Revenge or Caroline. Revenge or his…his…Caroline.

"Niklaus…" Rebekah yelled.

Chapter 17

Klaus stared into the Caroline's graying face. Her soft bright skin was desiccating, her golden hair starting to lose its luster. Her light was dimming. She was fading. The light that he thought he lost a long time ago was dimming. She was almost gone. Klaus looked into the ghost of what used to be Caroline, and closed his eyes. He loosened his hold on Marcel. Marcel grinned and flashed away in victory.

Klaus watched Marcellus run away like the coward that he was. Anger was boiling over inside of him. He was so close to finally getting rid of his progeny. The wolf inside of him was itching for vengeance. He needed to sate the fire inside of his belly. He needed blood. Klaus tossed the tables and chairs that were left standing around, shredding the wood into splinters and ash.

"Niklaus…" Rebekah shouted again. She held onto the graying vampire and shook her head at the grotesque display of violence that his brother displayed. Caroline's color started to come back. Rebekah got up and stepped back giving the reviving vampire space. The dryness of her throat was suffocating her. Her lungs started to rattle inducing a cession of coughing and gaging. She got up slowly after regaining some of her muscle function. Caroline cleared her throat, "Klaus…what happened…"

Klaus paused his destructive exercise and turned his head. He saw the bewildered look in his love's face. He calmed himself down and walked towards her slowly. He needed those few seconds to calm the fury that was inside of him. "We failed…Marcellus linked himself to you…I couldn't kill him…" He bent down on his knees and placed his hand on the side of her cheek. He caressed her soft skin.

Caroline lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry Klaus…"

Klaus lowered his hand and clenched his teeth. He knew she was sorry, but a part of him wondered. "Are you, love?" He got up abruptly.

Rebekah was silent. She was always weary of Caroline's intentions, but Nik always seemed to be sure until now.

Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Of course I am, Klaus. How could you say that?" She got up and walked towards him.

Klaus remained silent, his eyes cold and stoic.

"What is that supposed to mean? I want this just as bad as you do?" Caroline repeated.

Klaus put his hands behind his back. "Time shall tell."

Caroline exhaled deeply. The tension in the bar was suffocating her. "This is not going to work if you don't trust me Klaus…"

Klaus walked towards her slowly. "I do trust you Caroline…I just want to know how he knew?"

Rebekah's phone vibrated. She looked at the caller id. Stefan. She flashed away and answered it.

Caroline opened and closed her mouth. "What…?"

"How did he know what we were planning…?" Klaus said darkly.

"How am I supposed to know?" Caroline said slightly irritated.

"Marcel linked himself to you…why would he do that Caroline..?" Klaus said harshly, his accent highlighting every syllable in her name.

"I don't know…" She said threw her teeth.

"The only people who knew what we were planning were Rebekah, Ripper, Genevieve, Sophie Devereux, you and…" Klaus said.

"Davina…" Caroline closed her eyes. "No…she wouldn't do this…" Caroline shook her head.

Klaus smirked. "Why wouldn't she…?"

"Klaus…" Caroline whispered. She knew that tone. She did not like where he was going. "Klaus…she would not do this…she wouldn't do this to me…she's my daughter she wouldn't hurt me…"

"Wouldn't she…the past shows otherwise…"

"She's confused and hurt…." Caroline uttered, her throat was starting to tighten under her.

"She's also a very powerful weapon…"

"A weapon…" Caroline's eyes watered. "What are you saying Klaus…?"

"She's dangerous…"

"She's also a child…" Caroline insisted.

Klaus remained silent.

"Klaus…she's my child…" Caroline said as she walked up to him. She was inches away from his face. His lips make a tighten wince. "Klaus…promise me you won't hurt…"

Klaus did not respond. Caroline took his hand and placed it on top of her beating heart. Klaus stiffened. The closeness of her body was weakening his reserve. "Caroline…" He whispered.

Caroline pressed his hand on her chest. "Klaus…please don't break my heart any more then you already have…" Caroline's voice was uneven her eyes glistened with tears that were threatening to escape.

"Caroline…I…" Klaus began.

"Promise me…you will save her…as if…as if…"

"As if what, love?" Klaus said with a slight frown.

Caroline bit her lip. She closed her eyes for a second. "As if she were yours…" She slowly opened her eyes.

