AN: Here you go! I hope you like the chapter. It's a long one, so be nice and review (nudge nudge).
Bangbaby: Your questions will be answered now! Thanks for reading and reviewing! I'm so glad you like the story so far.
Sherry: I'm not sure about Elena yet, but I don't plan on killing Kol, so there's that. Of course, I don't know if things will change later on, but right now he's safe. I know character deaths are meant to bring drama and stuff, but I really don't like killing people I like if I can help it. And Kol is growing on me, so I don't want him to die.
Storylover: I have an idea of what I want to do with that whole plotline, but it might change, so I can't say anything. Sorry!
Mrs Tall Blonde and Dead: We shall see!
Sophia's dress: Type Draping-Chiffon-Handmade-Beading-One-Shoulder into Google Images and it's the first two pictures.
Disclaimer: I own nothing related to TVD or The Originals.
Chapter 18: Family Drama
Sophia's very bizarre dream featuring a dancing kangaroo and a mariachi band was interrupted by a repetitive sound that was more than annoying. And no matter how she tried to ignore it, the insufferable thing just would not shut the heck up.
Cursing quietly, Sophia rolled away from the cozy nest of blankets and pillows her and Klaus had made the night before, reaching for her illuminated phone. It wasn't until she could see the screen that she realized it wasn't her alarm clock but was Elena calling. Why she couldn't wait until a more reasonable time, or heck, even have waited until they were at school, she didn't know. Her twin could be so annoying sometimes.
"Are you gonna answer the bloody thing or just let it continue to give me a headache?" Klaus questioned irritably, stuffing a pillow over his head to try and drown out the noise.
"Yeah yeah. Hello?" Sophia rolled her eyes at her boyfriend as she answered, who'd rolled over to face away from her and the blinding light of her phone. His senses were telling him it couldn't have been later than 6 and all he wanted to do was go back to sleep.
"I'm sorry to call so early, but I needed to tell you something immediately." Elena said from the other line, her tone both apologetic and apprehensive.
"It's fine Lena. I should be getting up for school anyways."
"Uh, that's why I wanted to catch you. Care and I aren't going to school today."
"Why?" The witch asked in confusion.
"Bonnie was possessed by Ester and forced to unlock the coffin. She's kinda freaking out, so we're gonna hang out with her today and keep her company. Her mom took off this morning after they woke up, so she's reeling from that too."
"Jeez. That explains how Ester was able to come back, as I was really confused about it. But that all makes perfect sense now, actually."
"Did she say why she's here? Bonnie and Damon both say she threatened to kill people if they didn't help her, so she was really determined to get back."
"She claims to want peace and even has given them a new set of rules to follow, as if they weren't capable of living in a town without going on binges. I don't think her intentions are even remotely benign, not matter what she says. Try to stay clear of her, alright?"
"No problem; I'm not looking to get barbequed again, trust me." Elena said with a shudder.
"If I remember correctly, I'm the one that got extra crispy." Sophia joked, but it fell flat as her twin answered her with silence.
"Don't remind me. It was horrifying."
"It's way too early for all this seriousness." The witch said after a moment of heavy silence. She heard Elena sigh.
"You're right. I'm gonna get another hour or so of sleep since Bonnie said she'd taken some Tylenol PM. Apparently being possessed takes a lot outta you."
"I can imagine. Do you…do you think she'd want to see me? I mean, I know everyone's all tense and everything about Klaus and—"
"I think she'd love to see you, Soph. She supported you when you got back even when we had our doubts. I'm ashamed we didn't see the changes in her sooner.' Elena said sadly, wondering if they'd have been able to prevent Ester from reawakening if they'd noticed Bonnie's strange behavior sooner. She didn't know why the Original witch was back, but like her sister, she thought it spelt trouble. For who exactly was the question.
"Ok. Good. I'll, uh, I'll come by later."
"Sure. See you then."
"Bye." Sophia ended the call and set the phone on the side table before she turned back to Klaus.
The blackout blinds did an amazing job of blocking out any light from outside, leaving the room nearly pitch black. And while her eyes were enhanced to see better in the dark, she could just barely make out his form on the other side of the bed. Not that she needed to be able to see to know he'd been listening to the call intently.
Sliding back over to him, she draped herself over his back, her naked breasts rubbing across his skin enticingly.
"So now we know how your mom managed to get free." She murmured, her hand trailing across his chest and stomach, the muscles tightening with each caress.
"It certainly adds more to our uncertainty of her motives." He replied, his voice husky and working through her system like a drug. No man should ever sound so sexy at 6 in the morning.
"Yeah. I really don't like her being here. Promise me you'll keep your guard up around her."
"Sophia—"
"Promise." She interrupted, blunt teen nipping at his shoulder, making him harden instantly.
"I swore so last night, sweetheart. And as long as she poses a threat to you, I shall never trust her." The hybrid said firmly, hand reaching for hers to give it a reassuring squeeze.
"Good. Now I'm going back to sleep." She tried to roll away, but his grip on her hand remained firm, keeping her flush against him.
"Darling, I think we both can do better than merely sleeping." He said, pulling her hand down until she brushed his hardness.
Sophia wrapped her fingers around the hot flesh, squeezing it firmly enough to have Klaus's hips jerking in appreciation.
"We do seem to have some unfinished business to take care of." She remarked, stroking her hand up slowly. The hybrid gave a low growl before she found herself on her back, the smirking predator gazing down.
"Let's get started then, my love."
/*/
It was almost 9:30 by the time they finally made it downstairs, having fallen back to sleep. There were numerous humans moving about downstairs, which was surprising, as they hadn't gotten around to hiring a cleaning service to care for the large house yet. Klaus had been equally as confused, making her feel better than she hadn't been in the loop.
They made their way to the kitchen, where a white-coated chef was cooking a large enough breakfast to feed a small army. It was clear that someone had come in and cleaned the room before hand, as everything sparkled in the morning light, making her wonder just when the humans had been brought in, as they hadn't been there last night.
"Where is everyone?" She asked quietly, seeing as the chef was the only one in the room, the cozy breakfast table empty of its normal patrons. Cocking his head slightly, Klaus focused his ears to search for the soft tones of his family.
"They're in the dining room." He murmured as he pulled her out of the room and headed towards the room they'd not used once since it'd been finished. It was a fairly large room with a long mahogany table in the center that seated up to 18 people, art and statues decorating the space to give it a regal, haughty air.
"There you are Niklaus. We were beginning to think you'd not be leaving your bedroom for the entire day." Ester said when they entered the room, seated at the head of the table like a queen holding court, her other children seated around her, Finn to her right and Elijah to her left.
Sophia's gut clenched and her hackles rose at the reproach in the woman's tone, as well as the elitism that bled through every pore. She already didn't like her, and Ester speaking down to Klaus like he was an errant child made her teeth grind; and it did not escape her notice that the older witch had completely ignored her. Bitch.
"Sorry mother, we overslept." Klaus murmured, pulling the chair next to Elijah out for her so she was sitting across from Kol, who gave her a little cheeky wave and smirk. Rebekah was seated next to him and was fiddling with her napkin, clearly bored out of her mind. The hybrid took the seat next to her and began filling their plates.
"Do not make a habit of it, Niklaus. It is very unbecoming to allow your passion to overshadow your other responsibilities. As you've noticed, servants have been brought in to take care of this house, as it was astonishing you've lived here for weeks already without them. Elijah and Finn have compelled them to disregard any otherworldly happenings, so you shall be able to drink blood in peace."
