No pairing

Friday, April 6, 2012

Mikaelson Mansion

"I don't even know where to start," Klaus said after the well-stocked black stretch limousine pulled out of the driveway. Both Originals knew that their conversation was probably being monitored by the Strix and they dared not speak of anything of consequence in the short ride back, even in their native tongue. They both simply drank the provided Cristal champagne, though the vampires couldn't resist getting in a few jabs at Tristan de Martel.

"Cristal!" Klaus had snarked, opening the bottle. "Tristan always was a snobby prick!"

"Niklaus, that is his finest quality," Elijah had replied. "Pour me some, if you please. It has been a hell of a day."

"It's not over yet, Brother," Klaus agreed, pouring the bubbly into a flute.

They were relieved to be out of the limo and home, but now the hard work would begin. Ric and Dorian's cars were parked in front of the entrance.

"Oh good, they are here. We'll speak to Dorian and find out more of this so-called prophecy. I'm sure it is just a ruse to get what they want, either the girl or to get us on the move. Perhaps both? Elijah, what are you thinking?" Klaus wondered.

Elijah looked troubled, which disturbed Klaus ten-fold more.

"I apologize, Brother. I should have been on this as I created this mess. Not a word in centuries of them and yet they have the gall to threaten us and ours," Elijah fumed. "What kind of monsters threaten a child?"

"The bloody Strix, that is who." Klaus replied, "We have to find out more about Ava, and as quietly as possibly. We are clearly out-numbered here, but we have faced poor odds before, and triumphed."

Elijah nodded and started towards the house.

"Yes, and we shall triumph over these fools. I need to find a way to speak to Aya alone, without that little weasel Tristan around," Elijah commented. "My first progeny and perhaps biggest mistake."

Klaus shrugged, "Nay, Lucien was worst. He did get us into the Count's castle, but I should have ended him there. If we knew then, what we know now..."

"Yes, there are many things we would have changed, but it is a moot point," Elijah stated, looking up at the grand mansion they now called home. Like their compound in New Orleans, it was beautiful and grand. But would they have to flee this home also?

"The Strix don't seem to know about Ava's wolf side. That's to our advantage perhaps. I'll speak to Lucy about another boundary spell around this place," Klaus muttered. "We could use a more secure fence also."
"Niklaus...I-," Elijah started, pausing before opening the grand door.

Indy and Ava pushed open the door.

"Daddy! Ric and Dorian are here to see you. They really like Mr. Slithers cage. Why were you gone so long?" Indy inquired, her blue eyes vibrant and eager to see her father.

Elijah knelt down and embraced the girls, who were wearing fairy costumes that Rebekah helped them make.

"I'm sorry, ladies. We had business in town. Oh, I love the new costumes. You look like angels," Elijah said with emotion.

"We're fairies!" Ava corrected, her braids tied with a sparkly pink ribbon.

Klaus realized later that Elijah never finished his sentence. He ushered the girls into the house, grateful to be back.

Salvatore Boarding House

Evening

"You two were gone a long time. Was the store crowded?" Pearl asked when Nadia and Annabelle returned, laden with grocery bags.

"Yes," Nadia said in her heavy Slavic accent. "We got you a whole chicken and two bags of potatoes, they were on sale."

Annabelle put a bag full of cold items on the counter. Pearl reached out and touched a strand of her long black hair.

"Your hair is wet. I didn't think it was raining," Pearl noted, eyeing her daughter critically.

"Oh, I got some chewing gum in it," Annabelle fibbed. In truth, she had showered at Jeremy's house, knowing her mother would be able to smell the scent of the human boy on her.

"What a filthy habit," Pearl complained. Katherine always chewed gum and Pearl thought it was disgusting. She did not understand the point of chomping like a sow and getting no nutrition from it.

"I'll throw it away," Annabelle said. "The gum, I mean."

"Or just give it to my mother," Nadia said meaningfully. "Speaking of, where is she?"