"Mine?"

"Yes…as if she was your family." Caroline whispered.

"I…I…" Klaus started to say.

"Nik…Caroline …Stefan called there is something going on with Sophie…" Rebekah said as she walked in on what looked like a couple's embrace.

Klaus closed his mouth. Relief flooded his senses, he would be eternally grateful for his sister's inopportune timing. Caroline stepped back as she felt Klaus pull back. Fear was filling her soul, she wouldn't let Klaus hurt their daughter.

Caroline pushed her fears aside for the moment. "What's wrong with Sophie? Is she alright?" Caroline said as she flashed in front of Rebekah.

"She's getting weaker. Stefan tried to feed her his blood but she refused." Rebekah said.

Caroline nodded. She turned to look back and saw indifference on Klaus' face, it pained her to her core. "Thanks Rebekah…where is she?"

"She's in the plantation…"

"What? Why?" Caroline asked.

"For now. It's the safest place…" Klaus said firmly.

Caroline studied his voice it was cool and calculating. "I hope so." She said before she flashed away.

"What the hell was that about?" Rebekah said as she placed her hands on her hips.

"I don't know what you mean, Bekah." Klaus said coldly.

"Nik…she is trying to bring back Kol…threatening her daughter isn't the way to win her favor."

"Bekah…"

"I may not like Caroline but I know she's loyal and will fight to defend hers. "

"That's what I'm worried about."

"What do you mean, Nik?"

"Kol is a Mikaelson."

"Nik…if you don't trust her why are we doing this?"

"Bekah…" Klaus closed his eyes for a moment. His head was pounding.

"We can find another way."

"We need the witches on our side if we are ever going to get Elijah and Kol back."

"What about Davina..?"

"What about her?"

Rebekah frowned.

"Family above all." Klaus said.

Rebekah had a sick feeling in her stomach. "Always and Forever."

Caroline arrived at the plantation in record time. She opened the door and walked in to the old house. Memories started to flood her reminding her of the first time she arrived in New Orleans.

Caroline was tired of running. She was a constant target. After she absorbed Silas' magical power she was on the run from every supernatural creature. News of a vampire that had the powers of a witch spread like wild fire. She was the target of many, vampires and witches alike. The balance of power was skewed to her favor and that was unnatural, it was sought after by those foolish enough to try. Caroline killed many to save herself. She defended herself from death, but there was a price she paid every time she saw the life being extinguished from her victims. It darkened her soul a lot bit. She needed help. She needed protection. She needed to stop running. It was not good for her or her unborn child. In a few months she could no longer hide her pregnancy. She knew if anyone could help her it was Klaus. He was the most powerful being in the world. He would help especially if he knew he was going to be a father. At least she hoped he would.

The minute she arrived at the borders of New Orleans she felt the magical pull of the ancient witches. She felt relief. Her child would not be alone witches always took care of their own. She just hoped they would accept her even when they found out who her father was. She walked through Bourbon Street looking for a sign of the originals. She found out from one of her contacts that Klaus had fled to New Orleans shortly after Silas arrived to Mystic Falls. She hoped he was still there. She saw his city. It was just as he described art, culture, and genuine beauty. There was an energy that exhilarated her supernatural senses. She took out her phone and checked the address her contact gave her. She flashed over and stood admiring the plantation house. It was as pretty as she imagined. The plantation house was a 3-story structure that was surrounded by woods and trees; there was a row of pillars that held metal sconces that held medieval torches. They were lite illuminating the path to the gigantic structure. There was a regal air about it. It was frozen in time. Caroline smiled, it reminded her of Scarlett O'Hara on Tara. Caroline walked slowly every step matched by the pounding of her heart.

She walked in front of the massive wooden door. There was a knocker of a Wolf's head. She smiled. "Of course…" She grabbed the knocker and pounded on the door once, twice, and finally three times. She waited. No one came. She lifted her hand to knock again and hesitated. Every fiber in her being wanted her to flee. What was she doing there? What was she thinking? She closed her eyes and mustered an ounce of courage. She had no choice. She grabbed the massive oak door and pulled it open. She walked in and one by one the candelabras in the ceiling of every room turned on. "What the?" She looked back and saw the room brighten up. She was in the front parlor. A large fireplace was located in the end of the room. The walls were covered with faded wallpaper that was dated and torn. On the walls were art pieces that she knew he painted. The room was filled with chaises and tables that held mementos of a time long ago. She walked further and saw him. He was sitting on a throne holding a jeweled cane. On one side was Rebekah and on the other was Elijah. Her eyes were mesmerized, he had his signature smirk, it was both deadly and innocent. She leaned over to touch the painting when a pair of footsteps interrupted her.