Klaus's hand stilled over his plate before he glanced at Elijah over Sophia's head, the two brothers both sharing the thought that it didn't take their mother long to take the reins. And by the tense set to Sophia's shoulders and the way her fist was clenched around her fork, she did too and did not appreciate it one bit. Laying a hand on her knee under the table, Klaus gave it a squeeze.
"Thank you, mother. I had forgotten about needing a staff in all the…excitement." Ester merely hummed as she daintily cut into her ham before taking a miniscule bite.
"I wish to throw a ball to celebrate our family finally being reunited. The servants have already been given their orders to begin decorating and the invitations are being prepared. We shall send them out tomorrow and the ball will take place on Friday night. This is our debut into society and I expect all of you to look your finest and be on your best behavior. There will be no accidents that draw unwanted attention; I want the town's people to welcome us with open arms and will not tolerate any less. Understood?"
Sophia bit her lip harshly as they all murmured their accord, the terrifying creatures reduced to anxious children under Ester's gaze. She couldn't believe how easily the woman had just come in and taken over everything, as if this was her kingdom and they were all her subjects whose sole goal was to please her. It was sickening, to be honest, and she refused to yield to the woman.
Don't get her wrong, she understood how strange and amazing it must be to have their mother back after a thousand years. She would give anything to have even one day with her mother or father again, so she got it, she did. But the fact that they didn't even stand up to her to make it clear where they stood in the hierarchy was irritating. She'd thought they were better than this. At least they didn't blindly trust Ester, or else they might all be seriously screwed.
They ate in a tense silence, the formality of it making the teen uncomfortable. She hurried through her meal before she stood, ignoring the look Ester sent her at being 'rude'. The older witch could kiss her ass for all she cared.
"I need to go see Bonnie. She's recovering from Ester possessing her." She announced, glaring at the blonde woman so intensely she was surprised she didn't burst into flames. Elijah's eyes widened as he glanced from his mother to Sophia.
"Is she alright?" He asked with worry, not wanting the Bennett witch to suffer because of his family. She'd already been used and abused by them and he wanted her left alone.
"I hope so." Sophia replied with a small frown before she turned to give Klaus a kiss, ignoring the huff Ester gave at the bad manners.
"I'll see you later." The doppelgänger smiled before leaving, breathing easier once she was out of the house.
Ester's and Finn's presence was oppressive and set her teeth on edge and she was glad for the excuse to escape it. She really needed to figure out just what exactly Ester wanted so she could get her away from her family as quickly as possible.
/*/
"How are you doing?" Sophia asked as she sat down next to Bonnie on the couch.
The other witch was wrapped in her Grams favorite quilt and a cup of fortified tea in her hand, the shot of whiskey doing wonders to warm her up. She'd been unnaturally cold since she'd woken up in the cave that morning and just wanted it to go away.
"I'm alright, I guess. I'm sorry about all this. I—"
"Hey, it's not your fault Bon. Ester is a mega bitch and will do whatever it takes to get what she wants. It just has me worried about why she's really here." Sophia said, squeezing Bonnie's shoulder and giving her a smile.
"I'm still sorry. And I hate that she made it seem like I didn't want to be your friend anymore." Bonnie whispered sadly.
"Don't worry about it. We're all friends again now, so that's what matters." She replied as Elena and Caroline came into the living room, carrying a tray of sandwiches and another with glasses of sweet tea. Caroline gave her a tentative smile at her words as she sat her tray on the coffee table.
"So Mama Original is really claiming to wanting peace?" The blonde vampire questioned as she handed the witch doppelgänger a glass.
"That's what she says, but I don't believe her. Like not even a little bit."
"She did try to kill me, so there's that." Elena added as she sat in a chair with her own plate and cup.
"She also threatened to kill everyone Damon and my mo-Abby loved if they didn't help her. I doubt she did all that to just be reunited with the son that killed her." Bonnie supplied as she finished off her tea and reached for a sandwich.
"Speaking of Damon, I should tell you what we discovered." Sophia sat up and looked to her twin, who gave her a questioning look.
"What?"
"When Klaus killed Mikael, we found out that everyone in his bloodline died a few hours later." She revealed.
"Wait? So killing an Original kills off their entire bloodline? How could you be sure?" Caroline asked in shock.
"Eric brought us two bodies to examine. The vampires, they just fell over, dead. There were reports of numerous deaths like this after Mikael died. But I also did a spell to show what caused their deaths, and it indicated their blood was the cause. Mikael didn't create many vampires, but the ones he did created ones of their own, and so on. They're all dead now." Her words were met with silence, the girls all sharing troubled looks.
"So if Damon keeps trying to kill Klaus—"
"There's a 1/5 chance he, Stefan and Caroline will all die." Sophia nodded grimly.
"And a 100% chance Tyler will die." Caroline's voice hitched in her throat.
"Yes. So I'd convince Damon it really isn't a good idea." The brunette witch said, looking at her sister. Elena started to say something, but the arched brow Sophia gave her made her close her mouth. They both knew she had a lot of sway over the older Salvatore when she wanted to.
"Okay, so the Originals are to be left alone, got it. I brought over movies to watch. It's been forever since we've had just a girls' day." Caroline said, wanting to change the topic, as she was tired of all the seriousness. And after losing her father and Tyler disappearing, she just needed to relax with her girlfriends and forget about the horror story that was their lives.
"I can't stay over too late. I'm supposed to be going shopping with Rebekah later for a gown."
"A gown?" Bonnie gave her a confused look.
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. So Ester, the elitist bitch that she is, has decided to throw a ball. She didn't even ask Klaus or I about it, and it's our house she's living in. I just hate how she's come in like she owns everything and we should all just bow down to her. Who the hell does she think she is? If she thinks for one second I'm falling for her act, then she's gotten dumber with age. Stupid—"
"Oh-kay. So you hate Ester; we'll all be on the same team with that, Soph." Bonnie gave her hand a squeeze, her lips pulled up into an amused smile. The witch huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, hating how even just speaking about the Mikaelson matriarch could get her so worked up.
"A ball? Really? Do they have a Cinderella fetish or something?" The vampire asked as she stood to grab her bag, pulling DVD cases out of it before moving towards the television.
"It's a power trip or something. I dunno. I just know that now I have to go and try to find a ball gown for Friday. We don't live in a place like New York or London. Where am I going to find a freaking ball gown?"
"Richmond would probably be your best bet." Elena provided with a smile, having missed this easy conversing with her sister. And she could get so worked up over things that it was highly amusing.
"Are we invited to this ball?" The vampire asked over her shoulder.
"If you want. It would be nice to have someone to talk to, as Ester's planning to invite the council and all the adults and stuff. I'm sure it's gonna be oh-so entertaining." Sophia said sarcastically, making the three smile. Even with becoming a strange witch-hybrid, Sophia was still Sophia.
"Then we should definitely go get our dresses together. We could go later today."
"Care…I promised Rebekah I'd go with her, so if you want to come, then you'll have to be nice." The witch said with a pointed look, making the blonde pout a little before she shrugged.
"I'm willing to put up with her if it means we get to go shopping." Caroline gave a careless shrug, making her friend laugh lightly. Only Caroline would put her issues aside in the pursuit of shopping.
"Alright then. I'll text Beks and we'll head out after the movie."
"Um, I'm actually gonna stay home, if you don't mind. I really don't want to be anywhere near Ester any time soon." Bonnie said with a shudder.
"Of course Bon." Sophia gave her a side hug and smile.
"Alright, movie time!" The vampire said excitedly as she grabbed the remotes and went back to her set, snuggling in.
"Please tell me we're not watching the Notebook." Sophia said. Silence answered her.
"Care?" The blonde just pulled her blanket up to her face and ignored her, making the others sigh in resignation. That girl really needed to get over that damn movie.
