There Are No Such Creatures Such as Phoenixes, Fairies Oh, My

by LitLover 101

Post-TO/Leg S1 AH/AU-ish Dedicated to radgasttheblonde. Landon and Wade head to New Orleans, after Hope invites them for a spur-of-the-moment summer vacation. However, none of them counted on Klaus' inability to believe in mythological creatures, and, he's about to get a surprise of his own... Implied Klaroline. Handon. Haylijah. Klayley friendship.

Hello, mu lovely readers. It's been awhile since I've posted anything. Sorry. Anyway, my mom passed away, last month, and this,along with all of my work is dedicated to her. On with the show...

Disclaimer: I do not own The Originals, or Legacies. That would be The CW, Julie Plec, and the usual suspects.

There Are No Such Creatures Such As Phoenixes, Fairies... Oh, My...

Hope Mikaelson sat on the railing of her bedroom in New Orleans. She perched precariously, a human would easily slip over the thin piece of metal, and shatter their skull, upon impact with the centuries-old brickwork below. Off in her own world, Hope's head titled to the side as the mournful sound of a sax could be heard from the street. The side of her mouth titled up in a half-smile as her eyes scanned the people milling below. One part of her mind stayed focused on those strangers, while the other conjured thoughts of her boyfriend, Landon Kirby, who was still at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted.

Footsteps heading toward her door, breaking Hope's reverie. However, she did not turn from her people-watching, just yet. So much to see. So much life.

The footsteps came through her room and stopped. Slowly, Hope's head turned to take in the sight of her father, the infamously fearsome, Klaus Mikaelson. "Hi, Dad," she called to him.

"Good morning, sweetheart." He wore a smile that he only had in the presence of his child. Seconds later, his head tilted to the side and his eyes narrowed a fraction. Hope forced herself not to gulp. He knew. He knew she was hiding something from him. Shit.

Klaus leaned against the balcony doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, offering his daughter his full and undivided attention. Ordinarily, Hope would be overjoyed to be spending time with her dad-they had lost so much-but, put on the spot, like this; she wished she could just leap over the balcony and run away. And her dad would catch up and force her secret out of her.

"Are you alright, Littlest Wolf? Your heart is pounding as you were a deer, amongst a pack of wolves." Eyes sparkling with humor, Klaus' mouth twisted into a teasing smirk. Leave it to her dad to laugh at his own joke.

Hope rolled her eyes and ran a hand through her hair. Ducking her head, she strode forward. Klaus moved out of the doorway, just in time for her to brush past him with the tiniest brush of her shoulder with his arm. She wanted to turn into him, to bury her face in his chest, and explain all of her concerns. But Hope wasn't ready to be an open book.

"Hope..."

Time to face the music, Hope sighed, internally, before she turned to face her father with her most charming smile. Klaus' brows rose, but he stayed perfectly still. "Dad...you remember my boyfriend, Landon..." A slight nod encouraged her to plunge ahead. "Well, I invited him, and a friend of ours, Wade, to stay with us, during the summer break."

Now, Klaus' mouth opened. Hope could see he was about to protest, but she kept going. "You know that Landon is an orphan. And so is Wade! They have nowhere to go this summer. Do you really want them to be stuck at the school-the whole summer-while everyone else is with their family?" Her wide eyes beseeched him to honor her plea.

For a moment, it seemed as if Klaus were lost in thought. Then a sudden burst of laughter came out of him. Frowning, Hope placed her hands on her hips. "What is so funny about my wanting my friends to be here. Like a normal girl. For once!"

Shaking his head, Klaus seemed to be trying to calm himself. After another, long chuckle, he moved to place his hands on Hope's shoulders. Now, he was completely serious. "Hope, love, you know I would happily whisk you, and your little friends, off to an island, say Jamaica, for a little R-and-R. However, you also know how dangerous New Orleans is. You can not take a pair of humans, and drag them about the city. It would only end in bloodshed, and despair. I do not want that for you."

Here came the hard part. Hope took a step back and out of her father's hold, taking a big breath, she plunged forward, "Dad... There's something about Landon you should know... He's not human..."

Again, Klaus looked concerned. His hand went up to his face and he ran it down to his chin before asking her: "You did not turn the boy, did you..."

"No! Of course NOT!" Hope's voice rose with each word. "How could you ask me that?" She had only turned one boy, Henry, after he asked, and she took pity on him. It ended in Henry's brutal death, in the New Orleans French Quarter. She could not forget that, and would not, willingly, turn anyone, again.

"Well then, pardon me for asking, but what is he then: If not a vampire, werewolf, or witch?"

"He's a Phoenix, Dad."

