AN: Hey guys, sorry for the delay. I've been in the hospital the last few weeks and haven't had a chance to write. But thank you to all you amazing readers, you kept me inspired while I was away. Thank you for reading and enjoying my story.

MusicalLover17: Thanks for reading! I hope you like this chapter.

DevilInWhite: I'm having to make Kol up as I go, so we'll see what happens. ;) Let me know what you think of his character and I'll see about the Kennett.

Mikeayla Hale: Thanks so much. I'm so glad you like the story so far. Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Mari Wollsch: Sorry for the delay! I hope you like this chapter!

Guest: Thanks a lot! I hope you like this chapter too! Let me know.

Anissa: Sorry for the wait! Hope you like the chapter.

Lioness32: Aw, thanks! I try to concentrate more on the characters themselves rather than the overall plot, so I'm glad you like how I'm handling them and their emotions. Enjoy this chapter!

The Things You Wish You Knew: Thanks for reading and enjoying! I aim to please! ;)

Runawaycherry93: Thanks! I love Klophia so much! I really wished I could put her in the show since I think they have way more chemistry than Klaus and Caroline. But I'm a little biased, lol. Let me know what you think of Kol and if you have any ideas about him. I'm having to make him up as I go, so any help is appreciated. ;)

Alright, I think I've responded to everyone now! I'd like to thank Atlafan1286 for being a doll and betaing this chapter. I also still don't own anything related to TVD or The Originals.

Chapter 17: New Old Faces

"What is this again?" Kol questioned as he and his siblings watched Sophia set up the electronics Klaus had gotten for her.

"It's a PlayStation, Kol. It's a gaming system that lets you play video games." Sophia replied as she righted the flat screen and picked up a controller.

"What's a video game?" The newly awoken man asked in confusion, still not getting it.

"You'll see. Now just watch." The witch replied and pointed at the racing game loading on the screen. She folded her legs underneath her as she picked her type of race and car, missing the amused look on Klaus's face.

Kol was enthralled as he watched and listened to the girl explain the mechanics, his fingers itching to be around the controller. She went through three different races before grinning and tossing the small device over, telling him he'd learn as he went. It was just so strange to him, all these new technologies that'd come around since he'd been daggered. He was a little sad he'd missed out on the twentieth century.

"Nik got an assortment of games to choose from; so if you get tired of racing, there are others." He just nodded at Sophia's words, eyes already glued to the brightly colored screen. Pleased with her plan's success, Sophia stood from the couch and headed towards the kitchen, where her history homework awaited her.

"What made you think of video games?" Rebekah asked as she followed the witch into the gleaming room, her backpack slung over her shoulder.

"From what I've seen, Kol is very impulsive and gets bored easily. I actually wouldn't be surprised if he had ADD or ADHD, the way he's always bouncing off the walls. Playing video games will hopefully keep his attention and I can stop worrying if he's gonna go on a killing binge out of boredom." She explained as she grabbed a banana and a bottle of water before sitting at the bar, which had become their homework spot.

"Hmm." The blonde nodded at her logic, still surprised at how well Sophia knew her family. They certainly weren't the easiest people to get along with, let alone understand. It was just one more facet of the witch's person that endeared her so greatly to the Original Family.

"Have Nik's contacts found that trollop yet?" Sophia rolled her eyes at Rebekah's tone, the elitism dripping from every word. Being alive for a thousand years and nearly indestructible really did a number on one's ego.

"No, not yet. Although, I have the sneaking suspicion he told them to take their time."

"Yes, that does sound like my brother. He and Finn never did get along all that well." Rebekah agreed as she pulled her history book and binder out.

"Well it's not like Finn ever really cared. I mean, he was always around Mikael or Ester, but spent very little time with any of the rest of you. Plus, he never came to Nik's defense against your father, so I can understand the dislike." The blonde frowned at Sophia's words before sighing.

"You're right. So what exactly are we supposed to be doing?" The witch raised a brow at the subject change but didn't comment, just opened her book to the marked page.

"Each group is supposed to pick a specific Native American tribe to do a research paper and visual report on. I thought we'd move away from Virginia for ours; maybe focus more north with the Iroquois or Wampanoag tribes."

"Sounds like a plan." Rebekah shrugged, not really caring. She'd have just compelled her way through school, but Sophia was determined to make her do things the human way, so she had no other choice. Plus, Alaric was on vervain, so she couldn't do that with him anyway. Sometimes she really regretted wanting to be normal, as it could get very tedious.

