I made a couple little changes and reposted the chapter.
AN: I'm SOOOO SORRY! I know you've all been waiting, but I just needed a little down time. Between this story and my Merlin one, I've written so much on my new computer that I'm already wearing the keyboard down. So I just spent the last few days playing video games and relaxing. So I apologize for the delay, but as a writer, the time was needed. I hope you like this chapter and will let me know what you think of it! Thanks!
Anissa: Thanks for the reviews. Glad you liked the last chapter!
Kylee: Thanks so much! I'm so happy you liked the chapter. I thought Rebekah deserved a friend. Poor girl is really too needy for my tastes in the show, lol. I hope you like this chapter! Let me know!
Storylover: I'm pleased with the Rebekah/Sophia relationship too. I'm hoping it will grow and strengthen as time goes on. I think Katherine is a super bitch, but I also think she's earned the right to be that way. But I do hate how she played with both Salvatores, but Elijah deserves to be happy, so I wouldn't be opposed to him getting with 'Katerina', lol. So we'll see where it all goes.
Belladu57: Thanks for the review. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I hope you enjoy this one as well and let me know!
Disclaimer: I still don't own anything related to TVD.
Chapter 5: Welcome Home
Sophia felt her racing mind relax as they passed the "Welcome to Mystic Falls" sign; a calmness overcoming her. She hadn't had a moment's peace from her turbulent thoughts since she'd attacked Gloria, but returning to her home town seemed to ease her troubles. The answers she sought would be found here, where everything seemed to be tied together, she was sure of it.
"Are you certain you want to go to this haunted house first?" Klaus questioned, reaching over to clasp her hand in his.
It was one of the first times the hybrid had actually decided to drive, which put the couple up front and Stefan and Rebekah in the back. The blue truck carrying his family trialed behind them, a compelled human once more at the wheel.
"Yeah. I want some answers before I see anyone. I don't want to attack them." The last part came out a whisper, the very thought of hurting her friends and family terrifying. She had to find out what exactly was happening to her and how to control it, because she'd never forgive herself if she harmed anyone.
Okay, well, she wouldn't feel bad if it happened to Damon Salvatore, as she was still very upset about Maddox's death. But Stefan would probably not like that, so she'd just have to keep herself in check.
"If you're sure."
The hybrid brought their clasped hands up to his lips to kiss her knuckles, making the witch smile. He might not proclaim his love for her frequently, but Sophia never doubted his devotion to her; little acts like this just reinforced how much he'd truly changed since she'd met him.
How he'd finally allowed someone into his heart and his secrets without reservation. Sophia never forgot how truly lucky she was in finding someone who could love her as much as Klaus loved her and she loved him. The bond she felt with the hybrid was stronger and deeper than anything she'd ever imagined two people could share; it certainly made all the 'true love' stories in fairytales pale in comparison.
"So what exactly are we looking for at this house?" Rebekah asked, hating the fact that they had each other and she had no one. If she thought for a moment that Stefan would take her back, she'd be all over him; but Sophia had been very adamant that she'd only end up getting hurt. And after a thousand years of heartbreak, Rebekah really didn't want to go through that again.
"It's the sight where 100 witches were burned at the stake; their spirits still linger there, so I'm hoping to be able to converse with them. If anyone is going to have the answers about my…change, it'll be them, since they have access to the Other Side. I just hope they'll help me." Sophia explained, glancing over her shoulder at her new blonde friend.
"Why wouldn't they?" Stefan asked, shifting in his seat. They'd been driving for hours and he was ready to get out of the damn car. Vampires were not meant to be stationary for so long; he was thankful he'd never had to experience being daggered like the female Original.
"Well, witches don't tend to like working with vampires, and since I don't know exactly what I am, there's no telling if they'll help me. If they don't…I don't know really where to go from here." She shrugged, trying not to think of that possibility.
"The coven is looking into the elixir to see if it's the cause. We'll find the answers, love." Klaus assured her, knowing how torn up she was about the whole thing. He wouldn't stop at anything to find the solutions to her change, no matter what or who the cost turned out to be.
"You're right. I just want to know what's going on, I want to know why this is happening to me. I mean, isn't being a doppelgänger and witch an anomaly enough? Is there a reason this is happening to me or is it simply because of the elixir? I just have so many questions."
She sighed and rested her head against the chair back, eyes closing in frustration. The calmness from earlier was slowly beginning to slip away, leaving her just as confused and lost as before. She really just hoped that she wasn't on a wild goose chase and that answers would come soon, as she feared she'd go batshit crazy if the search was drawn out for any length of time.