A long moment passed, again, before Klaus burst into laughter. Eyes widening, all Hope could do was stare at her father. "A Phoenix? Truly? Did Elijah put you up to this?" Tears ran down Klaus' cheeks as he gripped his belly. "You would have been better suited telling me he was a hobbit, in pursuit of a ring..." More laughter made Hope lose her temper.

"Have you been chatting with Lizzie Saltzman, again?"

Sobering for a second, Klaus offered his daughter a mock-innocent look. "Only about serious issues, concerning you, the school, her mother, and your boyfriend's sense of fashion." Another laugh came out of him. "Perhaps we could head to Milan, update his style a bit?"

"Oh, yeah? Why don't you take Lizzie?' Hope snapped. She shook her head. "You are un-believ-able!"

"And you are not bringing your little chicken home." With that, Klaus left Hope in her room, with her thoughts.

Pondering her ceiling, Hope could not believe that the man who had become a legend to others vampires could be so unwilling to accept the existence of a new species. She could have reminded him that once upon a time, he was thought to be make-believe, but she did not want to get into it.

The sound of her phone going off made Hope head over to her nightstand. Unlocking it, she found a text from Landon:

How did it go?

Thinking about it, Hope wrote back:

Fine. See you soon!

Hope sat her phone down and then plopped onto her bed. Her dad would not be happy about her defying his order. She wasn't happy about his not taking her seriously. It looked like they were about to have a very interesting summer, indeed.

~0~

Klaus Mikaelson felt vaguely amused as he reflected upon his daughter's impetuous nature. A smirk played along the corners of his face. He had to admit that he did not disapprove of her growing up and finding love. However, he would do his best to protect her from the cruelty or their world. To bring her all-to-fragile boyfriend to New Orleans, would only end in bloodshed. And if anyone were to kill the young human boy; it would be Klaus himself.

Letting out a chuckle, Klaus shook his head. His sense of humor did not dissipate, even when Hayley Marshall stopped into the living quarters, to glare down at him. "Something a matter, Little Wolf?"

Brows rising, Klaus awaited Hayley's reply. Her teeth were set as she stood before him. She snapped out: "What is wrong with you?" Klaus' mouth opened. He was about to answer, but Hayley was not done yet. Her arms went up as she yelled at him, hands rising with her voice. "Hope asks for one thing! One! Small thing! To be able to bring someone she likes home! Like any normal kid! And what do you do?" Hands going to her hips, her eyes flashed, demanding an explanation.

Unphased, Klaus shrugged his shoulders. "Hayley, I am simply preventing our child from seeing someone she cares for heart torn from his chest by a nightwalker. Or falling through a manhole," Klaus explained, hands spread before him. "So many possibilities..." Smirk playing at the corners of his mouth, he sat back, placing his feet on the table before him.

Hayley's eyes narrowed and she did not move when Elijah came into the room. The elder Mikaelson brother's dark eyes darted from his beloved, to his beloved little brother. "Seems I came in at the right time."

"As always, brother." Klaus chuckled until Elijah strode over, and swept Klaus' feet off the table, with a wave of his right hand. Now, Klaus was irritated.

Opening his mouth, Klaus intended on demanding to know the reason for Elijah's latest action, but Elijah beat him to it. "Apparently, we have impressionable young guests arriving soon. And we would not want to give them the wrong impression of how to behave, now, would we, Nikaus?" Hand going to his left suit jacket cuff; Elijah straightened the button, his gaze hovering somewhere above Klaus' head.

"What guests?" Klaus snarled. He shot to his feet. He did not have to wait for the answer. He already knew who. What he could not believe was that Hope had defied him. "I told Hope: No! We do not need more corpses of tourists attracting attention this summer." He was headed for the doorway; when Hayley grabbed his arm.

"Klaus, stop!" Hayley cried as Klaus' head spun around, to glare at the hybrid. "Landon isn't human. So, you can stop with the: He's- going-to-get-killed-by-falling-down-the-steps-of-the-bus-into-the-mouth-of-a- vampire speech!"

Brows rising, Klaus let out an incredulous laugh. Shaking Hayley off, he turned to fold his arms over his chest. "Please, do not tell me that our daughter has convinced you that her little boyfriend is some kind of mythical-flying-fireball?" His laughter made Hayley flush with anger. Her hands balled at her sides.

Moving to step beside Hayley, Elijah placed a hand on Klaus' shoulder, "Allow the boy to come here. Meet him. At the very least."

Klaus rolled his eyes. He continued to examine Hayley, who looked like she wanted to fight him. As much as he'd enjoy a good fight-that would end in Elijah sighing about antiques that they never used bring destroyed-perhaps this was not worth the broken wood.

