Day One
Morning - Salvatore Boarding House - Cell
Elena and Morgana were still locked in the cellar, their breathing labored.
...
Upstairs - Living Room
Stefan, Damon, Isabella and Emma were talking.
"They're the calmest desiccating vampires I've ever seen." Damon told them. "I remember when you three starved me down there for three days, I would've wept at your feet for an orange peel."
"Look, they're not gonna beg for blood." Stefan told them. "Begging means desperation, emotion. They're still in no-humanity zone."
"How hungry do they have to be before we can torture some feelings back into them?" Emma asked.
"A lot hungrier than they are now, apparently." Stefan told them.
"So what are we supposed to do in the meantime?" Isabella asked.
Katherine stood in the doorway. "Maybe I can provide a little excitement."
"Katherine." Emma told her.
"The one and only... sort of." Katherine told them. "So, when's the 'Welcome Home' party?"
"Wow, look who went and got bold." Isabella told her sarcastically. "Last time I checked, Klaus was plotting your eternal demise, and I wanted to rip you to shreds."
"Well, it doesn't matter anymore, because Elisaveta's boyfriend is gone." Katherine told her.
"A, he is not her boyfriend." Isabella told her. "B, what do you mean, he's gone?"
"Why wouldn't he take Morgana or Elizabeth?" Stefan asked.
"Because he took the only thing that can kill an Original or someone linked with an Original with him." Katherine answered. "Let's just say that bastard sister, Elizabeth, turned out to be just the thing we needed to get Klaus out of our lives. For good."
...
New Orleans, Louisiana
Bar
(Song:) Revolution - Dr. John
A woman sat at the largely deserted bar.
A crescent moon birthmark was on her shoulder.
The woman turned her head to look toward the side, revealing it to be Elizabeth.
The female bartender talked to her. "Third time in here this week."
"I'm obsessed with the gumbo, Jane-Anne." Elizabeth told her.
"You know, ladies in the 9th ward say my sister, Sophie, bleeds a piece of her soul into every dish." Jane-Anne told her, glancing across the room to a woman, who was working on the other side of the restaurant, presumably Sophie.
"I asked around the Quarter about my family." Elizabeth told her.
"And?" Jane-Anne asked.
"Nothing." Elizabeth answered. "Zero. I can't find a single person who remembers them. And now I have to find Hayley who disappeared a couple hours ago."
"Because, Elizabeth, people like you and Hayley were run out of here years ago." Jane-Anne told them.
"What do you mean, people like us?" Elizabeth asked.
Jane-Anne walked around the bar to the other side to stand beside Elizabeth.
Sophie watched them.
(Song Ends)
Jane-Anne set a map on the bar. "In the bayou, they call the werewolves 'Roux-Ga-Roux'." She circled a point on the map. "You head out there, you'll find what you're looking for. Be careful. It's the last place you'd ever want to go."
Elizabeth took the map, nodding, smiling, walking out of the bar.
Jane-Anne and Sophie exchanged a look.
Jane-Anne revealed that she had several strands of Elizabeth's hair in her hand.
...
Road - Hayley's Car
Elizabeth was driving down a country road.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne and Sophie walked into the cemetery, in which all the tombs were above ground mausoleums.
"Don't do it." Sophie told her. "Please. What if I'm wrong about her?"
"That's the beauty of you." Jane-Anne told her. "You're never wrong. She's the only way we're gonna get to Klaus."
"Can we get someone else to do the spell?" Sophie asked.
"Who?" Jane-Anne asked. "Half the witches don't believe you, the other half are too scared."
"Because they know we're gonna get caught, Jane-Anne," Sophie told her.
"We don't have any other options, Sophie," Jane-Anne told her, taking her sister's hands in her own. Sophie's eyes glistened. "Now go. You know what you need to do."
Sophie nodded, walking away.
...
Night - Cemetery
Jane-Anne had lit several candles and appeared to be preparing a spell, arranging salt in a specific arrangement on a wooden surface.
...
Bayou
Elizabeth parked Hayley's car somewhere in the bayou, looking at the map.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne lit another candle.
...
Bayou - Hayley's Car
The map in Elizabeth's hands ignited into flame.
"What the...?" Elizabeth trailed off.
Elizabeth tossed the flaming paper out of the window.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne lifted a smoking goblet to the table.
Bayou - Hayley's Car
Elizabeth put Hayley's car in reverse, but the car started to produce smoke and stopped working. "Are you kidding me?"
...
Outside
Elizabeth got out of the car, closing the door behind her.
A black wolf was in the treeline, watching her in curiousness.
Elizabeth saw the wolf, looking toward it in curiousness.
The black wolf turned around, running away into the night.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne continued to arrange the salt into patterns on the table.
...
