AN: Hey guys! I know the wait has been long, but I've only been able to spend a limited time on the computer each day, so I had to chop the chapter up when writing. So sorry! But I hope you guys like it! If you want to remember the conversation Sophia had with Analisa, it's in chapter 5.
Storylover: I'm so glad you liked the chapter and the little twist I threw in. I hope you like this chapter too!
Guest: Here is an update! Sorry for the delay.
Susl: Thanks so much! I'm so glad you liked the last chapter!
Guest: Thanks!
Guest: Here's the next chapter! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I own nothing related the TVD or The Originals.
Chapter 19: Life Forever Changed
Rebekah's hands trembled as she tucked the blankets around the sleeping witch, her heart pounding loudly in her ears. She had to force herself not to roll Sophia over to inspect her stomach, instead heading to the door so the girl could get some rest; she had faced down Ester and unbound the siblings, so it was the least she deserved.
Not sure what to do with this knowledge, the vampire quietly made her way downstairs. She found her brothers in the parlor, which had become their customary place of leisure, turning from a previously formal room into a much more casual one. The furniture was the same, but the atmosphere of the room was what had really changed, giving off the air that this was where they could congregate to just hang out. And now that Ester was gone, the entire house seemed lighter.
Elijah and Kol were seated in front of the game counsel playing some fighting game while Klaus and Finn lounged on separate couches, the hybrid sketching while the latter read. While the air between the four brothers was by no means friendly, it wasn't as thick as one would expect since Finn had been working with Ester to try and kill them all. Men.
"How is Sophia?" Klaus asked when she stepped into the room, his ears telling him that she'd fallen asleep.
Rebekah's mouth opened, but no sound came out. She had no clue as to what to say or do. Should she tell them or should she talk to Sophia first? Would Klaus freak out? Would he try to hurt the witch, as ludicrous as that seemed? Her mouth was dry and her tongue heavy as her mind tried to come up with something, anything.
"Rebekah?" The hybrid sat up, his brow creasing in worry at her silence. She just stood there, mouth slightly open and eyes large, completely petrified.
"Bekah? What is it?" Elijah paused the game as all their attention moved to their sister and her strange behavior. She looked absolutely terrified.
"I—"
"Is something wrong with Sophia?" Klaus demanded as he shot to his feet and vamped to her, his hands clamping around her upper arms brutally as he gave her a shake.
"Niklaus." Elijah said reproachfully, his own hands settling on his brother's shoulders to pull him away from the blonde. He released her with a growl and turned on the older man, his fangs exposed as fear for Sophia coursed through his blood. Something wasn't right and Elijah was getting in his way of finding out what it was.
"Rebekah, what is the matter?" Elijah asked, ignoring his snarling brother, eyes boring into hers, urging her to tell them.
"I—she—"
"I tired of your blubbering. Tell me!" Klaus growled, his body vibrating with the force it was taking to not attack her. Rebekah swallowed thickly and closed her eyes for a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Mother was right, Sophia is pregnant." She said so quickly they wouldn't have heard her if they'd been human. Her proclamation was met with absolute silence as the four men stood in shock. Well, that was before Klaus lunged for her.
"You lie!" Rebekah jumped back as Elijah wrapped his arms around the roaring beast that was their brother, struggling to keep him in place.
"No, Nik. I—I was curious, you know, since it was such a strange thing to use as an excuse. So I listened when we got upstairs. Th-there's another heartbeat within her." The blonde explained, her own heart still thundering in her ears.
"It cannot be true. She would never—" Klaus refuted as he struggled against Elijah's hold, Kol and Finn moving to help contain the enraged hybrid.
"Are you sure, sister?" Kol asked as he took one of Klaus's arms.
"Yes." She nodded. Her quiet affirmation seemed to drain the fight out of him as Klaus went still. Elijah and Kol waited a moment to make sure he wasn't trying to fool them before they both released their hold, the hybrid crossing his arms over his chest as he turned away from them all.
"Sophia had to have been with someone else. I'll kill him." He murmured quietly, viciously.
"Nik, you know she'd never do that. Not ever. She loves you." Rebekah refuted.
"I've only known the witch a little while, but I must agree. She was very clear that you were the only guy for her." Kol added, shrugging when he gave the vampire an angry scowl. What? He might be dead, but he was still a man and he'd flirt with any pretty woman he wanted to. Plus, he really did love riling Klaus.
"She has to have been with someone else. I cannot procreate. We all know this." Klaus turned back to look at them with more emotion in his eyes then they'd ever seen. He was heartbroken, truly. The thought that Sophia would actually betray the trust he'd placed in her rocked his world to its core.