Elijah looked to Hayley, who calmed down. "We both want what is best for our daughter," Hayley addressed Klaus. Her eyes softened and her tone lowered. "Just let him stay for a day, or two. And see how things go from there..."

With a shake of his head, Klaus inclined it, and let out a world-weary sigh. "Right then, well, if something happens to the boy. It is on the two of you." With that, he spun on his heel and left the couple in his wake. It made him smile knowing they would worry themselves into a frantic state, wondering whether it would be Klaus himself who did something diabolical to Landon Kirby.

Not today. Perhaps in the future. If the youth made the mistake of hurting Hope.

"And people don't think vampires are real!" Hayley shouted, knowing Klaus could hear her, even as he traveled toward the courtyard.

Moving to sit on a couch, to contemplate the fountain in their courtyard; Klaus allowed his thoughts to wander. It was true. There were creatures no one knew existed, until confronted with the reality of them. Hand going to his pocket, Klaus withdrew his phone. His thumb slid over the screen, and went to his contacts. Under C, he found Caroline's name. He almost tapped it. She would know who, and what, Landon was. However, Klaus decided against it. No need to bother her. Today, anyway. There would be time, after Landon arrived. Might even be reason for her to book a flight, and come to help Klaus with any trouble involving her student...

~0~

Tires halted on pavement and a big man swung around in his seat. "New Orleans!" he called out to his passengers. "Enjoy the pleasures, kids!"

Landon Kirby flashed a big smile at his best friend, Wade. Wade flashed a weaker smile before Landon leapt out of his seat and into the aisle. He couldn't wait to get off the bus and to Hope. They hadn't been separated this long since he left to live with his last foster family.

"Hold up, man!" Wade shouted. When Landon turned, he found Wade was bent over the seats, searching for something. "Sorry." Standing back up, Wade adjusted his glasses. "Got to have my bag." He patted the large duffle, with an old video camera inside. He really took A/V club seriously, and was committed to documenting their summer trip adventures.

"Be careful out there, son." The bus driver called to Landon as Landon moved to get off the bus.

Turning, Landon nodded. "Not a problem. Going to meet my girlfriend's family, and they're...safe..." He nodded to himself before ducking his head and jogging down the short flight of steps.

Once on the sidewalk, Landon unzipped his bag and pulled out a map. "Okay. We're headed..."

"This way." Looking up, Landon frowned, because Wade was already headed down the sidewalk.

"Wade, how do you know where you're going?" Landon cried out.

Shrugging, Wade smiled. "No one ever notices me. So, they don't realize when I'm listening to their conversations. And Dr. Saltzman might have let me intern, as his office assistant, one summer. Student records. Curiosity. Okay. Well, it's hard to not be curious about the Mikaelsons. First vampire family..."

With a grin, Landon clapped Wade on the shoulder. "Hey, I'm not Lizzie. I won't make fun of your snooping. But you don't have a crush on Hope, do you?"

"Me?" Wade blushed. "NO! No way. Not my... I mean, she's nice. In her own way. And she's your epic love. Nope! Never had a crush on Hope." His head shook slowly.

Landon smiled. "Right." Looking around, he could not help but feel happy at all the sights and sounds of New Orleans. He could smell fresh pastries coming from a shop at one corner. Hear the sounds of a young woman playing a fiddle, down the street, for a small crowd, and see fellow tourists roaming the streets.

"One. Two. Three..." Wade was counting when he stopped, and looked at his notes. "Wait... It should be right here..." Head rising, Wade looked to Landon, who turned to find they were approaching a large gate. Wade frowned. "No. This can't be it. Can it?" He looked to his notes while Landon moved ahead.

Hand going out, Landon let his fingers trail over the cool wrought-iron bars. His eyes went over it, until he found what he'd been looking for. He had no idea why he knew it would be there. He just knew. The M. For Mikaelson. Just like Hope's pendant.

Fingers sliding over the M; Landon glanced back at Wade. "This is it!" he called, shouldering his bag.

Wade's brows shot up. "Cool. Should we go in? Or call? Or is there a buzzer?" Wade began to look for a doorbell while Landon took in the sight of a woman with a hood over her head. She stood on the opposite side of the street and seemed to be watching them. Not sure what to do; Landon watched her suddenly turn and walk away.

"Weird," Landon muttered.

"No buzzer." Wade replied. He looked up, and then in the direction Landon had been looking. "Something wrong, my man?"

Landon's mouth opened and closed. He shook his head with a quick jerk. "No. Nope. Everything is fine. Let's go." But he shuddered as Wade went in front of him. Something about that woman gave him the creeps. He did not have too long to worry about the mystery woman because he was confronted by a man who made him jump back.

