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Chapter 15
"Monsters are real, ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes they win." –Stephen King
"Alba, sweetie, will you come here." My mother asks softly as I hurry to her on the couch. I quickly crawl up and lay my head on her extended belly moving my tiny hands over the smooth stretch of skin.
"Is the baby talking?" I ask listening closely for any signs that my baby sister is inside. I hear my mother chuckle as she runs her hand through my long curls.
"No baby, I just wanted to see your pretty face." She coos causing me to rest my chin on her belly as I grin up at her. I see her eyes sadden as she sighs. "You look so much like your father." I frown.
"No mommy, I want to look like you." I say tapping her belly for emphasis.
"You don't like that you look like your daddy?" She asks curiously while I shake my head furiously.
"It makes you sad," I watch her gasp in surprise. "I don't want to make you sad anymore mommy." I say wrapping my arms around her neck when she yanks me to her chest.
"You never make me sad baby," she whispers rubbing my back as I snuggle into her side. We sit like that for a long time before she speaks again. "Alba, did I ever tell you how special you are?"
"Every day," I giggle when she laughs.
"I mean really special." She says moving her head so she is peering down at me. "I know you don't understand it now, baby, but one day you will. You're going to be so strong and so intelligent. Even if I'm not here to see it, I want you to know I'm proud of you in every decision you make." She says making me look at her in confusion.
"Where are you going?" I ask, not comprehending what she's telling me.
"There's something else," she continues smiling softly, "when I'm not here anymore, I'm going to need you to be big girl, okay? I know it will be very hard at first, but you are going to have to take care of Danielle." She says rubbing her stomach fondly. I do the same thinking about what she is saying.
"Danny will be safe with me." I answer finally looking up at her in reassurance. "I'll protect her just like I'll protect everyone else." I nod watching the shock sweep over my mother's face.
"Why do you think you need to protect everyone Alba?" She asks as I sigh like she did earlier.
"Because mommy, that's what hero's do."
I don't wake with a start like I usually do. Nor do I hop out of bed or even make a fuss that I'm awake this early. The sun is just starting to rise and the clock on my nightstand is telling me it's only six. I stare at my ceiling in thought as my dream comes back to me or should I say memory. I would never tell anyone this, but I'm always left with an ache in my chest from the hole she left. I push it aside for Danny and the things in my life. Everyone has problems; it's my job to fix them, to keep them going, to push them when they feel like they have nothing left. It's my job to save people. It's what I do; it's what I'm good at.
With a sigh, I throw the covers off my bed and change my clothes. I need to take a walk to clear my head before the sleepy town of Mystic Falls awakens. I sneak down the hallway and check in on Danny to find her in a deep sleep. She looks so peaceful and it melts my heart until I notice the sickly tint to her skin and the way her face has sunken in. She looks worse, yet strangely beautiful at the same time. I close the door as quietly as possible before slipping out the door and taking off at a dead run towards the woods. I don't really think about where I'm going or what might be lurking in the shadows. I'm running away from it all, if just for a few hours. I don't want to think about being the original guardian or Danny dying or Damon Salvatore who I haven't seen since the ball or Stefan betraying me or the simple fact that I'm eighteen years old and I have no mother, no father, or a future. I have no future. For the first time in years, I really start to think.
All these other kids my age are worrying about what college they are going to and prom. Even the doppelgänger and her Scooby gang are planning a future yet at the rate I'm going, I'll be lucky to make it to graduation. How fair is that? How fair is that, after all the people I've saved, all the things I've sacrificed, I still don't get the luxury of dreaming about the future? I shake my head and run a little harder leaving it all behind me. I let my mind go blank while my legs carry me through the trees. I even close my eyes finding it more peaceful and easy this way. Just let my instincts guide me as I…plow right into a tree. I fall on my ass with a groan as I hold the side of my face.
"Alba?" I snap my eyes open in surprise as I look straight into the faces of the original family. Well the three I like anyways. Turns out I didn't hit a tree; I smashed my face against their front door.
"You know we have a doorbell, sweetheart?" Kol snickers as Rebekah smacks his arm. I give him thumbs up as Elijah quickly steps forward to help me up. I take his arm gratefully as he leads me inside. Its right around then that Klaus comes waltzing down the hall his attention on a book in his hands.
