A/N: Loving the support from you all. Here's the next Chapter, like was commonly suggested this and the next chapters will focus on the whole Mikaelson clan, Klaus/Caroline taking their places as King/Queen of the supernatural world, the alliances and the ships.

As usual, although I would have loved to have owned the rights to the TVD story, they belong to someone else. They just allow people like me with vivid imaginations to conjure something totally out of the box (hopefully better) from what is reality which they create.

Read on…..

The Original Sin

Chapter 21

Previously…..

Bonnie nodded at Caroline smiling, "yup, my grams and some ancestors thought it best to restore my powers, something about me needing them since I was to help you with an important task. Grams mentioned something about your destiny?"

Caroline grimaced looking at Klaus then Esther momentarily, Klaus squeezed Caroline's hand which was above the table for everyone to see, Caroline looked at Klaus once again and smiled, looking at Stefan then Bonnie, "about that destiny thing…..I'm kinda pregnant." Looking at Klaus and squeezing his hand in return, "we are kinda pregnant."

Bonnie could only mouth an "oh…..oh."

Stefan looked at Klaus for confirmation and Klaus smirked at Stefan, "you looked surprised old friend."

On the Other Side….

"We know why we are all here, we need to solidify the alliance and all of us, elected or appointed elders, need to police our ranks," Ayanna glanced around the room, "is every elder in agreement?"

Nods where made all around the table, then a voice was heard above everyone else's, "I think this occasion calls for a toast, don't you agree. After all we Elders, ' making air quotes, "have to loosen up a bit, we aren't going to be a bunch of old men and women stiffs. I say to be effective leaders we need to be able to balance a whip on one hand and a drink on the other, preferably bourbon."

The other witches and werewolves all looked at Ayanna for help, "point taken, Mr. Salvatore. I see you have a unique way of…attending to business. I trust that you and your counsel of vampires would represent your kind well. After all, that is your main purpose here. I still do not know why Elijah and Klaus were both insistent on designating you primary elder for the vampires.

"Ah, you see, Klaus, Elijah and I, we have history together. They probably took notice of my leadership skills when I and a few friends were trying to exterminate them. We were successful too," Damon ended wiggling his eyebrows.

"As primary elder for the werewolf clans, I agree to the terms of the alliance. And say that the terms should be in effect immediately. I am sure our counterparts in the other realm are also doing the same thing as we speak," Ralph stated.

"It takes some getting use too, you are Klaus' brother, half-brother. I'm sure we have stories to swap about big, bad Ken," Damon told Ralph.

Ayanna brought the attention back to her, "it's time, we should all sign the covenant," Ayanna stood up and took her place to sign as representative for the witches and the covens. Ralph was next as he too signed the covenant in behalf of the werewolf clans as witness by the clan chiefs. Representatives of other supernatural beings signed the covenant one after the other, until only the vampire representative remained unsigned. Damon was last to stand and take his place, making a grand gesture of hauling Elena in his arms and giving her a long passionate kiss, "for goodluck he would later say," before patting Alaric and Enzo his friends and vampire council members and proceeding to sign off the covenant to represent the vampire race.

After the ceremony, Damon and Elena where walking around hand in hand, with a few others trailing them. "This life is not so bad after all," Damon said to no one in particular.

Elena nodded, "maybe it will grow on me, I just need more time. But being here, with Aunt Sara, Alaric, Jeremy and Enzo," eying Enzo who was on Damon's other side, "your right, it may not be that bad at all." Elena stopped walking and turned to Damon, "do you miss them, miss Stefan?"

Damon kissed Elena in the temple, "I do, every day, I will always miss him. But maybe it is the way it should be. I am surrounded by friends," gesturing to Alaric and Enzo, "and loved ones, "capturing Elena's cheek, "we will make it work. We will make this our home. I am the prime elder after all. It's my duty to ensure my subjects," making sweeping gestures across the vampires, "feel comfortable. I say let's liven up this side. Then everyone on the mortal side would be excited to be here. Let's give the mortal realm a run for their money."