"Great. We'll need to get together with Jessica and Robert later, so we can plan a strategy on who is going to cover what. I—" Sophia's words were cut off by the ringing of her cell, drawing the witch's attention.

"It's Tyler." She said before answering, realizing that she hadn't heard from him in a few days, which was a little strange.

"Hey Ty, what's up?"

"I did something really bad, Soph." The witch sat up straight at the words, shooting a worried look at the blonde.

"What'd you do?"

"I attacked Care's dad. I didn't mean to, I swear. But I was transformed and had no control. I didn't mean to!" Tyler's voice was strangled and it sounded like he might actually be crying.

"What? Why were you transformed? How bad is it?" She asked as she shot out of her seat and headed towards the door, grabbing her purse and jacket as she went. Rebekah debated going with her, but she didn't want to get in the middle of this; and she really couldn't stand the young vampire, so the less she had to see of her, the better.

"I…it doesn't matter. I think I might have killed him! I…"

"I'm heading to the hospital right now, Ty. I'm sure everything is fine. I'll talk to you later." She hung up before she rushed away from the house, not even bothering with a car, as she was faster on foot.

She made it to the hospital within a minute, stopping before she reached the parking lot so no one saw her. Walking quickly, she hurried into the building, keeping her ears and eyes peeled for her old best friend. Spotting her talking to Meredith Fell, Sophia made her way over.

"So he's not psyched about it being vampire blood that healed him. Yeah, he made that clear." The doctor said as the witch came up next to them, Caroline's eyes shooting over to her in surprise. Meredith gave a little jump when she saw the doppelgänger that was suddenly standing next to her.

"Elena. You scared me." She said and gave a light smile.

"Yeah, I'm not Elena. But I know who you are. Meredith Fell, Adam's cousin and the woman that is currently making problems for my aunt by flirting with her boyfriend." Sophia said, arms crossed over her chest as she glared at the woman. Meredith's eyes widened a little at the angry teen, her eyes nearly sparking with fury.

"I—"

"Sophia!"

"What? It's true. Alaric is dating Jenna. And if he wants to go out with you, he needs to be a man and break up with my aunt. If I catch that he's cheated on her, it won't just be him I come after. Do you understand me?"

"I—Yes. Crystal." The doctor gave a curt nod, not liking the way this young woman was making her feel.

"Good. How's your dad?" The witch turned her gaze to the blonde, body relaxing and worries clouding her eyes.

Caroline had to smother a chuckle, figuring now wasn't the time to show she found the entire scene funny. Sophia was very protective of her friends and family and it'd been a while since the vampire had been a witness to just how deeply the doppelgänger loved. It was just one more reminder that she really didn't want to lose her best friend; and especially not over a guy.

"He should be all healed up. Meredith used vampire blood to save him last night." Sophia's brow quirked as she glanced back at the other brunette, who cleared her throat and returned her look with her own determined gaze, not willing to feel bad about saving a life.

"Good. I'm glad he's going to be alright."

"When can I take him home?" Caroline questioned as Meredith started to walk away, the two teens following.

"I signed his discharge papers late last night, just to shut him up."

"Really? He…he didn't call me or anything." The blonde said in surprise.

"I'm sure he just didn't want to worry you." Sophia said, squeezing her hand reassuringly.

"That's got to be hard. When your dad hates the one thing you can't change about yourself." Meredith said, making Caroline shoot a shocked look her way.

"I make it my business to know who the vampires are in this town. Medical curiosity. I don't blab." The doctor said with a smile. Sophia's eyes narrowed and she pushed Caroline behind her as she stepped forward.

"I don't condone the killing of innocents, Ms. Fell, but if you ever reveal my friends' secrets, I won't stop my boyfriend from silencing you. You may have heard of him. Klaus Mikaelson, an Original vampire turned hybrid who doesn't like when I'm upset. And if you endanger those I love in any way, I'll be very upset." Sophia glared, causing the older woman to step back at the honesty in her tone. There was little doubt that she would make good on her threat.

"Tell your dad I said you're welcome." Meredith said before walking away, her mind buzzing with questions about just who Sophia Gilbert really was.

"You didn't have to do that." Sophia turned back to look at Caroline and gave a small shrug.

"You're still my friend, Caroline, even if I'm not yours. And I'll protect you as best I can." The two started back towards the front.

"I'm sorry, Sophia." The witch paused at the words, giving the vampire a questioning look. Caroline took a breath before she faced her friend, needing to get this out before her courage failed her.