"Did Rebekah throw Kol over the banister again?" Klaus ask finally looking up noticing me. However, his eyes instantly hone in on Elijah's arm around my waist. "What is going on here?" He glares at Elijah and I's close proximity in hatred. I smirk satisfied at this. After he kissed me last night I threw him out letting him know he can't just get whatever he wants. I'm not Caroline Forbes and no way in hell will I be runner-up to the cheerleader. I'm nobody's second choice.
"It seems our dear guardian couldn't find the doorbell, so she used her face instead." Kol grins wickedly at me as I give him the bird. "I like a girl with fire." He winks making me chuckle despite myself.
"Well, in that case, let's get her a drink, shall we?" Klaus smirks throwing his book on a nearby table as he walks towards me. I roll my eyes when he smoothly wraps an arm around my waist and guides me away from Elijah. "If you're trying to make me jealous love, it's working." Klaus says lowly so his siblings can't hear.
"As hard as this is to believe Klaus not everything I do revolves around you." I whisper back-breaking away from his hold when we reach the parlor. I don't miss the clench in his jaw as he prepares the drink.
"So Alba, what happened?" Rebekah asks referring to my entrance. I rub my forehead as I walk around the place.
"I was going for a run and I guess I blacked out. I let my mind guide me and I ended up here." I shrug going over to the bookcase. "Not a big deal."
"Here you go darling," Klaus smiles handing me a glass full of whiskey. I don't waste time downing the whole thing. I let it burn its way down my throat before handing the empty glass back to Klaus and heading for the door.
"Thanks for the drink and everything, but I have to go. Danny will be up soon, I can't have her waking up to any empty house." I throw over my shoulder as I make a break for the door. However, Klaus and Kol flash in front of me as Rebekah and Elijah come up behind me.
"Sorry love, but you don't leave until you tell us what's going on." Klaus says crossing his arms as Kol does the same. I roll my eyes before turning to Rebekah and Elijah. They too are crossing their arms and waiting for me to answer.
"Nothing is wrong." I shake my head planting my hands on my hips.
"We know you're lying. We can feel it." Rebekah says walking to stand beside me as Elijah comes to stand on my other side.
"You're emotions are a mess right now." Elijah observes watching me closely as I raise an eyebrow.
"It's unnerving," Kol grits rubbing the back of his neck. I narrow my eyes as I finally look around at them all. They couldn't be more on edge and I have a feeling I'm the cause of it.
"Wait a minute. You guys can sense my emotions?" I ask incredulous. "Please tell me you're joking?"
"Trust me darling if we could change this, we would." Kol smirks without humor. He looks a mix of pissed and annoyed. "Now what is it that has you this way?"
"Or is it a who?" Klaus glares clenching his jaw so hard I'm afraid it will snap right off. "Tell us and we'll kill them." I can only gap in shock at their restless state. This is just too much for seven in the morning.
"Alright, I'm out." I raise my hands and shake my head moving around them. "I am fine. Do not kill anyone. I'm a big girl I can handle myself as you can see I've been doing it for years." I ramble opening the door and walking out, but before I leave completely I can't help and add one more thing. "Also, if I'm the original guardian shouldn't I be protecting you guys not the other way around?" I leave them to chew that over as I speed off towards home. It's only when I reach my front door that I feel it. The tingle in my gut that something is about to go down. And I have a sinking feeling it's only going to get worse from here.
The hospital is cold as Danny and I make our way inside. I can tell by the way her hand instinctively finds mine that she would rather be anywhere but here. I can't blame her. We've been in and out of hospitals since she was diagnosed with cancer. I know she's just tired of them, but I fear them. I fear that every time we walk into one, Danny may never find her way out of it.
"Well if it isn't my favorite girl!" Emily gushes as she comes around the counter to hug Danny. She's a nurse in her early twenties with dirty blond curls and the biggest heart I've seen since Danny was born. "How are you feeling, sweets?" She asks brushing some of Danny's hair behind her ear.
