"What's all this about then?" Klaus asked when they had finally sat down across from the two marines.

"We are very aware of what has become of Walker and his 'experiment.' When we let him go, we had no idea it would escalate to what it did. We thought without our support, his plans would fall flat. After we found out about the facility exploding in Thailand, we realized the fatal error on our part. For that, our military owes you a great apology."

"You aren't upset about my field trip then?"

"No. In fact, we owe a thank you for your services. We would never have let it go on for so long had we known about it sooner. Which is also why we've come to see you."

"Walker is dead though. What is there to see me about?"

"But the group that funded Walker is still out there. We found these papers in the remains of the facility," he said, sliding over a cream folder with charred papers inside. "Not everything was ruined. We found enough to get us started."

Klaus eyed him suspiciously, but took the papers. He opened the file and let Caroline read along with him.

"Project Typhon?" Klaus asked with confusion.

"That was what he named it all. Kane Ashmore would have been a success had it not been for you. But the group who funded Walker had planned on using his super soldier as a personal assassin to any and all of their enemies. They are a crime organization that is very powerful, and very dangerous. Son, the secret company you were a part of, before Walker's fall to insanity, was created for this very reason. To take people like them down."

"I know where this is going," Klaus said, closing the folder, "and you can get yourself another man. I've been out of the marines for years."

"You're the only one with the qualifications for the job. The soldiers we have in the company now are only rookies. You and your brother are the only true veterans with the skills to complete the job. And you have trained more than your brother. This mission is top secret…and we need you."

"You're asking a hell of a lot from someone who has already gone through plenty."

"That's why we plan on rewarding you handsomely," he said quietly, pulling a piece of paper from his pocket and sliding it across the table. Klaus picked it up and turned it over. Caroline's eyes widened at the amount of money they were offering. Klaus had stopped breathing momentarily.

"That's…"

"Enough to keep you happy for the rest of your life. If you survive, we'll happily leave you alone."

"Your words inspire such confidence," Klaus said quietly, tapping his fingers on the table.

"Why can't you just reward him for taking care of Walker? Why does he have to do one more, life-threatening task?" Caroline asked, her anger getting the better of her.

"Because sweetheart," Klaus said, glaring at the gentlemen, "that would be much too selfless."

"I have the safety of this country to worry about. It is my job to take care of any possible threat to the people, and to my soldiers. I can't risk another man being taken like you were. This group would use the soldier to kill anybody they so chose to. This man would be broken enough to agree to it. Project Typhon needs to end completely, and the only way for that to happen is for this group to disappear. If they don't disappear, they'll find another man to train their assassin. They have the resources to do it. Now I need you to understand the importance of this. Think of all the innocent people that could die because someone decided to snap their fingers."

The silence afterward was chilling, and Caroline couldn't help but be a little scared. So…after all they had gone through…it still wasn't over?

"Tell me more about this group," Klaus finally said, his voice hushed and almost inaudible.

"Klaus!"

"It's okay, love…I just want to see what they have planned for me. I'm not agreeing to anything yet," he said seriously. Hughes nodded, and passed another folder of papers over to him.

"They're known as The Five. A seemingly small group of criminals, but they have more power than you could imagine. All five have resources, guards, and wealth…the means to do practically anything they want. Right now, that happens to be Project Typhon. They want a personal assassin to kill whomever they wish. You saw the power Kane possessed, and the will to go through with whatever was asked of him. These people are dangerous. Another facility hasn't been set up for training, but it won't take them long to figure out Walker is out of commission. They'll find someone soon, and we want to stop them before that happens."

"End violence by committing violence," Klaus scoffed before continuing, "Who exactly are The Five?"

"A group of four men, and one woman, who are scattered all over the world. Two are in the United States, and three are across the seas. Kill them, and everything else will fall. They lead through fear and power. Without them, all they control will crumble."

"All of this is wonderful, really," Klaus said sarcastically, "but wouldn't the news catch on when very powerful leaders start to fall dead?"

"That's the advantage we have. They work behind the scenes. While well known to us, the public doesn't know about their extracurricular activities. Kill them, and the only thing the people will notice are the amount of people who aren't being killed." Klaus nodded slowly.

"How do you expect me to kill them?"

"That's entirely up to you. Whatever method fits the situation best. All expenses will be paid. If you need to acquire outside assistance, that will be included in your payment."

"Are these papers about them?" he asked as he flipped through the pages. Caroline noticed a picture at the top of each page, and figured that must be the members.

"We gathered all the information we had about them. Everything you need to know."