Bayou
Elizabeth looked away from the direction the wolf had run away in, taking out her phone and dialing a number, putting it to her ear. "Hey, I'm looking for a tow service."
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne began to hum.
...
Bayou
Elizabeth's phone produced an ear-piercing noise. She pulled it away from her ear, grimacing in discomfort, throwing it on the ground, covering her ears.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne continued to cast her spell.
...
Bayou
Shadowy figures began to approach Elizabeth, emerging from the trees.
...
Cemetery
Jane-Anne lifted a candle, blowing the flame out.
...
Bayou
Elizabeth fell unconscious, falling toward the ground.
Sophie caught her as she fell, kneeling on the ground with her.
The others drew nearer, surrounding Sophie and Elizabeth.
...
Day Two
The French Quarter
(Song:) Ball & Chain - Martin Harley
A tour guide led a group down a street. "Welcome to the dark side of New Orleans, a supernatural playground where the living are easily lost, and the dead stick around to play."
Klaus stood on a street corner, observing the milieu.
...
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Morgana's Mansion - Living Room
Elijah and Rebekah were talking.
"New Orleans?" Rebekah asked. "What the bloody hell is Klaus doing there?"
"Evidently there are witches conspiring against him." Elijah told her. "So, knowing our brother, this was a mission to silence and slaughter."
...
New Orleans, Virginia
The French Quarter - Market Place
Klaus entered a marketplace, walking toward a particular table where a woman wearing a headscarf sat with a crystal ball and other similar wares.
Seeing Klaus, the woman began packing her things.
...
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Morgana's Mansion - Living Room
Elijah and Rebekah were talking.
"What's the big deal?" Rebekah asked. "We've dealt with witches before."
"Well, the French Quarter witches are not a lot to be trifled with." Elijah told her. "He looked at Rebekah. "You don't suppose they've found a way to kill him once and for all, do you?"
Rebekah smiled, taking a sip of her drink.
"Rebekah, in the name of our family, you might try to dial down your glee." Elijah told her.
"What family?" Rebekah asked. "We're four distrustful acquaintances who happen to share a bloodline. I, for one, hope they've found a way to make that traitorous bastard rot."
...
New Orleans, Virginia
The French Quarter - Market Place
Klaus sat the woman's table. "Good afternoon. Time for one more?"
"I have nothing to say to you." The woman told him.
"Oh, now that's not very amiable, is it?" Klaus asked. "You don't even know me."
"I know what you are." The woman told him. "Half-vampire, half-beast. You're the hybrid."
Klaus smiled. "I'm the Original hybrid, actually, but that's a long story for another time."
...
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Morgana's Mansion - Living Room
Elijah walked around, getting his things.
"Where are you going?" Rebekah asked.
"To find out who's making a move against our brother." Elijah answered. "And then I'll either stop them... or I'll help them." He shook his head. "Depending on my mood."
Elijah smirked.
(Song Ends)
...
New Orleans, Virginia
The French Quarter - Market Place
Klaus and the woman were talking.
"I'm looking for someone." Klaus told her. "A witch. Perhaps you might be able to help me find her. Jane-Anne Deveraux."
The woman visibly reacted to the name. "Sorry. I don't know."
Klaus leaned forward. "Well, now that's a fib, isn't it?" He took the woman's hand on the table, smiling. "Now, you see, I know that you're a true witch amongst this sea of posers, so enough with the fabrications. I've quite a temper."
The woman pulled her hand away. "Witches don't talk outta school in the Quarter. The vampires won't allow it. Those are the rules. I don't break Marcel's rules."
Klaus visibly reacted to the name. "Marcel's rules? Where do you suppose I might find Marcel?"
...
Bar
Klaus walked into a bar.
A guy was performing karaoke on stage, singing "How Do You Like Me Now?" by The Heavy. "See, I been a bad bad bad bad man / And I'm in deep / Yeah / I found a brand new love for this man / And can't wait till you see / I can't wait." He waved his arm, clearly confident. "So how you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now? How you like me now?" The song ended. The guy spoke into the microphone. "Thank you."
Everyone applauded.
The guy jumped down from the stage to applause and join three of his friends, one that seemed to be the leader, one with a hat, the other was his sister.
The leader and the guy did a handshake, embracing like brothers, smiling and laughing.
"You killed it, man." The leader told him. Seeing Klaus, the leader and the girl paused, looking over at him. The friends noticed the sudden tension. "Klaus."
"Marcel." Klaus replied. He looked at the girl. "Regina."
"Must be a hundred years since that nasty business with your papa." Marcel told him.
"Has it been that long?" Klaus asked.
Klaus and Marcel started to approach one another slowly.
"The way I recall it, he ran you outta town." Marcel told him. "Left a trail of dead vampires in his wake."
Klaus' tone was aggressive. "And yet how fortunate the two of you managed to survive. My father, I'm afraid, I recently incinerated to dust."
