Chapter 56

Black boots stepped onto the noisy streets of New Orleans, soon followed by lean legs covered in black pants with a white blouse, curled dark hair, and an easy smile. She walked the streets of New Orleans with ease, sensing that her blood was near. If the wary glances of those with a talent to sense danger were to go by, this trip might be worth it after all. Dahlia could feel the magic in the air. This coven was powerful even if limited in their influence. Their alliance would give Dahlia the cover she needed until she could act.

Closing the door to the car, Dahlia gave strict instructions to wait for her before leaving to explore the city properly. Her eyes flashed as she sensed a familiar signature in the air, "Ah Freya, found your family, haven't you?"

When the girl had originally run away, Dahlia hoped that she wouldn't forget her teachings. Seeing as the girl was still alive, her magical signature still strong, Freya hadn't forgotten her teachings completely. Dahlia walked the streets, slowly stretching her fingers against her legs as she allowed her spell to work. Her family had once again birthed a new generation. The magic that linked Esther to them had been humming under her skin for months.

Her younger sister must be rolling in her grave, Dahlia thought to herself with a twinge of pain and delight. That brute might have stolen her sister, but the idiotic Viking could not do the same for his grandchildren. She'd rebuild her family and do it knowing that she was causing her sister and her beloved Viking pain in doing so.

Esther's plan to foil their deal had failed spectacularly.

Dahlia stopped in her determined steps, allowing the feel of her magic to wash over her. A look of delight crossed her face. Her sister walks amongst the living again. How delightful, it seems her sister had learned something from that village witch after all. If only her sister had the guts to reveal the truth to her husband…perhaps he would not have been nearly as eager to keep her as his wife.

Dahlia ignored the wary glances of those whom she walked past as she easily located the headquarters of the local witch coven.

A graveyard…how quaint.

The group of gathered witches stepped back as Dahlia allowed her power to seep through. Let these children know just who they were messing with. Her eyes brightened as she glanced over at one in particular.

How curious.

"Wearing a baby's face? I didn't realize this coven openly practiced dark magic" Dahlia's smile widened.

"Who are you?" Someone questioned; by the volume and tone alone, this witch held power. She turned towards the questioner, taking several steps forward. The witches all brought out their hands causing Dahlia to laugh.

"Your powers do not affect someone as ancient and powerful as I," raising her hand, thinking the Latin phrase to herself she levitated several of the coven into the air.

"I have no issues with you. I've come for an alliance of sorts," Dahlia informed looking at the one who questioned her. The witch was of middle age, dark hair, tanned skin and Dahlia thought she could smell loss on her.

"And what is this alliance for?" The witch asked. "Why should we allow you near our leader?"

"Didn't you just turn away from the Mikaelsons? You didn't fight as you said you would. Do you really think a family like that will let it stand?"

Dahlia knew she got their attention when the others lowered their hands. Head held high, she lowered her own hands, canceling out the spell watching as the witches fell to the ground with a thud. She rolled her eyes at them, stronger witches could at least whip up a spell to ensure they landed on their feet. Alas, these witches were…ancestral in nature. Their strength lay in rituals and magic that was swept into the land.

Even then, they will have their uses.

"Now perhaps you shall introduce me?" Dahlia said with a smile, knowing her threat was heard. "Let your leader decide how helpful an alliance with me will be against my nephew."

"Your nephew?" A witch said in a low whisper, not low enough to avoid detection as Dahlia looked straight at her.

"Yes, my sister's children. Obviously, our family gifts have more or less been lost but they have witches' blood in them. Do you know what that means?"

The New Orleans witches looked over at each other, not a single witch brave enough to answer. Or perhaps, Dahlia mused not brave enough to admit their ignorance. Humans, she had learned, hated to admit their failings, ignorance being the most prevalent.

"The Mikaelson's owe me a debt," Dahlia informed them. "My sister and I made a deal one that will help you tremendously, I assure you."

The witches didn't look convinced but their faces also showed fear. Dahlia was used to being feared. The Vikings that raided their village were suspicious of the powers shown by so many in their small village. When they took them, Esther had an easier time assimilating to their world. She never took to magic the same way Dahlia did.

Esther had always been the better person, more concerned with others thoughts than with ensuring her own strength. It took several minutes for these baby witches to commune with each other before the vocal one from earlier stood out from the crowd.