"No, there has to be some other reason, brother. The love you and Sophia share is deeper than anything I've ever witnessed in over a thousand years. She would die before she betrayed you." Elijah shook his head, hand settling on his arm as he seemed to read his mind. Klaus swallowed as he blinked back the tears that were suddenly clouding his vision, hating how weak he was.
"How? How could this happen?" He asked, wanting answers. Anything would be better than what he feared.
"I don't know. But we'll figure this out."
"Perhaps Sophia can ask the witches she said she was connected to." They turned at Finn's words, the reminder that he was there setting Klaus off again. He had their eldest brother pushed up against the wall by his neck, fangs bared.
"You almost killed my child!" He snarled, not really even aware of himself anymore.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know." Finn replied, not fighting his hold. He was ashamed of his part in their mother's plan. He'd never willingly harm something so innocent and pure. Ester had fed his desire to depart this world with lies that caused a rupture in the already tenuous relationship he had with his siblings.
"Let him go Niklaus." Elijah was once more at his side, pulling him away from the vampire with a firm grip.
"I think you need to go settle down. Your temper is not helping matters." Klaus shrugged his hold off, glaring at Finn one more time before he marched from the room, heading upstairs.
"What are we to do?" Rebekah asked quietly, completely lost.
"I could use a drink." Kol answered with a shake of his head, having not imagined anything like this ever happening. Who'd ever thought a werewolf turned vampire turned hybrid could actually knock up a human witch turned hybrid? Talk about confusing.
"Yes, I think drinks all around are called for." Elijah murmured as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to think. But this wasn't something he'd ever thought possible. He didn't know how to handle it. Or how to handle Klaus. Hopefully he didn't do anything stupid before they got answers.
Klaus made his way into his and Sophia's room, the only light in the room coming from a table lamp by the door. Kicking off his shoes, he slid into his side of the large bed before scooting over until he was within reach of the slumbering witch.
Swallowing around the lump that'd formed in his throat, Klaus's fingers stroked her hair back, knowing she hated when it fell into her face, as it tickled her nose. Sophia muttered something as she turned into him, as if she knew he was there; her face came to rest only a few inches from his and her hand curled around the end of her pillow. She was stunning.
Like Rebekah had done, he focused his ears until all he could hear was Sophia's heartbeat. But like she'd said, there was another one underneath hers, a fainter sound that took more concentration to hear.
Th-thump, th-thump, th-thump, th-thump, th-thump
Klaus gasped, eyes wide as he stared at the only woman he'd ever loved. It was true. She was pregnant. He'd questioned her fidelity out of shock and the fact that he shouldn't be able to have children, but he knew deep down that she'd not do something like that. Sophia, while she did have a temper, was too good and pure to ever betray him in such a way.
Hell, she'd sacrificed her own life to break his curse. There was no way she'd go through everything they'd had to deal with so far only to be unfaithful. She just wasn't that kind of woman, for which he loved her even more.
Mind completely blown, Klaus slowly laid his hand on her stomach, amazed there was apparently a child growing within her. And she had no idea. Things were certainly going to get interesting.
/*/
After Klaus went upstairs, the rest of the siblings decided to make themselves scarce, wanting to give the couple much needed privacy when Sophia awoke. They didn't need an audience with super hearing for the conversation, and probably argument, that was sure to come.
Kol took Finn out to a neighboring town to show the uptight party-pooper what they'd both been missing out on, even if the eldest Mikaelson was reluctant. But he gave in eventually, knowing Kol was the one most likely to forgive his actions, as the younger vampire didn't usually waste his time holding grudges.
Not like the others, whose taste for vengeance was legendary. Klaus had chased Katherine Pierce for over 500 years in his quest for revenge after she'd ran, and she'd been all but a stranger; there was no telling what he'd do once he got his head clear and focused. Kol was definitely the only sibling that would move past him helping their mother to try and kill them; and with Sage to arrive soon, he'd hopefully be out of this little town before any of the others decided to dispense punishment.
Elijah went to chat with Elena and let her know what was going on; except about the pregnancy, obviously. He wasn't going to be the one to spill the beans, especially not when there was going to be a hormonal witch around. There was no telling what Sophia might do to anyone who gave away her secret before she was ready and he wasn't going to test her. Besides, it wasn't his secret to share, even if he was still reeling from the discovering and wished to discuss it.
Rebekah went back to her apartment, wanting a shower and some peace and quiet to wrap her head around everything that had happened. Her mother had tried to kill them all, Sophia had had to unbind them, and then they found out the witch was carrying Klaus's child, and it wasn't even midafternoon yet. It was just a lot to process, even for a 1000+ year old vampire.