"What are you doing here? You should not be here child. "

Caroline turned and saw an older dark skinned woman with a silk wrap on her head. "I…I'm looking for…"

The older woman raised her hand stopping her from finishing her sentence. "I know what you seek and he is not here."

"What?" Caroline said in confusion.

"You and your daughter are not safe here."

"What?" Caroline said shocked. "How did you know?"

"I am a seer. I know you are a vampire that possesses magic she does not know how to harness."

"I…I need help…"

"And why should I help you…you and your child are an abomination…"

Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Because I know that witches always help their own. "

"That may be…but you are no witch."

"No but my child is."

The older woman stepped forward. She concentrated and focused her minds eyes. She closed her eyes. She started to shake softly at first until her arms and legs were swinging violently.

Caroline's eyes opened wide. The older woman was about to fall on the floor. Caroline flashed forward and caught her before she fell. "Are you okay?"

The older woman opened her eyes. She got up quickly. "I saw her. Your daughter will be a very powerful witch. But she has a darkness in her that is not her own. If she is taught well she will be an important part of the circle of life, she will create and bring about a great peace but if she is allowed to nurture her darkness she will be the death of us all."

"What? What does that mean?"

"I do not see anymore." The older woman said.

"How do I do that? What should I do?"

"You must take her to learn from a master of light magic. " The older woman said.

"How do I find this master?" Caroline said eagerly.

"She will find you." The older woman said. "Take this it will shield you and your child from those whose intentions are not pure. " She took off her amber pendent and gave it to Caroline.

Caroline hesitantly took it. "How do I know this is not a trick? How do I know this won't hurt her?" She said as she rubbed her flatten belly.

"I saw your heart. I know you will always do what is best for her."

Caroline looked at the pendant and felt an energy in her hands. She looked up," Than…"

The woman was gone. Caroline turned around and stared at the painting a moment longer. She placed her index and middle finger on her lip and closed her eyes giving her fingers a deep kiss. She placed her kissed fingers on portrait of her last love's crimson mouth. "I will find you."

A pair of dark eyes watched with interest. He smirked. "Interesting."

She quickly flashed away sensing something was closing in on her.

"Caroline…"

Caroline looked up and braced herself. He rushed in and gave her a giant hug. "Stefan…"

"I was so worried…" He said as he peeled himself of his old friend. "What happened?"

"I don't know…Marcel linked me with him and well…"

Stefan nodded. "At least you're okay."

Caroline rolled her eyes. "I don't know. Klaus thinks someone is spying on him for Marcel… he thinks it's me…or Davina…I don't know…"

Stefan frowned for a second. "What? Why would he think that?"

Caroline shrugged. "You know Klaus…"

Stefan grunted. "Yeh..."

"How's Sophie…?"

"She's sleeping upstairs…" Stefan pointed up.

Caroline nodded. "Can you show me where she is?"

Stefan wrapped his arm around Caroline and led her upstairs. They were halfway up the winding stairs before the front door busted open. Stefan and Caroline turned. Stefan smiled walking towards the Mikaelsons' and Caroline stayed on the step holding onto the banister.

"Stefan…" Rebekah said as she walked in with a kool aid smile on her face.

"Are we interrupting anything mate?" Klaus chimed in, his eyes were dark and untrusting

Stefan ignored the hybrid's jealous rant and wrapped his arms around his blond vixen. "Are you alright, Bekah?"

Rebekah smiled and returned his hug holding him as if her life depended on it.

Caroline eyed the hybrid for a moment there was so much that was left unsaid. She looked into his eyes and saw concern in them.

"How is the young witch?" Klaus said finally.

"I was about to go see her, where is she staying?" Caroline said as she cleared her throat.

Klaus smirked. "Allow me." He flashed over and was next to her side in a blink of an eye. She smiled when he offered his arm. Even in the mist of arguing he was charming. She nodded and allowed herself to submit to him.