"We shall see if our leader is willing to meet with you."

Dahlia smiled, "That's all I ask."

She watched as a witch was sent to inform their leader. What was being said, Dahlia didn't give a damn, let these witches believe what they wanted. All she needed was their cooperation, after all, it was so much easier to grab what she needed when they were distracted. She would rebuild her family and make sure not to follow the same path that led to Freya's betrayal.

Freya had been too old, far more intertwined to her birth family, to truly connect with Dahlia. Her own methods for strengthening Freya would only be seen as cruel. She would take the baby at a far younger age before they knew who their family was. That way she would be the only family they knew. Witchcraft was the only supernatural community they would learn.

Esther would regret choosing Mikael.

XXX

"Is this what babies do all day?" Kol said skeptically as he peered into Conall's basket. The baby was fast asleep, hiding his beautiful blue eyes. The former youngest Mikaelson leaned forward only to be snatched by the neck with long nails.

"OWWW"!" He yelped, causing shrieks from the four cribs and his sister to drop him to the ground. "That was what I was trying to avoid, you idiot" Rebekah said as Elijah, Finn slowly followed by an amused Freya, Sage, Katherine and Enzo entered the children's bedroom.

"What happened now?" Finn asked with a look of exasperation already on his face, his tone spoke of being tired. Now that Kol thought about it, didn't having younger siblings always tire his older brother out? Kol shook his head as Rebekah explained the situation with a glare as she scooped up Conall.

Elijah quickly scooped up Ingrid, while Finn held Henrik and Freya held onto Elise, all of them immediately attempting to ease the children's tears. Sage knelt toward Kol eye level and said, "Caroline and Niklaus will never trust you to babysit alone after this. You do realize that, yes?"

Enzo chuckled as he peaked over Freya's shoulder at little Elise, "I'm surprised either of them left. A rather protective set of parents aren't they."

Katherine couldn't keep her eyes off Elijah as he held the child. A pang shot through her at the thought of her own child, now grown and returned to her but still lost in so many ways. Katherine would never know what it was like to be a parent and raise her own child, let alone do it with a man she adored like Elijah. He would have made an excellent father.

"Honestly Caroline looked ready to turn back any moment, don't count on her being gone long" Katherine snorted, her eyes still soft as she looked at Elijah. If Rebekah noticed the rather…soft version of the she-devil herself well the blonde kept her mouth shut.

Why ruin a moment? Not when she held something so precious in her own arms. "That's why I made Bonnie promise to keep her away for at least six hours" The blonde vampire shared with a smile as she cooed at Conall who had finally stopped crying.

Elijah gently rocked the child in his arms, "Kol, I understand we haven't had many chances to be around children, but let's try not to upset the mother of our nieces and nephews shall we?"

Kol groaned as he flopped down on the ground making Sage roll her eyes, "But they don't do anything!"

"They're babies," Sage reminded him, "They'll hardly be running around any time soon."

Kol stood up and once again took a look at Conall, whose eyes were barely open. "Hey there, I'm your Uncle Kol."

Kol, if it were possible, got even whiter, as Rebekah turned to look at him. "Did he?" Rebekah asked.

"If you mean did our nephew, son of the hybrid, just flash his normally blue eyes into amber without killing anyone that we know of. As he is a baby, why yes he did" Kol looked down at the baby in awe and slight fear. "Who wants to bet Nik is going to be ridiculously proud?"

Elijah frowned looking over at each of the children, "Four known species and we have four new Mikaelson children."

Finn frowned as well, "You're not suggesting what I think you are?"

Rebekah glared over at her brother, "We were made brothers. You can't be born a vampire."

"A werewolf cannot transform until their first kill yet Conall's eyes flash as if he had already activated his gene" Kol contributed. "I wouldn't be surprised if this was nature's way of balancing things out."

"By what? Assigning a different species to each of our nieces and nephews?" Freya asked as she placed the baby back into the cradle. Elise fast asleep, being the one that was the easiest to soothe according to her parents.

Finn frowned, "Caroline did say that the supernatural species came together in the end. They built a school to teach co-existence with each other and humans. But Caroline is no longer able to start such a school. At least not in the same way."

"So, nature hijacks her children," Katherine stated the obvious. "Yeah, that seems about right."