Alaric tapped Damon from behind, "spoken like a true visionary, we'll get there, you'll get there. After all, I've been here before, and with you guys here, how could I complain. And Damon, I'm sure Stefan misses you too, but he has Bonnie and Caroline with him, he'll be alright too."

'Well I don't know about you guys, but I need a drink," Damon joked.

"Same old, same old, brother," Enzo finished for him as all of them walked of together.

"Twelve weeks, am I showing already?" Caroline asked Bonnie as she looked at her whole body in the mirror touching her tummy.

Bonnie looked at Caroline, then at her tummy which her hand was still covering. "No not yet, I wouldn't have guessed if you hadn't told me, told us," including Stefan in the conversation. Stefan had yet to speak. He was presently brooding in the corner of a chaise lounge.

"I'm sorry I haven't really kept in touch. I was kind of busy, as you can see," Caroline confessed.

"You know Stefan and I were wondering why we never saw you on the Other Side, I mean all the Originals where there and with the bloodlines and all, that meant all the vampires should have crossed-over with them," Bonnie finally asked the question she had been wanting too since before they crossed-over.

Caroline grinned sheepishly, "well, the thing is…"

The door opened and in waltzed Klaus, Kol and Rebekah. "Caroline, it's almost midnight, love, you need to rest," Klaus said as he approached her. "Your friends will still be here tomorrow and the day after, there will be more than enough time for catch up." Klaus placed his arm around Caroline's waist and his other hand on her cheek, "pregnancy has made you more beautiful love."

"Oh please brother, enough with the cheesiness already," Rebekah protested.

Klaus just kissed Caroline's cheek and turned to Bonnie and Stefan, "Kol and Bekah will escort you to your rooms. Stay as long as you want, you are both very welcome here." With that Klaus and Caroline exited the study.

"Your bed awaits Bonnie love," Kol said in an exaggerated bow.

Bonnie rolled her eyes at Kol then glanced back at Stefan. "What's with him?" Bonnie heard Rebekah ask her from behind her.

Bonnie shrugged, "Stefan is in one of his broody moods again, probably thinking about his brother again." Bonnie approached Stefan, "you okay there?"

Stefan nodded without really looking at Bonnie, "you go ahead and rest, I'll see you tomorrow."

Bonnie gave Stefan one more long glance before shrugging, "fine," then turning to Kol, "come on."

Kol gave his sister a kissy-kissy gesture, before following Bonnie out of the study. Kol run ahead of Bonnie to led her up the stairway, as they hit the second floor, he placed his hand on the small of her back to guide her, "I knew you would be a little anxious, this being all new to you and all, so I thought I'd give you're the nutshell version of a tour, the grand tour can wait tomorrow. Your friend Caroline and Nik are in the East wing second floor, it's exclusively theirs, my brother is possessive that way. The west wing is Elijah's and Finn's now. The center wing is Mothers and Ulric. Bekah and I share the South wing. The North wing is for guests, Marcel, Davina and some others stay there but it's accessed from a different staircase, you know so the family can have more privacy. Since you and Salvatore aren't really guests, more like extended family much like Sage and the doppelganger Katerina, Stefan will be staying in the room beside Bekah and you will be in the best room in the house. Well second best really, since mine is the best one."

Bonnie eyed Kol suspiciously, "and by second best room in the mansion you mean?"

Kol clapped his hands gleefully, "the room beside mine of course, where else!"

Bonnie pointed a finger at Kol and let it land repeatedly at his chest each time it landed she let Kol feel electricity run through her finger, "If you think for even a second that something will happen between us, you are sorely mistaken!"

Kol rubbed his chest, "awww, again. That's the second time you've tortured me and I've let you, because that's our thing." Kol got in Bonnie's face, "we've dance around this too long, you flaunting that undeserving hunter, that doppelgangers brother in front of me, but really, I know you want some of this," gesturing to himself, "Caroline has accepted that my growly brother is the one for her, it's time you acknowledge the truth too."

Bonnie raised a brow, "and what is the truth?"

Kol smirked, "that you're madly, deeply, irrevocably in love with me," wrapping Bonnie around his arms, "admit it!"

Bonnie pushed Kol, "you are delusional!" Bonnie took a few steps away from Kol then paused and turned back to him, "look, I'm tired, I haven't had proper sleep for a long while, can you just be a perfect gentleman for once and show me a room."