"I'm alright," Danny lies shrugging her shoulders. "I'm a little tired today." Emily frowns nodding her head.
"I bet you are." She sighs finally noticing me. "Hey Alba, you look gorgeous as always." She grins reaching in for a hug. I actually meet her half way as she squeezes me to her petite frame.
"I can't say it's good to see you Emily," I smile softly as she does the same.
"I know." She whispers releasing me from the hug. "Alright, let's get this over with, shall we?" She says holding out her hand towards Danny. I watch as Danny takes it with a sad smile. I thrust my hands into my pockets as I follow them down the hallway. Emily is making idle chit-chat, but Danny isn't having any of that today. Something is different. I knew the moment I walked into the house this morning that something was off. A part of me is hoping it's because today is chemo. "Okay sugar, just sit right here," Emily instructs as Danny lies back in a large comfy arm-chair. "This may pinch a little," she says as she sticks Danny with a needle. Danny doesn't even flinch she just stares blankly at the wall as Emily gets everything ready. It isn't long before she's finished and tucking a blanket around Danny's small body. "Okay, sweetie, I'll be back in later to check on you, alright?" She smiles as Danny nods her mind elsewhere. I frown at Danny's state as I follow Emily out of the room.
"Emily," I say catching her attention before she can walk away. She turns around sorrow in her eyes. She knows what I'm going to ask I can tell by the way her mouth pinches up. "Does Danny have a shot?" I ask her my voice steady, but my knees are trembling. "Do you think she can come back from this?"
"Alba," Emily said her voice thick, "I've been around patients like Danny before. Some of them come out of it others don't. It's hard to tell, but today is Danny's last session before the doctor gets her results. I would say just hope for the best." She nods and gives my hand a squeeze before disappearing around the corner. I stand there for a moment as I collect my bearings. I can't walk back in there and have Danny see that I'm falling apart. With one last deep breath, I pull myself together and walk inside.
I sit with Danny for the next three hours as the liquid drips into her body. We don't speak and if we do, it's about little things. There's something on her mind, but she's not in a sharing mood right now. I guess I wouldn't be either. When the three hours are finally up and Danny is unhooked from the tubes I can tell she's ready to go home.
"You ready to get out of here?" I ask as I push her in the wheelchair to our car. She's never up for walking after a session. It always leaves her weakened, but this time it seems to have taken every ounce of energy she had to even stand.
"Yeah, let's go home." She yawns leaning her head against the window exhausted. I start the car and pull out of the lot anything and everything running through my mind. Not only do I have the weight of Danny's survival on my shoulders, but I can't stop this nagging feeling that something is wrong. I was right when I said it would only get worse, now it feels like someone is punching me in the gut repeatedly. I'm so lost in my thoughts that I don't register that Danny is talking to me.
"What?" I ask looking over at her pale face. She's holding a hand over her mouth as she dry heaves.
"I'm going to be sick, get me out of here." She gags as I quickly pull into the Grill parking lot. It's packed for the evening rush as I quickly get Danny out of the car and tote her inside. It's loud and there are people everywhere as I move them with my mind to clear a path for us. I think I vaguely hear my name being called, but I don't pay it any attention as I get her to the bathroom. I barely have her hair pulled out of her face before she's throwing up in the toilet.
"It's okay," I soothe rubbing her back as her whole body quakes with the energy it's taking her to do this. I bite my lip when I can see and feel her protruding spine. She's skin and bones and nothing I do can stop it.
"I don't want to do this anymore, Alba." She cries tears' soaking her face as another heave racks her body.
"I know Danny, but it will be over soon." I coo referring to her vomiting. I wrap an arm around her stomach when she starts to slump to the floor. "Oh no, you don't." I say pulling her back to my chest as she falls into me resting her head on my shoulder. She's breathing heavily and I can feel her heart hammering under my hand.
"I can't do this anymore," she repeats causing a frown to turn down my lips.
"It's over Danny. You got through it," I motion to the flushing toilet. She just sighs placing her bony hands over mine.
"I mean I can't do any of it anymore, Alba." She chokes out making my whole body go frigid. "I don't want to be like this."
"Danny it will get better. I'm going to make sure it gets better." I tell her holding her a little closer.
