Mystic Falls, July 2009
Parenthood was tough. If Jenna were to conclude the last month, that would be all she could say for the experience.
Then again, maybe it was just parenting 2 newly orphaned teenagers while in your mid 20s that was hard, she wouldn't know.
Her niece and nephew had always been an escape as far as she was concerned, a form of stress relief. When life got hard, when school made her want to give up and just sleep- she had her sister's sweet sweet children to take all the pain away. A simple smile from Elena, Jeremy's small arms wrapped tightly around her. It had always been enough to make the pain and hardships of life seem insignificant. But not anymore.
How could they make her pain disappear when that was her job now? To keep them from ever knowing sorrow? And how on earth could she do her job when she was drowning in despair herself?
It killed her to see them like this. Elena, gone from a vibrant, carefree young girl to the melancholy recluse shell of a woman she was now.
And Jeremy...
Now she had never been much of a stoner, but Jenna knew enough to recognize that her 15 year old nephew was high. At breakfast. She knew she could blame his newfound friendship with Vicki Donovan, but she couldn't really. He was her responsibility. Her kid.
She knew she should tell him to stay in, or at the very least ask where he was going, but she couldn't bring herself to talk to him. It was easier if they didn't talk about it. If they each let the others' pain just be. Talking to Jeremy would mean talking about how she felt as well, and she just couldn't. How could she let them know she was falling apart?
There was a knock at the door, but she couldn't bring herself to see who it was.
She sipped her coffee and grimaced. Cold, with the underlying taste of her tears. Just like she liked it. She tried to muster the energy to make a new batch, but the thought alone exhausted her weary soul to its very depths.
Another knock. Jenna sighed deeply, and rose to the sound. It was the small things that were most difficult, she found.
The door swung open to reveal the most uniquely stunning girl Jenna had laid eyes upon, with her long chocolate brown locks, and enchanting golden eyes. A month ago Jenna would have run her mouth and said something tactless, but it seemed grief was a maturing process.
"I hope I'm not intruding." And my, what an accent this stranger had. The curious part of her begged the question of its origin, but it seemed to be drowned out by the indifference that now led her life. "I just moved in across the street and thought I'd introduce myself."
She handed over the tray Jenna now noticed she was holding, and the smell of freshly baked cookies awoke her senses. How long had she been so hungry? How long had it been since she'd eaten?
"That's so nice of you, I appreciate it. I'm Jenna."
"Patricia, glad to make your acquaintance."
Jenna took a moment to admire this new person, her senses tingling. This moment meant something, she wished she knew what. There was a significance to this introduction, her instincts rarely led her astray (except when it came to her miserable excuse of a love life, of course). All she wanted was to be alone, really, but she pushed the dark thoughts aside.
"Would you like to come in? I was just about to put some coffee on."
What a glorious smile she thought to herself, noting that Patricia's teeth were quite as perfect as the rest of her.
"I'd love to, thank you."
If only Jenna could see the malicious glint in those golden eyes as she turned away towards her kitchen.
"So where'd you move from? Your accent isn't local, that's for sure."
"Well originally I'm from the area, actually." Patricia said, taking a seat at the island as Jenna finally dumped her horrific cup of coffee down the sink. "But my family and I moved around a lot. Most recently I'm from New Orleans."
"New Orleans, wow. I went in for Mardi Gras once in college, one of the best weeks of my life." Jenna reminisced. "Living there must be insane."
"It was. If there is one thing in this world my boyfriend undoubtedly loves, it's that city."
"How long have you two been together?" Jenna queried, helping herself to a cookie. The rich flavor exploded in her mouth and she moaned around it, much to Patricia's amusement. "Jesus, you made these? Dump him and be with me, man. This is the best cookie I've ever eaten."
The golden eyed girl laughed. "I'll take the compliment, but I think I'll stick with the ugly fucker. We've really been together since forever, it seems."
"How'd you meet?" The older woman asked.
"It's a little unconventional, but I'm an orphan. His mother took me in when I was just a child, so I've known him all my life. We've been together since I was 13, and he 18."
Jenna raised her brows, but said nothing. She had a million thoughts racing through her head, all about the fascinating psychology of this woman. She wondered if it were a relationship with a loving foundation, or with this poor girl's fear of abandonment at its core. Was it a healthy relationship, or was this the tragic story of years long abuse of a girl who didn't know any better?
She remained silent for a long pause. "How'd his family feel about you two getting together?"
"It varies, but most of them were quite supportive. The only one who never really liked the idea was our brother Kol. We're the same age, and we were always closest before Nik and I got together, but I don't think he's ever believed that Nik is good enough for me." She took a long sip of her coffee, seemingly lost in thought. "Which is a sweet sentiment, of course, but infuriating to me as a grown arse woman who can do whatever the bloody hell she wants."
