he blurted out, "Sorry for hitting you, but you shouldn't have done that."

Elijah gave Henrik a little squeeze, and he reluctantly said, "Sorry, I just wanted to play, too."

Elijah and Vanessa exchanged a look.

"Finn, Lukas, we've talked about this. You shouldn't have been on the devices in the first place, but it wasn't nice to exclude Henrik. The next time, there are going to be worse consequences," Elijah explained.

"Sorry," Lukas muttered. "He just is always bugging us."

Vanessa frowned, "Lukas, you are younger than Henrik. I don't see why all three of you can't play together?"

Henrik started to cry and Elijah hugged him tighter. "Finn?"

"We will. Sorry, Henrik," Finn said, finally feeling guilty. "Can we take our showers. I'm cold in here."

"Come on," Vanessa said, holding out her hand to Henrik.

Elijah said, "We'll be out shortly. I'll make hamburger for lunch. Finn, stay a moment, please."

Finn stopped and trudged over to Elijah.

"Son, I know he annoys you, but I don't want to see you being mean to him. Okay? And anymore of this not listening to Mom and we'll be talking tonight?" Elijah said firmly.

Finn nodded and looked down. "I got it, Dad."

"Come here," Elijah said, holding out his arms. "Love you. Do a good job with your studies. Mom was excited to get you guys those science kits."

Finn let Elijah hug and kiss him, and muttered, "Love you, too." He ran out after his brother and cousin, leaving the door opened.

Marcel laughed and got up to shut the door.

"Too early for a drink?" Marcel asked.

"No. Not at all," Elijah said, turning to pour the bourbon. They went back to the documents to work out anything that could help. Then, Liz Forbes called Elijah about an animal attack. He put down the phone and looked at Marcel.

"Animal attack at the old Lockwood property. I think lunch is going to wait. I'm going to see if I can grab Tyler and get over there," Elijah said.

"Uh-oh, that's never a good sign. Call me if you need anything. I need to get back home and pack," Marcel said. "Josh texted. Still no sign of Hayley."

"Dammit, I have a bad feeling about this," Elijah admitted.

"Me, too. How about another drink for the road," Marcel pressed.

Louisiana Bayou

Mary's House

Josh slipped his phone back in his pocket. Cell service was spotty out here anyway. He always wondered how the hell Aiden managed so many years out here in the middle of nowhere.

"Josh, hey man, thanks for coming," Jackson said, shaking his hand.

"Of course. We put the word out for all day walkers to be on the lookout for Hayley. The police are out looking in the city. Father Sean is still working on seeing if there is a witch who will help. Sorry about that, they are not being too cooperative," Josh admitted.

"Yeah, I guess they are still holding a grudge about losing Davina?" Jackson asked.

"Yep. I was tempted to ask Marcel to bring her, but I know he and Rebekah don't want her anywhere near that French Quarter coven again," Josh mentioned.

"Well, the other Crescents here are losing their shit. I asked them to hold fast and when there is something we need, we will ask," Jackson said with feeling. "But they all love...Hayley."

Josh's heart went out to Jackson. He suddenly embraced him.

"I'm so sorry. I don't know what you are going through, but we are going to get her back," Josh promised.

Ollie and Emily were coming into the yard, Chris was on Ollie's shoulders.

Emily was twirling a bundle of herbs nervously.

"A-Any w-word?" Emily asked, as they approached.

Josh shook his head. "What do you have there?"

Emily smiled, "It's called floerkea, or false mermaid. My mother used to say it was her favorite. I found it near the water. It's pretty hard to find."

The herb had white flowers and a shiny foliage. There were two or three fruits in the center of each flower.

"Ah, pretty," Josh said absent-mindedly.

"Y-Yeah, I thought so. Jackson, d-did you e-eat anything," Emily asked, as Ollie put down Chris.

"Nah, I can't," Jackson said.

"Come on, I smell something," Emily said. Josh looked up in surprise. It seemed Emily's stutter was lessened. Marcel had mentioned that the prophecy was full of angelic lore.

Josh wondered what exactly that meant.