They walked up the stairs and down the darken hall. "Love can I…explain…"

Caroline closed her eyes, her senses were being flooded with his worries, his doubts and his desire; it was maddening. She closed her eyes and suppressed his thoughts deep down into her soul. "Klaus…I can't do this right now…can we talk about this after…"

Klaus was filled with disappointment but he knew it was best. "Okay…Sophie's room is the last room on the right."

Caroline nodded and started to walk away. She stopped when she felt Klaus' hand on her arm. Caroline waited.

"I am glad you're okay, love." Klaus dropped his hand to his side.

Caroline nodded and flashed away.

"Sophie…" Caroline said as she flashed in front of Sophie's sleeping form.

Caroline walked into the light pastel yellow room. There was a dark bureau on the other side of the room and a small closet. Sophie rested on a full sized bed covered in a lavender colored sheet. Caroline pulled an oversized solitary chair next to the bed as quiet as she could, she did not want to disturb the sleeping witch. She reached over and grabbed Sophie's hand giving it a soft squeeze. Caroline bent down and placed a kiss on her hand. "I am so sorry…I didn't mean for any of this to happen…I am so sorry…"

"Caroline…" Sophie said as she coughed out the sounds.

Caroline opened her eyes and nearly jumped back. "Sophie…you're okay…" Caroline leaned forward and gave her friend an unexpected hug.

Sophie smiled and hugged her friend back until her coughing began again.

Caroline pulled back and stood in front of her paralyzed with fear. Caroline knew what death looked like and it was surrounding her friend. "Sophie why won't you take some of my blood I'll heal you…"

"No…it's too late for me…" She said in between coughs.

"Don't say that… there has to be a way…" Caroline said pleading.

Sophie sat up on the bed. "Caroline listen to me…while I was sleeping I had a vision…"

Caroline nodded and sat down on the chair.

"Davina's aura is darkening…you need to save her before it's too late…"

Caroline nodded as tears were falling down her face.

"You need to save her…" Sophie said pleading.

"I know…but how…?" Caroline said softly.

"Only family can help her…"

Caroline narrowed her eyes. "Family…?" Caroline started to blink back the fear that was threatening to surround her. "How…?"

Sophie smile she grabbed Caroline's hand. Caroline closed her eyes and saw a light lift form Sophie's body. The light disappeared into the earth. Lightning and thunder rumbled through the land shaking the trees. Davina's face was darkening around her, she was laughing and waving her hands in the air. One by one witches, wolves and vampires started to drop convulsing in pain. The earth was drenched in blood and tears until the trees around them started to dry and turn to ash. The sun darkened leaving an endless night behind.

Caroline's eyes opened suddenly. "Davina…."

Sophie's dark locks lightened to streaks of silver and white. "You know what you have to do…"

Caroline shook her head. "No…if I do…you'll die…I can't…please there has to be another way…please…"

Sophie started to cough again. She stopped and stared at her hand.

Caroline closed her eyes. "No…"

"Caroline…."

Caroline turned around and saw Klaus followed by Stefan and eventually Rebekah. "Love are you alright…I smelled blood…"

Caroline hugged herself. "It's not mine. "

They turned and stared blankly at the dying witch. "What happened?" Rebekah asked.

Sophie held her chest. "There is no time. Caroline promise me…promise me my death will not be in vain….promise me…"

Caroline closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. "Yes…"

Sophie placed her weak hand on Caroline's arm. "Care…swear on the blood of the ancestors."

Klaus narrowed his eyes.

Caroline nodded. She reached into her boot and took out the silver dagger. She gave it to Sophie. She took the dagger and tore into her palm. She gave Caroline the dagger. Caroline sliced into her palm, drops of blood starting to slide down her palm. Sophie stretched her bleeding hand. Caroline placed her hand in hers and squeezed it. A golden light surrounded the two hands. The light encircled Sophie. Sophie started to chant, her eyes became completely void of all color. Sophie stopped and turned to Caroline. Caroline nodded, "I swear by the sun and the moon your will-will be done…So I will it so mote it be…." Caroline started to shake, her body was being filled with the light. Caroline's body started to convulse, her arms and legs shaking uncontrollably.