"How about a summary while I scan these," Klaus suggested, never taking his eyes from the papers.

"The first member is Shane Sullivan. He's here in New York, and probably the first target you should take out. A wealthy man who likes to make appearances at all the high end parties, balls, fashion shows, and big events. Despite all his discreet crimes, he won't be hard to find."

"Will they all be easy to find?"

"Mostly. As I said, the public doesn't know about their hidden agendas, felonies, and murders. They hide in plain sight."

"Who's the next target?"

"Connor Jordan, located in Las Vegas. He owns a chain of casinos, and does mixed martial arts fighting on the side. He's a physically intimidating opponent who is capable of taking his enemies out without need of another man. Probably the one member who wouldn't be hurting should they not find another subject. He's killed most his victims himself."

"Sounds like a riot," Klaus commented. Caroline leaned into his shoulder, reading as flipped to the next page.

"Third member is Alyssandra Durand, located in Paris. She is well versed in hand-to-hand combat, five different languages, and can easily disguise herself. She is very cunning, so you'll have to watch yourself in Paris. Rumor is she's working on…experimental drugs, for her guards, and for this new assassin. I can't stress enough to be careful around her."

"Duly noted."

"Dante Antonelli, the fourth member of The Five, is located in Rome. He's more of a businessman. He's a fat cat who enjoys his meals and women. My suggestion would be a quiet kill, and trust me, no one will miss him."

"And the last?"

"The last is going to be the toughest to take out. Viktor Reznikov is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. He's a man with many hired guns, and who is physically capable of taking his enemies out as well. The number of businesses he owns is an unfathomable amount, and his place is crawling with guards. He likes to make a scene, and could easily be spotted in public. Whether you would decide to make his kill a public event or a quiet matter is up to you."

Klaus sat quietly, thinking over everything they had just heard. She didn't want him to do this. It was insanity. Lives were at stake, but so was Klaus' life! It was selfish to only be thinking about him, but what about all those people who could be targeted by The Five? What about them?

"I need a night to think it over."

"Fair enough. Please," Hughes said, taking a business card out from his pocket, and handing it to Klaus, "call when you decide. We won't force you to help, but we hope you thoroughly consider what is on the line, and your reward for completing the task. Thank you for your time, Mr. Mikaelson."

Caroline got out of her seat when Hughes and Wilson did. Klaus followed close behind her. The two stood straight and saluted Klaus, who returned the gesture. As soon as the two walked to the door, and were outside of the coffee shop, Caroline turned to Klaus.

"This is going to sound really selfish…but please don't do this."

"Caroline, you heard him. This isn't over. Not with The Five still out there. Project Typhon will continue until they're gone. Crimes and murders will continue until they're dead."

"But what will happen if you end up dead? I can't handle that."

Klaus looked hurt at her words, like he was torn between complying with her wishes, and doing what he thought he should do. Caroline felt bad for asking such a thing of him, but hadn't they done enough? Hadn't they gone through enough?

"I need to think on this tonight…alone. I'm sorry, Caroline. But I can't just ignore this. Tell Elijah not to come up tonight. I'm sure he can stay with Becca at mother's for one night." He gave her a kiss on the forehead before walking to the stairs in a hurry, files in hand.

She walked back to the group with a dazed expression, not quite sure how to take what just happened. Elijah came to her first, looking at her with a worried expression.

"What's wrong? What did they want?"

"They want him for another assignment. He doesn't want to see any of us tonight while he thinks it over," she breathed. Elijah furrowed his brows, slowly finding his strength to bring her into a hug. Caroline couldn't stop herself from tearing up.

This was going to spell disaster.


Caroline paced in her living area while Elijah sat on the couch. She was waiting for it. After he had said he wanted to go up to his apartment by himself, she knew it was only a matter of time then. Elijah had agreed.

"Relax, Caroline. We're here if he needs us."

"But what if it happens and we can't stop it? The ones he's had since you came back have been mild compared to the episodes he used to have. But this is a whole new territory for me. What if he regresses back to what used to happen? What he used to see?"

"Well, I'm here to remind him that I'm alive. You're here for every other possible reason, or bad dream he might have. I've never seen someone handle him so well. If I can't help him, then you can. And vice versa. Okay?"

"Right…right we'll be able to help him one way or another."

She still couldn't make herself sit down though. Her legs felt like jelly and she just wanted to hold Klaus. Caroline didn't want him to push her away. How was he supposed to travel the freaking world? How was she supposed to handle him being gone? Oh god, oh god, oh god. She was going into a panic. She needed to calm down. Caroline walked over to one of her windows. Still nothing.