Pearl pointed out the back window of the large kitchen.

"She is talking a walk with Harper and Victoria. It was another rough afternoon," Pearl admitted. "If I didn't know better, I would think that girl was brought up by wolves, her manners are atrocious. I had to tan her stubborn fanny for spitting at me again! Can you believe it?"
Nadia laughed, "Actually, I think we have come to. Did Vicki do any better with the blood today?"
"Yes, I think she is gaining some control. The problem is that she wants to be out 'partying', as she says. I would not know much about that, I spent my life working," Pearl intoned, putting away the milk and juice. "This ice box is something that modern life got correct. I have to admit that I do not miss milking cows."

Annabelle snickered, "Oh Mother, you always had me do that. And you caught me every time I tried to sneak and drink all the cream!"

Pearl smiled, "You always had the evidence all over your mouth, it twas not difficult. I shall put the rest away. You two should go change. Supper will be ready shortly."

Nadia emptied the last bag and motioned to Annabelle to follow her upstairs.

She whispered, "That was a good save about the gum."

Annabelle nodded, replying, "Ha, thanks. It happened to a girl in my gym class, but she ended up cutting it out. Do you think Mother suspects anything?"

"That you were with your boyfriend? No, I think she is too occupied with Vicki to notice," Nadia said. "But Annabelle, Jeremy is a nice boy. I don't see why you need to hide it."
When they got to the landing, Annabelle answered, "It's because he is a Gilbert. Mother will never forgive what his ancestor, Johnathan, did. He was a married man, but in love with Mother. Then, when he found out she was a vampire, he betrayed her."

Nadia cocked her head, saying, "But his descendent is innocent. Surely, even Pearl can see they are different people!"

"You would think that, but Mother can be funny about things like that," Annabelle said. "Plus, she wants me to concentrate on my studies. And I don't think Jeremy Gilbert is my boyfriend-yet."

Nadia pursed her lips. Annabelle felt a flash of envy at the other vampire's beautiful face with sculpted cheekbones. Unlike Katherine, she wore a light coverage of make-up, but didn't really need it.

"But you deserve a chance at some happiness, too," Nadia said firmly.

"But your mom is dating Mason Lockwood and you don't approve," Annabelle corrected.

"Dating? I am not sure I would call it that either. Katherine has been better lately, but I fear she is not used to being chased by several men. A sedate life bores her," Nadia noted. "I fear that she will just take off one day and leave me behind."

"Then, maybe you need to get a suitor yourself?" Annabelle teased.

"Maybe I already have one?" Nadia smiled mysteriously.

"Harper? Really?" Annabelle gushed.

"Oh hush, he's too polite to make a move," Nadia confessed. "And I'm the only woman he's known for 150 years. Now, let's change. We should help you mother with dinner. God knows that Vicki and Katherine are useless in the kitchen."

"Harper is pretty handy!" Annabelle laughed as she ran to her room.

Mikaelson Mansion

"Finn, you said you'd take me to the hardware store!" Aaron whined, as the men gathered in Elijah's study. "Hey, Mr. S., Mr. Williams."

"Hi Aaron, how you doing?" Dorian replied.

Ric waved and then moved his chair around the table. They had a lot to discuss. Damon was leaning against the desk, his arms crossed. Kol was leaning back in Elijah's chair with his feet on the desk, flipping through a grimoire. Elijah was making calls to his contacts to see if anyone knew anything about the Strix. Klaus was pouring drinks for the assemblage.

"Excuse me," Finn said, stepping out into the living room. He took Aaron by the arm. "I hate to break a promise, but something has come up. We shall have to go tomorrow."

"Did something happen to Wes?" Aaron asked. "Most of his stuff is gone."