Regina stood behind Marcel, ready for a confrontation.
Half of the restaurant followed suit.
Marcel sighed, looking at Klaus. "Well, if I'd known you were coming back in town, if I had a heads-up-"
"What, Marcel?" Klaus asked. "What would you have done?"
Klaus and Marcel were standing toe to toe. The tension in the air was thick.
Marcel paused before answering. "I'd have thrown you a damn parade." Marcel broke into a wide grin, laughing. Klaus smiled, laughing. They wrapped their arms around each other like long-lost brothers. Marcel pulled back, placing his hands on either side of Klaus' neck. "Niklaus Mikaelson. My mentor, my savior, my sire."
Klaus looked from Regina to Marcel. "I'd written the two of you off as dead."
"We rose from the dead like Phoenixes from the ashes." Regina told him. "Come on. Let's get you a drink."
...
Another Room
(Song:) Walking Backwards - Leagues
Marcel chuckled, joining Klaus at a small, private table.
They were accompanied by a few of Marcel's friends, including Regina.
Marcel poured drinks for Klaus and himself. "It is good to see you."
"It's good to be home." Klaus told them. "Although, please tell me the current state of Bourbon Street is not your doing."
Regina chuckled. "Something's gotta draw in the out-of-towners, otherwise we'd all go hungry."
Klaus peered at one of the guys flanking the doorway of the room. "I see your friends are daywalkers."
"Yeah, yeah." Marcel answered. "I shared the secret of your daylight ring with a few buddies. Just the inner circle, though. The family."
"Tell me." Klaus told them. "How did you find a witch willing to make daylight rings?"
"I got the witches around here wrapped around my finger." Marcel answered.
Klaus chuckled. "Is that so? I'm looking for a witch by the name of Jane-Anne Deveraux. Has some business with me."
Marcel and Regina exchanged a look.
Regina looked at Klaus. "You're looking for Jane-Anne? You probably ought to come with us." She stood, laughing. "Ha ha, showtime!"
(Song Ends)
...
Night - The French Quarter
(Song:) No Sugar in My Coffee - Caught a Ghost
A crowd of people began to form in the streets.
Vampires walked along rooftops, jumping on cars, setting off alarms.
A large group followed Regina, Marcel and Klaus.
"Oh, how's your family?" Marcel asked.
"Those who live hate me more than ever." Klaus told him.
"Ah, forget them." Marcel told him. "If your blood relations let you down, you make your own, eh? You taught me that. And what's mine is yours, as always. Even my nightwalkers, the riff-raff."
Marcel gestured to the vampires walking along and jumping from the rooftops, grabbing a branch off of a tree as they walked past it.
"They're hardly subtle, are they?" Klaus asked.
"It's the Quarter." Regina told him. "Ain't no such thing as subtle, baby." She whistled with his fingers. The crowd cheered. One vampire brought Jane-Anne forward, who's wrists were bound with rope in front of her. "Jane-Anne Deveraux. Give it up for Jane-Anne. Come on, let's hear it!"
(Song Ends)
"Jane-Anne Deveraux, you have been accused of the practice of witchcraft beyond the bounds of the rules set forth by me, and enforced, my princess, my sister, Regina Gerard." Marcel told her. "How do you plead?" He turned, walking toward Klaus. "Was that convincing? I studied law back in the '50s. Hold that thought." He returned to Jane-Anne. "Seriously, Jane, tick-tock. You know the drill. How do you plead?"
"I didn't do anything." Jane-Anne told him.
The crowd laughed quietly.
"Mm, that's a lie." Marcel told her. "You know it, I know it, and you hate that I know it. It drives you witches crazy that I'm aware of your every move. That you can't do magic in this town without getting caught. So, why don't we just cut to the chase, huh? You tell me what magic you're brewing. I mean, tell me. I'll grant you leniency. Hey, I am, after all, a merciful man."
Klaus, Regina and the crowd observed in utter silence.
Jane-Anne scoffed, disgusted. "Rot in hell, monster."
Shocked murmuring rumbled through the crowd.
Marcel smiled. "I'll tell you what. I'll give you one more chance..." He started to walk away. Suddenly, he rushed to turn around, swinging the branch he had been holding so fast that it slit Jane-Anne's neck open. Jane-Anne began to choke as blood trailed down from her wound. "Or not."
Jane-Anne fell to the ground, dead.
The crowd cheered.
Klaus looked at her body, looking displeased.
...
Klaus approached Marcel, grabbing his shoulder, turning him around to face him. "What was that?"
"Hey, come walk with me." Marcel told him. "The witches aren't allowed to do magic here. She broke the rules."
"I told you I wanted to talk to her." Klaus told him.
