Bonnie found herself spending majority of the next day with Kol and as much as she wanted to go find Rebekah or Niklaus, she couldn't bring herself to leave the now youngest male of the Original family.
Kol had been quite all day. Something that was extremely unlike the cheery and mischievous young man she had gotten to know.
It broke her heart to see him like this. To see all of them like this. Elijah spent most of his time at his father's side, they were planning something. Bonnie didn't know what exactly but she knew it had everything to do with the wolves. Finn kept close to his mother, something that surprised Bonnie if she were honest but she knew that it was out of a protective instinct to keep his mother safe and even try and distract her from the tragedy that had taken place only two days earlier.
She hadn't seen Rebekah nearly all day but she had a fair idea where the young blonde would be, however she hadn't seen Niklaus at all and hadn't the faintest idea where he could be. The only place she could think of where he could be was the cave but when she went to check, he wasn't there and any time she made an attempt to find him, Kol said or did something that made her stick with him.
He didn't want to be alone.
He was the exact opposite of how Bonnie felt after she lost her Grams. All she wanted then was to be left alone but all Kol wanted was for someone to be there with him. All his other sibling left to grieve in their own way, leaving him alone so when Bonnie checked on him earlier that morning he needed her to stay with him.
But it wasn't as if she didn't enjoy spending time with him because she did, she just had an overwhelming urge to check on Rebekah and Niklaus as well, the latter she was particularly concerned about. She had not seen him since mid-day yesterday.
"You have been quiet for a while," she commented and looked to Kol as they continued to wonder through the woods.
Kol had had enough of being in the village and constantly staring at the ground where he saw his younger brother's lifeless body.
"There is not much for me to say right now," he replied honestly. "I know that you want to find Bekah or Nik but I appreciate you staying here with me," he said and a small smile appeared on his face. "Nik is lucky to have you," he added.
"I will always be here whenever you need me. Whenever any of you need me," she told him and the sincerity in her voice even surprised herself.
"And we'll be here for you," he responded back and Bonnie gave him a smile.
She knew that back in the present time, Klaus had stuck daggers in the hearts of Elijah, Kol and Finn and she decided that the first thing she was going to do as soon as she got back was remove the daggers from theirs hearts.
She couldn't even understand why Klaus had done that in the first place. They all seem so close. How could he?
The two of them eventually parted ways after spending another hour or so together, Kol deciding to go and find Klaus while Bonnie sought out Rebekah.
Bonnie found Rebekah exactly where the witch thought she would be, sitting on the bank of the lake, picking off petals of the flowers and tossing them in the water.
Bonnie said nothing as she neared the other girl and Rebekah looked up with a small smile when Bonnie sat down next to her.
"Have you seen Nik?" she asked her softly and Bonnie shook her head.
"I have not been able to but Kol said he was going to look for him," she answered and looked out to the peaceful water.
"How was Kol?"
"Quiet," Bonnie summed him up in one word and Rebekah frowned, knowing that Kol's quietness was not a good sign. "Was Nik alright the last time you saw him?"
"Father got angry at him…again," Rebekah told her and placed some more petals in the water. "He left and we have not seen him since."
"He feels that Henrik's death was his fault," she continued and pushed some of her blonde hair away from her face. "And no matter how much we try to convince him that it is not, Father's opinion is all that matters to him so if he believes Nik got Henrik killed, Nik will too."
Just when Bonnie was beginning to think she could not possibly hate Mikael anymore, she hears this. She just cannot to begin to understand how someone can make another feel like that, especially not when that person is meant to protect and care for the other.
Hopefully when Kol finds him, he'd be able to talk some sense into Klaus and make him see that it wasn't his fault because that is the worst feeling to carry during a time like this.
"How is your mother?"
"She is not saying much but I can see she is hurting," she answered sadly.
"Have you spoken much to her since?" Bonnie asked her and she shook her head.
"I have tried but she has been very quiet and reserved," she said. "She has been sticking close to Ayanna; she is helping her through it."
Bonnie gave a small smile. "At least she is not alone then."
"I would like to go speak with her now if you'd like to come with me," she announced and stood up. "She has Finn with her at the moment but I would like to spend some time with her," she finished and brushed some of the dirt of her dress, Bonnie doing the same.
Bonnie and Rebekah walked back into the village and Kol came straight to them.
"I have found Nik," he told them and from his tone both girls could tell it wasn't good.
"Where?" Rebekah asked, beating Bonnie to it.
"He's in the woods," he answered then turned to Bonnie. "He was asking for you," he added.
"Is he okay?" she asked him.
"I believe so, but he does not want to return yet," he answered her with a slight frown.
"You go," Rebekah said. "I am going to see how mother is," she announced and then gave Bonnie hug. "Give him my love," she asked of the other girl as they pulled away.
"Of course," Bonnie replied and Rebekah went one way while Kol and herself went the other.
Bonnie followed Kol as he led her in the direction of where Klaus was, he was in the middle of nowhere doing nothing but sitting back against a large tree. Bonnie looked to Kol who gave her a tiny smile before turning to walk away.
"Nik," Bonnie called softly, getting his attention after Kol left her alone with him.
