Hey everyone! Thanks for reading and reviewing as always I'm so appreciative for the love. Now this chapter is an original so let me know if you hate it or love it. I love to hear your feedback; it lets me know I'm going in the right direction. A big thanks to Dearlyfantastical5511, you are the best woman!

Disclaimer: I do not own TVD only Alba and Danny.

Chapter 16

"The secret of happiness is freedom, and the secret of freedom is courage." –Thucydides

Danny POV

My life is a waiting game. I wish it wasn't, but it seems from the moment I was born I've done nothing except wait. I've waited for love, family, and death, surprisingly, not in that order. However, never in my life, have I had to wait for Alba. As I sit on the grand staircase in the Mikaelson mansionI can't help, but expect the worst. Rebekah had filled me in on the details of what had happened on the drive over here, but she failed to mention what exactly happened to Alba. Not that I got a chance to ask her because as soon as she dropped me off, she left yelling something about helping her siblings. I've been sitting and waiting ever since. Luckily, I'm only left waiting for a bit as the door to the mansion is suddenly swung open revealing the originals. Klaus enters first carrying a very silent Alba as the rest of the siblings follow.

"Alba!" I yell standing too fast in my condition. I feel myself start to go down, but a pair of strong arms catches me before I hit the floor.

"Easy there, darling." Kol murmurs as he keeps a steady arm around my waist.

"What happened?" I ask tugging Kol with me as he helps me follow Klaus's retreating figure. I feel my heartbeat accelerate when Klaus sets Alba down on the couch giving me a proper look at her. Her clothes are tattered and stained with blood while her face remains washed of all color.

"Niklaus, can we have a word?" Elijah breaks the silence drawing Klaus's attention away from my sister. I watch him nod before reluctantly tearing himself away from her. It's only when he leaves that I break away from Kol and find a seat on the coffee table situated in front of Alba.

"You can go talk with your family," I look to Kol who is watching me curiously. "It's okay." I finish as he nods curtly walking into the next room with his siblings. I turn my attention back to the cold blue eyes of my sister.

"Alba…" I trail off when no recognition flashes in her eyes. It's almost like she's staring into a void, no emotion passing through her face. "Alba, it's me Danny…you're sister." I say slowly feeling my own emotions tugging at my heart. I've seen Alba go through hell, but I've never seen her like this.

"Good luck getting her to talk," Kol pipes up sauntering into the room. "She hasn't said a word since we got her back." He sighs falling into one of the overstuffed arm chairs.

"What do you mean got her back? Where did she go?" I ask looking to him for answers only to receive his smug smirk in response. His mood has changed drastically in the short ten minutes he was gone and I have a feeling I won't be receiving answers from him.

"When we awoke," Elijah begins to speak as I look to him leaning against the fireplace. "We found her with the Salvatore's, they had found her and were planning to take her away from us." He answers almost possessively like he was talking about the Salvatore's stealing his immortality instead of Alba.

"She hasn't spoken since then, we don't know what's wrong with her. We've tried everything." Rebekah adds going to the liquor cabinet. I can tell they've all had a long night and I can't blame them for being a little grumpy. Klaus has yet to add anything, but he seems to be too caught up with Alba to care.

"So what do we do?" I ask hoping someone will have a plan.

"Well I say we call it a night and leave the head case here." Kol replies jumping to his feet.

"She is not a head case," I shoot back calmly wondering where his attitude came from.

"Sure, she's not, love," he snarks faking understanding. I open my mouth to argue with him further, but Klaus beats me to the punch.

"Say one more word and I'll tear out your liver." He growls flashing Kol a frightening glare.

"I'm just saying some guardian she is; she can't even take care of herself." He bites challenging Klaus as the room suddenly chills seventy degrees. I gasp my breath visible as it comes out in a puff. I look around confused as my arms instantly slide around myself for warmth.

"W-w-what is h-happening?" I chatter my teeth banging against themselves so hard I'm afraid they'll break off. The originals don't seem to be affected by the sudden temperature change as they look to me in confusion.

"Danny, what's wrong?" Rebekah questions worried walking over to me.