"I was taking my anger of Tyler becoming a hybrid out on you. I just…I feel like we've lost each other, you know? Like, you leaving changed things; we've changed. We're not the same people we were a year ago and I don't know how to reconnect with you."

"People change, Care; that's just part of growing up. And in the world we live in, we've all had to face situations that forced us to grow up faster than we should have. But that doesn't mean we can't still be friends."

"I know. And I don't want to lose you as a friend, even if I don't understand your decisions. But we swore we'd never let a guy get between us, and that's what's happened. I just want my friend back."

"I want my friend back too." Sophia said with a smile and Caroline couldn't help but return it, the two falling into a hug that had them both laughing lightly.

"I've missed you." The blonde said quietly as they pulled away, pushing her hair off her shoulder as they started walking again.

"Me too. Let's not let any guy get in the way again." The two nodded as they turned down a hallway, Sophia's eyes landing on where Elena was leaning against a wall.

"Sophia. I didn't expect you to be here." The human doppelgänger said, straightening up as she fell into step.

"Tyler called me about the attack and I wanted to make sure Mr. Forbes and Caroline were alright." The sisters trailed off into an awkward silence, the air still thick between them.

"My dad's not here. He was already discharged." Caroline revealed as she pulled her phone out of her pocket and started dialing her dad's number. The three paused as the phone began to ring, waiting for her dad to pick up.

"I hear it." The blonde said after a moment, phone dropping away as her enhanced ears picked up the ringing of a cell phone.

"Hear what?" Elena asked.

"My dad's phone." Sophia's own ears perked up, zeroing in on the sound and following as Caroline slowly led them into a supply room.

"I smell blood." The witch said quietly as they glanced down the aisle before the vampire came to a stop, breath catching in her throat. Bill Forbes was slumped against a shelf, a knife in his gut and throat slit.

"Oh, my God! Dad! Dad! Dad?! Oh!" Caroline rushed to his side, Sophia and Elena following quickly as t heir friend began to freak out.

"Oh, my God." Elena gasped.

"Don't be dead, don't be dead, don't be dead! Oh, my God!" The blonde cried. Sophia squatted down next to her, trying to control her rolling stomach at the stench.

"Care, he's not dead. Well, not dead dead anyway."

"W-What?" She gave the witch a confused look as her hands trembled as she pulled the dagger from his stomach.

"He had vampire blood in his system, remember? He's in transition." As if her words had summoned him, Bill's eyes shot open and he began to gasp in shock, his eyes wild.

"Daddy?"

"C-Caroline?" She gave a watery laugh and hugged him, heedless of the blood transferring onto her clothes as she gripped her father to her tightly. Elena swallowed thickly as she picked up the dagger with the tips of her fingers, recognizing it as one of Alaric's; she pulled a folded rag off a shelf and wrapped the weapon in it.

"We need to get out of here before someone comes in and sees." Sophia said and helped Caroline lift Bill off the floor, the older man stumbling a moment before he got his feet under him.

"He'll have to stay in a room until we can get him out safely. And he needs a change of clothes." The blonde said as she helped her dad towards the door, the sisters following behind them.

"An empty patient room would be good, so he could take a shower. I'll go to the inn and get him something to wear." Sophia said, squeezing Caroline's shoulder before whooshing away, confident the two could get Bill set up.

It wasn't difficult to find Bill's room, as she followed her nose to the room he'd been occupying, even though the scent was faint. She quickly grabbed up some slacks and a blue shirt before hurrying back to the hospital, not wanting to leave her sister and friend there for longer than necessary.

Sophia wasn't sure what was going on, as she'd been in an Original bubble lately and hadn't heard anything was amiss in the town, but it was obvious something wasn't right. Bill Forbes had been attacked and killed, no matter that he had vampire blood in his system, and the witch didn't want her loved ones to be next.

"Here." She handed Caroline the clothes when she made it to the room, where the two girls were waiting outside of.

"Thanks." The blonde smiled before she went inside, leaving the sisters alone.

"So do you know what's going on?"

"I was actually wondering if you might know something. I mean…I'm not saying they did it or anything, but this is the second attack and—"

"What are you talking about Elena?" Sophia asked in confusion.

"Brian Walters, the medical examiner, was killed the night of the Founders fundraiser and now Caroline's dad. I was just wondering if maybe one of your new friends might be doing it."

"Elena—"

"I'm not saying they did it or anything, I'm only trying to figure it out." The human doppelgänger rushed to say, not wanting her sister to get defensive. They were still on bumpy ground and she didn't want to add to it.

"How was Walters killed?" Sophia asked, shoulders relaxing as she saw the honesty in Elena's expression.