Klaus wanted to flash to save her but could not. His legs were glued to the floor. Rebekah and Stefan tried to free themselves but could not. Klaus watched in horror as he saw Caroline being shaken around like a rag doll.

Caroline finally opened her eyes and fell on her knees. "Sophie…Sophie…" She got up and shook her friend. She was gone. Caroline held her friend and started to wail.

Klaus watched in horror. He wanted to comfort her but didn't know how. Stefan lowered his head and Rebekah turned and hugged him. Stefan turned and held Rebekah's hand. He looked into her eyes and she nodded in agreement. They gave Caroline one last look before they left. Klaus turned and followed suit. He closed the door quietly and leaned back on the adjacent door.

"Nik...maybe you should…" Rebekah started to say.

"I'm not leaving her…." He said through clenched teeth.

Rebekah let go of Stefan's hand and walked towards her brother. She stopped and placed a hand on his arm. Klaus looked up his eyes as cold as ice. Rebekah leaned in and kissed her brother in the cheek. Klaus stiffened at the sudden touch. Rebekah turned to leave and Klaus held her hand. He placed a kiss on her knuckles saying, "I love you sweetheart."

Rebekah smiled, "I love you too even if you are an arse…" Klaus smirked shaking his head as his sister flashed away.

Klaus listen for Caroline's cries to stop. They were killing him crushing every cell in his body. He put his head back sliding down the wall onto his feet. He stayed there in a swat position for what seemed like hours.

Caroline finally emerged from the room. She had the body of Sophie in her arms carrying her like a mother would an ailing child. "We don't have any more time…"

"Love…are you alright…?" Klaus said as his eyed opened wide. There was something different about her. She was stronger somehow. "What's going on?"

"Do you have Kol's body?" Caroline said shortly.

"Yes…it's in the basement…why?"

"Bring his body to the living room."

"What…love what is going on…?" Klaus demanded.

"Just do it." Caroline said firmly.

Klaus wanted to protest but knew he should not. "Okay…what else do you need?"

"Eight candles, salt and oak ash. "

"Oak ash?" Klaus asked.

"Niklaus Mikaelson…" Caroline bellowed. "I made an oath to Sophie and so help me …"

Klaus raised his arms in surrender. "Okay…okay…"

"Bekah…Ripper…" He said as he flashed down the stairs.

To his surprise everything they needed was already there. Klaus opened and closed his mouth.

Caroline placed Sophie gently on the floor. "Rebekah place a candle on the north, east, south and west of Sophie. "

Rebekah nodded and placed each candle on its magical point.

"Klaus place a candle on the north, east, south and west of Kol."

Klaus nodded and placed the candles as he was told. Caroline grabbed the salt and made a large circle around the two bodies. Caroline chanted and one by one the candles started to light on their own.

Stefan turned his head and watched in awe.

Caroline raised her hands and started to chant. The candle's flames started to dance side to side. Caroline smiled. "The ancestors are with us."

Rebekah rolled her eyes.

Caroline turned to her and said, "If you don't believe then this will not work…"

Rebekah huffed. "Fine…"

Caroline bent down and placed a kiss on Sophie's forehead. "Be free…" She whispered. Caroline reached into the witch's body and tore her heart out of her chest. She got up and walked towards Kol's body slowly. She crushed the heart in her hands and allowed the blood to fall on his chest. Caroline placed the remains of the heart next to Sophie. She turned and grabbed the oak ash and placed it on Kol's body.

Caroline turned to Klaus and Rebekah, "Drop a few drops of your blood on the oak ash. " One by one they bit into their palms and allowed the blood to cover the ash. Caroline said her final chant. The room darkened. The candles extinguished themselves.

Klaus searched around. He used his hybrid hearing to listen. "Caroline…Bekah…Ripper…" Nothing.

"Nik…" Rebekah said.

"Klaus…"Stefan answered.

"Love…?" He turned his head, he felt a pair of soft hands on the middle of his back.

"Bloody hell…did it work…?" Rebekah asked as she tried to look for the light switch.

Klaus held on to Caroline's hand. "Stefan check the bloody fuse…"

Suddenly the lights went on.

Klaus' eyes opened wide. "Kol…"

"Hello brother…" Kol said grinning like a mad man. "You missed me…"