Klaus shared a look with the others through the mirror, all aware of how freaked out the girl had gotten after the incident with Gloria. And even though Rebekah had only known her a week, the witch had already made herself a fixture in the Original's life, and they all hated to see her so torn up and afraid of herself, afraid of what she might be capable of.
"Don't worry Sophia, we'll figure it out. If this house is as powerful as you say it is, then I'm sure it'll enlighten us on your…condition." Rebekah said, leaning forward in her seat to give the witch's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Sophia gave her a small smile before focusing her gaze on the passing scenery, heart clenching when she saw they were about to pass her own house.
"Wait."
Klaus eased down on the break, having expected something like this. The witch gazed out of her window, eyes raking over her white home in the morning light, looking for any changes. She'd spent barely a full day in it in the last year and it hurt to be so close, yet still so far away, no matter how strange she'd felt in it during her last visit.
"We can go to the house later, sweetheart. Why don't you spend time with your family?" Klaus's voice was quiet, as he really didn't like appearing so weak in front of Stefan and his sister.
Sure, they knew he'd do anything for Sophia, but he didn't like them to actually see the softer side of him. They should never forget just who they were dealing with, as it would be the day they regretted it, Sophia or no Sophia. He was Niklaus Mikaelson, Original Hybrid, and he wouldn't hesitate to remind them of that if it became necessary.
"No. I…I can't risk hurting anyone. I'm only drawn to supernatural blood, but what if that suddenly changes one day? I could really hurt Jenna or Jeremy. And Elena's already supernatural, so what would stop me from attacking her if she makes me angry, which she tends to do? No, I can't risk putting them in that type of danger.
"But, that doesn't mean you shouldn't be able to return, Stefan. I know how much you've missed Elena and it's not right for you to have to stay with us until I get my answers." Sophia said, turning in her seat to lock eyes with the vampire. Stefan swallowed, glancing out at the large house before he shook his head.
"No, you should be the first one to see her. You've already been separated from her for so long, it's only fair that you get to see her before me." Stefan said, even though the real underlying reason went unsaid, even when Klaus and Sophia both knew what it was. That Stefan was having problems with his bloodlust once more and didn't want to face his (often judgmental) girlfriend before he'd gotten himself under control.
"Better get those answers than." Klaus muttered before starting down the street again, passing the Gilbert house with none of its inhabitants the wiser.
As they drove by, Sophia could only hope and pray that she found out what was happening to her soon so she wouldn't have to be away from her family for even longer.
/*/
"Maybe we should wait outside. The spirits aren't exactly friendly towards us." Stefan said as they stood in front of the decrepit house, uneasy at the thought of what the witches could do to him, as he was a very killable vampire and not an Original or hybrid.
"Something's wrong. I don't feel them." Sophia muttered, eyes scanning the grounds before she walked up the porch and pushed the door open with a creak. The siblings shared a look, not really sure what she meant, before following, leaving Stefan standing there by himself.
"What's wrong, love?" Turning, Sophia bit her lip as her eyes met his sea-green ones.
"I can't feel the spirits here like I did when I woke up. They literally filled this place with power, filled me with strength. Now it's just…empty." She frowned, not understanding what could've happened to have the spirits abandon the place.
"Well, that puts a damper on things." Rebekah sighed as she sat down on a couch, keeping her comments about the dirty environment to herself. Now really wasn't the time to complain.
"So what now?" Stefan asked form the doorway.
"I…I'm going to try and contact them anyway. They existed here for so long that it's hard to believe they'd actually abandon it." The witch replied before she turned and headed down the hallway and then down the stairs. Klaus pursed his lips before following, trusting the other two to entertain themselves for however long it took for Sophia to reach the dead witches.
When she reached the basement, Sophia took a deep breath before quickly lighting the hoard of candles that were located around the room. Why they were there, she didn't know, but she was thankful none the less. Moving into the center of the room, the witch lowered herself into a sitting position, glad she'd decided to wear jeans that day, as it was definitely not the cleanest place to be.
Klaus took a seat on the stairs, knowing she'd need to concentrate if she was to truly reach any lingering spirits, but also close enough that he could reach her quickly if something went wrong. And since he didn't trust those witch bitches not to fry his girl, he was alert and at the ready for any sign of trouble.
/*/
"We'd begun to think you wouldn't seek us out."