/*/
"I look like a cupcake." Sophia said when she stepped out of the changing room, body draped in a puffy blue gown that Caroline had insisted she try on. She and Rebekah had already chosen their gowns, showing how different they were through their choices.
The Original went for a sleek, off-the-shoulder green silk mermaid gown that ruffled outwards at the bottom; Caroline went for a dark blue, beaded number that Sophia wasn't sure about, but the newbie vampire loved it, so she just went with it. Elena was stuck between a black and brown gown and a deep purple one, both of them poofy and the stereotypical 'ball gown'. Sophia wanted no part in it.
"You look great, Sophia. Do a spin." Caroline refuted and twirled her finger, getting a scowl and glare from her friend before the witch complied. When she stopped in front of the mirror, her scowl deepened, hating how she looked. Which was ridiculous.
"Nope. Not gonna happen." She shook her head and picked up the tulled skirt and marched back into her changing rom.
Rebekah just laughed and drank from her champagne flute, enjoying herself more than she'd thought she would when the witch had told her Caroline and Elena would be coming with them. It didn't hurt that this was her fifth glass, of course. But the boutique catered to the rich, so they didn't bat an eye when she kept drinking, not even needing to be compelled. She could get used to places like this.
"Try the light pink one." She called out as they heard Sophia begin to undress.
"Yeah yeah. You know, when I agreed to this little trip, I thought we'd get in and get out quickly. This is the ninth dress I've tried on!" The witch said in irritation.
"Well if you'd just pick one we could leave." Elena spoke up as she exited her own dressing room, the brown and black beaded gown in hand, giving the waiting attendant the purple one to put back on the rack.
"You can pull off looking like a dessert, I cannot."
"You're twins! You look exactly alike." Caroline said with a laugh and eye roll, reaching for her own flute. Her and Rebekah exchanged a look, for the first time on the same page; Sophia was being silly.
"Whatever." Sophia grumbled as she stepped out in the light coral chiffon evening dress. It was draped beautifully from one shoulder, a beaded waistline cinching the waist, the ruffling starting there at her hip and going down one side of the dress. It truly was a pleasing picture.
"Ooo, pretty." Caroline said, clapping happily.
"I agree. That is definitely the best one so far." Rebekah nodded. Biting her lip, Sophia walked to the mirror to have a look, Elena stepping behind her so both their faces were reflected.
"This is the one, Soph." Elena said quietly, hand resting on her bare shoulder before she stepped back. Smiling, the witch turned to look at the back before she gave a happy sound.
"Thank god. I l don't think I could try on another dress." The others laughed as she went to get changed back into her clothes.
"We'll leave these for alterations and go get our nails and toes done. They should hopefully survive the few days till Friday." The Original said, signally for the attendant to gather up their chosen gowns, Sophia handing hers through the curtain.
"Will the alterations be done in time?" Elena asked doubtfully.
"Of course. Money speeds everything up. They'll be delivered no later than Friday morning." Rebekah remarked before she stood, heading to the register to pay for their purchases. She was tempted to make Caroline and Elena pay for their own, but she knew Sophia would just roll her eyes in annoyance and pay with the card Klaus had given her.
Apparently his money was her money and she would never dream of keeping it away from her friends or family. After the pain they'd caused her, Rebekah wanted to make them suffer, but alas, she was stuck being friendly. Pity, really; she was so much better at being bad.
/*/
"I thought I'd find you here." Sophia said as she slid into the seat at the bar next to Stefan, eyes scanning the Grill until she spotted Klaus, Kol and Elijah playing pool.
It still seemed so strange to see the suit wearing, normally very formal Elijah so relaxed, his jacket gone and the sleeves of his dress shirt rolled up. It was pretty clear that having his family back brought out the best in him, for which she was thankful for. Everyone deserved to let their hair down, so to speak.
"Where else would I be? It's not as if I have much of a life, now is it?" The younger Salvatore grumbled as he sipped from his tumbler, back to the crowd as he wallowed.
"Well aren't you just a ray of sunshine." The witch pinched his arm, getting an eye roll in response as he signaled the bartender down for a refill.
"There isn't much to be happy about."
"Not with that attitude there isn't. I know you're hurting right now, but it'll get better. It has to, right?" She quirked a brow at him, but his shoulders didn't raise from their slouch even an inch. When it came to brooding, Stefan Salvatore was a pro.
"I'll take a Coke." She told the bartender when she poured another two fingers into the vampire's glass, getting a nod of before she walked off to grab the drink.
"Are you coming to the ball?"
"And watch Elena and Damon trip all over themselves? No thank you." He grumbled, making her sigh.
"Fine. Be that way. But when you're done pouting like a baby, remember that you do have friends outside of either Elena or Damon. And we're here for you when you want us. Just…don't go on a bender like yesterday, as I don't think your control is as good as it needs to be for that and we both don't want you to turn back into a ripper." Sophia said quietly, standing with her drink and leaning to press a kiss to his cheek.
Stefan watched her over his shoulder as she went to where the Original brothers were, her musical laughter floating around the room and lightening his dark mood. He might not be anywhere near ready to move on from Elena, but it was nice to know that he had people he could turn to when he needed it. He just wished the searing pain in his heart and the crushing pressure on his chest would lessen so he could breathe again.
"Where's Finn? If you're having a guy's night out, shouldn't your oldest brother be here?" Sophia questioned as she sat her glass down and leaned against the table that held their drinks.
"Finn is a bore. Believe me, we're better off without him." Kol said as he lined his shot up.
"Well you're an asshole, but you're still included. Don't you think Finn would want the same?" Klaus snickered at her words, earning an eye roll from the youngest brother.
"Finn is with our mother. He didn't seem open to leaving her presence in favor of beer and pool." Elijah remarked as he came to stand next to her, making the witch smile. She just couldn't help it. If she wasn't madly in love with Klaus, she'd definitely be in trouble where Elijah was concerned, especially now that she was getting to see the less uptight side of him.
"That doesn't sound like good news, especially if Ester is still planning something nefarious." Sophia sighed, wishing they could go a single week without a crisis of some sort. Elijah hummed in agreement, his arm settling over her shoulders, Sophia snuggling into his side as they watched Klaus and Kol face off.
"You are probably right; given that Finn has always hated what we are, it is not out of reason to think he might be helping her in whatever plan she is concocting. We shall have to be guarded at all times."
"Have we heard from Sage?"
"My contacts have found her and she's on her way here. She does not trust their word, of course, so she's coming to see for herself. Or to cause more trouble." Klaus spoke up as he passed them to get a better shot, trying to ignore the vicious pang that went through him at the sight of Sophia under Elijah's arm.
There wasn't anything romantic in the gesture, but it still made his jealousy rise, as he didn't like any man touching her, no matter who they were. But he'd learned that Sophia wouldn't be like her doppelgänger sisters and that he could trust her; and she'd get pissed if he made a fuss, so he just had to get over it.
"That's good. He should be happy once she gets here, right? They can go live in peace somewhere else and we won't have to worry about him trying to get you all killed."
"That is the hope." Elijah nodded. Sophia blew out a breath, hoping things worked out. After more than a thousand years of misery, surely the Originals deserved some peace and happiness.
/*/
"This is impossible! I am too clumsy to dance." Sophia huffed as she tripped over Klaus's foot again, her hybrid form not doing a thing to help her. It was worse than trying to run at vamp speed; although, there weren't any trees in the ballroom, so that was a bonus.
"You're over thinking this, sweetheart. You're supposed to just feel the music." Klaus said, not able to keep the humor out of his voice. The witch sent him a glare as her lips dropped in a pout as she stepped away from him.