"Hey, I'm sorry." Marcel told him. "I got caught up in the show. Those witches, they think they still have power in this town. I have to show them that they don't. I never waste an opportunity for a show of force, another lesson that I learned from you. And besides, anything that you could've gotten out of her, I can find out for you, and I will. I promise."
Klaus considered this for a moment. "Well, whatever it was, doesn't matter anymore, does it?"
Klaus smiled.
Marcel smiled. "Good, good. Then let's eat, 'cause all that spilled blood makes me hungry."
Marcel laughed, walking away.
Klaus hung back to confront Regina walking by, stopping her with a hand on her chest. "Gina? Any more Deveraux witches where she came from?"
...
Bar
(Song:) Mojo Fix - Martin Harley
Sophie was chopping vegetables at the restaurant, clearly upset. She turned around, startled to see Klaus standing there. "You're Klaus."
"I am." Klaus answered. "And you're upset. Sophie, isn't it? I assume this is because of what I just witnessed with your sister on the corner of Royal and St. Ann?"
"Did you enjoy the show?" Sophie asked.
"It was a little melodramatic for my tastes." Klaus told her. "What did your sister want with me? Why did Marcel kill her?"
Sophie opened her mouth to speak, but then noticed a few men arriving at the bar. "I see you brought friends."
Klaus turned to look at the men, looking at Sophie. "They're not with me."
"They're with Marcel." Sophie told him. "That's all that matters. I know you built this town, but this is his town now. He killed my sister because she broke the rules. So I talk to you in front of them, I'm next."
Sophie turned around, walking away.
Klaus approached the men at the bar, grabbing either of them by the shoulders. "Are you two gentlemen following me?"
"Marcel said we're your guides." The first man told him.
"Oh, he did, did he?" Klaus asked. "He did. Well, then, let me be exceedingly clear about something. If either of you follow me again, you'll do so without the benefit of a spine."
Klaus tightened his grip.
The blonde, women bartender approached them. "Sorry for the wait. If you're here for the gumbo, I'm about to break your heart. We just ran out."
Klaus released the men, placing a 100 dollar bill on the bar. "Your oldest Scotch for my two friends here, love." The bartender took the bill, smiling, walking away. Klaus resumed his hold on the men. "If Marcel want to know what I'm up to, he can ask me himself."
Klaus let go of them roughly, walking away.
Sophie watched from the other side of the restaurant.
(Song Ends)
...
Outside - Alley
Sophie walked out of the back alley exit, down a few steps, stopping at a small table covered with lit candles, her cheeks wet with tears, tending to the candles.
The door behind her suddenly slammed closed with a bag, startling her.
Sophie was wary, remaining still when a figure jumped. She turned around, but still saw no one.
Sophie turned again to see one of the vampires who had spoken to Klaus. "The doors work, you know."
The other vampire stood behind her. "You're doing magic?"
"I'm praying to my dead sister." Sophie told him. "Go ahead, pay your respects."
Sophie turned to the other vampire.
The vampire rushed in front of her. "Don't make this a thing, Sophie. The hybrid was looking for Jane-Anne. Marcel wants to know why."
"Oh, that sounds like witch business." Sophie told him. "I'd say ask her yourself, but I guess you can't, seeing as Marcel killed her."
Sophie turned to the second vampire.
The first vampire tried to attack her from behind. He suddenly disappeared.
Sophie and the second vampire looked up.
A bleeding heart fell to the ground.
Sophie and the vampire looked at it.
The vampire seemed angry.
Elijah appeared, throwing the vampire against a brick building, straight through a long stake in the wall, killing him. He straightened his jacket. He looked at Sophie. "I'm Elijah. You heard of me?"
Sophie nodded nervously. "Yes."
Elijah nodded, tilting his head. "So, why don't you tell me what business your family has with my brother?"
...
The French Quarter
Klaus walked down a street, turning down an alleyway.
...
Abattoir Compound
(Song:) How - The Neighborhood
Klaus walked in.
There was a party going on, with drinking, dancing and people generally having a good time.
Klaus spotted Regina, approaching her aggressively. "Where is Marcel?"
"Looks like someone's in a bad mood." Regina told him.
"Do not test me, Regina." Klaus told her.
"I never listened to you before." Regina told him.
"Well, then, in that case, perhaps you'll answer to this." Klaus told her, grabbing Regina by the throat, letting his eyes glow gold and veins crawl underneath, raising his voice until he was shouting. "You're aware the bite of a werewolf can kill a vampire? Well, as you can see, I'm half werewolf, so I'm gonna ask you one more time. Where is Marcel?"
Marcel hurried over to break up the confrontation. "Hey. I'm right here, I'm right here, easy now. Regina's just being her bratty self. Nobody harms my guys. Those are the rules."
Klaus let Regina go. "I don't care about your rules, Marcel, and I don't need chaperones. Why are you having me followed?"