/*/
"So, uh, are we gonna talk about last night?" The blonde Original turned to see Stefan standing just inside her door, shifting from foot to foot as he tried to gaze anywhere else but at her, as she was clad only in a towel.
"What's there to talk about Stefan?" Rebekah quirked a brow before she turned back to the vanity, grabbing her brush to comb through her wet curls.
"We did sleep together. I just wanted to make sure things weren't…weird or anything." Stefan scratched at his cheek, uncomfortable.
"You know, I'm not the same girl you knew in the '20s, Stefan. I might still want to find someone to love, but I'm not the desperate girl who'll take handouts anymore."
"I didn't—"
"I'm not deluding myself into thinking we're going to get together just because we had sex. You're still hurting over Elena and we just scratched an itch. Let's not make it into something it's not." Rebekah said with a kind smile as she turned back to look at him.
"Right." He gave a nod, still a little embarrassed. Yet, he was also unable to keep his eyes from dipping. The blonde titled her head as her lips twitched before she started walking towards him.
"We're both adults. Yes, we have a past, but I'm not looking back anymore. Are you?" She questioned as she came to a stop in front of him.
"No." His breath caught as her hands came up to skim over his chest, nails scratching against the cotton of his shirt.
"Good. Then we can continue to scratch that itch." She smirked before grabbing his shoulders and throwing him onto her bed before following. She landed on top of him, legs straddling his hips as she stared down at him.
"Rebekah—"
"Do you want me?" Stefan swallowed over the lump that had formed in his throat, his hands slowly sliding up her smooth thighs.
"Yes."
"Good." Rebekah smirked before lowering her mouth to capture his.
/*/
Sophia slowly came awake from her nap, her eyes taking a minute to focus and blink the sleep away. She gave a little smile when she saw Klaus was lying next to her, his hand stroking across her stomach gently.
"Have you been watching me sleep?" Sophia asked quietly, making his eyes lift up to hers with a smirk, his dimples flashing.
"You're so beautiful it would be impossible not to."
"Charmer." The witch laughed and leaned forward to give him a light kiss, her fingers skimming his scruffy cheek until they delved into his curls, nails scratching his scalp.
Klaus's eyes closed for a moment, relishing in being able to just lay there with her and know he didn't have to have his guard up; it was moments like this that reminded him how much he loved the spirited woman and how she brought a calm to his hectic life. He hated that he was going to have to break the peace, but knew it had to be done. Especially before someone else told her.
"We need to talk, sweetheart." His voice rumbled low in his chest, his eyes opening to meet hers, his hand coming up to pull hers from his hair and link their fingers, palms pressed together.
"I'd rather just snuggle. My stomach has finally stopped cramping, so why don't we just stay here for a while?" She murmured, smiling as she leaned forward to nibble at his chin, the short hairs scraping against her lips pleasantly. The hybrid sighed as he pulled her flush against him, his free hand sliding under her shirt to stroke the soft skin of her back.
"I'd love to spend every day like this, my love, but there is something we must speak of." Sophia groaned and pouted prettily, making Klaus smirk as he gave a little nip at her protruding lip.
"Fine. Be that way." Sophia mumbled, her fingers running through his hair so she could cup the back of his neck, their faces only centimeters apart.
Klaus's hand tightened in hers as he took a fortifying breath, amazed he was actually scared about revealing what Rebekah had found out. The only thing he'd ever feared in life had been Mikael, so it was very strange and unnerving to now fear a slip of a woman. But he did.
"Nik?" The witch's brow furrowed as the silence stretched, noticing how tense he'd become.
"I don't—the words are stuck in my throat." He muttered in frustration as he tried to force the words out, but they wouldn't come. How could he possibly be so terrified?
"Baby, what's wrong?" Sophia sat up, pulling him with her so they were resting against the headboard.
"I don't want you to hate me." The uncertainty and, well, terror in his sea-green eyes made her pulse pick up in anxiety, not knowing what could possibly make him act this way. The last time she'd seen him like this had been during the ritual before he'd had to kill her.
"I could never hate you, Nik." She reassured, palm cupping his cheek. Klaus pressed his face into her hold before turning to give her palm a kiss.
"Do you remember what reasoning Ester gave for connecting you to us?" Sitting up straighter at his question, the witch gave him a confused look as her hands fell into her lap.
"About me being pregnant? You know she was lying, because no matter what that bitch says, I'd never cheat on you. You know that, right? Just like you'd never cheat on me. I don't know why she'd use that lie to justify herself, as it doesn't make any sense. But whatever. Woman is cray-cray." She shrugged and rolled her eyes, hating she hadn't kept Ester from escaping.