"It's not going to get better Alba. I think it's time we faced the facts. I'm dying and I'm ready." It's not even a second after those words leave her mouth that I'm shaking my head.
"No. Absolutely freaking not, I don't know who you think raised you, but I know I did not raise you to be a quitter." I glare at nothing in particular. "You are not dying on my watch I will tell you that right now. And you do not give up." I finish the resolve clear in my voice. "I'm going to save you." I know with every fiber in my being that tonight I'm finding Ester.
"Alba…" Danny calls out weakly, but she's interrupted by the rapid taps on the door.
"Knock, knock!" I roll my eyes when Kol's face pops into view as he shuffles into the tiny space closely followed by Klaus.
"This is the lady's room," I say pointing to the sign just above their heads. They both smirk and from the stench of alcohol wafting off of them, they are drunk.
"When did I ever give you the impression that I follow the rules?" Kol asks before letting his eyes drift to Danny. It's in that moment I see an emotion pass through Kol that I never thought I'd see from him. Sadness.
"What's wrong?" Klaus is the first to speak up once the situation finally hits the both of them. He's moving forward, but I hold up my hand to stop him.
"It's okay," I hear Danny croak as she tries to stand, but she's too weak. With ease, I lift her into my arms. She's in a lot of pain, even the spell I put on us, isn't drawing out nearly as much pain as it should.
"Kol," I say once he finally looks up from his intense stare down with Danny. "Will you please take Danny home?" I ask as he nods almost immediately not bothering to wait for me to hand her over. He just goes right ahead and takes her as she slumps into him, her head on his shoulder. This would be a cute moment for her, but it's just heartbreaking to watch.
"Where are you going?" Kol asks his eyes narrowing in suspicion. I put on my best smirk and walk to the door.
"Now Kol, you're starting to sound like an overprotective boyfriend." I watch his lip twitch up in response to that, but he's not fooled.
"Alba…" he warns, but I simple shake my head and open the door.
"Get out of here and take care of my sister. I trust you with her Kol, don't make me regret it." I look into his eyes as an internal conflict goes down in his head. I know he wants to stay, but one look at Danny lets him know he can't.
"Watch her brother," he huffs walking out the door paying special attention not to jolt the girl in his arms.
"Alba, love, what has you in such-" Klaus doesn't have time to finish his sentence as I smash him to the bathroom wall and cover those pesky lips of his with my own. I don't let myself hold back as I grab a hold of his soft curls and yank. He growls low in his throat reaching down to my ass and picking me up as I wrap my legs around his waist. I moan when his tongue enters my mouth and we fight for dominance. "Love," Klaus pulls away while I latch greedily on to his neck and suck. If this is my last night as me, I'm sure as hell going to use it. "As much as I would love to ravish you right here and now-"another, louder, growl rips through his lips when I sink my fangs into his neck. My god original blood tastes euphoric! I drink in as much of Klaus as I can before he jerks me away. I don't have time to process how I ended up on the bathroom sink or how my shirt managed to come unbutton before Klaus is attacking my neck. I wrap my legs tighter around his waist feeling just how aroused he is. I sigh at how good it feels when he plays with the curls in my hair, but that quickly turns into a moan when he tugs my head back exposing my neck. I close my eyes in pleasure when he grinds his hips into mine as he nuzzles my neck. "I want to bite you, love." His voice is husky and it sends shivers down my spine. "Look at me." I can't really comprehend what he's asking of me when he's moving like that. So it doesn't surprise me when he grabs my face between his hands and forces me to look at him. "Open your eyes." He demands as I obey. "Do you still think this isn't the face of a monster?" Klaus questions his voice strong as he tugs me closer to his body. I look into his yellow eyes and the red veins protruding from his skin right down to the fangs that have taken too many lives to count. For the first time since I've met the man, he looks vulnerable.
"If you're a monster," I whisper softly letting my vampire face show, "then I'm a monster, too." I look into Klaus's eyes as they widen in obvious shock. It's in that moment that I know leaving Klaus is not an option. He doesn't say anything as he recaptures my face between his hands and kisses me. Although, this one is different, he's not as eager to dip his tongue into my mouth as he teases my lips. He's no longer grinding his hips into me as he only wants to hold me close to his body rubbing soothing circles on my back. The kiss itself is mind-blowing as he takes his time and deepens it just when…I feel a burning fire shoot through my chest.