Marcel led Klaus away from the others. "Come here. I get it. A show of force. You've made your point. Let it go, friend. For me."
"Fine." Klaus told him. "Why don't you show me what you've done with the place, while you explain exactly what it is you've been up to in my town?"
Marcel hesitated for a moment, smiling. "Follow me."
Marcel led Klaus up a flight of stairs.
(Song Ends)
...
Balcony
Marcel and Klaus walked onto a balcony overlooking the street.
"Look at that skyline, huh?" Marcel asked. "That there, that's progress. More hotels, more tourists, more fresh blood. And the humans? I taught them to look the other way."
"And what of the witches?" Klaus asked. "In my time, they were a force to be reckoned with, and now they live in fear. How do you know when they're using magic?"
"Maybe I got a secret weapon, an ace up my sleeve." Marcel told him. "Something that gives me complete control over all the magic in this town."
"Hmm." Klaus hummed. "Is that a fact?"
"Might be." Marcel told him. "Maybe I'm just bluffing."
Marcel put something in his mouth that sizzled slightly.
"You take vervain?" Klaus asked.
"Burns like a bitch, but I figure I should limit the number of things I'm vulnerable to." Marcel told him. "Don't be mad about that chaperone thing. I've told my guys to look out for you, that's all. That's what we do here. Look out for each other." He saw a woman walking down the street below. "Mm, m-m-mm. New blood."
Klaus recognized the blonde bartender from earlier. "Bartender, walking alone at night. She's either brave or dumb."
"Let's see." Marcel told him. "Brave, I let her live. Dumb, she's dessert."
Klaus and Marcel smiled.
...
The French Quarter
Marcel hopped over the balcony's wrought-iron railing down onto the sidewalk below.
The bartender turned around at the sound of him landing behind her.
"You know, it's not safe here alone." Marcel told her.
"You know, I have a black belt in karate." The bartender told him.
Marcel chuckled.
...
Abattoir Compound - Balcony
Klaus sensed someone with him, looking toward his brother. "Evening, Elijah."
Elijah stood behind him. "Niklaus."
"What an entirely unwelcome surprise." Klaus told him.
"And what an entirely unsurprising welcome." Elijah replied. "Come with me."
"I'm not going anywhere." Klaus told him. "Not till I find out who's conspiring against me."
"I believe I found that out for you." Elijah told him.
Klaus turned to look at Elijah.
...
Lafayette Cemetery
Klaus and Elijah walked past the sign reading the name of the cemetery.
"You wanna know what the witches have in store for you, Nik?" Elijah asked. "Follow me."
...
Mausoleum
They entered the mausoleum.
Klaus looked at Sophie, among other witches. "Sophie Deveraux. What is this?"
"He's all yours." Elijah told her. "Proceed."
Sophie looked at Klaus. "You know you're famous in this town? Witches tell bedtime stories about the powerful vampire Klaus. We know Marcel and Regina were nothing but an orphan street rat, until you made them what they is. And now Marcel's out of control. He does what he wants, he kills who he wants. I'm gonna stop him, and you're gonna help me."
Klaus smiled, amused. "This is why you brought me here?"
"Hear her out." Elijah told him.
"I don't need to hear her out." Klaus told him. "I assure you, love, there is not a thing on this earth that will matter enough for me to waste even thirty more seconds of my time. Elijah, what madness is this?"
Hayley and Elizabeth entered the mausoleum with a few others. "Klaus. You need to listen to them."
Klaus laughed. "You're all out of your minds if you think Elisaveta and her friend mean a thing to me."
"Marcel may be able to keep up from practicing real magic in this town, but as keepers of the balance, we still know when nature has cooked up something new." Sophie told him. "For example, I have a special gift... of sensing when a girl is pregnant."
All amusement left Klaus' expression. "What?"
"I know it's impossible..." Elizabeth trailed off.
"What are you saying?" Klaus asked.
"Niklaus..." Elijah trailed off. "The girl is carrying your child."
Hayley smiled slightly amused. "You're a father, Klaus."
...
Klaus was completely numb, in denial and anger. "No. It's impossible. Vampires cannot procreate."
"But werewolves can." Sophie told him. "Magic made you a vampire, but you were born a werewolf. You're the Original hybrid, the first of your kind, and this pregnancy is one of nature's loopholes."
Klaus fought for control over his expression. He turned to Elizabeth. "You've been with someone else. Admit it!"
"Hey, we've spent days held captive in a freaking alligator bayou because they think that Elizabeth carrying some magical miracle baby." Hayley told him. "Don't you think she would've fessed up if it wasn't yours?"
"My sister gave her life to perform the spell she needed to confirm this pregnancy. Also we took away Elizabeth's vampire side." Sophie told them. "Because of Jane-Anne's sacrifice, the lives of this girl and her baby are now controlled by us." Everyone was surprised, including Elijah, Hayley and Elizabeth. "If you don't help us take down Marcel, so help me, Elizabeth won't live long enough to see her first maternity dress."