"You're being a douche." This just made him bark out a laugh, as well as getting similar reactions from Kol and Rebekah, who were standing a few feet away, in the proper starting pose.
"It's a simple waltz, darling. I thought all the founding families put their kids in training for this type of thing." Klaus smirked as he reached out, pulling her back to his side, taking her hands into his as they faced away from the other two.
"Elena was always the one who wanted to do this stuff. I was too busy practicing my violin to care."
"Just relax, love." Klaus said softly before he nodded at Elijah, who was seated by the stereo they'd brought in with a tablet in his hands. The man pressed the play button once more before he started playing the game called "Candy Crush" that Sophia had introduced him to. Who knew how fun things as ridiculous as this could be?
"And we turn." The hybrid murmured after a few steps forward, the witch nearly stepping on his foot again as he turned them to the left. Grumbling, Sophia tried to keep her feet from betraying her, not understanding how someone who was supposed to be supernatural could be so damn clumsy. How was that fair?
They only had to go through it twice more before she was able to complete the transition into Kol's arms, hitting into him harder than she meant to, nearly sending them both toppling over. Good thing one of them was actually capable of remaining on their feet, as she didn't think she could live with the embarrassment otherwise.
"You are an enigma, Sophia Gilbert." Kol said with a laugh as he steadied her, his lips stretched into an amused smirk. She pouted as he started moving them across the floor again, debating whether to give him an irritating curse or not; or even go completely juvenile and put itching powder in his pants. It certainly had its appeal.
"How so?" She questioned, eyes glued to their feet.
"You are a witch, and yet you also have the characteristics of a vampire and werewolf. You are a doppelgänger, and yet you love singularly. You are graceful, and yet clumsy. An enigma." The Original answered with a shake of his head, finding her both parts compelling and confusing.
"Yeah well, I'm just awesome like that. What's your excuse?" She retorted, her cheeks flushed.
"I can understand the draw my brother has for you, little witch. If you were more like the others I would vie for your affections myself." They twirled around, Sophia sufficiently distracted that she was no longer watching her footing and just going as he directed.
"If I was like the others, I'd have my hands full with all you Mikaelson men. Is it a rule that all your family members have to be ridiculously attractive? I've seen paintings and tapestries from the middle ages and none of them look like you." Kol gave her a charming smile, one that was nearly identical to Klaus's, just without the dimples she found irresistible.
"You think I'm hot." He said smugly, making her roll her eyes.
"I think you're all hot, Rebekah included. But Nik is the only one I want, so you can just deflate that ego of yours." She poked him in the chest as the music stopped, pulling away and stepping back.
"I may have to pursue you anyway. You're enchanting." Kol said, snagging her hand to give the back of it a kiss. Shaking her head, she gave his cheek a light pat.
"Don't waste your time. Besides, there are plenty of pretty girls to keep you entertained."
"None of them could ever be half as alluring as you, Sophia Gilbert." She laughed at his words, charmed despite herself at the audacity of him. She had to give him credit, he didn't back down, even with the fierce scowl on Klaus's face.
"That is true. But you'll live I think. Now go find someone else to flirt with." Kol pouted, but she just chuckled and bounced over to where the other siblings were, Klaus's hand wrapping around her tightly, possessively. Men. So predictable.
"She's warming up to me, brother. I'd be worried about losing your woman if I were you." The youngest brother called out in amusement as he headed towards the door, laughing at the growl that answered his words. It was just so much fun to poke at Klaus.
"Now that the child is gone, let us run through this one more time to make sure Sophia knows the steps."
/*/
Finn and Ester were definitely up to something, that was for sure. The two were constantly locked inside the room Klaus had given her for an office or out of the house, doing god knows what. And what does a newly resurrected witch need a freaking office for if she's not up to something? Answer her that.
Sophia tried to stay out of the house as much as she could, as the presence of Ester kept her in a constant state of unease and a churning stomach. She split her time between hanging with her friends or the Originals, stopping by to check on Stefan to make sure he hadn't burned his house down or something. This worry, which she felt was completely justified, led her to asking Rebekah if he could stay in her guest room, since the blonde wasn't living at her apartment much anymore.
They got the young vampire settled into the apartment Friday morning before they headed out to get their hair done, meeting up with Elena and Caroline at the salon. They avoided talk of either of the Salvatores, and every time Rebekah tried to bring it up just to cause problems, Sophia would elbow her in the ribs and change the subject. It wasn't a tension free atmosphere, but it was definitely better than how it used to be, so the witch took it as a success.
Sophia stayed out as long as she could, but as the sun began to set, her and Rebekah returned to the mansion to get ready. She had to admit that the place looked great, but only to herself. She didn't run into the family matriarch, thankfully, as she made her way upstairs.
"There you are love. I'd begun to think you were planning on standing me up." Klaus said once she entered the room, looking sharp in his tuxedo.
"I'd never dream of it." Sophia said, leaning up to give him a kiss. His fingers trailed over her neck, the skin left exposed, her hair twisted up into an intricate knot. Smiling, she reached up and quickly fixed his white bowtie, amused that he insisted he be different from everyone else.
"I need to get ready and I don't want you see me until I'm done. Shoo."
"You're shooing me? Out of my own room?" He demanded in fake outrage, his sea-green eyes alight with laughter.
"Yes. And it's our room, so I can kick you out whenever I want to. Now shoo." The witch pressed a kiss to his stubbly cheek before pushing him towards the door, the hybrid chuckling as he went.
"I'll see you downstairs then, my love." He gave her a look filled with heat before he disappeared, making her have to take a minute to calm her suddenly racing heart. Man was too delectable for her wellbeing.
Shaking her head, Sophia headed into the walk-in closet, where Klaus had had a make-up station/vanity built for her. She was going to knock his socks off when she was done.
/*/
People were already arriving when Sophia finally made it down, the downstairs filled with chatter. The Original family was scattered around, speaking with the members of the Founder's Council, most likely to assure them they only wanted peace. Ester was absent, but Sophia took that as a blessing because she didn't know if she'd have been able to enjoy the night with the woman hovering around.
As she stepped down the stairs, Klaus's gaze snapped to her, his body instantly tightening at the sight she made. Completely forgetting about the woman he'd been speaking with, the hybrid stepped forward until he reached the bottom of the staircase, his lips stretching into a smile as he held his hand out for her.
Cheeks flushing at the look he was giving her, Sophia placed her hand in his and let him pull her from the last of the steps. Biting her light pink pearled lip, she looked down bashfully as Klaus tugged her closer to him, his large hand settling at her neck. Tipping her head back, the hybrid took a deep breath to fill his lungs with her heady aroma.
"You are breathtaking, my love. There has never been a more beautiful woman ever born." He whispered huskily, his eyes nearly smoldering as his fingertips trailed up her neck to stroke over her cheeks.
Sophia's heart pounded loudly in her ears as she remained transfixed by his gaze, her breaths coming raggedly as her body flushed with desire. Dragging her hands up his chest, she fisted her fingers in the lapels of his jacket, their bodies brushing as they breathed in the same air.
"You're very dashing yourself." Sophia said breathlessly, leaning up the few centimeters so her teeth could tug at his bottom lip.
Klaus gave a low growl before he pulled her flush against him and slanted his mouth over hers for a hungry kiss, not caring that they were in the middle of a crowded room. All that mattered was Sophia and her intoxicating mouth.
"Ew, really?" Rebekah's voice sounded from next to them, breaking their moment. Sophia stepped back with a small laugh and blush, reaching up to wipe away the lipstick that clung to his lips.
"Shouldn't you be with your date?" She questioned with a raised brow, glancing around to spot the blonde footballer.