"You lot could be wrong" Enzo shrugged. "But if you are not, what's the worst thing that could happen?"

"A tiny baby werewolf running around the manor," Kol deadpanned. "A manor full of vampires who can be killed by said baby werewolf."

"Your nephew," Freya countered as Rebekah shot him a dark look. His older brothers, however, looked thoughtful if not pained at the realization.

"We don't know what this means," Elijah said softly. "It could just be that Conall is tied more closely to his wolf heritage than his siblings. They're all human. You can hear their heartbeats."

Kol sighed, "I love my nieces and nephews, but I'm terrified of what their existence means in correlation to how Caroline's past timeline played out."

Freya hummed, "But Finn and you are no longer dead. No longer able to be used by anyone to get to them. We are stronger than ever."

Sage, seeing that Kol was done with his melodrama for the time being, walked up behind her lover and wrapped her arms around him. "We need to go before our voices wake them up again."

The group slowly made their way out of the room, holding their breath as they breathed a sigh of relief when every member was able to escape the room without reengaging with a Mikaelson infant. Freya had just made it down the stairs when she gasped startled, tripping on the last step. She would have fallen on her face if it weren't for Finn who held her steady.

Smiling at her brother Freya held onto his arms, "Freya? What's the matter?" Her brother questioned. The rest of her siblings and their guests stared at her expectantly. Freya looked them in the eye and said, "She's here."

XXX

"Care, they'll be fine," Bonnie soothed. "If the Mikaelsons are good for anything it's protecting their own. Your children are Mikaelsons by blood. Besides, Enzo is with them."

Caroline laughed as the duo looked at the safe house that currently housed two very human doppelgangers. "I can't believe she's really leaving it all behind. Last time…"

"Last time you said she never got to meet Tom" Bonnie pointed out. "I believe an Enzo mishap?"

Caroline chuckled nervously, "Yeah…it was a hectic time with evil Traveler witches, and more ancient and scary myths popping up in our hometown."

Bonnie shook her head, "Well, this is better…different, but better. Now come on Elena is waiting for us."

The two best friends walked up the cobbled pathway towards the front door, Caroline attempting to calm her nerves. This was the best-case scenario; Elena would be far away from two of the most supernaturally centric towns in existence. The Mikaelsons had contacts all over the world and could ensure their safety from a distance. Elena wouldn't be caught in the middle of any more drama because of her blood, meaning Bonnie wouldn't have to continue to press her magic to the brink every time a new enemy arose.

And Caroline could focus on being a mother instead of being bait or pulling strings to get Nik to come to the rescue. Bonnie rolled her eyes at her friend and knocked. They waited a few seconds before Elena's smiling face could be seen.

"Bonnie! Caroline!" Elena flung herself towards her two best friends who returned her hug with equal joy. Caroline being careful not to use her newly returned senses, thank God for her excellent control, that even Niklaus remarked was unusual.

"Elena!" Caroline cried checking her friend over, "The spell worked."

Bonnie scoffed, "Of course, it worked. I'm a Bennett."

The trio laughed together as Elena opened the door, "Caroline, Bonnie come on in."

As Bonnie entered the threshold the young woman felt the magic touch her skin, "This place… has a lot of magic around it. I can feel it everywhere."

Elena shrugged, "Blame the Mikaelsons. Does it bother you?"

Bonnie gave Elena a look, "I'm a witch, not a drug addict."

"This time," Caroline said quietly to herself, causing her two best friends to look at her with knowing expressions. "Where's Tom?" Bonnie asked, changing the conversation with ease.

"He's around, wanted to give us the day before we leave" Elena said with a smile but it turned awkward as she asked, "How is Stefan? Damon?"

Bonnie snorts, "Not terribly happy that you are choosing to stay away from him, Damon" the witch explained. "Stefan is sad but understanding. He, more than anyone, understands your dreams for the future."

Elena's shoulders dropped, "Am I doing the right thing? I mean, I barely know Tom."

Caroline wrapped her arms around Elena as Bonnie came from the other side. They squeezed Elena into a sandwich hug, until the brunette cried out laughing. They both laid their heads on either side of Elena keeping her in their hold. The trio remained quiet for several minutes.