Sophia's eyes snapped open as a female voice sounded from a few feet in front of her. She wasn't sure exactly how long she'd been meditating, but if the distant ache in her butt was any indication, it'd been a while. When her eyes landed on the woman, she wasn't surprised to see a dark-skinned woman in 17th century garb.
"So you were expecting me. Does this mean you know what's happening to me?" She questioned, standing to approach the woman.
"Yes, we've been expecting you. The answers you seek would not have been found elsewhere." The woman replied.
"Okay, great. So what's going on with me?" Sophia asked, wanting to get to the middle of it quickly instead of talking in circles. She'd never contacted a spirit before, but she wouldn't be surprised if they liked to talk in riddles and such, just to be annoying since they were dead and had no other form of amusement.
"It is no coincidence that you're here, nor that you were born a doppelgänger. Everything has a reason for being, Sophia, and you're role in this world is larger than you believe it to be."
"Uh, what? What do you mean?"
"Have you not wondered why it is that there were two doppelgängers? Or why one of them turned out to be a witch? Or why you seemed to have a connection with the hybrid, despite the very fact that he meant to kill you?" Sophia backed up a step, beginning to wig the heck out.
"What does any of that have to do with my change?"
"It has everything to do with it, young witch. As I have said, there are no coincidences in the grander scheme of things. You were born for the hybrid; born to balance out the world."
"What? You mean…we're destined for each other? Like soul mates? Really?" She arched a brow, wondering if spirits could smoke on the other side, because this woman was tripping on something.
"If that is how you'd like to label it, then yes. You were created specifically for him—"
"Wait, wait. What do you mean I was 'created'?"
"You were not originally meant to be born; there was never meant to be two doppelgängers. The Original Witch ensured that with the doppelgänger's death, the hybrid would be unable to create a new race."
"Okay, but that still doesn't answer my question." She crossed her arms, beginning to get irritated that the dead woman wouldn't just spit it out.
"A seer foresaw the breaking of the curse before your conception. In her vision, the doppelgänger was able to live, but the hybrid figured out that he needed her blood to make his race. He then enslaved her to him, forcing her to be a constant supply of blood. And when he knew she was gaining in age, he forced her to procreate against her will, to continue her line, which would eventually produce another doppelgänger. He would continue this cycle until every last werewolf in the world was turned and he'd taken power over the humans, vampires, and witches alike." She said solemnly.
"No, Klaus would never—"
"You must remember, Sophia, that before he met you, the hybrid was merciless and cruel. He would have taken Elena and done as the seer had envisioned, not stopping until all resistance was stomped out."
Sophia glared down at the ground, hating the images the ghost was putting in her head. She didn't want to think that the man she loved could do something so monstrous to her sister, despite his dark past. To force her to be a walking blood bag and then to have a man rape her just so she'd have a child. It turned her stomach to even contemplate such a reality.
"As the keepers of the balance, we could not allow this future to happen, you understand. The world must always remain in balance, Sophia, and his race of hybrids would have tipped it out of equilibrium forever. So we had to find a way to counterbalance his hybrids, which is where you come in."
"Me?" She asked quietly, having to take a seat on one of the only rickety chairs in the room. Her head was spinning so fast she thought it'd literally pop off her shoulders any minute.
"Yes, you. We ensured you're conception and infused you with magic, to ensure your survival of the ritual to break the curse."
"If you had all that power, why not just make sure Klaus couldn't break the curse?"
"The Original Witch took nature into her own hands when she created the vampire plague, forcing the world to have to right itself by having the werewolves as the opposing beings to them, able to kill the vampires and keep them from overwhelming the world. But the hybrid, he was something the world was not prepared for, which is why the spirits allowed such a curse to be placed on him. But it was never believed that he would not eventually break it and become a true hybrid."
"Okay. So where do I fit into this? And does this mean our feelings aren't real?" Sophia rubbed at her temples, still so confused.
"To balance out the new hybrid breed, there had to be another new race created, and you're the first of your kind. And no, we had nothing to do with you falling for the hybrid. The connection you share was insured so that you would be more prone towards each other, but the two of you developed feelings for the other on your own."
"What do you mean I'm the first of my kind?" She shot up off the chair, eyes wide as she stared at the woman in shock.
"As I've said, you were created for the hybrid and to keep the world from spinning out of control. The elixir allowed you to return to life, but there is always a price to be paid when one tampers with life and death, as you should know."
"So I'm turning into a freak because I didn't stay dead?"
"I would not put it in such terms, but essentially, yes. Your death and then resurrection is what allowed you to ascend into your proper role in the world. Your body has already begun the transition into your new being and you've started experiencing the changes."