Kol rolled his eyes, "fine, just this once. Because you asked nicely." He grabbed Bonnie's hand and all but dragged her to a room. "Here," opening the door, "your very own home away from home, bathroom is to the right and the closets have some clothes inside for you to wear. I will leave you to rest for now, breakfast is at 8, I will be at your door promptly at that time, don't want you to get lost in this maze." Kol turned away and Bonnie closed the door quietly after.

Bonnie walked a few steps deeper into the room and found that she liked the feel of the room. The room had character, her character if she was being truthful, she wondered who went through all the trouble of creating a room that all but screamed her. She turned to her right to open the closet as directed by Kol, she indeed found clothes of all kinds, jeans, shirts, skirts, dresses, shoes, bags even underwear, all her style. She pulled out a nightgown, pretty much identical to a favorite she had back home in Mystic Falls and went to the bathroom to shower.

"Come on broody, time for bed," Rebekah held out herb hand.

Stefan looked up at her from his position seated down and exhaled before clasping her hand. They had been walking along the South wing corridor before Rebekah spoke again. "If you're wondering where your friend Bonnie is sleeping, she's to the left of this corridor, second door. Kol's quarters are the left side." Pointing to a door beyond hers, "that is your bedroom, I'm right beside you if you need anything at all, I mean it Stefan."

Stefan nodded and placed a hand on Rebekah's shoulder, "thank you, not just for this but for everything."

Rebekah embraced Stefan, "come on Stefan, we are old friends, what's a little hug between friends," after another deep exhale, Stefan hugged Rebekah back and as Rebekah stepped away from the embrace she remarked, "I know you have Bonnie and Caroline here, but you also have me if you need someone else. I know no one can replace your brother or even Elena," Rebekah said Elena's name while rolling her eyes, "but it wouldn't hurt to have another friend, wouldn't it, especially someone you have history with?"

Stefan nodded, "I appreciate what you're doing Bekah, don't think I don't," and kissed her in the cheek, "Good night." Stefan said as he strode the last few steps to the bedroom but not before looking back at Rebekah as he turned the doorknob.

Esther unwrapped a cloth that held rings as Ulric looked on. She counted ten rings all together, as she fingered each one. Five of the rings were distinctly masculine the other five more feminine.

"You're giving it to them soon?" Ulric asked Esther.

She looked at Ulric smiling, "yes, I should have done it before we had the blood covenant earlier in the evening but that was important and I did not want to take away from that. My children, they have made me proud tonight, I expected it from Elijah and Finn, they both of course understand the wisdom of upholding the alliance but really Niklaus and Kol surprised me. Kol, has really stepped up and our Niklaus has once again proven why he is the rightful King. Caroline has really helped him be the man he is today."

"Their mother should be very proud of them, but they should be very proud of their mother too," Ulric said as he sat down beside Esther. "You raised good children, they are fine examples of their kind."

Esther leaned into Ulriic, "I wasn't always the mother they deserved. When we were all human, I let Mikael mistreat and ridicule them, especially our Niklaus. I wasn't always the shining example. I even almost succeeded in killing all my children one time in Mystic Falls. Ironically, it was Caroline and her friends, who stood in my way and saved the lives of my children. It's a paradox that Caroline and her friends lives are so intertwined with my children."

Ulric grinned, "more so than we thought if the glances and subtle looks between your children and Caroline's friends are to be taken seriously." Ulric reached out to finger the rings still on top of the table, "I think the rings are the final touch to the new found place the children have taken. You've done well."

Esther looked at Ulric and smiled, "we've done well. I couldn't have done any of it without you. You made me better, not just for me, but for the children, the covens. Now when they look at me, they see a positive influence. You've done so much for me."

"And I will continue to be your strength, as you are mine. I've said it before and I will say it again and again, our story took some time, but now that we are together, we will never be apart. And, it's not one sided just so you know, you give me the same strength back, the strength to be better everyday."

flashback to earlier in the morning…..