"Landon. We meet, again." Klaus Mikaelson had appeared, right in front of Landon, just like every sci-fi villain would pop out of nowhere. Same spooky smile on his face. Then Klaus chuckled and his face lightened. "Come. Sit with me. And introduce me to...your friend."

Wade gulped. His hand went up, to pull at the collar of his shirt that was already up. "Hello, sir. Mr. Mikaelson. Sir." A nervous chuckle escaped Wade's throat before he fell into a coughing fit.

Landon patted Wade on the back. "You're okay, buddy."

"Yeah. Yes. Sorry." Wade held a hand over his mouth and nodded while Klaus watched them. Landon could not help but be reminded of the wolves he knew. Hope. Raf. Only they looked that way in wolf-form. Klaus, did not have to be on all fours, with drool hanging from his jaws, to make Landon want to turn tail and run for his life. Gulping, he hoped Klaus could not tell.

As if he could hear Landon's thoughts, Klaus turned his eyes to the boy. A slow smile appeared. A wolfish smile. "Come. Come! Let's have a drink. Shall we?" Klaus headed over to some outdoor furniture, that would have cost Landon a year's worth of tuition at the Salvatore School.

Klaus flopped down on a couch and dropped his arms to either side. Landon and Wade took a seat on the couch opposite The Original Hybrid. "How are you finding New Orleans, thus far? Nothing too out of the ordinary?" Klaus leaned over and picked up a pitcher of liquid, pouring it into a glass.

Watching Klaus fill the glass, Landon felt a lump in his throat. "Where are my manners; would you like some?" Klaus held out the glass, and Landon and Wade exchanged a long look. "Don't worry. It's not blood. It's bloody mary's."

"Okay." Landon took the proffered drink. Wade took one, too, but he sniffed at it before taking a sip.

"You didn't run into any trouble on your way?" Klaus asked, examining his fingernails. His eyes narrowed before he peered at Landon beneath hooded eyelids. "Would hate for you to lose your head before you had one of our famous beignets."

"Dad!" Hope's voice came from above.

Head darting upward, Landon could not think of the right words to express how relieved he was to see his girlfriend as she ran down the stairs. He didn't even recall getting up, until he found himself moving toward the stairs, and Hope flew into his arms. Now, he felt safe and whole.

Hope laughed. "Hi, you."

"Hi." Landon pressed a gentle kiss to her lips before a cough from Klaus made him draw back. "Sorry," Landin muttered. "I missed you," he whispered into Hope's ear.

"I missed you, too." Hope muzzled Landon's cheek with her nose before she pulled back. But she took his hand, lacing their fingers together. Turning to her dad, she smiled. "So, you've met Wade."

"Hmm?" Klaus looked confused, but then he looked to Wade. "Oh, yes. Wade, and Landon, were about to tell me about their trip to the compound, weren't you?" His question was expectant.

Blinking, Landon's mouth turned downward as his shoulders lifted in a shrug. Wade also looked unsure of how to answer, his mouth slightly agape. "Well, I meant to document the experience," Wade paused to unzip his bag, and pull out the camera, placing it on his shoulder, "but it seemed like a better idea to get to your place-"

Wade was interrupted, mid-sentence, by Klaus' hand suddenly slamming over the camera lens. "Dad!" Hope cried, moving forward, and jerking Landon along with her.

Head snapping back, Wade starred in wide-eyed shock at Klaus, who had an all-business look on his face. And Klaus' business face made Landon gulp. "Um, sorry. What's wrong?"

"We do not document our presence. EVER!" Klaus replied through gritted teeth. "Hope, sweetheart, did you not inform your little friends of our rules? Prior to inviting them here?" His tone was quiet but stern. Eyes meeting his daughter's, Landon could see the two sides of the man. The fearsome Kalua Mikaelson of lore. And the man who would move heaven and earth to keep his child safe and healthy.

With a sigh, Hope released Landon's hand, and ran her hand through her hair. Her eyes went around the group of males. "Sorry. Wade. I should have given you a head's up. My dad is SUPER-paranoid, and has rules about photos bring taken-"

"But you have photos of your family in your room-"

Landon realized after he felt all eyes on him that he should have kept his big mouth shut. Shrinking back, he looked at his feet. Even with his eyes cast downward, he could still feel Klaus' gaze on him as Klaus spoke to Hope. "Ah, so you have young Landon in your room...often..."

"NO, NO...no..." Landon cried out, eyes going up, and then down, as Klaus stared into his soul.

Hope groaned. "Dad, I am eighteen. Think I'm old enough to have a boy in my room..."

"Or you could wait. You'll be immortal, one day. Then you can have a boy in your room at age Two Hundred. How does that sound?"

A burst of laughter escaped Landon, who began to choke at Klaus gazed on him, and the young supernatural moved away to grab his bloody mary.