"Matt went to the restroom. You two better keep it under wraps unless you want to make a spectacle of yourselves." The blonde Original said with a shake of her head before she headed off, wishing she had someone of her own. Sure, she'd brought Matt to make up for their Homecoming date catastrophe, but she didn't feel that same spark Sophia and Klaus had, no matter how attractive she found him. It wasn't fair.
"I'll go get us some drinks." Klaus said as he moved away, needing a minute to straighten himself out. Sophia headed towards where she saw Caroline, who was standing with Elena while Damon hovered.
"You both look great." She said when she reached them, ignoring the male vampire completely.
"You do too Soph! That dress looks even better than it did in the store." Elena said with a smile.
"So you came with Damon." The sentence was met with silence before Elena gave a heavy sigh.
"I didn't come with anyone; he was already here when I arrived. Ester sent me a message that she wants to speak with me and Damon refused to let me come alone." The human doppelgänger said with an eye roll, the male vampire giving her a look over his shoulder.
"Why would she want to meet with you?"
"I don't know. But I figured I would meet with her and find out what she wants."
"I don't think it's a good idea. We've already talked about how the Wicked Witch tried to kill her once already." Caroline spoke up.
"I doubt Ester will try to kill you now. There are too many people around, and especially not with me so close."
"So I should meet with her?"
"It might be the only chance we get to figure out what she's up to." Sophia nodded, getting an irritated noise from Damon as he turned around to glare at her.
"You're willing to put Elena's life in danger just to figure out mama Original's big plan? What is wrong with you?" He demanded angrily. Eyes narrowing, Sophia returned his glare with one of her own.
"Elena is a big girl and can make he own choices. You're not her keeper Damon, you're not even her boyfriend, so you can take your overbearing personality and shove it up your as." She said hotly as she pushed him away from the small group. Elena's mouth was open in surprise while Caroline was trying, and failing, to cover her laughter with a hand over her mouth.
"I'm gonna go get a drink."
"Yeah you do that." Damon gave her one more fierce glare before he marched away.
"Douche." Caroline snorted at the muttered word before she gave Elena an apologetic look, even though she was highly entertained. It was nice to know that Sophia shared her opinion of the oldest Salvatore.
"Sophia! That wasn't necessary." Her twin said in reproach. Sophia just shrugged.
"You're the only one that likes him, Lena. So Care, where's Ty? I sent his invite with the Mayor's, but I don't see him anywhere." The witch said as she glanced around again, but she didn't spot the young hybrid anywhere.
"He's not here. He uh, he took off." Caroline answered quietly.
"What?"
"My dad was trying to help him, you know. And he…so he just took off."
"I'm so sorry Care." Sophia pulled her friend into a hug, the vampire squeezing her tightly before they separated.
"Let's go dance. It's way too boring." The witch laughed lightly as Caroline pulled her towards the ball room, where only a few were gathered. They passed Klaus on the way, the witch giving a helpless shrug at his raised eyebrows, as her friend would not be denied.
Klaus followed them into the room, leaning against the wall as he watched them move, knowing his mother would have a fit if she saw it. Not that he cared. Sophia captivated him as she moved around her friends, face bright and her laughter filling the room. It wasn't behavior one would expect at a ball, but he liked how it relaxed her and lightened her mood. It was worth the scorn they'd get from his mother later.
/*/
Sophia thought it was a successful night when she managed to make it through the waltz without tripping, moving between Klaus and Kol like they'd practiced. The younger Mikaelson did try to make her trip or to bump into other couples, forcing her to quickly sidestep with a laugh and eye roll, all her supernatural senses in overdrive to keep from making a fool of herself. Kol just snickered and kept twirling her around the floor, greatly amused by her and the irritation he could see on Klaus's face.
Elena caught her eye, looking frustrated as she stood next to Damon, as it was clear he was not going to willingly let her out of his sight. Stepping away from Kol, she headed towards her sister, snagging her arm and pulling her towards the door, Damon shadowing their steps. Her twin gave her a questioning look that she ignored, leading her up the stairs and towards her room.
"We need to freshen up." Sophia explained, knowing Klaus was also hovering on the fringe, ever the nosy hybrid. She pulled Elena into her large bedroom and put a finger to her lips before she reached back out the door and grabbed Damon's suit jacket, jerking him inside with them.
"What the hell?" He asked angrily, straightening his jacket in irritation.
"You should know not to interrupt girl time Damon." Sophia muttered before she grabbed his head in her hands, bringing the vampire to his knees in pain before he passed out.
"I'm not sure how long this'll give you, so you'd better hurry. And remember, don't trust Ester."
"Thank you." Elena whispered, giving Damon one more look before she hurried out of the room. Sophia just sighed, knowing the quick tempered vampire was going to be pissed when he woke up.
Elena hurried towards the room Finn had told her Ester would be in, almost making it before she was stopped by Elijah. She had to admit that he looked even more gorgeous than he usually did, if that was even possible. It made her wonder what Stefan would have looked like all cleaned up, but then that thought made her heart clench in pain, so she shoved it away.
"Elena. I understand my mother requested to see you." The elegant man said, hand settling on her arm to keep her from continuing on.
"Uh, yeah. We're not sure why. Is something wrong?" Elena nodded.
"Well, her ability to forgive my brother after everything he's done to destroy this family strikes me as a little strange to say the least. Plus, Sophia is certain she means us no such goodwill. It has me asking questions that I never thought I'd ask. Can I depend on you to tell me what she says?"
"Of course. Sophia wants me to see what she wants too; she wants to know what Ester's planning." Elena revealed.
"Good. I shall get out of your way then." Elijah stepped back with a small nod.
"I'll find you and Sophia later." Elena said before she continued down the hallway. Her nerves were building the closer she got, as it was clear something was truly up with this family and she did not want to get caught in the middle of it. She should have known better, being a doppelgänger and all.
/*/
"So?" Sophia asked when she spotted Elena later on, pulling Klaus over to her sister, Elijah coming up from her other side.
"How was our mother?" Elijah asked once he reached them. Elena gave them all a confused look.
"What are you talking about?" The brothers and girlfriend exchanged confused looks.
"You went to see Ester, right? What'd she have to say?" Sophia asked again.
"I don't know what you guys are talking about. I haven't seen Ester. Have you seen Damon?" Elena looked around for her wanna-be boyfriend, missing the looks they were giving her.
"Elena, do you remember what I asked you in the hallway?" Elijah questioned, brow furrowed.
"Hmm, no. Why are you guys so worried about it? Do you really think your mom would try something? I mean, it has been a thousand years; you'd think she'd have moved on already. Your family really knows how to hold a grudge." The human said, pointing at both Mikaelson men with a shake of her head.
"Her memory has been tampered with." The older brother said gravely, making the witch's eyes widen.
"That does not bode well." Klaus muttered, getting 'no really?' looks from the other two. He just shrugged, his attention moving to the stairs, where his mother now stood. A waiter came over with a tray of pink champagne, each of them grabbing a flute, Elena wondering off to look for Damon.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Waiters are coming round with champagne. I invite you all to join me in raising a glass. It provides me with no greater joy then to see my family back together as one. I'd like to thank you all for being part of this spectacular evening. Cheers." Ester raised her flute with a smile.
"Cheers." The crowd said.
"She's either a really good actress or does want peace." Sophia muttered as she took a sip of champagne, turned so she was between the brothers and could see Ester.
"Yes, yes she is." Klaus replied with a troubled look as he drank from his own glass, trying to figure out just what the hell his mother was up to. Elijah sighed heavily, having wished his mother was true in her proclamation of forgiveness; he just wanted his family to be happy and whole.