"No, nothing like that," Finn assured the blonde boy. "But we need to discuss some matters with the spell tonight. Why don't you go watch television in Wes' room?"
"That's boring. I was going to have my friend over to help paint. Now, I don't know what to do," Aaron complained. "Maybe I can just go over Nessie's place. I can walk."
"No!" Finn said, louder then he had meant to. "It's a full moon. I don't want you out. Now, you must entertain yourself here. Invite your friend over, if you wish."
"This is bull-!" Aaron started, but stopped himself on account of the stern look on Finn's wide.

"Young man, I know Wes gave you a wide berth, but I expect you to obey me. Now, do I have to escort you to your room?" Finn said in a low but commanding voice.

"Ah, now. I-I'll figure something out," Aaron stammered.

"Good," Finn said, looking down at the teen. As Aaron stomped out of the room, Finn let out a long breath and returned to the meeting.

"Trouble already?" Kol smirked.

Finn smiled back. "That boy is a handful. I am not sure why Wes chose me to look after him."

"You are a sucker?" Kol guffawed. Elijah got up and placed Kol's feet on the floor.

"Mind yourself, Little Brother," Elijah warned. "And watch my desk."

Ric asked, "What happened to Wes? He left school in the middle of the day."

"I was on my way to cover his classes, when I got waylaid," Dorian added.

"Yes, about that. We have more important things to discuss than the Dr.'s absence. Dorian, we met with the Strix at the Armory," Klaus started. "They are convinced this prophecy is real. Can you speak more on it?"

Dorian shook his head.

"They must have compelled me or erased my memory, but I set my phone to record. I have the recording if you want to hear it," Dorian said, taking out his phone. He started the recording and all listened intently.

Elijah laid out the few things they knew so far.

"So like all prophecies, it is vague. Tristan, the apparent new leader of the Strix, and Aya, his second in command perhaps, claim to have a powerful seer confirming it. They say there is an 'abomination of desolation' who can bring back the dead...and some nonsense about breaking through the door? They thought Damon, as the Tribrid, was this 'abomination', but now they believe it may be Ava," Elijah remarked sourly.

Dorian repeated, "And they will 'usher in the end of history...' I remember reading that in that old scroll, but the rest is murky."

Klaus passed out drinks as the men listened to the recording again.

Dorian frowned when he heard himself speaking about Ava yet again. He paused it.

"I'm so sorry," Dorian said. "I take vervain every day. I just don't know how they got to me."

Elijah consoled him. "Dorian, it's not your fault. This organization has many witches and powers at the tips of their fingers. Who knows what they did? We can maybe see if Lucy and Bonnie can reverse the compulsion."
Ric grimaced, "That sounds unpleasant."
Klaus nodded, "Aye, anything with the Strix seems most unpleasant."
Elijah sighed, "It is clear that they fear Damon, as well as Ava. This tells me that they are not quite as confident as they would like us to be."

Klaus stood up and got more brandy, bringing it to the table in a crystal decanter.

"They have access to white oak. The guards we found today said they had it in their crossbows. They were also wearing defensive armor, the kind that modern soldiers wear. But back to the white oak bolts," Klaus said. "Now, where did we see that before?"
Damon growled, "The Travelers had some at the camp. I thought you said it was all destroyed."

"Yes, apparently, we were mistaken," Elijah conceded. "Dorian, what do you know about the facilities at the Armory. I saw multiple guard towers and tight security. Was there a science lab there?"
Dorian thought, "Yes, they tested the new artifacts there. I dropped a few off, but I couldn't get through. They had eye scans and some kind of biometric system on the door."

Finn interjected, "Do you think they are crafting white oak? Is that even possible? Mother used it in her immortality spell, but would a manufactured wood have the same magical effect?"
Kol put down the book he was reading.

"I think you are missing the bigger picture. What if these Strix were supplying our enemies with white oak, like those Traveler blokes? Even if it can't kill us, it could be spelled to hex us or curse us in some nefarious way. Witches would love to get one or more of us to use as a magical battery," Kol stated, shuddering at the thought.