"Dad, what is Landon drinking?"

"Just an alcoholic beverage...laced with my blood. Never can be too safe."

Spitting out the drink, Landon wiped his mouth. "What?" He stared at Klaus.

Klaus looked amused. "Don't worry. You'll be fine. And if you die, you'll simply be sired to me. A small price to pay, for admission to our happy home."

"Oh, no!" Wade set the camera down. "Half-vampire, and half-fairy? This isn't Tru Blood?" He looked sick, hand on his stomach.

Klaus smiled. "Wade, dear, you'll be fine. Now, Hope, why don't you take your little friends, and help them get settled in for the night?"

Hope looked pissed. "I can't believe you did that!" She snapped.

"It is a safety measure, darling."

Hope scoffed. "Fine. Here's one for safety. Why don't you take Landon and Wade out tonight? Show them around? After all, who else will be able to keep them safer than Klaus Mikaelson?" Her arms were crossed over her chest as she spoke. Landon knew that look. She was challenging her father.

Eyes lighting up, Klaus looked to Landon and Wade. "Nothing will give me greater pleasure. We'll reconvene around midnight? The town really comes alive then."

"Alive?" Wade muttered. "Midnight?" He looked pale as he packed his camera.

Hope moved to the stairs and was quiet as they headed upward. "This is my room." She pointed at it. "Wade, you can use Uncle Elijah's. He's still got a lot of books in there. You'll love it. And Landon, you can use Aunt Bekah's." Lowering her voice, she whispered to Landon, "Marcel told me there's a secret way to sneak in and out."

"Cool." Landon nodded. "You really think it's a good idea for us to go out with your dad...after the whole vamp-blood-drinking bit?"

Placing her hands on his shoulders, Hope looked into Landon's eyes. "My dad loves me. And he'll see how much you love me. Once he does; he'll do anything to keep you safe. So, trust me. Okay?"

"I trust you, Hope Mikaelson." It's your dad I don't trust, Landon thought silently.

~0~

With a sigh, Klaus glanced at his watch. He half-expected he would have to rouse the teenage boys from their borrowed beds. However, the sound of footsteps coming towards the outer staircase alerted The Original Hybrid that his guests were on their way down. He smirked, folding his hands in front of him and tapped his foot against the stones below.

Landon arrived at the end of the stairs. He was slightly out-of-breath. Wade was huffing and puffing behind him. "Hey! Sorry! Wade was trying to decide which bow tie to wear," Landon said, hooking a thumb at Wade.

Frowning, Wade patted the blue tie around his throat. "We could be going somewhere nice. And I wanted to make sure I was dressed for the occasion."

Amused, Klaus grinned at the human children. "It's not a fancy occasion, trust me, Wade. Otherwise, I would have suggested you ask Elijah for help. He loves a good suit."

"Hayley's brother?" Landon asked.

Letting out a laugh, Klaus felt his eyes go wide, and he thought what fun it would be to tell Elijah and Hayley, over breakfast, of Landon's understanding of their dynamic.

"Um... Am I missing something here?" Brows coming together, Landon shoved hid hands in his pockets.

Klaus held up a hand. "Ah, yes. Seems Hope has not told you too much about our family. Good for her. Not for you. Come. We'll discuss it along the way." Klaus waved Landon closer, and wrapped an arm around the boy's shoulders, who stiffened a little when Klaus tightened his hold. "Elijah is my brother."

"What? NO! And he's... Wait... Oh..." Silence. "Okay... But..."

~0~

Another round of drinks were served, and Klaus felt himself relaxing at Rousseau's, while Landon held up a finger. "Your dad was a hunter! A big, bad vampire hunter-"

"NO-O-O!" Wade interrupted, he pointed a finger at Landon. "His step-dad was Mikael! The vampire who other vampires feared. How do you think he would view fairies?" He tugged at his bow tie that was already undone.

Landon's head drooped toward the table. "At least your family doesn't eat monsters. My dad eats, like, everyone! Oh, wait, I know!" He sat up and blinked. "My dad ate your dad! Nope! Your step-dad!"

Bemused, Klaus picked up his drink. "Thought you were a bird, or some-such-nonsense." He waved a hand at Landon.

Landon nodded. "Mom's side. Like you being a witch. Or not a witch. But someone who can make their kids into witches. Like Hope. I love Hope! She's awesome!"

"We know," Wade sighed. "Back to your dad's feelings on fairies-"

Klaus narrowed his eyes and leaned close to Wade. "I believe my father would have laughed at the idea."

Looking sad, Wade slumped in his chair. "Most people do."

Placing a heavy hand on Wade's shoulder; Klaus looked the boy in the eye. "You mustn't allow other's feelings dictate your self-worth."