Jenna nodded, appreciating the thought. She would never argue with an independent young woman sticking it to the man. Still, one thing did bother her.
"Kol didn't think his brother was good enough for you? Is he, like, in love with you?"
Patricia laughed wholeheartedly. "Kol? Gods, no." Her smile diminished a bit. "I think it's more to do with misplaced blame… Our father was a mean old bastard. He systematically singled out Nik for years, out of us all, but it affected the whole family. Logically Kol shouldn't blame Nik for suffering the brunt of the abuse, but I think he's always blamed him for all of it." Her glorious eyes clenched shut for a moment. "I'm so bloody sorry, I don't know why I just put that on you."
"Hey," Jenna reached for her hand and took it in her own. "I've got baggage too. Everyone does. And I know how fucking lonely it gets, not having anyone to talk to about it."
Patricia squeezed her hand back, and took a deep, shaky sigh. "Thanks for that. I just… it's been a really long time since I've seen any of them. Missing them makes me nostalgic."
"They aren't staying with you?"
"No. Elijah recently became our legal guardian, but he travels quite a lot for work. I'm living alone for now."
"Where's Nik in all this?" Jenna asked, her mind revisiting the thought of an abusive boyfriend.
"He had been traveling with Elijah, for a time, but they've had a bit of a falling out lately. We haven't spoken for a short while now, but he'll turn up eventually. He always does."
This girl was all alone, and she couldn't be any older than Elena from what she had described. As the adult now Jenna thought to introduce her to her niece, give her a friend for school, case closed. But if she was truthful, she knew that she herself was in desperate need of a friend as well.
"My sister and her husband died last month. They drove off a bridge into the lake with Elena, my niece, and by some miracle she survived. And I love her and Jeremy, I really do. But I went from being a college girl to a parent in 2 seconds and it's all been a lot. You night see them in school, and this may be weird, but you've got a friend in me. If you'd like."
She was shocked when the younger woman rose to give her a tight hug. "I'd love that, Jenna. Really."
Jenna let out a shaky breath she didn't know she had been holding, and laughed with her new friend.
"So Elena and Jeremy," Patricia said, sipping her coffee. "Tell me about them."
New York
"Well then, Luke, was it? You'd better start explaining how exactly you came to know my wife, who has not been around since long before you came into your miserable existence, I can assure you. Now talk, before I'm so inclined to sever your head from your shoulders, a great shame for many I'm sure."
Elijah found himself pressing the tip of his tongue to the roof of his mouth as his mother had always told him to when his temper got the best of him. He always found that the habit was rather useful in the presence of his younger brother. It saddened him to say that all the love and goodwill in the world could not make up for Niklaus' poor behavior and how it had been affecting him since their family had fled New Orleans.
Bihalia growled at her father. "Would you just listen for once, without all the empty threats?"
"My dear daughter, it would serve you well to remain silent. I'm not yet through with you. Inviting strangers into our home, familiar only through the scum with whom you choose to waste your time."
"I might suggest that you mind your tone with me," Elijah's brows threatened to vanish into his hairline. The way this stranger spoke the words sent a chill up his spine like not many others had done in his many lifetimes. His tone was harsh enough to draw the father and his daughter from their spat. "I can assure you, Niklaus, that I am a force you have yet to be reckoned with."
A thousand years with his brother had taught Elijah to know that under his smugness and his rage, Klaus was quite afraid. He masked it well, few would notice. But it seemed that this young man could read him well, in spite of knowing him for only 5 minutes.
"Is that so?" The hybrid growled.
Luke's marvelous blue eyes flashed gold, and Klaus took a startled step back. Elijah too stumbled in awe of the sight. They were the exact shade of Patricia's eyes.
"Tell me now, boy," The hybrid growled menacingly, "What have you to do with my wife?"
"I could make it a surprise, it would be much more fun." Luke drawled, taking the seat that was never offered to him. "But unfortunately it would seem that I am in need of your service, so I'll tell you. This is the body of Luke Castellan, an entirely unremarkable child who was easily manipulated into my service. The only thing that made him special was his father."
"His father?" Elijah repeated.
"The God of messengers, Hermes." The thing possessing Luke plainly stated, as if it were the most casual thing in the world. Elijah's eyes found those of his brother's daughter, her lack of reaction making him believe she had undoubtedly known this when she brought him into their family home. "Who happens to be my grandson."
"Your grandson?" He echoed once more, his voice synchronizing with that of his niece's, who was clearly unaware of this little bit of information. Gears started turning in his mind, trying to form an image from all the scattered pieces.
Klaus snorted, rather faster on the uptake than Elijah. "So if we're to believe you, you are Kronos, father of the gods, the Lord of Time?"
"I am, whether you believe me or not. You can ask Bihalia, she can confirm my facts." Klaus averted his glower to his daughter for a second before returning it to the Golden eyed youth.