While she didn't like them to take innocent lives, Ester was anything but and fair game in her mind. The woman had tried to kill her own children and those Sophia loved, which made her enemy #1. Witch bitch would get what was coming to her sooner or later, that she was sure of.
"She was not lying, Sophia." Klaus murmured quietly, eyes focused on hers. The witch's forehead furrowed in puzzlement.
"What're you talking about?" Sophia shook her head, not understanding. She must have slept longer than she thought because her brain was just not working. The hybrid sighed before he took her right hand in his, giving it a squeeze before he placed it against her stomach.
"As impossible as it is, there is a second heartbeat within you. Listen." Sophia's hand trembled under his as her eyes misted, her head shaking in denial at the point he was trying to get across.
"No. Nope. No way. It's not possible, Nik. I cannot be pregnant." She said firmly, moving away from him to stand from the bed, her hands shaking as she headed for the bathroom.
Klaus followed after her, watching as she splashed cold water on her pale face, wishing he could pull her into his arms and make it all go away. But that wasn't how life worked and they just had to deal with their reality.
"Sweetheart—"
"Don't sweetheart me! I am not pregnant! I'm only 18, damn it. We are going to New York in the fall and you'll find something to do while I go to Julliard. Rebekah will probably come with us and she'll become a model or something. We'll live in a nice apartment that's close to the subway so we can get around easily. I'll graduate and be taken into the New York Philharmonic Orchestra or will go overseas where I'll play for the masses for a few years before we move on. Nowhere in there does it say anything about having a baby!" Sophia ranted as she dried her hands with a towel, her agitation translating into the ripping of the soft material.
"I know, love. But—" Klaus stepped forward, but Sophia held her hands up to halt him, the ruined towel falling to the floor unnoticed.
"No. You're wrong. I refuse to be pregnant." She shook her head as she tried not to cry, her anger quickly turning to utter terror at the serious look he was giving her.
"No matter how you wish it not to be so, there is no ignoring it. Not now that we know."
"But…I'm too young to be a mother, Nik! I don't know how to be one or how to take care of a baby." Sophia's lips trembled as the tears broke through, sliding down her cheeks and making his heart clench at her pain.
Klaus stepped into her space and wrapped his arms around her, waiting it out as she beat against his chest in denial before her knees buckled. The two lowered to the ground as the teenager gave in and sobbed, not understanding how her life could be shattered so easily. She'd thought being killed and then turned into a hybrid was all the changes she was going to have to undergo; damn was she ever wrong.
"Shh, I know how scared you are. But I'm here and I'll be by your side through it all." Klaus whispered against her ear as he stroked her back and hair.
"I n-never cheat-ed." She said, her voice hitching and making it difficult to speak. The hybrid just held her tighter.
"I know love."
"Then how—"
"It is most likely something the witches had a hand in." Sophia pulled back at those words, her eyes wide as she tried to catch her breath.
"You m-mean they planned t-this?"
He just shrugged, not really knowing what else could have done this, as he'd not fathered a child since he'd become a vampire. And if it only required him being a hybrid, Sophia would have become pregnant long before now if they were both that fertile. The witches were the only answer that made any sense in this crazy situation.
"I need to speak with them. Today. Now." The witch said as she scrambled to get back to her feet, nearly tripping in her haste. Klaus shot to his feet to steady her with a hand on her waist, making sure she was stable before he took a step back.
"Alright. Get freshened up and come eat something. I'll drive you out to the house afterward."
"No I need—"
"You need to eat, Sophia. I'll have the cook prepare us a late lunch while you get ready." Klaus interrupted, not willing to let her go without putting something on her stomach. Not only had she slept through lunch, but the last time she'd conversed with the witches, it'd taken hours and she had to take care of herself. She had another mouth to feed now, after all.
Sophia watched as he hesitated a moment, eyes dropping to her stomach before he left the bathroom, face still clouded with his own uncertainty and fear. Groaning, the witch turned to place her hands on the cold countertop, forcing herself to take deep breaths to try and calm her still chaotic mind.
Looking up at herself in the mirror, she turned to the side and pulled her shirt up, scrutinizing the expanse of tanned skin. But there wasn't any evidence of Klaus's claim besides her stomach cramps, and she'd thought it was due to Ester, as they only acted up when she was around the other woman.
Closing her eyes, she let the world fall away, her right hand sliding over her tummy as she did as Klaus had asked. She listened, gasping when she did indeed hear the accelerated beating, her hand clutching at her skin in fear and amazement. There'd been a small part of her that'd wanted him to be wrong, but there was no denying what she heard.