"Wait, what?" Hayley asked.
"Enough of this." Elijah told them, pushing away from the wall. "If you want Marcel dead, he's dead. I'll do it myself."
"No." Sophie told him. "We can't, not yet. We have a clear plan that we need to follow, and there are rules."
"I don't care about Marcel or any bloody rules." Elizabeth told her.
Klaus turned slowly to face Sophie, his anger barely restrained and his voice frighteningly quiet. "How dare you command me? Threaten me! With what you wrongfully perceive to be my weaknesses. I won't hear any more lies."
Klaus turned to leave.
Elijah stepped in his way. "Niklaus. Listen."
Klaus turned toward Elizabeth.
They could hear a rapid heartbeat of the baby in her abdomen.
Klaus listened in wonderment for a few long moments, meeting Elizabeth's eyes. He closed himself off once more, turning to Elijah. "Kill her and the baby. What do I care?"
Klaus stormed out of the mausoleum.
...
The French Quarter - Streets
Klaus was walking down a deserted but well-lit street.
Elijah caught up with him.
"Nik." Elijah told him.
"It's a trick, Elijah." Klaus told him.
"No, brother." Elijah told him. "It's gift. It's your chance. It's our chance."
"To what?" Klaus asked.
"To start over." Elijah answered. "Take back everything we lost, everything that was taken from us. Niklaus, our own parents came to despise us. Our family was ruined. We were ruined. And since then, all that you have ever wanted. All that we have ever wanted was a family."
"I will not be manipulated." Klaus told him, turning around to walk away.
Elijah rushed in front of him to stop him. "So they're manipulating you. So what? With them, Elisaveta and her child-your child-live."
"I'm gonna kill every last one of them." Klaus told him, pushing past Elijah.
Elijah rushed in front of him. "And then what? Then you return to Mystic Falls to resume your life as the hated one, as the evil hybrid? Is it so important to you that people quake with fear at the sound of your name?"
"People quake with fear because I have the power to make them afraid." Klaus told her. "What will this child offer me? Will it guarantee me power?"
"Family is power, Niklaus." Elijah told him. "Love, loyalty. That's power. This is what we swore to one another a thousand years ago, before life tore away what little humanity you had left, before ego, before anger, before paranoia created in this person before me someone I can barely even recognize as my own brother. This is us, the Original family, and we remain together, always and forever. I am asking you to stay here. I will help you and I will stand by you. I will be your brother. We will build a home here together. So save Elisaveta. Save your child."
Elijah placed a hand on Klaus' shoulder.
Klaus brought his own hand to Elijah's neck in a brotherly gesture. "No."
Klaus turned around, walking away.
...
Street
Elijah was walking down a busier street, on the phone. "Well, he's doing what he does. Given a chance at happiness, Klaus runs in the opposite direction."
Rebekah was standing in Morgana's Mansion. "Then let him run. That child, if it's even his, is better off without him."
"He's not better off without that child, Bekah, and neither are we." Elijah told her.
"Darling, kind yet easily angered and unpredictable Elijah." Rebekah told her. "Our brother rarely brings us anything but pain. At what point in your immortal life will you and Morgana stop searching for his redemption?"
Elijah thought about his answer. "We'll stop searching for his redemption when we believe there is none left to be found."
Elijah hung up.
...
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Morgana's Mansion - Living Room
Rebekah sighed, hanging up. She heard a noise, turning around to see Katherine leaning against a table. "I'd give you a play-by-play, but you have the air of someone who's been lurking and listening."
"He'll come around." Katherine told her. "You know Elijah. He won't stop until he's convinced Klaus to do the right thing."
"I know you consider yourself an expert in sibling dynamics, but you don't know my family half as well as you think you do." Rebekah told her.
"You're wrong." Katherine told her. "Klaus won't be able to walk away from this. He and I are the same. We manipulate. We thirst for power. We control. We punish. But our actions are driven by one, singular place deep inside. Besides it's the woman he loves is carrying his child."
"And what's that?" Rebekah asked.
"We're alone, and we hate it." Katherine answered. "Tell Elijah to call me when he comes home. I'll be waiting for him."
Katherine walked away, leaving.
Rebekah was left thinking over what she had said.
...
New Orleans, Louisiana
Abattoir Compound - Courtyard
(Song:) New Cannonball Blues - TV on the Radio
Klaus returned to the courtyard party where everyone was still dancing and drinking.
Marcel found him. "Hey, man. Where'd you run off to?"
"You mean your minions aren't still documenting my every move?" Klaus asked.
"Someone put you in a mood." Marcel told him. "What can I do?"
"What you can do is you can tell me what this thing is you have with the witches." Klaus told him.