Elijah scanned his cold features, so plain were it not for the golden eyes. "What's all this to do with Patricia?" He asked cautiously, a sense of unease growing in the pit of his stomach.
"I'm sure you've guessed, Elijah. You always were quite intuitive. "
"Well then why don't you enlighten me?" Klaus mocked. "I've always been the slower brother."
"Yes indeed." Kronos sneered. "I could have hoped for many a better man for my daughter. You can see why I was disappointed, I'm sure."
The hybrid went ashen. "You're lying."
"Am I? Have you not always wondered where she came from? How she retained her magic even in death? How she bore children as a vampire? Did it not raise questions, all her visions, her mental connection to your children? Where her funny little figures of speech come from?"
"Di immortales." Bihalia muttered, and a smug smile crossed the Titan king's face.
"Yes indeed. While the gods hid her from me, my influence was never removed from her mind. She's always had a knack for muttering little phrases in Greek, has she not? And that accent of hers, well, I'm told it's quite magical."
"So Patricia has always been an immortal?" Elijah asked, his brown eyes finding his brother's blue ones, and he could almost see the gears turning behind them.
"Not quite, though she is more immortal than she is mortal. Her mother was a daughter of my son, Poseidon, the Earth Shaker. And the goddess of magic Hecate chose her as her champion right before she sent her through time to your little village."
"So she is your daughter, as well as your great granddaughter?" Elijah queried, bile rising in his throat. His mind rushed through the possibilities, and the most logical one broke his heart. Patricia would be devastated to learn that her conception was the result of an assault.
An evil smirk spread across the Titan's face. "Shit happens." He sassed.
"What do you mean that she sent her through time?" Klaus had at long last broken his silence, his voice hoarse.
"Ah, yes. You have her locket, do you not? Found it over all the long years she's been asleep? What's the engraving on the back say?"
"Patricia Jackson. 18.8.93. Love knows not the burden of time." Bihalia quoted, realization shining in her eyes.
"Quite an ironic engravement." Kronos smirked. "Sally was to be the child of the prophecy, I'm sure your lovely daughter knows all about that so I'll spare you the details. But fate had not decreed it to be so. So I took the matters into my own hands. She happened to bear me a daughter right before she took her life, the week before she turned 16. A tragedy, really. She had fire in her, till I put it out, of course. My son went to great efforts to hide my girl from me, but there is no hiding my property from me. No matter how many years in the past you bury it."
"I think it's time for you to leave." Klaus growled, his eyes raging. There was an underlying threat in the Titan's tale, one that did not pass any of them by. "You've quite overstayed your welcome."
"Relax, Niklaus, I have no intention to stay much longer than necessary. Rest assured I am no fonder of your presence than you are of mine."
"Why have you come here?" Elijah asked, daring a step closer to the Titan.
"I just wanted to meet my daughter's family. Bihalia simply took my breath away. Quite like her grandmother. "
Klaus lost it, as Elijah knew he would. He too was very close to being set off by the taunting, but unlike his brother, he had enough sense in him not to attack this unkillable, all powerful immortal. The hybrid, having no such common sense, sped across the room and threw Kronos against the wall, his hand in an iron grip around his throat.
"If you speak a word of my daughter again I will end your miserable life." He roared.
The Titan laughed. "Oh, Klaus. You foolish boy. You can't end me, I am life eternal. I will take what I want from you whenever I want it. Whether it be your service, or your precious daughter, or mine." The Titan raised his hand to Klaus', and broke it effortlessly. Klaus grunted in pain but said nothing, perhaps from the shock of being so easily bested. "I came here for one reason alone. I would like for you to arrange a meeting between me and my daughter. I've longed to meet her for some time now."
"I'm sure you're quite aware she's a little preoccupied right now." Klaus spat, and Elijah was reminded with a jolt why he had even come to New York in the first place.
"Ask your brother, I assure you she is not."
Klaus and Bihalia turned wide eyes onto Elijah, and Kronos took the chance to brush himself off, and walk past them all.
"I take my leave of you now, but know this: you are at my beck and call now, always and forever, and what I ask of you is not optional. You would do well to remember that."
As the door shut behind him Elijah sank into the nearest chair, and his younger brother closed in on him.
"You've got a lot of bloody fucking explaining to do. The both of you."
Mystic Falls, 996 A.D
The whole town gathered for occasions such as this one. Weddings were considered a great merriment anywhere, but here in particular, in a town with so many factions, unification ceremonies were glorious.
Elijah was helping his younger brother get ready in their mother's place of work, ignoring the rising chatter of the villagers from outside. They would wait until the couple were ready, or until the sun set, whichever came first as the tradition went.
"Smile, Niklaus. It is a happy day indeed."
