Chapter 7

The morning after the ball found the Mikaelson siblings encircled around each other in the woods behind Mystic Falls. The siblings stood in a circle Niklaus had his arms crossed. Rebekah was standing next to on his left while Elijah stood on his right. Kol standing between Elijah and Rebekah. It was still early hours yet, and their mother and sibling had already left for the day.

"Tell me Lijah, how exactly are we going to stop mother dearest?" Niklaus asked, his gaze turning to each of his siblings in turn.

"I believe the best plan is for me to talk with Miss. Gilbert. At the ball she seemed uncertain of her course of action. She is also perhaps the one person her group would sacrifice anything for," Elijah explained. The siblings nodded, as Rebekah sighed in annoyance.

"The little girl is the love of both Salvatore brothers. They would do anything for her. Caroline would as well," The female Mikaelson agrees.

"Then we use the doppelganger to get what we need, our mothers power supply cut off. The Bennett line needs to be disrupted" Kol's voice was light, anyone outside of his family would think he had no skin in this game.

"No one harms the girl," Niklaus agrees thinking over his conversation with Caroline the night before. He found for the first time in a very long time that he did not want to risk ruining whatever was happening with the young blonde vampire, "Elijah you will meet with Elena, find out what she knows."

"Of course, brother," Elijah soon flashed out of their sight. Leaving the three remaining siblings.

"What about Finn?" Rebekah finally asked. Her hand pulled itself into a fist, anger pulsing though her at the thought of their brother plotting to kill them all.

"Finn's always sided with our mother. It's unlikely that we will get him to see reason. He thinks we are abominations" Kol scoffed dismissing his eldest brother as a lost cause.

"He's our brother," Rebekah insisted. Even if only Niklaus and Elijah made the pact with her, it included all of her siblings. Always and Forever.

"Bekah, he is part of the plot against us. What would you have us do?" Niklaus argued, pulling his hand to his nose as if trying to rub away a headache.

"Perhaps try Caroline's suggestion? God do not tell her I said that. The high school queen bitch would never let me hear the end of it," Rebekah groaned, not even flinching at her favorite brother's growl at the terminology she used, or her youngest's dark chuckle.

Kol threw his head back unable to contain his laughter, "Oh Bexs, do you really think Finn would even listen to us if we tried?"

Rebekah crossed her arms, "At least I don't give up on family."

XXX

She didn't know how she ended up here, honestly. The blonde baby vampire was walking around the backwoods of Mystic Falls, knowing that somewhere Esther and Finn were plotting the destruction of their family. The blonde did not understand why she had a sudden need to spy on the elder Mikaelson's. Truly, as much as her feelings for Klaus had evolved, dealing with his family was rather exhausting.

Talk about family issues.

She did not think that she would find them before Elena and Bonnie called her for her vampire hearing, or to be the distraction to Niklaus. Caroline rolled her eyes, like she would agree to be their distraction in an attempt to deal with Kol. As if that plan did not fail to epic proportions. The sole reason that the blonde was alive being that Niklaus believed that she had not known the specifics or what was happening.

Hence why the baby vampire was hiding against the tree just in vampire hearing range of the house Stefan had hid the coffins. Where Esther was creating a magical circle, Finn her ever loyal servant. She waited until Esther walked back into the house, walking into the sightline of Finn. The vampire watched as a wave of recognition hit him, she gave him a little wave before motioning for him to follow.

Luckily Caroline did not have to wait long for her to hear the soft echo of his footsteps behind her. She turned around and smiled, "Hi Finn!"

"Miss. Forbes," He greeted politely, "Is there anything I can do for you? Your friends have been most helpful to my mother and I."

"I wanted to ask you not to try and kill your siblings," Caroline paused, "I know you know that by killing an original you will kill every vampire in their sire line. Your mother is trying to get rid of the vampire race."

She had to hand it to him, at least Finn did not try to hide. "Yes."

"You are okay with that? With killing, Sage, I believe her name is," Caroline thought for a moment, vaguely recalling the sire line fiasco that was her senior year.

Finn blinked, "Sage?"

"Sage is still alive; we can protect her. But you can't do that if your busy trying to kill your siblings" Caroline gently pushed. Hoping that that particular tragedy could be avoided, if he knew that she was out there earlier. Keeping her friends from actually killing him would be a different story.

She still had to try, the image of Klaus staring at Kol's burned corpse was enough for her. She could not stand by and allow another war to erupt, especially when this family rarely actually did anything to her friends. After the curse broke, creating some hybrids Klaus remained reactionary, even turning Tyler was a result of being lied to. Klaus would deny it, but he was actually very honorable. Not that Caroline felt he could handle such an emission, less she be forced to endure that dimpled smile for a century and constant mocking.

"I…I promised her," Finn sighed, "I've never gone back on my word."

"I know you love your siblings, I'm sorry that they are so shitty at sharing their feelings" Caroline laughed, inwardly cheering at the slight smile on the eldest Mikaelson's face.