He looked up at her when he heard her voice but couldn't even muster a smile and she felt something inside of her snap. She hated to see him like that and she hated that Mikael was the one to make him feel like this.
It seems that whenever Nik was beginning to feel just that little bit better about the situation, Mikael had to tear him back down.
She sat down in front of him and forced him to look at her. "Please don't tell me you believe whatever Mikael is telling you," he remained silent – an obvious yes in her opinion. "Henrik's death was not your fault," she said and took his hands in hers. "No one else believes that it is, and neither should you."
"Father believes it," he mumbled, pulling his hands from her and standing to his feet, Bonnie following his lead.
"Your father is an idiot, Nik," she responded with a roll of her eyes. She grabbed his arm and prevented him from walking away from her. "You asked me to help you through this and I said that I would but I cannot help you if you will not stop blaming yourself," she told him as gently as she could.
"I just miss him," he confessed in a quiet and almost weak voice.
"I know you do," she responded softly and his hands found hers again. "You know that I am going to be here with you no matter what?" he nodded, a small smile forming on his lips.
"Whenever you need me, Niklaus, I will be here for you," she promised and looked into his eyes.
In the back of her mind she knew she shouldn't be making a promise like that considering that she won't be there whenever he may need her, but as long as she were here, she would be with him.
Nik bent down and softly pressed his lips to hers. It was such a gentle and tender kiss that it made Bonnie want to pull away, not because she didn't like it because she did but rather because he was making it very difficult for her to stop herself from falling even more for him.
xxx
Esther did not speak much that day, there were far too many questions and theories wondering inside her head that she found it nearly impossible to push them away long enough hold a conversation with someone.
And then there was Elijah who was keeping a close and watchful eye on her. She loved her son for his concern but she needed to be left on her own. She needed to understand what her mind was trying to tell her – what her inner witch was trying to tell her.
Her mind had been racing ever since the conversation she overheard between Ayanna and Bonnie. Esther knew of doppelgangers, she knew that they only appeared under supernatural circumstances and that more often than not they served as being sacrifices but hearing that Tatia was an originator of a doppelganger line surprised her.
What was her purpose? What was Tatia going to be sacrificed for?
She needed to know more but she knew Bonnie would not share anything with her. The young Bennett was a cautious witch and wouldn't reveal anything if it meant angering the spirits but she had opened up to Ayanna.
Family, Esther thought to herself. Bonnie trusted Ayanna enough to reveal important information to her and Esther also knew that Ayanna would not share what she heard to anyone, including herself.
There was only one other she could speak to.
Tamara.
Tamara had also been the most sympathetic of the spirits, Esther found. And perhaps hearing of her troubles and fears, Tamara might be gracious enough the share with Esther what she needed to know.
All she needed to do was create a distraction for Finn. He wouldn't leave her side without a good reason. He won't say it, but he is fearful she may do something to bring harm to herself. Something she could never do. She loved Henrik, and his death has been almost too much for her to bear but she could never leave her other children behind. She loved them too and she couldn't allow any more harm to come to her family.
She needed a solution and she hoped Tamara would be able to give her one.
"You do not need to watch over me, dear son," Esther said and gave Finn a gentle smile. "Surely there is something else you would rather be doing than following me around."
"Nothing is more important than you, mother," Finn replied and placed a comforting hand on his mother's shoulder.
"And I will be fine," she tried to convince him. "Perhaps you could join your father and Elijah?" she suggested casually and Finn frowned.
"You wish to be on your own?" he asked and Esther gave a small nod.
"Your company had been wonderful, Finn, but I feel that I need some time to be on my own," she answered him truthfully and her son gave a small but understanding smile.
Esther watched Finn walk away from her, waiting until he was out of sight before making her way to where she would find Tamara.
xxx
"Elijah seems rather close with her," Bonnie noted as she and Rebekah watched Elijah converse with Tatia.
"They are," Rebekah confirmed and Bonnie noticed the slight frown on the blonde's face as she watched the two.
"You do not like her?" Bonnie question curiously.
"It is not that," Rebekah answered. "She is very kind but some time ago it was Niklaus standing where Elijah is now but Nik never returned her romantic feelings. She moved onto Elijah after that."
"You are worried she will hurt him," Bonnie finished for her and Rebekah nodded.
"She is a very affectionate girl and she moves on from men rather quickly. It took her only a day to move her attention from Nik and into Elijah and Elijah does like her quite a lot and has for some time now," she explained and Bonnie looked at her with a strange look.
If Elijah has had feelings for Tatia for a while now, why did he try to win her over?
"Mother does not like Tatia. Neither does Father. They believe she is beneath us," Rebekah smiled, answering Bonnie unspoken question. "Elijah thought you were so beautiful when he first saw you and unlike with Tatia, Mother and Father liked you."
"Your Father does not like me," Bonnie jumped in with a nervous laugh.
"He did before you started to become close with Nik," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Elijah is his favourite and he did not like that someone chose Nik before him."
He's more catty than a high school girl, Bonnie thought to herself.