His younger brother snorted angrily, but Elijah knew his brother well enough to smell out the fear beneath his supposed rage. "Happy for you maybe. Now you get to have Tatia all for yourself. And I am forever tied to a woman I don't see as a man should see his wife."
Elijah sighed deeply. There was truth in his words, of course there was. How could there not be, when the woman he loved more than life itself was vying for his younger brother's attention even while he was courting her.
"But you do not see her as you do our sister either. You love Patricia differently than Rebekah, I have seen that you do. She has your eye in a way Tatia never has, which is why I will never understand why still you pursue her, brother. Especially when you know how much she means to me."
Niklaus averted his gaze from his older brother, now done assisting the groom he had gone to dress himself for the occasion. The younger of the two rose from his seat and began to pace nervously around the small room.
"I feel for Tatia, Elijah. I do not mean to hurt you in the process. I cannot help my feelings, and that is why it is a cruelty to give Patricia to a man who will never love her like she deserves." Elijah stopped what he had been doing, and turned to look his little brother dead in the eyes, only to find them clenched painfully shut. He felt his heart throb at the sight.
"She shines so bright, brother, I can only bring her a future filled with darkness. I… I have such rage, Elijah. Such hatred." Elijah exhaled quietly, pulling his younger brother into his arms and held him close as he always did to assuage his fears. "Father has left me broken, and I will only do to her the damage he has done onto me. I can't ever hurt her, do you understand me? I would die before I let her feel this pain that I feel."
Elijah did not let go, his eyes clenched shut. How he wished to take his little brother's pain away from him. All he wanted was for Niklaus to know joy. To know laughter as he did when he was away from Mikael. How he wished his brother could rejoice as a man should on his wedding day, unburdened by the pain of their hateful father. Unafraid to let himself love.
"Listen to me, brother." He whispered into the younger man's hair. "You are not broken. And you have a whole life ahead of you, with the marvelous girl I am so proud to call my sister. You will not fill her heart with darkness, she is too good. No, she will fill your life with such a light, I swear to you." He looked his brother straight in his teary eyes, his heart breaking further for him. There was such insecurity in them, Elijah feared it would bleed into his own heart.
"You love her enough to fear your worth for her. It may not be overwhelming as you expected, but you do love her. And that is enough for me to know you will never hurt her willingly. You will be a good husband, Niklaus. And a good father."
Klaus let out a small, broken laugh. "I don't know about that, but I guess if I ever step out of line Trisha will just smack some sense into me and all will be well."
Elijah chuckled along with him and gave him a pat on the back. He decided to let his brother change the subject humorously just this once, even though he would usually encourage such heartfelt conversations with his brother. It felt far better than the alternative today.
"You'll excuse me, brother, I gave my word to your bride to come see her before the ceremony begins. Don't run away, or I shall be forced to hunt you down. Rest assured I will never allow my darling sister to be hurt by a man, even if that man is you, Niklaus."
A half-hearted nod and a small chuckle were enough to assure him that Klaus would be quite alright if he left in order to see his sister on her wedding day.
He made his way home, his thoughts on his brother's up and coming wedding. He had to allow himself to ponder Niklaus' fears, knowing they were not unfounded. The damage of Mikael's prolonged abuse was clear in all his brother did. It varied from the way he flinched at even the smallest of touches, and the way he had learned to fear speaking his mind. His once vibrant younger brother grew ever more somber as the abuse continued into his adulthood. They had all carried a hope, it seemed, that it would end as he became a man.
He hoped Patricia would in fact bring light into his darkness, but one could not be sure. His adoptive sister too possessed a darkness that often frightened him. Perhaps it was because of their fearsome father, or perhaps it dwelled deeper- in her mysterious parentage. In the abandonment that had haunted her for as long as she lived. Whatever it may be, she would be his brother's redemption, or him her undoing. It was a frightening thought that Elijah forced from his mind as he entered his childhood home.
An involuntary gasp escaped his lips as he saw his sister. She was but 13 summers past in this world, and yet a woman as beautiful as any he'd ever seen. In her white dress, her hair braided and knotted at the top of her head, their mother now adding little white flowers in her hair. Elijah thought she looked like a goddess of old.
"Is it wretched?" She asked, gesturing dramatically to her hair, her eyes finding his as he forced his jaw shut. "I told you my hair needn't be done, mother. Just look at his face, I look ridiculous."
"Hush now, girl." Esther said affectionately.
"You look stunning, Patricia." He said after a moment, having had trouble finding his voice. "Should Niklaus lose the ability to speak it is not for his cold feet, but because of your exceptional beauty on this day, more so than any other." Elijah wrapped his arm around his sister in a sideways hug, kissing the top of her luxurious brunette head.