"I think you know what you want for your future," Caroline said softly. "Stefan was someone special to you, and always will be. He was there for you in a way neither Bonnie nor I could be. Damon awakened something in you, that you didn't even know you had, and that's not a bad thing. It doesn't mean you owe either of them your future in exchange for that."

Elena smiled, "You really are older than you look. What happened to our drama queen?"

Caroline snorted, "She lived an entire lifetime but not for herself. I got wiser and was given a weird-ass gift but one I'm glad I took by the reins."

"Caroline the one who saves us from our worst impulses!" Bonnie cheered, as her two best friends laughed.

"But Caroline is right," Bonnie nudged Elena with a small smile. "I didn't like either Salvatore at first. Stefan was your first real love and Damon…well I choose to keep my belief any feelings you have for that idiot is because you have a savior complex."

Caroline snorted, "Stefan still has a bigger one."

Bonne and Elena raised their brows, "Do we want to know?" The doppelganger asked.

Caroline shook her head, "It's not important now…I don't think. So much has changed from my first time around…It scares me that I don't know what exactly is coming next."

Bonnie let out a small sigh, "See Elena, your problems are small compared to Caroline not being the all knowing being she has been for a while." Caroline's hey was drowned out by Elena's burst of laughter.

"I'm going to miss you guys" Elena hiccupped as she calmed herself watching as Caroline wiped a tear and Bonnie was struggling to calm her own laughter.

Bonnie smiled sadly, "I still have so much about magic I need to learn. Now that Caroline's safely back to being immortal, and an original to boot" The witch smirked at the blonde who blushed. It still surprised her that the spell went without a hitch.

Bonnie continued, "I can really focus on just learning magic for fun. Maybe even teach a baby Mikaelson or two one day but until then I can do what Grams had been trying to teach me how to do for years. Love magic."

Elena grabbed Bonnie's hands, "I wish I could see you grow as a witch, Bon. You're amazing when you practice."

"But you are a magnet for trouble, Elena" Caroline shook her head. "I truly think you are safer if you are away from magical communities."

"It's just hard, I'm going to miss you both," Elena confessed.

"I think visits will be okay" Bonnie assured. "We just have to keep you from getting enmeshed into supernatural plots."

"Nik was your largest threat," Caroline admitted. "Everything else seemed to be connected to the Salvatore brothers, Bonnie or some fuck up we caused trying to save you."

Elena winced, "I never.."

"You never had to," Bonnie shook her head. "We will always work to save you but Caroline is right. I was this close to crossing a line to get you a cure and unleashing a massive danger out into the world and losing my magic. You want a normal life Elena, you need to take it."

Elena was quiet, "I never wanted either of you hurt because of me."

"It wasn't just for you" Caroline assured. "But a lot of what we got into was Elena-centric. If you're in the supernatural world, then someone or something will be attracted to the extra kick that your blood can give to the community. I have kids now that are effectively tribrids. I can't be worried about saving you too. Not when I know what went after the last tribrid and what I know about you is that and despite your well-meaning intentions- they get you in trouble."

"You promise that you'll keep me updated?" Elena demanded. "I want to know everything! Even if I can't be there in person all the time."

"We promise."

XXX

Katherine walked into the garden of the plantation home, quietly wondering what Klaus will do now…If he would try to overtake Marcus once again when she spotted a familiar brooding vampire sitting on a bench. The vixen of a vampire sauntered over, landing a hand on his shoulder. Smirking at the flinch he did as she sat down.

Katherine didn't say anything, just took her hand off his shoulder and crossed her leg over as the duo sat in silence. Stefan's brow furrowed at her continued presence and even more at the fact she was silent. Katherine Pierce was never quiet.

Stefan finally settled on, "What do you want Katherine?"

"I was allowing the Mikaelson bunch some solo time with their new additions," Katherine said, pointing to the main house. "Then I saw you were your usual broody self. What's on your mind?"

"Like you care," He scoffed.

"I've always cared for you Stefan," Katherine answered truthfully. "You were my favorite. Do you know why?"

The look he gave her was so skeptical Katherine couldn't help but smirk leaning in so close their lips were almost touching until he leaned back. Katherine leaned back as well, rolling her eyes, "I liked how you reminded me of Elijah. You share many personality traits."