"C-c-cold," I breathe out just as she wraps her hands around my arms only to pull away with a hiss in pain. I glance up confused by her reaction until I see her hands; they are black, like they've been frostbitten. "S-sor-ry," I apologize caving in on myself because getting warm seems futile.

"What in the bloody hell is happening!?" Kol snarls moving until he's bending down in front of me. "Danny, look at me, sweetheart." I don't mention his drop of a hat mood swings as I lift my gaze to his. I watch his eyes widen in obvious surprise as he takes in my face. "My god, your lips are turning blue, Elijah!" He yells looking to his brother who can't take his eyes from me. "You're the best at deciphering weird, what is happening?"

"I don't know," he says scrutinizing me with his eyes. "I've never seen anything like this before." I close my eyes as the chill grows stronger; my heart beating dangerously slower. I feel the world around me start to fade into blackness, but before I can fall someone grabs me. I don't know who it is, but from the way they don't hiss in pain, I'm pretty sure it's Alba.

"Oh my god, Danny, I'm so sorry! I'm so so sorry!" She keeps repeating rocking me back and forth as my body starts to heat up. I feel my muscles unclench as warmth floods through me and I feel myself start to doze off. I don't really understand what just happened, but at the moment I don't care. I'm just so tired.

Alba POV

"Does anyone want to explain to me what in the hell just happened?" Kol asks a little more than angry as he paces the floor. He keeps sending worried glances to Danny who is wrapped protectively in my arms. A wave of shame washes over me as I realize what I just did.

"When you insulted me, I heard it, I just couldn't lash out. I felt it though and I guess, somehow, my emotions were filtered through Danny." I shake my head kissing her forehead as I try to warm her up.

"That doesn't make any sense, okay, what is going on?" Rebekah asks taking the seat Danny had previously occupied. "None of this is connecting. What happened back at the field?" I sigh, an involuntary shiver sliding down my spine.

"It doesn't matter what happened at the field," I snap well aware of how offensive I'm getting. "The point is," I clench my jaw when it all rushes back to me and I can't do it. I can't talk about it with them. I need to get away. "Rebekah, I need you to do me a favor, will you?" I ask startling her as she just becomes even more confused.

"What is it?" She questions, not sure how to react when I pass Danny to her.

"Take care of Danny for me. I'll be back later to get her." I say briskly standing abruptly surprising all the originals as they just watch me leave. However, one of them manages to snap out of his shock as he stops me from opening the front door.

"Where are you going?" Klaus asks looking at me suspiciously. I can't look at him as I stare at the door handle.

"I need some time to myself, to sort things out. I can't do that here with everyone watching me, demanding answers I can't give. I'm just as confused as the next person." I explain making another attempt for the door, but he's quick to snatch my wrist and smash me to his body. I don't even try to hide how much I needed his touch as I cling to him. I bury my head in his shoulder feeling every part of him. It's much more intense, like I can feel every one of his emotions and vice versa. I don't know what is happening, all I know is if I don't leave now, I will indulge myself in Klaus and become even more attached than I already am. So without another word, I tear myself from his hold and disappear out the door.

I pace along the waterfall my mind reeling. How could so much go wrong in one night? I take a deep breath hoping it will calm me down, but it ceases to help. I'm still teetering on the edge of sanity as I run a restless hand through my messy hair. I keep flashing back to the field, the darkness that tried to consume me. I felt all of it. The pull the darkness had on me, it felt so…alluring. I wanted more of it and I almost took it, but something stopped me. It was another sensation that could only be described as a weight lifting off my shoulders. It was like two sides fighting for dominance of my body; good and evil. At the moment, I can't tell who won.

"What in the hell do I do!?" I mutter to myself as I continue to think things over. It's only when I've had enough of trying to figure it all out that I jump off the waterfall. I don't hesitate in my actions as the water rushing through my ears drowns out the turmoil in my brain. I don't break the surface right away either; I merely sink to the bottom, and enjoy the peace.

"Alba," I shake my head ignoring the voice. Couldn't a girl get one moment of silence? "Alba, baby, look at me," I obey as I recognize my mother's voice. She's floating across from me, the water making her look like an angel.