"By a stake in the heart. But he wasn't a vampire, so we don't know why he was killed like that."

"The Mikaelsons have all been on their best behavior; and if they do feed off humans, they do it outside of town. I don't think any of them did this; plus, that's not really their MO." Elena took a deep breath before looking her twin straight in the eye, needing the truth.

"Do…do you think it's Stefan?"

"What?" Sophia asked, confused.

"He broke up with me and I just thought he might be acting out or something." Elena mumbled, arms crossing over her chest.

"Stefan broke up with you?" The witch's eyes widened in surprise.

"He didn't tell you?"

"No I haven't talked to him today. But I don't think he'd kill Brian Walters or Bill Forbes, especially not so neatly. I can't believe he actually ended things with you. What happened?" Even as she asked, Sophia could guess the cause; and if the flush and lower of shame-filled eyes was any indicator, she was right.

"I kissed Damon." Elena whispered.

"Oh, Lena." The human's lips quivered before she was wrapped in her sister's arms, the contact making it hard to keep from breaking. Sophia held her for a moment before breaking away, pushing the straight brown locks away from Elena's face.

"I know you don't want to hear this, but you need to figure out what you want. You can't have both of them, Lena, and it's not fair to any of you this love triangle that's going on. Who do you love more?"

"I don't know!" Elena groaned, hands coming up to cover her face.

"Well then you should take this time to figure it out. Stefan broke up with you, which means you can explore what you have with Damon to figure out if he's the one for you or not. I'm not saying jump into his bed or anything, because that'd just cloud things even more, but you really should finally be honest with yourself. I don't like Damon, but both brothers deserve the truth. Tell Care I'll be by later; I need to go see Stefan to make sure he's not going on a ripper bender." Elena watched as Sophia walked down the hall before disappearing, shoulders slumped.

"What was all that about?" Turning at the question, she saw Caroline coming out of the door.

"Uh, nothing. Sophia needed to go see Stefan and I need to get this to Alaric. But we'll be by later, alright?" The vampire gave her a confused look before nodding.

"Sure. I'm gonna get my dad to my house."

"Okay, I'll see you there." The two waved before separating, both needing to get things done.

/*/

"Why should I help you? You're not Bonnie." Abby Bennett asked as she skirted around the locked coffin, not wanting to turn her back on the person that was impersonating her estranged daughter. She hadn't been around Bonnie in so long she hadn't seen the strangeness of her behavior, but there was no way an 18 year old knew the spell she'd used to knock Damon out.

"Because if you don't help me, Abby Bennett, I'll destroy everything you care about. I'll start with Jamie and then kill Bonnie; I may even make you do it, so you have that guilt for the rest of your life." The person that looked like Bonnie said in a dead, monotone voice that made the ex-witch's skin crawl.

"Now let's get started." Abby swallowed thickly as the young woman turned back towards the grimoire, eyes glancing over to where Damon was slumped against the stone wall, hating that he would be of no use to her. It was clear that whoever had taken Bonnie's body over would not stop until this coffin was open and there wasn't anything the older woman could do about it; not if she wanted to keep those she loved safe. She could only hope that whatever was locked away wasn't as bad as she was guessing it was.

/*/

"Stefan?" Sophia called out as she let herself into the house, as no one had answered her summons and she got impatient waiting. What, it wasn't like it was breaking and entering; the door was unlocked.

"I know you're here. I can smell the alcohol." She said loudly as she made her way towards the stairs, following her ears and nose.

It was a little strange to be ascending the stairs, if she was being honest, because she'd only ever been in Damon's room, and that was when he'd force fed Elena his blood before the ritual. But she wasn't going to let that get in her way of helping her friend, so she just pushed the weirdness away and continued up until she found the small staircase up to what she guessed was the attic turned bedroom.

"Stefan?"

"G'way." Rolling her eyes at the slurring words, the witch pushed the door open, nose scrunching up when she got a face full of stench. The room was large and in disarray, old blood bags and empty whiskey bottles littering the floor, the inhabitant strewn across his bed with his arms over his eyes.

"Really Stefan. Couldn't you come get drunk at the house?"

"No. G'way." The vampire mumbled and rolled over, blindly reaching for the bottle on his side table and nearly tipping it over before his fingers were able to snag it.

The doppelgänger gave a sigh and grabbed his trashcan and started picking up the trash, making her way towards the bed. When she reached it, Sophia grabbed the bottle from him and set it aside before pushing Stefan back so he was forced to look up at the ceiling and she could sit next to him.