Stefan's face twisted into something unpleasant as Katherine laughed, "Oh, don't be so shocked. You did trust him originally, didn't you?"

Stefan grumbled something under his breath, but Katherine rolled her eyes hearing him perfectly well. The two remained seated until Stefan finally asked, "What do you think we have in common?"

Katherine let out a pain-filled sigh, "Oh you know a sense of familial duty that is soul-crushing, a borderline obsession with your brother, a willingness to do anything to help those you care for."

Stefan's mouth twisted into a sort of smile, "Too bad we have been on opposite sides for so long."

Katherine snorted, "Not as long as you seem to think. Caroline helped with that didn't she?"

Stefan smiled at the mention of the blonde, "Yeah, she turned out to be a rather big surprise didn't she?"

Katherine's lips tilted up into a smile, "If I knew what kind of trouble she turned out to be I'd have chosen a different messenger. Perhaps it was best I didn't."

"Perhaps" Stefan sighed looking back out to the garden. Katherine looked over at him feeling almost a pain of remorse, almost. She had been right, Stefan Salvatore made for a fine vampire despite his lack of control. It wouldn't be such a hindrance if his conscience wasn't as large as it was.

"You have to let her go," Katherine said softly. "Elena was not the doppelganger meant for you Stefan and you know it."

Stefan looked at her, "That didn't stop you from coming after me."

Katherine shrugged, "I was bored, missing Elijah and I found a boy I found deliciously handsome that I was drawn to. You might not have been meant for me, but you certainly roped me in, not unlike Elena did to you."

Stefan flinched at the reminder Katherine seeing this patted him on the knee, "You need to let her go but not for the reason you think."

"What reason is that?" Stefan questioned dryly.

"That I'm jealous of her," Katherine snorted. "You need to let her go because you put yourself at risk for her, and all for what? So, she can live the life she wants, which is exactly what our merry band of originals is providing for her if she can stay away from the supernatural."

Stefan was about to retort when Katherine shot him a knowing look, "What has happened to her since she met you? Danger after danger because of us in the supernatural world,we attract each other, Stefan. Haven't you noticed?"

"Lexi" Stefan mumbled mournfully. Katherine nodded, "She was attracted to your area in part because you were there. Then add to the fact anyone who knows about doppelgangers knows about their magical blood properties or they just hate you and your brother."

Stefan was quiet, hating that Katherine Pierce of all people had made a valid point. He had already agreed to whatever it was that Elena wanted even if it pained him. All he had ever wanted was her happiness, Stefan never originally planned on meeting her in the first place. But he had been drawn to her until he couldn't help but wish to meet her.

"I already planned to respect her choice."

Katherine nodded, "Always the respectable brother. The one with a good heart and least selfish,well most of the time." This time Stefan did smile a bit.

"Are Caroline and Bonnie saying goodbye?" He asked quietly.

"They left an hour ago. But I'm afraid you might need to watch out for your brother."

Stefan groaned, "What is he doing now?"

"Locked in the basement growling that they're going to kill Elena or keep her locked up for her blood. Despite the fact, and even I'm surprised at the lack of Niklaus lackeys hanging around. Have you seen any vampire-wolf hybrids around?"

"No," Stefan answers reluctantly.

Katherine nodded, "That is because my little vampire prodigy has managed to distract Klaus from what has been his plan for hundreds of years. Damon is going to get himself killed, he may not be my favorite, but he is entertaining and I really would rather avoid you getting into a depressive state because your brother caused his own death."

Stefan looked at Katherine alarmed, "What did they say, Katherine?"

"Nothing, yet" Katherine shrugged looking at him intently. "But I've spent five hundred years hiding from them. Elena isn't a priority to any of them but Caroline is and who does she always go above and beyond for?"

"Her friends. Meaning if Damon manages to get inside Elena's head and place her back in the supernatural community's radar…"

"Damon will be in trouble," Katherine finished. "Now Damon is a hothead and thinks himself in love with Elena, who wants to be human. Damon loves being a vampire. Do you really think that couple has a happy ending?"

XXX

A.N: Okay we are nearing the end! I will not be following all of the originals plot in this story, I think it got convoluted and downright insane if not entertaining. The entire plot doesn't match with the direction of this story either. So I am beginning to wrap this story up! Is there anything you would like to see as the plot with Dahlia unfolds?