"Oh god." Sophia mumbled as tears sprang from her eyes again, wondering how she'd let her life get so far away from her. What was she going to do? How could she possibly raise a baby when she was still a child herself?
Not wanting to think about it anymore, Sophia quickly stripped off her clothes and got in the shower, hoping the hot water would help clear her mind. But it was a lost cause, as the only thing she was able to think about was the fact that, against all odds, Klaus and she had conceived a child and now their lives were forever changed.
Well, changed even more than they already had been, which was saying something, considering all they'd already been through. Hopefully she'd somehow manage to figure out this new hurtle without it destroying her life.
/*/
Klaus watched as Sophia set to lighting the candles that littered the basement, knowing she was stalling with doing it by hand. They'd arrived at the old, decrepit house almost twenty minutes ago and the witch had been slowly moving about the room ever since, his eyes tracking her movements and noting the nervous twitch of her hands. It was clear she was just as uncertain of this whole thing as he was, which actually worked to calm his own racing mind.
"We do not have to do this today, love. There's plenty of time to find answers." Sophia's eyes darted to look at him, her shoulders tense as she silently lit the remaining candle.
"No. I—I need to know. For sure." She shook her head as she moved back towards the center of the room, hands clasped tightly to keep their trembling at bay.
"If you're sure. I'll be right here the entire time." The hybrid said from his place on the stairs, their positions similar to the last time they'd been there to converse with the witches.
"I know." They shared a smile before the witch turned her back to him, sliding down to sit cross-legged on the dusty floor. She gave a quiet sneeze before closing her eyes, focusing her breathing and letting her mind go silent, her concentration solely on meditation.
/*/
"Welcome back, young witch."
Sophia's eyes slowly opened to see Analisa, the same 17th century witch that'd been her go-between the last time she was here. The dark-skinned woman gave a small smile, which the young witch didn't return, her arms crossing over her chest as she stood from the floor.
"So are you gonna tell me what the hell is happening or are we gonna do the whole cryptic thing again?" She asked angrily, glaring at the woman, who just gave a slight shrug, unbothered by her displeasure. She was dead already, so that might take the sting out of Sophia's glare, not that she was happy about it. The witches really had to take a sick pleasure out of talking in circles and annoying those they spoke with.
"I told you last we met that your role in the world was larger than you believed it to be and that everything had a reason for being. That your purpose was greater than bringing out the hybrid's humanity." Sophia could already feel her head begin to throb as the dead witch spoke, not having missed this in the least.
"You knew I'd get pregnant?" She demanded once her brain had comprehended her words. Analisa gave a small smile.
"Yes."
"Why? I'm too young to be a mother! I don't know the first thing about caring for a baby! I had plans. I was supposed to go to Julliard and be a sensation and having a career before I even thought about having kids. I don't even know if I want a child! How could you do this to me?" She cried angrily, hating the meddlesome witches all the more. Not only had they 'created' her to become this new type of hybrid to counter Klaus's, but now they were making her take a step in life she wasn't prepared for. Bitches.
"I am sorry you are distressed, young witch. But since your conception, it was always meant for you to be able to birth hybrids."
"I thought you said mine and Klaus's feelings for each other were real. If you wanted us to have children, wouldn't you have manipulated that as well?" She asked harshly, tears threatening to fall even as she fought them. When was her life going to be hers alone to control?
"You misunderstand me, Sophia. The Original hybrid is not the only one that can father children." Analisa said, making the witch turn back to face her in shock.
"The other hybrids can have kids? But I thought they were part vampire now." She said in confusion.
"Yes and no. A select few will be able to procreate with the hybrid witches, but not all of them will be chosen, as that would produce too many, and the number is always to remain small due to the power they will wield. The children you and others of your kind bare will finally be a mix between all supernatural species and will thus ensure the survival of those species in the centuries to come."
"I am still so confused." Sophia rubbed at her temples, hating there wasn't a 'witch speak for dummies', as she just didn't get what the spirit was saying. Did pregnancy make you stupid? Because she certainly felt like it did.
"Apologies. We did not take into account the plans you had for your own life, for which I am truly sorry. As spirits, we often forget that those still living are not privy to our plans or the necessity of such to keep the world in balance."
"So me being pregnant will keep the world from falling apart?" Sophia asked sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
"It is the natural progression of your path, even if it arrived sooner than you'd have liked. Your body had to be through its transition before conception could take place, and with as frequent as you and the hybrid copulate, it is not a surprise you became with child so early."
