I looked into Michael's eyes. I had never been more afraid in my life. When I was undead I would have welcomed death, but now I have so much to lose. I was still so exhausted, but I found the will to stand up. Michael scoffed at me. He must have seen my feeble attempt of defending my children. I hated that he was right. How could I defend them? I didn't know how I would will my body to fight, but for these children it would. There was no question about it. Michael said," Come on girl. I don't have to kill you. I don't concern myself with the whore."

"You seemed to concern yourself with Esther."

Every breath hurt, but it was worth the look on his face.

While he was distracted I grabbed the dagger that was beside my bed. I knew it wouldn't kill him, but he had the only stake that mattered and I needed him to drop it. We struggled for a few minutes. I wrestled the stake away from him. When I finally was back on my feet the stake was now in my hands. He saw this and went for the children. I felt disoriented and I ran towards the children. I didn't notice that he had picked up the blade. He sliced open my stomach, and I dropped the stake. Then he grinned from ear to ear. The last thing I saw was that grin fade away when Klaus plunged the white oak stake into his heart from behind. Michael and I both fell to the ground. I was losing a lot of blood. Klaus ran to me, but I knew he was too late. I was already slipping. I was slipping into oblivion.

Then I woke up under that same tree sitting next to Kol. I was confused. The children were no longer playing. It was just me and Kol. I was so happy to see him, but I knew if I could see him then I must be dead. The idea of never seeing my children or Klaus again soured this moment. Kol seemed to understand what I was thinking. I wanted to be gladder about seeing him, but I knew what this meant. Then Kol said," You're not dead yet. You're kind of in a between state. I'm sure Klaus will revive you."

I asked," And if he doesn't."

"I won't have my child growing up without both parents."

"Kol, how are you still here. The other side is gone."

"Well this could all just be your imagination, but…"

"But what?"

"When I found at there was no other side I took some precautions. I did some magic and created a footing in your world. I created it for all of us."

"What do you mean?"

"Only my family can cross into it. I did this so I could still see Nickol and all of you."

"So I will come here when I die."

"Until you find peace. So go back to Klaus. Nickol's not ready for this yet."

"Kol….can you ever come back?"

He smiled and kissed me. I didn't resist this time. I couldn't help it. I still loved him.

"Darling, you can only cheat death so many times."

Then I woke up in my bed. The cut on my stomach was gone. I felt so weak, but I got up and checked on the children. They were fast asleep. I saw Klaus in the corner with a sullen look on his face. I saw he had disposed of Michael's body. Michael was finally gone, and I knew that no matter how much they hated each other Klaus will always miss him. He'll miss what they never had. Then Klaus began to speak. He said," I'm so sorry Olivia. I gave you my blood, but it was too late. I couldn't save you before your heart stopped."

I asked," What?"

"I'm afraid you're in transition."

"I'm….a vampire."

"Not yet."

I knew what he was going to say. I had to drink human blood to become a vampire. I had just had the life that I wanted. I just had my babies. I wanted to grow old and have grandchildren. I walked out of the house. I was glad that Klaus didn't follow me. I needed time to think. I needed to get away. I started to talk to myself." I can't be a vampire again. What if I try to hurt my children?"

Then someone said," You could never do that."

I turned around and Kol stood behind me.

I asked," How?"

"You're still between life and death, so you can see me."

"So that's the only way I can see you?"

"You…yes. Some witches have noticed me."

"Kol, I don't think I can be a vampire again."

"Of course you can because now you will become their mother and protector. In life you saved them, and in afterlife you shall continue."

"But if I give up now Klaus can keep them safe, and I bet he can do it better without me screwing it up. I'm tired Kol. Why can't I just be with you?"

Kol choked up," I love you Olivia, but I know you're not mine to have. You have always belonged to Klaus. I know we will always have something, but I could never compare to my brother for you. Please don't make this more of a tragedy than it already is. Without you I don't think Klaus can go on."

I knew he was right about everything. I couldn't give up my children. I couldn't leave Klaus. I loved him more than the air I used to breathe. I found a late night jogger and I drank his blood. Luckily this was not new to me, and I didn't kill him. I was afraid it would be like starting over, but it wasn't. Then I looked back at Kol and he slowly faded away. I knew he was still there, but I hated that I couldn't see him. So I walked back home to see Klaus eagerly waiting on me. I told him everything, except Kol. That part was just for me and Kol. I went upstairs with Klaus to look at my children. We stood over their crib in amazement. I asked," Why isn't Henrik in his own crib?"

Klaus smiled," He wouldn't sleep without her beside him."

"The house will never be quiet again."

Klaus smirked, "Like it ever was before."

Then I looked at Nickol. She startled awake. I thought she was going to cry, but she just stared off into the distance and smiled. Then I remembered what Kol said. Some witches could still see him. Kol would always be by her side to comfort her. That was the moment I knew everything would be okay. Family could withstand everything. Henrik and Nickol would grow up to be amazing people. Klaus and I would always be there to protect them. I would get my eternity with Klaus. I had everything I could ever want. Klaus leaned over and kissed me. It was perfectly sweet and I melted in his arms. Then he said," Olivia, will you marry me?" I was so speechless that all I did was nod my head. I kissed him with the most passion I could create in this moment in time. I was now complete.

THE END

(There will be a sequel soon called Original Bond)