"I wish for another dance, one I do not have to share with Kol." Klaus murmured, setting his flute on a passing tray before grabbing Sophia's hand.
The witch barely had a chance to hand Elijah her glass before she was pulled away, the older man giving her an amused look before they disappeared into the crowd. Whatever Ester was planning they'd deal with; for now, she'd just enjoy being with her boyfriend and worry about the rest later.
/*/
Sophia and Klaus disappeared after their dance, escaping up to their room while the others were distracted. The witch wanted to avoid Damon to keep from causing a scene, and the hybrid had kept his hands to himself, for the most part, and he couldn't do it any longer. And despite what Ester might believe, this was his house and he'd do as he pleased, which meant ravaging Sophia as often as possible.
"Wait, wait. I don't want to rip the dress." Sophia said, pushing him away so she could step around him and move towards the closet. Klaus grumbled under his breath but quickly started pulling his own clothes off, tossing them in the hamper to be dry-cleaned.
Sophia pulled her dress off and hung it up on the hanger, the rhinestones around the waist catching the light. Stepping out of her high heels, she went to her vanity to remove the diamond studs Klaus had given her, putting them back into her jewelry box along with the diamond bracelet. Unknotting her hair, the witch headed back to the bedroom, clad in only her strapless bra and panty set.
When he caught sight of her, Klaus vamped to her before throwing her onto their huge bed, delighting in how she bounced. He was on top of her in an instant, his mouth claiming hers for a passionate, hungry kiss that left her breathless and her body humming with desire. He reached between them and unsnapped the front clasp, letting her breasts spring free, their tips hardening as they brushed over his bare chest.
"I've wanted to taste you since I first saw you." He said huskily as his lips moved down her face to settle at her neck, teeth nipping at her sensitive skin and making her mewl. It was true not only for tonight, but from the first time he saw her, shackled to the bed before she'd tried to escape. There had always been something about her that drew him in and demanded he worship her.
"Nik." He shivered at how she said his name, a breathless whispered that worked over him like a caress.
Unable to bare a moment longer, Klaus pulled back and hurriedly dragged her panties down her legs and threw them over his shoulder, his hand settling at her center to test her readiness. She was soaking already.
"Yes, Nik. Please." Sophia arched up, her breasts like offerings to the gods. Using her wetness, he stroked himself for a moment to make sure he was generously coated before he surged into her in one thrust.
"Fuck!" The witch nearly screamed as she was so suddenly filled, her body tightening around him deliciously, her nails scoring down his back while her legs wrapped around his hips, her feet locking at his back.
Klaus set a fast pace, his hips moving against hers almost brutally; if she hadn't been a hybrid, he'd have broken her. Sophia didn't mind though; in fact, she met him thrust for thrust before she forced him to roll over, her following until she was astride him. Reaching for his hands, she brought them up to grip her breasts as she rode him, head thrown back in pleasure. She was stunning.
Sitting up, Klaus stroked her breasts for a moment before one of his hands slid to the back of her neck, forcing her to look at him. Shifting, he smirked at her before going for her neck, wrenching a strangled scream from her as his fangs sank into her, the pleasure nearly blinding.
Baring her own fangs, Sophia dropped her face to his exposed neck and bit, his blood surging into her mouth and giving her the headiest of highs. Their tempo never slowed, their bodies working furiously against each other as they fed, their very essences seeming to join. No two people could ever be closer than they were in that moment.
/*/
"I feel strange." Sophia said as she sat next to Klaus on the couch, watching Kol play Assassin's Creed II, hand on her stomach. It was roiling viciously, the threat of vomiting looming, even though that seemed absurd. But there was definitely something wrong with her.
"How so?" The hybrid questioned, glancing up from his sketchpad worriedly. She blushed when she caught sight of what he'd been drawing, flipping it closed before anyone else could catch a glimpse.
"My stomach hurts. I haven't felt so bad since before my powers were unlocked." She revealed.
"Maybe it's that time of the month." Kol said over his shoulder, receiving a kick to the back from the witch.
"Not everything that goes wrong with a woman is because of her period." She grumbled, scowling when she got identical looks of skepticism from the brothers. Pouting, Sophia pushed against Klaus as she stood up.
"I'm gonna find Elijah, he'll be nice to me."
"C'mon sweetheart—"
"Don't you sweetheart me, mister." She pointed at him angrily, eyes narrowing at the smirk he was trying, and failing, to hide. Douche.
"Were you asking for me?"
"Elijah! They're being mean to me." She rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him and burying her face against his chest, trying to keep her giggles in.
"Nu-uh! She's just PMSing." Kol retorted, sticking his tongue out.
"See!" She pointed at the youngest brother, her large doe eyes peering up at him. Elijah felt his own amusement build at them, relishing in the easy friendship that'd developed between his siblings and Sophia, thankful they'd finally been able to get to this point.
"Now children—"
"Uh oh, papa Elijah is here. Better run for cover before he spanks us." Kol said in a high pitched voice, throwing the controller at Elijah's face as he dove behind the couch Klaus was seated at. Sophia couldn't stop the snort she made before dissolving into giggles, the annoyed look on the older brother's face as he clenched the controller in midair being too much for her.
"It appears we've gotten ourselves two adolescents for the price of one." The hybrid said as he stood, taking Sophia's shaking form from his brother, wiping at the tears that were leaking out of her clenched eyes.
"Yes, it does seem that way. But if we could have a moment of seriousness, there is an issue I'd like to discuss with all of you. Concerning mother." Their merriment dissolved, leaving them subdued.
"What is it?" Klaus questioned as he released Sophia, the witch rubbing at her face in resignation. Kol popped up from his hiding place and sat on the arm of the couch so he could see them clearly.
"I found burnt sage." Elijah said, holding the offending object up. Sophia reached for it with a frown.
"A privacy spell."
"Yes. Add that with Elena's memory being tampered with and I believe we have enough to be concerned about."
"And she and Finn have disappeared again." Klaus added with a frown.
"Yes, exactly. Is there any way you could figure out what she's tried to keep hidden?" The elegant man turned to her with a raised brow and hopeful expression.
"I can try." She nodded before heading upstairs to grab her grimoire. The situation had distracted her from the rolling in her stomach, which she was thankful for.
She met the men in Ester's office, using the already existing magical energy to try and reveal just what the other witch had done. It took several minutes before a thin red cord appeared, connecting them together, one end disappearing through the wall, traveling until it also connected with Rebekah and Finn. The cord glimmered for a minute before dissipating.
"What does that mean?" Kol asked in worry, which wasn't helped by the shocked and dismayed look on Sophia's face. She staggered back, Klaus's hands shooting out to steady her before she collapsed, eyes wide.
"What is it love?" Klaus questioned, equally as worried. He'd never seen her like this and it was troubling, to say the least.
"S-She…we're all bound now."
"Bound how?" Elijah helped ease her into a chair, squatting so he could look in her eyes, his hands settling on her knees to try and ground her. The witch took a shuddering breath before she met his eyes, try to push her fear away, as it did her no good. They had to figure this out and her crumbling wouldn't help.
"She's connected our life forces; so if one dies—"
"We all die." She nodded, throat tight.
"She did what?" Klaus demanded angrily, his eyes flashing gold.
"She wants to kill all of us." Kol said quietly, dumbstruck. Sure, he'd known his mother wasn't happy with Klaus and rightly so, but he'd never imagined she'd actually kill her own children.
"She has bound you to us as well?" Elijah questioned, wanting to move this along instead of just repeating the same questions over and over.
"Yes." Sophia's voice hitched as her eyes stung, both in frustration and fear.