"Yeah, well, no one bothered to tell us this was even possible! You can be damned sure I'd have made Klaus suit up if I'd known." The young witch said irritably, her hands moving quickly in a show of her anger.
"Yes, warning should have been given, but we did not know how likely it was for you to conceive so easily. We thought it would take longer, even with your often coupling."
"Can we stop talking about my 'coupling' please? It's grossing me out." The teen frowned, arms crossing over her chest as she paced the small area.
"It does give reason for warning to be given to the others to prevent them from conceiving too quickly. The children are meant to keep things balanced, but too many of them, too quickly, will tip the scales themselves and we will once more be unstable. We entrust you with the responsibility, as it is not likely they'd believe a spirit actually visited them, let alone warned against unprotected joining." Sophia gave a loud sigh, fingers clenched tightly on her arms as she continued to glare.
"Fine. I'll get to warn them before they make a huge mistake and get knocked up before they even graduate high school. Because it would just suck for them to become a statistic." She bit out.
"I understand your anger, young witch, but it does not change what is or what is to be. Your child will be the first of several in the coming years, as you yourself are the first of your kind. The importance of both cannot be overstated."
"I'm still confused. If I'm supposed to balance Klaus and his hybrids out, then what is my k—what will the children be? Won't they throw a big wrench in the whole balance thing?"
"No. They will be a byproduct of all the supernatural beings, and will thus become their own entities. Think of them as a true evolution of the human race. Before this modern age, the humans and the supernatural were on equal footing after the werewolves became the antithesis of the vampires. But now there are more than 7 billion humans on this earth and they are quickly destroying this world. The children you and your kind produce will infuse the dying earth with energy once more and will ensure the survival of both humans, supernatural, and the world itself."
"For fucks sake. No pressure or anything." Sophia grumbled, eyes wide as she stared at the dead witch in complete and utter shock.
"It is not as dire as it seems, I promise. And this is centuries in the making, Sophia. There is nothing to worry about at present time."
"Uh, expect there's a crazy resurrected witch who wants to kill her own kids, which will then kill all the vampires and hybrids in the world. Or have you not been paying attention?"
"Ester, yes. She has had long years to plot and plan, but without access to our power, it is unlikely she will succeed in whatever she plans. Even as we speak, her body begins to die; deprived of the energy Ayana infused it with. She will not be of this world for long."
"And if she succeeds in killing them? What then? Do I die too?"
"No, your life is not tied to theirs, nor will the others be. You're your own branch."
"Wait, what? My own branch? Does that mean I have to…change others into hybrids or something?"
"Yes, that is exactly what I mean. I've made reference many a time of you being the first of your kind, much like the Mikaelsons were the first of theirs."
"But how do I do that?"
"It is not as complicated as you'd think, as it is the same way any become a vampire or hybrid. The witches must sample your blood before they are killed. Your blood will work like a vampire's and bring them back to life; but like you, it will take time and practice for them to hone their new skills and abilities."
"So I just go up to any witch and turn them?"
"No. The power we gave you, and that you will give to others, is much too valuable to be given to any random witch. If the wrong person is turned, they could bring about utter destruction to those around them."
"What're you talking about?" Sophia sighed again, wondering if there was an Advil large enough to beat the killer throbbing going on inside her head.
"Witches are human too, Sophia. They are capable of great good, or great evil. Only those with no inclination to the darker magiks will be allowed to transition. Your kind is meant to police the supernatural world, to keep the other beings from causing too much harm; if one who practices the darker arts were to be given access to that power, it would be horrific." Analisa explained.
"How will I know who can be changed? What if they don't want to? I'm not going to force this on anyone."
"The spirits will find those worthy and will give them the choice. If they choose to become like you are, we will send them to you; we would not force this on them either."
"You forced it on me." The witch retorted with an arched look, for which the spirit gave a shrug and small frown.
"As much as it may irritate you at times, the choice was made for the greater good of the world. And for your hybrid; you know what would have happened if you hadn't been created."
"Yeah yeah. So…I'm now responsible for creating a new line of witch hybrids and also brining in one of the people who'll ensure the world's survival into the world? That's…terrifying."
"Yes, I imagine it is. But you are not alone, Sophia. You have done the impossible and changed the hybrid and his family to lighter shades. I do not think being a mother will be beyond your grasp, even at such a young age. And you will not be the only one to continue your line.
"Once you've created your first, they then can create more and so on. But the number will never be great, as their character has to be of such that they will not turn to blacker pursuits, as I've mentioned. Not that they could, once transformed, but it's still imperative the right people are chosen."
"What do you mean they couldn't do dark magic or whatever it is you're talking about? I thought you didn't want the wrong people changed to keep them from the power."