"What was it like? Being daggered for so long?" Caroline asked, eyes widening hands immediately going to cover her mouth. "I'm so…"

"Don't," Finn stopped her immediately, "Don't apologize. No one's asked me that. I doubt Nik has asked anyone what that was like."

"He does like to keep that bad boy image of his," Caroline shrugged, earning a shake of his head.

"You've just met my brother," He began only for Caroline to stop him in his tracks.

"You weren't there. I happen to be a magically transported through time vampire. I managed to get your siblings to believe me. Now I have no clue how to get you to other than telling you that this plan will not work."

Finn raised an eyebrow, "First time around I played blonde distraction for Klaus, but he figured out he and his siblings were linked. This time around when you were looked away, I ensured your siblings did not drink the champagne with Elena's blood."

His eyes widened, "So that is why the linking spell…"

Caroline nodded, "Now I have no clue what Esther's plan B was but if you have not noticed Niklaus is rather good at surviving."

Finn looked at her for a moment, "At first it's not much different than sleeping. I was daggered for longest amount of time, uninterrupted. When my siblings were around, I could hear them. I knew they were out there, that they left me in that darkness."

Caroline stepped closer and wrapped her hands around his fist slipping her fingers to ensure that he did not cause himself to bleed. Knowing that he would heal made no difference, she thought he would appreciate not having to shed unnecessary blood.

"That sounds horrible," Caroline didn't respond for a while but when she did the blonde was happy to see that the tiniest smile in the world was on the Mikaelson's face.

"Thank you, Miss. Forbes. You've given me a lot to think about."

Caroline had long learned from his siblings that this would be the best she would be able to get. Nodding she stepped back giving him the space he no doubt desired. It was not until she was almost completely out of hearing range did, she hear him.

"Sage's alive?"

She called out, "She's rather tough one. But I'm sure you will find her soon!"

If only she could recall who in her group met Sage first.

XXX

"Hello?" Caroline answered twirling her hair on her finger, waiting for Alaric to answer.

"Thank god Caroline, we need you to distract Klaus," Alaric said in a rush.

"Distract Klaus? How am I supposed to do that?" Caroline feigned stupidity, not yet angry at her little rag tag group of friends.

"I don't know but we need your help. Elijah has Elena captive with Rebekah. They are threatening her unless we help them stop Esther."

"I'll be there. Is…is Elena okay?" Caroline asked, biting her lip knowing that the blonde original could potentially harm her friend.

"Elijah luckily put a leash on his sister, but we do have a deadline."

"Ric, I'm on my way. Try not to get yourself killed until then."

Caroline quickly made her way to change, ensuring her hair was down and particularly curly as she wrapped the black jacket around herself. Now how was she going to ensure that they did not try to dagger Kol? If she recalled correctly, the youngest Mikaelson was with his brother. The brothers set on causing a bit of mischief. By the time she entered the Mystic Grill, she made eye contact with Alaric who was on the phone.

If she made sure to swing her hips from side to side slightly more when she felt eyes on her, no one could say. She stopped right in front of the two brothers, a smile on her face as arms cross her chest. Blue eyes lit up when they met her playful gaze.

"Hello love," Niklaus grinned, "You look ravishing."

"Join us!" Kol invited, grinning at the snake eye his brother shot him. Clearly, he wanted to be the one to invite the pretty blonde. The youngest Mikaelson's eyes widened slightly as the blonde in question stalked up to the bar leaning into Niklaus. Two pairs of blue eyes stared right into each other; Caroline smiled as she pulled away with his drink.

"I don't think so" She laughed placing the glass against her lips taking a drink.

Niklaus chuckled in amusement as she drank it all before slamming it down on the bar, gently enough not to break the glass. "My love you are full of surprises" He chortled, eyes lighting up watching her.

"I don't think you know the half of it. Kol do me a favor and secure me a spot on the microphone?" She pointed to the stage with a smile. The two brothers shared a look, Niklaus nodded subtly.

"Sure, love anything for you," Kol winked laughing as the blond threw a few pieces of peanuts from the small cup on the counter at him. He simply took to walking backwards catching the peanuts in the air with a wink. The blondes shook their heads at his antics.

"What do I owe for this lovely encounter, Sweetheart?" Klaus murmured into her ear as the vampire quickly took Kol's spot. Both vampires kept an eye at the looks Alaric was throwing at them. Dr. Fell was by the pool table and Kol kept giving her sideline looks.

"I'd advise your brother to give Dr. Fell some room," Caroline motioned towards Kol who was walking towards the founder. Niklaus sighed muttering about never being able to take him anywhere.

Caroline grinned at him, "Can I ask you a question?"

Klaus turned to look at her taking her hand in his and kisses the back of it softly. "You can ask but I can't promise to answer."

"You're over a thousand years old. Yet you seem to be fascinated in me, I want to know why?"

"It be impossible not to notice you, Caroline," The intensity was just too much for the baby vampire. Caroline felt her heart thud in her chest as his gaze turned from curious to shocked to an intensity that he only seemed to have for her.

She laughed nervously, "That's not answering my question."