"I will never allow her to hurt you, Sophia." Klaus said fiercely as he pulled her up from the chair, Elijah moving back to keep from getting hit as the hybrid wrapped her in his arms and smoothed a hand over her hair.
"How could she do this? You're her children. I just don't understand." Sophia shook her head in confusion, clutching Klaus tightly against her.
"We'll find out. Can you do a locator spell?" She nodded against his chest.
"I'll grab a map." Kol said before he vamped away, returning a moment later with a map of Mystic Falls. Why they had one so handy, she didn't know, but whatever.
"I'll need some blood."
Klaus offered his palm, which she sliced open to let a few drops fall as she worked the spell. The blood seemed to shiver before it split in two, one drop landing on the street Rebekah's apartment was on and the other moving out of the town until it reached the old decrepit house that sat above the burial ground of 100 witches.
"She certainly knows where to channel the most power." She commented as she pointed to the location.
"Let's go settle this."
"No, wait. We should go get Rebekah, let her know what's going on. And then we'll present a united from; we'll show her that we're family, and family sticks up for each other." Sophia said, her face set.
"Fine. Let's go." Klaus said before disappearing, the others following him quickly, until they were in front of Rebekah's door.
"I'll tell her. None of you have invites and I think she wants to keep it that way." Sophia said as she pulled her key ring out of her pocket, sliding the extra key Rebekah had given her into place and unlocking the door.
Stepping into the apartment, Sophia's eyes widened a little at the areas of obvious destruction. Worried something had happened to her friend, she hurried to her bedroom, throwing the door open before she let out a startled "Oh my god!" and slammed the door shut again.
Face hot in embarrassment, Sophia headed back towards the living room, not looking up as the bedroom door opened and shuffling feet headed her way.
"So much for knocking." Rebekah grumbled as she pulled her hair up into a ponytail, now fully dressed.
"I am so sorry Beks! I had no idea—" Her eyes flicked up to see Stefan stumble from the room and into the one that he was supposed to be using, giving the witch another flash of bare skin that she really didn't need to see.
"Is there a reason you're here or do you have a hidden voyeuristic side we didn't know about?" The blonde quirked a brow, making Sophia's cheeks redden more.
"Ha, uh, no. We found out what Ester is planning and we need to put a stop to it before she kills us all."
"What are you talking about?"
"I'll explain on the way. We need to go now." The witch tugged on her hand until they reached the door, showing the three men standing on the other side, all with amused looks on their faces.
"Our sister is a strumpet." Kol laughed.
"That's such a double standard. Jerk." Sophia said, punching him lightly in the shoulder as they headed towards the stairs.
"Are you going to explain just what the hell is going on or not?" Rebekah asked in frustration, getting apologetic looks from both Kol and Sophia before Elijah launched into the explanation. The female Original was beyond shocked and hurt, to say the least. Her own mother was trying to kill her. Talk about a dysfunctional family.
They made it to the old house in minutes, all too impatient to use a car when their supernatural speed was faster. As they crested the hill, they saw Ester almost done outlining a pentagram with pure rock salt, Finn standing to the side, watching her work with a complete lack of emotion. It was if he was not standing at the precipitous of death. His head jerked up though, as if he could sense them.
"They're coming, mother." He said worriedly.
"What? It's not even dark yet."
"Then I guess you should have thought this out better." Sophia said sarcastically as she approached with the four siblings, all them with severe looks on their faces. Ester cursed, very unladylike, and finished the salt circle, motioning for Finn to step inside before she waved her hand, casting the enchantment that would keep them out.
"They cannot enter." She said to Finn, who still positioned himself slightly in front of her to protect her from his family. From their family.
"That's lovely. We're stuck out here while the favorite son plays sacrificial lamb. How pathetic you are, Finn." Kol said in irritation as he paced outside the circle, desperately wanting to lunge at his brother and rip his throat out.
"Be quiet, Kol. You're brother knows virtue you cannot even imagine." Sophia rolled her eyes, hating how damn dramatic this whole family was. They seriously needed some therapy, ASAP.
"Whatever you think of us, killing your own children would be an atrocity." Elijah said in disdain, the last of his hope for his mother forgoing her plan melting away as he watched her stand within the pentagram.
"My only regret is that I did not let you die a thousand years ago."
"Enough. All this talk is boring me. End this now, mother. Or I'll send you back to hell." Klaus declared with a scowl.
"For a thousand years, I've been forced to watch you, felt the pain of every victim, suffered while you shed blood. Even you, Elijah, with your claim to nobility, you're no better. All of you…you're a curse on this earth stretched out over generations. If you've come to plead for your life…I'm sorry. You've wasted your time." Ester said, her eyes going glassy as if from tears.
"And what of Sophia? Why have you condemned her to death?" Rebekah asked angrily, not believing the woman before her was really her mother. She'd always remembered the other woman so fondly, but now she could really see the truth, could see what Klaus had dealt with as a human. A mother that did not love as she claimed.
"The…abomination within her cannot be allowed to live. It is a worse defilation of nature than you are, if that is even possible." The woman said with hate filling her gaze.
"What are you talking about? Do you even know anything about what was done to me? The witches are the ones that created me to be a new hybrid to balance out Klaus's brethren. While you were stuck in purgatory for your sins, for creating the curse you claim they are, the world was getting set back to rights. If you kill them now, every vampire in the world will die and the balance will be shifted once again. Do you think our witch sisters will forgive you for a second infraction of such a magnitude?" Sophia demanded as she pushed past the siblings so she was standing at the boarder of the salt.
"It does not matter what they do to me as long as I prevent the beast that grows within you from ever taking its first breath. Something so atrocious cannot be allowed to live."
"Mother? What are you saying?" Finn questioned, looking between the doppelgänger and Ester, his mind trying to put the pieces together.
"It is not Sophia's life that is bound with yours; it is the life within her that I have bound."
"What?" They all asked in shock, exchanging mystified looks.
"Has a thousand years dulled your hearing as well as your morals? She's pregnant." Ester rolled her eyes.
"Nice try Ester, but I don't believe you. Klaus can't father children, so there is no way I could be pregnant. Now step out here and face me." Sophia commanded, feet separating to drop her into a more solid stance.
"You think too highly of your abilities, Sophia."
"No, it's you that's guilty of that." The younger witch retorted before she threw her hands forward, the salt quivering violently as she sent her raw power at it. Finn took a step back, his eyes wide as he stared at her, more for what his mother claimed than the show of power. Ester's eyes grew large when one more thrust of Sophia's hands sent the salt flying away, the protection spell breaking under her onslaught.
"See? Easy peasy. You forget, Ester, that the witches created me and have thus given me access to their power if I should ever need it." Sophia smirked at her before she sent the woman flying backwards until she connected with the house with a loud crunch.
Finn made no move to help her; he didn't move at all, actually, even when Kol surged forward to wrap his hand around his throat. He just kept running through Ester's words, wondering if what she claimed was true. If it were so, he felt sick, as he had not agreed to killing someone innocent; Ester'd claimed the witch had killed, so it'd seemed justified. But not an unborn child.
"Kol, wait! We're still connected!" Rebekah vamped forward, trying to stop him from snapping Finn's neck.
"You messed with the wrong family." Klaus said as he came to stand next to Sophia. She gave him a small smile before she closed her eyes and focused on the magic Ester was drawing on.
Usually they'd have to break the lineage line to stop such a power source, but with the witches on her speed dial, so to speak, she was able to convey her need to them. Ayana might have been Ester's friend and allowed her to use her power, but her descendants did not share her affection; in fact, many of them had been the strongest voices in the demand to create Sophia. They had no problem pulling their magic away from the old witch, cutting her connection off on the spiritual side.