"Ahh!" I scream shoving Klaus away as I blindly grab for my shirt before flashing out of the bathroom. I don't know where I'm going, but I don't have to go far before I find Kol daggered in the back ally of the Mystic Grill. I growl low in my throat when I see his decayed body and before I know what I'm doing I'm throwing Alaric into the nearest wall while ripping the dagger out of Kol at the same time.
"Alba! What the hell are you doing!?" Damon yells as Stefan charges at me, but I easily throw him over my shoulder where he crumples onto the steps. I walk over to him and step on his windpipe as he struggles to breathe. "Alba! Stop!" Damon yells. I can hear him moving towards me, but Klaus's voice stops him.
"I should have killed you months ago," Klaus snarls as he looks at the situation in front of him. I release Stefan after a few moments as I go to Kol to see his color returning.
"Do it. It's not going to stop Ester from killing you." Damon taunts making my blood boil. I glare up at him as he keeps his attention on Klaus.
"What did you say about my mother?" Klaus grits as I mentally put all the pieces together. The bad feeling I've had all day, why I ended up on the original's doorstep this morning, why I instantly knew where to go to find Kol. Ester's trying to take down her whole family.
"You didn't know I was friends with your mummy? Yeah, we have a lot in common. She hates you as much as I do." Damon smirks, but I quickly wipe that smirk off his face as I throw him into the wall. I watch as brick-dust rains down around him as he struggles to get out of my hold. "What are you doing?" He chokes out wincing at the pain I'm inflicting on him.
"Not only did you try to kill Kol, you're helping Ester take down my original family!" I yell losing my temper as I bang his head repeatedly against the wall.
"Whoa now love," Klaus soothes having to use all his strength to pull me from Damon. I growl in anger as I watch him slump to the ground blood pouring out of his head.
"You compelled her, you bastard!" Damon roars holding his head as he looks up at Klaus with so much hatred that I want to stake him right here and now.
"I didn't have to compel her Damon," Klaus answers cocky, no doubt, smirking at the oldest Salvatore. Damon looks at me in with a mix of betrayal and hurt.
"Don't you dare look at me like that!" I growl flashing out of Klaus's hold only to have him snag me right before I get to Damon. How dare he look at me like that when he did worse to me!
"Leave him!" Everyone stops what they are doing as we look up at Elijah. "We still need them, Alba." I nod my head as I give Damon one last glare before walking away.
"What did mother do? What did she do, Elijah?" Klaus yells when Elijah hangs his head. He doesn't say anything as he walks down the steps to Damon.
"You tell me where the witches are or I'll have Rebekah kill Elena right now." Elijah tells Damon calmly always the quiet diabolical one. I catch Damon look at the town square clock over our shoulders in anger.
"You told me we had until after nine!"
"I'm sure Rebekah will be more than happy to start her work early." Elijah grins knowing he has the Salvatore's right where he wants them. But he doesn't need the Salvatore's.
"The abandoned witch's house," I speak up feeling my body tugging itself that way. "That's where they are," I frown.
"Where are you going, love?" Klaus asks slowly moving towards me as I ascend the steps.
"There. I have to stop her." I answer him monotone as I flash off through the town square and into the woods.
Third POV
No one moves as they watch Alba disappear into the night. Damon groans climbing to his feet with the help of Stefan who isn't in better shape.
"What the hell did you do to her!?" Damon snaps looking at the spot she was in seconds earlier. Klaus glares at the brothers as Elijah speaks up.
"I think it wise for the three of you to get far away from here. You are running out of time."
"No! Not until you tell me what you did to her!?" Damon growls' moving towards Klaus, but Stefan pulls him back at the last second.
"He's right Damon! We need to get out of here before Kol wakes up and we have other business to take care of. Alba can wait!" Stefan reasons as he flashes Damon and Alaric out of there.