"So he is having cold feet." The bride said, clearly dejected. Elijah cursed himself silently for the slip up. "This is all a bad idea, mother. We shouldn't be doing this if Nik will only be miserable."
"I assure you, my dear, he will be as far from miserable as a man can be. I'm his mother, I know what is best for him and I can assure you that this union will be a turning point for the both of you, for the better." Esther smoothed down the top of her daughter's hair. "You will make each other so happy, my love. All I have ever wanted is your happiness."
Patricia's gaze lowered sadly. "He does not care for me as the man who will be my husband should. He has never looked at me like he does at Tatia."
Elijah sighed. It should not be a surprise to them that Patricia had seen her intended chasing Tatia through the village. Everyone had, really. It was impossible not to.
"Why on earth would you think such a thing?" Esther asked, tipping her daughter's head upwards to look in her magnificent golden eyes.
"Kol said so…" She mumbled. Of course he did. Kol had always been closer to Niklaus than to the rest of his siblings, but the apple of his eye had always been his self proclaimed twin. Since Mikael had decreed their union Kol's mood became ever more sour. While Niklaus silently voiced his disapproval, Kol let everyone in the village know exactly what he thought.
"Are you really going to take his word for it? You know how he runs his mouth." Elijah said.
"My darling daughter," Esther said, hushing her second eldest son with a glance. "Kol has always felt the need to be the center of attention. He doesn't like the thought of having to share your attention with another. Disregard his words. For once he does not have your best interests at heart, rather his own, though it pains me to say so."
"Well that's just bloody stupid." Patricia sassed quietly as to avoid her mother's reprimand, but the Original witch only smiled and pretended not to hear.
A knock on the door drew their attention, and Mikael's head appeared in the doorway causing the occupants of the room to stiffen. Mikael stood still in the entrance, his eyes growing wide as he took in the sight of his adoptive daughter.
"My, what a beauty she has become." The patriarch of the family said, stepping forward to kiss Patricia's hand. "My dear, the whole village awaits you, if you're ready."
Elijah smiled at the sight. How rare it was to see their father so affectionate, so calm. "I will take my leave of you now." He said, drawing all eyes in the room to him. "We will all be right behind you sister. Today, and every day that shall ever come after."
The door swung shut behind him, dulling the sound of mild pleasantries between the members of his family. As he began walking away he heard a foreign sound, one he could swear was just a long lost childhood memory. Elijah smiled hugely, and stopped just to take it in.
Mikael was laughing.
Long Island
It was a beautiful day by any standards, but in Camp Half Blood in particular it seemed like a perfect day to spend outdoors, what with the light breeze, the perfect spring sun, and the rolling green hills. If any outsiders could see the camp they would say it looked incredibly peaceful.
But it was not so.
The camp was eerily quiet, very few people lingering outdoors. If not for the quiet voices carried in the wind one might assume the place abandoned.
The green view was disrupted by a small figure, covered black from head to toe. A young girl of no more than 15 walking up towards the big blue house at the top of the hill. This girl was no other than Bianca Di Angelo, daughter of Hades, a fact that could come as no surprise to any. Death radiated off her in waves. Darkness emitted from her pores. Flowers shriveled in her presence, though that was mostly Persephone's fault. She had a particular dislike for her husband's illegitimate daughter, more so than his past children.
Bianca knocked on the door hesitantly, a small voice in the back of her mind telling her to stop. Telling her that whatever it was she had been summoned to hear- she did not want to know. She was tired of prophecies and omens and warnings of certain death.
The door swung open to reveal her mentor, Chiron, his lower half hidden in his magical wheelchair. "Come in, child. We have much to discuss."
She followed him into the room, closing the door behind her. There were two more people in the room. Will was there, sweet, handsome Will. The object of nearly every girl in camp's affections, grudgingly she would admit including her own. And beside him sat a small yet stunning blonde girl with eyes as blue and cold as ice. She tried to be bothered by the slutty outfit, or the exaggerated make-up and the tacky tattoos, or any of the thousand of reasons she came up with for why this girl was unworthy of Will. But a chill ran up Bianca's spine as she turned her focus elsewhere, to her aura which was something else entirely. This girl was neither living nor dead.
She'd heard rumors about Will's mysterious girlfriend. Everyone had. They all knew she wasn't a half -blood, but they also knew she was no mortal. Bianca had always assumed a nymph, or a dryad. Never this.
"Who's she?" She asked cooly, refusing to take the seat that was offered to her.
"Bianca, this is Bihalia Mikaelson, Will's girlfriend. She has some disturbing news to share. I recommend that you sit."
Bianca ignored him. "What are you?" She asked dangerously, her hand moving to grab the knife strapped to her side.
"Bianca…" Will snapped angrily, but his girlfriend silenced him with a hand on his arm.