"Yeah!" Landon clapped.

"Make your enemies tremble at the sound of your name."

"Uh..."

"Make them see that you are more powerful than they could ever imagine!"

"Kla-"

"Make your presence known!"

"Think your presence is known..." Landon whispered, his eyes on something behind Klaus.

Klaus was not worried as he glanced over his shoulder. He noted a woman in a hood. She was watching them intensely. "Can I help you, love?" He called out, waving to the woman with his fingers and a wide smile.

Landon inhaled. "I think maybe we should head back..."

"Nonsense." Klaus turned back, smile still in place; when he found that the table was on fire.

"Fire!" Wade screamed as Landon jerked his friend back from the burning table.

Leaping from his seat, Klaus checked to make sure the boys were unscathed before he whirled around to find the witch had left the bar. Someone was shouting as the table continued to burn and the bartender came towards them with a fire extinguisher.

"Go back to the compound!" Klaus snarled and turned away heading for the door. He had a witch to kill.

Once outside, Klaus looked around. He saw no one, but he inhaled, his eyes narrowing. "Little witch, I'm going to find you, and gut you like a fish!" He chuckled before heading forward.

The door opened behind him and he heard Landon and Wade. "Wait! We don't know how to get back!" Landon called.

With an exasperated sigh, Klaus started to say something about calling an Uber; when he felt a blinding pain and then his neck snapped.

~0~

Upon waking up, Klaus was angry. He found he'd been bound to a tree and the amount of witches had gone from one, lone fool, to twelve fools. No matter. He would dispatch them, and then get the young men in his care back to the compound, with all their limbs intact.

"Klaus Mikaelson, do you know why you're here?"

Klaus scoffed. "Because you do not understand what I plan on doing to your inards? But, fear not, you will know soon." He jerked at the chains around him. They could not hold him. However, the fact that there was a large sword in his chest, and he'd been bleeding, quite a bit, he gathered from the sight of fresh blood still going down his shirt; he might need to wait a minute to free himself.

"Not the time to be joking," Landon groaned, struggling to free himself. Klaus frowned at the smell of the boy's blood on the chains. Apparently, phoenixes did not have supernatural strength.

Wade was also working at his chains, but he did so quietly. He had a look of concentration on his face which made Klaus suspect something. He hoped he was right.

Turning his attention back to their captures, Klaus said, "Alright. Tell me. What grievous sins have I imparted upon your lot?"

"You killed our mother!" One witch yelled. Her twin nodded.

"You had sex with my mother!" Another witch snapped.

A fourth witch stepped forward. "You stepped on my cat!"

"Really, Laurie?"

"He did!" Laurie folded her arms and stepped back into the group as more witches brought up complaints against Klaus, who felt the need to yawn.

"Yes. Yes. No. Is that all?" Klaua bellowed at them. "None of you are related to the coven in Salem, that I had burned for witchcraft, centuries ago, are you?"

They stared at each other before all turning to yell at him at once.

The sound of chains dropping to his left alerted Klaus that Wade had freed himself. Then something happened that made Klaus think he'd gone mad. A pair of wings came out of the boy. They were made of a shimmery substance and flapped widely at Wade's back.

One of the witches sneezed as Wade flapped his wings at them. "You, I hate your hairdo! It's not the 1970s!"

"What, Zelda? How could you?"

"Is that my broach?"

"I did not mean to sleep with Peter, Jake. He was just there!"

"I sold your Sammy Sosa card on E-Bay!"

It was chaos. The witches seemed to unable to stop telling each other secrets. "I wanted to sleep with Klaus!" Laurie of the Cat cried.

That Klaus could have done without hearing as Wade helped Landon out of his chains. "No, they're freeing themselves!" One of the twins shouted. They moved to stop Wade and Landon.

"Who cares? We have Klaus!"

"No, you don't!" Landon made a run for Klaus, stepping before The Original when one of the witches cried, "Something in Latin!"

"NO!" Klaus shouted. He knew what this would do to Hope as a tree branch went and through the boy's neck. Landon's eyes went wide as he looked into Klaus.' Klaus' head titled to the side, and he felt an unfamiliar sense of despair as the boy dropped to the ground.

"Great. Now, you killed a kid. Good job, Nat."

Nat shrugged. "He was collateral damage. Right, Klaus?" Nat titled her head to the side.

Klaus let out a roar of rage. "I will kill you all!" he thundered.

"Doubt it..." Nat replied. Then she sniffed the air. "What's that smell? Did someone say: Incendia?"

"No."

"Then what is burning?"

"That would be my boy, Landon. You'll want to pay close attention to this next part." Wade nodded at Landon's body that did appear to be burning. Even Klaus found himself to be fascinated by the sight.