"Elena told me you broke up with her."

"She kis'd him." Sophia lightly stroked his hair, hating that he was hurting and knowing there really wasn't much she could do about it.

"I know, she told me that too. But I'm proud of you for not just letting it slide." Stefan sighed heavily and turned into her hip, his head clearing faster than he wanted. If the witch was infusing a little magic with her caress, well, she'd just keep that to herself.

"Why do they a'ways go for him?"

"I don't know; I find Damon to be an ass and not the least bit attractive beyond the physical appeal." Stefan snorted at her words, making the teen smile.

"I still love her."

"I know. And it must hurt like hell to know she's not certain about her own feelings, but you were right to break things off. It's not right for her to string you along while she's figuring things out. I have a feeling that things'll turn out for the best, whatever they might be."

"You're just sayin' that."

"No, I really believe it. She's my twin and I love her, but she might not be the best thing for you; especially not if she's infatuated with your brother as well. I don't know why Petrova doppelgängers seem to be drawn to brothers, as it's really not right for anyone involved." Stefan mumbled in concurrence before rolling away and standing from the bed, his eyes red and swollen.

"I'm gonna take a shower."

"Good, 'cause you stink." Sophia laughed when he threw a pillow at her face, glad she'd at least gotten him out of bed. It was going to be baby steps before he was anywhere near okay, but she was prepared to be there for him every step of the way.

Pulling her phone out of her pocket, the witch sent a text to let Klaus know what had happened and to be ready for some friendly bonding. He was always hoping to regain his family and his old friend, so this was a great opportunity for him to do something nice for Stefan and show the young vampire that he was really his friend.

The hybrid could be extremely self-centered sometimes, so Sophia thought this was a good time for him to show others he could actually think about someone other than himself. It was just one more thing that could help change his siblings' long held opinions of him.

/*/

When they made it to the mansion, Rebekah and Klaus were waiting in the drawing room, the coffee table laden down with numerous bottles filled with amber liquid, the labels identifying the different kinds of whiskey, all top shelf. Shaking her head, the witch pulled on Klaus's arm to pull him to the side while the blonde filled a shot glass for her old love, who threw the alcohol back before slamming the small glass down for a refill.

"Please watch him, Nik. He's had a lot of human blood and I don't want him doing anything he'll regret later, no matter how entertaining you might find it. Promise me you'll keep him out of trouble." She said seriously, not swayed when his red lips dropped into a pout, her eyes never leaving his. Giving a sign, the hybrid rolled his eyes.

"Fine. Take all the fun out of it." Sophia just smiled and leaned in to give him a light kiss; Klaus quickly deepened it at the spark that always followed their mouths meeting, pulling her against him to better plunder. Gripping his shoulders, the witch gave a breathy little moan as she pressed into him, unable to resist the pull that was between them.

"Really guys?" Stefan's irritated voice broke through the haze, making Sophia step back with a sheepish look.

"Sorry Stef. So uh, none of you guys have been attacking humans, right? Like, with stakes and knives?" She asked with a quirked brow, getting confused looks from the three vampires.

"No. Why?" Rebekah asked as she poured herself a shot.

"I just needed to be sure. Not that I doubted you, or anything. But Elena asked me any of you might have killed the medical examiner, and then Caroline's dad; but I told her you guys didn't. But is just wanted to make sure; you know, to be safe." Sophia could help the flush that colored her cheeks, hating she even asked the question. None of them had done anything that would warrant her suspicion or scorn, so she felt guilt voicing the question.

"Sounds like you have a killer on your hands, most likely human if they're being killed with weapons. Unless the goal is torture, vampires and hybrids tend to just use their teeth." Klaus said, bare his with a wolfish smile that had her heart speeding up, which made his smirk widen.

"That's great. In a town brimming with the supernatural, a human murderer is just what we need." The hybrid squeezed her hand when she gave a heavy sigh, wondering when her town had gone to hell.

She'd always thought her senior year would be amazing, full of parties and hanging with friends, making memories; instead, they were always in a state of action, never having a true moment of peace, as one thing after another happened. She barely had time to take a breath between catastrophes and regain her balance; it made her miss the simple days when she was blissfully ignorant of the supernatural.

"Here, I think you need one." Her eyes turned to Rebekah, who was standing next to the two with a shot glass filled with whiskey, holding it out for her. Taking the glass, Sophia threw it back with only a slight grimace before smiling gently at the blonde in thanks.