"Mom," I think aware that we are communicating telepathically which should surprise me, but it doesn't. "What did I do?" I ask brokenly feeling the parts of myself that I have kept locked away being set free.

"When you accepted your place as Original Guardian, the darkness inside of you should have taken you over completely. It was always meant to be a curse, not a blessing." She fills in for me looking every bit the heartbroken mother. I hang my head feeling more of myself crumbling away. "The originals were always destined to be your downfall, but in the end they are what saved you." This surprises me as I look up at my mother in shock.

"What do you mean?"

"You made a connection with them before you even knew about the curse. You befriended Rebekah when she had no one, you treated Klaus like a person when everyone deemed him a monster, you trusted Kol with Danny even when others warned you against it, and you showed Elijah that not everyone breaks their promises. It was your love for them that saved you from the darkness. And it's your love for them that will get you through the obstacles to come." She smiles as things start to fall into place.

"I'm not dark," I breathe feeling a weight lift off my chest. "But what happened with Danny…"

"You are not dark, but you are not light. You are the balance in the originals life. What happened with Danny, happened because you have yet to master your power. It's raw and it's ready to be used, but you must not let it control you. You are the master of your own mind. And as for what you are feeling right now, you are not going insane. It seems the darkness fighting the light left its mark on you. The barriers you put around your heart are slowly shattering letting all those years of pain and anger seep through. It's slowly eating away at you, but I can help you." My mother smiles warmly moving closer to me until she's directly in front of me. "Be safe, Alba." She whispers pressing her hand to my heart as everything goes black.

Danny POV

I awake to the sun filtering in through the open window as a gentle breeze blows through the room. I don't know what time it is, but from the silence on the other side of the door it has to be early morning. I look around me curiously as I realize I must be in one of the guest bedrooms. It's gorgeous matching the rest of the mansion I notice as I walk to the door. However, as soon as I open it I'm met with a smirking Kol who looks handsome as always.

"Kol," I gasp in surprise taking in his jeans and simple black shirt. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for you to wake up," he smiles cheekily snatching me up in his arms before I can protest.

"Kol!" I giggle enjoying the way he takes his time descending the stairs instead of using his vamp speed. "I have legs you know."

"Oh I know," he grins mischievously making me roll my eyes. "You look much better today," he voices more seriously looking me over. I shrug looping my arm around his neck.

"I have good days and bad. Today is good," I smile once I smell the delicious scent of bacon.

"Close your mouth darling, I know I'm handsome, but no need to drool." Kol smirks setting me down on one of the many stools before moving to fix me breakfast. "I didn't know what you liked so I just made a little bit of everything." He says sliding several plates toward me. My jaw drops as I take in the pancakes, waffles, French toast, scrambled eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, and hash browns. Not to mention the orange juice, apple juice, milk, water, and…

"Is that whiskey?" I ask as he chuckles snatching the glass.

"Oh that's for me sweetheart," he winks taking a long pull. I laugh feeling truly happy for the first time since my chemo session.

"Thank you so much, Kol," I beam watching his eyes soften, "I don't know what I would do without you." I grin missing the way his mouth turns down in a frown. I don't waste time diving into my breakfast hoping I can keep it down. It's too good to waste. It's only when I've devoured the pancakes and moved on to the waffles that I notice the silence in the room. "Hey are you okay?" I ask a little worried.

"Of course I am. Don't I look okay?" Kol smirks raising his eyebrows at me suggestively. I giggle shaking my head as I answer.

"You always look good, Kol. But what are you feeling?" I ask noting the way his guard instantly slides up. "I saw the way you acted last night after you talked with your family. What's going on?" I sigh when he refuses to answer. "I know it's none of my business, but-"

"You're right it is none of your business." He interrupts me pushing off from the counter. I look down at my plate feeling the sting of his words. "I suggest you finish eating and find Rebekah, I'm sure she'll be better entertainment for you today." He finishes darkly exiting the kitchen leaving me feeling anything, but hungry. I quietly gather up the plates and start to do the dishes. I can feel the tears pooling in my eyes and escaping down my cheeks, but I don't pay them any mind as I wash. It isn't until a hand lightly touches my shoulder that I finally register someone else is with me.