"But you are immune to compulsion," Ric said. "I would think you are also out of the woods with hexes, right?"

"Wrong," Klaus said. "I have been hexed a time or two. They cannot kill us, but they can make life rather unpleasant for a decade or two. Or rather 52 years, 4 months, and 9 days, to be exact."

Kol groaned, "Oh, that Hunter's curse! You were stark raving mad."

Elijah explained, "We were attacked by hunters and when a vampire kills one, he or she is cursed to be haunted by them. The point is that we all have vulnerabilities. We just have to find the Strix's before they come for Ava and Damon in force."

"Oh, they gave us a deadline of five days to either turn over Ava or they will declare war on us," Klaus acknowledged. "But I am sure they are planning their war stratagems as we sit here. In New Orleans, we had certain covens protecting us, until we broke with them. Here, we are defending our home and our family with a fraction of what the Strix claim to have."
Klaus' eyes met Damon's and the younger man did not turn away. He understood now why Klaus had been pressuring him to hone his power.

Damon cleared his throat.

"Um, thanks for being here everyone. I don't know these Strix morons, but I sure as hell don't want to get captured by them. Kol, I think I'm ready to help with the spell tonight. Want to give me the run-through?" Damon said, putting down the drink he hadn't touched.

"Aye, Lucy and Bonnie should be here shortly," Kol said, checking his phone. "We can also work on some barrier spells. It sounds like we are going to need that."

Ric grinned, "Just don't cause another earthquake around here, buddy. We're not letting you out of sight tonight."

"You're staying for the spell?" Klaus asked Ric, topping off his drink.

Ric took a gulp and nodded as the liquor burned his throat pleasantly.

"I should go home and have dinner with the family and pack. Then, I'll head back. Dorian, you coming?" Ric asked.

"I'll stay here," Dorian said. "I'm going to sketch out the parts of the Armory I can remember. If they think they have me in their pocket, they are messing with the wrong hunter, or substitute librarian."
"That's the spirit," Kol quipped. "But Dorian, reversing compulsion can be a bit painful. I will look through the dark objects and see if there is anything that can help."

"Thanks, man," Dorian said.

"Let's get the kids fed and then we will get ready. I don't want anything to go wrong tonight," Elijah stated. "I'll make something simple."

Klaus went to the window of the study and peeked out the curtain, watching for dusk approaching.

"Oh, what could go wrong?" Klaus asked sarcastically. And everyone laughed.

Salvatore Boarding House

"Vic, I can't believe you are like wearing a long dress!" Matt repeated for the third time. Vicki was in a knee length floral dress that Nadia had thought cute. Vicki preferred short skirts and tight pants, like the kind Katherine wore.

"Not like I had a choice," Vicki said stiffly, rolling her eyes when Pearl wasn't looking. "Pearl thinks the stuff you brought me from home is 'inappropriate.'"

Tyler rolled his eyes. "Lay off her, dude. It's like you are trying to be a...jerk."
Tyler felt weird visiting with Vicki in the parlor with Pearl and Harper watching over them like prison wardens, but it was better than her being in the cell. The two vampires were playing chess off to the side, but it still felt like they were being monitored.

Vicki was sipping blood out of a small tea cup. Pearl had served them cups of actual tea. Matt sloshed his immediately on his shirt.

"Are you sure I can't get you guys a plate of chicken?" Nadia asked, coming back into the room. "We have plenty of food."

"No, ma'am. We had some fast food after school," Matt replied politely. "We actually have a little, um, 'thing' to get ready for."

Tyler gave him a look that said shut up, but Matt just smirked.

Mason had told the boys he'd be working late at the mayor's office and then heading to the Mikaelsons for the spell. If it didn't work, Mason would turn tonight when the full moon emerged.