"It's alright, my love." She calmed in a fancy little British accent that made Bianca want to punch her in her precious face even more. "She's the daughter of Hades, it only makes sense she can recognize that I am not a living being."
"I take it he's mentioned me?"
"You are the daughter of the Great Prophecy. Of course he has." Bihalia replied icily. "My parents are Niklaus and Patricia Mikaelson, of the original family of vampires." Bianca took a step back. "And the reason you cannot tell what I am is because I was never truly human. My brother and I were born after my parents had turned."
Bianca looked at her for a second longer, before turning her gaze onto Will. "Are you fucking stupid?"
His eyes widened, full of shock and anger. "Hey! Don't you judge me for shit you don't get."
"She's a monster, William!" In an instant rage he rose to his feet. "We kill monsters."
"She's not a monster." He growled back. His fingers twitched in the direction of his bracelet, which Bianca knew turned into a magnificent golden bow. "Call her that again. I dare you."
"It's fine, darling. Relax." Bihalia said, stepping between her boyfriend and Bianca. "I've been called worse, and her thoughts are not unfounded. You know I have blood on these hands of mine, and you love me in spite of it. What she thinks does not matter to me nor should it matter to you."
"Let's all take a breath." Chiron said softly. "Bianca, Will, please sit back down. We have to be moving along." Reluctantly they all took their seats, but Bianca didn't miss the way the son of Apollo rubbed his arm right above the magical trinket that adorned it. "Bianca, are you familiar with the name Sally Jackson?"
Her eyes shifted to the centaur curiously. "Poseidon's daughter. She was supposed to be the child of the prophecy but she killed herself." A thought that had crossed her own mind, Bianca could not deny it. If not for her brother she would likely have done it ages ago, but Nico was more important than any suffering she could ever hope to avoid.
"Indeed." Chiron met her eyes and the hairs on her arms stood. Somehow he had a knack of leaving the impression that he knew exactly what she was thinking at all times. "Tragic as the story you know is, the true tale is far worse. You see, Lord Kronos at the time gathered just enough power to possess the body of a mortal man for a brief period of time in order to ensure not only that the prophecy would turn in his favor, but also to create a weapon. He raped Sally, and she became pregnant with his child."
Nausea threatened to overcome her, and a silent prayer of gratitude filled her mind that the Titan Lord had never resorted to such means with her.
"What's this have to do with her?" Bianca asked, shrugging in the vampire's direction.
"Well you see Sally knew she could not allow her child to be used as a pawn in this war, so she begged her father for help. Lord Poseidon called on a favor from Hecate, goddess of magic, to hide his granddaughter in a way that no one would ever find her. So Hecate harnessed the girl's powers as a daughter of Kronos, and sent her through time. She hoped that by the time Kronos was ready to make his move the girl would be long dead and forgotten."
A picture started forming in the daughter of Hades' mind. "So Sally's daughter is a vampire?"
"Indeed." Bihalia said. "She's my mother, if we're to be precise. One of the Originals."
Bianca searched the centaur's face looking for signs of a hoax. "So not only is she a legacy of Poseidon and Kronos' daughter, but she's also one of the oldest vampires in the world? Well that's just great. Let me guess, you want me to go bring her to camp so Kronos doesn't get her. Why can't she do that?" She gestured distastefully at Bihalia.
"Luke showed up at Halley's house today. That's why she's here." Will snapped. "Because Kronos is looking for her mom, and he has her family in his sights, and you are the only gods damned person who faced him and lived. So would you get your head out of your ass and help?"
"Bianca, I know these are unusual circumstances to say the least, but think of what the consequences would be if Kronos recruited this woman. It could be devastating." Chiron implored, his tone almost pleading.
"My mother has no tolerance for abusive men. She would never willingly help a rapist." Bihalia said, looking Bianca dead in the eye. "But she is also unendingly loyal to the ones she loves. If she feels he can better protect our family she will not refuse him. You have to make her an offer of safety, make certain she has no reason to aid his cause. Please."
Bianca raised a brow. It was the most human thing she had heard from the vampire until now, and it made her want to hear more. Only a little. "Why can't you just do it?"
"She'd never allow her children to protect her." The vampire explained. "I'll never know if it's a matter of ego, or of distrust, or just good old maternal instincts. But if I come to her with this she'll whisk me away and hear nothing of it."
A deep sigh escaped Bianca's mouth. "So just so we're clear I'm supposed to make one of the most powerful beings in the world feel safe and protected so she'll stay on our side. You can see how that logic is a little screwed up, right?"
"It will work." Bihalia said firmly. "I can sense it. I don't know how, but I just know. You are meant to convince my mother. It's a matter of fate."
"Patricia Mikaelson currently resides in a small town in Virginia called Mystic Falls." Chiron spoke softly, as if testing the waters knowing Bianca was prone to explode at any minute. "We don't expect her to come with you immediately, but it is crucial that you win her over."