"Once transition is complete, the ability to wield black magic is completely removed. No matter how hard you might try, you'll never be able to access that type of power. But those that have already accessed the black magic, if turned, would continue to have access to it, as it becomes part of their very essence. That is why only people with a character of true lightness will be chosen."
"But…I mean, I don't want to practice that or anything, but I'm not this saint you seem to be painting. I still have bad thoughts and I constantly want to kill Damon." Analisa gave a small laugh.
"Being light in character does not mean you are immune to such thoughts, young witch. There is darkness in everyone, as there is goodness. But with witches, there is an underlying current that they channel. And for some, that current can often take them in a direction they had not perceived, but are not unwilling. Those are the ones that cannot be allowed transformation to. Sainthood is not required, nor wanted."
"Oh. Okay. God my head hurts."
"Yes, I imagine it would, given the truths told here today. I will leave you and let you get back to your hybrid, who has nearly worn a hole in the cement."
"Wait! Uh, should I be worried about the baby having fangs or anything?"
"No, the child will not develop them until puberty, where their wolf form will also be revealed. Also, I should warn that your blood no longer works as that of a doppelgänger."
"What? Why?"
"Because your sister is the true doppelgänger. We infused you with enough of her blood to be used in the ritual and to create vampire-werewolf hybrids, but with the completion of your transition, you are no longer considered a doppelgänger. We couldn't have you creating your own hybrids and the others as well."
"Oh. Good, I guess."
"Take care, Sophia. And know that the spirits are with you whenever you might need to call upon us."
"Thanks." Sophia murmured before the dead woman was gone.
/*/
Klaus halted midstride when Sophia's heart rate picked up tempo and she gave a little gasp, signaling she'd come out of her trance. Moving to her side quickly, the hybrid squatted in front of her, hands reaching out to cup her cold cheeks.
"Are you alright? Did the spirits provide answers?" He questioned gently. The witch gave a little shudder as her essence came back to her fully before she nodded.
"Yes. But they left me with even more questions, as usual. Why can't they just be completely open and honest with me for once? It's really not that difficult." She grumbled as he helped her to stand, sneezing again when she dusted her jeans off.
"They find joy in speaking in riddles." Klaus shrugged, reminded of the first time they'd come here, with nearly identical results. He led her up the stairs and out into the night; Sophia took a deep breath of the clean night air as she looked up at the sky, which was awash with stars, meaning they'd been there for hours.
"What time is it?" She asked as she moved away from his side so she could pull herself up onto the hood of the SUV. Klaus gave her a look before pulling his phone out, not sure if he liked her sitting on the car.
"Nearly midnight." He answered as he came to stand next to where she sat, hands settling on her thighs as he looked up at her, waiting for her to speak.
Sophia took a breath as one of her hands came up to brush through his short curls, the other settling over his hand and giving it a squeeze. The hybrid didn't speak, knowing the teen would begin to talk when she was ready. And judging by her sitting on top of the car instead of in it, it was clear they were going to have this discussion here and now, so all he had to do was wait.
"So we're just pawns in their game. Again." She grumbled before she told him all of what Analisa said, Klaus as equally shocked as she had been.
"So our…child will grow up to save the world? That's a little—over the top, don't you think?" He arched a brow, thinking the spirits had lost their minds, if that was possible.
"Yeah, I know. But that's the story they're sticking with. For all we know, they could be planning to sacrifice them to the sun god or something." Sophia rolled her eyes, hating their lives were once more out of their control.
"I would never let them hurt our child, Sophia." Klaus said quietly, hand moving to settle against her stomach, his gaze hard and determined. Her heart squeezed tightly as her hand moved over his, still overwhelmed.
"I…I still cannot believe that I'm actually pregnant." She nearly choked over the words, her brain still trying to come to terms with the revelation.
"Me either. I've never even thought about having children, thinking it was impossible. But…I cannot be unhappy about it, either." The hybrid leaned forward and pressed his lips against where her hand rested, making her eyes water as her emotions threatened to engulf her.
"I'm scared, Nik." She whispered, throat tight. Klaus pulled her forward until he could wrap his arms around her, his face resting against her thigh as he held her; Sophia's hands wrapped around his head, cupping it as she fought back tears.
"Me too. I have no idea how to be a good father. Mine was—well, you met him. I don't know if I'll be any good at it or if I'll ruin them the way I ruin everything." He admitted against her leg, not looking up as he confessed his own fears.
"You don't ruin things, Nik. Not anymore. Not now that you know what being loved is like. You've grown so much since I met you and I think you'll be a fantastic father. Overprotective, but loving." Sophia replied, believing it completely.