"Did you see the look in her eyes brother?" Klaus breaks the silence with a hint of emotion behind his voice. If it was anyone other than Elijah, they might not have caught it, but Elijah did.
"I know." He sighs turning his eyes on his little brother. "She looked empty and I couldn't feel her emotions."
"Neither could I." Klaus agrees not bothering to spare Kol a second glance as he gasps for air.
"No time to dwell on it now. We have more pressing matters to attend to." Elijah commands as the brothers disappear into the night.
I can feel something in the air as I dart through the trees. It's unmistakable as I pause near a fallen log taking a large breath. My body is tingling all over; it wants me to keep moving. So that's exactly what I do, I don't waste any more time as I break through the trees only to find Ester and Finn standing in the middle of a pentagram. I glare her down when she notices me and I smirk teasing Finn when he steps in front of her.
"Where are the Bennett witches'?" I ask walking around them in slow circles. I chance a glance around me to find the area empty.
"Gone just like you will be," Ester replies smoothly lighting the sixth torch in the middle of her circle.
"They're coming mother!" Finn states looking towards the woods behind me as Ester doesn't even begin to look worried. I don't bother sparing a glance at the three men coming up behind me, I only want Ester.
"My sons come forward." She says as Finn moves his arm out to stop her.
"Stay beside me, mother." Finn warns as she gently pushes his arm aside.
"It's okay. They can't enter." She answers haughtily as I begin to move around the circle.
"That's lovely. We're stuck out here, while the favorite son plays sacrificial lamb. How pathetic you are, Finn." Kol bites smirking un-amused at his older brother.
"Be quiet, Kol. Your brother knows virtue you cannot even imagine." Ester fires back acting every bit the bitchy mom. I get a chuckle out of this as she glances at me curiously. I'm still inspecting her pentagram closely as I look up at the brothers. They look fierce together something nightmares are made of.
"Whatever you think of us, killing your own children will be an atrocity." Elijah speaks in disgust as he glares at his mother. He's trying to play her and I give props to the man. He knows how to work people.
"My only regret is that I did not let you die a thousand years ago." Ester retorts causing a low growl to vibrate in my chest. I feel my fangs lengthen on their own accord as the darkness snakes its way through my chest. No one notices as they argue with each other.
"Enough. All this talk is boring me. End this now, Mother, or I'll send you back to Hell." Klaus smiles amused so sure he will win this one. He's always been the impulsive one, ready at a moment's notice to strike.
"For a thousand years, I've been forced to watch you. Felt the pain of every victim, suffered while you shed blood. Even you, Elijah, with your claim to nobility, you're no better." Ester begins to speak causing Elijah to look down in shame. "All of you. You're a curse on this Earth. Stretched out over generations, if you've come to plead for your life, I'm sorry; you've wasted your time." Ester states with finality making me look up as the final surge of darkness grabs me in its hold.
"What about you, Ester?" I ask catching her attention as she turns around. "Out of everyone standing here right now, the only monster I see here is you."
"Then you are a blind fool," she sneers moving across her space to me. "You are no better than my children and I will take you down with them." She quickly moves to the torch standing tall in the middle.
"Ah ah ah," I tsk stepping forward into the pentagram as she gasps in shock. "I think the only person dying tonight is you." I smirk as Finn flashes towards me. I can hear the boys yelling in warning, but they have no need to. I manage to spin away from Finn while reaching my arm out to wrap around his neck hearing the satisfying crack that comes from him. I drop his body uselessly to the ground as everyone stares at me in shock. "What else you got?" I ask just as I'm hit with a ball of energy that sends me flying backwards.
"I'm channeling the whole line of Bennett witches, there is no way you can stop me." Ester smiles in triumph as I crawl to my feet not the least bit deterred.
"That's cute," I grin as the wind begins to whip around me and thunder cracks overhead. "Because I have the whole Martinez family behind me." I draw from the earth building the strength inside me.
"It doesn't matter how much power you draw, Alba Martinez. You have not fully accepted your responsibilities as Original Guardian. It's too late." Ester grins as she starts to chant. It's then that I feel it, her words triggering something deep inside me. I groan as I feel something begin to stir deep in my belly.