"If Elijah was as serious about you as Nik was and still is, he would never have backed away so easily," she continued. "Now he has gone right back to Tatia," he finished just as the couple turned to see them, a smile crossing Elijah's face.
"Darling little sister," he greeted
"Bonnie, this is Tatia," Elijah introduced the two girls.
"Lovely to meet you, Bonnie," Tatia said with a friendly smile and Bonnie returned one. "Elijah has spoken quite a bit about you and how you've stolen his dear brother's heart," she said and sent Elijah a cheeky grin.
Bonnie looked to Rebekah who just shook her head and rolled her eyes at the two of them. Bonnie gave the blonde an amused smile before turning back to the couple, immediately taking note of how they were with each other.
The way Elijah looked at Tatia reminded Bonnie of a few looks she caught him giving Elena, only this was different – more real. She guessed that any look he gave Elena must have been some kind of transference.
It was a little weird seeing Elena's face being so friendly with an Original – especially one that double crossed all of them but she just had to keep reminding herself that this was not Elena. It was Tatia.
Same face but completely different person.
xxx
"I thought you were smarter than this, Esther," Tamara spoke with disappointment after Esther had come to her minutes ago asking unnecessary questions about Bonnie's task. "You know that it is forbidden to reveal any information to anyone who is not involved."
"I know that it has to do with my family and that makes it my business," Esther replied back with a firm voice, refusing the back down.
"You know it does not work that way," Tamara responded and folded her arms across her chest. "I am dreadfully sorry for what you and your family are going though, losing Henrik was a terrible loss, but that does not give you a right to know sacred information," the spirit tried to reason with the witch and sighed when she could see it wasn't working.
"I know that a doppelganger is involved and they originate from Tatia," Esther started and Tamara's eyes flashed with concern.
"How did you hear that?"
"I overheard Bonnie speaking with Ayanna," she answered. "Tamara, you know whatever you tell me will remain a secret. Please, I beg of you just tell me what I need!" she pleaded desperately with the spirit.
"And what exactly is it that you need to hear, Esther?" Tamara shot back. "Nothing," she answered for her. "We cannot and will not reveal a thing about Bonnie's task," she said with finality.
"I just want to protect my family," Esther tried to reason and Tamara frowned when she sensed the hopelessness in the mother's voice.
"I'm sorry, Esther," she replied with sincerity and walked closer to the other woman, placing her hands on Esther's arms in a comforting manner. "I understand your fears but I cannot do anything about it."
Esther released a sigh and Tamara stepped back to allow the grieving witch space. "You need to take care of your family, Esther. Enjoy your time together, life is too short not to," she said with a friendly smile. "And unfortunately no one can live forever, dear friend."
Tamara watched carefully as the look of sheer hopelessness faded from Esther's face and realisation began to sink in and she could practically hear the witch's mind replay over and over again what Tamara had just said.
The two supernatural women said their goodbyes and Esther left in a hurry.
"Well…that went well," Godric said as he appeared next to Tamara a short while after Esther had left. "Nice touch with the 'no one lives forever' speech'," he added with a wink.
"All she needed was a push in the right direction," she replied with a smile.
Everything about Tamara's conversation with Esther was planned. Their encounter will push Esther over the edge in finding out how to keep her family safe and with the thought that Tamara planted in her mind, it would not be long now.
"Or the wrong direction, depending on what way you choose to look at it," Godric countered, his smile faltering a bit once he remember exactly what they were pushing Esther towards.
"It's the right direction," Tamara repeated, this time much firmer. She understood where Godric was coming from and she too would rather a world without vampire but that was not their decision to make. They follow the orders. And the orders they were given were to make sure they turn.
Everything was now up to Esther.
"Besides, they will not live forever. Just long enough. Esther will realise the error in her decision and find a way to make amends for the action she took," Tamara continued to put Godric's worries to rest. "It will all be fine," she finished with a reassure smiling.
xxx
A big, MASSIVE apology for the wait. I have been rather busy lately. Between feeling ill and traveling back and forth between states I just haven't had time to do anything and when I did find time to write I just didn't have the motivation but hopefully things begin to calm down now and I can back to it because I've really missed it!
And if I'm being honest, this story is really hard for me to write and I don't particularly enjoy writing it (and I hate pretty the end result of each chapter) which makes it even more difficult but I'm not going to give it up, so don't worry! Plus, I am really excited to get to the present day part of this fic. Now that will be fun to write!
Anywhoo, I really hope that you enjoyed this chapter and thank you all for your lovely reviews!
I planned for this chapter to be more interesting but sometimes things just don't work out and also because I rushed it :p so I am planning to make the next chapter interesting and hopefully epic! And long too!
Any mistakes found in this chapter are mine and I apologise for them and pretty please leave a review!
Next Chapter:
Esther confides in Mikeal about her thoughts, does more searching and asks Ayanna the wrong question.
Ayanna asks if Bonnie has any idea what Esther is planning and if she succeeds in her plans.
Bonnie and Klaus become even closer and she confronts Mikael about his attitude towards Klaus. In fact, most of the chapter is going to be klonnie centred.
Bonnie/Rebekah
Plus more!
xxx