"When do I leave?" Bianca sighed in resignation.
"I think you mean we, darling. You didn't honestly think I was just here as a messenger, did you?"
The daughter of Hades looked at Will, and then turned her gaze to his girlfriend. They seemed to be quite serious. "I work best alone." Bianca said softly. If only that were the truth, rather than the fact that no one wanted to work with her.
"Well that's just perfect, you'll fit right in with the family." Bihalia said. "My mother will kill you on sight if you go without me. You need me, and Will comes with the package."
The daughter of Hades snorted. "Trust me, Will is not the one I have a problem with here."
The son of Apollo growled softly, and Chiron clapped his hands together. "Alright. You have a few hours to make arrangements, and then we'll have Argus take you to a bus station in town."
The vampire laughed. " Do you honestly think I travel by bus? Have him take us into the city, we'll take my car. And if you lot are superbly unlucky you'll even get to meet my father."
New York
"You're angry."
Klaus threw a withering glare at his elder brother, still perched comfortably on the edge of a cushy armchair.
Bihalia had left soon after the Titan King, claiming she had to warn people of his presence in the city. The hybrid had been quite determined that she stay and explain, but his daughter had pleaded to leave and return with answers. She too had many unanswered questions, and she would come back with less of them. Klaus conceded, of course. He had never quite mastered the art of saying no to his daughter. But now that she had left his rage was directed at his brother alone, the words of Kronos ringing clearly in his ears. Patricia was awake.
"No Elijah, I'm not angry. I'm betrayed. I'm raging. I'm highly tempted to toss you in a box so you'll learn the lesson of what happens to those who go behind my back!"
"I have not betrayed you, Klaus. I woke your wife. I brought back the mother of your children, the only member of our family you have not disposed of." Elijah spat the reminder bitterly, and Klaus was jolted once more with the realization that his brother truly thought him a monster. Elijah hadn't even hesitated in believing his fib. The lack of faith would never cease to hurt him.
"I disposed of them for a reason." He snapped back. If his own flesh and blood thought him a monster, what was he to do if not play the part? "I simply grew sick of those who held me back." Elijah rose to his feet. "And what of it? You want me to pay? Is that why you woke her before I intended? As a pawn in your vengeful plot against me?"
The hybrid did not miss the way Elijah's expression hardened, to any other a perfect poker face. But Klaus knew him well enough that he was making conscious efforts to hide the nerves he had touched. There was a terrible truth in his words, a plot to be uncovered, and Patricia had a part to play whether knowingly or not.
"I want to speak with her." Klaus stated, stepping forward as his patience waned. "Give me your phone."
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that, Klaus." Elijah said, walking away from his brother.
"Why not? Too scared she'll spill all your little secrets to me?"
"No well you see, ever paranoid as she is, your wife refuses calls from unrecognized numbers. And unfortunately for the both of us she has ceased to return my calls." The elder said, turning to face his younger brother once more.
Klaus' heart skipped a beat if only for a second. Clearly nothing happened to her, otherwise Elijah would be by her side, not to mention how callously he mentioned the unanswered calls, which only left him with one option. Elijah had done something quite unforgivable to Patricia. The hybrid approached slowly, the deafening worry in his head silenced only by the red hot rage that he felt.
"What did you do to her, Elijah?" He growled menacingly. "How much pain did you cause my woman to make your voice unbearable to her?"
"We had a disagreement, it should not be of any concern to you."
"Well I have to disagree with you on that, brother." He spat the word like a curse. A curse indeed, he thought to himself. So much agony caused in the name of this wretched family. "My wife, my business."
Elijah glared back at him. Klaus had approached near enough that his elder towered over him slightly. If not for his rage he might have been intimidated by the look on Elijah's face. "If I am not mistaken it was Patricia who lost a century's worth of time, not you. Women are no longer one's property, Klaus, though I'm sure it still comes as a surprise to you."
"I'm not talking about voting rights, Elijah. I'm talking about my right to speak to my wife. You can't keep me from her."
His elder brother scowled harshly at him. "She is my sister. What right did you have to keep her from me all of these long years?"
"Your opinions are of no consequence here. Now I demand that you let me speak to her or I assure you that 95 years shall seem insignificant in comparison to all the long years I shall leave you to rot." Klaus was growing quite weary from this conversation. Elijah had fair points, he always did. But in the end none of it held anything to the fact that she was his wife, his love, and though he'd never admit it his heart ached with the desire to hear her voice again.
"Threats do not help you to make your point. My answer remains the same."
"Well it's a good thing I'm through with asking your permission then." The hybrid growled out through teeth grit together so hard it was a miracle they did not crack.