"Alba!" Elijah and Klaus yell as I fall to my knees not really sure what's happening to me. I hunch over resting my forehead against the earth as the pain increases causing a wail of agony to leave my mouth. "Alba, what is it?" Klaus asks worriedly moving the hair out of my face as I feel Elijah's hand rubbing my back. I can't answer him when it feels like something is tearing me from the inside out.
"Leave her be!" I hear Ester yell around the wind. "She'll be dead in minutes, there's nothing you can do for her."
"Stop this mother!" Elijah yells, "She is innocent!"
"She is far from innocent!" Ester roars making the pain worse. I dig my hands into the ground as a scream ripples through my chest. I start to lose focus my insides melting.
"Alba!" I groan when I hear a voice. I can't place who it is, but she sounds strangely familiar. "Alba you must accept your gift. It's your destiny."
"I don't know how!" I scream as I begin to cough up blood. Damn witches! Why is Ester's spell even working on me!?
"Because of the darkness in you," the voice answers, "It's time Alba. Forget the pain and let go. Just let it all go." So that's exactly what I do. I grit my teeth and I forget it all. The pain of being tortured by witches, the hurt of being left behind by the people who are supposed to care about me, the hopelessness that Danny may not live to see her next birthday, the anguish that my best friend betrayed me, and the utter disappointment that my father never wanted me. I let it go.
Klaus POV
"I don't know what you hope to accomplish by killing Alba," Elijah yells, "but I can assure you it will only bring you more disgrace."
"It will bring me redemption! She is just as much at fault as the rest of you. She's done her share of bad." Ester yells trying to justify what she is going to do. I can't find it in me to care at the moment as I try to get Alba to say something. She's shaking like a leaf and a steady stream of blood is trickling out of her ear. She won't look at me, but I can see the pain she's in.
"Mother! Stop what you are doing right now or I will kill you and every witch on this planet!" I roar my anger getting the best of me. I watch her open her mouth ready with a response, but she quickly closes it when her eyes slide to Alba.
"Klaus." Elijah breathes gesturing to Alba. I look down in time to find a glowing yellow light rising out of the earth to coil around Alba's body. She's no longer moving or making a sound as the light continues to caress her skin. It's almost hypnotic giving her an angelic hue, but the moment I reach out to touch it Elijah's hands pull me away.
"What are you doing?" I hiss fighting his hold as he drags me farther away from Alba.
"Do you not see what it is doing to her Klaus? Really look!" Elijah growls as he pushes me to Kol who can't take his eyes off of our guardian. It's then that I see what the light is doing. It's extracting the darkness from her and the darkness is fighting it. It's almost like a dance as the light tries to seep in, but the darkness keeps getting in the way.
"What is happening?" Kol calls out to anyone hoping someone will be able to answer him.
"She's trying to claim her spot as the original guardian, but something is fighting against it." Ester answers a little fearfully. "If she keeps on like this, she'll die."
"No!" I growl flashing towards her before anyone can stop me. "Alba, love," I whisper softly bending down to wrap my hands around her arms.
"Klaus! No!" I hear mother yell right before an exploding yellow light clouds my vision then nothing at all.
Alba's POV
There are two kinds of darkness in this world. One leaves you cold and bitter as you fight to stay alive while the other brings you peace. Right now, I'm in the latter. I don't feel any pain nor am I worried about impending dangers. There is no one yelling at me to do better or heated gazes of betrayal. I no longer care about what has to be done or what I'm supposed to be fighting for. I'm weightless; I'm the breeze that floats through your window on a summer day and the glow of the moon on a dark night. I am truly free.
"Alba, wake up. Come on Al, you need to wake up!" I look around in confusion as Stefan's voice echoes around me.
"Give me her." I hear Damon's voice as a slight tingle shoots through my back. "Alba, you better not be dead. I swear to god if you are dead I will go to the other side myself and bring you back!"
"No," I whisper looking down at my hands as they slowly start to fade. "I don't want to leave!" I shout watching in utter despair as my body slowly starts to disappear.
"Come on! Alba, I can't lose you again!" I vaguely hear Damon shout as I fight with everything in me to stay where I am.