"I should go see Caroline. Her dad was killed with vampire blood in his system, so he's in transition and I don't think she's handling it very well. You'll be alright by yourselves, right?" She quirked a brow at her boyfriend, who rolled his eyes again and shrugged.

"Yeah. We'll get blinding drunk and help Stefan forget all about your traitorous sister." Sophia shook her head at the blonde's words, stepping away from the siblings and heading to where Stefan was lounging on a couch, bottle gripped tightly in his hands.

"Hey, don't leave the house, alright? I don't want you doing anything stupid." She said, tipping his head back with a finger under his chin so he was forced to meet her eyes. She hated the pain his eyes, the normally pretty hazel now a muted brown, the pupils dilated from intoxication.

"You'll get through this." She whispered and pressed a kiss to his forehead, the vampire reaching out to squeeze her arm before she stepped back. She was about to step from the room when her head tilted, her ears catching the sound of shouting coming from the parlor, where she guessed Kol was.

"I take it the game system is working?" Sophia asked with a laugh.

"You have no idea. Elijah's been pulled in as well." Klaus replied as he moved towards the coffee table, picking up his own bottle.

"Wait… Elijah is playing a video game? Like, suit wearing, moral compass Elijah?" At the siblings amused looks, the witch couldn't help but laugh as she hurried to the parlor, peeking into the room.

Sure enough, Elijah and Kol were both seated in separate chairs, controllers in their hands as they fought in a game she thought was Halo. What was even more shocking then finding the regal man playing the PlayStation was that he was sans suit jacket and tie, his sleeves rolled up and shoes kicked off. It was the most relaxed she'd ever seen the man and she wished she could take a picture, but she didn't want to risk upsetting him so she backed away quietly.

"Bizarre, isn't it?"

"Oh yeah. Alright, I'll be back later. Remember, don't let Stefan do anything stupid."

"Yes, yes." Klaus pulled her against him again, taking advantage of them being in the hallway to kiss her until her toes were curling in her shoes and she was nearly vibrating with want. When he pulled away, Sophia was left panting and on the verge of dragging him upstairs; but the reminder that Stefan and Caroline were both hurting brought her back to reality.

"See you later." She smiled and gave him another light kiss before disappearing, not wanting to push her luck with her libido. It seemed to have a mind of its own when it came to Klaus and she normally didn't mind indulging in the constant need that filled her, but right now just wasn't a good time. She promised herself she'd make up for it later.

/*/

"He doesn't want to complete the transition." Sophia's eyes widened at Caroline's whispered words, her eyes red and puffy from crying. They were in the Forbes' living room, waiting while the vampire's mom had a moment with Bill, the blonde holding a mug to try and stop her hands from shaking.

"I'm so sorry Care." Sophia murmured, squeezing her arm sympathetically.

"I don't want to lose my dad." Caroline whimpered, lips trembling as she sat the cup down, not wanting the hot tea to spill.

"I know, Care, I really do. It's…it's not something you can ever be prepared for or ready to accept. But at least you get to say your goodbyes and you can let him go with no regrets." The witch's throat tightened as tears filled her eyes, unable to keep from thinking about her parents.

"How did you…how'd you deal? I feel like I can't even breathe." The blonde gasped, hands pressing to her chest as if to keep herself from just breaking into pieces.

"I didn't, not really. I was so unstable John had to take me away from all of you to get training so I didn't blow the house up or kill anyone by accident. I had to learn that there wasn't anything I could do and I just had to let the guilt go to properly mourn. I regret not telling them I loved them before they went to get Elena; I regret being so mad at her that I couldn't even look her in the face because I blamed her. But part of healing is knowing that I'll see them again one day and when I do, we'll be happy." Sophia said softly, wiping at her cheeks, which were wet with tears.

"I'm sorry I've been such a bitch." Caroline hiccupped before the brunette pulled her into a hug.

"It's okay. I'm sorry about your dad." The two looked up when Elizabeth came into the room, her own eyes red rimmed.

"You father asked to be alone for a while. The hunger is getting to him." She murmured as she took a seat.

"I may be able to help with that." The two Forbes looked at her in question.

"I could dull the hunger so it doesn't bother him. When the time comes he'll simply just fall asleep. There'd be no pain."

"Really?"

"Sure." Sophia nodded and stood, squeezing Caroline's shoulder before she moved towards her room, where Bill was locked away. She couldn't do anything about him being in transition, but she could make the passing easier for him and Caroline. It was the least she could do.

"Mr. Forbes?" She called as she knocked, waiting for him to answer before pushing the door open.