Niklaus sighed, "You don't believe me when I saw your full of light, and that I enjoy you. What more do you want?"

The hybrid allowed a smile to spread across his face at the way Caroline kept glancing at him. She had yet to respond, but he could be patient. They remained at the impasse until whatever was going on in her mind seemed to settle. She scooted closer to him and Klaus turned more fully to her attentions. She leaned in close, her eyes looking up and down from his eyes to his lips.

Niklaus having enough brought his hand to cup her cheek, "Tell me what you need, Sweetheart."

Her eyes flashed almost playfully. He allowed her to move away from him, listening as she says, "I'm still mad at you."

"Love, we had a little tiff, what can I do to acquit myself?"

Caroline tapped her glass, by then which had been refilled completely ignoring him.

"Come on love, get to know me! I dare you," He grinned as she turned her beautiful gaze back towards him. The dark-blonde original smiled encouragingly as Caroline opened her mouth to respond, only to glare as his brother flashed quickly back towards them. Kol looked almost bashful as he looked towards his brother, urgency in his tone.

"Hate to break this flirtation, but Elijah called. It's time."

XXX

Niklaus was ever so grateful that Caroline did not try to go with them. The two originals leaving the establishment without much fan fair. Stepping out of the woods to find both his wayward brothers and his mother. Elijah, ever loyal, took his place besides him.

"My sons," Esther greeted, as Finn stood in front of her.

"Finn, my wayward brother and my psychotic bitch of a mother" Niklaus called out, his usual cockiness on full display.

"If you've come to beg for your lives. It's too late" Esther spoke softly, as if she was comforting them.

Kol scoffed only holding back due to barrier in place against the circle. Finn looked between his siblings and his mother; Elijah noticed.

"Have something to ask brother?"

"Sage is she alive?"

Niklaus scoffed, "That red-haired peasant? Yes, as far as I'm aware. No one in this family harmed her."

Niklaus ignored the twinge in his heart at the elated look on his eldest sibling's face. He could not understand Finn's obsession with that woman, but if even after all this time his brother cared for her. Perhaps this could be used to their family's advantage, after all their mother was the only remaining obstacle in their way. If having Sage around was the price to pay…. Well it was worth a thought.

"Yes, yes. Your precious fire maiden in safe. Can we move on to the fun part?" Kol spat eyeing his mother hatefully.

"Finn, what are you doing?" Esther called, raising her hand out towards favorite son. Finn walked past the barrier, "Mother, the linking spell failed. It's over."

Elijah clasped Finn on his shoulder, the oldest Mikaelson shrugged him off. Niklaus clapped his hands together, new possibilities already entering his mind. The siblings stood together against their mother, who for the first time seemed to have nothing to say.

"I always have a plan, Finn. We can rid the world of what should never have occurred."

"What you created mother," Kol corrected.

They watched unable to enter the circle, even Finn who once he tried to step back into the circle was forced back. Esther looked at each of her sons, a tear escaping her eyes.

"Then so be it," She whispered before she began to chant. The fires erupted higher only for Esther to cry out asking for the Bennett ancestors to not leave her. Assist her in what needs to be done. The brothers held up a hand against the flames. The bright light blinding even to their superior sight. She gave out a final cry before she disappeared.

Klaus stepped into the circle. He spun around, focusing all his senses in trying to see where she could have possibly gone. The Mikaelson brothers remained silent until Niklaus roared, "Where is she?"

"Peace brother, we will find her," Elijah soothed placing a hand on his younger brothers' arm. The two shared a look. Until their mother was found, the Mikaelson's would not have peace.

It was only when they got home that they found Rebekah waiting for them. She held her phone in her hand, "Brothers."

"Sister, are you really so bored already that you began videotaping yourself? Kol teased flopping down next to the blonde.

"No, you giant tosser! Nik take a look at the wall behind Elena" Rebekah handed over her phone to the one brother she knew who would take their survival seriously.

"The cave where the natives tell the story of our family. Look right there it's a picture of them worshiping at a white oak tree."

"We burned those to the ground, sister."

"Look at the native calendar next to it. The date is set three hundred years after we went back to the old world."

XXX

Caroline was getting ready for bed waiting on news after she left the Mystic Grill. She was about to give up when her phone rang with an unrecognizable number on it.

"Hello?" Caroline greeted casually, a wary under tone only the most observant would hear.

"Sweetheart."

"Niklaus" Caroline sighed in relief, quickly saving the number to her phone, she would set his number to a specific ringtone later.

"I wanted to let you know that Finn switched to our side. The plan worked out in the end, but I must warn you that in order to do it we had to make sure your friend's mother…"

"Abby" Caroline answered, "Her name is Abby."

"I wanted to let you know that Abby had to be turned. The Salvatore's did it under our orders."

That was when she heard her call waiting, "That's probably them. Thank you Nik for your honesty" she said before hanging up with a soft click.

Caroline quickly answered her other line, "Bonnie?"

"Care, I..I need you" Bonnie sobbed.

"I'm on my way."