"Oh, we're back to that?" Marcel asked.
"Yeah, we're back to that." Klaus answered.
"You know, I owe you everything I got, but I'm afraid I have to draw the line on this one." Marcel told him. "This is my business. I control the witches in my town. Let's just leave it at that."
"Your town?" Klaus repeated.
"Damn straight." Marcel answered.
"That's funny, because when I left 100 years ago, you and Regina were just a pathetic little scrapper still trembling from the lashes of the whips of those who would keep you both down, and now look at you," Klaus told him. "Master of your domain. Prince of the city."
(Song Ends)
The crowd watched them.
Regina stood nearby.
Klaus looked at Marcel. "I'd like to know how."
"Why?" Marcel asked. "Jealous? Hey, man, I get it. Three hundred years ago, you helped build a backwater penal colony into something. You started it, but then you left. Actually, you ran from it. After you left, Regina and I together, we saw it through."
Klaus looked at Regina. "You helped Marcel, did you?"
"Damn right." Regina answered. "Look around. Vampires rule this city now. We don't have to live in the shadows like rats. The locals know their place. They look the other way. We got rid of the werewolves. We even found a way to shut down the witches. The blood never stops flowing, and the party never ends."
"You wanna pass on through?" Marcel asked. "You wanna stay a while? Great. What's mine is yours, but it is mine." He grew angrier, raising his voice. "My home, my family, my rules."
"And if someone breaks those rules?" Klaus asked.
"They die." Marcel answered. "Mercy is for the weak. You taught me that, too. And I'm not the prince of the Quarter, friend. I'm the king! Show me some respect!"
Klaus took this all in for a few moments. He rushed toward Regina, biting her viciously in the neck, letting her fall to the floor. He spoke with blood dripping from his lips. "Your sister will be dead by the weekend, which means I've broken one of your rules. And yet I cannot be killed. I am immortal. Who has the power now, friend?"
Klaus faced off with Marcel.
Marcel said nothing.
After a moment, Klaus smiled around at the crowd, turning, walking out, leaving.
...
The French Quarter - Streets
(Song:) Terrible Love - The National
Klaus navigated through crowds of people. He stopped to see a band of musicians playing jazz. He noticed a man painting a large canvas. He noticed the bartender from earlier standing and watching the man paint, too, approaching her.
The blonde bartender noticed him once he was standing next to her. "The hundred dollar guy."
"The brave bartender." Klaus replied. He looked at her name tag. "Camille. That's a French name."
"It's a grandma's name." Camille told him. "Call me Cami." She looked at the painter. "Amazing, isn't he?"
They observed the painter once more.
"Do you paint?" Klaus asked.
"No, but I admire." Cami answered. "Every artist has a story, you know."
"And what do you suppose his story is?" Klaus asked.
"He's... angry." Cami told him. "Doesn't feel safe and doesn't know what to do about it. He wishes he could control his demons instead of having his demons control him. He's lost. Alone." Klaus was affected by the words as if they had been spoken about him. He looked away from the painter, smiling ruefully to himself. "Or maybe he just drank too much tonight. Sorry. Overzealous Psych major."
"No." Klaus told her. "I think you were probably right the first time."
Cami smiled, glancing back at the painting. "So, do you..." She looked around. Klaus had disappeared. "Paint?"
(Song Ends)
...
Deserted Street
Klaus walked down the street, sitting down on a bench.
After a moment, Elijah arrived, sitting beside Klaus.
"Are you here to give me another pep talk on the joys of fatherhood?" Klaus asked.
"I've said all I need to say." Elijah told him.
Klaus sat on the other side of her. "I forgot how much I liked this town."
"I didn't forget." Elijah told him. "All the centuries we've spent together, and yet I can count on one hand the number of times that our family has been truly happy. I hated leaving here."
"As did I." Klaus told them.
"What is on your mind, brother?" Elijah asked.
"For a thousand years, I lived in fear." Klaus told them. "Any time I settled anywhere, our father would hunt me down and... chase me off. He made me feel powerless, and I hated it. This town was my home once, and in my absence, Marcel and Regina have gotten everything that I ever wanted. Power, loyalty, family. I made them in my image, and they have bettered me. I want what they have. I want to be king."
"And what of Elisaveta and the baby?" Elijah asked.
Klaus looked at them. "Every king needs an heir."
Klaus smiled.
...
Day Three
Morning - Lafayette Cemetery
Elijah and Sophie walked into the cemetery.
"So, how do you propose this will work?" Elijah asked.
"Your brother needs to cement his place in Marcel's world." Sophie told him. "His inner circle, the daywalkers. That's where we begin. They're his friends, his family. We'll be hitting him where it hurts."
...
Abattoir Compound - Room
Klaus arrived, entering a room where Regina lied dying, surrounded by others, including Marcel.