"You don't have to do that Danny," Elijah says softly grabbing a towel to dry. "We have staff for that."

"No it's okay," I sniffle trying to dry up my tears. "It would be rude to leave my mess for someone else when I'm perfectly capable of doing it myself." I smile weakly glancing up at Elijah through my watery eyes. He nods in appreciation as he dries the plate I hand him.

"You're very different from the rest of your generation, Danny." Elijah says inspecting me with his calculating eyes. "You're wise, gentle, kind, and loyal to those you care about." He smiles knowingly. "It's not something you see a lot of in the world today."

"Thank you Elijah," I give him a half-smile as I finish up with the plates. "But you don't have to fluff my ego. I'm a big girl; I can take care of myself."

"I don't doubt that," he chuckles holding out his elbow for me to take. I gladly accept as he leads me through the back door into the garden. It looks radiant today, the sun bathing the flowers in a warm glow.

"It's beautiful," I breathe taking a seat on one of the many stone benches. Elijah joins me looking out-of-place in his expensive suit. We sit in silence as we admire the life around us. I spot the Lilly's on the other side of the garden and a pang of sadness slices through me.

"Out of all the years I've known my brother," Elijah begins following my gaze to the Lilly's. "I've never seen him take an interest in anyone quite the way he's taken an interest in you." I feel the blush creep into my cheeks at his words as they water the seed of hope in my chest.

"I'm not sure I understand why," I sigh to myself looking at anything, but Elijah. "He's been around for a thousand years; he's seen things I could only dream about. He may find me interesting now, but it's only a matter of time before he moves on." I bite my lip to keep from crying as I realize the extent of my crush on Kol. "Mystic Falls and the people in it are much too small for someone of his caliber." I laugh finally looking up at Elijah's solemn smile. "I know this and I accept it. I had no preconceived notions about Kol and I especially since one of us is on a time limit." I almost choke up at the end, but I hold myself together.

"I've learned many things over my years as a vampire Miss Martinez." Elijah smiles looking down at me, "and one of the things I've learned is to never underestimate the power of oneself. Even if you don't see it, you leave quite the impression on those around you especially Kol." His face holds so much certainty that I can't help, but throw my arms around him in a tight hug. I think I surprised him because it takes him a moment to reciprocate the gesture.

"I'm really happy I met you, Elijah." I whisper into his neck before pulling away. "I wish there were more people like you in the world today. You're honest, loyal, and noble making you the only person I trust with the favor I'm about to ask of you."

"Anything," Elijah responds quickly with just a hint of curiosity in his voice. I smile and nod my head as I prepare for what I'm about to ask of him.

"When I die I need to know someone will look after Alba. I don't just mean coddle her when she's grieving, I mean really look after her. I know she'll make reckless decisions and run head first into danger just because she's hurting, but I need to know you'll be there to be her voice of reason. She's going to need one when she doesn't have me." I smile sadly as a thoughtful look crosses his face. I know he's processing my words and will do as I ask because it's just the kind of man he is.

"I will look after Alba. No harm will come to her as long as I'm around." He nods looking me in the eyes, "I give you my word."

"I know you do," I smile through the tears clouding my vision. We sit in silence after that just enjoying one another's company. At one point, I lay my head on Elijah's shoulder and close my eyes thinking this must be what it's like to have a family.

Damon POV

The crackling from the fire is the only noise filling the otherwise silent room. Stefan is seated on the sofa nursing his scotch while I pour myself another glass of bourbon. We've been sitting in silence since he called me out on killing Abby. I knew what killing her would do to him and I couldn't add more to his already guilty conscious. My baby brother deserved better than that even if I wouldn't admit it to him.

"What are we going to do about Alba, Damon?" Stefan finally breaks the silence looking up from his drink. "We can't keep letting her get pulled in by the originals. They will get her killed, Danny too." I nod my head in agreement.