The brothers had come to blows many times over the centuries, beginning with their shared affections for Tatia, and onto the string of dead lovers Klaus left in his brother's wake. But never had it been quite like this, the two estranged for decades, fighting not as brothers, rather as strangers do. There was no familial affection buried under the surface, no amends to be made over drinks when the battle was done. Even as he attacked Klaus looked into his brother's eyes, and he saw no mercy, no empathy. No love lost between them anymore. No hope in Elijah's eyes, and that above all was what broke his invincible heart.
Mystic Falls
It had been a good day, Patricia thought to herself as she settled comfortably on her plush couch, a glass of wine in hand, after her venture into the Gilbert home. She had gained the trust of a most valuable human, and gathered a great deal of information. Her long years had taught her that this is what true power meant.
In time she knew she would become the most valuable player in this match as she always strived to be when it came to their family feuds. The brothers clawing at each other's throats, using her over and over again, thinking her but a pawn as she made her way down the line to expose her true nature, her power.
Once upon a time, centuries ago, she had longed for the recognition of the men in her life, their admittance to her superiority; their respect. But with time she came to realise that true power was not in the known. It was within the secrets that she carried, the timelessness of the knowledge she held over them all. In the end they would all come together at her feet.
Patricia hadn't always craved to control her loved ones, unlike her husband whose desire for power overcame him soon into the beginning of their immortal lives. It had taken years of unrequited love and abuse, a thought that brought her no joy.
It was unfortunate indeed, how dark her thoughts had been since her awakening. The loneliness of her halls and the emptiness in her house left her with an aching pain ever since her falling out with Elijah. She had longed for so long for anyone to share her mind with, and Jenna, though an unknowing pawn, had helped ease the painful ebb of her depression. Perhaps her neighbour would prove to be more than just a means to an end. Perhaps she could even be a friend.
The golden eyed Original found herself at a rare loss. How poor in company must she be to seek the affections and comforts of mortals? How desperate had she become that this human girl, this pitiful young woman, was of intrigue to her? How much damage had Elijah caused to her psyche, known to her or otherwise?
Over the course of their long lives she had always forgiven Elijah for his misdeeds, as had he in turn forgiven her. But Elijah had always forgiven Niklaus as well, and yet here she found herself torn between her beloved brother who for all means and purposes had been the patriarch of the Original family over all of time, and her husband. Her cruel, hurtful, wonderful, loving, untrusting man, who was and always would be her one and only love. A thousand years she had not strayed from Niklaus' side, Patricia had always known she would not be able to aid Elijah's cause, no matter how prettily he begged.
Family above all was not a fiction of the past to her as it was to her family members. Of course she craved power over them, how could she not? A woman subject to her husband's monarchy could only stand so much before reaching her untimely limit. The Original family would always answer to one, the test of time had proved this many a times. Perhaps, Patricia mused, it was time for a change in leadership. Maybe she would be the one to unite them all.
Her phone rang, startling her from her thoughts. It was Elijah, yet again. However unlike the previous times he had called, she felt a calm determination spread throughout her body. She would be used no more. He was hers to play. With a slight tremor in her hand, whether excited or nervous she could not tell, she picked up the phone.
"What the bloody fuck has you ringing me day and night Elijah? Has my silence not been enough to clue you in on the fact that I don't fucking want to talk to you?"
She was met with silence on the other end.
"You have nothing to say, of course you don't you self righteous bastard. Nothing could bring me to forgive the god awful things you said to me. Your behaviour was wretched. Mother would be harshly disappointed with you."
She expected the mention of their mother to get a rise out of him, but still there was no response. Patricia felt an ebb of annoyance, followed by distrust. Elijah had been calling her for weeks. What motivation could he have to remain silent.
"Alright then, I'm going to have to assume that this is not Elijah." Her voice was ice cold, but in her undead heart panic stirred. Where was he? And what had happened to him?
"Sharp as the blade of a dagger, as always, my love." The phone nearly dropped from her hand in shock. A thousand emotions coursed through her like poison. A hundred years since his last betrayal, she at least expected to be able to hit him before having to confront the complexity of her emotions. But here he was again, taking her by surprise, stealing her breath away and making her ache.
"Niklaus." His name made her chest ache and her head hurt, and if it hadn't been so long since she'd cried, Patrifcia could have sworn that the warmth in her eyes was the sensation of tears waiting to fall.
"Hello, my sweet love." He said, and in her mind's eye she swore she could see his lopsided smile. "I think it's time we have a little chat."
Her eyes closed shut, her heart felt like it could burst, and if she opened her mouth Patricia knew she would unleash an unnatural scream. As she stood there, phone in hand, pain in heart, she tried to recall the day she died, and couldn't help but wonder if she had ever felt so bad. And then the tears began to fall.
A.N.
It's been so long it's been actual years. Incredible that the muse struck up again. If anyone is still reading this, thank you. If not, at least I get to enjoy it.