"Caroline…"

"I can't calm down, okay? How is this even a plausible form of action? I'm having separation anxiety from my boyfriend and he hasn't even left!"

"Klaus is a big boy. If he wants to accept this, he will. We can't stop him."

"But he shouldn't accept! I know there are other people involved, but I'm selfish. I don't want to lose him. He's going to leave, and I won't be certain he'll come back!"

"He's survived this long. I don't think there's much he can't take."

"This is insane," she said, looking at the clock. He had been up there for four hours. Four hours by himself and not a peep. This was good. This was very good. He might not have an episode. Nothing would happen. He would prove that he could go a night without needing-

A growl ripped through the silence as she heard glass shattering. Her eyes snapped to Elijah's, and they both ran to the door. Shit, shit, shit!

They paused upon reaching his front door, not sure how to proceed.

"What do I do?" she whispered frantically. Elijah grabbed her arms gently, trying to calm her.

"Calm down. You've brought him back before, and you'll do it again. I'll be right here if you need me."

"Right…okay…" she took deep breaths. Caroline had been there for him before. He had just never gone back to his old ways when Elijah had come back. So what was going on now?

She reached for the doorknob, and found that the door was unlocked. She carefully opened it, peeking around the corner before entering.

Klaus was pacing, his hands rubbing together as he started wringing them together. He was in another world, fighting off whatever demons he was currently fighting. The files were spread out over the counter top. He must have been looking through them. Those damn things caused this.

As soon as he heard her footsteps, Klaus was on alert, holding a knife in his hand as he pointed it at her. She held her hands up in surrender, but he continued pointing it at her, his arm shaking. It was obvious by his red eyes that he had been crying.

"It's me, Klaus. It's Caroline," she said softly, not moving forward. Mostly to make him see she wasn't a threat, but also because her feet were frozen to the spot she was standing in. His eyes roamed wildly about as he tried to register what she was saying.

"It's never over," he began babbling, "It'll never be over."

Caroline knew immediately that he was talking about Project Typhon. Hell, she had been thinking it all night. No matter how much they did, it never seemed to be over. A tear rolled down her cheek.

"Yes it will be," she tried soothing.

"HOW DO YOU KNOW? How do you know it'll stop? I have to do it! I have to do it…"

"You don't have to do anything. It can be over right now. It doesn't have to keep going."

"Don't you get it?" he asked, seething with anger, "I have to! If I do it, I can support her. If I do it, she can live the life she deserves. The life you deserve," he corrected himself, as if he wasn't sure which wording was right. She closed her eyes.

Klaus was talking about her. He was talking about the reward.

"You can support her…me…with your self-defense classes. You don't have to be rich to give me a good life." She realized Hughes had good intentions and everything, but she really wanted to kick him in the groin right now for bringing this back onto Klaus.

"She doesn't deserve this hell hole. She deserves a place worth calling home."

"I'm okay with this being my home!" she said exasperated. Caroline turned back around to Elijah, who was watching through a crack in the door, waiting in case she needed his help. She gave him a subtle nod, conveying that she was okay. With his usual perception, he nodded back, understanding what she wanted. He was gone within a second.

"But she shouldn't be!" Klaus yelled back.

"But I am! The only thing I'm not okay with is the man I love going off alone to do something that is obviously hurting him."

"I have to do it," he repeated, but his confidence was wavering. The knife lowered just an inch. She stepped forward just as much.

"No, you don't."

"I can't bring her though. I can't lose her. I have to do it. And I have to do it alone." Caroline stepped closer.

"Take me then. Take me wherever you go, because I don't want to be anywhere you aren't. I've become a little dependent upon you over the year it seems," she chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. He wasn't budging, however.

"I can't…" She stepped closer, about a couple of feet from him.

"You can. Take me with you. I'll be with you every night. I won't let you break."

"I'm already broken," he said quietly, the knife lowering a little more. She moved closer.

"No, you're not. You're a man who has been to hell and back. But you have friends now. You have your family back. You don't have to do anything alone. If I can't make you stay home, then at least take me too. Let me help you do this."

Caroline moved close enough now to gently put her hand on his. He jumped a little from her touch, but the knife lowered completely. Klaus set it slowly on the counter, his eyes never leaving hers.

"I'm scared," he whispered.

"Me too. But at least we'll be scared together."

Klaus quickly went to his knees, suddenly too weak to hold himself up. Caroline followed behind so that she could hold him to her. She cradled him to her chest while he took deep breaths.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry," he said, shaking a little. She stroked his hair gently.