"Sophia, it's been a long time." Bill murmured from his seat on the foot of Caroline's bed.

"Yeah. I'm a witch now, so uh, I could take away your hunger, if you want. I know you hate vampires and everything, so I could make it where you don't crave blood." She said, hands fidgeting, as she'd never been very comfortable around him.

"Will it hurt?" He asked, glancing up at her and letting her see how much distress he was in.

"No. Just close your eyes." She smiled and stepped up to him, lightly placing her hands on his temples.

Taking a breath, she centered herself before sending her energy out and focusing it into him, finding the nagging ache that was in his gut. Once she found the source of the hunger, she started healing it as if it were a wound, not releasing him until the throbbing black void was completely gone.

"Wow." Bill muttered once she'd moved away, his eyes clear as he was able to concentrate now.

"I'll let Care know it worked." They shared a small smile before she headed back to the living room, where Elizabeth sat.

"Elena arrived; Caroline's out front with her."

"Oh, okay." She nodded before heading out, almost tripping over her sister, who was standing next to the door.

"Did it work?" The blonde asked hopefully, getting a smile and nod in reply.

"Yeah. He should be fine now."

"Thank you." Caroline said and hugged her tightly before going back inside, wanting to spend some more time with her dad before he died.

"So I did ask the others about the killings and they didn't do it, like I thought." Sophia said after a moment, moving away from the door.

"Alaric thinks it might be Meredith." Elena revealed.

"The doctor? Really?" She asked in surprise as Elena came to stand on the step next to her.

"She used to date the medical examiner and she was at the fundraiser and Caroline's dad's doctor. It just seems like too much of a coincidence."

"Hmm. Be careful around her. I don't want her going after you, Jenna or Jeremy."

"Jenna took Jer up to the cabin to get his head on straight before he messes up again, so they're out of danger."

"Good. I don't like them being in the middle of this." Sophia nodded as she pulled out her phone, which had buzzed, signaling a text.

'I th u nd 2 gy hr. lk now.' The message was from Stefan and it took her a minute to decipher the text, as it was clear he was very much drunk and not capable of typing an intelligible message.

"I need to go, something's come up." She said before going back inside to say goodbye to Caroline. When done she zoomed back to the mansion, unsure of what would greet her when she arrived.

/*/

Sophia nearly tripped over her own feet when she came into the drawing room, where everyone was gathered in shocked silence. Stefan stumbled out of the room, headed towards the couch in the parlor to pass out and get away from whatever was going on.

Elijah shot her a stunned look before turning back where a woman was standing in front of Klaus, whose face was slack in disbelief and anguish. She couldn't see who the woman was, but she had long curly blonde dirty-blonde hair and was garbed in a dress similar to the one Tatia had been wearing, so she could only guess that it was Ester.

"Do you know why I'm here?" Ester demanded, forcing her son to look her in the eye, his sea-green orbs glassy with tears.

"You're here to kill me." Klaus replied, voice hitching. He didn't know how his mother had been brought to life or released from her coffin, but he'd been dreading this day since the seer had told him to dig her body up before human settlers disturbed it.

"Niklaus, you are my son. And I am here to forgive you." Pushing away her shock, Sophia rushed to Klaus's side, glaring at Ester, who was forced to take a step back at her appearance.

"He doesn't need your forgiveness, Ester. You were a horrible mother to him, letting Mikael beat him because you had an affair and felt guilty. If anyone should be sorry, it should be you." She snarled, eyes going red as her rage built in much the same way it had when she'd faced Mikael.

"I—"

"No. I don't know how you got brought back to life or what you're doing here, but you don't get to make Nik feel back because he was a victim of what you created. It wasn't his fault he was a werewolf nor that he was turned into a vampire and I won't stand for anyone punishing him for lashing out at the person that was supposed to love and protect him when they locked a piece of him away for a thousand years." Sophia gritted out, fangs bared as she took a threatening step towards the witch.

"You'd do well to show some respect, girl." Ester murmured, spine straightening.

"I don't think so. You tried to kill my sister and friend, not to mention unleashing a dozen bloodthirsty dead vampires on my town. I don't give a shit who you are or whose power your channeling, Ester; I won't let you hurt Nik." The brunette stood her ground, drawing strength when Klaus's hands settled on her hips as his heart swelled with love for her. She'd gone to bat for him with all of his family except Finn, never willing to back down until they conceded to her point and he adored her for it.