The morning had started early, Caroline and her friends and reunited for breakfast with the Mikaelson siblings and Esther and Ulric. Soon after breakfast was done, Esther, Ulric and her children with Caroline had gone on to talk about what was to happen that night as they retreated into the family room.

Stefan and Bonnie had been 'entertained' by Katherine and Sage, regaling them with stories about the Mikaelsons, or at least Sage had been. Katherine was still trying to bait Stefan and Bonnie into admitting that there was definitely something more than just 'platonic' looks between Stefan and Rebekah, Bonnie was surprised that Katherine had even made the same references between her and Kol. Apparently, now that Katherine was finally happy with her Elijah, and 'accepted' by his family, she thought it her duty to play match maker to the siblings who as of the moment were single or maybe Katherine was simply consistent in being a trouble-maker.

Katherine had even gone as far as to insinuate some jealousy, referring to Rebekah and her history with Marcel (no wonder Stefan had felt negative vibes from the guy) as well as Kol and the other witch in residence, Davina. Bonnie had yet to meet the witch Davina who apparently had been a resident of the compound but was kept outside the circle of the Mikaelson clan. Bonnie had wanted the opportunity to meet the witch if only to see a kindred spirit, witches in the compound, aside from Esther where a rarity at the moment. The witches in the Quarter after all had their own residences fairly nearby.

Thank God for Sage, who made it her duty to be an excellent host to both Stefan and Bonnie. Just shaking her head at the sometimes over the top Katherine. Bonnie admitted that although she was familiar with Katherine and her manner, she found she liked Sage's old-school old-world cultured charm and all, the ideal match to Finn who was pretty much the only person she knew who exhibited the same kind of breeding as Sage.

Bonnie looked at Stefan who was barely tolerating the nuisance that was Katherine and thought she really got the better end of the deal as Katherine chose to concentrate on riling up Stefan more than anything else leaving her to small talk with Sage. How they had breezed through lunch, because Bonnie was human after all and she had to eat, she still couldn't quite figure how that happened. She was more than relieved when Caroline had finally come and 'extracted' her friends from the not so painful company of the other Mikaelson men lady-friends.

Klaus had apparently given Caroline some "free-time" to spend with Stefan and her to catch up before an important ceremony that was to happen tonight. The free-time was two-hours before everyone was to get ready for tonight. Caroline had informed them that both she and Stefan were in fact invited, she as a witch with Bennett bloodline was actually expected to be there which, was news to her.

But what she really wanted to do was catch up with Caroline, what happened after she abruptly left Mystic Falls for NOA, how has her life been and most importantly how she ended up knocked up by one Klaus Mikaelson. Not only was it obviously impossible for Caroline to actually be 'pregnant' but equally intriguing was how her friend and Klaus had gone from a consensual one-night stand in Mystic Falls to being parents to a child who would undoubtedly rock the foundations of the supernatural world. Bonnie was under no illusions, she could see how much in love her friend was with the Klaus and vice versa, in fact if she were to place a bet, she would place all her bets on the fact that the most powerful being was more in love with her friend. In fact, she had never seen Klaus smile and be as friendly as he was being since the cross-over. Her friend really brought out the best in Klaus. In fact she really brought out the best in all of them, including the Mikaelson siblings.

"Well, my first few weeks were really about getting to know not only Nik but also myself. My journey to New Orleans really provided me the opportunity to accept what I was long denying to myself." Caroline grabbed Bonnie's hands while sneaking a glance at Stefan who was standing just looking outside the window. 'It didn't happen overnight, it took sometime but eventually we got there, Nik and I. He's the first guy who made me feel like I was the most beautiful person in the world. Someone who would always come first with him, someone who was the only reason he wanted to go on living. He…..he, just completes me, as cheesy as that sounds. Then one day I just knew it, he's the one for me, and I can't imagine being with anyone else but him. I love him. And this," she placed a hand on top of her tummy smiling, "this is a miracle both of us did not expect. This came to us as a surprise, a pleasant, happy and very much welcome surprise."

Bonnie couldn't help it, "but how? It's impossible."

Caroline bit her lip, "he being my mate and this being a foretold destiny may have something to do with it. The witches, his Mother, the Other Side, they knew about this before we had. That was partly the reason why Esther and Nik's dad and the witches were so adamant to right the wrongs that Mikael had done. There's more…," looking once again at Stefan.