Now it didn't matter if Bonnie and Abby remained alive; the spirits had spurned Ester and they would not come to her aid.
"No. Sisters, do not abandon me!" Ester shouted as she got to her feet, but it was no use.
"Guess they like me more than you." Sophia said childishly before she sent out another flare of power. But before it could reach her, Ester disappeared with the last of her energy, knowing she needed to escape before they killed her. It wasn't the last they'd see of her, that she promised herself.
"Damn." The witch grumbled in irritation, having wanted to put an end to their misery already. There was no telling where the woman had disappeared to.
"Will she be able to come after us again?" Klaus asked quietly as they turned to see Kol had Finn on the ground, beating the shit out of him while Rebekah and Elijah tried to pull him off.
"She doesn't have access to the Bennett line anymore, so she should eventually die as her body weakens. That's all I know for sure." She said with a sigh before rushing to the scene, pulling roughly at Kol's back. Klaus stepped in as well, the four of them able to pull the enraged vampire off his brother.
"That is enough." Elijah snarled as he sent Kol skidding down the hill. Ignoring them, Sophia knelt next to Finn's still body, soft hands stroking along his cheeks, wiping the blood away with the sleeve of her jacket.
"Finn, why? Why do you wish to die?" She questioned softly, his eyes peeling open to look at her.
"Because we are abominations. I've wanted to die since I was turned." His voice croaked.
"Really? There wasn't even one moment when you were happy? Where you found hope?" His brow furrowed.
"No."
"Really? Because I've heard that there used to be someone quite special in your life." Sophia murmured as she helped him sit up, ignoring the pacing siblings behind her.
"Sage." He whispered the name like a prayer.
"Yes, Sage. What if I told you she's still alive? That's she's headed here even as we speak?"
"You lie."
"No, I don't Finn. I love your family like they were my own and I would give you the same chance I gave them, but for that, you have to live. You have to want to live. And if Sage is the only thing worth anything to you, then know that she is coming."
"It's true, Finn. My contacts found her and gave her the message that you were awake." Klaus said, tossing his phone at his brother, who caught it. The screen showed a picture that'd been captured without Sage's knowledge, the redhead having just stepped out of a brownstone.
"S-she's alive. After all this time." Finn whispered, amazed.
"Yes she is. And her quick response to your awakening leads me to believe that she still loves you as you do her. Isn't that worth living for?" Sophia asked, Klaus's hand settling in her hair as he stood over her.
"I…I didn't know about the child. I swear. I'd have never agreed to this knowing she planned to kill a unborn baby." Finn said as he got to his feet, Sophia following him up.
"Like I said, she had to have been lying. I've only been with Klaus, and well, we all know you guys can't procreate. Good thing too. Can you imagine how many children you'd all have over a thousand years? I mean, it'd be crazy!" She joked, arm looping with Klaus's as they all started walking. The tension was still think between the siblings, but she wasn't deterred. Elijah had tried to kill Klaus and they'd forgiven each other, so they could get past this too. Eventually.
"How do we break the connection between us?"
"I'll have to do an unbinding spell. I'll need all of your blood, willingly given and blessed. I could probably do it when we got home."
"Good. I don't want our lives bound together when mo-Ester is out there still." Elijah commented.
"Yeah, but hopefully she's learned that when you mess with one of us, you mess with all of us. I'd not want to go against those odds." They smiled at the witch, finding her endearing. It didn't seem to matter what crisis they faced, she always bounced back with a chipper attitude and sarcastic comment.
"Let us get this done quickly, then." Klaus said when they reached the house. The witch nodded before hurrying upstairs to find the right spell while the siblings sat around the parlor room, the air thick with tension.
It was completely silent when she got back downstairs, Finn separated from the other four, obviously being shunned. But that wasn't their biggest problem, so she ignored it and motioned for them to follow her into the kitchen, telling the chef and sous-chef to take a break and give them some privacy. She pulled a knife out of the stand and handed it to Finn before she grabbed a glass from the cabinet and started chanting.
As she signaled, each Original slit their palms and let blood drain into the cup with a blessing before they passed the knife to the next, in order of age. She grimaced when she cut into her own palm last, but the sting quickly vanished as her skin knitted back together.
Pouring the combined blood onto the counter, she continued the chant, her hands shaking with the effort to break the tie between them. It took longer than she thought it should, but the blood eventually separated into six different little pools, signaling the spell had worked.
"Is it done?" Klaus questioned as she panted.
"Y-yes." She nodded before staggering back, the amount of magic she'd used that day leaving her drained and wobbly. Even with access to the spirits, she didn't have an indefinite supply of power to draw on; if she did, it'd kill her for sure.
"Perhaps you should rest for a while, love." The hybrid said as he steadied her, his eyes worried.
"Yeah sounds good. Don't be mean to your brother." She mumbled as she staggered towards the door.
"I'll help her." Rebekah stepped forward and grabbed her arm, helping her towards the stairs.
"Thanks." Sophia muttered, her head heavy.
"Of course." The blonde squeezed her arm with a smile as she opened the door to her room and helped her inside. Sophia barely managed to kick off her shoes before she slumped down on her bed, nuzzling into her pillow.
"Thank you, Sophia. You saved us, again." Rebekah sat down next to her, stroking her fingers through her brown hair soothingly.
"You're family, Beks. It's what family does." Sophia muttered into her pillow, making the vampire smile.
"You have taught me that, Sophia. Before you, my family was broken; on a continuous path of destruction and hatred. You've given us the family we've always wanted."
"Hmm. You guys just needed to stop being all…douchey and stuff." Rebekah laughed at her words, once more thankful the doppelgänger had been brought into their lives. She couldn't even imagine what her life would be like now if Sophia Gilbert had never existed.
"Sleep well, Sophia." She said quietly, getting a mumble in reply. The vampire remained where she was, stroking Sophia's hair, until the witch's breathing deepened and sleep took her.
Biting her lip in uncertainty, Rebekah glanced down at the prone form, debating whether to give in to her curiosity. Her mother had tried to kill them all, true, but that didn't give a reason for why Ester chose the words she did. Why she claimed Sophia was pregnant as her excuse for binding her to them. Wouldn't it have just been as easy to say it was because she was now a hybrid of her own?
Not having any answers, Rebekah took a breath before she focused her hearing, tuning back into the world around her. Most vampires learned to filter out most sounds they weren't focused on as white noise to keep themselves from going crazy; just imagine a vampire in a room full of humans and having to hear each of their heart beats. It would be ghastly.
Concentrating her ears on the room she was in, the vampire heard her and Sophia's heartbeats along with a low humming that was coming from the walls as electricity cycled through its wires. There was a sudden rushing of water, someone having turned on a sink or used the toilet, sending water rushing through the pipes. But it was the faint, fluttering sound that caught her attention.
Narrowing her eyes at Sophia's back, Rebekah narrowed her attention to that fluttering sound. It quickly grew in volume until it rang loudly in her ears.
Th-thump, th-thump, th-thump, th-thump, th-thump
Rebekah gasped, eyes wide as she listened to the fast paced heartbeat, as there was no way what she heard was not a heartbeat. Her mother had been right. Sophia was pregnant.
IMPORTANT!
Okay, so I wanted to remind all of you about the first few chapters of this story when Sophia was in the beginning stages of her transition. Remember? A lot of you asked me if she was pregnant. That had been the plan until I decided to make her a hybrid. So I put that plan on the backburner until her transition was complete and I was further along in the story. And I decided that before The Originals was even airing. So I DID NOT steal the idea from the show, I promise. The show just verified what I believed was possible. So yay.
Please review! Thanks for reading!