"I did not come to kill anyone, Sophia Gilbert. I came to reunite my family." She said, turning so she could see the others, who'd all stepped closer at the unspoken threat towards the younger witch. Sophia gave her a doubtful look before she tilted her head back to meet Klaus's eyes, which were also showing his uncertainty, as the seer had been quite clear about the warning.

"Really?" Rebekah asked hopefully, taking another step closer to her mother, who she'd missed since the day she'd died. Even with understanding Klaus's actions and reasons, she still loved her mother.

"Yes." Ester nodded and gave a smile, which the other blonde took as a cue to dash into her arms, Kol not far behind. Elijah moved over to where the couple was standing while the other two spoke with the newly resurrected witch.

"I don't know about her, Nik." Sophia said softly as she turned away from the scene, something in her gut telling her Ester was here for a lot more than just reuniting the Mikaelson family.

"I was warned that her awakening would lead to my death." Klaus revealed in confusion, eyes tracking his mother's movements as she hugged her two youngest children.

"We shall remain on our guard." Elijah murmured, drawing both their attention. Klaus gave him a surprised look, as he'd expected his older brother to fall at Ester's feet like the others.

"I did not protect you like I should have when we were human, brother, and I will not make that mistake again. She is our mother, but you are my brother and Sophia my sister and I will stay guarded until we are sure what she says is true." Elijah said seriously, hand reaching out to clasp Klaus's. Sophia's face softened and she reached for his other hand, the three connected in much the same way Klaus, Elijah and Rebekah had been when they'd promised to stay with each other a millennia ago.

"Me too. I won't let her hurt any of you either." Sophia said, making the two men smile.

"We are family, always and forever." Klaus nodded, to which Elijah returned the gesture, the two finally in the place they'd always wanted to be. They were true brothers now, pulled together by love instead of driven apart by bitterness and anger.

"I would like you to wake Finn, Niklaus. He has slumbered long enough." Ester called out, stepping away from Kol and Rebekah to address the hybrid. Klaus sighed before pressing a kiss to Sophia's temple and walking away, leading his mother up to the room Finn was being kept.

"I'm with you too, Sophia." Rebekah said when she reached them, smiling as she locked her arm around Elijah's. Sophia smiled and looked to Kol, who gave an uninterested shrug before moving towards the kitchen, all the excitement making him peckish.

"You should take Ester out tomorrow, get her some new clothes and maybe a haircut. Have some mother-daughter bonding time." Sophia said as she started towards the door, wanting to keep an eye on the woman when she was around her boyfriend.

She made her way upstairs and to the room they were in, a nondescript guest room that she guessed would be for the woman's use, even though it made her skin crawl to have her under the same roof as Klaus. When the hybrid spotted her he said goodnight to Ester before leaving, wrapping an arm around her waist and leading them into their room, locking the door behind them.

"I'm really not sure about her, Nik. Something doesn't feel right." Sophia said, her stomach churning. Klaus pushed her hair out of her face and smiled down at her, hands cupping her cheeks and keeping her face titled up towards him.

"Even if she does try something, it won't work. Nothing can defeat us Sophia, as long as we're together. You taught me that." He said softly, leaning down to capture her upturned lips with his. Sighing softly, the witch's hands ran up his arms until her fingertips were tickling over his scratchy cheeks.

No words were needed as he picked her up and walked over to the bed, lowering her down until her head hit her pillow before pulling back. Smiling up at him, Sophia flicked her hands, their clothes falling away as if the seams had been cut, getting an arched brow in reply before Klaus was crawling up the bed until he rested between her legs, cradled against her.

"I love you." She said quietly, fingers stroking over his high cheekbones, her chocolate orbs shining brightly. Klaus turned his face into her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm, teeth nipping at the sensitive skin, making her give a small giggle.

"You will never know how much I love you, Sophia." His words washed over her like a warm caress, making her nerve endings tingle as her heart swelled and desire filled her. Pulling at his shoulders, she brought his dimpled smile down to her to share a kiss, body wrapping around him to keep him against her.

Nothing else mattered in that moment, as he was the one she loved and the rest of the world was put on the back burner, the two consumed with each other and proving how much they loved the other. They would deal with whatever came their way as they did everything else, together.

AN: Guys, we are soooooo close to 300 reviews! I am almost drooling at the prospect of getting there, lol. I've never hit 300 before, so if you could, that would just be awesome. I'd literally jump around my living room in happiness. So review! Thanks!

Also, please let me know what your guys thoughts are on possible couples. I'm still not sure yet where I'm headed with any of the characters besides Klaus and Sophia, so if y'all have a thought about who'd you like to see together and why, please let me know! I am open to any possibilities!