Caroline exhaled again, "the short version of it is, when Mikael crossed-over, he had the witches do a binding spell, binding me to him you know so Nik and Elijah wouldn't kill him. We thought of many ways around it to get rid of Mikael but there was just one very obvious way, but they needed for me to be turned human so that Mikael would also be turned human and they could kill him."

"So that's how you became pregnant, because you were turned human? How is that even possible, to turn someone human again?" Bonnie asked with a frown.

"Ummmm….no and yes, to your questions. No it wasn't because I became human that I, we, Nik and I conceived and apparently it is possible to be turned human when the witches all put their heads together and decide that it was to everyone's best interest to rid the world of Mikael. So to continue, making me human did not really have the effect that everyone planned for, Mikael was prepared for that. So we went for Plan B, or Plan C, they had to turn me back but we had to have the upper hand this time. Esther had already crossed-over to this side by that time, so they turned me back but not just into a vampire, but an Original," Caroline finished.

"What!" Stefan finally reacted to what he was hearing.

"How is that possible? Sorry, I keep repeating myself, but really, everything is just so…impossible!" Bonnie grimaced..

Caroline just shrugged, "I've seen so many things in the last few weeks that really doesn't make me question what can and can't be done anymore, I'm an Original, it was Esther, the witches from both sides and the Mikaelsons who all made it happen, together. But I was brought back stronger, I'm a vampire, and with werewolf and witch blood thrown in, so technically, I'm a combination of three supernatural beings. The blood of all of Nik's siblings, his Mother who's a witch and Nik's blood, he's part werewolf you see and Ulric's. The secret weapon, so to speak."

"So you were instrumental in getting rid of Mikael." Bonnie asked still confused.

Caroline thought for a moment then said, "we all worked together, in the final battle with Mikael and his alliances, the witches had effectively killed all the Original siblings and brought them to the Other Side but in the process we had succeeded in finally getting rid of Mikael. Before Nik had crossed-over, we had already conceived this child," once again caressing her tummy, "but we didn't know until much later. It was difficult when Nik was on the Other Side, but I had Esther and Ulric, Nik's father with me, everyone has been surprisingly supportive. And to be really honest, it's been great to be surrounded by people who have all tried to make me feel welcomes and loved."

Bonnie wrapped Caroline around her arms, "hey, I'm happy for you, I really am. It's seems like it's been years since we talked. So much has happened, and what you have now, you deserve it all, a happy life, a happy family. And…..I hear, Queen of all of us?"

Caroline rolled her eyes and grimaced, "yah, well to think, all I ever wanted was to be queen of the ball at Mystic Falls which seems a lifetime ago."

Stefan finally stepped away from the window and joined Bonnie and Caroline and sat in front of them, "you are the best of all us of, Care. You were always the one who could find goodness in all of us, specially me. You were always there for me. Bonnie's right, you deserve it all."

Caroline bit her lip, a habit more than anything else, "and I'm even happier now because both of you are here, with me. I hope you would stay. We have more than enough room. I know Nik wouldn't mind, it might be a blessing for you too Stefan," her hand on his knee, "at one point in the 20's, if I remember it right, Nik and you were almost brothers, maybe it helps," shrugging with a smile, "even just a little bit."

"And you," Caroline turned to Bonnie, "you can't want to be anywhere else but here. From what I know of New Orleans, this is the center of magic, witches thrive here. You will love it here Bonnie, you and me, you do remember I am partly a witch now too, we have much to learn."

A knock then Marcel stepped in glancing at Bonnie, then eyes narrowing as he saw Stefan before he smiled at Caroline, "you have to get ready for tonight, it's time."

Caroline stood up quickly glancing at her friends, "see you both tonight." Then went to join Marcel, "everything all set for tonight?"

Marcel smiled widely, showing is pearly white teeth, "well, since we did nothing but run through the process more than ten times since you left us to talk to your friends, I should think so. Niklaus alone was bad enough when it was just him being all obsessive, but now I have all his siblings, not to mention his mother and father to deal with," shaking his head. "Sometimes, I miss the old days when it was just him and his pompous ego."