"It's okay. A lot has happened. It's a lot to take in."

"It's no excuse. How can they expect me to do this when I can't even keep myself together?"

"I'll be with you. That's how. If you're going to do this, then I'm going with you."

"But Caroline-"

"Don't argue with me," she said, adjusting herself so she could lean against the wall with him, "just…don't argue with me."

"Fine…I won't," he said, defeated and completely worn out. "But we have a lot of training to do if you're going to stay with me."

"So I get a head start on those self-defense lessons?" she smiled.

"I think it's moved pass self-defense. I need to teach you how to fight."

"Klaus, I think I can-"

"I'm teaching you how to fight," he said with finality, grabbing her hand and squeezing it gently. "You're going to learn before I take you anywhere. I always thought I knew what it meant to be tormented when I remembered Walker and his fucked up ways, but they were nothing. They were absolutely nothing compared to seeing you on that hospital bed, and knowing you might not wake up. That is torment."

Caroline leaned in closer, if that was even possible. She was glad she had listened to Stefan that day. "Okay…I'll let you teach me. But can you promise me something?"

"Anything."

"Do you promise you'll always come back to me?" she asked quietly, putting her cheek to his head. Be it mentally, or physically…she needed him to come back to her. Caroline had come back for him and her family. He needed to do the same.

"I do. I promise."

She smiled. "Do you want to go to bed?"

"Can we…stay here? I don't think I'll sleep well tonight."

"We can stay here as long as you want." He nodded, leaning back into her.

"Thank you."

The rest of the night, they stayed like that. Against the wall, sitting silently until the sun rose into the pink and purple sky, lighting the living room up with its morning glow. Of course, they eventually did fall asleep. Klaus had first, and then Caroline followed closely behind. It was a surprisingly peaceful rest, considering the phone call that had to be made the next day.

They would be ready for it though. They would get rid of The Five, and finally, they would end this vicious past Klaus had. They would be free to live together in peace, because Caroline never imagined her future without Klaus. Not anymore. When she dreamed, he was sitting on the porch with her, watching the grandchildren play. And they would get to that day, because Caroline and Klaus always survived.

No matter what life threw at them, they would get through it. With their friends, and their family…they would survive.

They would fight until the end to be with each other.


A/N: I can't believe the end is here! What is this?!

Oh goodness. Where do I begin? I guess I should ask if this has set up for the sequel well enough. Everyone ready for a little traveling? Ready for more action and Klaroline badassery? Are Klaus' hallucinations and nightmares going to resurface more now that he's being put back into the battlefield? Predictions for what their trip will bring? How does everyone like our three new characters? I'm pretty sure Kol, Katherine, and Bonnie will be making more appearances ;)

To respond to a lengthier guest review I got, I just wish to say I love you, whoever you may be. You are right about it all. And I never meant to sound like I was attacking anyone either or getting touchy because of a couple opinions, if that's how it came across. I only wish to clarify my intentions. I'm just happy people are willing to leave me any kind of review at all, and tell me their opinions. =]

I hate that this fic is ending, but I'm so happy I get to continue the story. I have an attachment to this one.

Now, tell me what you guys thought of Torment! What were your favorite parts? What do you want to see more of? What do you want to see less of? My brain is already turning with ideas for the next one, which is still title less. If anyone follows me on tumblr, I'll be sure to keep everyone updated on what's going on, and when I think of a title. Feel free to send me an ask too if you're confused about something, or just have questions about what is to come!

And I hope I'm sticking to Klaus' PTSD fairly well. I don't know anyone who has ever had it, so all I can do is research it to the best of my ability. Everyone is different, and handles it in their own way, so that's what I'm trying to go off of with Klaus. Now that Elijah is back, I think that helps a lot, but the images and Walker's bull crap will remain for a while. How long it will remain is always the question. Please feel free to leave me any helpful advice on tumblr or on here. I don't wish to disrespect anyone who has to go through it.

I want to thank each and every person who reviewed, followed, and put this in their favorites. Your constant support has been amazing, and it's made me smile on numerous occasions. I would also like to thank Yana (queenofklaroline) for being my beta, and going over all this mess with me so I didn't get anything confused. And I want to thank everyone who took the time to make a graphic for this story! Again, if you follow me on tumblr, I'll put them all together to showcase them. There is just so much talent out there. It amazes me!

Well...I guess it's time to go. But not forever my loves. We shall meet again real soon. Be on the lookout for the continuation of this fic! I look forward to going on the next journey with all of you.

I guess all that's left to say now is...until next time =]