"Please, don't make me go back! I don't want to go back!" I wail falling to my knees as everything rushes back to me. I can feel it all; the pain, the loss, the despair, the uncontrollable power. "I won't be me." I whisper brokenly as the last part of me fades away.
Damon POV
"You do not get to be dead," I chant over and over as I haul Alba into my arms. Her body fits easily against my own as her head dangles over my arm. She looks so broken in the moonlight with dry blood caking her porcelain skin. It sends a deep ache through my chest that I haven't felt in a very long time. I can almost feel my heart breaking every second she doesn't respond to me.
"Damon, where are you taking her?" Stefan asks as he keeps pace beside me. He's the one that found her crumpled in the dirt with five unconscious originals sprawled around her. It looked like a bomb had exploded with everything around her leveled. Except for the witches' house, of course, that was left untouched. "We need to take her somewhere she'll be safe; somewhere far away from the originals."
"Don't you think I know that!?" I hiss turning narrowed eyes on my little brother. He looks exactly how I feel. Ashamed and worried beyond repair. He's shown more emotions these past minutest than he has all summer.
"We need a plan." I roll my eyes at Stefan's brilliant suggestion.
"That's a great idea, if only I had thought of that first. Oh wait," I smirk at him, "I did."
"What are you ta-"Stefan begins to ask me, but he doesn't finish his sentence as a soft groan interrupts him. We instantly both look down at Alba to find her eyes open and looking around her in confusion.
"Wh-What happened?" I hear her mumble as she tries to move around, but I'm quick to press her closer to my body.
"No don't move. You could still be hurt; we aren't sure how vampire blood will affect you." I say frowning when her eyes find mine.
"Daddy," she whispers so low I barely catch it, but I do. It's with that one little word that every wall I built against this creäture in my arms comes crumbling down. I gasp softly feeling the pride in my heart swell as I gaze down at my daughter.
"Just what in the hell do you two think you are doing?" I snap my head up at the British accent I've come to loathe. I glare when I find Klaus along with Rebekah, Kol, and Elijah standing a few feet in front of us.
"Well don't you all look like hell," I smirk taking in their battered state. All their wounds have healed, but I can tell they are agitated. "Get out of our way. We're taking Alba home."
"You aren't taking her anywhere, mate." Kol grins stepping forward only to be blocked by Stefan. I watch as the two have a stare down both on edge after the night's events. "She doesn't belong with you, she belongs with us." Kol grits looking to me over Stefan's shoulder.
"What are you talking about?" I growl not a fan of the secretive glint in Kol's eyes.
"It seems the lovely Alba has more of a connection to us than we thought," Elijah speaks up stepping forward. "Which is why I'm going to have to ask you to hand her over," he finishes his tone holding a silent threat. I square my shoulders more than ready to have a throw down with him. It's been a long time coming, but I don't even get one word out before Alba is speaking.
"Put me down." She demands making me look down at her in surprise. It seems while I was arguing with the originals, the fog around her brain was lifting. She's looking at me though the same disappointed eyes I'm used to seeing, but from her it cuts a little deeper. "Damon." She says drawing me back to the present. I set her on her feet without a word as she stretches. I can tell she's in pain, but I don't move to help her. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt she won't let me touch her.
"Alba, love, are you okay?" Klaus is the first one to her as he grabs her face between his hands. I watch in anger as he checks her over for any damages before smashing her to his chest. I have to physically restrain myself from ripping his heart out.
"I'm fine," Alba mutters looking down at the ground. "Can we go?" She asks quietly nothing like the loud and confident Alba I'm used to. I can tell the others are just as bewildered as I am because it takes them a moment to react.
"Yes, of course, let's go." Klaus answers softly wrapping her up in his arms like I had moments earlier. I grit my teeth as they turn around to leave, but I can't let her go just yet.
"Alba!" I yell finding her eyes as she looks at me over Klaus's shoulder. I take a deep breath before telling her exactly what is on my mind. "I don't care what happens; I am never leaving you again." As I say the words I can feel how true they are. She is mine and nothing is going to change that.
"Promise?" I hear her whisper as I look her straight in the eyes.
"I promise."
Thank you for reading!