Tyler figured that they might not be able to have the big party in the woods, but they could have a little get together at the Lockwood mansion. No one would be the wiser. And after the day they had had, Tyler needed to blow off some steam. They had invited some guys from the baseball team and a couple of others. Nothing too crazy.

"I'll walk you out," Vicki said, hopping up. She was careful to put her empty tea cup carefully on the tray. The sooner she proved to Pearl she was in control, the sooner she would be free, Vicki realized.

Pearl waved goodbye to the boys. "Safe travels. Victoria, come right back in."

"Yes, Pearl," Vicki said dutifully.

As they neared the doors, Vicki hissed, "You are planning a party, right?"

Tyler guffawed, "Yeah, well, it's Friday night!"

Matt elbowed him. "She can't come. It's too dangerous."

Vicki narrowed her eyes, begging, "Matty, come on. I'm so freaking bored here. Let me come for a little while...or I'll get stuck playing cards all night or whatever they do! Come on, I'll do anything...Please..."

Matt had a hard time refusing Vicki. The house seemed stuffy and oppressive. Did they even have a t.v.?

"Um, we're just having a couple people over around 8. What if you lose control?" Matt asked.

Tyler whispered, "I'll be there to stop her. Come on, 'Matty', an hour or two won't kill anyone."

Matt shrugged, "I don't know. How will you sneak out?"

Vicki replied, "You let me worry about that. At your place, Ty?"

"Yeah," Tyler said, shivering at the way Vicki was looking at him. `Tyler was pretty sure that Caroline was heading to her dad's place for the night for his partner's birthday party. Maybe it would be fun?

"Bye, guys. Thanks for coming by," Vicki said in a louder voice, winking. Whispering, she said, "Save me some brews!"

Matt hugged his sister and responded, "Be careful."

Vicki went back inside and offered to make the next pot of tea. Pearl had been teaching her about herbs and it was time for a little hand's on instruction.

Kitchen

After Dinner

Enzo and Rebekah took over clearing the dishes as Sage took the younger kids up for their baths and stories. Bonnie and Lucy were gathering their supplies in the attic with Kol and Damon. Then, they planned to try to reverse Dorian's compulsion. Stefan was on the phone with Elena in the living room.

Elijah was working the phones yet didn't find any new information.

Klaus came in.

"Rebekah, luv, you go. I will finish with Enzo," Klaus said.

"Thanks. Cleaning up after the grilled cheese wasn't as bad as after the lasagna the other night," Rebekah admitted.

Enzo laughed, "It was 'gourmet' grilled cheese, remember?"

"Oh right! Only Elijah would use mayonnaise instead of butter on the bread," Rebekah conceded. "The salami and the sliced tomatoes were a nice touch. I'm glad you sprang for the fancy cable channels, Nik. Those cooking shows he watches secretly are really paying off."

"There is not much of a secret if we all know," Klaus snarked. "Before you go, I ought to tell you that we inquired to Tristan about Aurora."
"Aurora de Martel?" Rebekah exclaimed. "My first. I would have thought that Father killed them after they ran off."
"Nay, I suspect Tristan has her hidden somewhere in his little empire. He was just as smug as he always was today, even more so," Klaus finished.

"They deserve each other," Rebekah said, handing Klaus her dish towel. She went on, "Please tell me we don't have to dine with them or any such nonsense!"

"No, I don't think that will happen," Klaus stated. "Or rather I hope not. They are still angry that we set Father on them so long ago, not that I really blame them. Goodnight."
"Night. Enzo, don't let him work you too hard. You had a rather taxing day yourself," Rebekah smiled.

Enzo nodded, "But it doesn't sound as bad as high school, as you tell it. Night."

Rebekah went up to retire, having little interest in a werewolf spell. She volunteered to look after the children in the house with Sage. The others could stand and howl under the full moon all night for all she cared.

Klaus started to dry the silverware as Elijah said it couldn't go in the dish washer.

"So...you are really okay?" Klaus asked.