Klaus was so caught up in watching Landon's transformation that it took him a moment to note Wade undoing his chains. "Kids at our school used to tie me up with all sorts of materials. After awhile, you learn how to free yourself. Or wait for the janitor to do it." Seconds later, Klaus' arms were free. He jerked out the sword and began to wave at the closest witch, who jumped back.

"Oh, Nat?" Klaus called. She looked up right before Klaus tossed it and her head came off with one, quick slice.

Landon sat up. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing." Klaus grabbed him, and Wade by the shirt collar, before speeding them back to the compound. "Not a word to Hope about this little adventure. I have to think tonight. Wade, we have much to discuss. Tomorrow. Sleep well tonight."

"Yes, sir." Wade nodded, but he and Landon exchanged a look.

No matter. Klaus was an expert at convincing people to see things his way. He felt like this opportunity could not be missed. And why he would not have seen such a thing in a thousand years... Well, he knew now. That is what mattered.

Chuckling, he looked forward to tomorrow.

~0~

The next morning, Landon Kirby woke a bit early. He grabbed up his clothes from the pile he'd left on a chair which was older than his, well, probably not as old as his father... Shaking his head at the dubiousness of that thought with a grimace; he tip-toed to the door and out into the hallway. For a moment, he had to remind himself which room Wade was staying in.

Going to the door, he placed his hand over the knob and eased it open. Eyes going up and down the hall; Landon let out a sigh of relief before he proceeded into the room. He eased the door closed again and moved to sit at the end of the bed. "Wade?"

Wade jerked up and stared at Landon with sheer terror in his eyes. "Oh! Thank God! I thought you were Mr. Mikaelson!" Letting out a relieved laugh, Wade caught himself, and looked to the door. "You don't think he's listening, do you?"

"Hope not."

With a quick inhale, Landon sat up straighter. He had a plan in mind. "So, you got the sense he was way too excited about your power, too?"

"Oh, yeah." Grabbing his glasses, Wade pushed them up his nose. "And he wanted to talk this morning. Not sure I like the sounds of that."

"Neither do I." Inhaling, Landon decided to be more confident. "So, here's what we should do..."

~0~

"Good morning, gentlemen." Klaus called as Landon and Wade made their way down to the courtyard. "I trust you slept well, after last night's scare." His brows rose and he chuckled while plucking a grape and popped it into his mouth. Straightening, he stood over the long, dining table, and waved at the empty seats. "Come. Sit. Wade, be a dear, and sit with me. I have matters to discuss with you, before the family joins us."

"Actually, Mr. Mikaelson," Wade began, his cheeks flushing as he drew himself up to his full height. "I... We... Um..." His gaze drifted to Landon, whose heart was hammering like a jackrabbit's.

Landon held up a hand. "Hope told me about a place, just down the road, where you can get fresh beignets."

"She did? Did she?" Klaus grinned. "Well, if it is pastry you wish for, never fear. We have servants to fetch whatever you desire. Sylvia, be a dear, and go and get us two bags of beignets. Would you? Thank you." Lacing his fingers behind his back, Klaus smirked. "Now, where we?" He moved to stand in front of an empty chair.

Wade moved like he was being asked to sit just above a pit of quick sand. He forced a smile. "Thank you."

Klaus smiled and took his usual seat. "Now, Wade, you showed me something I've never seen before," picking up a glass of wine, Klaus swirled it. "The ability to cause others to tell the truth, with some type of dust, was it? Coming from your wings? That could come in quite handy for someone such as myself. And I would be willing to make your life quite comfortable." He waved a hand around the courtyard. "Whatever your heart's desire would be yours."

Wade let out a nervous laugh. "Actually, I'm pretty happy. At the Salvatore School-"

"But everyone has something they want. You enjoy filmmaking. I could ensure you had your own studio. With a crew, all your own. All very professional."

Wade glanced at Landon, who was eating a croissant, and trying not to make it obvious that he was ease-dropping on them.

"Um... Sure... But I really like to work for what I have-"

"Nonsense." Klaus clapped Wade on the back. "I am offering you what so many people in the world desire. A life where you can fulfill your dreams. Tell me your dreams, Wade. Come, now, don't be shy."

Wade suddenly stood up. "You are not the boss of me. And you never will be! Respectfully, Mr. Mikaelson, sir, I am formally declining your offer. As generous as it is. It's just not my style to use my powers for whatever..." The boy began to lose his nerve as Klaus picked up a butter knife and twirled it between his fingers. "Whatever you might want them...me...for...sir..."

"Think maybe we should go..." Landon said, moving to get up.

Klaus slapped the tabletop. "You will do no such thing! This is not a negotiation, gentlemen!"