Diego stood defensively.
"I had time to sleep on it last night." Klaus told them. Marcel gestured for Diego to calm down. "I am not your enemy. Where my family and I failed this town... Marcel succeeded. With the help of his sister, and my one-time daughter, Regina." He reached over to a drink try, picking up a glass. He bit into his hand, holding it over the glass, letting the blood drip inside. "My blood will heal him, as though it never happened." Marcel nodded to Diego. Diego took the glass, giving it to Regina. "The Quarter is your home, but I would like to stay a while, if I'm still welcome."
Marcel smiled widely, placing his hands on Klaus' neck, chuckling.
...
The French Quarter
(Song:) Do Whatcha Wanna - Rebirth Brass Band
Klaus observed a small parade of people dancing and performing down a street. He took out his phone, dialing a number, leaving a message. "Isabella. Elisaveta wanted me to call and tell you she's not coming home for a long time."
Klaus hung up, smiling, putting his phone in his pocket, continuing his way down the street.
(Song Ends)
...
Mystic Falls, Virginia
Morgana's Mansion - Living Room
Elijah had come one last time to say goodbye.
Rebekah was arguing with them. "So that's it? I'm just supposed to pack up my things and leave for good? Forget my life here and my pursuit of the Cure?"
"Oh, the Cure was a fool's errand." Elijah told her. "I mean, taking it would've stripped you of everything you are, for what? More high school proms?"
"I wanted to be human." Rebekah told him. "I wanted children and a family."
"And I stand before you to offer you both." Elijah told her.
"And if I decide against you?" Rebekah asked. "A dagger in my heart and then back in a box?"
"I've made my case." Elijah told her. "Your family needs you, and what choice you make right now is your own."
Rebekah considered this for a long moment, walking closer to him. "I owe him nothing. I wish him no joy, no love. But I also have nothing left here to live for. I will leave Mystic Falls, but I will not go to New Orleans. Maybe I'll travel the world and live my life the way I want to, and if you're smart, I suggest you do the same."
Elijah walked out of the room.
...
Salvatore Boarding House - Emma's Room
Emma was walking out of her bathroom, finding a letter on her bed, walking closer, picking it up, seeing that it read Elijah. She barely managed a chuckle out of realization that she received yet another letter from him, opening it, reading.
Elijah: (voice over) "Emma... The last time I left a letter like this to you, it was to express my regret for the things that I had done. This time, it is my regret on leaving once again. I leave now to give you the life that you want, without another vampire to worry about. You and I understand family in the same shade of light. We know that they can be mad, not to mention almost completely irredeemable, but we also refuse to give up on fighting for their redemption. I don't expect your forgiveness, but I want to apologize to you all the same. I wish you to have a beautiful, human life, Emma. The way you want it to be, always fighting for your family, while I will fight for mine. Always and Forever. Goodbye. Elijah."
Emma looked thoughtful.
...
Living Room
Isabella was sitting on the couch, having her feet propped up on the table in front of her, one elbow resting on the couch arm, leaning her head against her fist as the other hand held her phone to her ear.
Emma stood at the doorway, leaning against it, crossing her arms over her chest, letting Isabella know that she was there. "Anything interesting?"
Isabella hung up, clearing her throat, seeming to mean the opposite of what she said. "Apparently Elizabeth got caught up in Mikealson drama and can't come back for awhile."
Emma gave her a disbelieving, knowing look, walking closer with a small smirk. She sat on the couch across from her. "What was it?"
"Klaus' explains something unbelievable to me." Isabella answered.
Emma took out the letter to show her. "I got a letter like that from Elijah."
Isabella smiled. "So you got another goodbye letter from yours truly. How sweet."
Emma smirked, leaning back. "If you drop it, I'll drop it. He's leaving town and most likely never, ever coming back. I'm allowed to move on, just like he is."
Isabella smiled. "Deal."
Emma and Isabella smiled at each other.
...
Cell
Elena and Morgana were in bad shape, breathing heavily, hungry.
Damon unlocked the door, opening it to look at them. "You both look terrible."
"We're hungry." Elena told him weakly. "Not that you care."
"But I do." Damon told them. "That's the whole point. I do care, you don't care. It's about time for that to change."
Damon offered them each a blood bag.
Elena's eyes widened. She reached for it hungrily, beginning to drink it, moaning in with pleasure until she tasted vervain, beginning to spit it out. "Vervain?"
"I could've told you that." Morgana told her.
"How does that make you feel?" Damon asked. "Hurt because I'd betray you? Angry because I'd cause you pain? Or scared, because you know it's gonna get a lot worse?"
Morgana rushed up, toward the door.
Stefan stood in her way to freedom.
Morgana nodded. "You boys wanna play games? Go ahead. Let's see who breaks first. Us... or you."
Stefan walked in, closing the door behind him.