"You're the one that's changed me for the better, Sophia. You brought that love into my life; you brought my family back together, something I never thought possible. You're the one that has made any of this possible. There is no way you will be anything but a wonderful mother." Tears trickled down her cheeks at his passionate words, the hybrid having looked up to meet her gaze as he spoke the truths he knew with every fiber of his being.
"You really think so?" Her lips trembled as she stared down at him, the love she could see in his eyes making her heart threaten to burst.
"Yes. There could never be a more loving mother, no matter your age. Our child is lucky to have you."
"And you. I'm still so scared, but I know I wouldn't want anyone to be my baby's father more than you." Sophia gave a small smile, her hands tracing his cheekbones and lips, just as mesmerized by him now as she'd been the first time she'd seen him.
"We'll get through this, sweetheart. It's gonna be a learning experience for both of us, but I don't doubt our ability. We've already overcome so much, what's one more hurdle?" Klaus's lips stretched into a smile, his beloved dimples flashing and making her smile widen in response. He was too charming to resist, even though she didn't ever really want to resist him anyways.
"Let's go home."
The hybrid nodded, hands settling on her hips to lift her from the hood, setting her back on her feet. But instead of releasing her, he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest, mouth finding hers for a searing kiss. The future was more uncertain than it'd ever been, but they'd get through it. Together.
/*/
"I had begun to think no one was to return tonight." Elijah's voice greeted them as they entered the house, the older man coming out of the parlor upon hearing them arrive.
"Did you wait up for us?" Sophia asked with a smile as she headed towards the kitchen to get something to eat. The brothers followed after her, Klaus grabbing a bloodbag out of the fridge and a mug, feeling drained as well. It'd been a hell of a day, to say the least.
"I went to speak with Elena to tell her about what has transpired, as I knew your attention was otherwise occupied." Elijah explained as he leaned against the counter, ears tuning in so he could hear the amazing sound of the baby's heartbeat once more. Their lives had changed more in that one day then in over a thousand years and it was staggering, even as it amazed.
"Thanks. I forgot she wouldn't know about all this."
"Not all of it. I did not tell her of your pregnancy, as I believed you'd wish to share the news with her yourself."
"Yeah. That's gonna be a conversation." She sighed as she picked up the sandwich she'd made to take a bite while Klaus pulled his heated blood out of the microwave.
"I awaited your arrival to tell you that Alaric was attacked by the same person responsible for the deaths of Bill Forbes and Brian Walters; Elena had to kill him to ensure a supernatural death so his ring would bring him back."
"Is she okay?" Sophia asked in alarm.
"She did not appear very troubled about having to kill him to ensure his life, but the reality that there is someone killing off humans is troubling. This is the third member of the Founders' Council to be attacked."
"Which makes it a pattern and means we have a serial killer on the loose." Klaus said with a sigh. Like they didn't have enough to deal with already.
"Yes. But that's not even the most concerning thing I discovered tonight." Elijah said gravely, the couple exchanging a concerned look before focusing back on him.
"Don't keep us in suspense." The hybrid muttered irritably, making his brother give him a look before he withdrew his phone and pulled up the right screen.
"I went down to the underground caves to see if Ester was hiding there, since the enclave with the etchings is spelled to keep vampires out."
"That makes sense, as you wouldn't be able to get to her. So she's there?" The witch questioned as she finished her sandwich. The older Mikaelson shook his head and handed Klaus his phone.
"No, I do not know where she has disappeared to. What I discovered, however, is just as equally alarming. I could not get closer, but the zoom on my phone worked just as well."
"What? What are you talking about?" She asked in confusion. But it was Klaus who answered, his eyes glued to the bright screen in shock.
"This cannot be right."
"I did not want to believe it either, but the calendar leads credence."
"Does someone want to tell the confused witch what's going on? Because I'm about to pull the pregnant card and get all irritated if you don't start talking." Sophia ground out, hands on hips as she glared at the two men. Klaus couldn't stop the smirk that her words caused, even as his mind whirled with worry.
"There appears to have been another while oak tree that took root here after we burned the first one to ashes." The hybrid explained, voice somber.
"You mean…there's wood out there that could kill you?" She asked in alarm, eyes wide.
"Yes. Which is why I brought your attention to it. The tree does not still stand, as it would have been in the center of town, but if Ester find the wood taken from it, we could all be in danger."
"Well shit."
AN: Okay, so I know it was a little choppy, but I can't spend any more time on the computer so this is as good as it's gonna get, sorry! I hope you guys liked it and please review! I live for them, as you all know!