Landon's eyes went huge, and he opened his mouth to speak, but never got the chance because the sound of running feet could be heard. Then Hope's wide-eyed stare made Klaus fall back into his seat. "Dad, what are you doing?"

"Hope, you're just in time. Your friend, Wade has agreed to help me with a problem I've been having, of late..." Setting the end of the butter knife down, Klaus gingerly began to doodle fairy wings into the wood.

"Um...yes..." Wade looked to Landon, who nodded with a quick jerk of his head.

"Yup. Just a little favor. For your dad." Hands going into his pockets, Landon rocked on his heels.

Hope stood, mouth agape. "Unbelievable..."

Klaus felt pleased that the boys had changed their minds, with the arrival of his child. "Well, let us celebrate. The beignets are here!" He waved at Sylvia, who brought the pastries.

"I'm not hungry." Hope shook her head, eyes falling to the ground, arms folding over her chest.

"Good morning," Hayley called, appearing at the end of the stairs and moved over to place a hand on Hope's shoulder. "Not feeling well?"

"Nope." Hope shook her head. "Dad wants Wade to work for him." She let out a mock-laugh.

Hayley's gaze settled on Klaus. "What kind of work would that be?"

"Just a little, odd thing. Nothing for you to concern yourself with..." Klaus opened one of the bags and pulled out a beignet. He took a big bite. "Hmm. Hope, you really should have some."

"I said: I'm not hungry," Hope snapped, shaking her head at her father. "They're my friends. Not your lackeys. I can't believe you. There are lines you don't cross. This is one of them!" Stomping away, Hope headed for the gate while Landon and Wade hurried to catch up with her.

With a sigh, Klaus got to his feet. He meant to catch his child, before she could leave, but Hayley placed a hand on his chest. "Leave her alone, Klaus. You know you did something stupid. Now, let her cool off. And remember how few friends she can make, what with your thousand years of enemies. Allow her this, small moment of happiness."

Relenting, Klaus fell into his seat and found that his table, once again, was empty as Hayley stalked off, too.

~0~

Sitting in her room, that evening, Hope sat, with her knees tucked to her chest. She felt like a little girl, again. A little girl who was disappointed in her father's actions. Why couldn't he stop always having an agenda?

A knock sounded at her door. "Hey, sweetie. You okay?" Hayley leaned against the doorframe, before coming in, and standing by the end of Hope's bed.

"No. I can't believe Dad would do this... He didn't even believe that any other supernatural entity existed. And, now, he's trying to force Wade to so his bidding! What is that?"

Hayley nodded. Taking a seat on the bed, she grew contemplative. "I have seen your father grow so much since you were born. He's his most human, because of you." Peering at her daughter, Hayley smiled. "We both are."

Hope shook her head. "What he did is wrong."

"I know."

"I should tell them to go home."

Tears pooled in Hope's eyes and she wiped at her cheeks with quick, angry strokes as Hayley nodded. "Or not. Or you could have the vacation you want. Just keep an eye out for your dad being Klaus-like."

Hope let out laugh. "Yup."

Hayley leaned over. "Get some rest, kiddo."

"Thanks, Mom."

~0~

The next morning, Hope got up early, to talk to Landon and Wade. They should make up their own minds about whether they felt safe here, or not.

But Hope could not find them in their assigned rooms. She followed the sound of voices to Elijah's old study. There, Landon, Wade, and Klaus were, immersed in what looked like a serious conversation. "What the hell, Dad-" Hope began, stepping into the room.

"It's okay, Hope." Landon looked a lot more relaxed. He waved her over, and Hope looked down to see that there was a contract on the desk. "Your dad called us in here, earlier. He's making things right. This states that he will not ask us to use our powers, ever again. Or he will sink himself into the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, for-"

"No less than five centuries!" Wade proclaimed with pride. "And I agreed to use my powers, but only for rescue missions. Being a hero is part of my professional achievements."

Smiling, Hope hugged Landon. "So, does that mean we can get on with the real vacation?"

"Yes. Yes, it does." Klaus nodded, and Hope ran around the desk to hug her dad. "Best summer vacation, ever!" she cried. "Now, who wants to go shopping, 'cause Aunt Bekah's in town!"

"Bloody hell!" Klaus groaned.

Hope began to laugh. "Just kidding." She headed for the door. "It's Uncle Kol and Davina. He's up here!" she called, "bye, Dad!" Oh, and he thought he was the only one who was a master of revenge. "Now, where are we going today?" She hooked arms with Landon and Wade. "There are some really cool magic shops-"

"No magic!" Wade and Landon shouted.

"Or not. That's okay. There's so much to do. We'll find something." Hope looked at Landon and felt happy. This really would be the best summer yet.

The End

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Be safe,

-J