"Thank you for stating the obvious, brother." I reply cheekily taking a drink from my glass. "But there's something else bothering me," I say leaning forward to peer into Stefan's eyes. "Why are you so concerned about Alba's safety when not even a week ago you were handing her over like a piece of meat?" I ask narrowing my eyes when he remains silent. "What are you hiding little brother?" I watch him look down into his empty glass in contemplation before he reluctantly starts to speak.

"I first ran into Alba when she was six. I was out hunting and she had gotten away from Alex."

"Did you hurt her, Stefan?" I growl feeling my pulse racing with anger. If he laid a hand on her I will rip him apart.

"No of course not," Stefan shakes his head setting his glass down. "I helped her find her mother then I left, but the resemblance between you and her was too much for me to ignore. I followed her for weeks just watching her behavior; finding you in her a little more each day. Eventually, I couldn't take the mystery any longer and I confronted Alex. She confessed everything from sleeping with you to getting pregnant with Alba. After I found out Alba was my niece I couldn't leave her so I stayed for about eight years. On and off, of course, I would always come to visit when I could." He pauses taking an unnecessary breath as I try to get my breathing under control. The more he talks the more I want to rip his heart out of his chest.

"You didn't think I might like to know I had a daughter?" I ask calmly the fire spreading faster through my veins. Stefan, at least, has the decency to look ashamed as he finds something else to stare at.

"You were a different person back then, Damon. You had your emotions turned off, what would you have done?" He asks looking at me with judgment passing through his eyes. "I couldn't let you into their lives with the possibility that you might destroy it. I couldn't put them in that kind of danger so I kept her a secret. I thought it was for the best." He says eyeing me as I dig my nails into the arm-chair trying to refrain from snapping his neck.

"What happened to you protecting them, Stefan? Huh? Because from where I'm sitting Alba still managed to crawl into bed with danger and Alex is dead." I bite bitterly standing from my chair to freshen my drink. "Real nice job, brother," I smirk as Stefan's jaw clenches in anger.

"Alba took away my memories; there was nothing I could do." Stefan states standing in a huff. I pucker my lips and chuckle humorlessly as I set my glass down.

"Actually there was something you could have done," I say looking up at him through my lashes before flashing over to him and throwing him into the wall. I watch in satisfaction as he crumples to the floor in pain. "You could have told me I had a daughter, Stefan. But no, you had to be the favorite again. You couldn't let me have one moment of happiness." I growl grabbing him by the neck and hauling him to his feet. I look at him with disgust as he struggles to breathe. "Tell me something brother; did you ever consider for one moment while you were playing dad to my daughter that maybe being with her would have saved me? Did you think for a second that being with my little girl and the mother of my child might have turned my emotions on?" I hiss more in pain than in anger. Stefan ruined everything I could have had with them.

"Damon…"Stefan chokes out with the little air I'm allowing into his lungs. I clutch a little harder effectively cutting his air supply off.

"No Stefan. I've forgiven you for a lot of things, but this is one thing I will never forgive you for." I snap body slamming him to the floor as a long crack appears from the impact. "This is for not telling me I had a daughter," I growl smashing my fist into his face hearing the sweet crack of his nose breaking. "This is for giving Alba over to those witches," I spit breaking both of his legs ripping a painful cry from his lips. "This is for ruining any and all chances I could have had with Alba," I feel my heart starting to break as I slam Stefan's head against the floor fracturing his skull. "And this is for taking away the chance for me to have a family." I choke breaking off a chair leg and stabbing him in the chest with it so it grazes his heart. I leave him bleeding and broken behind me as I walk to my room.

"Damon," he gasps out in pain making me pause on the stairs to look back at him. I see the agony and remorse in his eyes, but I can't find it in me to care.

"I would have made a great father," it's the only thing I have left to say as I disappear into my room.

Rebekah POV

"Have you found anything yet?" I ask walking into the study to find Klaus right where I left him. After Alba ran out, I told him about the White Oak tree and the possible existence of another one. He's been pacing ever since.

"I've called a few of my contacts, but I haven't been able to find out much. I'm afraid the only way to get information out of these people is to show up personally." He says lowly clenching his fists until his knuckles turn white.

"So you're leaving town?" I ask taking a seat on the only arm chair in the room. "What am I supposed to do?"