"So what exactly am I turning into? A vampire?"
"Oh no, not a vampire. You wouldn't be able to do your magic if that was the case. No, you're transitioning into your own type of hybrid. A being able to wield magic and yet have the strengths of vampires and werewolves. You're a mixture of the three supernatural entities, in simpler words. A witch, yet sort of a vampire, and sort of a werewolf; only without all the pesky little things like lust for human blood."
"So…I'm…why?" Taking pity on the girl, the woman's expression softened.
"Once you finish the transition, you will be able to overpower the other species. This is not to say you're invincible, but you will be higher than the others in the hierarchy of the world. This is why you crave supernatural blood; because they are your prey, so to speak. Not that you have the killing instinct, which is very important, as we didn't wish to unleash another monster on the world."
"But…I can't control myself. I mean, every time I smell none-human blood, it's as if I can't resist it. And I got angry the other day and almost killed a witch."
"As with everything, it will take time and practice to master, Sophia. You did not become so adept on the violin over night; this is no different."
Sophia didn't even bother to ask how she knew about that, figuring they knew everything about her life. Spirits were so damn nosey. And if what she said was true, very meddlesome and the only reason she had ever been born. So she guessed she couldn't be too irritated with them.
"So I'm turning into a freaky new hybrid and I will be more powerful than others. I think I can get used to that; I mean, who wouldn't want to be able to put an annoying vamp in their place, right? But how long is it going to take to complete this transition? It's been months and I keep finding something new has come up or changed."
"Unlike becoming a werewolf or vampire, your change is gradual. Your body has had to undergo a transformation and it has to become accustomed to that change. We feared that a sudden transition would have left you unable to control yourself and we didn't wish to risk the lives of others just to speed up your change. Since you're the first of your kind, we were uncertain just how you'd cope with it."
"Who is this 'we' you keep mentioning? And you've haven't even told me your name."
"My name is Analisa and I speak of the witches that exist on the Other Side. We do not leave this world when we die; we become the guiding forces in it to keep the balance in check."
"Oh, okay. Um…so um…I don't really know what else to ask. I mean, my head is throbbing." She muttered, rubbing at her temples again.
"I realize it is a lot for one to comprehend in one sitting. But it is very important for you to realize just how great a role you now play."
"Why couldn't you just make Elena the witch? Why'd it have to be me?"
"Because Elena would never have been able to reach into the hybrid's dark soul the way you have. She would have been useless to us, as he wouldn't have changed nor cared about either of your lives. You, Sophia, are the only one who has ever been able to see past the monster the hybrid has become to the man underneath."
"Is that what you meant about us being meant for each other?"
"Yes and no. Without you, the hybrid would have become the world's doom, as I've explained. But you also have a connection with him that goes deeper than mere emotions, as I believe you've started to realize. You're purpose is greater than simply pulling out the hybrid's humanity, which you'll understand in the near future."
"What does that mean?"
"I've already said too much. You must discover your path on your own, Sophia, as we're only here to help guide, not lead. But do be warned, things and people are not always what they seem. You have a turbulent future in front of you. I wish you luck."
Before she could even voice a complaint, Analisa was gone and Sophia found herself jerking back to consciousness.
/*/
"Welcome back, my love." Sophia's eyes snapped open to see Klaus crouching in front of her, elbows on his knees.
"Oh, my head." She cringed, hands going to her aching skull. She allowed him to help her up, leaning against his chest heavily.
"So?" He questioned again, nimble fingers working into her back muscles, forcing a moan from her lips.
"Can I get some Tylenol first? It's like I have a drum line in my head." She knew she sounded pathetic, but damn her head hurt. And she'd just found out she was a new freaky hybrid, so give her a break.
"Sure." Klaus slid an arm around her waist and led her up the stairs. Sophia was shocked to see it was dark, the way out of the house lit by a candle in Klaus's hand. She'd been conversing with the ghost for a lot longer than she thought possible.
"Where're the others?" She questioned as he helped her up into the car.
"They left after the first couple of hours to find us a suitable residence."
"Oh. Cool." She closed her eyes and rested her head against the seat, allowing herself to relax in the seat.
Klaus closed her door quietly before vamping over to the driver's side and getting in, remaining silent to let her have some peace. He knew she'd answer his questions eventually, so there was no need to push when she was in obvious pain. They'd get her headache under control and then they'd all learn just what in fact was happening to the witch.