"Come on Marcel, I know you like him a lot better now," Caroline coaxed.

"Yeh, yeh, I will admit, he's a lot better to deal with now. All of them are, they all seem more human now. Even I have changed the way I used to view everyone. And it's all because of this lovely woman in front of me, and don't even try to deny it," shaking a finger at her, "you are what New Orleans, hell you are what the supernatural world needed all along. You should know what impact you've had on all of us. And I for one will be forever at your service, my Queen," ending with a palm across his heart.

"Marcel, you're a good friend to Nik. You should know that, and to me too." Turning to walk up the staircase but continuing to talk to Marcel, "I will see you tonight."

Later that night….

"This is unprecedented in any time amongst all of us gathered here tonight, and my family and I are more than grateful for the willingness of everyone to make this alliance not only a reality, but ensure that it becomes successful. This covenant much like the one that is being made in the Other Side right now, will not be without difficulty. There will be moments when your judgment and your loyalties will be challenged. Let's all remember that this covenant is for the greater good, it's bigger than us, this is for our joint future together." Esther raised her glass to lead the toast.

After everyone has settled down, Ulric stood up looking around the faces of those gathered, reading the atmosphere around them before he started, "many of you may not know me. I have after all been a resident of the Other Side for a thousand years, I am Ulric of the werewolf clans. I am also Niklaus Mikaelson's biological father," just after Ulric had said that whispers suddenly erupted which he tried to quite down with a raised palm, "please, settle down. This information I shared is meant to clear the air and prevent unnecessary gossip in the future, my son," turning to Klaus who had his head tilted toward his father, all ears and oblivious to the uproar, "deserves to be acknowledged and recognized properly not only by his vampire family side but by his werewolf family. He is the first and at this moment, the only Hybrid in existence," nodding to Caroline who was another matter all together, "my son, and I am proud to be able to call him my son, has always been destined to rule. Now with a strong woman by his side, he will take his place as rightful ruler and King of the supernatural. I believe with all my being, that there is no one else who would be a perfect fit than my son, Niklaus. So tonight, I raise my glass to him and to his Queen, Caroline. To our King and Queen!" At Ulric's toast, the crowd chanted back the names of Caroline and Niklaus.

Klaus took Caroline's hand and never let go all throughout the speech of his father. As prime elder of the witches, Esther has spoken earlier, followed by Ulric, prime elder of the werewolf clans. Klaus and Caroline were looking at each other oblivious to the crowd until a subtle hand squeezed Klaus' shoulder breaking the trance between them. As Klaus looked up, he saw Elijah taking his place in the makeshift podium, straightening his suit before he started.

"I never thought I would live to see this day. It has been a long time coming, one which would not have been possible without the cooperation of all the supernatural beings. This covenant is very personal to me, I have long espoused trust and alliances, my siblings will attest to this. But, I have been unable to find the right way to achieve it. I am humble enough to admit that I may not have been the right man to spearhead this…..task. My family has long been the center of many, many life altering events. As an Original, my siblings and I are the originators of the vampire bloodlines, this time we will not take that lightly. My siblings and I, Finn, Rebekah, Kol and Niklaus and now Caroline, we will be more conscientious of ensuring our bloodlines uphold the covenant and what it stands for, for our future!" Elijah finished by raising his glass to Klaus and Caroline.

Finally it was time for Klaus to make his speech, he stood up but instead of turning to the podium, he held out his hand to Caroline for her to stand up. As she tentatively did, confused at what Klaus was planning, he leaned down and whispered to her ear, "we will do this together, equals you and I," as he placed his left hand behind Caroline's back, he used his right hand to escort her forward, "after you my Queen."

More to come for the ships, but I planted a few seeds. More ship moments during the next chapter. I see a lot of Kol/Bonnie and a lot of Stefan/Rebekah so I'm going there but not without a few stumbling blocks. In the end, everyone gets a ship.

I threw in a bit of Delena so that we have some closure for them. Damon has an important role in the Other Side and he's with his buddies Alaric and Enzo so maybe everyone is happy where they ended up?

Reviews please….