"Stay here and keep watch over my doppelgänger. I don't want those Salvatore's messing up my plans any more than they already have. I also need you to find out as much information on the tree as you can. We can't have anyone finding out about the possibility of another one." He lists off my duties never taking his eyes off the clock. I smirk as I realize he's waiting for Alba to return.

"What about Elijah and Kol? Why can't they play baby sitter and librarian?" I question looking at my nails losing interest in this conversation rather fast.

"Our dear brothers are choosing to flee so I give them no part in this." Klaus smirks knowingly like he has a secret.

"Where are they going?" I ask curiously just as a smug voice rings out from behind me.

"Far away from here, dear sister," Kol walks past me grinning from ear to ear. "And if you were smart you would get out while you still can."

"Oh Kol, unlike you, I don't run away from my problems." I smirk as his smile falters. I hear Klaus chuckle to himself as Elijah walks into the room followed closely by Danny.

"What is going on in here?" Elijah eyes every one suspiciously before settling his gaze on Klaus.

"Nothing to concern yourself with brother," Klaus practically snarls. "Don't you have a plane to catch?" Elijah smiles not finding Klaus amusing, but his smile quickly turns into a frown when Danny speaks up.

"You're leaving?" She asks looking up at him with the most heartbreaking expression. I feel my eyes soften as I wonder if she has this effect on anyone else. From the hesitant look in Elijah's eyes I know she's gotten to him as well.

"It will only be for a short time. I'll be back," he smiles reassuring down at her. She sighs nodding her head before coming to take the seat beside me.

"Are all of you leaving?" She asks looking around at each of us before her eyes fall on Kol in particular. For the first time in centuries, I watch Kol have to visibly force a smirk onto his face.

"I sure am love. I'm ready to get out of this one pony town." His voice holds so much certainty that I almost believe him, but the look in his eyes tells me all I need to know. He doesn't want to leave, Klaus is making him.

"Yeah you should," Danny speaks up rather confidently surprising everyone in the room. It's no secret that Danny has a crush on Kol everyone knows it including Kol. He's been toying with her since day one so imagine the look on his face when she continues. "Not everyone can handle the small town life so it's not shocking that you're leaving." She shrugs nonchalantly leaning back in her seat. I gap at her in disbelief because I know exactly what she's doing. She's trying to get Kol riled up and its working.

"I can handle anything," Kol retorts obviously aggravated that Danny is challenging him instead of moping that he's leaving.

"I never said you couldn't," she smiles sweetly making me chuckle into my hand. Who knew Danny had a devious side? She's playing Kol like a fiddle and it's entertaining as hell to watch.

"Well then I guess I should be off," Kol stands abruptly trying to make a dramatic exit. Drama Queen. However, he isn't even gone for ten seconds before he's being pushed back through the door by Alba.

"No one is going anywhere," she says shoving Kol into the chair he had previously occupied. "Just what in the hell does everyone think they are doing?" She asks placing her hands on her hips. I don't speak as I take in her soaking wet state and disheveled hair. She looks like a hot mess, but one thing is for damn sure. Alba Martinez is back in action.

"What in the hell happened to you?" Kol is the first to speak as he peers at Alba in awe.

"You're mom," she glares walking farther into the room. "Why is everyone leaving? I can't protect you when you're in different parts of the country." She says throwing her hair up into a ponytail.

"How did you know we were leaving?" Elijah questions inspecting Alba closely.

"For one, you couldn't be more apprehensive if you tried meaning you are either A. really looking forward to your upcoming week in Mystic Falls or B. you're leaving." She turns away from a bewildered Elijah to a smirking Kol. "And it wasn't that hard to figure out that you were leaving. I knew your ass would be half way out the door once Ester's plan blew up in her face. However, you're beyond frustrated which probably has something to do with the fact that Danny could care less about your departure." Alba finishes smiling smugly turning to Klaus and I. "Now you two have some serious explaining to do." She narrows her eyes and crosses her arms as Klaus and I share a look.

"So what does this mean?" Danny asks quietly directing her question at her sister. Alba merely smiles in satisfaction.

"It means the rules are about to change."