/*/
After several prescription ibuprofens, which Sophia didn't question how'd they'd gotten them, and a nice dose of Chinese food, the girl felt up to telling them all she'd learned. They'd been just as shocked as she when it was revealed she was indeed becoming a new type of hybrid, one to counterbalance Klaus and his new race and that apparently she was only the first.
How more were to be created, Sophia wasn't exactly sure, but whatever. That little fact wasn't really of great importance to her or the others, seeing as she was transforming. And the fact that Analisa hadn't given an exact time frame for the transition period was annoying, to say the least.
"But at least the woman said you only needed practice and time to control your urges. That just means we'll have to help you train yourself not to go crazy every time you smell supernatural blood." Rebekah smiled, trying to ease the tense atmosphere.
"Easier said than done, Beks. How exactly am I supposed to train not to attack people?"
"The same way vampires are trained to feed. It's not actually that difficult, sweetheart. But it will take time and patience." Klaus said, the hand that was resting on her hip giving it a squeeze.
"Fine. Whatever. It's not exactly like I have much of a choice in the matter. Not if I don't want to attack my friends, who are mostly supernatural. And even if something does trigger me, you guys would keep me from hurting anyone. Right?" Her eyes swept around the room, eyebrow arched.
"Of course, Sophia. Unlike us, we know how much you dislike shedding blood. We'll keep you in check." Rebekah replied for all three of them.
"Yeah, Sophia. Elena'd never forgive me if I let you lose control." Stefan spoke up, giving a small smile. The two shared a looking, knowing he also spoke of himself.
But he hadn't completely fallen back into his ripper ways, so Sophia was still hopeful that he'd be able to be turned back around before he slipped anymore. And now that they were home, her twin would be there to remind him just what he could lose and help him. And Sophia was thankful, because being the sole person trying to keep a ripper from ripping was exhausting.
"Good. That's good. I guess that means I can go home soon, then." She smiled a little hesitantly, still fearful she'd end up injuring someone.
"I'll be with you and I promise not to let you do something you'll regret." Stefan reassured, reaching over the coffee table to squeeze her knee.
"Thanks. I don't think I'd be able to live with myself if I attacked anyone the way I did Gloria." She shook her head, trying to get the woman's face out of her mind.
"Well, I doubt your family and friends would enrage you the way Gloria did, so there should be little risk of that reoccurring. And as he said, Stefan will be there to keep an eye on you." Klaus said firmly.
Usually she'd balk at needing anyone to 'keep an eye on her', but at the moment she was too afraid of her uncontrollable emotions to get worked up. If having Stefan babysit her meant no one would get hurt, then she'd get over it. Her loved ones' lives were more important than her pride, hands down.
"I'm sorry you guys can't come. I just don't think it'd be the best time to approach them, you know."
"It's alright, my love. You deserve to spend time with your family. Besides, this house needs to begin renovations and I've gotten word from James that there is a pack in Kansas, so I'll be leaving in a few weeks to take care of them."
"But we just got back." She pouted, head tilted back on his shoulder so she could see his face.
"I won't be gone long, sweets, I promise. Just long enough to change them and then I'll be back." Klaus couldn't resist leaning down to nip at her protruding lip, soothing the slight pain with a swipe of his tongue.
"You better, mister, or I'll get creative with my spells." She muttered, still pouting. She knew it was a lot to ask for, but she really just wanted everyone to get along and to be able to have her family and boyfriend all in the same town without it going up in flames. She was tired of constantly being separated from those she loved.
"Well, I don't know about y'all, but I'm tired so I'm going to bed." Sophia said and stood, reaching down to tug Klaus's hand up so he'd follow her. Slinging an arm around her waist, the hybrid brought her into his side and kissed her temple.
"We'll get you registered in school tomorrow, Bekah, while they're busy. Goodnight."
"Night, Nik, Sophia."
"Night."
The two watched the couple exit the room, headed towards one of the bedrooms. They were still reeling from Sophia's revelations, but they were both happy the girl seemed more at ease now that she knew what was actually going on. They could only hope that that lasted longer than a day, as it was almost a certainty that things were going to hit the fan soon. Such was life in Mystic Falls.
AN: Okay, so what'd you all think? Also, I'm not really sure if it's 'Bekks' or 'Beks', so if someone could let me know, that be great.
Also, for anyone willing to help out, I'm having to create a storyline for the ghost episode because Rebekah wasn't even in it, so I'm trying to figure out how those two would work into it. I don't know if someone should haunt Sophia and Rebekah has to save her, or if Sophia works with Bonnie to close the veil. I'm open to any and all suggestions, so please let me know what you guys think. Thanks so much.