"You mean after this morning? Um, I think," Enzo said, pushing back a strand of his dark hair. "Damon seems less angry, at least."
"Yes, I think he understands now why we've been so hard on him. But I shouldn't have put you in that equation. You care for him a great deal," Klaus noted, polishing a butter knife, he saw his reflection in it. His blond hair needed cut and he hadn't shaved. There was no time.

"I do. For a decade, we were best friends and brothers," Enzo said. "But I know things are going to get better. You know, with Wes gone, I can finally breath. Just his presence here made me remember my cell and...that table, the one they used to cut us on."

Klaus put the towel on the counter.

"I am so sorry," Klaus started. "I suppose I didn't think of how his presence would affect you. He's gone and I think it's for good. I am not sure he can live with the guilt of what he did. Few could."

Enzo put the pan he was drying in the lower cabinet.

"If Elijah hadn't compelled me, I think I would have killed him slowly," Enzo revealed.

Klaus' mouth turned up. "Enzo, Elijah never compelled you."
"What?" Enzo asked, almost dropping the pan. He shoved it in and rose. "What do you mean?"

Klaus cleared his throat. "He never truly compelled you. He believed that you had the strength to resist your urges. That is something I never had until now. Full control. Hell, maybe I still don't after this morning. I commend you."

Enzo flushed, "Thank you for telling me. I have to admit that...I am relieved. You tend to wonder what else was put in your mind."

They heard a yell.

"Oh, I think that was Dorian. That doesn't sound good," Klaus commented. "See? Must be Dorian getting his brains unscrambled. Poor lad. Compulsion is nothing to play around with."

"You can say that again," Enzo said.

"Actually, I don't care to repeat myself," Klaus said. "But that being said, you are doing well here. We should-."
"Niklaus, have you seen Aaron?" Finn interrupted.

"I thought he was stewing in his room, as per usual," Klaus said.

"He's not," Finn said, checking the small room. "I thought he was watching television in Wes' room..."

Mystic Grill

Nessie's fries were almost gone.

"They don't feed you at home?" Nessie teased. Her dad had given her permission to hang out with Aaron and help him paint, but apparently that was off the schedule.

"Yeah, they do, but they eat weird foods," Aaron said, taking another fry and coating it in ketchup. "With Wes gone, I just stayed in my room saying I was tired. I don't even think anyone cared."

Nessie frowned, "I am sorry that Dr. M. had to go. You know, I think he did it for you."

Aaron looked behind her at a group of kids from their school.

"Whatever. I'm used to be dumped at some boarding school or camp," Aaron shared. "So, what should we do next? It's getting really crowded here."

"We could go to my house, but my little sister goes to bed soon and my dad is there," Nessie offered. "But I might have heard about a party..."
"A party? Damn, that sounds perfect."

Nessie bit her lip.

"That's the thing, it's at Tyler Lockwood's house. He's such a dick. He and that Matt kid tried to rough up Jeremy in the hallway...Plus, I've never been to a real high school party," Nessie admitted.

"When I was at Whitmore, I stayed with these college guys and had the best time," Aaron enthused. "High school parties can't be anything like that."

"Well, the guy I talked to told me that the price of admission is a six pack of beer or a bottle. My dad doesn't drink much," Nessie shared uncomfortably.

Aaron smirked. "I think I have an idea. That bartender is letting kids drink if they tip him. I've been watching them. I have a hundred dollar bill in my wallet..."
Nessie giggled, "Aaron, you're crazy. Do you really think that would work?"

"Yes, I do," Aaron exclaimed. "Hell, if I can hear you laugh again, I'll pay $200. We're going to get in to that party."

"I'm going to use the restroom. Let's just head to my house," Nessie encouraged. "I don't even know if I'd be welcome at this party. I shouldn't have brought it up."

"Okay," Aaron agreed slyly. "Go to the bathroom. I'll pay the bill. I did eat all of your fries."